South beach Lummus Park

There’s an exiting initiative that everyone can join, to stamp out fake news. Miami Beach Commissioners are discussing ways to shut down the weekly drum circle at South Pointe Park, citing noise complaints from a few neighbors. There’s a petition you can sign to help change the peaceful, uplifting drum circle. There’s a terrific e-commerce business conference coming to Miami with featured speakers including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary. In addition to the drums controversy, there’s another one— Miami-Dade officials want to extend the Metromover from downtown Miami to Miami Beach.

Ekstract Center for News Credibility

Photo of Eileen and Richard Ekstract

Miami and Palm Beach keep getting closer and closer in proximity. Many of my friends feel exactly the same way. We go back and forth to events in Palm Beach like it was just a few miles away. It’s actually 70 miles to the North. The fact that we have the Brightline high speed train, Miamians can make it an easy day trip.

We plan to spend a few days every month in Palm Beach because of an initiative that is taking place there.  Richard Ekstract, 92 on February 20th, is on a mission to stamp out fake news. Everyone can join in. After a brilliant career as a magazine publisher, art collector and real estate developer, Richard is now making his efforts more formal. Richard, and his wife Eileen Ekstract, are  working with Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication

to address how misinformation and disinformation continue to plague our society on a national level. Temple University said, “Named in the honor of alumnus Richard Ekstract, the goals for the proposed Center are to 1) strengthen local news-community relationships and invigorate an industry that is facing challenging times and 2) grant people a stable resource of quality reporting on the issues taking shape in their immediate surroundings.”

If you are interested, there will be a two day reception in Palm Beach February 27th and 28th on this exciting new initiative. Please RSVP to: Karen Gallagher, Asst. Dean, Development and Alumni Relations karen.gallagher@temple.edu.

Save the South Pointe Park Drum Circle

There is no question about it, these days I worry about going into crowds. Between Covid and shootings, I freak a little thinking about the consequences. However, that doesn’t mean I’m against the Sunday night South Pointe Park gatherings to watch the magnificent Miami sunsets. The crowds have grown dramatically (maybe over 1000) and now, you guessed it, nearby condo owners are complaining about the noise.

I just read that Miami Beach Commissioners are discussing ways to shut down the weekly drum circle at South Pointe Park, citing noise complaints from a few neighbors. “They are proposing the forceable move of the drum circle from its current location by the lighthouse and in view of the sunset, to Soundscape Park, at the busy intersection of Washington Avenue and 17th Street.”

There is a petition to demand that the City of Miami Beach Commission and its elected leaders not interfere with this positive, uplifting, inclusive, safe, and organic gathering that arose from our community and is a symbol of the spirit of Miami Beach.

“The drum circle is a peaceful assembly of our community and should stay in South Pointe Park where it was created. This a peaceful, safe, inclusive and uplifting weekly event that serves as a means for many of our residents and their families to come together. For months this event has flourished with zero incident. All instruments played are acoustic and the gatherings are typically over by 9 pm- well in advance of any code violation.”

What bothers me about the complaints is how legit they really are.  I say if you buy a condo high above it next to open space you better be prepared for future activity. It happens all the time. Either a real estate developer builds a building that blocks your view, or event folks eventually use the space for sizable gatherings. If you hate noise, don’t live in active communities. Move to the burbs and watch the grass grow.

By the way, I’m all for hiring the best security guards and garbage cleaners. I would rather play it safe than sorry and let everyone enjoy themselves.

Sign the petition to save the drum circles.

Mr. Wonderful Teaches eCommerce In Miami 

I’m spreading the word. Kevin 0’Leary, Mr. Wonderful from Shark Tank, will be in Miami on February 23rd, for one today, to talk to businesspeople who are involved in eCommerce. Only 100 people will be selected to attend the conference because O’Leary wants to share the best business practices with the most dedicated folks in the eCommerce world.

This is an unbelievable opportunity. Look at the lineup of people Mr. Wonderful is bringing along with him. People working in eCommerce can learn more in one day than they can from a yearlong business course. They will also make lifelong contacts that will help them become the best in the field. What a gift. GET THE DETAILS.

Metromover Controversy

In addition to Miami Beach residents collecting signatures to stop crowds from gathering in South Pointe Park on Sunday nights, now Miami Beach residents have another worry on their hands. They recently found out that Miami-Dade officials want to extend the Metromover from downtown Miami to Miami Beach. That means tracks would have to be built over the iconic causeway to expand the public transportation system.

At a recent meeting to discuss the project, many Miami Beach residents opposed the plan. A video showed residents loudly chanting “stop the train” at the meeting. A Baylink presentation was also made to the Miami Beach Commission this month, where residents spoke in support of the plan. According to Better Streets Miami Beach, two Miami Beach commissioners have publicly stated they are against Baylink, while two are in favor.

I will keep readers of The Three Tomatoes up to date on the discussions. This is one of the most important and popular topics in Miami today.