Miami Beach Vacation Rental Home and Happenings

Properties For Rent in South Beach

2014-07-14T09:01:00.004-07:00

Here's a list of all the properties we have at the moment. Please choose the one the most fits your budget, location, availability and number of people and get back to us right away. You can call me directly at 786-548-2673 or my office at 305-455-7515

The ones listed on Homeaway.com all have the ability to generate instant price quotes. Just click on the link below, look for the BOOK IT NOW button on the right hand side, enter your arrival and departure dates, and you will be given an instant price quote. You can then book it directly online if you like.

4 bedroom/4 bathroom home w/pool - located in quiet neighborhood of Miami Beach, almost walking distance to South Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p185870

3 bedroom/2 bathroom home w/pool - located in quiet neighborhood of Miami Beach, almost walking distance to South Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p286748

7 bedroom/6 bath home w/pool & tennis court - over 1 acre private oasis.
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3009430

2 bedroom/1 bathroom home w/private garden - located in quiet neighborhood of Miami Beach, almost walking distance to South Beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3530416

All-white condominium (studio) located in the heart of South Beach - across from Convention Center
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3684424

1 bedroom/1 bathroom condo in the Luxury Mondrian Hotel
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3574633

10 bedroom/9 bathroom home w/pool and on Water (Indian Creek)
http://tinyurl.com/10brpinetreedr

3 bedroom/3 bathroom home w/pool on the LaGorce Golf Course
www.tinyurl.com/lagorcedrive

2 bed/2 bath condo (sleeps 8) (best location in South Beach) - walk to Lincoln Rd, Collins, Ocean Drive
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3803453

3 bedroom/2 bathroom home w/pool located on Alton Road in Miami Beach
http://tinyurl.com/3bralton

St. Regis Resort located right across the street from the famous Bal Harbour Shops
http://tinyurl.com/stregis2br

One Bal Harbour - located in presigious Bal Harbour
http://tinyurl.com/onebalharbour2br

Trump Palace - located in Sunny Isles Beach
http://tinyurl.com/trumptower3br

17555 Collins ave - The Pinnacle - located in Sunny Isles Beach
http://tinyurl.com/collinsave

3101 Ocean Drive - Ocean Palms - Located in Hallandale Beach
http://tinyurl.com/oceanpalms

Sunny Isles 3 bedroom/3 bathroom Luxury Home
http://tinyurl.com/SunnyIsles3Bedroom

More Bad News

2013-03-20T12:24:00.002-07:00

Although it's been awhile since I posted last (been busy, sorry), but, with the recent events happening this past month I felt I must say something.

FRAUDULENT TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING VACATION RENTALS ARE EPIDEMIC!

In the 5 years I have been renting vacation homes and condos I have received a handful of notices that others were trying to rent my home as their own. However, in the past week alone I have had 4 instances where people showed up at one of my homes saying they had rented it. Yet there was already a renter in the house that had previously rented my home - legitimately.

Due to the extreme level of supply and demand we experienced in March of this year, many desperate vacation travelers jumped at any opportunity to rent a home they found. Here's the thing... there were literally NO legitimate homes available for these dates unless you had deep pockets (there were only homes available for $12,000 + per week). Those that did find homes at the last minute usually found themselves at the end of a "too good to be true" deal that went sour.

I've spoken about this before, but felt I must talk about it again due to the extreme nature of scams others have experienced this past week.

Please review my previous posts about how to protect yourself from fraudulent listings when attempting to book a vacation home or condo.

As always... caveat emptor!

Yours Truly,

Harry Johnson Jr.
Miami Beach Vacation Rental Homes Property Management
http://www.firsthomehelpers.com
786-548-2673

You Can't Be Too Careful!

2012-10-01T07:09:00.003-07:00

Take a look at my previous post. I put out an offer for anyone that is considering renting in Miami Beach to contact me BEFORE you rent. Whether you are renting one of my homes, or even someone else's home that I do not manage.

