South Florida Living

Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center

October 11th, 2007 Categories: Palmetto Bay, South Florida Living

The Bill Sadowski Nature Preserve in Palmetto Bay is the only greenspace of its kind in the area. It has three distinct habitats within its compound: pineland; tropical hardwood hammock; and a drained everglades slough. It is roughly 30 acres in size and is open from sunup to sundown, although if you’re driving there, the car gates are open only from 10:00AM – 5:00PM.

As you drive into the park you’ll notice monkey bars and nice, soft sand for the little ones to the right. Keep driving into the parking area and you’ll see the campfire ring with built-in benches. A lot of groups have held scary storytelling around the fire here.

In the main building there are live animal exhibits. Here you’ll find mostly fish and turtles, all species that live in the surrounding canals. The park manager, Barbara, tells how years ago, when they took kids fishing on the canal, it wasn’t unusual for them to catch 100 fish in an hour. Now they’re lucky to catch 3. That makes the efforts taken on by this park, and others like it, that much more important.

There are after-school programs and summertime programs for kids of all ages, all focused on nature study and preservation. You can also schedule an Eco-Adventure tour. One of the tours has you paddle a canoe on the canal from Bill Sadowski Park all the way to Coral Reef Park and back. It’s a moderate pace but will take about 4 hours. Instead of driving past a canal, you get an inside-out perspective!

The preserve has a canal as one of it’s boundaries and you can rent canoes here. Feel more comfortable on foot? There’s a nature trail that is only about 3 feet wide and travels in loops around the natural Florida flora. My mother’s a chicken and didn’t have the guts to walk it. She took a peek in at where it started and it reminded her too much of one of those labyrinth mazes. There is a short loop if you don’t have time, or the inclination, to walk the full trail. The short loop takes about 5 minutes and the full trail about 20.

The butterfly garden on the premises is open air. Butterflies are not kept against their will here =) Instead, they are enticed to come for long visits by making sure their favorite plants are on hand and blooming.

Picnics are encouraged but please make sure you pick up after yourself. If you’re lucky you’ll see a parade of peacocks as I did on my visit. Peacocks actually make a lot of noise and, while beautiful to see, are not so nice to have as neighbors. They’re messy and loud.

Every Saturday night, weather permitting, from 8:00 – 10:00PM, the Southern Cross Astronomical Society sets up telescopes on their own observatory pad at the park. It’s free and fun. Check the weather and head on out!

• Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Preserve
• SW 176 Street & SW 79 Avenue, Palmetto Bay, FL
• Open Sunup – Sundown for walk-ins
• Car gates open 10AM – 5PM
• 305-255-4767 for park info

Looking to buy or sell real estate in Palmetto Bay? Contact the real estate agent who can guide you each step of the way.

Keeping the Real in Real Estate…

• Maggie Dokic, Realtor®

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Banyan Tree – Palmetto Bay and Beyond

October 11th, 2007 Categories: Palmetto Bay, South Florida Living

When I first moved to South Florida I fell in love with the trees here. The different varieties of palm trees are hard to keep up with. The Royal Poinciana is another favorite. But the Banyan tree captivates me.

Banyan trees can be found throughout South Florida. They are quite impressive. If you take a drive on Old Cutler Road starting in Palmetto Bay and heading north to Coral Gables, you’ll see many of them. Their canopies can extend clear across the street. But it’s their trunks that mesmerize. There’s something primitive about them. They always make me look and wonder. I’m not quite sure what I wonder about when I look, but time seems to stand still when I’m around the Banyan.

I researched the Banyan shortly after arriving here and was surprised with what I found. The Banyan tree is a fig that usually starts it’s life on another tree. Birds will drop the seed in a crevice of the trunk of another tree and the seed will germinate. It then sends roots down to the ground. Eventually, the Banyan ends up engulfing the tree that gave it life. For this reason the Banyan is also known as a Strangler Fig.

In Robinson Crusoe, the main character made his home in a Banyan tree. The first Banyan tree planted in South Florida was in Ft. Myers. It was a gift to Thomas Edison from Harvey Firestone. Mr. Firestone was introduced to the Banyan in 1925 on a trip to India, one of the native countries of the Banyan tree. The tree he gave Mr. Edison was originally 4 feet tall and now covers 400 feet. Incredible.

Even knowing that a Banyan tree strangles it’s host tree I can’t help but admire it’s beauty. Despicable natural instinct or tenacity? Maybe that’s what I think about when they capture my attention. How they share certain qualities with people.

Looking to buy or sell real estate in Palmetto Bay? Contact the real estate agent who can guide you each step of the way.

Keeping the Real in Real Estate…

¦..Maggie Dokic, Realtor®

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Palmetto Bay Charges Fee For Use Of Park

October 10th, 2007 Categories: Palmetto Bay, South Florida Living

People are ticked off. They’re angry over the resolution passed by Palmetto Bay commissioners charging the public a fee for using Coral Reef Park.

The resolution passed last month and parents lost no time letting Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugine Flinn Jr. and the commissioners know how they felt about it.

