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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 Education May 2025 Recap | Graduation, Budget & Summer Prep

The State of Education in Miami – May 2025 Recap
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”— Nelson Mandela

School Year Wrap-Up & Summer Prep

Finalizing the 2024–25 Year: Miami‑Dade County Public Schools (M‑DCPS) officially closed its academic year on June 5, with adjusted dismissal times in the final days to allow teachers more planning time.

Summer Programs Launched: Registration opened May 5 for Extended School Year (ESY) and summer school, running through June 5—ensuring eligible students have continued learning opportunities.

Celebrating Excellence & Support Programs

Principal of the Year Award: Congratulations to Walter C. Hall from Leisure City K‑8, honored as Principal of the Year and even receiving a brand-new car as recognition of his leadership.

Zero Drownings Initiative: M‑DCPS joined forces with community partners to launch a student-focused coral restoration and water safety program under the “Zero Drownings Miami‑Dade” initiative, teaching critical aquatic skills.

Budget & Enrollment Pressures

Federal Budget Reductions Loom: Proposed cuts to U.S. Department of Education funding (17% of local budgets) could deepen a $50 million shortfall for 2025–26, driven by enrollment declines tied to school-choice vouchers.

Free Meal Funding at Risk?: Though M‑DCPS retains universal free lunch eligibility via federal programs, continued funding is uncertain, even as other districts revert to application-based models communitynewspapers.com+2axios.com+2news.dadeschools.net+2.

District Planning & Boundary Changes

Redrawing Boundaries for Efficiency: Officials are evaluating boundary changes and potential repurposing of 11 schools to address under-enrollment and maximize facility use, with decisions expected by June.

Overcrowding Policy Initiatives: Miami Shores Village’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan emphasizes collaboration with M‑DCPS to alleviate overcrowding via capital improvements and land-use coordination msvfl.gov.

What’s Next?

Navigating budget constraints: Schools will need contingency planning for potential federal funding cuts and revenue gaps.

Implementation of boundary shifts: Community meetings and Board actions in June will determine which schools are affected.

Summer learning outcomes: The ESY and summer school programs will inform next year’s readiness strategies.

Monitoring meal program stability: Continued advocacy needed to maintain universal meal access.

Takeaway
May 2025 showcased both achievement and looming challenges: celebrating educational leaders and public health partnerships, while bracing for budget and enrollment issues. Miami’s schools are wrapping up strong—but careful planning now will determine success in the 2025–26 year.

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The State of Coconut Grove May 2025

In Coconut Grove, art doesn’t just decorate—it defines.
-Wilson Alvarez
Coconut Grove City Update: A Look Back at May 2025
The Coconut Grove City Update for May 2025 reflects a community in full bloom—flourishing through civic participation, cultural celebration, and forward-thinking leadership. This month blended art, public service, and local business support into one cohesive civic rhythm.

Local Leadership Guides the Grove
Mayor Ken Russell
The Good: Mayor Russell expanded Clean Grove 2025 with five new Adopt-a-Block partnerships, including The Bookstore in the Grove and The Last Carrot.Working On: Russell’s climate resiliency proposal is under Miami-Dade County review. Meanwhile, a “Green Rooftop” pilot program launches in July for eligible businesses.
📎 Clean Grove Initiative – City of Miami
City Manager Emilio Gonzalez
The Good: A city audit identified 11 underutilized lots with redevelopment potential. Feasibility planning is underway to transform them into parks, housing, or nonprofit spaces.Working On: April’s infrastructure upgrades are facing minor delays due to supply chain challenges. Contracts are signed, and progress is expected by mid-June.
📎 City of Miami Capital Improvements Projects
Commissioner Damian Pardo (District 2)
The Good: Commissioner Pardo visited all seven Coconut Grove public schools, holding mini-forums on safety, sustainability, and student leadership.Working On: He’s preparing a Sidewalk Equity Plan based on community input, expected to debut early summer.
📎 District 2 – City of Miami