Well, I just got a call from someone that did NOT contact me. And they learned the hard way that you MUST be careful when renting a vacation home.

Here are some details of what happened and how you can learn from this persons mistake:

They inquired about a rental from Craigslist.
While not all Craigslist ads are fraudulent (we advertise there as well), you do have to be very careful when choosing to rent from a Craigslist ad as this is pretty much the ONLY place where fraudulent posters post their ads
The person that called me sent a payment via Western Union. NEVER MAKE A PAYMENT THROUGH WESTERN UNION. If the owner/manager does not have an alternate way of accepting payments you should strongly suspect that this listing is fraudulent.
Talk to the owner/manager. If they sound foreign you should suspect this listing.
Do a search on the Miami Dade Property Appraisers website for the owner name of the property you are considering renting. You should ask the property manager for the owners name and it should match what you find here: http://gisweb.miamidade.gov/PropertySearch/ . Also ask for the owners name and contact information from the property manager. Tell them you must verify this information prior to you sending any deposit money. If they hesitate you should too.
Make sure you trust what your instinct is saying to you. Don't disregard it.
Ask the property manager if they have this property listed somewhere else or are they only listing it on Craigslist. Most, if not all, property managers/owners that have vacation rentals always have listings elsewhere. Either homeaway.com, VRBO.com, FLIPKEY.com, etc. At the same time ask them how long this home has been used as a vacation rental. If they are just starting out then maybe they haven't had time to list on other sites. But if they say longer than 9 months and they are not on one of these websites, you should question the legitimacy of this rental.

These are just some of the things you should do to make sure you are getting a legitimate rental.

Again, do not hesitate to contact me if you need help either for any of my rentals or someone else's rental. I have helped many in the past without hesitation.

Good luck!

Use Me As a Vacation Rental Resource

2012-07-11T13:18:00.003-07:00

Have you or are you considering renting a vacation home or condo in Miami Beach?

If so, whether you are renting mine or someone else's, contact me before you sign on the dotted line. I'll be able to help you determine if the condo or home you are renting is legitimate or not, if the price is fair, if it really is in Miami Beach, and a number of other things I can help you with to make sure the rental you are getting is the best one for your and your family/friends.

Why am I doing this? Because I'm hoping that by providing this service that you will consider my properties and my clients properties for sometime in the future when you decide to come back to Miami Beach again. By "giving first", being helpful (you can't be too careful when renting a home or condo, sight unseen, from a person you've never met before), and helping you make a great home or condo selection, I'm hoping to be repaid sometime in the future by your patronage, or, by simply referring a family member or friend to me looking to rent a home or condo in Miami Beach.

So either email me here: miamibeachvacationhome@gmail.com
Or call me here: 786-548-2673

Get in touch with me at your convenience. I look forward to hearing from you.

Properties Available in Miami Beach

2012-06-16T22:16:00.000-07:00

So everyone always asks, "Do you have other properties available in Miami Beach?"

And of course the answer is.... YES.

Here is the list of properties we currently rent (and even more are available that are "pocket" listings - please ask separately about those).

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p185870
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p286748
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3009430
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p9990768
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p372196
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p398340
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3000250
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3530416

This is just a sampling of the properties we have.

We also have other 1 and 2 bedroom condo's located all over the Miami Beach area, from South Beach all the way to Canyon Ranch, the premier destination spot in all of Miami Beach.

Let me now what you're looking for... I'm sure to be able to provide it for you.

Labor Day Miami Beach 2011

2011-09-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Labor Day is here... and the weather is just about perfect.

One thing to remember is the main streets will be PACKED with traffic...

While it might be nice to drive down Collins Ave "once", this will soon grow old if you feel like you're spending half your vacation time in traffic.

Here's how to do what the "locals" do to skirt traffic during these peak holiday seasons...

