Select Page

Communities

Widgetized Area

This panel is active and ready for you to add some widgets via the WP Admin

Faith Communities in and around North Bay Village

North Bay Village and its surrounding areas offer a variety of places of worship, catering to diverse faith traditions. Here are some notable churches and temples in the vicinity:

Within North Bay Village:

  1. Ummah of Miami Beach
    • Address: 7904 West Dr, North Bay Village, FL 33141
    • Phone: 786-216-7035
    • Description: A local place of worship serving the Muslim community in North Bay Village.

Nearby Places of Worship:

  1. Calvary Chapel
    • Address: 7141 Indian Creek Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Phone: 305-531-2730
    • Description: A Christ-centered, cross-focused church offering services and community programs.
  2. Temple Moses Sephardic Congregation of Florida
    • Address: 1200 Normandy Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Phone: 305-861-6308
    • Description: A Sephardic Jewish congregation providing religious services and cultural events.
  3. Iglesia Jesus Es Rey
    • Address: 1133 71st St, Miami Beach, FL 33141
    • Phone: 305-867-7679
    • Description: A Christian church offering worship services and community outreach programs.
  4. St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church
    • Address: 17775 N Bay Rd, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
    • Phone: 305-931-0600
    • Description: A Catholic parish providing mass services and religious education.
  5. St. Bernard de Clairvaux Episcopal Church
    • Address: 16711 W Dixie Hwy, North Miami Beach, FL 33160
    • Phone: 305-945-1461
    • Description: An Episcopal church known for its historic architecture and spiritual services.
  6. St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
    • Address: 2401 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129
    • Phone: 305-854-2922
    • Description: A Greek Orthodox cathedral offering liturgical services and cultural events.
  7. New Revelation Alliance Church
    • Address: 11900 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33181
    • Phone: 305-893-8050
    • Description: A Christian church focusing on community service and spiritual growth.

These establishments reflect the rich tapestry of faith communities accessible to residents and visitors of North Bay Village, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.

Miami Rising Stars: The Ascent of Eric Olivier Mathurin

Miami Rising Stars: The Ascent of Eric Olivier Mathurin
The foundation of success is built on every risk you’re willing to take.” – Eric Olivier Mathurin

In the world of business, there are those who follow the path laid before them, and then there are those who carve their own way—relentless, visionary, and unshaken by obstacles. These individuals are known as Rising Stars—young professionals with the potential to shape industries, challenge the status quo, and leave a lasting impact. Miami, a city thriving on ambition and reinvention, is home to many such rising figures, and today, we spotlight one of its own: Eric Olivier Mathurin.
A Foundation Built on Ambition
Born in Queens, New York, Eric Olivier Mathurin has always had his eyes on the future. As a child, he dreamed of bright lights and movie sets, envisioning a career in Hollywood. But as he grew, his ambitions evolved. By high school, he was captivated by the world of finance, drawn to the energy of Wall Street and the thrill of making strategic financial decisions.
Eric wasn’t just a dreamer—he was a doer. At the age of 14, he was already making cold calls, reaching out to homeowners in Long Island to discuss refinancing options. While most teenagers were worried about prom and football games, Eric was sharpening his sales skills, developing a thick skin, and embracing rejection as part of the journey to success.
A Career Forged in Persistence
With an unwavering determination to master finance, Eric pursued his education at St. John’s University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the Peter J. Tobin College of Business in 2012. He wasn’t content with just acquiring knowledge—he wanted to apply it, shape it, and use it to transform lives. He stepped into the financial world with confidence, building his career as a financial planner.
For over 13 years (since 2012), Eric has dedicated himself to helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of wealth management. In an industry where trust and expertise are paramount, he has built a reputation as someone who not only understands the nuances of finance but also genuinely cares about the well-being of his clients.
Planting New Roots in Miami
In 2024, Eric made a pivotal decision—he officially relocated to Miami, though he had been planting seeds and building connections in the area since 2020. His move was driven by both professional and personal growth opportunities, allowing him to expand his influence and bring his financial expertise to a rapidly growing market. Since then, he has been planting the seeds of success, building connections, and solidifying his presence as a trusted financial planner.
His leadership abilities did not go unnoticed. In January 2025, he was nominated and elected as the President of BNI Miami Shores, a networking group that meets weekly. With 23 members under his leadership, Eric is shaping the group’s future, fostering professional growth, and creating a network where businesses can thrive together.
Championing Financial Literacy
Beyond wealth management, Eric is passionate about financial literacy, particularly for younger generations. He recognized the gaps in financial education growing up and is determined to fill them. He actively educates people through social media (@ericmathurinmfg for personal insights and @mathurinfinancialgroup for business guidance) and is in the early stages of writing a children’s book focused on fundamental financial principles such as saving, budgeting, and investing.
His approach to financial advising follows the three E’s: Educate, Empower, Execute—ensuring clients understand their financial choices, feel confident in their decisions, and take actionable steps toward their financial goals.
The Parallel: Ambition & Leadership
Famed author Napoleon Hill once said, “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” Eric’s journey is a testament to this truth. He didn’t wait for opportunities to come knocking—he created them. From cold-calling at 14 to leading a business network in Miami, his story is one of persistence, adaptability, and boldness.
Much like Miami itself—a city built on ambition, reinvention, and resilience—Eric’s career reflects the power of pushing beyond limits. Just as Miami attracts visionaries, risk-takers, and industry leaders, Eric embodies that same spirit. His ability to embrace change, pivot when necessary, and forge ahead even in uncertainty is what makes him a true Rising Star.
Success isn’t about where you start; it’s about where you’re willing to go. Eric Olivier Mathurin’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to success isn’t linear—it’s shaped by ambition, hard work, and the courage to seize opportunities. His journey from a young dreamer in Queens to a financial leader in Miami is proof that vision, coupled with persistence, can lead to remarkable heights.
If you’re looking for a financial expert who understands growth, strategy, and the power of smart financial planning, Eric Olivier Mathurin is the professional to connect with. Whether you’re planning for your future or seeking expert guidance for your business, Eric has the experience, insight, and leadership to help you thrive. Contact him today at www.mathurinfinancialgroup.com or via email at contact@mathurinfinancialgroup.com!

