Miami Beach http://blog.wlrn.org en Two Visions Of New Miami Beach Convention Center Emerge http://blog.wlrn.org/post/two-visions-new-miami-beach-convention-center-emerge <p><span style="color: rgb(26, 39, 50); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 19px; text-align: left; "><a href="http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/14/3397269/two-teams-vying-for-miami-beach.html" target="_blank">In their first fully fleshed-out presentations on Tuesday, the developers competing to redevelop the Miami Beach Convention Center area described a vibrant new urban district of interconnected green spaces and cultural opportunities anchored by cutting-edge designs</a> — even as they crossed swords over which plan would yield more benefits to the city at a better cos Wed, 15 May 2013 17:44:39 +0000 Christina Veiga and Andres Viglucci 14104 at http://blog.wlrn.org Two Visions Of New Miami Beach Convention Center Emerge New Plan Preserves Jackie Gleason Theater In Miami Beach http://blog.wlrn.org/post/new-plan-preserves-jackie-gleason-theater-miami-beach <p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 12px; padding: 0px; line-height: 19px; color: rgb(26, 39, 50); font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; ">One of the most contentious aspects of the plan to redevelop the Miami Beach Convention Center has been settled: The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater will stay.</p> Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:06:07 +0000 Christina Veiga 12938 at http://blog.wlrn.org New Plan Preserves Jackie Gleason Theater In Miami Beach True Story: a Hotel Heir, His Seductive Wife, and a Ruthless Murder at Miami Beach's Fontainebleau http://blog.wlrn.org/post/true-story-hotel-heir-his-seductive-wife-and-ruthless-murder-miami-beachs-fontainebleau <p></p><p></p><p></p> Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:00:00 +0000 Joseph Cooper, Bonnie Berman and Paul Leary 12535 at http://blog.wlrn.org True Story: a Hotel Heir, His Seductive Wife, and a Ruthless Murder at Miami Beach's Fontainebleau Thousands Celebrate Gay Pride In Miami Beach http://blog.wlrn.org/post/thousands-celebrate-gay-pride-miami-beach <p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5; ">Miami Beach is usually pretty colorful. Art Deco buildings boast vivid shades of pink and turquoise. Bright green palm trees line the streets year-round.</span></p><p>But this weekend the city is awash in every color of the rainbow in celebration of&nbsp;<a href="http://miamibeachgaypride.com/" target="_blank">Miami Beach Gay Pride</a>,&nbsp;and if last year is any indication, that means a massive throng of at least 60,000 people could flood Ocean Drive.</p> Sun, 14 Apr 2013 13:49:54 +0000 Allison Goodman 12209 at http://blog.wlrn.org Thousands Celebrate Gay Pride In Miami Beach 10 (And A Half) Things People Should Know Before Moving To Miami http://blog.wlrn.org/post/10-and-half-things-people-should-know-moving-miami <p><em>Community Contributor</em></p><p>I’m a Northern California boy, through and through. I grew up ten minutes north of Berkeley, went to college at Davis, about forty five minutes away, and then was fortunate enough to have the industry I went to school for bloom around me. I spent my post-university career living around the Bay Area, the last four years in the Mission in San Francisco. I am attuned to things that are uniquely San Francisco: burritos, surly Asian women serving me pho, co-workers into fringe politics, passive-aggressiveness.</p> Thu, 21 Feb 2013 12:01:40 +0000 Ernie Hsiung 9183 at http://blog.wlrn.org 10 (And A Half) Things People Should Know Before Moving To Miami Miami Beach's Frumpy Convention Center Is Going To Get A Facelift http://blog.wlrn.org/post/miami-beachs-frumpy-convention-center-going-get-facelift <p>The Miami Beach Commission is finally going to let investors, developers and architects renovate the Beach's old and frumpy looking convention center.</p><p>The convention has been the site for some big events in the city. For example, Art Basel has been hosted at the center for the past few years. But even though some hot events are hosted there, the convention center has maintained its old and outdated look.</p><p>That's about to change, though.</p> Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +0000 Ashley Lopez 6262 at http://blog.wlrn.org Miami Beach's Frumpy Convention Center Is Going To Get A Facelift Careful What You Ask A Fortune Telling Dog http://blog.wlrn.org/post/careful-what-you-ask-fortune-telling-dog <p></p><p></p><p><a href="http://www.wlrn.org/post/how-get-your-fortune-told-giant-smoke-breathing-dog">“The Black Lords” installation at Lords Hotel</a> emerged as one of the crowd favorites from Art Basel week.</p><p></p><p>Artist Desi Santiago was the man behind the epic-sized installation that featured a giant black dog wrapped around the Lords Hotel.</p><p></p><p>Called Gypsy, she breathed smoke and shot lasers from her eyes.