Tag Archives: continuum south beach

The South Beach Loops Debuts next Month

Miami Beach will welcome November with the inauguration of the South Beach Loop, officially adding the final piece to the city’s complimentary trolley service. This new line will serve as the replacement for Miami Beach and Miami-Dade Transit’s South Beach Local Alton-West Loop. With the new route, it will be possible to get to 88^thStreet to South Pointe Drive with as little as a single transfer, significantly reducing the amount of travel time.

Once the South Beach Loop is up and running, locals tourists will be able to visit the numerous retail, the parks, beaches, libraries, eateries, and even Mount Sinai Hospital using the free trolley service. The South Beach Loop will operate throughout the entire year, with trolleys running no more than fifteen minutes apart. On Sundays, the trolleys will begin running at 8 am until midnight. Hours of operation are from 6 am to midnight on weekdays as well as Saturdays.

Besides the new South Beach Loop, Miami Beach is also tweaking the North Beach, Middle Beach, and Collins Link trolley routes. Low floor trolleys will join the existing fleet of trolleys to improve accessibility.

The South Beach Loop inauguration will be held on November at 10 am outside of Miami Beach City Hall.

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.

Get Ready for the New and Improved Bass Museum

Are you a fan of art museums? If so, you may be well aware of the closure of The Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach. After closing its doors way back in 2015, the 53-year-old contemporary art museum is once again opening its doors on Sunday, boasting new art spaces and even a slightly tweaked name just in time for the arrival of Art Basel.

Now known simply as The Bass, the city-owned museum underwent a $10+ million expansion and revamp intended to shift it towards cutting-edge contemporary art. The people behind the project are aiming to boost the museum’s appeal as more and more people associate Miami Beach with a contemporary art vibe.

Existing work like the massive “Coronation of the Virgin” by Botticelli isn’t going anywhere, but future visitors to The Bass will find it in an enhanced gallery space alongside a rotating collection of works by current artists. The juxtaposition of classical and contemporary may help give The Bass a unique edge in an otherwise crowded space.

Other highlights at the revamped Bass include an expanded lobby and reception area, a glassed-in court to be used for events and art installations, a large 20+ foot glass wall framed by a pair of trees, and much more.

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.

Miami Beach Implements Rules for Spring Break

beachMillennials It’s that time of the year again, ladies and gentlemen! No, it’s not the holiday season. We’re talking about spring break when hundreds of college students take their time off to visit the barrier island in search of lots of fun and sun.

While South Beach is among the top choices when it comes to spring break tourism, this year city officials are taking a stronger stance against the spring mayhem. The effort isn’t aimed at deterring all of the fun as it is making Miami Beach and the streets of the city a little safer for everyone, including non-spring breakers.

Until April 16^th, visitors to Miami Beach will be banned from bringing the following to the beach: tables, tents, coolers, and inflatable devices. Additionally, there will be no excessively loud or amplified music allowed nor will there be any direct of indirect consumption of alcohol allowed on beach property. To keep crowds in check, beach access will be cut off once certain limits are reached.

Mobile license plate readers have also been installed at the Julia Tuttle and MacArthur Causeways. These readers will scan license plates and check them against law enforcement databases.

With these rules in effect, spring break in Miami Beach should be a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

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 sales and rentals.

No More Hidden Charges at Outdoor Cafes

mbCafes

Have you ever stopped to have a meal at one of the many al fresco cafes in South Beach only to discover charges and fees on your final bill that you were unaware of? Those days will soon be over thanks to measures introduced by Miami Beach Commissioners last week aimed at getting rid of what they call “rampant shenanigans”.

The next time you dine at a Miami Beach outdoor cafe, these hidden charges will cease to exist, as cafes will be forced to disclose any additional service charges, taxes, or fees they may add to the bill. The measure came about after a Miami Beach resident sent commissioners an image of a bill with a sales tax greater than what’s required by law. The sales tax for beverage and food in Miami Beach is currently nine percent.

If you’re planning on dining at one of the numerous Miami Beach restaurants, you should be aware that the new measures apply solely to outdoor cafes as these places fall under the city jurisdiction. Any other restaurants are free to comply with the disclosure measures if they choose to do, but they are not legally required to.

How do you feel about these new laws for outdoor cafes?

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.

Have a Power Lunch in Miami Beach

powerLunch

If you’re a businessperson, you know that the day is not complete without having a power lunch. Whether it’s making a deal with colleagues or discussing productive ideas with co-workers, the place you decide to have the power lunch will play a role in how effective the lunch is, and we have a few recommendations.

You can have a weekend power lunch at perennial favorite Juvia on Lincoln Road for a mere $23. Try the Beef Carpaccio or maybe the Kale & Farro Salad, or one of the many dessert options. If you’d rather not deal with the all of the crowds on Lincoln Road you can always check out Yardbird Southern Table & Bar on Lenox Avenue. Every weekday from 11 am to 4 pm you can enjoy a three-course menu with food options like fried chicken, fried green tomato BLT, or deep fried Oreos for dessert.

Tanuki is located on Alton Road and it’s the first Tanuki to debut in the United States. Similar to Juvia, a three-course lunch menu for only $23 is available, however it’s available daily from noon to 3 pm. Tuna rolls, wonton chicken salad, and marinated Sichuan beef are among the options available.

Estiatorio Milos by Costas Spiliadis is located in the SoFi area on 1^st Street, offering a three-course menu for $25. Guests can choose from food items like lamb chops, thyme honey infused Greek yogurt, grilled octopus, and more.

