Miami officials have been on a steadfast mission to figure out brainstorming ways of creating another connection between Miami and Miami Beach aside from the MacArthur Causeway and the Julia Tuttle. As discussions continue, officials appear to agree that the southern side of the MacArthur should be the location. As for the method of transport, a pod car is one of the many different transportation methods that have been proposed.

Now, the two cities are discussing an idea that might see a monorail becoming the method of transport. The plan would involve an elevated track running a little more than three miles, with a pair of trains designed to comfortably fit a maximum of 300 passengers. The trains will travel at around fifty miles per hour, meaning roughly twelve trips could be done per hour. Although the price of fares has not been thoroughly discussed, the price would likely hover around $5 per ride. The project may result in the creation of over 2,500 jobs.

The monorail would drop by Fifth Street in Miami Beach and it is possible another stop in the barrier island may be added. In Miami, the MetroMover would take passengers to MiamiCentral where they would then be able to grab a train to Miami International Airport.

For more information on the project, please visit https://www.bisnow.com/south-florida/news/technology/monorail-miami-beach-104746.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

Some major news is coming out of one of Miami Beach’s most popular and well-known hotspots. The iconic Clevelander South Beach is reopening its kitchen and bar for dining services at its patio and pool area. As a result of the closure of Ocean Drive to vehicular traffic, the area has also undergone an expansion to accommodate social distancing regulations. Those wishing to experience a taste of the art deco hotel’s cuisine will have the option of lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch menu.

If you’re interested in trying something from the Clevelander menu, some of the lunch and dinner options include classic grilled churrasco steak, burgers, grilled buffalo wings, and more. For those wanting to experience the weekend brunch, the menu will offer items like maple cinnamon waffles and avocado huevos rancheros. As one might expect of the Clevelander, guests can also look forward to a variety of drink specials.

It’s worth noting that not all of the Clevelander’s popular areas have reopened. Areas such as the C-LEVEL Rooftop terrace and the SPF 4 Sun Deck will remain closed.

Make sure to bring a photo ID. If you’re a local, you’ll get 20 percent off food and drink during the summer.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

Just about every restaurant has opted to provide outdoor seating as social distancing rules in effect. Places that may never have imagined themselves provided al fresco dining options are now having guests sit outside. Hand sanitizing stations have proliferated and social distancing is mandatory at practically all times as long as you’re not eating. If you’re thinking about dining out this weekend, her are a few things to potentially expect.

The congestion of Ocean Drive has been relieved as the popular thoroughfare is closed to vehicular traffic along with several other streets in Miami Beach. You’ll notice several different restaurants with tables and umbrellas set up.

A perennial favorite in South Beach, Nikki Beach is up and running but tables are limited to four people or six if everyone is part of the same household. As with other restaurants, tables have been sufficiently spaced apart. You won’t find valet and masks must be worn to be seated.

Lincoln Road has seen about half of its restaurants reopen for business while the others are tentatively expected to do so on June 1. Although the roadway has been pedestrian-friendly for decades, expect to see a couple of differences when it comes to the table distances.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

Numerous events have been canceled or re-imagined because of the pandemic. However, the director of what is perhaps the biggest December event in Miami Beach is making it known that things will proceed as planned. The famous showcase of art better known as Art Basel is still happening later this year. Art Basel is a highly anticipated event that takes place during Miami Art Week, which draws the attention of countless art fans.

Although Art Basel Miami Beach is scheduled to proceed as planned, the organizers behind the event are well aware that conditions may change and it may be necessary to take some action. Because of the pandemic, the Art Basel events in Hong Kong were canceled back in March, while the Swiss Art Basel was postponed from June and is now scheduled for the month of September.

In cooperation with the host city, Art Basel partners with local communities to help cultivate and grow art programs. Although Art Basel provides a forum for galleries to exhibit and sell their work to customers, art spectators and students have helped to broaden the appeal to a deep international audience.

Are you excited to see the return of Art Basel?

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

Those with a sense of insatiable wanderlust as they remain indoors due to the pandemic may want to pay close attention. Miami Beach’s new social campaign is all about inspiring those that would like to experience the unique lifestyle of the barrier island.

Anyone looking to add some flavor from Miami Beach into their home routines may qualify to win one of four holiday boxes during the “From Miami Beach, With Love” campaign. To enter, users should comment on Instagram’s sweepstakes images with the first Miami Beach spot they wish to visit and tag a friend they’d like to bring along on the adventure. “From Miami Beach, With Love” holiday gift boxes will provide winners with a range of items to help them enjoy some of the main elements of Miami Beach including beauty, fashion, fitness, and even culinary. Information on how to enter for the chance to win now through the 17^th of June will be updated weekly.

