Expert Realty – South Florida Real Estate Blog

Wash your hands! 

The H1N1 flu virus, commonly referred to as the Swine Flu, has continue to spread throughout the states, with over 7,000 reported cases in the U.S. as of today.  The current number of Florida Swine Flu cases has reached over 139 reported cases, which includes 38 from Miami Dade County, and 31 in Broward County.

The normal flu season ends in April, which brings even more attention to this flu strain that is currently continuing on through the month of May.  Though no swine flue cases in Florida have led to death, there is still a major concern and alert to all residents to be cautious, wash hands frequently, and stay home from work or school if you are sick.

The Florida Department of Health contains a web page with useful information about the virus, including information on what to do if you or a family member becomes ill.

Hurricanes in South Florida can take a devastating toll on your home and surroundings.  Anyone who witnessed the awful hurricane season here in Florida during 2005 can attest to how preparing for the storm can change how you will live in the aftermath of the storm. 

Remember to know your evacuation route in case there is a need for this, and be sure your car is filled with gas in case of an event where you would have to get up and leave suddenly. Gas stations will be jammed packed the days before a storm will hit, so be sure to go early.

Stock your home with flash-lights, candles, and non-perishable food items.  In most cases, even a simple power outage could take several days or even months to repair. Florida Power and Light will be busy repairing multiple outages across the affected area. 

Locate a nearby shelter.  If you have pets, locate a shelter that allows pets, and have your pet register beforehand with that shelter.

Battery operated fans are also a good idea, since your AC will be down during any power outage as well.

If you own a home in Florida, be sure that you discuss with your home insurance company what coverage you have relative to hurricane damage.

Always follow the orders of local officials.  If an evacuation is mandated, evacuate immediately.

Memorial Day originally began as a day for remembering those who were killed in the Civil War battle.  Today it celebrates all Americans who have given their lives in battle, from the Civil War,  to our current war in Iraq. 

There are several spots in Broward County that will be holding memorial services this weekend:

Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale - Sunday at 11am

Coconut Creek Veterans Park -Monday at 10am

Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier - Monday at 1130am

There will also be a parade in Pompano Beach, starting on 23rd Ave and Atlantic Boulevard, at 11am.  The parade will include rifle salutes, ceremonial prayer, and youth group activities.

After the Memorial Day weekend through Monday, May 25th, the city will begin the renourishment of the Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, and Miami Beaches.  This comes after a great concern of the local ecosystem and the toll that erosion has take on the local beaches, as well as the need for locals and vacationers to have room on the beach to enjoy!

Sand from the Orlando area will be shipped down on trucks and put onto the beaches to add to the current base, and to extend the beach in length, meaning more room for beach towels and fun!

Though the project will only act as a temporary fix to the erosion issue, local officials are hopeful for additional governmental assistance that my come in or around 2011.

Buses and buses of kids on field trips are shipped over to the zoo nearly every day! Chaperons and parents try to keep kids interested, and hope that they did not forget to mention important or interesting facts about the exhibits they see.

With the introduction of Tours That Talk at the Miami Metrozoo, parents and kids alike can explore on their own time and freedom at the touch of a button!  These interactive tours allow exhibits to include pre-recorded information that makes things come to life.  With more freedom to go from place to place throughout the zoo on your on time frame, you will feel very relaxed and entertained with this educational experience. Miami Dade students are frequent visitors of the zoo, and will be those of the first to experiment and explore the new Tours That Talk.

Moms in Miami can be grateful for such an amazing location! On Mother’s Day, which can be a chilly day for mothers up in Northern states, moms in South Florida can enjoy a day at the beach while soaking up the sun in style with their family.

This Mother’s Day, take your mom to South Beach, for a day filled with events! Pampering opportunities for your mom include on-site manicure and pedicure stations, 15 minutes shoulder massages, and free loungers on the beach for moms!  The main event will take place along Ocean Drive and will begin at 11am.

Good news for environmental gurus and beach goers!

The 2010 federal budget proposed includes a little extra help for eroded beaches in South Florida.  The years of wear and tear from outside pollutants on our beautiful beaches certainly has taken its toll.  This deterioration of quality beaches not only affects those who are happy-go-lucky sun-bathers, but the ecosystem as a whole in the South Florida area.  Native species, both those living on land and in the surrounding waters, are adversely affected by the deteriorating environment.  Miami Dade estimates a need for $8.25 million in order to restore the Miami shoreline.

In addition to beach restoration, the money will also go towards restoration and preservation of the Everglades. This funding from the government goes well beyond that of which the state of Florida has received in recent years towards environmental restoration and preservation, so the state officials are very anxious to receive this funding and begin on overdue restoration of the area.

To be fair, the 5th of May holiday is truly a Mexican Holiday, that somehow trickled its way into American culture as a day to party.  The day celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla, even though they were well outnumbered and less equipped with arms than their French army opposition. Way to go Mexico!

And to note, this is NOT the Mexican Independence Day, as many Americans believe.  But that is not much of a concern to most, as Cino de Mayo in the U.S. is used by many Americans as an excuse to  drink tequila and wear a sombrero!

Need places to go? No problem! Cinco de Mayo in Miami leaves you with plenty of options.  Check out Senor Frogs in Coconut Grove or in South Beach, or just head down to Ocean Drive in Miami.  You will not find a venue or restaurant along this strip today that is not serving up a Mexican treat!

Do not miss this Miami fishing tournament May 2nd!  The Grove Slam! is expected to be a hit, both on and off the shores.  With sponsors like Bacardi and Miller Lite, how can you not expect a great day!

The Tournament will be held today, May 2nd, with the official start at 7am.  So get your fishing boat ready, gear up your team, and sign up today!  Fishing in Miami is great, but add to that a $15,000 first place prize? You can be sure the reels will be flying!

Art galleries in Miami are not all created equal.  Especially when you have the opportunity to see the art from local Miami-Dade students and the youth of your community! 

Starting April 15th through May 11th, Deering Estates will have a wide range of art on display, portraying the work of the students from public and private schools all across Miami-Dade County.  Students in the area learn various art expressions and mediums in their curriculum, and many are thrilled to have the chance to display their work to their friends and family, and to the public!

Deering Estate is located in Cutler Ridge at 16701 SW 72nd Avenue, and is open from 10am until 5pm every day. Stroll the halls and enjoy the pastel or watercolor creations, clay sculptures, or digital art! There is so much to see, so mark your calendar and head on over to Deering Estate this weekend.  You will not be disappointed!