Read More

AISAP and Amavita Heart and Vascular Health Bring Cardiac Diagnostics to Underserved Florida Communities with AI-Powered Point-of-Care Ultrasound

AISAP and Amavita Heart and Vascular Health Bring Cardiac Diagnostics to Underserved Florida Communities with AI-Powered Point-of-Care Ultrasound
Initial use cases include aortic stenosis screenings in clinics and skilled nursing facilities
BOSTON – February 6, 2025 – AISAP, a medical technology company developing AI-powered Point-of-Care Assisted Diagnosis (POCAD™) solutions to transform medical ultrasound, has partnered with Miami-based Amavita Heart and Vascular Health to offer its first-of-a-kind, AI-powered AISAP CARDIO point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) software platform outside of hospital settings to underserved communities in South Florida. Amavita, led by Founder and Medical Director Pedro Martinez-Clark, MD, FACC, has begun deploying the software in screenings for aortic stenosis and other valvular diseases in its clinics, local skilled nursing facilities, and via mobile screening units in underserved communities with high minority populations.
“Aortic stenosis is a devastating disease with a very high mortality rate if left untreated,” said Dr. Martinez-Clark. “Using AISAP CARDIO, we aim to dramatically increase early detection rates and offer patients timely intervention so that they can go on to live healthy lives. As a point-of-care assisted diagnostic, the software could revolutionize valvular and heart failure diagnoses and early treatment, as it allows us to reach out to those most in need, especially minority communities where access to timely care remains challenging. The impact on population health could be significant.”
To date, Dr. Martinez-Clark and his colleagues at Amavita have screened approximately 60 patients using the AISAP CARDIO. Those screenings have detected significant valvular pathologies in 28 percent of patients.
An estimated one in four patients with moderate to severe aortic stenosis goes undiagnosed, and the rates of diagnosis tend to be worse among unrepresented minority groups1. The consequence of underdiagnosing aortic stenosis is significant, as the mortality rate of untreated disease can be as high as 50 percent within one year2. Moreover, untreated cases result in approximately $10,000 in increased healthcare expenses per patient per year versus treated case3. Yet up to 50 percent of these cases are missed until post-mortem4.
“We are grateful that Medicare and private payers in the U.S. recognize the critical human and financial impact of underdiagnosing diseases like aortic stenosis and are reimbursing for solutions like AISAP CARDIO,” added Dr. Martinez-Clark. “This is a technology that can be both life-saving for patients and game-changing for the healthcare system.”
“AISAP is proud to collaborate with forward-thinking practices and community partners like Amavita,” said Roni Attali, AISAP U.S. general manager and chief sales officer. “We commend Dr. Martinez-Clark on his mission to use our technology to address healthcare disparities and ensure that no patient suffering from valvular disease is left behind.”
AISAP CARDIO is a cloud-based platform that combines four computer-assisted diagnosis (CADx) modules of valvular pathologies and eight key measurements into a single, comprehensive, cardiac ultrasound software package that automatically generates analyses, interpretations and billable reports. CARDIO empowers clinicians with basic scanning skills to accurately diagnose up to 90 percent of the most common cardiac structural and functional parameters right at the bedside within minutes. CARDIO was trained on hundreds of thousands of studies comprising over 24 million echo video clips. AISAP’s novel algorithms on POCUS devices has been validated in multi-national, multi-site, randomized, multi-reader, multi-case clinical trials at Mass General Brigham, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Stony Brook University Hospital.
AISAP CARDIO is indicated to provide diagnostic assessment and measurements of several key cardiac structural functional parameters, including: presence of valvular pathology (regurgitations of the mitral, tricuspid, aortic valves and aortic stenosis), and measurements of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), right and left ventricular dimensions, right ventricular fractional area change (RV FAC), atrial areas, ascending aorta diameter, and inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter.
AISAP CARDIO is a vendor-agnostic, scalable solution that seamlessly integrates into the clinical workflow, as well as existing EHR/EMR and PACS systems.
About AISAP
AISAP LTD is a pioneering company at the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare with a mission to transform healthcare delivery through its flagship product, AISAP CARDIO, which for the first time delivers POCAD™ (Point-of-Care Assisted Diagnosis). The platform enables clinicians to perform comprehensive, AI-powered ultrasound diagnostics anywhere, anytime, ensuring that advanced medical care is accessible at the patient’s bedside, whether in a hospital, clinic or rural setting.
AISAP’s intuitive and secure SaaS platform is designed to empower healthcare providers by streamlining diagnosis processes, enhancing clinical efficiency, and improving patient outcomes.
Please visit www.aisap.ai for more information or to book a demo. Follow AISAP on LinkedIn for more updates.
References

