The Coconut Grove Bed Race Returns!

The wildly comedic bed race is returning to the streets of Coconut Grove, this time with injury protection on its side. Teaming up with this year's bed race is title sponsor 1-800-411-PAIN, whose attorneys are revved up for trial - timed trials that is. The 1-800-411-PAIN Great Grove Bed Race will take place Labor Day Weekend, with the races starting on Sunday, September 5 at 2pm. Spectators will witness fast paced action and possible "bed-on" collisions.


Prior to Sunday's race, the weekend's festivities will kick off with a Pajama Pub Crawl Saturday, September 4, at 7pm. On-site registration opens at 6pm at Sandbar and Grill in Coconut Grove. Sunday events start with the Ford Motor Company Family Pajama Party, featuring musical performances, face painting, a petting zoo and story telling at 11:30pm at The Bookstore in the Grove. The Pit Row Parade of decorated beds begins at 1pm, followed by a 2pm green flag for the start of the 1/8th-mile Bed Race in the heart of Coconut Grove Village. 


The race involves rolling beds down two village streets (Commodore Plaza and Grand Avenue) in Coconut Grove with the local South Florida community, individuals, businesses, organizations, and clubs sponsoring the beds. Comprised of five-member teams (one rider, four racers), each team will be racing against the clock until the fastest eight (8) beds are determined. Those eight finalists go head-to-head in a race for the top position. Speed earns the ultimate checkered flag, but awards will also be judged on theme, creativity and decor. Similar to last year, the race will begin with a DUI checkpoint for all participants. 


The 1-800-411-PAIN Great Grove Bed Race is produced by the Grove Merchant Group and proceeds benefit s the University of Miami Sleep Program and Alonzo Mourning Foundation Charities. The Grove Merchant Group welcomes visitors and patrons to enjoy the tree- lined streets of Coconut Grove while branding the neighborhood as an attractive and viable village. For additional information visit, www.thegreatgrovebedrace.com 

08/23/10 12:25 pm

Miami Seaquarium Announces Special in Honor of Lolita's 40th Anniversary

It's a "whale" of a celebration - Lolita's 40th Anniversary at Miami Seaquarium - and what better way to celebrate this momentous occasion in park history than to give back to wildlife charities.  In honor of Lolita's 40th Anniversary, Miami Seaquarium has created the Give $4 - Save 40% program. All summer long, for a $4 donation to help save wildlife affected by the BP Oil Spill, the park will offer a 40% discount on admission. The Give $4 - Save 40% promotion will benefit the following charities: the Audubon Nature Institute, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Sea to Shore Alliance and Sea Turtle Conservancy.  Guests will be given the opportunity to choose which charity will receive their donation.  The offer, which runs until October 21, is only available with a donation form that can be found on www.miamiseaquarium.com.


Guests may choose from the following four charities:


Audubon Nature Institute
The Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP), coordinated by Audubon Aquarium of the Americas since 1993, has been designated as the primary responder for the rescue, rehabilitation and release of all marine mammals (dolphins, whales and manatees) and sea turtles along the Louisiana coast.  Audubon is working closely with many other organizations including Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, NOAA, and the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor the situation and respond to stranded and injured marine wildlife in the Gulf. More information is available at http://www.auduboninstitute.org/gulf-oil-spill-resources.


National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) works to preserve and restore the nation's native wildlife species and habitats. NFWF directs public conservation dollars to the most pressing environmental needs and matches those investments with private funds. The  foundation works with a full complement of individuals, foundations, government agencies,
nonprofits and corporations to identify and fund the nation's most intractable conservation challenges.


Sea to Shore Alliance
Sea to Shore Alliance (Sea2Shore) brings expertise, passion, and vision to help reverse the destruction of aquatic environments and the loss of species diversity.  Sea2Shore specialists use science and education to reduce threats to endangered aquatic species, such as manatees and sea turtles.  Sea2Shore is working with the oil response team and flying along the northern gulf coast to search for manatees that are threatened or injured by the BP oil spill. Sea2Shore partners with the Miami Seaquarium and other members of the Manatee Rehabilitation Partnership to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured manatees. 


Sea Turtle Conservancy
The Sea Turtle Conservancy, formerly known as the Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is the world's oldest sea turtle research and conservation group. An international nonprofit, Sea Turtle Conservancy was founded to save sea turtles from eminent extinction through rigorous science-based conservation. Headquartered in Florida, the organization carries out worldwide programs to conserve and recover sea turtle populations through research,  education, advocacy and protection of the natural habitats. 


About Miami Seaquarium
Miami Seaquarium, South Florida's most popular tourist attraction, is a family-oriented marine-life park open to the public 365 days a year. The park provides visitors with a greater understanding and appreciation for marine life through shows, presentations and marine-life exhibits. General admission to Miami Seaquarium is $37.95 and $27.95 for children (ages 3-9).  More information on Miami Seaquarium is available at www.miamiseaquarium.com.