Coconut Grove City Update: Public Art Brings the Community Together
Art in Public Spaces Week (May 6–11) brought civic storytelling to life through visual art and performance:

Unveiling of “Echoes of the Grove” sculpture

Interactive poetry wall at Blanche Park

“Walk the Block” student-led gallery featuring 30 artists in storefronts

Final night projection mapping at Plymouth Congregational Church

More than 5,000 attendees made this one of the most successful civic art events in recent memory.
📎 Art in Public Places – Miami

Coconut Grove Supports Local Entrepreneurs on Small Business Saturday
On May 25, Small Business Saturday: Grove Edition brought crowds and commerce to more than 100 neighborhood shops.

Coconut Grove Chamber reported a 22% increase in retail foot traffic

Sidewalk murals by youth artists and live jazz at Mayfair drew a festive crowd

Businesses saw strong email list growth and new customer engagement

📎 Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce

Coconut Grove City Update: Mental Health Takes the Stage
On May 28, a panel at the Coconut Grove Library addressed urgent mental health issues:

High school stress and coping strategies

Improving mental health access in minority communities

Entrepreneur burnout and well-being

Mayor Russell closed the event by saying:

“Mental health is public health. The Grove must lead by example.”

This panel will now recur quarterly, in partnership with the Chamber and Miami-Dade Public Health.
📎 Miami-Dade Public Health Initiatives

What’s Ahead: June 2025 in Coconut Grove
The next Coconut Grove City Update will include:

Grove Summer Kickoff Festival – June 15

Planning & Zoning Meeting on lot redevelopment – June 19

Clean Grove 2025 expands to residential neighborhoods

Release of Sidewalk Equity Plan

Hurricane Preparedness Workshops and safety brochure distribution

📎 City of Miami Emergency Management

A Grove That Leads with Intention
In May 2025, Coconut Grove didn’t make noise—it made progress. Through strategic leadership, creative expression, and grassroots engagement, the Coconut Grove City Update proves this community is growing with purpose and pride.

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The State of Real Estate May 2025

Miami-Dade Real Estate May 2025 Market Insights
As spring progresses, Miami Real Estate May 2025 reveals a market balancing steady prices with shifting inventory trends. Buyers and sellers alike can gain valuable insights from these developments, which highlight both opportunities and challenges in Miami-Dade’s dynamic real estate scene.
Market Overview & Key Figures
Single-family home closed sales in May dropped 5.5%, from 611 in April to 577. Despite the decline, the median sale price inched up 0.9% to $676,000, reflecting continued demand in high-value neighborhoods. Total dollar volume remained strong at approximately $980 million, largely driven by luxury transactions.
Inventory for single-family homes increased to 5,800 active listings, raising months’ supply to 6.2 months. This points to a gradual move toward a more balanced market, providing buyers with additional options without dramatically weakening seller power.
Condos and townhomes experienced a 15% decline in closed sales, from 495 to 421. Meanwhile, the median condo price rose 5.8% to $549,000, and inventory surged 50% year-over-year to 35,850 listings, creating a pronounced buyer’s market with 16 months of supply. Financing limitations and affordability challenges continue to impact condo transactions, especially among first-time buyers.
Overall, total residential transactions in Miami-Dade fell 14% year-over-year, from 1,030 to 888. High mortgage rates and limited starter-home availability remain key factors influencing market activity.
What’s Driving the Market
Miami-Dade continues to be dominated by equity-rich properties, with 67% of homes maintaining a loan-to-value ratio of 50% or less. Distressed sales remain rare, underscoring the market’s ongoing strength.
The area’s national and international appeal continues to fuel demand. Luxury single-family home sales above $1M increased 5%, and condo median prices keep trending upward. Realtor.com consistently ranks Miami-Dade among the top U.S. housing markets, reflecting strong interest from both domestic and international buyers.
Largest Deals & Median Sale Trends
May 2025 continues to highlight strong price performance. The single-family median price of $676,000 and the condo median of $549,000 reflect continued long-term growth. These figures serve as critical benchmarks for buyers assessing offers and sellers determining strategic pricing.
Realtors to Watch
Top-performing agents for May 2025 were not publicly disclosed. Brokerages may choose to highlight their own standout realtors—those closing high-value single-family homes, leading condo deals, or serving cash buyers. Featuring these agents strengthens credibility and showcases expertise in a competitive market.
Key Takeaway
The Miami Real Estate May 2025 market shows measured cooling: single-family prices remain steady, luxury transactions continue to drive total dollar volume, and condo inventory is expanding, favoring buyers. Sellers who prepare strategically and price accurately can still achieve strong results.
For buyers, growing condo inventory presents negotiation opportunities. For sellers, Miami-Dade’s strong equity levels, resilient single-family market, and international demand ensure that well-positioned properties retain value.