</p><p></p> Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:30:00 +0000 Arianna Prothero 6100 at http://blog.wlrn.org Careful What You Ask A Fortune Telling Dog How To Get Your Fortune Told By A Giant, Smoke-Breathing Dog http://blog.wlrn.org/post/how-get-your-fortune-told-giant-smoke-breathing-dog <p></p><p></p><p></p><p>One of the great things about Art Basel week in South Florida is you get to see a lot of strange things in the form of both art and people. After a few Basels, you may start to feel like you’ve seen and done it all.</p><p></p><p>But I’ll bet you’ve never had your fortune told by a gigantic, smoke-breathing dog named Gypsy.</p><p></p><p>Artist Desi Santigo has created an epic-sized installation at the Lords Hotel on South Beach. Called “The Black Lords,” it is a giant, inflated black dog with glowing red eyes wrapped around the outside of the hotel.</p><p></p> Sat, 08 Dec 2012 14:30:00 +0000 Arianna Prothero 5970 at http://blog.wlrn.org How To Get Your Fortune Told By A Giant, Smoke-Breathing Dog Untitled Art Fair: New Kid On The Basel Block http://blog.wlrn.org/post/untitled-art-fair-new-kid-basel-block <p></p><p>The UNTITLED&nbsp;art fair is the new kid on the Basel block. It's the event’s first year.</p><p></p><p>The fair itself has a distinctly South Florida feel to it. The large, airy white tent has soft, filtered lighting and looks out over the ocean.&nbsp;Adding to the Miami vibe are the girls wandering around promoting various kinds of alcohol by handing out freebies.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Among them were the Hendricks gin girls, Jacqueline Sanabia and Kezia Linden, who, I thought, were wearing some pretty snazzy little hats.</p><p></p> Sat, 08 Dec 2012 13:07:35 +0000 Arianna Prothero 5971 at http://blog.wlrn.org Untitled Art Fair: New Kid On The Basel Block How To Basel: Aqua Hotel Is An Art Basel Oasis http://blog.wlrn.org/post/how-basel-aqua-hotel-art-basel-oasis <p></p><p></p><p>There is a lot to do in Miami during Art Basel so you may not want another item added to your list of “must sees.” Nevertheless, consider including this fair: Aqua Art Miami at the Aqua Hotel on Collins and 15th &nbsp;Street in Miami Beach.&nbsp;</p><p></p><p>The fair has a laid-back vibe, lots of art and a good-sized crowd that feels happening without being claustrophobic.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p> Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:14:34 +0000 Arianna Prothero 5891 at http://blog.wlrn.org How To Basel: Aqua Hotel Is An Art Basel Oasis So, You Like Space Flight? Naked People? Doggies? Art Basel Has Something For All http://blog.wlrn.org/post/so-you-space-flight-naked-people-doggies-art-basel-has-something-all <p></p><p>Often “Art Basel” is used as shorthand for the many arts events that coincide with the Art Basel fair itself, which takes place inside the Miami Beach Convention Center.&nbsp;</p><p>But throughout Miami, galleries and artists are exhibiting their work so there really is something for everyone this week. &nbsp;Below is a small sampling for various persuasions.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>You hate contemporary art</strong>: <a href="http://www.bassmuseum.org/art/the-endless-renaissance-six-solo-artist-projects/">Endless Renaissance</a> at the Bass Museum. &nbsp;</p> Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:30:00 +0000 Elaine Chen 5689 at http://blog.wlrn.org So, You Like Space Flight? Naked People? Doggies? Art Basel Has Something For All Several Protest David's Cafe On Miami Beach http://blog.wlrn.org/post/several-protest-davids-cafe-miami-beach <p>David's Café in Miami Beach is a popular campaign stop for politicians. Now, it's become a site for protest.</p><p></p><p>A group of former workers claims they are owed about $70,000 in unpaid wages from a satellite location that closed in July.</p><p></p><p>Carlos Perez was among the protestors outside the main restaurant on Collins Avenue in South Beach Tuesday. He claimed its owners offered to pay a fraction of his original wages.</p><p></p> Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:30:00 +0000 Arianna Prothero and Melissa Sanchez 3828 at http://blog.wlrn.org Several Protest David's Cafe On Miami Beach VIDEO: How A Miami Arts Lover Becomes An Artist http://blog.wlrn.org/post/video-how-miami-arts-lover-becomes-artist <p>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZ2KwvlSUSM</p><p>Here is an exclusive teaser of our newest documentary <a href="http://wlrn.org/post/rising-tide-story-miami-artists" target="_blank">Rising Tide: A Story of Miami Artists</a> with local artist <a href="http://www.monokian.com" target="_blank">Venessa Monokian</a>.&nbsp; She was an artist in residence with the <a href="http://www.artcentersf.org/" target="_blank">ArtCenter/South Florida</a> on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach when we caught up with her before Art Basel 2011.</p> Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:42:46 +0000 WLRN Staff 3622 at http://blog.wlrn.org VIDEO: How A Miami Arts Lover Becomes An Artist Surfers Get Ready To Ride Hurricane Sandy's (20 Foot) Waves http://blog.wlrn.org/post/surfers-get-ready-ride-hurricane-sandys-20-foot-waves <p>South Florida beaches are characteristically void of big, west coast waves. Visitors and residents alike can be seen swimming in the calm water, and sipping mojitos on the shore for relaxation.