07/29/10 10:52 am

Miami Spice Month Comes to Miami!

Miami Spice 2010 is a mouth-watering summer restaurant promotion showcasing the very best of Miami cuisine. During August and September, Miami's top restaurants offer three-course meals (Lunch $22, Dinner $35 - some offer dinner only) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Discover the tropical fusion of ingredients that makes Miami dining so wonderfully out of the ordinary. An epicure's paradise awaits! Participating restaurants include the following. For more details about each, and for list updates, click here.


Miami Beach/South Beach
660 at The Angler's (D)
A Fish Called Avalon (D)
Ago Restaurant (L,D)
Asia De Cuba at Mondrian (L,D)
Baires Grill Resto (L,D)
B.E.D. (D)
Bistro One LR (D)
BLT Steak at The Betsy (L,D)
Blue Door at Delano (L,D)
Bond Street Lounge (D)
Cavalier Crab Shack (L,D)
China Grill South Beach (L,D)
D. Rodriguez Cuba (D)
DeVito South Beach (D)
Emeril's Miami Beach (L,D)
Essensia Restaurant and Lounge (L,D)
Fogo de Chao Churrascaria (D)
The Forge Restaurant and Wine Bar (D)
Gotham Steak at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)
Hakkasan at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (L,D)
Kaspia (L,D)
Kung Fu Kitchen and Sushi (D)
La Marea (L,D)
Lido Restaurant at The Standard (D)
Meat Market (D)
Morton's The Steakhouse Miami Beach (D)
Mr. Chow Miami (D)
OLA Restaurant (D)
Pelican Cafe (L,D)
Philippe Chow (D)
Quattro Gastronomia Italiana (L,D)
Quinn's South Beach (D)
The Raleigh Restaurant (L,D)
Red, The Steakhouse (D)
The Restaurant at The Setai (D)
Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante (L,D)
Scarpetta at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)
Shula's Steak House - Miami Beach (D)
Smith and Wollensky (D)
Solea (L,D)
STK (D)
Sushi SoBe (D)
SUSHISAMBA dromo (D)
Tamara at National Hotel (L,D)
Tantra Restaurant and Lounge (D)
Texas de Brazil - Miami Beach (D)
Vida at Fontainebleau Miami Beach (D)
Vita Restaurant and Lounge (D)
Wish (D)
Yuca (L,D)


Mainland - North 
(Airport Area, Aventura, Design District, Doral, Miami Lakes, Midtown, Morningside, 
North Miami, North Miami Beach)
94th Aero Squadron (D)
5300 Chophouse (L,D)
Armillary Grill Restaurant (L,D)
Bourbon Steak Miami (D)
Cane Fire Grille (L,D)
Chef Allen's (D)
El Gran Inka - Aventura (L,D)
The Grill on the Alley (L,D)
La Riviera (L,D)
Mercadito Midtown (L,D)
Mesazul (D)
Michy's (D)
Ocean Prime (L,D)
Petit Rouge (L,D)
Shula's Steak House - The Original (D)
Sra. Martinez (D)
Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill (L,D)
Texas de Brazil - Dolphin Mall (D)
Tuna's Raw Bar and Grille (L,D)


Mainland South 
(Brickell/Downtown, Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, South Miami)
Abokado(L,D)
Acqua, Four Seasons Hotel (L,D)
Anacapri on Ponce (L,D)
Area 31 (L,D)
Atrio Restaurant (L,D)
Azul (D)
Bizcaya (L,D)
Cafe Sambal (L,D)
Caffe Abbracci (L,D)
The Capital Grille (D)
Charlotte Bistro (L,D)
Chophouse Miami (L,D)
Christy's Restaurant (L,D)
El Gran Inka - Brickell (L,D)
Eos/Bistro e (L,D)
Fontana at The Biltmore Hotel (L,D)
Gibraltar (L,D)
Ideas Restaurant (L,D)
JB Kitchen and Bar (L,D)
La Cofradia Restaurant (L,D)
La Palma Ristorante (L,D)
Mayfair Grill (L,D)
Mia at Biscayne (D)
Miami Chart House (D)
Morton's The Steakhouse Coral Gables (L,D)
Morton's The Steakhouse Miami (L,D)
Novecento - Brickell (L,D)
Novecento - Coral Gables (L,D)
Novecento - Key Biscayne (L,D)
The Oceanaire Seafood Room (L,D)
Ortanique on the Mile (D)
Palme d'Or at The Biltmore Hotel (D)
Pascal's on Ponce (L,D)
Por Fin Restaurant and Lounge (L,D)
Randazzo's Little Italy (L,D)
Red Fish Grill (D)
Red Koi Thai and Sushi Lounge (L,D)
Rincon Argentino (D)
The River Seafood and Oyster Bar (D)
Rosa Mexicano (L,D)
The Rusty Pelican (L,D)
Ruth's Chris Steak House (D)
Tony Chan's Water Club (L,D)
The Trapiche Room (L,D)
Two Chefs Restaurant (L,D)
Whitney's (L)
Zuma (L,D)