“Real estate cannot be lost or stolen, nor can it be carried away.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt

Miami-Dade property remains a cornerstone of long-term wealth, combining stability, security, and investment potential.

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Comcast Opens in West Kendall

Comcast Opens Tech Hub in West Kendall and Gives Back in a Big Way
When corporations show up locally, it raises the standard for everyone.
– Wilson Alvarez

TL;DR – 30-Second Elevator Pitch:In February 2025, Comcast celebrated the grand opening of its new Xfinity store in West Kendall—offering more than fast internet and shiny screens. With a $10,000 donation to the WOW Center, this launch was about community, accessibility, and tech equity. Learn why this moment mattered more than most ribbon cuttings.

A Tech Boost with a Human Touch
When Comcast opened its newest Xfinity retail store in West Kendall this past February, it wasn’t just about faster Wi-Fi or cable bundles. It was a moment that reminded everyone that corporate presence can—and should—mean community impact.
Located at 14083 SW 88th Street in Kendale Lakes Plaza, the new store represents Comcast’s push to bring hands-on tech support, product demos, and local engagement to where people live, not just where they work.

$10,000 Donation to the WOW Center
What made this grand opening stand out? Comcast donated $10,000 to the WOW Center, a Miami-based nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities.
The funds will help expand training programs, improve technology access, and empower students at the center to explore career paths and build life skills. For families in West Kendall and beyond, this support sends a clear message: everyone deserves a seat at the digital table.
You can learn more about the WOW Center at wowcenter.org.

More Than Just a Storefront
The new Xfinity retail hub offers more than products and services—it provides in-person customer care, bill management, and one-on-one help with devices and apps. Gone are the days of waiting on hold for 30 minutes to speak to a rep.
In-store specialists now help West Kendall residents:

Upgrade or troubleshoot devices

Access affordable internet plans

Learn how to navigate smart home features

Enroll in Internet Essentials, Comcast’s discounted broadband service for eligible households

This location also serves as a digital literacy point of access, especially important for seniors and underserved residents who need guidance in today’s tech-driven world.

Why It Matters for West Kendall
West Kendall is growing—and not just in population. It’s evolving into a technology-literate, forward-thinking suburb, and infrastructure like this helps bridge the gap between aspiration and accessibility.
While many grand openings focus on profit and press, Comcast’s investment in the WOW Center added a layer of authenticity to its presence in the community. It wasn’t just a launch—it was a message: We’re here, and we’re listening.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma GandhiComcast didn’t lose itself in West Kendall. It found a purpose beyond business—and it’s exactly the kind of model others should follow.

Takeaway: Tech Should Empower, Not Exclude
The opening of Comcast’s Xfinity store demonstrates that when big business takes the time to understand and support the local community, everyone benefits. It’s not about bandwidth—it’s about belonging.
Visit the new Xfinity store at Kendale Lakes Plaza and support local programs, such as the WOW Center. Tech isn’t just about speed—it’s about people. Help build a more connected community.