1. Understand that the Miami Beach streets are all gridded out in a North/South and East/West configuration. What this means for you is that if you want to go South to South Beach, the obvious way (to 99% of the cars) is to go down Collins Ave. But if you simply take another North/South direction street just a couple of blocks over, you'll have the road absolutely to yourself, and then when you want to "cut over" the couple of blocks back to the beach, or wherever you want to go, you'll do it without having to fuss with traffic.

There are a number of streets that will take you North/South just a couple of blocks from Collins. Here are several:

a. Pinetree Drive

b. Sheridan Ave

c. Prairie Ave

d. Meridian Ave

These streets will take you where you want to go lickety split, and you'll spend the majority of your time enjoying the beach and NOT stressing over traffic.

2. One thing to remember when parking in South Beach is to NOT park in residential zones. You'll see these clearly marked with signs on every street. You need a resident parking sticker to park here and if you attempt it I PROMISE you will be towed.

Miami Beach towing is NOTORIOUS for roaming the streets for unsuspecting tourists parking in these areas because street parking is very hard to find.

WHAT'S THE ANSWER?

FIND A PARKING GARAGE!

Miami Beach has TONS of them... they're just a little hard to find is all... But if you have a GPS simply type in PARKING GARAGE and you'll see they are everywhere.

AND GET THIS... THEY'E CHEAP! Only $1/hour, the same rates as on the street.

I hope this helped...

Enjoy your stay!

Harry

p.s. If you're looking for future rentals, feel free to get in touch with my assistant at 786-543-0015, she'll let you know if we have anything available.

Heat? What heat...

2011-08-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

What does Miami Beach conjure up when you think HOT?

Is it the Miami Heat basketball team? (who almost won it all until Lebron James fell asleep)
Is it the HOT water at the beach (which is so warm right now it feels like a bathtub...)
Is it the HOT nightclubs people from all over the world come to frolic and enjoy in?
Is it the HOT restaurants that are world-reknowned and have won numerous awards?
Is it the HOT latinos that have so infused this city with their dynamic mix of "alegria" and zest?
Is it the HOT people you see walking around seemingly everywhere you go in Miami Beach?
Is it the HOT properties that are vintage Art Deco with their splashing colors and dynamic style?
Is it simply that Miami Beach has epitomized "HOT" for decades now... going back to the throwback years of Jackie Gleason in his heyday when he and his cronies would come here to have a great time.

Miami Beach right now is one of the HOTTEST places you can travel to right now. The city has gone ALL OUT to make it an unforgettable experience for you. From the multi-million dollar renovation of South Pointe Park, to the unforgettable experience of walking in Lummus Park right next to Ocean Drive... you name it and Miami Beach has it.
When you're ready to come and experience our HEAT... and you want to stay in affordable luxury that is a cut above your typical hotel room experience... then give me a call. We have several homes that will exceed your expectations while keeping your budget in check.
Hope to see you soon!
Harry Johnson Jr. 786-382-7757

2010-06-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

In my attempt to help others about rental scams (from my post below), I've been told that now I, have become suspect as well... Sheesh!

I gave you all the tools in order to find out if the owner you're renting from actually is the owner (see a previous post below). But some people need a little more "hand-holding" I guess... ;-)

So, in order to verify my properties are actually my properties do the following:

1. Go to: http://gisims2.miamidade.gov/myhome/propmap.asp (this is the Miami Dade Property Appraisers Website).
2. On the upper left hand side you'll see a "Search By:" box. You can either search by my name, Harry Johnson (my full name is Harry J. Johnson Jr - so look for those entries - one is without my middle initial), or the property addresses. 4491 Prairie Ave, and 4532 Sheridan Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140.
3. That's it!

Happy?
Feel more secure? lol...
You should..

NOW GIVE ME A CALL SO YOU CAN RENT OUT ONE OF THESE FABULOUS PLACES!

Harry 786-382-7757

Scamming Potential Renters Has Become Epidemic

2010-02-14T20:18:00.000-08:00

Ok, but this world has now officially gotten crazy.