Northern Beaches (Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles Beach)
Il Mulino New York (L,D)
ONE Kitchen (L,D)
Timo Restaurant and Bar (L,D)

07/26/10 11:51 am

Seminole Hard Rock Presents The Summer Groove Hosted by Zo & D. Wade

Zo and Wade announce kick-off for South Florida's largest 14th annual summer celebration with surprise performance by the kids of Overtown Youth Center

South Florida's dynamic duo, Alonzo Mourning and Dwyane Wade, announced the kick-off for The Summer Groove 2010 in true celebrity style at The Overtown Youth Center in Miami on Tuesday, July 13, ahead of drawing thousands from all over the country to give, share and groove during South Florida's largest summer celebration.

The 5-day Summer Groove kicks off July 14th with The Summer Groove Golf Classic hosted at Doral Golf Resort & Spa; Youth Sports Conference July 15th; Youth Basketball Clinic July 16th; Alters Law Firm Summer Groove Comedy Jam hosted by Heineken at Hard Rock Live July 16th; Michael Fux Foundation Summer Groove Youth Empowerment Summit and Publix Charities Summer Groove Benefit Gala, themed "Aqua y Fuego, A Sizzling Summer Night" at Hard Rock Live, takes place July 17th; the Block Party Hosted by Pepsi and Carnival Cruise Lines Summer Groove All-Star Basketball Game at AmericanAirlines Arena take place on July 18th.

Now in its 14th year, Seminole Hard Rock Presents The Summer Groove Hosted by Zo & D. Wade will take place throughout South Florida July 14-18, 2010, with the majority of events hosted by title sponsor Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The Summer Groove has become one of the largest fundraising events of the year, raising funds for programs supported by both Alonzo Mourning Charities and Wade's World Foundation, who provide services to youth and their families throughout the community.

"We’re very excited to kick-off this year's Summer Groove series of events," said Mourning, who initiated The Groove in 1997. "The Summer Groove is all about the kids. We’re raising funds to continue to help young people further develop their gifts to reach their goals.  The Summer Groove has always been made possible through the involvement of our sponsors and we are thrilled to have Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as our Title Sponsor for the second year."

"It's all about making a lasting impact in the community through the programs we support," said Wade, now in his third year as the co-host of The Summer Groove. "I encourage all my fans to get out and join us, especially for the All-Star Game, which I am extremely excited about participating in, alongside my colleagues."

To purchase tickets and/or for more information visit www.TheSummerGroove.com or call 305-476-0095.

07/22/10 12:26 pm

Your Job May Have You Swamped, but Every Man Holds His Own in the Wild

Nat Geo Wild Follows Professional Swamp Men Who Rescue, Relocate and Rehabilitate Wildlife Deep in Florida's Everglades

"This is part of the Everglades. This is a dangerous place.
If you ain't careful, you could get hurt real bad out here." — Ed Woods

In the Everglades' Big Cypress Swamp, more than 1,600 animals roam wild on thousands of acres in a park run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Best described as controlled chaos, the Billie Swamp Safari offers visitors face-to-face encounters with ostriches, American bison, African elan, wild alligators, venomous snakes, wild hogs, raccoons and virtually every other animal found near the swamp. The goal is to immerse visitors in the wild, in accordance with the Seminoles' love of harmony with nature, but sometimes these close encounters can mean trouble for people and wildlife. It's up to the park's director, Ed Woods, and his tough team of self-described Swamp Men to patrol the land, relocate animals from dangerous situations and rescue animals in need.

Nat Geo WILD's new series Swamp Men rides along with Ed and his staff as they work to maintain safety at the Safari. They are considered among the best wild animal wranglers, and each day brings new tests of their skills with bears, alligators, wild hogs and panthers that inhabit the Everglades. Ed's dedicated staff includes Paul, expert alligator catcher; Cory, animal trapper; and newbies Matt, Lawrence and Shea. All share a passion for wildlife and a willingness to get down and dirty, as they face new swamp adventures every day.

Premiere episodes include
Swamp Men: Croc Escape
Monday, May 10, 2010, at 10 PM ET/PT
Houdini is a 9-foot-long Nile croc who earned his name from being a renegade on the loose for more than 12 years! Ed and his team head deep into the swamp in an all-out effort to catch this legendary escape artist. Their plan includes blocking his escape by building a fence along a canal bottom, even as they dodge rattlesnakes and a 700 pound bull gator. Then, Shea, Lawrence and Matt are finally initiated into the Swamp Men team — but not before spending the night alone in the swamp with only a knife and one other item each. Watch the boys learn from Ed as they build their own shelter and fire, and scavenge for "survival stew."

