South Beach art studio, leased to Romero Britto, sold

South Beach art studio leased to Britto sold for $35M - South Florida Business Journal: "The South Beach building where pop artist Romero Britto houses his gallery sold for $34.5 million, or an eye-popping $4,119 per square foot. Miami-based 818 Lincoln Corp., managed by Alan W. Levine, sold the 8,375-square-foot building on a 7,500-square-foot lot to 818 Lincoln Investments, of Montreal. The seller provided $24.5 million in financing to the buyer....." (read more at link above)

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South Beach, Miami Beach, Best Beaches

South Beach - 21 Best Beaches - Coastal Living: " . . . known for glitz and glamour, but the golden sands of South Beach have a carefree, friendly spirit. Striped towels cover the beach recliners outside Sagamore Art Hotel (rates start at $265; sagamorehotel.com), where it's fun to cool off in the lobby while admiring unique sculptures. Down the street, dig your toes in the sand and sink your teeth into fresh Corvina fish tacos at Lucy's Cantina Royale. Hotel Recommendation: Stay at the newly renovated Surfcomber Hotel. Read the review...." (read more at link above)

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Off-leash Dog Beach, Miami Beach

Miami Beach may start weekly off-leash dog beach - Miami Beach - MiamiHerald.com: "....If the new ordinance passes, use of the dog beach will be by permit only. All dogs must have a current rabies tags to enter and must be under control of owners at all times. Dogs and their owners will be allowed to enjoy the on-leash beach access area and the off-leash swim zone in the water. Dogs will have access to the beach between 80th and 81st streets on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 3 to 7 p.m. and will be able to apply for a dog beach permit at the city website at www.miamibeachparks.com. Daily permits, however will be available for purchase on-site. The proposed fee is $5 for Miami Beach residents, $10 for nonresidents. Plans also call for seasonal permits...." (read more at link above)

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Miami, Climate Change Debate

Miami Finds Itself Ankle-Deep in Climate Change Debate - NYTimes.com: "...“Sea level rise is our reality in Miami Beach,” said the city’s mayor, Philip Levine. “We are past the point of debating the existence of climate change and are now focusing on adapting to current and future threats.” In the face of encroaching saltwater and sunny-day flooding like that on Alton Road, Mr. Levine has supported a $400 million spending project to make the city’s drainage system more resilient in the face of rising tides..." (read more at link above)

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Miami Beach, where to stay, what to eat

Plenty to see, do, and plenty of places to eat--here's a few:

Miami Beach: Where to stay, what to eat - am New York: "Miami Beach has long been a playground for New Yorkers looking for a quick and easy escape from the big city." Music lovers will be at home at The Redbury (Theredbury.com), which opened in December. The East Coast outpost of the Hollywood hotel of the same name takes its rock-and-roll theme as far as outfitting each guest room with a record player and a vinyl selection curated by Capitol Records. New Yorkers, take note: The parent company, which also owns the neighboring SLS and Raleigh hotels, is rumored to bring its brand to New York soon. Those looking for a more zen getaway might want to explore theMetropolitan by Como (Comohotels.com). The hotel and its Shambhala Urban Escape spa opened in March. The spa offers massage and beauty treatments, yoga, a steam room, a rooftop hydrotherapy pool and a terrace where spa-goers can kick back with a variety of wellness juices. For the ultimate in pampering, spend the night like royalty at the former residence of late fashion designer Gianni Versace. The recently revamped Villa by Barton G. (Thevillabybartong.com), which opened in March, may set you back more than $1,000 per night, but you'll get to stare at beautifully frescoed ceilings surrounded by opulent bedding and furnishings, and swim in the 24-carat-gold-lined Thousand Mosaic pool, which was designed by Versace himself.

Prime Fish: The Empire Strikes Again | Miami New Times: "On a recent Friday night, a lone ivory-white Ferrari 458 sat at the curb of Prime Fish. Inside, waiters snaking among dark mahogany tables wore white button-up, waist-to-floor aprons and wide gray suspenders, nearly identical to those at the other Prime restaurants. Despite displaying a handful of the Prime empire's trademarks, Prime Fish doesn't share all of its counterparts' trappings. The music in the dining room is far more muted than the cacophony inside Prime One Twelve. There's plenty of space between tables and not a celebrity in sight."