Should you wish to participate, make sure to follow @ExperienceMiamiBeach on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. You should also follow @EmiamiBeach on Twitter. For more information including rules and regulations, check out the following link: https://www.miamibeachvca.com/newsroom/news/miami-beach-vacation-box-sweepstakes-official-rules.stml?preview=54226.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

As Miami Beach moves to allow restaurants to re-open under certain restrictions and policies, one notable eatery will be opting out and will remain closed, albeit with some options for customers in place.

One of the city’s oldest restaurants yet a perennial favorite, Joe’s Stone Crab typically remains closed for the summer anyway but those wishing to try some of its legendary food options can take advantage of Joe’s Take Away. The restaurant is expected to open its doors in October with restrictions in place including operating at fifty percent capacity,

Opening its doors in 1913 by its namesake Joe Weiss, Joe’s Stone Crab has become a landmark of sorts in Miami Beach and continues to draw major crowds. Athletes, politicians, and actors have dined at the restaurant and it’s even made several film appearances, including The Mean Season in 1985 and the 2002 film Big Trouble starring Tim Allen. It has also earned the distinction of being the Highest Grossing Independent Restaurant in the United States several times, with sales of nearly $40 million.

Joe’s Stone Crab is located in the South Beach area. Its address is 11 Washington Avenue.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

If you’re concerned about COVID-19 and want to make sure you’re free of the virus, you may have thought about visiting one of the testing sites. However, most of these may be far from Miami Beach, they were/are relegated to those that show symptoms, or they may be open to those that are asymptomatic but require an appointment.

All of that is changing now.

There is now a COVID-19 test site open in the barrier island, at the Miami Beach Convention Center to be precise. It is a combination of drive-thru and walk-ups. Someone who is eighteen years of age or older can visit the site to be checked and, if supported by a parent or guardian, children can do so as well. Similar to the testing site in Miami that opened at Charles Hadley Park, patients are not necessarily expected to be screened for visible symptoms. However, unlike the test site in Miami, no appointments are needed.

The COVID-19 test site at Miami Beach is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Testing is limited to a maximum of five per car for those who are using the drive-thru and everyone in the car will need to have an ID and wear a face mask.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

This weekend, many of us will be recognizing one of the most important people in our lives: mothers. Mother’s Day is on Sunday but due to a certain virus, the tradition of taking mom to eat at her favorite restaurant isn’t feasible. No need too much, however, Several restaurants throughout Miami and beyond are cooking up specials on mom’s special day.

The restaurant RWSB at W South Beach is offering a full three-course menu for just $39 a person via curbside pickup. Opt for some avocado toast or grilled octopus, go for a bit of slow-braised beef bourguignon, and throw in some fresh fruit tart. Customers can call directly or use apps like Uber Eats and Postmates.

Pubbelly sushi recently debuted a new sushi cake capable of serving six to eight people that comes with freshly pressed juice to prepare mimosas as well as a bottle of sparkling wine. The restaurant has several different locations, including one right here in Miami Beach.

Semilla is a French bistro on Alton Road offering seven-course gift boxes for two. The gift boxes feature avocado toast accompanied by smoked salmon, organic quinoa, and more. They’ll also throw in a gift bag with skincare products for mom.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.

Miami Beach recently revealed its tentative plans to re-open the barrier island, a plan expected to be carried out in a series of phases. These plans were presented to the city by the Finance and Economic Committee and will begin with the re-opening of the city’s restaurants.

Despite the plans, there is no intention of proceeding with them unless Miami Beach sees at least fourteen days of COVID-19 cases drop. Although no specific date has been set, city commissioners are anticipating that the re-opening plan could begin to go into effect around the middle or the end of May. Again, this will depend on whether cases of infection and hospital numbers do indeed begin to decrease.

As for phase one of the plan, restaurants would be limited to a maximum of fifty percent capacity and there would be a required six-foot minimum distance between the tables. Guests would be allowed to sit outside but seats at the bars would remain closed. Employees will also be required to face masks and they would also need to work staggered shifts.

It’s worth noting that hotels nor beaches are part of the initial phase.

Blackstone International Realty, LLC provides buyers, sellers, and renters with the access to exceptional properties – both on and off the market – in the Miami Beach luxury real estate market, and throughout South Florida. Each agent is thoroughly trained to provide clients with exceptional service, competency, and professionalism. For more information on the company or Continuum in South Beach call 305-588-2451.