Swamp Men: Break-In Bear
Monday, May 17, 2010, at 10 PM ET/PT
The staff at Billie Swamp Safari is faced with the challenge of capturing a black bear threatening the food source for other animals in the reservation. When the bear doesn't fall for a bait of peanut butter and molasses, Ed has to up the ante to attract the hungry menace. Then a dangerous cold front means animal wranglers John and Hans must move tropical reptiles indoors, which is no easy feat with a monitor lizard that lashes out with formidable claws. Finally, the team must work together to relocate a herd of ornery American bison due to a population explosion.

Swamp Men: Panther Down
Monday, May 24, 2010, at 10 PM ET/PT
Ed gets an emergency call regarding one of the swamp's most endangered predators, the Florida panther. Field officers worry that the panther might be in distress from its radio collar, or may have died from a lethal encounter of another sort. Across the park, a barred owl has been hit by a car and rushed to the nearest clinic with multiple life-threatening injuries. Back at headquarters, the nuisance hogs are at it again — destroying property and vegetation, and gorging on animals' feed. Cory and the guys try to catch them, but instead find their traps attract a massive bison that wasn't part of the plan.

Swamp Men is produced by Spectrum Productions, Inc., for Nat Geo WILD. For Spectrum, executive producer and director is Guy Nickerson. For Nat Geo WILD, executive producer is Noah Morowitz; senior vice president, development and production, is Geoff Daniels.

About Billie Swamp Safari
Billie Swamp Safari is a wildlife park of the Seminole Tribe of Florida located on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the heart of the Florida Everglades. It encompasses 2,200 untamed acres of Florida Everglades and offers airboat rides, swamp buggy eco-tours, animal and reptile shows and more. The staff cares for more than 1,500 native and exotic animals, from alligators, panthers, bison and venomous snakes to African elan, ostrich, nilgai and crocodiles. For more information, call 800-GO-SAFARI or 863-983-6101, or visit www.billieswampsafari.travel.

NAT GEO WILD
For more than 30 years, National Geographic has been the leader in wildlife programming. Now the animal kingdom is taking center stage on a brand-new network, Nat Geo WILD. Offering intimate encounters with nature’s ferocious fighters and gentle creatures of land, sea and air, Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo WILD HD will draw upon the cutting-edge work of the many explorers, filmmakers and scientists who have long-standing relationships with the National Geographic Society. Nat Geo WILD is a joint venture between Fox Cable Networks (FCN) and National Geographic Ventures (NGV) ― the same partnership behind the National Geographic Channel (NGC), which launched January 2001 and has since been one the most successful new networks on the landscape. Nat Geo WILD launched globally more than three years ago and is the fastest growing channel among the international portfolio of National Geographic networks.

07/22/10 12:18 pm

Area Simon Malls Hosting "Gifts for the Gulf"

 
Dadeland Mall, The Falls (Kendall), The Shops at Sunset Place (South Miami) and Coral Square Mall (Coral Springs) are part of 15 Simon Malls across the state of Florida opening their doors on Sat., July 24 and Sun. July 25 to raise awareness and funds to help birds, other wildlife and our Florida beaches that are being threatened by the Gulf oil spill.  To benefit Florida Audubon, Simon Property Group's "Gifts for the Gulf" will showcase displays of shorebirds nesting on beaches and offer shoppers important information about the wildlife affected by the oil spill crisis.

Mall shoppers on July 24-25 from noon-5pm will have the opportunity to learn about how certain birds nest on our beaches and are in harm's way if clean-up operations are not carefully conducted. Florida Audubon leaders and volunteers will also share facts about a number of birds affected and offer tips on protecting wildlife and our beaches during this time. A coloring station will be available for childre, who will receive complimentary coloring sheets of different birds. Special t-shirts will be on sale and monetary donations will be accepted to help support the goals of Florida Audubon's "Gulf Oil Spill" response efforts, which are to rescue Florida's coastal animals and assist in rehabilitating our birds and beaches.

"Florida Audubon is focused on protecting birds and habitats during and after this disastrous oil spill," said Eric Draper, Florida Audubon president. "Audubon connects people with nature so we can all join in the fight to keep the sand clean, the marshes and beaches alive, and our birds flying. We welcome Simon Malls as collaborators connecting their customers with the great cause of protecting our beautiful state and living beaches."

"Simon Property Group is proud to support Florida Audubon to raise awareness for our shorebirds and seabirds that are under potential threat from the Gulf oil spill," said Lynnette Lauria, regional vice president of marketing, Florida, Simon Property Group.  "We are thrilled that our malls will serve as a venue in support of this important effort as so many people want to help the many helpless creatures."

For more information about Simon Property Group, please visit www.simon.com.  For more information on how you can help Florida Audubon’s Gulf oil spill response, please visit www.audubonoffloridanews.org.

07/22/10 9:07 am

Miami MetroZoo is now Zoo Miami!

