Author Archives: timallen

Teach Your Kids the Vital Skill of Swimming

South Florida has earned a reputation for being a paradise for those wanting to go for a cool swim. With all of the beaches and pools, swimming is a fun activity provided everyone knows how to swim. Children under the age of fourteen are particularly at risk of drowning, but thankfully there are plenty of places offering to teach the little ones how to stay afloat.

Parents that would like to ensure their kids learn how to swim won’t have to spend a dime if they decide to participate in Miami Beach Parks and Recreations complimentary Learn to Swim classes taking place over the summer. The lessons are available for children as young as six months are happening over at Flamingo Park Pool and at Normandy Isle Pool. Registration for the classes begins on Monday.

Children between the ages of six months to five years can also attend classes being held at Scott Rakow Youth Center on Sheridan Avenue, but these classes, as well as those being run by Miami Parks and recreation, are open exclusively to residents of Miami Beach. An adult must accompany children to all lessons and they must also wear swim diapers.

For those that are not residents of Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreations is hosting Learn2Swim lessons at more than ten locations throughout the county. Prices start at just $10.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach.If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

New Hurricane Coverage Fills the Gaps

Nothing gives Floridians more stress than having to worry about their options if and when a hurricane damages their homes. Flooding or roof damage is usually under separate policies and residents are on their own when it comes to evacuation expenses. Well, now there is a niche coverage that reimburses expenses paid out-of-pocket that are not covered by traditional insurance providers.

StormPeace, offered by Assured Risk Cover, offers to wire money to account holders within three days after a storm with no adjusters, inspections, or deductibles. They do require 45 days to submit proof of any and all losses. After Hurricane Irma hit last fall, nearly one third of insurance claims were closed without payment. This was because the estimated costs fell short of the policyholders’ deductibles, forcing them to pay the difference.

StormPeace has been well received. The Florida Association of Insurance Agents has endorsed it. It has also spurred the founding of competitors in other states hurricane vulnerable to hurricanes.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum South Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

The Fire on the Fourth Festival Returns

For those of you that don’t have any plans yet for the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, you may wish to consider visiting Miami Beach’s North Beach Bandshell Park. The park will serve as the host of the Fire on the Fourth Festival kicking off bright and early at 9 am with complimentary beach yoga. Around noon, the Kids Zone on the Sands will be open allowing the younger ones to participate in activities like face painting, rock climbing, potato sack racing, and much more.

For anyone who would like to give back in some way on Independence Day, Operation Thank You will be at the festival collecting cards to send to troops as a way of showing thanks for the brave, incredible work they do.

Of course, no event would be complete without some great music to enjoy. DJ Corey Chase will be taking care of musical duties beginning at noon. At 4 pm, local favorite Suenalo will take the stage. The band has earned the designation as Best Band by the Miami New Times three times. After dancing through the Junkanoo Parade, stick around to catch the musical stylings of Irma Thomas and The Professionals at 6:15 followed by Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band as the closing act.

The Fire on the Fourth Festival concludes with a spectacular firework show illuminating the Miami Beach skyline kicking off at 9 pm.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum North Tower for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on current sales and rentals.

Don’t Miss These Miami Beach Events!

Miami Beach always has something interesting going on, and this month is no exception. This month is chock-full of events like art performances and festivals. Make sure you don’t miss any of these events.

The entertainment industry loves Miami, and Miami loves the entertainment industry! This month is Miami Film Month, a month to celebrate showbiz and great art. Movie tickets will be $8 for participating art theaters like the Miami Beach Cinematheque.

Artists have gathered this month to host a program of art performances called Out in the Tropics 2018. These artists have a variety of different performances, from theater to music to spoken-word poetry. You can watch the artists perform at venues like the Miami Beach Botanical Garden and the Gleason Room at the Fillmore.

The Redland Summer Fruit Festival runs from June 23-24. This festival celebrates local agriculture and fruits. Vendors will feature unique cuisine and fruits. This festival takes place at the Fruit and Spice Park in Homestead.

The City Theater is running its Short Play Festival during June. The festival, which is called City Theater’s Summer Shorts, shows 10-minute plays and musicals that are family-friendly. This festival will be show the nation’s best short plays. The City Theater’s goal is to make you laugh as well as encourage thought.

You won’t be bored this month. There’s plenty to do in Miami Beach.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Cont i nuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-912-2046 for information on sales and rentals.

Miami Summertime To-Do List

Miami offers a wide array of activities to partake in solo or with the family, but ensuring that your summertime experience in Miami is memorable requires the knowledge of the best activities available. This to-do list will provide a solid foundation for adventures to come!

Duck Tours South Beach

Traverse through South Beach by sea and land in a supersized boat with wheels! This 90-minute Duck Tour will provide you with entertainment and exclusive insight on all that the city has to offer. Each tour will consist of a tour guide that will haul you to the most popular spots such as the Art Deco District, Fisher Island, and many more.

Miami Bike Rentals

Looking for a day that allows you to take a breezy stroll through Miami and help aid in your tanning regimen? Then renting a bike will surely satisfy you. Cruise on two wheels along the boardwalks and through the sunny streets of South Beach and take in that vacation vibe.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

This museum is a prime spot to visit all times of the year and the summertime season only adds to that hype due to the lush greenery surrounding everything. Surround yourself in the heavy aroma emitted from vibrant flowers as you take yourself on a journey through luxe European-inspired architecture.

Miami Seaquarium

Bury yourself upon the vast amount of oceanic creatures that are sure to intrigue you and the family. Situated across 38 acres, this aquarium houses some of the most exquisite and world-class sea life such as manatees, sea turtles, penguins, rays and more!

There you go! Just a few options for you and the family that will provide a great time and lasting memories.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Conti nuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-912-2046 for information on sales and rentals.