Palmetto Bay now charges organizations that use the park a $15 user fee per member per season. Use of the park used to be free.

There are many youth organizations and sports leagues that use Coral Reef Park. One such group is Pop Warner Football and Cheerleading. They’re a non-profit group that has used the park for the last 4 decades.

Critics of the resolution argue that funding for use of the park is already in place in the form of property taxes. With the new fee they are, in essence, paying twice to use the facilities.

Village commissioners see things slightly different. They claim that groups such as Palmetto High School and the YMCA already pay a usage fee, so why not everyone else? Especially Pop Warner, since many of their members don’t live in Palmetto Bay.

When CBS4S David Sutta asked the Mayor if residents would get a tax break now that a user fee is in effect Flinn replied, “I don’t think it makes that big of an impact. It’s a very minor impact.”

And to think this is all because of reduced funds due to the tax relief efforts started up in Tallahassee. The tax relief which has been waylaid and seems to be in need of resuscitation efforts. I haven’t seen any tax relief. Have you?

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Palmetto Bay – Village of Parks

October 10th, 2007 Categories: Palmetto Bay, South Florida Living

Palmetto Bay has earned itself the nickname the Village of Parks.  The following parks make up the parks system in Palmetto Bay:

Deering Estate at Cutler - 16701 SW 72 Avenue.  Follow Old Cutler Road to 168th Street where you’ll see signs to this exquisite, unforgettable experience.  The rustle of the palms, lapping bay water and songs of the birds will take you back to gentler times in south Florida.  And to think people actually lived in this paradise.  Not to be missed.

Bill Sadowski Nature Preserve – 17555 SW 79 Avenue.  Just drive on 176 Street and east of 79th Avenue you’ll see the entrance to the park.  To the South of 176th Street lies about half of the total 30 acres, but that area is not trekkable.  The walking trail is to the North.  This preserve is the only facility of it’s kind in the area.  You can enjoy live animal exhibits in the main building, a butterfly garden, campfire ring, bird feeders, canoe rentals, monkey jungle for the kiddies, picnic tables and Eco-Adventure Tours.  One super-dee-duper thing to do here is on Saturday nights.  Each Saturday at 8PM, weather permitting, the Southern Cross Astronomical Society holds FREE stargazing at the outdoor observatory.  Bring a lawn chair, sit back and gaze into the heavens.

Coral Reef Park – in the heart of Palmetto Bay at 7895 SW 152nd Street.  Coral Reef Park is over 50 acres of open green spaces, lush landscaping and facilities available for party rentals.  The curved bridge at Coral Reef has become a Palmetto Bay landmark.  The C-100 canal runs through it, adding to it’s appeal.  The park is even better with the new addition of beach volleyball courts.  Come play or just bring a pinic basket and relax.

Palmetto Bay Park - 17535 SW 95th Avenue.  Formerly known as Perrine Park and sized at 5 acres, Palmetto Bay Park is now a 25-acre park facility, including a skate pavilion, basketball courts, 6 new softball fields, walking path and 2-story concession building.  The park is in it’s final construction phases and is presently closed.  None of the facilities are available for use yet.  Stay tuned for news!

Perrine Wayside Park - U.S. 1 just south of 164th Street.  The original 3-acre park is getting a facelift and will become a dog-friendly park complete with ponds, specific areas for different size dogs as well as pet drinking fountains.  Still under construction.

Ludovici Park – 17641 Old Cutler Road.  Under development.  Future site of the Palmetto Branch of the Miami-Dade Public Library System.  The proposed plans call for a 5,000 SF library building and a 2,012 SF, 2-story Community Center right beside Ludovici Park, an environmentally-oriented park.  The entire complex will be within walking distance of Thalatta Park.

Thalatta Park – try saying that three times fast =) 17301 Old Cutler Road.  A former private residence on four acres right on Biscayne Bay.  Thalatta Park is still under development as the village seeks to follow through with it’s conceptual plans to add walking trails, renovations to the historic structure, landscaping, parking and other features.

If you’re looking for something to do in Palmetto Bay, the parks are always an excellent choice.  As one of the park managers said to me, “as long as it gets you outside, it’s a good thing.”

Keeping the  Real in Real Estate…

…..Maggie Dokic, Realtor®

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Miami Redland Fruit & Spice Park

October 4th, 2007 Categories: Entertainment, South Florida Living

I cannot take credit for the following article.  That distinction belongs to my friend, Chris Griffith.  Chris is usually selling real estate on the other side of our lovely peninsula, but is vacationing on the other side of our country right now.  She needs to have a talk with her activities director, as she is finding herself at a loss for things to occupy her time.  So, being the always-helpful-often-funny person that she is, she decided to write an article for my blog.  It was in sore need of it, too!  She even sent me the picture.  I promise to get back to writing as long as Chris promises to get back to enjoying her vacation.  Deal?  Deal!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spice up your life!  The Fruit & Spice Park is a 35-acre subtropical botanical retreat smack dab in the heart of the historic Redland community. It’s just 35 miles south of Miami.  Maintained and operated by Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation, there are more than 500 varieties of rare fruits, herbs, spices and nuts from around the world including 80 varieties of bananas (who knew there were 80 varieties of bananas?) 70 different bamboos and 27 varieties of mangoes.  Who, in South Florida, doesn’t LOVE mango?!  There are tons more of other edible fruit and spice trees too! 

