Behind
the Scenes at the Famous Clevelander on Ocean Drive
posted Mar 9 in
Local
Nowhere exemplifies the nastiness, the incestuous nature and
the sheer brutality of the Miami service industry quite like
“The Cleve,” as it is called by those who call it
a paycheck. And during the brief time I spent working at this
South Florida landmark, I learned that everything you expect
is true, and if anything, understated... |
Meet
Justino: The Man Who Lives On The Jetty
posted Mar 5 in
Local
At first glance, it might catch your eye as just pieces of discarded
beach furniture strewn about the rocks, but upon closer inspection,
it is a well laid home set into the jetty... |
Cuban
Food Basics You May Not Know
posted Apr 29 in
Local
For starters, Cuban food is nothing like Mexican food. “Mexican
food has a lot more variety because there are a lot more regions
in Mexico than there are in Cuba,” said Edwa'll brd Millot,
manager of Taqueria Mexico on Calle Ocho... |
Cultural
Fridays on Calle Ocho posted
Apr 29 in
Entertainment
Many cities throw yearly festivals, but Miami has quite a few
that happen every month. And of all of them, none expresses
the heart and soul of Miami like the Viernes Culturales -- Cultural
Fridays—held on the last Friday of every month in Miami’s
Cuban epicentre, Calle Ocho... |
Need
Help With Key West Trip!
posted Mar 21 in
Travel
MiamiBeach411 Members discuss flying down to Fort Laurdale,
renting a car, and making the trek to Key West, along with tips
on out-of-the-way things to do and see... |
Gables
Gallery Walk: A (Free!) Night of Sensory Delights in Coral Gables
posted Mar 19 in
Entertainment
It’s a tribute to the soul: a night of free wine, cheese,
live music, and (oh yeah) art! Reserve the first Fridays of
each month to attend this celebration in Coral Gables!.. |
Meet
Mitchell Chonin: Lincoln Road Dancer, Performance Artist
posted Mar 13 in
Local
Street performer by night, regular joe by day. No, scratch that.
Mitchell Chonin is anything but your regular joe... |
The
Library in Miami Beach has Free Internet, DVDs, and Books, of
course posted Feb 18
in Local
They’re not just for bookworms and spinsters anymore.
Libraries are keeping up with 21st century technology—and
what’s more—they’re free!.. |
Miami
Star Map - A Top Secret Map To Celebrity Homes
posted Feb 7 in
Local
The Map features over 30 celebrities who call Miami home including:
Anna Kournikova, Barry Gibb, Chayanne, Jennifer Lopez, J, Matt
Damon, and O.J. Simpson, to name a few... |
A
Critical Look at 11 of Miami’s Best Parks
posted Feb 7 in
Local
Are you looking for a city park? Here is a handy guide to the
outdoors in the greater Miami area, when you need a little turf
to go with your surf... |
[Video]
Art Basel Opens With Iggy Pop And The Stooges - Full Concert
posted Feb 1 in
Entertainment
Punk Rock is alive and well, living in Miami Beach, FL. But
don’t just take my word for it. Watch the full concert
performed by The Stooges in Miami for the Art Basel opening... |
Relocating
to Miami for job at Jackson Memorial
posted Jan 13 in
Relocating
& Moving
My husband and I will likely be moving to Miami from Chicago
this summer for a job at Jackson Memorial. A couple questions
that we would appreciate any help with - first, how long would
the commute take from North Beach to the hospital during rush
hour?... |
Moving
to South Beach with Kids
posted Jan 13 in
Relocating
& Moving
I will be relocating to the SoBe area this March, and I was
wondering if there are any areas that are better for families
(with kids). My children are 11, and 15... |
Backstage
At The White Party With Dan Renzi
posted Jan 11 in
Entertainment
Did you miss the White Party this year? Dan Renzi was there.