Just in the past week alone I've received 3 phone calls from potential renters that have told me about fraudulent transactions related to them trying to rent a home. Two didn't get taken, but one did and said their vacation for the year was gone because they sent money to an unscrupulous "landlord" for a home the "landlord" didn't even own!

Here's what someone had to do recently to verify that my property was in fact being legitimately rented by the owner of that property. And I believe the reason they did this additional investigation was because something sounded fishy from the beginning. REMEMBER THIS: If it sounds too good to be true, or if your gut is telling you something and you're not listening, then you could be the next victim... read on to find out how to combat this.

So it turns out my property was being advertised on a website I DID NOT pay to have it advertised on. Here is the website: www.world-rentals.com . And the prospective renters, after suspecting something, decided to investigate who the real owners of my property were.

First, they went to the local government property tax appraisers office online for my city and looked up the address to my home. They saw my wife and my name there, not the person claiming to be the owner. So they looked up my wife's name and got her phone number and called her. Imagine my surprise when she called me one day and said someone had called her interested in renting our home we have for rent on other sites, but "without" my wife's name anywhere to be found on those sites. I wondered why they called her phone number and not mine.

So I called them up and asked how I could help them. They said they saw my site advertised on www.world-rentals.com and were interested in renting it but said they person advertising it was the owner and wanted them to send him the deposit to book the home. I told them I had never heard of www.world-rentals.com and didn't know how my property got on there.

That's when they told me how they got my wife's number and traced backed to me who the real owner of the property was they were interested in renting.

While on the phone I asked them to wait so I could see for myself my property there. Sure enough, it was listed there, but for a price that was ridiculously low (too good to be true). And it was listed by a Miguel Sanchez with a phone number that had the correct area code, but was missing all the digits for a full phone number (2nd clue that should have alerted someone - what owner in their right mind would make this kind of mistake).

I told them this was a fraudulent listing, and of course they believed me because my name was on the property tax records. When I told them the correct price and whether they wanted to rent it they said they couldn't because it was out of their price range (after all, my home is a luxury rental that was being offered at Kia-like prices).

After I hung up I did some further investigation into the website where my property was fraudulently listed. I contacted the website and told them of the fraud someone was trying to perpetuate on their website and they need to remove this listing immediately. Guess what kind of response I got? Zero, zilch, nada. Now I'm not saying anything, but after a month of no response, I'd say this website was the actual perpetrator of these kinds of fraudulent transactions, what do you think?

If you scroll down to a previous post entitled "Beware of Vacation Rental Scams!" I wrote about some things you should do to help assure the home you rent is from the legitimate owner. I recommend following those steps to help assure you too don't get taken.

Gook Luck and have a great vacation!

Too Cold for Miami Beach!

2010-01-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

Brrrrrrr!!!

So now I know what it's like in the rest of the country to suffer from cold winter conditions. Usually at this time of the year, we'll get a cold front come through that dips the temps down to the 50's maybe, then after a couple of days its back up to the mid 70's with lots of sunny skies.

Well, this cold snap we've had has been the worst on record (at least it feels like it to me). I'm talking consistent temps in the 30's now for the past week! What?!?

If we're going to have this much cold, the least it could do is snow, right? Well... there's no hills so what's the use...

Seriously, we're just not prepared for this kind of cold here... at least I'm not. I'm hoping in the next week that it warms up... I don't think I can take this much longer... ;-)

Searching For a Miami Beach Rental

2008-08-22T14:32:00.000-07:00

There are several places you can search on the internet for miami beach vacation homes. One of the better ones is vrbo.com . Owned by HomeAway.com (another great place to find fantastic homes for rent), vrbo.com features an easy-to-use interface that makes finding your perfect vacation home a breeze. Check them out, you'll be glad you did.

When there, look up Property #201284: . If you book this property, tell them, "Miami Beach Vacation Home Blog sent me", and they'll hook you up with a 25% discount in the off-season.

Escaped!!!

2008-08-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Whew! That was a close one!

Tropical Storm Fay skirted right by us and didn't cause any major damage. Just a few power outages, a bit of wind and rain, and some downed trees.