You HAVE to come and see for yourself the lush trees popping with colorful fruit.  If you’re one of my Active Rain fans you may even recognize a name or two: Mangosteen, Fiji Longan, Carambola, Avocado, Dragon Fruit, and Jaboticaba. 

You must also visit the Park’s herb and vegetable garden.  Take a stroll through the shady banana groves and count the varieties. Visitors are permitted to sample fallen fruit (Behave yourself, no above-ground harvesting is allowed) or get a taste of the season’s harvest at the Welcome Center’s tasting table.

This is a fast tour, maybe an hour or even longer if you’re a fan or an arborist.  Some folks make an afternoon of it.  Fruit & Spice Park is a unique, and tasteful experience. 

Miami and the Redland has much to offer. Get out there and enjoy it.   Subscribe to my feed to learn more about Miami, Miami Real Estate and The Redland as I post new articles.

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SW Miami-Dade Senselessness

September 14th, 2007 Categories: South Florida Living

It took me 2 hours to get home last night. It usually takes me 40 minutes. I’m not complaining. I know I arrived at home, safe and sound. A Miami-Dade police officer was not so lucky. Officer Jose Somohano was gunned down while on duty on robbery detail.

Three other officers were also shot during the same incident. They were hurt but they survived. Supposedly shot by an AK-47. The alleged gunman, Shawn Sherwin Labeet, was on the run and a manhunt was on as I drove home. That was the reason for the delay getting home.

I got off the Florida Turnpike as usual. A few blocks closer to home I realized I was probably in the midst of the police efforts. There were a lot of police cars at that point. Many going against traffic. I saw a lot of Ford Tauruses. I guess they do use those a lot. I had heard that once.

It took 20 minutes to get to the next light. Upon getting there I saw we were being detoured South. I needed to keep going straight. I travelled in a stairs pattern until I got somewhere I thought I could swing around and get back to the main road I needed. At the 4-way Stop they were turning most cars the other way. Cops were everywhere, in all different uniforms. Federal, State and local. Many different local departments were represented here. I personally saw the Miami-Dade police, Coral Gables, Homestead and Florida City. There were many more. They all sent their own to hunt for the man who had killed one of their own.

I gave the policewoman my drivers license. She asked where I was going. I just wanted to get home. She signaled up ahead that they should let me through. As I slowly turned I wanted to tell her that I was mourning with her but she moved quickly to the next vehicle. I was rushed by another officer. How could I rush when I had no idea how I was supposed to behave in a situation like this?

At the next Stop sign I signaled left and marvelled at how little traffic there was at 6:30 PM on this main artery. Even so, I was cautious turning onto the road. There were undercover lights coming toward me and I waited until they passed. I wanted to cause no more work for these officers than they already had. The officer driving the other way looked right at me as he passed. They were looking everywhere for him.

At the next intersection I waited at the light for directions from an officer. He, too, wanted my license. He was very courteous as he told me that I was being detoured yet again. This time North. I needed to show him that even though I did not put my life on the line when I left for work each morning I still supported what he and his colleagues were doing. “We’re mourning with you,” I told him. “Ma’am?” He seemed surprised and wasn’t sure he’d heard me correctly. I repeated myself. “Thank you Ma’am.” I drove slowly down this foreign street.

I could tell the next roadblock a mile up was different. They had firearms drawn at this one. When it was my turn they didn’t want my license, just to see inside my car. I put all the windows down. They asked me to pop the trunk open. I did and they checked. I somehow felt that I had to singlehandedly show my support to these officers. Who the heck had commissioned me to be the goodwill ambassador? I told this cop that I was sorry about what happened. We spoke briefly and I continued down the road and waited at the next light.

I encountered no more roadblocks but police were everywhere. When I finally arrived at home the TV was tuned to a local channel covering the incident. I was surprised by how sweet the assailant looked. He didn’t look like a hardened criminal. His boyish looks belied the fact that he could point a high powered weapon at 4 police officers and shoot without regard for what happened next.

I hurt for him too. Why would he give up rights to his life like this? Where was he right now? Was he afraid at the realization of what he’d done? Was he hiding in the underbrush somewhere? Was he in one of the aqueducts at a canal? How does a police officer check one of those and not be afraid that he’ll be shot in the face? Had he made it out of the county as some were thinking? Did he have people helping him? How did his mother feel being told that her son had killed a police officer? He was going to die for it. Either during the capture or later at the hands of the state. No matter how I played it out, I didn’t like it.

This morning I awoke to the news that the gunman had died in a shootout with police last night in Pembroke Pines.

Many questions. No good answers. Two lives ended. Many lives shattered. Who can make sense of any of it?

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