You remember, Dan Renzi, he was a cast member from MTV... |
Micky
Wolfson Collection of Design & Propaganda Art
posted Dec 24 in
Entertainment
Miami’s billion dollar sandbar is well known for its beautiful
beaches, world-class restaurants and stellar nightlife, but
who knew there was culture, too? The Wolfsonian Museum offers
a an exciting way to spend the afternoon... |
Flush
- A Book By Carl Hiaasen For Young Readers
posted Dec 23 in
Entertainment
Carl Hiaasen’s second novel for young readers is filled
with his usual quirky characters, environmental themes, and
Florida landscapes... |
Surviving
Black Friday Shopping Madness in Miami
posted Dec 21 in
Local
The day after Thanksgiving is commonly referred to as BLACK
FRIDAY. Traditionally the beginning of the Christmas shopping
season, where millions of consumers line up in the early hours
of the morning just to take advantage of early-bird specials... |
Scott’s
Intro To Online Dating
posted Dec 19 in
Local
Perhaps you’ve thought about online dating. Perhaps you’ve
wondered if it’s right for you. I can’t tell you.
But I can tell you that the sea of online love is filled with
all the losers you imagine are swimming around out there and
they are just waiting for you to jump in with them... |
Miami
Orange Bowl: The End Of An Era
posted Dec 13 in
Local
Earlier this year, University of Miami president Donna Shalala
announced that the university would not use the Orange Bowl
after the 2007 football season. The decision brought mixed emotions
to students and fans alike... |
The
Last Game at the Orange Bowl
posted Dec 12 in
Technology
By the end of the game people began to start pulling up seats.
The upper level was apparently too much of a climb for the Miami
police, so left and right you saw people snapping the plastic
seats from their metal braces in the stands.... |
A
Weekend Trip to Cassadaga, FL
posted Dec 8 in
Travel
Do you have questions about the other side and can’t get
tickets to see John Edward? The peaceful, pine-tree laden town
of Cassadaga, located about four hours north of the Miami/Fort
Lauderdale area, may be just what the doctor ordered... |
What
You Should Know About Cruising During Hurricane Season
posted Dec 7 in
Travel
It’s become commonplace: gloomy, cloudy skies, flying
debris and rain gear clad reporters being pelted by rain while
holding on to microphones for dear life as palm fronds narrowly
miss their heads. Of course people are going to be weary of
travel with images like those in their heads... |
The
World of Bacardi Museum
posted Dec 2 in
Travel
and Recreation
The Bacardi Museum is an impenetrable fortress! Seriously, it’s
a private museum, located at 2100 Biscayne Blvd, and seeable
by appointment only. It’s free, but they require about
a week’s notice and the visiting hours are between 9 am
and 12 noon... |
Famous
Alumni From Miami Beach High School
posted Nov 30 in
Local
Miami Beach High School has been educating local kids since
1924 and has produced a most impressive roster of alumni. Take
a trip down memory lane to see a who’s who of Beach Senior
High alumni and learn about the Hall of Fame... |
Introducing
Jonah Wolfson: Miami Beach’s New Commissioner
posted Nov 28 in
Local
Miami Beach voters went to the polls and elected Jonah Wolfson
to the Group 4 Seat of the Miami Beach Commission. At 32 years
of age, Johan was the youngest candidate in the election... |
The
1972 Democratic and Republican Conventions (Video)
posted Nov 28 in
Local
During the summer of 1972, Miami Beach became the third and
last city to host both the Democratic and Republican National
conventions in the same year... |
University
of Miami Compared to University of Florida posted
Nov 17 in
Local
While the rest of the country often sees a diploma from any
school in the Sunshine State as little more than a piece of
paper saying “Hey, I got drunk and tanned for four years,”,
those in the know are aware that both UM and UF have excellent
academic reputations. Or, at least they do compared to Florida
State... |
Getting
Married for a Green Card
posted Nov 13 in
Local
Yes, that holy grail of international paperwork known as a United
States Permanent Resident Card is a more sought after commodity
than 50 yard-line seats at the Super Bowl... |
The
Closest Snorkel Trip Near Miami: EcoAdventure Tours on Key Biscayne
posted Nov 5 in
Local
My wife and I finally got the chance to partake in the Crandon
Park kayak and snorkeling tour. Previously, we took the hour
drive to John Pennecamp for snorkeling (great trip by the way!)
but Crandon Park is much closer, it’s only fifteen minutes
away from South Beach... |
A
Weekend Trip to Miami posted
Oct 26 in
Travel
After grabbing a late lunch in Fort Lauderdale on our way from
the airport, we arrived at the Days Inn Miami Beach around 4PM.