Happy Birthday to the Miami MetroZoo! It started out as Crandon Park Zoo way back in 1948, but this weekend is the 30th birthday of the Miami MetroZoo we all know and love, and it is now growing into Zoo Miami, which will soon include a water park and hotel on the property. As part of the celebration, Zoo Miami is offering 1980 admission prices - only $5! - as well as many other special events from July 3-5. A story on the NBC6 website said that, "A resolution to change the name, which was passed by the county commission, said " 'the name Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens is more consistent with that of other leading world-class zoos and better encompasses the variety of flora and fauna found at Miami MetroZoo.'

Zoo communications director Ron Magill said he likes the change and felt the word 'Metro' in the title was dated." Check out the great new Zoo Miami logo right here, and read on for some highlights of big events in the history of one of the top 10 zoos in the United States.

1948
• Located on 53 ½ acres in the south end of Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Crandon Park Zoo is created when three monkeys, one goat and two black bears are purchased for $270 from a small road show stranded near Miami.

1955 – 1956
• Development of the Children’s Zoo begins at the Crandon Park Zoo.
• The Zoological Society of Florida is born.

1965
• Crandon Park Zoo grows into one of the major zoos in the country with more than 1,000 animals representing approximately 380 species.
• Hurricane Betsy puts three feet of water over most of the zoo and causes the death of 250 animals.

1967
• The animal collection grows to an estimated 1,200 animals, resulting in the Crandon Park Zoo being ranked among the top 25 zoos in the United States.
• The zoo receives worldwide recognition for the first successful captive birth and rearing of an aardvark.
• The zoo receives a pair of Asian elephants, Dahlip and Seetna, who mature and produce two offspring – still a rather rare accomplishment in zoological collections.

1968
• Crandon Park Zoo receives a white tiger - only the second of its kind to be brought into the United States.

1970
• The rarest animals to be exhibited at the Crandon Park Zoo arrive: a pair of Indian rhinos.
• Crandon Park Zoo receives the first Key deer ever taken out of the Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge.

1973
• Two southern bald eagles are hatched - the first successful captive hatching in more than 50 years.
• A two-year-old black rhino named Cora – the first animal purchased from bond issue funds specifically for the new zoo –– arrives at Crandon Park Zoo.

1975
• Construction begins in the fall on the perimeter moat, fence and the quarantine building at the new zoo in Southwest Miami-Dade (its current location today).

1976
• The perimeter moat, fence and quarantine building are completed in the early part of the year at the new zoo.

1980
• In December, The Preview Center, consisting of the initial 12 exhibits opens to the public under its new name – Miami Metrozoo.

1981
• The first major section, Asia, opens on December 12 with a total of 38 exhibits that cover 160 acres.
• A “Piece of the Past� souvenir suede bag containing a piece of the original bars used to cage the animals at the Crandon Park Zoo is given out as a literal and figurative representation that bars will no longer be used to house zoo animals.

1982
• On December 4, an additional 25-acre exhibit area opens featuring six new exhibits of African hoofed stock.

1984
• The monorail, under construction for about a year, opens to the public.
• On December 28, the Wings of Asia exhibit, a 1.6-acre free-flight aviary, opens.

1985
• On December 18, three new exhibits of African hoofed stock open and lengthen the African section.

1986
• During fall and winter, the African elephant and black rhino exhibits open in the African section.

1988
• The Australian section of the zoo is unveiled, featuring koalas, kangaroos and wallabies.

1989
• The east coast’s first koala is born at Miami Metrozoo.
• PAWS, the children's petting zoo, opens and replaces the original area called Sulawasi.

1990
• The Asian River Life exhibit opens to the public, featuring small-clawed Asian otters, a blood python, Malayan water monitor, clouded leopards, land tortoises, muntjac deer, demoiselle cranes, and fly-river turtles.

• On August 24, Hurricane Andrew devastates Miami Dade County and Miami Metrozoo. More than 5,000 trees are lost and the 1.6-acre free-flight aviary, Wings of Asia, built to withstand winds of up to 120 mph, is reduced to a pile of rubbish and twisted netting. More than 100 exotic birds, which represented the finest collection of Asian birds anywhere, are lost. Many animals are temporarily housed at other zoos and facilities.

• Through donations and relentless work by staff and volunteers, the zoo starts regaining its former life and on December 18, and although considerably different, it reopens.
1993-1995

• In July of 1993, many animals are returned to their home at Metrozoo and 7,000 new trees are planted to restore a natural canopy to animals and visitors.

• In December 1995, the relocated koalas return to Metrozoo.

1996
• On January 26, the Falcon Batchelor Komodo Dragon Encounter, featuring the largest lizards on earth, opens to the public.

1998
• A clutch of 27 Komodo dragons – at the time the largest clutch to be hatched in captivity outside of Indonesia – hatches at Miami Metrozoo; it is still the largest clutch in captivity.

1999
• The Andean condor exhibit opens.

2000
• The meerkat exhibit opens.

2001
• The Cuban crocodile and squirrel monkey exhibits open.
• Dr. Wilde’s World, the first indoor air-conditioned facility at the zoo, opens. The 7,000-square-foot museum gallery and educational facility houses unique traveling zoological exhibits, animals, and classrooms.

