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eMerge Americas 2024 celebrated its 10 year anniversary by showcasing the vibrant tech ecosystem of Greater Miami. The two-day conference, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, drew approximately 20,000 participants and showcased Miami Beach as an evolving tech scene.

The creativity within and around the conference was unlimited, including dancing robots from Nova Southeastern University’s Levan Center of Innovation, setting an innovative tone.  Local to global thought leaders emphasized the importance of creating an adaptable ecosystem to meet the challenges of rapid technological change, reflecting on Greater Miami’s evolution from Miami 1.0 to sought after tech hub.

eMerge Americas 2024 focused on the growing impact of AI and health tech with panels and discussions examining the latest innovations. Keynote speaker Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, delivered an inspiring talk on the importance of embracing imperfection and bravery, especially for women in tech. She highlighted the need to bridge the opportunity gap and empower women in technology and beyond. Armando Christian Pérez, ne’ Pitbull, shared his insights on local tech growth and his initiatives to support education, highlighting his involvement in Sports Leadership Arts Management (SLAM) schools. He also shared his foray into NASCAR, as a means to unite people through a universal language.

Attention to Startups was paramount, with pre-conference Founder mentoring for 110 companies participating in the eMerge Americas Startup Showcase. Notable startups included Tukki, which simplifies the US immigration process, and Blue Saturn, which offers AI-powered analysis for job applications. The Startup Showcase culminated with a pitch competition, with the top five (5) startups competed for a grand prize of $520,000. EVQLV, a Miami-based AI-powered venture focused on antibody discovery, emerged as the winner, and demonstrated the growing prowess in life sciences. Commissioner Joe Magazine served as a judge in the university track of the pitch competition which awarded Autoket, a Miami-based B2B automotive marketplace.

Miami Beach’s Make A Bold Move booth returned to the eMerge Americas exhibition floor showcasing new and expanding business innovations, cutting-edge technologies and business incentives, demonstrating Miami Beach’s commitment to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem.

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For more than 60 years, the National Small Business Week (April 28 – May 5, 2024) has applauded and celebrated the contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses.  This is a time that we acknowledge the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication small businesses and their influence our economies and communities.

Economic Development Week (May 6-10, 2024) is an opportunity to acknowledge the programs, best practices and special individuals, teams, and organizations that positively impact our residential and commercial communities. In Miami Beach, we promote and share the numerous efforts created to support, attract, and retain businesses in our emerging community to create a more economically vibrant and livable neighborhoods and diverse business corridors.

The City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department and local, regional, and national partners and stakeholders, including, but not limited to the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, Lincoln Road Business Improvement District, 41^st Street Business improvement District, Normandy Fountain Business Association, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Miami Dade Economic Advocacy Trust,  and Espanola Way Association, are the driving force behind numerous programs and initiatives designed to help entrepreneurs, investors, enterprising professional, and small businesses open, relocate and grow.

If you are interested in starting a business or expanding your business, Miami Beach offers business concierge services, technical assistance programs, and business incentives and grants. Please call us at 305.673.7572 or email us at MBBiz@miamibeachfl.gov.

For more information on these programs, please visit www.MBBiz.com and subscribe to the Economic Development Newsletter and stay connected and discover the tools available to build an ambitious, prosperous and productive business.

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The vibrant atmosphere of Miami Beach is enhanced by the timeless allure of its Art Deco architecture. Pastel hues and avant-garde shapes give the city a unique and iconic character.  This month marks the 42nd anniversary of the Miami Beach Architectural District’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Often referred to as the Art Deco District, this area was recognized as the nation’s first urban 20th-century Historic District, which marked a pivotal moment in our city’s preservation efforts.

Buildings constructed in the 1920s were designed in the Mediterranean Revival Style with bell towers, archways, awnings, and balconies among their standout attributes. On the other hand, those budlings constructed in the 1930s were designed in more traditional Art Deco fashion, with curved edges and corners, neon lighting, round porthole windows, and other distinctive quirks.

Led by passionate advocate Barbara Baer Capitman, the district’s historic recognition faced substantial opposition. Despite all of it, on May 14th, 1979, over 800 buildings were listed, affirming our area’s national significance. This milestone was not merely symbolic, providing tangible benefits for property owners, including tax advantages and low-interest loans for restoration work down the line.

As we reflect on this historic occasion, let’s remember the dedication of those who fought for preservation. Let’s honor their legacy by continuing to cherish and protect the Miami Beach Art Deco District for generations to come. The maintenance of Art Deco is not solely the outcome of government efforts through zoning regulations, but also stems from individuals’ commitments within the community to preserve the area’s authenticity.

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Be Kind to Animals Month takes place in May. Animal cruelty comes in many forms and disguises. Some examples include factory farming and lab testing, as well as a pet owner’s utter disregard for his or her animal companion. What Be Kind to Animals Month is all about is recognizing the need of treating all animals with respect, regardless of their appearance. Its goal is to raise public awareness about the importance of treating animals with respect and safeguarding their natural habitats and environments. This month and always, let’s show compassion to all creatures great and little. In honor of Be Kind to Animals Month, we are featuring the Miami Beach Animal Wellness and Specialty Center.