After checking in, we promptly dropped off the bags in the room
and hit the bar by the pool. First a word about the hotel… |
Tenant
rights for breaking a lease
posted Oct 24 in
Relocating
& Moving
My husband and I are students in. We then found this apartment
complex that seemed perfect, it was close to school, seemed
neat and clean, and we were assured it was a safe area. We signed
a 12 month lease. After living here for a few months, we have
discovered numerous downfalls to the complex... |
Beware
of crime and theft inside night clubs
posted Oct 13 in
Nightlife
& Parties
It’s easy to let your guard down when it’s late
and you’ve had a few drinks. But people should beware
of the violent crime and petty theft that goes on inside of
Miami night clubs... |
Fun
Miami Day Trips: Horseback riding at Bar-B-Ranch in Davie
posted Oct 8 in
Entertainment
Is the frenzy of city life getting you down? Trade your car
in for a horse for an afternoon, and explore the green pastures
of Davie, courtesy of the Bar-B-Ranch... |
The
Arthur McDuffie Riots of 1980
posted Sep 27 in
Local
Miami’s Black residents had long complained about police
brutality, but as it does in most places their voice fell on
deaf ears. But the McDuffie case was different. This was no
drug-peddling street thug or common ghetto criminal, this was
a man who had served his country as a military police officer,
worked in the white-collar world and was senselessly killed
by a group of deranged police... |
The
Down and Dirty on South Beach Dive Bars
posted Sep 25 in
Local
Yes, believe it or not there are nightlife options in South
Beach that do not include monosyllabic lounges who make you
feel like a cheapskate... |
Day
Trip to the Everglades: Untamed Excitement in Miami’s
Back Yard posted Sep 10
in Travel
Your closest respite from the urban jungle is the swamp....er..."River
of Grass”, which, just minutes from the city limits, feels
like it could be a thousand miles away. Here are a few fun things
to do while you’re out there... |
The Unidscovered Joys of A Floirda Marlins Game
posted Sep 3 in
Local
On a recent trip to watch some Marlins road games in Chicago,
I was seriously asked by several bleacher bums if I was actually
a Marlins fan. When I informed them that I was, one guy literally
told me “I didn’t think you people really existed.
I thought those folks in the stands were just computer generated
for TV!” Hardy. Har. Har, Mr. Cubs fan... |
Spirituality South Beach Style: Local Options for the Nonreligious
posted Sep 2 in
Local
I’m interested in getting some feedback on what the the
rental market looks like in Miami; i.e. what are the going rents?
what does a 1-bedroom rent for? what are newer projects renting
for? what is the best way to get a unit on the market for rent?
what about corporate rentals? I’m looking for different
strategies to maintain the investment and it’s profit
potential. |
What’s the rental market like for new condos?
posted Aug 14 in
Relocating
& Moving
I’m interested in getting some feedback on what the the
rental market looks like in Miami; i.e. what are the going rents?
what does a 1-bedroom rent for? what are newer projects renting
for? what is the best way to get a unit on the market for rent?
what about corporate rentals? I’m looking for different
strategies to maintain the investment and it’s profit
potential. |
The Dade County English-Only Ordinance
posted Aug 12 in
Local
It is hard to believe there was a time when only one language
was heard in Dade County government offices. It was as recently
as 1993, just after Hurricane Andrew and slightly before we
were called a “third-world country” by a certain,
unnamed US representative. |
Sea Escape (Fort Lauderdale) Crusing Schedule
posted Aug 7 in
Travel
and Recreation
Could anyone help me? I was wondering if it is true that Sea
Escape is scheduled for dry dock in August/ September. Im planning
to come to Florida at the end of August or the beginning of
September and really wanted get a cruise on Sea Escape. |
Looking
to purchase my first home/condo in Downtown Miami
posted Aug 3 in
Relocating
& Moving
Hello, I have been interested in living in Downtown Miami ever
since I noticed all the buildings going up. I absolutely love
the Downtown Miami nightlife which includes bars/clubs and Heat
games. |
Spanish
restaurant-related words and phrases
posted July 30 in
Food
and Restaurants
I just recently got laid off. I was wondering if anyone knew
of any jobs where I could work under the table part time? I
unfortunately do not have any serving/bartending skills. However,
any clothing stores/pizza tye places-maybe that sort of thing.
