Trip Report: Hawks Cay

For those of you who attended the Spring Fling, you remember that there was a door prize for two nights stay at Hawks Cay on Duck Key. Well, I am the least lucky person when it comes to drawings or sweepstakes so you can imagine how surprised I was when the officer on duty pulled my name from the hat. In fact, I was fixing a batch of margaritas when people called me and said I was wanted outside by the police officer. My first thought was, oh no, did someone park on a neighbors lawn! Well it was a pleasant surprise and I must thank Cheryl Andrews for arranging the door prize from her client.

Janice and I decided to use the certificate to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary this past weekend and we had a wonderful time. Our room was very nicely appointed with a comfortable bed and spacious bathroom. The hotel staff were very friendly and accommodating. The grounds were well groomed and there was a dolphin exhibit at the lagoon. I enjoyed an ahi tuna snack at the pool bar which was outstanding and the bartender had no issue with pouring a good drink. Janice and I took advantage of the “tranquility zone” also known as the adult pool as the family pool was a bit too happening for us empty nesters. We also explored the nearby marina where all kinds of activities from scuba to deep sea fishing are offered. We only wish we had a little more time… I’m sure we will go back.

I’m including a few photos from our stay for those of you who are considering a visit.

[flagallery gid=6 name=’Duck Key, Florida’]

Miami Vehicular Protection Request (Hurricanes)

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El Nino is ending and hurricane landfall probabilities are up this year. However, there is still time to register your vehicle for free parking in the Oak St garage in the event of a hurricane.

Many of our neighbors do not have garages and their vehicles are subject to damages by a hurricane. The City of Miami will allow registered residents to park in the municipal garages if they have properly registered their vehicles IN ADVANCE OF THE EVENT. Parking is available on a first come basis for registered residents.

Registration via the Miami Parking website is fairly quick but it must be complete before June 30 each year.

You will need an uploadable document proving you live in the city limits of Miami. I suggest a phone snapshot of your driver license. Have it on your computer before your begin the registration process.

Additionally, this year, you will need to create an account with the City prior to registering. Its easy but takes one additional step.

Its a bit hard to find the registration page on the Miami Parking website so I’ve included it here for your convenience:

https://www.miamiparking.com/miami-vehicular-protection/

You will be mailed a decal to place in your car to identify you as a registered vehicle owner. The registration form lacks a place to add your address so I recommend putting a request to mail the decal to you with your mailing address in the comments box.

Good luck and lets hope we don’t need to use the garage this hurricane season.

Crime Watch: Assault at Gunpoint

Assault at gunpoint on Freeman Street

PLEASE BEWARE:

From a resident: Last night at 1:00 in the morning my neighbor’s son who was visiting drove into the driveway and was assaulted at gunpoint by (3) men wearing hoodies and gloves. They were driving a newish white Range Rover. The men wanted his keys and wallet. They put him a choke hold while taking his wallet. When he handed the guys his keys to the car, they dropped them in the grass and then got very upset and told him they were going to “put him to sleep”. My neighbor’s son started screaming and then the dog inside started barking and the guys ran away.

Commander Morales’ response:

Additional Reminder from Commander Morales… from a phone conversation 5/23/2016 :

1. Be mindful of your surroundings
2. Leave nothing in your cars 
3. Lock your cars!
4. Leave nothing interesting outside your house.
5. Make no reason for for them to come into our neighborhood.

If you think or feel that someone is following you, call the police and drive to a very well lighted, commercial location. Do not get out of the car until the police arrive.

“Bikes vs. Cars” film at Cocowalk

On Wed., March 16, Bike Coconut Grove is hosting the exclusive Miami screening of an award-winning new documentary film, “Bikes vs. Cars,” which shows how five major world cities are dealing with traffic and congestion. The screening will be at the Cinepolis Cinemas in Cocowalk, beginning at 7 p.m. with a pre-screening party in the theater’s café area. The tax-deductible ticket price of $20 includes refreshments and beer or wine. Bike Coconut Grove is offering bike valet parking in the Cocowalk garage (enter from Grand Ave.).

Bikes vs Cars

“Bikes vs. Cars” is a 90-minute documentary about the struggle to control traffic in five major world cities: Los Angeles, Sao Paolo, Bogota, Copenhagen, and Toronto. Some of them are encouraging bicycling, but others are not. All points of view are represented, including motorists.

If you want to see how other cities are solving (or not solving) their traffic problems, this lively, controversial film tells their story. An added bonus will be the Q&A session at the conclusion of the film moderated by Andres Viglucci of the Miami Herald and Ray Fort of Arquitectonica.

 
The best way to buy tickets is online and in advance. Go to the Bike Coconut Grove website to purchase your tickets now.

Even if you can’t attend the screening, please consider buying tickets. Bike Coconut Grove will make them available to high school students, and you’ll be making a tax-deductible donation to support efforts to make Coconut Grove safer and more convenient for bicyclists and pedestrians.

This message is posted as a community service announcement. Utopia Homeowners Security Association is not affiliated with Bikes vs Cars or Bike Coconut Grove.