Miami Beach Animal Wellness and Specialty Center stands as a beacon of compassionate care for our beloved pets. Founded by Dr. Robert Prosek, a dedicated veterinarian with a passion for cardiology, this boutique veterinary clinic embodies a commitment to excellence in pet healthcare.

Dr. Robert Prosek, the visionary owner of Miami Beach Animal Wellness and Specialty Center, is Miami-Dade’s only animal cardiologist. Dr. Prosek leads a superb cardiology team that visits the office twice monthly, ensuring pets receive specialized care tailored to their cardiac needs.

Dr. Heidi Foster is another valued member of the clinic’s veterinary team. Raised in Fort Lauderdale by a family of medical professionals, Dr. Foster’s journey to veterinary medicine was inspired by a childhood surrounded by the power of healing each other – not just humans. Dr Foster attended the prestigious University of Florida Veterinary School after completing her undergraduate studies at Cornell University. She has been a valued member of the South Florida community since 2006.

What sets Miami Beach Animal Wellness and Specialty Center apart is its unwavering dedication to fostering personal connections with both clients and their furry companions.

“What I value most about operating a small business in Miami Beach is the opportunity to foster a personal connection with clients and pets, which is reminiscent of a family environment, ” emphasizes Dr. Heidi.

In addition to providing exceptional care within the clinic walls, Miami Beach Animal Wellness and Specialty Center extends its reach to the community during the quieter summer months. House calls become a staple offering, ensuring that pets receive the care they need in the comfort of their own homes. Additionally, the clinic provides compassionate end-of-life and hospice care year-round, offering solace to families facing difficult decisions.

The business now announces their expansion plans to include a 24-hour Emergency hospital focused on cardiology in South Miami. Spearheaded by Dr.  Prosek, this expansion signifies the clinic’s commitment to advancing pet healthcare in the region.

As summer approaches, Miami Beach Animal Wellness and Specialty Center shares valuable tips to ensure the well-being of our furry friends:

• Heat Stroke Awareness: With soaring temperatures, pets are susceptible to heat stroke. Recognize symptoms such as excess panting, restlessness, and pale gums. Preventative measures include providing shade and adequate hydration.
• Beach Visits: Supervise pets during beach outings to prevent sand impaction and jellyfish bites. Beware of toxicities from spoiled food and excessive saltwater intake.
• Travel Precautions: Prepare pets for travel with up-to-date vaccinations and necessary tests. Visit the USDA website for travel requirements and guidelines.
• Ectoparasite Prevention: Protect pets from mosquitos, fleas, and ticks with preventive measures to avoid diseases like heartworm and dermatitis.

Together, let’s ensure our furry companions enjoy a safe and joyful summer season. With Miami Beach Animal Wellness and Specialty Center, pet owners can rest assured that their beloved companions are in capable and caring hands. For additional information, please visit: https://miamibeachpetdoctors.com/

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 An engineering feat transformed our island paradise, bridging the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, just north of Bal Harbour. The inlet reshaped Miami Beach into the mesmerizing destination we know and love today, facilitating seamless maritime navigation and enhancing Miami Beach’s appeal.

The name “Baker’s Haulover” is shrouded in mystery.  Folklore suggests it is named after a man named Baker who crossed from the bay to the ocean and back at a point that was shallow enough to “haul over” his boat.

Carved in 1925, the inlet stands as the only passage between Government Cut and Port Everglades. This crucial waterway, notorious for its challenging conditions due to shoaling and strong currents, highlights the importance of adept seamanship and local knowledge for safe passage.

Beyond its role in maritime navigation, Haulover Cut has become a focal point for community and culture. The adjacent jetty offers a scenic vista, where visitors can marvel at the vastness of the Atlantic and observe the bustling activity of marine vessels. Beneath the waves, the Haulover Inlet sandbar emerges as a coveted spot, attracting both tourists and locals alike to anchor.

As we mark the anniversary of this landmark’s opening during April 1925, we celebrate the transformation it brought to Miami Beach, the adventurous spirit it embodies and cherish the rich heritage and allure of Haulover Cut, a testament to the island’s dynamic evolution and its connection to the seamanship.

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As we celebrate Earth Day and embrace the spirit of sustainability throughout April, it is important to cherish the profound impact of small, individual actions. In the U.S., food is the single most common material sent to landfills, comprising a substantial amount of municipal solid waste.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the total municipal solid waste landfilled in 2018 was alarmingly high, underscoring the urgency for sustainable solutions (“EPA Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2018 Fact Sheet”).