|
Just
got laid off posted July
27 in
Ask
a Question
I just recently got laid off. I was wondering if anyone knew
of any jobs where I could work under the table part time? I
unfortunately do not have any serving/bartending skills. However,
any clothing stores/pizza tye places-maybe that sort of thing.
|
Living
in Miami Beach - 1 month reflections!
posted July 25 in
Relocating
& Moving
We’ve now lived in South Beach for one month. Maybe we
should get a scooter? |
Stung
by a Jellyfish! posted July
25 in
General
Discussion
This evening around 6 pm, I thought I would go for a relaxing
swim. I drifted out maybe 100 feet from shore, and then stood
up, looking at the interesting cloud formations behind the buildings
on Ocean Drive—when suddenly my back felt like it was
being electrocuted! |
How
is the Beachcomber hotel?
posted July 21 in
Hotels
& Lodging
Hello-coming down with a group of girls for my bachelorette
party. We don’t want to spend a lot of money on our room,
but don’t want a “dive"… how is the Beachcomber?
Any other similar suggestions on South Beach? |
The
Official Guide to Miami Strip Clubs and Topless Bars (Adults
Only) posted July 21
in Relocating
& Moving
I’ve found that Craigslist is full of email harvesters—people
who collect email addresses to sell to spammers by placing fake
ads. If someone is replying to an ad you placed, request in
your ad that they provide a phone number |
Beware
of fake real estate ads on Craigslist
posted July 17 in
Relocating
& Moving
I’ve found that Craigslist is full of email harvesters—people
who collect email addresses to sell to spammers by placing fake
ads. If someone is replying to an ad you placed, request in
your ad that they provide a phone number |
Snorkeling
in Key West compared to Key Largo
posted July 5 in
Travel
and Recreation
I’m undecided about where I want to go snorkeling and
I would like to know if anyone has tried it out in both Key
Largo and Key West and what they thought of it. I can’t
decide on which island to go. |
A
Candid Look At South Beach Hostels and Super Cheap Hotels
posted July 5 in
Travel
Looking for a cheap place to stay? The reality is South Beach
has plenty of budget options ranging from the ridiculous to
the sublime. |
Just
moved to South Beach - impressions of first week
posted July 2 in
Relocating
& Moving
Its been just over a week since I moved to my garden style condo
just west of Flamingo Park. |
True
Crime: Dead German Tourist: Not Just a Miami Punk Rock Band
posted June 23 in
Travel
Believe it or not, there was a time when we were travel Pariah’s
on par with Lebanon and Uganda. So how did our sleepy little
beach town become the Beirut of the West? |
Considering
Job in Miami but hesitant
posted June 23 in
Relocating
& Moving
Been offered a very good position and paying job in Miami, office
on Brickell Ave. I’m moving from Houston but have only
been there 1 year so no roots. Of Latin desent and my wife is
latin as well, but I’m a gringo. |
Pacific
Time Closed posted June
20 in
Food
and Restaurants
His many longtime employees were shocked by the news, as were
customers. Pacific Time’s closing comes just weeks after
neighbor Cafeteria shut down and colleague Norman van Aken turned
off the stoves in his Coral Gables eatery. |
Police
Say Nude Cycling Is NOT Allowed (Pictures)
posted June 18 in
Local
The conflict was inevitable. The only question remaining was
how it would play itself out. A group called the World Naked
Bike Ride (WNBR), was planning an au naturel cycling expedition
along the length of Lincoln Road. |
Miami
Slang posted June 14
in Ask
a Question
I’m writing a novel set in Miami. Well, I’m back
for more advice and information. I have some rough teens in
my novel, and by that I mean they’re hustler-type. They
are also Hispanic.During a read through, a writing pal said
she couldn’t see a Hispanic ‘tough-guy’ teen
using the word ‘ain’t’ in his slang; she didn’t
think it would be a word such a person might use. |
Escape
From Miami: An Apocolyptic Version of 22nd Century Dade County
posted June 14 in
Entertainment
Do you enjoy dark, futuristic action movies? This is the Synopsis
of Escape From Miami, please give it a read, and prepare to
be taken in by an exciting story! |
Nature
Boyz in North Beach (PHOTO)
posted June 13 in
Food
and Restaurants
One of Miami Beach’s best kept secrets is tucked away
inside Log Cabin Nursery on 81st street and Collins. Indeed,