2003
• On May 3, the American Bankers Family Aviary – Wings of Asia – opens as the largest aviary in the western hemisphere with more than 300 birds representing more than 60 species.

2006
• In October, the Samburu Giraffe Feeding Station opens at the reticulated giraffe, ostrich and gazelle exhibit. For a small fee, visitors can feed the giraffes their favorite healthy greens and literally have the giraffes “eating out of the palm of their hand.�

2008
• In June, $5 camel rides begin operating at the Children's Zoo. High atop a graceful dromedary camel, visitors experience the traditional form of transportation used by the desert people of Africa and Asia for thousands of years.
• In December, Amazon & Beyond exhibit opens with 27 acres of tropical American flora and fauna. It features three diverse regions – the Cloud, Amazon, and Atlantic forests – with more than 600 animals, including jaguars, an anaconda, harpy eagles, giant river otters, crocodiles, venomous snakes, frogs, and thousands of tropical plants and flowers.

2010
• On July 4, Miami Metrozoo celebrates its 30th birthday with the unveiling of a new name, logo, look, front entrance sign and a community celebration.
• Rhino encounter area opens.

2011
• New Children’s Zoo Wacky Barn opens.
• New Oasis Grille playgrounds open with jungle and rain forest themes.
• New amphitheater opens.

2013
• New Florida exhibit and inside front entry open

07/02/10 9:31 am

Miami Spa Month - Great Deals in July!

06/28/10 11:18 am

Father's Day Specials at Village of Merrick Park

Godiva
Father’s Day Truffle Gift Box - Dad always wanted what was best for you - and now it's payback time. This Father's Day, give him exquisite Godiva chocolate truffles. An 18 pc. assortment includes Roasted Almond Truffle in milk chocolate, Double Chocolate Raspberry Truffle in dark chocolate, Hazelnut Praline Truffle in milk chocolate, French Vanilla Truffle in dark chocolate, Smooth Coconut Truffle in milk chocolate, and more. Finished with a blue grosgrain ribbon to wish him a very happy Father's Day.
Price: $38



Edward Beiner
Merrick Sunglasses - A classic-cool, Clark Kent style frame for men. Geek chic and striking, this style is available in black, tortoise shell, clear and a highly unusual, double tone of black and clear. Innovative, original and sophisticated, Edward Beiner’s 2010 collection of vintage style frames is reflective of the finer things in life. This collection distinguishes itself through extraordinary design, unparalleled elegance and fashionable flair. Miami chic has never looked so good! Price: $280

Elemis Spa
The revolutionary Time for Men range from Elemis consists of 10 power-packed treatment products that deliver the ultimate three-phase grooming program: Cleanse, Shave, Protect and Anti-Age. Products include: Eye Reviver, Wrinkle delay, S.O.S. Survival, Daily Moisture Boost, Smooth Results Shave Oil, Deep Cleanse Facial Wash, Post Shave Recovery Mask, Energizing Skin Scrub, Ice Cool Foaming Gel and Skin Smooth Shave Gel. Price: $497

Equinox
Father’s Day is a special day for dad to relax and rejuvenate. Indulge dad with a treatment from The Spa at Equinox or visit The Shop at Equinox and give him a gift set from Kiehl’s so he can put his best face forward. Choose from a variety of options including “Be a Good Sport�, a 50- minute sports massage for $99 or “Big Daddy�, a 50 minute massage and 25 minute body scrub for $140. All gifts can be customized to fit dad’s personal preference.


Yard House
Earn a $10 bonus gift card with every $50 purchased in Yard House gift cards.

Canali
Canali men’s swimsuit. Price: $275

Neiman Marcus
Leather Passport Cover – Help dad travel in style with an embossed “Passport: United States of America�. Available in black, tan or burgundy leather. Price: $40

Lacoste
Red! Collection Long Sleeve Poplin Mini Check Shirt Price: $110

Tourneau
The Tourneau Classic 1900 BIG BOY Mechanical Time piece, 38 hour power reserve, 45 mm case, porcelain lacquer dial with blue hands and sub second dial, stainless steel case, Arabic numbers as hours. Case back skeletonized movement to display the balance wheel. Louisiana Alligator Strap. Price: $1,950

06/18/10 9:08 am

Celebrating the 4th of July in South Florida

Lots of great things to do on the 4th - almost every part of South Florida has its own fireworks show and celebration!