Compost for Life, a Miami-based compost community initiative, spearheaded by Francisco Torres, shares this sentiment. The initiative aims to unite residents of Miami Beach and beyond in a shared mission of living a life that supports efforts to maintain and enhance a healthy planet. Serving Miami-Dade County and Broward County, this innovative business simplifies nature’s way of recycling and offers one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce trash in landfills, address climate change, and build healthy soil in an easy and accessible manner.

Participating residents simply deposit their food scraps in a Compost for Life pink bucket, and they handle all the rest. Every six (6) months, a portion of the collected decomposed food scraps and yard trimmings are returned as nutrient and carbon-rich soil to the community for individual use or for donation to local farmers and community gardens to improve soil quality, support plant growth, and build resilience in our local ecosystems.

Speaking at the 2024 Aspen Ideas Conference in March, Francisco emphasized the transformative potential of composting: “Food scraps should not be seen as waste; food scraps can transform and regenerate our planet’s soil.”

“At Compost for Life, we believe composting food scraps is one of the best things we can do for our planet,” says Francisco Torres. “Through our daily habits, we decide if we make food scraps waste or if we compost it by putting it in the pink. Our community impact, through composting, is directly linked to the volume; imagine how much change can be made if composting was a county-wide initiative,” explained Francisco. He further highlighted the astounding biodiversity fostered by composting: “In one handful of finished compost, there is an estimate of 50 billion microorganisms; there is more life in a handful than human beings on our planet.”

Additionally, Compost for Life has established partnerships with renowned establishments such as 1 Hotel, Miami Beach Convention Center, Milam’s Market, Julias & Henry, The Continuum, and The Frost Museum. These collaborations strengthen the initiative’s reach and impact in promoting sustainable practices. Glass for Life, the sister organization, repurposes old glass bottles into new materials, providing a sustainable solution that reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Currently, Compost for Life serves a diverse clientele, including residents, businesses, and commercial buildings committed to embracing eco-friendly practices. Join a community making a positive environmental impact that fosters a sustainable future for our community and beyond by visiting the Compost For Life website. 

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‘Be kind to your mind’ is the mantra this April. Earth Month is the annual celebration of the multifaceted power of sustainability and environmentally conscious living in  our community. Nestled amidst the rambunctious and spirited energy of Collins Avenue, Blue Lavender Café & Market embraces this intonation and offers a nook of peace and serenity serving sustainably sourced food and products produced to limit negative impact on our health, environment, and future. The curated menu, décor, and ambience deviate from what most envision about Miami Beach.

Owners, Veronica and Juan D’Onofrio, are a married couple with deep roots in the city, which led to the creation of this recently launched business concept in January 2024. The D’Onofrios have owned and managed the adjacent hotel, Nassau Suites, since immigrating from Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2002. After raising kids and navigating the business landscape in Miami, the couple took a leap of faith, while redeveloping Nassau Suites, and transformed a parking garage into an inviting and open café.

Juan, an accomplished Miami Beach hotelier, humbly expressed how the couple diligently and intentionally visualized the Blue Lavender space. “We are brewing healthy emotions”, is painted on the walls of the café, setting the tone of the ambience and café character. The menu features an array of healthy and tasty options, including a majority of gluten free selections. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Juan is passionate about promoting nutrition and conscious healthy eating and appreciation for wholesome and delicious food. The D’Onofrios are proud to serve the community, whether it is residents or locals stumbling upon the café during errands or a walk or run, visitors looking for a light bite and respite, or tourist seeking something special that fits their dietary restrictions.

“The next generation is very health conscious, as are families”, Juan said. “Our kids eat everything on our menu; they could not tell the difference between a regular pasta and gluten free or vegan pasta. They just like yummy food.” We are ‘Happytarians’ – people who embrace healthy living, thinking and eating and appreciate and advocate for clean food for our  family, neighbors and community – which no doubt inspires the Blue Lavender’s  mission, vision and values.

Health and sustainability are inseparable. By providing a varied menu of healthy and clean culinary options, Blue Lavender offers a natural approach to nourish your mind and body without giving up taste. Specialty items include sugar free cookies with monk fruit. Popular all-day items include cold pressed juices, pastries, and scrumptious zucchini bread. Blue Lavender’s all day dining is robust with appetizing organic, natural and green choices, from proteins, salads, grains, teas, and spirited libations.

“The City of Miami Beach is thrilled to welcome and champion businesses with distinctive missions that distinguish them from the rest. Blue Lavender’s dedication to accommodating individuals with dietary restrictions is commendable. We take pride in being an inclusive city, offering something special for everyone,” says Rickelle Williams, Assistant City Manager.

The café brews healthy emotions with outdoor and indoor, seating that sets a light, airy and peaceful atmosphere that casts a warm and welcoming glow upon the curated space. In the heart café stands a living centerpiece, a striking tree with trunk, grounding the space and providing a visual ode to the ethos of sustainability. For delicious treats, nourishing food, and stellar service, visit Blue Lavender Café & Market located at 1414 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 where they are keeping it healthy, tasty and simple.