Nature Boyz, an open-air juice bar with a cool, Jamaican vibe,
reminds me of some roadside Caribbean spots I’ve visited
where it’s the food and company that counts, not the glitz
and glamour. |
Getting
Ready for Top Chef posted
June 11 in
Entertainment
Bravo TV’s Top Chef 3 Miami will make its official network
debut June 13. This year, a motley crew of chefs, cooks and
even a cheese maker compete for bragging rights and mucho bucks
while headquartered at the famed Fontainebleau Hotel on Miami
Beach. |
The
Best Beach Scene is in South Beach (Pictures)
posted June 9 in
Travel
and Recreation
Trip Advisor announced the top 10 beach scenes in the world
- those with the hottest beaches and coolest night life.According
to the site’s travelers and editors, South Beach is the
best! |
Selling
a Single Family Home Near Miami
posted June 6 in
Relocating
& Moving
In April of 2001, our landlord purchased this charming, 2 Bedroom,
1 Bath home with Central AC for $207,000. Last year, she refinanced
the first mortgage for about $350,000. Because she refinced
against the “estimated” apraised value of the home,
our landlord now owes about $330,000 on this home which sold
for $80,000 in 1998. |
England
Bans Smoking posted June
3 in
Travel
and Recreation
England is jumping on the non smoking bandwagon. The ban follows
Italy, Norway, Ireland, Sweden and other countries that have
instituted bans on smoking in public places. |
Eating
near Jackson Memorial Hospital
posted May 31 in Food
and Restaurants
I spent 5 years at Jackson as a Medical Student and Resident
back in the 70’s and one thing I know, the food at the
Hospital sucks. |
Movies
Filmed in Miami, Florida
posted May 25 in General
Discussion
Let’s
make a list of movies and TV shows that were either filmed in,
or related to Miami, Florida. I’ll begin..."The Birdcage”.
The opening shot of the film, flying over the water, up the
beach, and on to Ocean Drive is one of the best cinematic images
of South Beach, in my opinion. |
Apartment
renting in a high rise building
posted May 23 in Relocating
& Moving
I
have been looking at renting in buildings such as the Flamingo
at 1500/1508 Bay, the Decoplage at 100 Lincoln, and a couple
of buildings on West. Can anyone give me an idea of what any
of these buildings are like? |
The
Miami Incident: The Beginning of the End for The Doors - Jim
Morrison Pardon posted May
19 in Entertainment
The Doors concert at Dinner
Key auditorium in Coconut Grove is generally considered the
beginning of the end of the life and career of Jim Morrison.
Because of the questionable circumstances under which Morrison
was convicted, the lack of evidence, and the media crucifixion,
fans have been petitioning the Florida legislature for a pardon. |
Parking
a Pod storage container on the street
posted May 18 in Relocating
& Moving
Just
wondering if anyone knows the status of any initiatives regarding
the recycling of bottles, cans, newspapers, etc. citywide. It
sure seems that Miami Beach could use some trash control initiatives
which should include recycling. |
Recycling
on the Beach posted May
17 in Ask
a Question
Just
wondering if anyone knows the status of any initiatives regarding
the recycling of bottles, cans, newspapers, etc. citywide. It
sure seems that Miami Beach could use some trash control initiatives
which should include recycling. |
Florida
Climate Projections: Enjoy It While You Can
posted May 15 in Local
Oh, yeah. Then there’s
that whole “melting of the polar ice caps” thing.
That phenomenon going on now that threatens to raise ocean levels
anywhere between 7 to 15 feet in the next 60 years...something
tells me this place is going to be some sort of apocalyptic
wasteland in about 100 years. |
Help
Me Find Organic Restaurants
posted May 12 in Food
and Restaurants
O.k.,
I can’t for the life of me find any decent Organic or
Health food restaurants anywhere. Anyone have any suggestions? |
Girls-only
vacations posted May 10
in Travel
and Recreation
How
do you feel about vacationing with friends? Is it okay to leave
your loved one at home? |
Talking
to a South Beach Landlord posted
May 7 in Relocating
& Moving
Who
exactly is “Dade?” Was he a great explorer? Or perhaps
an heroic military leader? Or maybe just a furry aquatic mammal?
No, no, it seems that, much like his namesake County, he was
one colossal screw-up. |
Miami
History - How Dade County, FL Got Its Name posted
May 5 in Miscellaneous
Who exactly is “Dade?”