Reisman, A. M., & Elmariah, S. (2024). A Review of “Access to Care” Issues in Aortic Stenosis Patients: A Negative Report Card. Structural Heart. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shj.2024.100351[1]
Leon, M.B., Smith, C.R., Mack, M., et al; PARTNER Trial Investigators. Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation for aortic stenosis in patients who cannot undergo surgery. N Engl J Med. 2010;363(17):1597-1607.
Sethi, A., Elmariah, S., Gunnarson, C., et al. The cost of waiting for a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in medicare beneficiaries with severe aortic stenosis. Structural Heart (2024).
Das, P., Pocock, C., Chambers, J. The patient with a systolic murmur: severe aortic stenosis may be missed during cardiovascular examination. QJM 2000 Oct;93(10):685-8.

###
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sam Choinski
Pazanga Health Communications
schoinski@pazangahealth.com
(860) 301-505

Read More

Renting vs. Buying: Which One Makes More Sense in 2025?

Renting saves money today, but buying invests in tomorrow.– Monica Veiga

Making the choice between renting and buying a home is a big financial decision. It affects your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. While homeownership builds equity, renting provides flexibility. The right decision depends on your financial situation and future plans.
The Cost of Renting
Renting is straightforward. You pay a fixed monthly rent, and the landlord covers maintenance. There are no property taxes or home insurance costs. In 2025, the average rent for a two-bedroom in Coral Gables is $3,400 per month. This adds up to $40,800 per year.
The Cost of Buying a Home
Buying a home comes with added expenses. If you purchase a $500,000 home, you need a 20% down payment of $100,000. Your monthly mortgage at a 7% interest rate would be around $2,661. On top of that, you have $5,000 in property taxes and $7,000 in insurance costs per year. That brings your total annual homeownership cost to around $43,935.
Renting vs. Owning: The Monthly Breakdown
If you rent, your only cost is $3,400 per month. If you buy, your total monthly expense (including taxes and insurance) is $3,661. The difference is $261 per month, but with homeownership, you build equity over time.
No Down Payment? Renting Might Be Better
If you don’t have a down payment, buying becomes much harder. Without the $100,000 upfront, your loan amount increases. This raises your mortgage payment and adds private mortgage insurance (PMI). Your monthly costs could exceed $4,000, making renting the better financial choice.
When Buying Makes Sense
Buying is a smart choice if you plan to stay long-term. Home values in South Florida tend to increase. If the market appreciates, your home could be worth much more in 10 years. This means you build wealth while paying off your mortgage. Renting, on the other hand, provides no return on investment.
The Hidden Costs of Homeownership
Owning a home comes with unexpected costs. Repairs, maintenance, and rising insurance premiums can add up. Property taxes may also increase. Renting avoids these surprise expenses and provides financial predictability.
Flexibility vs. Stability
Renting gives you the freedom to move without selling a home. This is ideal if you expect career changes or personal transitions. Buying gives you stability and a place to call home. The decision comes down to your lifestyle and future plans.
What the Experts Say
Warren Buffett once said, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” This applies to renting and buying. Renting may seem cheaper, but homeownership offers long-term value. It depends on whether you prioritize short-term savings or long-term investment.
If you have a down payment and plan to stay for years, buying makes sense. If you lack savings or need flexibility, renting is the better choice. Analyze your finances and future goals before making a decision.
Are you still unsure whether to rent or buy? Speak with a real estate expert to explore your options. Understanding your financial situation is key to making the right choice. Contact Monica Veiga at 305-336-3497  for renting or buying opportunities.
 