We're back in business!

If you're looking for the Perfect Miami Beach Vacation Home, you have to visit this site:

http://www.miamibeachvacationrentalhouse.com

Spectacular, and fairly priced as well.

I saw them advertised on Homeaway.com and noticed they had a special going on. Mention "special rate" and they'll give you 25% off until Nov 30th.

Art Basel 2008 Miami Beach

2008-07-29T09:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome

Art Basel Miami Beach takes place December 4 - 7, 2008.

Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 38 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.

An exclusive selection of more than 220 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world's most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers. Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, performance art, public art projects and video art. The show will be a vital source for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-calibre artworks.

Top-quality exhibitions in the museums of South Florida and special programs for art collectors and curators also help make the event a special time for encountering art. And every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel Miami Beach - the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.

If you need a place to say, I highly recommend http://www.miamibeachvacationrentalhouse.com . But hurry, I hear their 2 homes are almost booked.

Miami Beach to Orlando Express

2008-06-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a business trip to Orlando and I never left the Airport there!

No, I didn't get lost and couldn't find the exit, nor was I stuck in a maze that most airports could make you feel like you're in. I just stayed at the Orlando Airport Hyatt. Boy, what a beautiful place. And the food... out of this world!

I'll tell you, it was kind of neat being in the middle of all the action at massive Orlando airport. If you ever make a trip to Orlando, and want to be in the middle and heart of it all, I highly recommend checking out the Orlando Airport Hyatt Hotel. A Real Pleasant surprise.

If you're ever in Miami Beach, or are considering staying in a luxurious home with all the trappings, close to everything great Miami Beach and South Beach has to offer, the check out this home:
http://www.miamibeachvacationrentalhouse.com

Beware of Vacation Rental Scams!

2008-05-22T11:34:00.000-07:00

Just got a call from a potential client with a sad story. She called me a couple of weeks ago wanting to rent my home (http://www.miamibeachvacationrental house.com ). She asked how close it was to South Beach as they wanted to be as close to South Beach as possible and also stay in a home.

I told her while I was close to South Beach (1.5 miles away), she said she wanted to be within walking distance of everything in South Beach and on the ocean. I told her a condo or hotel would probably be her best option as there are no homes right on the beach. She thanked me and said she would try and find something closer. I wished her luck.

Well... just got a call from her about an hour ago and she related me this story (pay attention as their are some tips for you to pay attention to if you want to rent safe and hassle-free).

She said the "owner" of the property she was interested in renting, at 1007 Ocean Drive (the main drag right on the ocean in Miami Beach where only hotels are located - no houses - 1st red flag) required here to Western Union her the deposit (2nd red flag). In case you don't know, there is very little traceability when using Western Union. They spoke on the telephone - International number (3rd red flag). She was required to send all documents by International fax (4th red flag).

It turns out she probably is never going to get her deposit back -- ever. She did some research and found out this same person is posing as the owner of other units for rent, and trying to collect deposit monies on them as well. She's contacted the police, but they have no jurisdiction in International matters.

Here's some "Lessons Learned" for those of you reading this:
1. Most owners of these vacation rental homes are local. Think about it, if someone is going to rent you their home, how are they going to give you the keys when you arrive if they are in another country?
2. It's ok to have an International owner you're trying to rent their house from, just ask them pertinent questions like: "I want to see the house before I commit. I will be in the area next week. Can I arrange to get a showing?" See how they answer. Use your instinct. If it "feels" wrong, it probably is, unless they can provide some kind of proof for the uncertainty you feel.
3. Don't send money by western Union. Use PayPal (free to sign up) or your Credit Card. If you have any issues, they can do a chargeback on the merchant and you can get your money back.
4. If it's an International owner, ask them if they use a local management company to manage their unit. Ask them for their phone number if they say yes. Get their website and check them out. Ask for contact information from other owners they are managing.
5. Do a search on the local county website to see who the owner of the property you're thinking of renting is. If it is the same, take it one more step and ask for the person you're speaking with on the phone to provide you with a copy of their drivers license.

