September occupancy rates for hotels in Broward County rose 2 percent since last year. This rise has been the first gain since April of 2008. The increased occupancy came accompanied by lower daily rates which dropped an average of 15 percent from last year. In September, Fort Lauderdale hotels’ occupancy rate dropped 5 percent and rates dropped 14 percent since last year.
The Coral Gables Venetian Pool, which started off as just a rock pit when they were planning to build Coral Gables in the 1920s, underwent a six-month, $730,000 renovation that was completed just before summer of 2009. The Saturday following the Friday grand reopening welcomed 471 guests. The Venetian Pool renovation included new and improved bathrooms, walkways, fountains, roof tiles, concession area, patio furniture and wrought-iron gate.
Miami International Airport came in as number one of the busiest U.S. airport for international travelers during the first 6 months of 2009. From January to June 2009, Miami International Airport received 2.4 million international passengers.
Miami International Airport was the busiest U.S. airport for international travelers in June with 441,000 international passenger boardings. Still, it is down 2.7 percent from the 2.5 million last year. Completing the top three busiest U.S. airport for international travelers were New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Meanwhile, Miami International Airport was not named among the top 10 U.S. airports for domestic travel.
There is a recent development in Miami news, particularly for its Cuban population, that is very interesting to follow:Â a Ferry service from Miami to Cuba could very well become a reality. Amando Ruiz is making Miami news as he waits for approval from the Obama Administration, who recently, in an effort to increase contact with the island, granted Cuban-Americans the right to make the trip to the Island without restrictions and allowed money and gifts to be sent in greater quantities as well. Ruiz suggests that this project would go a long way in helping the Cuban people.
South Beach and Miami Beach nightlife is changing before our eyes. A major South Beach nightclub, Miami Opium Garden with Prive, just closed its doors and is moving to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. Is this the beginning of a new trend or just an isolated event? The Miami Opium Garden along with its VIP Prive has been the leading Miami Beach nightlife nightclub in South Beach for decades.
The crisis afflicting South Florida was probably the major factor behind this move. Miami Opium Garden will reopen at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in mid-March. Even the world-renowned Winter Music Conference will hold events there for the first time.
The city of Miami Beach became anti-nightclubs and quoted thousands of violations made by Miami Beach clubs in the past 10 years. Miami Beach vacation rentals attract a large variety of vacationers including clubbers. This aggressive stand by the city might endanger the future of Miami Beach nightlife and reputation as a trendy, hip city. TV series such as CSI Miami have attracted a lot of tourists because of their depiction of the glamorous Miami Beach nightlife. What will become of Miami Beach if the Miami Beach nightlife disappears? Miami Opium Garden was hit with so many noise violations that it decided it could not operate anymore in such a hostile environment. The city noise ordinance was unbearable. The Opium Group sued the city but ultimately lost the fight. Opium Group continues being a part of Miami Beach nightlife and operating Mansion, SET and the Louis Bar Lounge in the Gansevoort hotel.
The Seminole Hard Rock Casino is one of the major entertainment centers in South Florida with a casino, restaurants, concert venues, stores, hotels and night clubs such as Passions, Pangaea and Gryphon. The Seminole Hard Rock Casino is very popular among locals and has a slightly older crowd than you will find within the Miami Beach nightlife.
As expected the attendance at the Miami Boat show declined 26 % compared to the 2008 Miami Boat show , 96 000 people versus 130 000. This Miami event is one of the most important in the calendar year. Exhibitors indicated that they felt their international visitors were less present than last year. The decline of attendance and sales was expected.
Find more pictures and read full 2009 Miami Boat Show Review.
The state of Florida has decided to implement new changes for Miami and Floridian Motorists. There will now higher fines on motorists that do not obey the rules and violate the law. These new changes for Miami and Floridian Motorists include that all violation fees are expected to increase drastically. Just to name a few:
• Running a red light: $208
• Speeding 25 miles over the limit: $258
• Late fee: $16
• A number of other violations such as driving with an expired tag: Increased by $10
Locals and tourists in Miami should be very careful to not break any laws when driving, as any mistakes will be expensive with these new changes for Miami and Floridian Motorists. For tourists, the easiest way to avoid the risk is to search in a guide of Miami for a Miami hotel or Miami Beach vacation rental in the center of all the action so you do not need to drive. If not, you can easily rent a car or even hire a limousine service. Just check a guide of Miami for details.
Miami Motorcycle Rentals - Rent a mortocycle in Miami, Florida.
Art Basel Miami (Art Fair Weekend) will be hosting some new fairs in the schedule and as reported by some experts in the matter around 25 art fairs will take place in the land of exiles, sun, sand and mojitos.
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