Read More

Do You Need to Supply a W-9 If You Are a Corporation?

The right paperwork today prevents major headaches tomorrow.
-Wilson Alvarez

As a technology consultant, I often deal with business paperwork that extends beyond IT services—one of those common requests at the beginning of every year is the W-9 form. Clients and vendors frequently ask for it, and over the years, I’ve researched its necessity. Since I run a Florida corporation that has been in business since 1991, I’ve encountered this question multiple times: Do corporations need to supply a W-9?
The answer is not always straightforward. Based on my experience, most corporations should provide a W-9 when requested, even though they may be exempt from certain IRS reporting requirements. However, always consult with your accounting professional for clarification, as tax laws and requirements can change.
What Is a W-9 Form?
A W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) is an IRS document that businesses use to collect a vendor’s Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), usually an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for corporations. The main purpose is to help companies track payments for tax reporting.
Businesses commonly ask for a W-9 to ensure they meet IRS compliance rules and determine if they need to issue a 1099 form at the end of the year.
Are Corporations Required to Provide a W-9?
Even though corporations are generally exempt from 1099-NEC reporting, I’ve learned that businesses still require a W-9 for record-keeping and verification purposes. From what I’ve seen, here’s why corporations should provide a W-9 when requested:

To Confirm Your Corporate Status
A business requesting a W-9 needs to verify that your company is a corporation and exempt from receiving a 1099-NEC. The form provides them with your EIN and business structure, confirming your tax classification.
To Avoid Backup Withholding
If you don’t provide a W-9, the company may have to withhold 24% of your payments under IRS backup withholding rules. This is something I’ve advised businesses to avoid by simply submitting the form.
To Maintain Proper IRS Records
Businesses must document their vendor payments properly, even if a 1099 isn’t required. A W-9 helps them prove they are following tax regulations.

When Is a Corporation Not Exempt?
While most corporations do not need to receive a 1099-NEC, there are exceptions. From my research, if your corporation provides legal or medical services, your client must issue a 1099-NEC. So, if you operate a law firm or a medical practice, be prepared to both provide a W-9 and receive a 1099 form.
How to Fill Out a W-9 as a Corporation
I’ve completed this form several times, and here’s what you need to fill in:

Line 1: Business name (as registered with the IRS)
Line 2: Trade name (if applicable)
Line 3: Check C Corporation or S Corporation
Line 5 & 6: Business address
Part I: Provide your EIN instead of a Social Security Number
Part II: Sign and date the form

What Happens If You Refuse to Provide a W-9?
Over the years, I’ve seen businesses hesitate to provide a W-9. However, if you refuse, the requesting company might be forced to withhold 24% of your payments for tax purposes. They may also delay payments while trying to determine your tax classification.
Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” This applies to business owners, too. Understanding tax forms like the W-9 ensures smooth financial transactions and prevents costly mistakes.
From my experience, if you are a corporation, you should supply a W-9 when requested. Even if you are exempt from 1099 reporting, providing the form helps avoid payment issues and unnecessary withholding. However, tax laws can be complex, so it’s always best to consult with your accountant for up-to-date guidance.
If you receive a W-9 request, don’t ignore it. Provide it to your client to avoid backup withholding and potential payment delays. However, if you are uncertain about your tax obligations, contact your accounting professional for further clarification. My thoughts are based on my experience, but always check with a qualified accountant to ensure compliance.

Read More