Do the legwork so you don't get scammed.

Hope this helps!

Harry

Miami Beach Memorial Day 2008

2008-05-21T09:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome one and all!

One of the most popular weeks in Miami Beach is upon us. And the weather couldn't cooperate more!

Here's a website link the City of Miami Beach has put out with good information regarding traffic and parking restrictions (the cops will be out in force handing out tickets to anyone deciding to park wherever they like - $18 a pop), Free Bus Transportation information for South Beach, special parking information (the city is hiking rates this weekend BUT... you can still park at the Lincoln Road parking garage for $1 per hour - dirt cheap - call the information hotline (below) for more info).

Look out for the "Goodwill Ambassadors". They'll be wearing special t-shirts identifying themselves. They're very helpful, they can give you maps, give you directions, tell you the best restaurants to go, the best places to park, the cheapest food, specials going on, giveaways, and more.

Hope you have fun, and let us know by posting here what a good time you had!

Here's the website link: Miami Beach Official Memorial Weekend Info

And here's the information hotlines:

Miami Beach Answer Center: 305.604.CITY (2489)
Friday, May 23, - Sunday, May 25, 9:00 a.m. -- 2:00 a.m.
Tourism Hotline: 305.673.7400 - 24 hours/seven days a week

Miami Beach Events May 2008

2008-05-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Miami Beach Events May 2008:

Here we are again, with some of the latest happenings on the Beach, and in Miami!

For the kids, the fun is fast and furious at the Miami Children’s Museum, at 980 Macarthur Cswy, Miami, FL 33132 (305) 373-5437.

And for a hilarious, family-friendly magical experience, stop at the Deauville Hotel at 6701 Collins Avenue (800) 600-6244, any Saturday at 8 pm, to be mesmerized by the Las Vegas stylings of illusionists Kevin & Caruso.

If you’re into home décor (who isn’t?), the Wolfsonian Museum’s exhibit: Fashioning the Modern French Interior: Pochoir Portfolios in the 1920s, continues through Mothers’ Day, May 11. The museum is at 1001 Washington Avenue, a fascinating stop on your stroll through Miami Beach’s Art Deco District.

For the art crowd, the “Wifredo Lam in North America” exhibit is still on through May 18 at the Miami Art Museum, located on the mainland, at 101 W Flagler Street, Miami 33130 (305) 375-3000.

History buffs will enjoy “Native Arts of the Northwest Coast: The Gluck Collection”, which runs through June 1 at the Historical Museum of South Florida, also at 101 W. Flagler Street, Miami 33130 (305) 375-1492.

And for orchid lovers, what a thrill to attend the largest annual orchid show in the U.S., featuring over 50 booths, held Friday May 16 through Sunday, May 18, 9 am to 5 pm, in the Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187th Ave, Miami 33031 (305) 247-5727! But be sure to take a stroll through the Miami Beach Botanical Garden at 2000 Convention Center Drive (305) 371-3531.

Jump to the jazz beat at the JVC Jazz Festival, Bayfront Park, 301 N Biscayne Blvd., Miami 33132, just over the MacArthur Causeway, (305) 665-5379. This annual event begins Saturday May 17 at 5pm, and features such greats as the Grammy® Award winning Sergio Mendes, R&B singer/songwriter Anthony Hamilton, Brazilian artist Jorge Ben Jor and the Grammy® nominated artist Ledisi. The fun continues from 9 pm to 2 am at the Oasis at the Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Avenue, with performances by Raul Midón, The Yoruba Soul Orchestra featuring Osunlade, Quetzal Guerrero and Siji, plus DJ sets by Osunlade, Djinji Brown and Rainer Trüby.

Miami always offers exciting theater for a variety of tastes. The opera Julius Caesar (4/26 - 5/11) plays at the Ziff Ballet Opera House, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami 33132 (305) 949-6722, followed by the Tony Award winning smash hit musical, Avenue Q, which runs Tuesday May 13 through Sunday May 18. The Accomplices runs through May 25 at GableStage, 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33134 (305) 445-8645.