</p> Thu, 25 Oct 2012 21:38:31 +0000 Daniel Rivero 3563 at http://blog.wlrn.org Surfers Get Ready To Ride Hurricane Sandy's (20 Foot) Waves Ex-City Official, Alleged Cronies Charged In Miami Beach City Hall Bid-Rigging Case http://blog.wlrn.org/post/ex-city-official-alleged-cronies-charged-miami-beach-city-hall-bid-rigging-case <p></p><p>Miami-Dade prosecutors say Gus Lopez knew what others were bidding for city contracts in Miami Beach and he sold the information to help competitors submit lower and winning bids.</p><p></p><p>A former city procurement director, Lopez and business partner Pierre Landrin Jr., are accused of racketeering and unlawful compensation. Lopez' lawyer insists the charges are politically motivated.</p><p></p> Tue, 23 Oct 2012 11:44:57 +0000 Rick Stone 3379 at http://blog.wlrn.org Ex-City Official, Alleged Cronies Charged In Miami Beach City Hall Bid-Rigging Case Where To Watch The Presidential Debate In Miami (Stiff Drink In Hand, If Necessary) (Updated) http://blog.wlrn.org/post/where-watch-presidential-debate-miami-stiff-drink-hand-if-necessary-updated <p>During presidential debate nights, people in Miami may not congregate around giant screens at restaurants and bars, Super Bowl-style, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/best-bets/where-to-watch-presidential-debates,104746.html">as they do in Washington, D.C.</a></p><p>However, there are some places in Miami where you can watch the debates, whether you prefer watching the event with a group, want a steady flow of cocktails, or just wish to escape your <em>abuelo</em>'s or your sister's running commentary at home (list of watch parties and restaurants/bars follows).</p><p> Mon, 22 Oct 2012 12:07:43 +0000 Trina Sargalski 3246 at http://blog.wlrn.org Where To Watch The Presidential Debate In Miami (Stiff Drink In Hand, If Necessary) (Updated) Miami Beach Couple Desperate To Get Married Resorts To Reddit Over “Buzzkill” Florida Bureaucracy http://blog.wlrn.org/post/miami-beach-couple-desperate-get-married-resorts-reddit-over-buzzkill-florida-bureaucracy <p></p><p>We spotted this <a href="http://redd.it/119ewk">touching (and slightly bizarre) plea on Reddit</a> from "cosmicbrownies2," and couldn’t resist helping spread the word.</p><blockquote><p>Can anyone PLEASE marry us this weekend!?</p> Sat, 13 Oct 2012 18:22:15 +0000 Dan Grech 2856 at http://blog.wlrn.org Miami Beach Couple Desperate To Get Married Resorts To Reddit Over “Buzzkill” Florida Bureaucracy Obama And Romney's Big South Florida Donors http://blog.wlrn.org/post/obama-and-romneys-big-south-florida-donors <p>Not only are South Florida's votes key to the upcoming presidential election, but its residents are some big donors to the presidential campaigns, as well.</p><p><em>South Florida Business Journal</em> rounded up some of the biggest donors in the region to both <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/blog/morning-edition/2012/10/singer-marc-anthony-leads-parade-of.html">President Obama </a>and <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/blog/morning-edition/2012/10/wilbur-hilary-ross-lead-list-of.html">Mitt Romney's</a> campaigns.&nbsp;</p> Fri, 12 Oct 2012 19:31:59 +0000 Ashley Lopez 2820 at http://blog.wlrn.org Obama And Romney's Big South Florida Donors True South Florida Story: Helen And Her Three Husbands http://blog.wlrn.org/post/true-south-florida-story-helen-and-her-three-husbands <p><strong style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; ">Writer&nbsp;<span style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; pad Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:38:47 +0000 Maria de los Angeles 2439 at http://blog.wlrn.org True South Florida Story: Helen And Her Three Husbands Dear Miami http://blog.wlrn.org/post/dear-miami <p>Author Diana Abu-Jaber, who teaches at Portland State University, splits her time between Portland and Miami. In her ode to Miami, she compares the city to a disheveled party girl – beautiful but not the kind you settle down with. Before she came to Miami, people warned her that the city was a vacation destination, not a place to call home. Sure, everyone sees the superficial, but few see the heart and mind beneath the flash. For this Arab-American girl who couldn’t sit still in one place, the city understood her. Those who don’t quite fit in anywhere else, somehow do in Miami.</p> Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:55:26 +0000 Diana Abu-Jaber 2682 at http://blog.wlrn.org Dear Miami A Garage That’s All Glam http://blog.wlrn.org/post/garage-s-all-glam <p><a href="http://www.1111lincolnroad.com/" target="_blank">“Eleven-Eleven”</a> was&nbsp;designed by Herzog &amp; de Meuron, the&nbsp;architectural firm that produced the “<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beijing_National_Stadium" target="_blank">Birds Nest</a>” stadium in Beijing, and is also behind the&nbsp;new Miami Art Museum.</p><p>Developer Robert Wennett wanted to build a garage that would challenge assumptions about what a garage can be, and he wanted to make money off restaurant and retail leases. But he also wanted to create a&nbsp;public space.</p> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:52:36 +0000 Ruth Morris 2521 at http://blog.wlrn.org A Garage That’s All Glam