If we think that Miami is a tourist destination now – this will seal the deal with nearly incomprehensible impact on our community. These photos are captured from the video above, showing the development from various perspectives. Of course everyone at the Venetia is curious just how this gigantic development will proceed without affecting our quality of life, ensnarling traffic and potentially covering our balconies with extensive dust and debris. All these issues and more concern Venetia residents, especially those who look over the Herald today – which will be going away for a completely new view. A Town Hall meeting with representatives of the Genting development company will be held on Monday, October 24, 2011 – so plan to attend!

World Resorts Miami Photo Gallery

I extend a warm welcome to our new downtown Miami development and look forward to the Genting addition to our community.

Miami Area Fourth of July Events

America’s Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park – Downtown Miami

Celebrate the birth of our great nation at Downtown Miami’s Bayfront Park with a spectacular fireworks display, children’s activities, food and drinks. Bring the whole family to this fun filled July 4 th event in Miami! Admission is free. The park is open all day, the Kids’ Zone will be open from 3-7 p.m., and the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Location: Bayfront Park (next to Bayside Marketplace in downtown Miami)

2010 Miami Fireworks Video

Jungle Island Fireworks Bash

Join Jungle Island’s salute to America’s Armed Forces with a fireworks and BBQ bash. Escape the heat and watch the City of Miami’s fireworks spectacular from the terrace of Jungle Island’s Treetop Ballroom. You will also enjoy an all-you-can-eat BBQ buffet, family entertainment including music and dancing and interactive visits from some of Jungle Island’s animal friends! Contact Jungle Island for more information.

City of Miami Beach Fourth of July Patriotic Celebration

Whether you’re looking for a patriotic ceremony or a July 4th party at the beach, the City of Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration is sure to fit the bill.


This Miami Beach 4th of July event features free concerts and fireworks featuring blues and jazz, the uniquely American forms of music. The Miami fireworks display kicks off at 9 p.m. on Monday, July 4 th on the beach at 8 Street and Ocean Drive, South Beach. Bring the entire family and all of your friends to celebrate at this free event!

Tourist Information Hotline: (305) 673-7400
Location: Ocean Drive and 8th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Grove Stars on 4th of July

Coconut Grove, one of Miami’s most historic neighborhoods, celebrates July 4th with tropical flair. Beautiful Peacock Park is the location for Coconut Grove’s annual celebration. This family friendly event features “Cirque du Grove: A Busker’s Carnival”, the group SUPERNOVA, Wirewalkers and so much more! Visit the official Cirque du Grove Facebook event page for more information!

Location: Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, FL 33133

Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade

The Key Biscayne 4 th of July Parade is a unique American celebration that features high-school marching bands, musicians, stilt dancers, trail riders, impressive floats and flyover jets! The parade kicks off at 11am, Monday, July 4th ! Visit the official Key Biscayne 4th of July website for more information or to get involved and lend a hand.

Location: Village Green Park, 400 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL 33149

SOURCE: Downtown Miami News

For anyone who is planning to come, it’s very important you review the new documentation guidelines which were implemented in January 2010. There are not many challenges, just need to ensure you don’t have to go home to get anything once you get to the DMV.

Florida DMV Documentation Requirements

Florida has new documentation requirements for residents renewing or obtaining a new driver license or identification card. For office visits, you must bring original documents that prove your identity, social security number and residential address.

You must visit an office with these documents:

• if you are applying for your first driver license or identification card
• when your current credential expires and you have already used the one-time “convenience” renewal option
• if you legally change your name (eg: by marriage or divorce)
• If none of these apply then you can renew your license online, or by mail.

Florida DMV Identification Overview Video

Space is limited so sign up today at the Florida DMV Gather Go Get website.

Source: Downtown Miami News

Blessed are we for having a front row seat to this beauty of Miami.

Tonight is Game 2, hosted by the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena (right across the way).

This picture takes in the grandeur of downtown Miami at night as well as shows our community support for the one, the only Miami Heat basketball team.

GO HEAT! (For great viewing, be sure to go to Mikes for a great time!)

To learn more about the event, you can visit the Best of the Best website. According to the website, ticket sales have closed online and will be available at the event for purchase.

Also, the construction at Museum Park continues, even while events continue to be hosted in the rest of Bicentennial Park.

Keep checking back for other developments and updates!

The new owners are also 50% stakeholders in Norwegian Cruise Line and a partner in Universal Studios Singapore.  We should expect to hear plans in the coming months for the redevelopment of the property, slated to be a large-scale mixed use and entertainment complex.

Source:  Miami Herald

According to the New Times, “Starting at 7 p.m., Heat fans will be treated to a free live concert by Ludacris and performances by the Heat Dancers, Heat Mascot Burnie, DJ Irie, the Xtreme Team, and the Miami Heat Rhythm Section.

Almost two dozen food trucks will be on hand, serving up grub while you’re waiting for the game to start.

At the 8:30 p.m. tip off, all eyes will be glued to the game, which will be broadcast in its entirety on the 34,000-square-foot LED screen attached to the outside of the arena.”

Expect a loud evening and with Biscayne Boulevard closed, expect traffic delays and detours.

While the noise can be a little irritating, few others get the birdseye view of the city we have – so let’s just take it in and enjoy. It’s beautiful.

Here’s another shot of the stage from the 13th when they were first testing the lights and sound system:

More pics of the Festival at MiamiPhotoBlog.

There are anywhere from 2 to 6 police cars parked on the side of the street as well as 1 in the middle of the street.  They stop probably 1 out of 10-20 cars, most of the time milling about, chatting with each other.  Perhaps they are each guessing a number to determine who to stop next?

Whatever their reason may be, it seems lax, ineffective and has been going on for over a month now.  Below is a clip of 30 excitement filled seconds of a recent night of increased security on the West of Venetia Causeway. Oh, and it generally starts around 11:30 or 12:00PM, so beware!