For soccer fans, Florida's professional soccer team, the Miami FC, will host will host the Portland Timbers Sunday, May 18, 2008 at 6pm, at the Tropical Park Stadium, 7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL 33156, (866) 576-4264.

Among Miami’s favorite concert venues is the American Airlines Arena, 601 Arena Blvd., Miami 33136 (305) 358-5885, which brings Alicia Keys to you on Sunday, May 25 at 8 pm. The Hard Rock Live, at 1 Seminole Way in Hollywood, FL 33314 (305) 358-5885, hosts Paul Anka on May 21 at 8 pm. And for some rib-tickling fun, check out comedian Katt Williams at the BankAtlantic Center, at 2555 NW 137th Way in Ft Lauderdale 33304 (954) 835-8000, on Thursday May 15 at 8 pm.

For the musical set, the Lincoln Theatre at 541 Lincoln Road (305) 673-3330 offers everything from jazz to student recitals.

Cinema goers have an incredible selection of first-run, international and alternative films at such venues as the Regal Cinema, 1120 Lincoln Road, (305) 674-6766, the Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, (305) 673-9717, the Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Espanola Way, (305) 673-4567, and many others on the mainland. Weekly schedules are published online and in various weekend newspapers, such as the New Times, issued Thursdays, available at bars and restaurants throughout the city. Check out the 9-day Brazilian Film Festival, which takes place at the Colony and other venues in South Beach from Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 7.

Gotta be something here you'll like. If all else fails, just go to the beach. The water is warm, clear, and inviting.

Another Day in Paradise (Click to add comment)

2008-05-07T19:54:00.000-07:00

This is the longest string of great weather in Miami Beach I can remember in a very long time. Consecutive days of crystal clear, cloudless blue skies with perfect humidity and the clear water of the Atlantic beckoning. I am thankful every day I am privileged to be here experiencing this gift.

For those that want to come down, it's not too late to enjoy the best part of the year. And to help entice you a bit more, here are some noteworthy events going on in the Month of May:

Biltmore International Food & Wine Weekend

Starting the last weekend in April, this gourmet food and wine weekend features more than 30 global wineries and top restaurants, combining an auction, gala dinner and show with other interactive events. Call (305) 445-8066 for more information.

Miami Fashion Week of the Americas

Presenting dozens of designers from throughout Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, and elsewhere, Miami Fashion Week of the Americas unfolds under a fashion tent at 21st and Collins on Miami Beach. Awards include Designers Choice, Pret-A-Porter Style, and Excellence in Evening Wear. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.

CityStyle

Also under the fashion tent immediately following Fashion Week of the Americas, CityStyle -- a hot sister event -- spotlights designers, manufacturers, retails and innovaters creating buzz. Designers slated include names like Sean John Collection, Taylor and Madison, Johnny Handsome / Johnny Girl, Mia Shvili, Apple Bottoms, and Reebok. Call (305) 662-0775 for more information.

Easter Seals Festival of Chefs

Easter Seals Miami-Dade’s Festival of Chefs tantalizes as a culinary extravaganza featuring nearly two dozen area chefs, plus television personalities, authors, and more, combining with a live auction, raffle prizes, and talent from Easter Seals’ Culinary Arts Education & Training Program. Call (305) 547-4713 for more information.

Great Sunrise Balloon Race

Hot air balloons take to the skies for a colorful race from Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport. Call (305) 596-9040 for more information.

Miami Beach Vacation Rental House

2008-05-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

What do you call a house that looks like these photos attest to here, is only 4 blocks to the beach (houses in Miami Beach cannot be any closer because Miami Beach only has hotels and condos directly on the ocean), and has been featured in the Miami Homes magazine as the model example of a perfectly restored architectural gem?

CLICK HERE to get taken to the website that showcases this home brilliantly. For me, "oasis" comes to mind...