The image here is from the Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce's Grove Stars on the 4th. It is the official signed art by Andrea Cordero of Arts and Minds Academy. She is a second year Junior. “This piece is meant to emulate the significance of Independence Day and the tropical ambience of Coconut Grove. The uppermost part of the peacock’s neck symbolizes the blue fraction of the flag, which signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. Due to the peacocks instinctive beauty I decided to retain its appealing colors within the feathers. The peacock’s tailpiece was meant to show the balance and harmony between the bird and the flag. The palm tree resembles the refreshing scene of Coconut Grove and its seafront view. The peacock was meant to perch on the tree to deliver the sense of pride because it carries the American flag within its feathers.� - Andrea Cordero

51st Annual Key Biscayne 4th of July Parade: 11am. Watch Crandon Boulevard come alive with a whimsical parade of floats, high school marching bands and street entertainers in the style of a traditional small-town celebration. The day-long event also includes a fireworks presentation at sunset. Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, 305-361-5207. www.keybiscayne.fl.gov

An American Celebration: July 4th on Miami Beach: 7:30pm. The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual patriotic celebration of music and fireworks; free and open to the publc. Please come early and bring beach chairs and towels. No cooler or bottles are permitted on the beach. Ocean Dr. & 10th St., 305-672-1270.

Fourth of July at Bayfront Park: 4pm-9pm. 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! Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., downtown Miami, 305-358-7550, www.bayfrontparkmiami.com

Grove Stars on 4th of July: 11am. Celebrate the Nation’s Birthday in Grove style, during the “Grove Stars on 4th of July,� featuring a children’s area, Roast Pig & Wild Boar Cook Off, free music and entertainment topped off by an exquisite fireworks display! Events in the Grove start at 11am with the Picnic at the Barnacle, scavenger hunt and hot dog eating contest in downtown Grove and followed by events at Peacock Park. 2820 McFarlane Rd., Coconut Grove, 305-444-7270. www.coconutgrovechamber.com

Gulfstream Park: 4pm-10pm. Live entertainment from the David Rey band from 7-9pm is just part of the fun at Gulfstream Park this Fourth of July! Fireworks at 9pm cap a great evening that includes an "All American Buffet" at Ten Palms Restaurant beginning at 5pm ($17.76 per person for buffet; call 954-455-6760 for reservations). US 1, Hallandale Beach, www.gulfstreampark.com

06/17/10 7:49 am

Dinosaurs Invade Miami Children's Museum!

Hordes of Jurassic reptiles will be roaming around the Miami Children’s Museum (MCM) as Dino Island makes its exciting debut. From June 5 to January 2, 2011, the dinosaurs will make their home at the Museum. MCM and Kokoro, the originators and innovators of museum-quality robotic dinosaurs, have collaborated to transform the Museum’s What’s New? Gallery into a prehistoric adventureland for the entire family.

Enter a time machine and journey back 230 million years into the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods when giant dinosaurs roamed the earth! Visitors young and old can explore the 2,500 square feet of custom sets that are home for nine life-like, robotic creatures, including a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Apatosaurus, Triceratops mother and baby, Maiasaura family and a suspended Pteradon. See them walking, feeding, roaring, fighting, hatching and caring for their young, all acting and interacting with captivating realism. Beware the volcano that erupts periodically with sound, lights and smoke! Experience a murky swamp with bubbling water, and relax in a cave with a “fireside� reading nook area and much, much more.

Dino Island will entertain and educate as children learn about scale through an interactive light display, experience the magnitude of dinosaurs’ size with a life size footprint, learn the difference between meat and plant eating dinosaurs, and discover the evolution of dinosaurs into birds, their closest living descendents. In addition to fulfilling the fascination children have as they shudder with excitement at the majesty of these creatures, families will experience dinosaur habitats, unearth mysteries at a fun fossil dig station, and create unique pieces of art at rub stations.

Dino Island is a marvelous adventure of self-discovery for the whole family, only at Miami Children’s Museum, 980 MacArthur Causeway, on Watson Island, in Miami. Entrance to the exhibit is included in each regular admission to the Museum. Admission is $15 for adults and children, $12 for Florida Residents, free for children under 1 year and admission for Members is complimentary. For more information, contact the Museum at 305.373.KIDS (5437) or visit www.miamichildrensmuseum.org.

06/04/10 9:13 am

7th Annual Greynolds Park Love-In

The Greynolds Park Love-In is a celebration of the 1960s with music, vintage clothing and memorabilia. Once a hangout of the "flower child," Greynolds Park during the 1960s was the site in Miami for jam sessions, poetry   readings and peaceful demonstrations. That spirit is captured in the annual Love-In, when approximately 5,000 groovy guys and gals turn out for the one-day event which features a live concert with a national act from the '60s and activities for the entire family. This year, rock music legend "The Grass Roots" starring original lead singer Rob Grill headlines in concert with famous hits such as  "Midnight Confessions," "Let's Live For Today" and "I'd Wait A Million Years." Also performing are Rewind, The Fit, Been There Done That, and Blackstar. Previous national artists have included Mitch Ryder, The Spencer Davis Group; Joey Molland's Bad Finger; The Classic Rock All Stars; The Guess Who; Chuck Negron; and Richie Havens. The family will enjoy a host of activities and exhibits which include a 60s costume contest, 60s-style vendors,  a fun Kids Zone, food and drink vendors, arts and crafts, Hula-Hoop contest, Frisbee throwing contest, tie-dying tee-shirts, hippie photo opportunities and idewalk chalk drawing for children.  Greynolds Park 17530 W. Dixie Highway, N. Miami Beach Entrance at 22 Avenue and NE 186 Street 305-945-3425 Click here to view a map. Greynolds Park Love In Sunday, May 16, 2010 11 am- 6:30 pmFree Admission $10/vehicle parking fee.  Coolers are not allowed.