Sultry Summer Events in South Beach

Numerous Americans will be traveling for the summer and the odds are strong many of them will be heading to Miami Beach. There will be lots of things to see, do, and experience during the summer, and we’re here to tell you about a few of them.

Next month, Nikki Beach Club is getting into the patriotic spirit with the Red, White & Brunch celebration on Independence Day. Kicking off at 11 am, visitors can look forward to some live entertainment and plenty of specialty cocktails. At 9 pm, find a comfy spot somewhere between 5^th and 15^th Street and watch the fireworks display. Don’t forget to wear the appropriate colors!

On August 16th, The Confidante Hotel will welcome locals and travelers to enjoy some of the world’s finest rum on as a celebration of National Rum Day. Enjoy tastings at no additional cost plus tasty cocktails, music, games, and great food courtesy of brands like Bacardi and more. Tickets start at just $25.

These two events barely scratch the surface of what summer is like in Miami Beach. Enjoy group meditation and a pampering session at The Standard Spa, try a vegan dish at Planta South Beach, participate in the first ever South Beach Mango Festival, there is much to enjoy this summer!

A Beautiful Oceanfront Condo

Imagine living in a beach paradise that offers you access to the most exquisite and enticing views. 50 S Pointe Drive #3401 located in Miami Beach does just that and will surely welcome you to a luxurious lifestyle with ease.

The gorgeous resort style residence of 50 S Pointe Drive #3401 blends an intricately modern design with an open floor plan that exposes you to a stunning 180-degree view of the oceanfront coastline, beach, bay and city views. With four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, and 2,901 square feet of living space, this condo is sure to provide you plenty of viewing space to gaze upon the 1,000 linear feet of ocean frontage. Some features included within this lush landscaped twelve-acre property are full beach service, gourmet restaurant, two lagoon-style pools, 20,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center, and much more.

The location of 50 S Pointe Drive #3401 provides not only a life of comfort and luxuriousness but also adventure and excitement. Some activities within the location that is sure to provide plenty of entertainment include boat tours, beach walks, and a visit to the Casablanca Cigar Lounge. Restaurants within walking distance are Nikki Beach Miami, Lilikoi Organic Living, and Santorini by Georgios. Whether you want to live in your own beach paradise or escalate your luxurious lifestyle, this condo will provide both.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Cont i nuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-912-2046 for information on sales and rentals.

Great Food at Great Restaurants

The restaurants in South Beach make South Beach a wonderful and exciting place to live and work. Some of the best restaurants in Miami are right here in South Beach, and you can’t miss your chance to eat there.

For seafood, you’ll want to check out Joe’s Stone Crab. This restaurant is famous for their stone crabs, which are served with a unique mustard sauce. Joe’s Stone Crab also serves a huge selection of seafood and steaks. The restaurant is actually older than Miami Beach itself!

Macchialina is a great choice for Italian food. The restaurant serves pasta made in the restaurant. Some of their dishes are polenta, butter ricotta, and risotto, among others. Some critics believe that Macchialina is the best Italian restaurant in all of Miami.

Estiatorio Milos is one restaurant that’s famous for its fresh food. Their fish gets delivered to the restaurant multiple times a day. Once the fish is caught, it almost immediately makes its way to the restaurant. The kitchen staff don’t even know what fishes might come in that day.

South Beach’s cuisine is just as much of a celebrity as some of the actual celebrities here. You won’t regret dropping in, because the restaurants in South Beach are some of the best in the whole state.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Cont i nuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Check out These Miami Summer Concerts

The summer season has become synonymous with concerts, and South Floridians will be happy to know that it’s going to be another active season. Without further ado, let’s explore some of the concerts you can look forward to.

Perfect Trip: Miami Psych Fest kicked off its first annual show last year and it will be returning for the second go-round on the 22^nd. The two-day festival is expanding this year with more than 35 local performers playing music on two different stages. Admission is free at Floyd from 4:20 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or $20 per day at The Ground.

Before his fame skyrocketed as a member of Gnarls Barkley, his 2010 hit “Forget You”, and his time as a coach on The Voice, singer and rapper Cee-Lo Green was a member of Southern hip-hop group Goodie Mob. The group released five albums, the most recent being Age Against the Machine released in 2013. The original members will be coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday June 16^th performing plenty of their classic hits.

The Wu-Tang Clan is considered one of the most influential rap groups, and several of its members have gone on to establish critically-acclaimed solo careers. One of these members, GZA will be performing at Churchill’s Pub next month on the 7^th, joined by DJ Heron.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach real estate team representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in the Continuum in South Beach. If you are interested in Miami Beach condos such as the Continuum condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Have a Cheap Drink on South Beach

With the summer temperatures soon to skyrocket, you’ll probably want to stay cool in South Beach. If you want to keep cool in the city, the following spots have drinks for prices that you may find quite agreeable. Let’s take a look.

We’ll begin with the iconic Mac’s Club Deuce on 14^th Street which is known for its throwback vibe and its cheap drinks. Enjoy a domestic beer and well drinks for a mere five dollars or a two-for-one special kicking off bright and early at 8 am to 7 pm daily. Do keep in mind, however, that the bar only accepts cash so you may be out of luck if you plan on using plastic.

The Scape Goat on Collins Avenue also has domestic bottles for just five dollars as well as tall-body cans that start at the same price. If you happen to work in the service industry you can enjoy beer and Jameson shots for just three dollars. Regardless of what time you visit, the drinks are always low-priced.

Those that like to play table sports will find much to love at Lost Weekend on Española Way. Foosball, pool tables, all of these and more accompany the domestic drafts available for just five dollars. Well drinks are only two dollars more.