Miami Beach BEACH TENNIS (Click Here to Post)

2008-05-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

Check it out everyone, beach tennis is here!

Beach tennis?!? That's what I said when I first heard it even existed. Visions of flying sand and "how the heck do they play this game in the sand" questions immediately popped into my head. First time I saw it in action was last year. I brought my son with me and we had a blast. The Beach Tennis association makes a big deal out of it and everybody has fun that comes. It's getting pretty big.

Here's what Beach Tennis USA says the game is all about:

Beach tennis merges the worlds of tennis and beach volleyball into one exciting sport. It can be played both competitively and recreationally and because it’s so simple to play, it appeals to athletes and non-athletes of all ages.

So what exactly is beach tennis? It’s like regular tennis except it’s played on a regulation beach volleyball court. Using tennis racquets, two players on each team volley back and forth, hitting a slightly depressurized tennis ball directly over the net without letting it bounce... it’s hard to make the ball bounce on sand! One hit per team is all that’s allowed.

If you're here in Miami you should go check it out. It's on Ocean Drive and 8th St in Miami Beach, just down the street from the Miami Beach Vacation Rental Home I have available just for these events and more. I checked out their site and if you're adventurous enough, they'll even let you register and play. Just show up and who knows???

Go here for more information: http://www.beachtennisusa.net/

Theater Events (Click Here to post)

2008-04-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

Actor's Playhouse

This renovated Art Deco theater building is home to professional theater productions and children's theater.

Address:	280 Miracle Mile Coral Gables, FL 33134
Telephone:	305-444-9293
Fax:	305-444-4181
Getting There:	On Miracle Mile, one block east of Le Jeune Road

Actor's Playhouse: EventGuide
Every Sat 2:00p	The Wizard of Oz. After a tornado blows her away to the magical land of OZ, Kansas farm girl Dorothy Gale teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and… 305-444-9293.
Every Sat 2:00p	Free to Be... You and Me. This tale is about the journey to a land where "the horses run free" and "You and me are free to be, you and me"! This musical… 305-444-9293.
Every Sun 2:00p Every Wed 8:00p Every Thu 8:00p More...	Mid-Life! The Crises Musical. Mid-Life! possesses Saturday Night Live non-sensibility, with humor and bittersweet moments about the trials and tribulations of… 305-444-9293.
Every Sun 2:00p Every Wed 8:00p Every Thu 8:00p More...	Footloose. Footloose is high energy, exuberant entertainment, bursting to life with music, romance, and dance. One of the most explosive m… 305-444-9293.
Every Sun 2:00p Every Wed 8:00p Every Thu 8:00p More...	Thumbs. Set in an isolated cabin in Vermont, this is the story of two equally clever women from two very different walks of life who wil… 305-444-9293.

Miami Beach events for April 2008 (Click Here to Post)

2008-04-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

There is always so much going on in Miami Beach, it's hard to know where to start. For the kids, that great "Oh Seuss! Off to Great Places" Exhibit runs until April 30 at the Miami Children's Museum. You'll find the museum at 980 Macarthur Causeway, Miami, FL 33132 (305) 373-5437.

If you're passionate about home style, you'll find the Wolfsonian Museum's exhibit: Fashioning the Modern French Interior: Pochoir Portfolios in the 1920's (thru 5/11/08) interesting. The museum is at 1001 Washington Avenue, a fascinating stop on your stroll through Miami Beach's Art Deco District.

For the art crowd, there is never a dearth of gallery exhibits. Check out "Wifredo Lam in North America" (2/8 - 5/18) at the Miami Art Museum, located on the mainland, at 101 W Flagler Street, Miami 33130 (305) 375-3000.

History buffs will enjoy "Native Arts of the Northwest Coast: The Gluck Collection", which runs through June 1 at the Historical Museum of South Florida, also at 101 W. Flagler Street, Miami 33130 (305) 375-1492.

Check out our next post on great theater events...