Week of January 14, 2010
TO BE CONTINUED: The saga over how to restructure Miami-Dade's community councils continues, with another proposal apparently in the works. Commissioners in November were considering paring down by up to about half today's 10 councils, essentially mini-commissions in unincorporated neighborhoods around the county that act as liaisons to the full commission, focusing largely on zoning and land-use decisions. Lawmakers at the time were also debating whether to reduce the number of elected council members in favor of appointments. After hearing from community council leaders at a committee meeting Tuesday, Commissioner José "Pepe" Diaz said to expect a "drastically different" proposal upcoming. HAPPY NEW YEAR: Greater Miami's hotels had the best opening week of 2010 of major US destinations, sporting 87.9% occupancy for the week ending Jan. 2 — up 13.6% from the first week of 2009. Oahu and New York followed at 85.1% and 84%, respectively. Miami-Dade's average daily room rate was second highest in the US at $217.90 for the week, trailing only New York's $250.81. EXECUTIVE SEATS OPEN: The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's Senior Executive Orientation kicks off this month with only a handful fewer participants than in years past. Twenty-five executives enrolled this year, said chamber spokesperson Lorraine Reigosa. The January-to-May program offers newly relocated or promoted executives a crash course on South Florida's professional, civic and social climate. It has a capacity of 30 to 35. Although the program has officially begun, participants can still sign up. For chamber members, it costs $1,500 for an individual and $1,800 for two participants. Nonmembers pay $1,800 for an individual, $2,500 for two. Details: Ivette Canales at (305) 577-5458 or icanales@miamichamber.com |
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