05/03/10 8:56 am

Everybody wins at Gulfstream Park!

03/16/10 12:23 pm

Lights, Camera, Action!

The beauty of Miami's tropical environment and beaches have been the setting for many television shows, movies and commercials since moving pictures were invented; the earliest film made in Miami was a short silent comedy called The Taming of Mary - in 1912!  The film and television production industries are an important part of Miami's economy.  According to FilMiami, a Miami-Dade County agency that keeps track of on-going projects, as well as issuing permits for work, in February, 2010, alone, productions added more than $16.5 million to the Miami economy and employed more than 1700 local people.  More than 200 production permits have been issued in just the first two months of 2010. On an annual basis, according to Filmiami, "The Film & Entertainment Industry employs approximately 10,000 full and part time workers and has an annual impact of $2 billion dollars to the local economy with permitted productions contributing more than $150 million." 


There are shows set in Miami which were never filmed here; The Golden Girls is one of the best known, as is the classic 1950s movie Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. Even CSI: Miami only tapes in Miami when there are shots that can't be done elsewhere, such as skyline or Everglades scenes. The rest of the time, the show films in Los Angeles. Before re-locating to Los Angeles, FX's top drama Nip/Tuck was also set in Miami but didn't film here.  There are also productions which are taped or filmed in South Florida that are NOT supposed to be set here, but that's far less common because Miami is far too distinctive-looking to stand in for any other city! 


Of course, the largest category of productions made in South Florida are those which are both set in and made here. The beaches, sun, sparkling water, tropical foliage and wildlife are almost always included in those projects. While the most famous TV show ever made here, Miami Vice, put Miami and Miami Beach back in the public eye and is credited with rejuvenating and reviving Miami, current hot series set here include USA Network's Burn Notice, the #1 rated original show on cable, and Showtime's critical darling Dexter. Even classic series Flipper and Gentle Ben were made in South Florida, although their settings couldn't be more different; Flipper was made at the beach while Gentle Ben was set in the Florida Everglades. 

Movie-making in Miami has produced some of the most exciting and sexy movies ever, including Scarface, Body Heat, Wild Things, Bad Boys, Out of Sight (from the novel by Miami author Elmore Leonard), Any Given Sunday, Goldfinger, Thunderball, The Transporter 2 and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Comedies made in and about Miami include The BidAce Ventura: Pet Detective, There's Something About Mary, Marley and Me, Meet the Fockers, Police Academy 5 & Revenge of the Nerds 2, and the classic coming-of-age movie Porky's, partially filmed in what is now Oleta River State Park in North Miami Beach. 


Even the reality TV craze has left its mark on Miami. The 1996 season of MTV's The Real World was made here and has been followed by a season of Top Chef, a Key West version of The Real World, occasional episodes of Hogan Knows Best and Brooke Knows Best, as well as A&E's popular Miami Ink, about a South Beach tattoo parlor. The 1960s incarnation of The Jackie Gleason Show also broadcast from Miami Beach, and is commemorated by the Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater on the beach. 


With Univision, Telemundo and TeleFutura based in Miami, there's always a lot going on in the Spanish-language TV world. Telenovelas, Spanish-language soap operas, are huge hits for these networks. They are also recognized for their excellent local programming and news coverage of the Spanish-speaking world. During the recent earthquake in Chile, MSNBC regularly cut to the Hialeah headquarters of Telemundo for updates because Telemundo already had reporters in Chile. 

03/05/10 11:16 am

Miami's Art Scene Is HOT!

02/26/10 11:58 am

Miami's Famous Firsts!

Miami is the first and only major city in the US conceived by a woman, Julia Tuttle, who is regarded as the "mother of Miami."

02/26/10 10:21 am

Who Are Collins and Flagler Anyway?

02/26/10 9:42 am

Primer for South Florida Cuisine

02/26/10 9:29 am

Sea Turtle Nesting on Florida's Beaches

02/26/10 9:24 am

Guide to Miami's Native Plant Life

02/26/10 8:59 am

Boom to Bust! Great Deals on Miami Area Real Estate

Miami was one of the first real estate boom areas to start to bust, but that downturn is also bringing good news to potential investors in South Florida real estate. Prices in all areas of Miami-Dade and Broward counties have significantly dropped since the top of the real estate boom in 2006, through the second quarter of 2009.

02/26/10 8:58 am

DeBunking the Orange Blossom Myth, by Seth Bramson

02/26/10 8:51 am

Go Wild in South Florida!

02/26/10 8:14 am