Was he a great explorer? Or perhaps an heroic military leader?
Or maybe just a furry aquatic mammal? No, no, it seems that,
much like his namesake County, he was one colossal screw-up.
|
Transportation
for someone in a wheelchair posted
May 1 in Ask
A Question
STS
offer shared-ride, door-to-door travel in accessible vehicles
throughout most of Miami-Dade County 24 hours a day, seven days
a week, including most holidays. |
Best
Landlords in South Beach posted
Apr 24 in Relocating
& Moving
I
was wondering if any of you had any names/numbers of owners/landlords
who are especially nice to deal with—who keep their buildings
up, return deposits, are prompt repairing things. |
Picnic
facilities with bbq grills posted
Apr 29 in Ask
A Question
Will
be in SOBE for 10 days in early May and would like to be able
to buy a grill and cook out. |
The
City of Miami, FL Compared to Other Cities in the U.S.
Posted Apr 29 in Travel
Yeah, we have heat, humidity,
bugs, traffic, and a population with a strange aversion to the
English language, but every time you leave you realize everything
you take for granted being a resident of the Magic City. |
Finding
work in South Beach at a restaurant, bar posted
Apr 28 in Food
& Restaurants
I’d
like to find a job as a waitress or bartender (what’s
better?) in south beach. |
South
Beach - Is 5th Street a ghetto location? posted
Apr 28 in Relocating
& Moving
I
see Manola’s post about the area between 5th and Flamingo
Park being known as the “hood”. Is the 700 block
of Michigan something I should avoid? |
Casa
Casuarina Reservations - Now you can stay at the Versace House
posted Apr 28 in Hotels
& Lodging
Previously,
if you wanted to make a reservation at Casa Casuarina, you had
to first become a This past year, the Club signed an agreement
with our hotel booking partner which allows guests to book rooms
as “temporary members” and bypass the membership
fee. |
Making
Friends in Miami posted
Apr 27 in Local
Meeting people is difficult
no matter where you live. And while Miami definitely presents
its own special set of social challenges, there are also some
unique opportunities our city offers. |
Thought
Provoking Documentary of Umoja Village Before the Fire (Video)
posted Apr 27 in Local
This video showing what life
was like at Umoja Village before the fire really made me think. |
Miami
Concierges Are Here to Serve You posted
on Apr 24 in Travel
Take a behind-the-scenes look
at the concierge business on Miami Beach. |
Avoiding
Miami Traffic (Maps) You posted
on Apr 20 in Local
There are distinct routes and
traffic patterns to avoid at certain times, and if you can do
that you should be okay. |
Driving
in Miami: The Rules Are Different Down Here posted
on Apr 20 in Local
While every city loves to brag
about their insane traffic and bad drivers, no city has quite
the unique combination of residents that we do here in South
Florida to make for unbearable motor transportation. |
Beaches
with wheelchair access posted
Apr 19 in Ask
A Question
Does
Haulover Beach have wheelchairs for rent at the clothing optional
side, and if so how can a hadicapped person get to the beach |
How
to Survive in the Spanish Workplace posted
Apr 18 in Local
When interviewing for a job
in Miami, and even once you start working, it is of crucial
importance that you are aware of your surroundgins. And your
surroundings, for the most part, will be speaking Spanish. |
Searching
For Jobs in Miami-Dade FL posted
Apr 18 in Local
Employment, much like everything
in Miami, is not like it is anywhere else in the country. |
Family
needs help finding a community to live posted
Apr 16 in Ask
A Question
I
really need help finding a community to live in that won’t
be too much of a change from where we already live. |
What
Everybody Ought to Know About Eating Healthy in Miami Beach
posted on Apr 16 in Local
Here are several healthy places
that are good and good for you—all no frills and moderately
priced. |
Home
Hunting Advice for Families Relocating to Miami
posted Apr 15 in Local
Not to say this is not a beautiful
city with culture and excitement and world-class recreational
opportunities, but it is NOT a place you move when you want
to start any sort of real life. country. |
Miami
housing advice - What neighborhoods are safe for a female?
posted Apr 15 in Relocating
& Moving
I’m
seeking advice on housing and neighborhoods and basically anything
a 21-year-old needs to know before blindly moving to a new city.
Which neighborhoods are safe but affordable? |