This update is presented by the Miami Beach Realtors representing Blackstone International Realty, specializing in Continuum 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.

Check out Sting This Saturday

concierto

This Saturday, one of the venerable acts in music will make an appearance at the Fillmore in Miami Beach. The artist’s real name is Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, but you probably know him better by the stage name Sting.

In case you’re too young to recognize him, Sting is an English musician who began his career as the lead singer and principal songwriter for the highly successful new wave rock band The Police. He is responsible for writing what remains their most successful and signature song, “Every Breath You Take” released in 1983.

In 1985 Sting embarked upon a solo career with the released of his highly successful debut album The Dream of the Blue Turtles. Subsequent releases like The Soul Cages and Ten Summoner’s Tales continued his enormous success. To date, he has won sixteen Grammy Awards, an Emmy Award, a Golden Globe, and he has been nominated four times for an Academy Award.

Sting is currently touring in support of his latest album 57th & 9th released last year. You can catch him at 8 pm and see for yourself why he is among the most talented musicians and songwriters.

Assuming you’re a fan of Sting, what are some of your favorite songs?

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 condos for sale, call the Continuum experts at 305-588-2451 for information on sales and rentals.

Miami Beach Says Hello to Trader Joe’s

traderJoes

Have you ever been to Trader Joe’s? The neighborhood grocery chain is well-known for being a competitor to stores like Whole Foods and Fresh Market, boasting an extensive range of private label items including frozen entrees, imported foods, beverages, and plenty of basics like bread, milk, and eggs. Most of these products are priced lower than Trader Joe’s primary competitors. The chain has been mentioned several times in publications like Consumer Reports for being one of the best supermarket chains in the country as well as for its excellent customer service.

Currently, there is only one Trader Joe’s in Miami-Dade County, located all the way in Pinecrest but that may soon change. The chain recently announced its plans to open a second Miami-Dade location right here in Miami Beach, on the corner of West Avenue and 17th Street to be exact. The store will be part of an upcoming five-story mixed-use development appropriately called 17 West.

Named after its founder Joe Coulombe. Trader Joe’s originally went by the name of Pronto Market when it opened in 1958. It wasn’t until 1967 when it changed its name to Trader Joe’s, opening its first store bearing the new name in Pasadena, California which remains in operation.

Where to Watch the Super Bowl

superBowl

The Miami Dolphins haven’t made a Super Bowl appearance in more than two decades, but that doesn’t mean South Florida won’t be ramping up the celebrations this Sunday as the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots duke it out to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Numerous restaurants, bars, clubs, and hotels will be hosting watch parties along with specials, and we’re here to highlight some of them.

The Ritz-Carlton’s Artisan Beach House in Bal Harbour will have drink specials and a special bar bite menu beginning at 4 pm on Super Bowl Sunday. Wings, chicken and waffles, fish and chips, all of these and more will be available to munch on.

In Miami, E11EVEN nightclub will host a Super Bowl party beginning at 5 pm that will include an open bar and a free barbecue available from 6 pm to 10 pm. You’ll be able to watch the game from one of the 50+ televisions and the festivities will continue after the game with music provided by a DJ. Admission varies and you must be at least 21 years of age to attend.

If the crowds and loud bars aren’t your thing, the Fontainebleau in Miami Beach encourages you to check out their poolside cabana specials on Super Bowl Sunday. These cabanas can accommodate up to six guests and they include Wi-Fi, a television, and a mini fridge.

Get Ready for Art Deco Weekend

artdecoweekend-1

Are you ready for this year’s Art Deco Weekend? A celebration of one of Miami Beach’s most defining characteristics, there will be plenty to see, do, and appreciate this weekend as the event brings together plenty of people. Let’s explore some of the highlights.

We’ll begin with the Classic Car Show. Just as the name suggests, those of you that can appreciate vintage vehicles will love some of the classic beauties on display dating back to the early 1900s up until 1991. The South Florida Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America will be showcasing a broad variety of vehicles from major automakers like Chrysler, Chevy, Cadillac, Ford, and Mustang. The show begins at 10 am and will be open on Saturday and Sunday from Fifth to 10th Street and Ocean Drive.

Speaking of vintage, if you’re a fan of classic fashion, you’ll definitely want to check out the vintage fashions from the 1920s and 30s that were so popular during the Art Deco era. Local designers will be putting their creativity to work, and the most successful will win $500.

What event would be complete without some live music? A variety of genres will be performed by bands and performers like Sarah Jane & The Blue Notes, Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra, and the Brothers of Others. Locations will vary so be sure to look them up.

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

Home Flipping Is Making a Comeback

houseflipping

Once a lucrative way of making money, house flipping is making a huge comeback, with more and more people re-joining the trend. The number of homes that had been flipped reached their highest numbers since 2007 during the first nine months of 2016. This was largely due to the increase in home prices and improved investor confidence. Flippers are now seeing profits of about $61,000, a significant increase from $19,000 in 2009, per the Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

With the boost in flipping projects, lenders are seizing the opportunity. Banks such as Wells Fargo are offering credit lines to lenders that are willing to support home flippers. About a third of these house flipping projects are being funded via debt, yet the market remains small despite the considerable surge in home flipping activity. Per the WSJ, millions of dollars worth of home flipping have successfully closed during the latter portion of 2016.

Are you eyeing any flipping projects in 2017? If so, we may be able to help you. South Florida is full of lucrative opportunities to turn a profit. Contact Blackstone International Realty to learn more about what we can do for you.

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