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Miami Beach Information, MBI app

With an average year-round temperature of 75 degrees, Miami Beach has an unrivaled reputation for culinary offerings, nightlife, culture, fashion, and luxurious hotels. Also a popular destination among travelers, Miami Beach was ranked by Trip Advisor as number one on its Top Winter Sun Vacation Rental Getaway Destinations for 2011 list and was included on both the Top 25 Beaches in the World and Top 25 Destinations in the U.S. lists. Boasting seven miles of breathtaking beaches, Miami Beach is easily accessible from the Port of Miami and Miami International Airport. The City of Miami Beach has just been named one of the top cities worldwide for 'walkability' and is equally easy to navigate by bike or by boat. Home to unique museums, to the New World Symphony and Miami City Ballet, to over 17,000 luxury, boutique and resort hotel rooms, 12 public parks and to the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach is a destination for all seasons. Miami Beach is like no other place in the world! Visit MiamiBeachGuest.com or MiamiBeachINCARD.com for more information

Miami Beach Information (MBI) app:

Android - GooglePlay

Apple - iTunes
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Miami Beach, New Police Chief

Miami Beach’s new police chief won’t start ‘making changes for the sake of change’ - Miami Beach - MiamiHerald.com: "....Morales nominated Oates for the post after speaking to numerous references. “He is focused on integrity and transparency, and has been a game changer wherever he has gone,” Morales wrote....." (read more at link above)

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Miami Beach, Future Transit Hub

Miami Beach may spend $26 million on land for transit hub - Miami Beach - MiamiHerald.com: "The city of Miami Beach may spend $26 million on property in South Beach that could eventually become a transit hub. City Manager Jimmy Morales on Thursday signed a letter of intent to buy about three-quarters of an acre at 1100 Fifth St. The land, where the MacArthur Causeway dumps thousands of vehicles onto Fifth Street, is now leased by a Burger King and Pier 1 Imports. Final purchase is conditioned on an appraisal, which hasn’t been done yet. The City Commission would also have to approve the deal, according to the letter of intent. Mayor Philip Levine said the money would come from the city’s redevelopment district, which, Levine said, limits some spending to south of Sixth Street...."

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Tommy Hilfiger Buys The Raleigh Hotel, Miami Beach

Tommy Hilfiger buys Miami Beach hotel - eTurboNews.com: "The Raleigh Group, the luxury hospitality group founded by designer and entrepreneur Mr. Tommy Hilfiger, announced the purchase of The Raleigh Hotel, Miami Beach. "The Raleigh Hotel is a true Miami Beach treasure with sophistication and style, making it the perfect property for us," said Mr. Hilfiger. "The 1940's design of The Raleigh and its rich history are central to our plans to rejuvenate the property. I'm really pleased with the team I've surrounded myself with and know that we will deliver a world-class experience worthy of The Raleigh brand."...."

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Miami Beach Coast Guard Station, $110M In Cocaine Off Loaded

$110M In Cocaine Off Loaded At Miami Beach Coast Guard Station « CBS Miami: ".... Coast Guard crew members intercepted a suspected smuggling go-fast boat from Cartagena, Colombia on its way to the U.S. The Coast Guard helicopter shot out the boat’s engine. “Helicopter employed warning shots and then disabled the vessel,” said Lt. Gies. “They discovered there was over 900 kilograms of suspected contraband.” The wholesale value of the seized cocaine is about $110 million, but the drugs are worth triple that amount if sold on the streets...."

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Miami Beach $500 million convention center redo

Miami Beach picks Denver firm for first part of $500 million convention center redo - Miami Beach - MiamiHerald.com: "Fentress Architects has been awarded a contract for Miami Beach’s on-again, off-again convention center renovation. City Commissioners on Wednesday picked the Denver-based firm from a field of eight competitors vying for the $11 million contract. The vote was unanimous, except Commissioner Jonah Wolfson was absent. Fentress will serve as the design criteria professional for a renovation that will cost $500 million. As the design criteria professional, Fentress will draw up partial plans for the project. Its plans will become the basis of another city bid, this one for a “design-build” firm. The design-build firm will finish the plans and build the project. Fentress specializes in designing public buildings. Its work has included convention centers in Denver, San Diego and Santa Fe...."

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