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Miami Rising Star – Taylor Brooke

Miami Rising Stars: Taylor Brooke – Organized for Greatness
It’s not often you meet someone with a résumé that reads like a tour across the American workforce—diverse, dynamic, and driven. But then again, Taylor Brooke isn’t just anyone. A Queens-born powerhouse who landed in Miami in 2023, Taylor exemplifies the rare mix of intellect, adaptability, and purpose that earned her a coveted spot on the Miami Rising Stars list.
A Miami Rising Star, in every sense, is someone young, talented, and unapologetically ambitious. It’s not about where they’ve been—it’s about where they’re going. With the clarity of a visionary and the tenacity of a seasoned executive, Taylor Brooke Miami Rising proves one enduring truth: organization and smart work win every time.

From Queens to Brickell: Taylor Brooke’s Journey of Intention
Born with a natural talent for persuasion, Taylor Brooke often heard that she should become a lawyer. She had the arguments, the facts, and the confidence to succeed. But as she matured, her passion shifted toward Public Relations, which she studied at the University of Maryland. What once looked like a courtroom calling turned into a boardroom career.
After graduation, Taylor spent four years in New York recruiting elite engineers for hedge funds—a role that demanded precision, strong people skills, and high performance under pressure. When she moved to Miami in 2023, she didn’t just change her address—she made a declaration. She came to build, not to transfer.To learn more about Miami’s growing professional landscape, visit the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Adaptability Is Taylor Brooke’s Superpower
Taylor Brooke Miami Rising continues to impress by mastering adaptability across five different industries. Each pivot taught her not only a new role but also a deeper understanding of people. Whether working in finance, tech, sales, or marketing, she learned how to connect with every demographic and audience.
Her secret weapon? Organization.She lives by her calendar and begins every Monday with intentional planning.

“If you’re not organized, you’re gambling with your own success,” Taylor says.

For her, organization doesn’t just support success—it creates it.Learn more about productivity strategies on Forbes Women in Business.

Director, Dreamer, and Doer: Miami Rising Star in Action
Today, Taylor Brooke leads as the Director of Sales and Marketing at Payroll Dynamics, driving results while nurturing relationships that last. Her leadership philosophy combines efficiency and empathy—working smarter, not harder.
She envisions the next five years as a period of intense growth. Her focus is clear: build financial stability through hard work, purposeful learning, and consistent leadership.

A Heart for Service and a Soul for Balance
Outside her corporate role, Taylor Brooke Miami Rising gives back to her community. She serves as a trustee at the Doral Chamber of Commerce, helps shape initiatives as a founding member of the Miami Airport Chamber, and maintains active involvement with FICPA. Her next goal? To mentor young women through Women of Tomorrow, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young leaders—an organization that aligns perfectly with her mission to uplift and inspire.Learn more about Women of Tomorrow at womenoftomorrow.org.
When she’s not crafting marketing strategies, you’ll find her on a Pilates reformer, celebrating milestones like her 100th class.Why 100? Because, as she puts it, “discipline and consistency create success.”

A Quote That Defines Taylor Brooke’s Mindset

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau’s words capture Taylor Brooke’s mindset perfectly. She doesn’t chase success—she builds it through routine, adaptability, and purpose. Every challenge strengthens her instincts, sharpens her focus, and refines her leadership voice.

Conclusion: Taylor Brooke Miami Rising Star to Watch
Taylor Brooke stands out not just as a rising professional but as a rising standard in Miami’s business community. Her story proves that adaptability, organization, and heart pave the way to long-term success.
If you want to collaborate with a forward-thinking leader who combines business acumen with genuine community impact, Taylor Brooke is ready to connect.
📞 Call: 516-708-7066📧 Email: Taylor@payrolldynamics.comLearn more about professional growth opportunities in Miami on MiamiBusiness.com.

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