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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.

U.S. Century Bank EVP Appointed to Board of ArtesMiami

U.S. Century Bank is proud to announce that Martha Guerra-Kattou, Executive Vice President and Director of Sales and Marketing, has been elected to the board of ArtesMiami, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Hispanic artists and cultural organizations in South Florida.
“Martha has been a longtime supporter of ArtesMiami and was unanimously elected by the board,” said Aida Levitán,Ph.D., President of ArtesMiami and a U.S. Century Bank board member. “We look forward to her insights as we continue to shine a light on the many contributions of Miami artists.”
Guerra-Kattou has been a banking professional in South Florida for more than 35 years. She currently oversees Retail Banking and Treasury Management Services across the Bank’s footprint, as well as specialized business lines including Private Client and Association Banking. She also serves on the board of the nonprofit organization SebastianStrong as its development committee chair.
About U.S. Century Bank
Established in 2002, U.S. Century Bank is one of the largest community banks headquartered in Miami, and one of the largest community banks in the state of Florida. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: USCB) and rated 5-Stars by BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. U.S. Century Bank offers customers a wide range of financial products and services and supports numerous community organizations, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and ChamberSouth. For more information or to find a banking center near you, please call (305) 715-5200 or visit www.uscentury.com.
About ArtesMiami, Inc.
ArtesMiami, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting Hispanic artists and cultural organizations in South Florida. Through financial assistance, event sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives, ArtesMiami fosters the appreciation and growth of Miami culture by providing a platform for artists, filmmakers, writers, and musicians. The organization also hosts cultural events and educational programs that highlight the contributions of Miami artists, thusl, strengthening South Florida’s position as a vibrant multicultural hub. To learn more, visit www.artesmiami.org.

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State of West Kendall – May 2025

In May, West Kendall went from conversation to confrontation
-Wilson Alvarez

In West Kendall May 2025, the conversation turned into confrontation. This month revealed how far the community is willing to go after years of being ignored—by infrastructure plans, county leaders, and economic priorities. What’s holding West Kendall together isn’t political grace—it’s civic grit.
If there was ever doubt about whether this unincorporated community could organize—that doubt ended this month.

Commissioner Rodriguez Faces Backlash from West Kendall Residents
May started with an awkward moment: Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez was caught on camera leaving a community event in West Kendall just 10 minutes after arriving—skipping the Q&A and avoiding the press.
Two weeks later, at a Board of County Commissioners meeting, he voted “Yes” on a zoning variance allowing a commercial plaza on SW 162nd Avenue—without public input or town hall consultation. As a result, outrage erupted among homeowners in The Hammocks and Kendale Lakes.
The Kendall Oversight Board responded by publishing a public censure letter, demanding transparency and a retraction. However, his office declined to comment.
Rodriguez is no longer just absent—he’s now actively losing ground in West Kendall.

Mayor Levine Cava Leaves West Kendall Out of Greenway Grant
In late May, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced a new county “Greenway Grant” pilot, allocating funds for walking and biking trails across Miami-Dade.
Surprisingly, of the 11 projects funded, not one was located in West Kendall.
When pressed by local media, her office issued a generic statement about “limited feasibility in western corridors.” Nevertheless, residents were unconvinced.
Consequently, they took to social media under the trending hashtag: #ForgottenKendall.

Civic Assembly Rises as MAC Resigns
The West Kendall Civic Assembly held its third public meeting, drawing over 130 attendees—far more than any MAC meeting in the past two years.
The presentations focused on:

Incorporation readiness

County budget allocations

A watchdog report on absentee commissioner activity

Volunteer sign-ups for the “Neighborhood Advocates Program”

Meanwhile, on May 19, the remaining members of the West Kendall Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) formally resigned, citing “irreconcilable disillusionment with county response.”
In essence, one civic body fell—but another rose in its place.

HOA Fraud Case Gains Traction as Reform Talks Begin
Court filings in May revealed $3.1 million in unaccounted HOA funds. Depositions began under court order, and three former board members invoked their Fifth Amendment rights.
In response, local leaders renewed calls for county-level HOA reform. Subsequently, Civic Assembly representatives met with two state legislators to propose a West Kendall HOA Bill of Rights, which is now being drafted for the 2026 legislative session.
Clearly, what began as outrage is now legislative momentum.

Parent Workshops and Girls’ Coding Bootcamps Make an Impact
School Board Member Luisa Santos hosted the first “Educate the Parents” workshop in West Kendall—a crash course on school board policy, digital tools, and college readiness.
The May 16 event at Felix Varela Senior High reached full capacity within hours. Parents, many of them Spanish-speaking immigrants, praised Santos for the clarity and accessibility she provided.
In addition, she partnered with Code/Art Miami to launch a summer coding bootcamp for girls in Kendall middle schools.
Altogether, it’s the kind of impact that can’t be faked—and it’s reshaping education in the area.

West Kendall May 2025 Summary
West Kendall May 2025 marked a civic tipping point.
The people of West Kendall have stopped waiting. Instead, they’re organizing, showing up, and documenting everything. County officials now face a reality they didn’t see coming: West Kendall is not disengaged—it’s disrespected. And it’s done playing along.
What happens next depends on who listens—and who keeps pretending not to.

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Why Business Leaders Need Time to Think Together

In a world filled with constant activity, the ability for leaders to pause, reflect, and exchange ideas may be one of the most valuable habits in business.

Great leadership is often the result of thoughtful conversations with trusted minds.– Wilson Alvarez

TL;DR – Business leaders need time to think together because thoughtful discussions allow professionals to share experience, challenge ideas, and develop stronger strategies. When leaders gather intentionally, collaboration produces clearer thinking and better decisions.
Why business leaders need time to think together is a question that becomes more important as responsibilities grow. The higher someone rises in business, the more complex their decisions become. Leaders must balance strategy, people, finances, and long term vision while navigating a constantly changing marketplace.
With so many pressures, many leaders focus on speed. They move quickly from meeting to meeting, responding to messages and making decisions under tight timelines. While urgency can be necessary, it often leaves little room for reflection.
Yet some of the best leadership decisions are not made quickly.
They emerge through thoughtful conversation with people who bring different experiences and perspectives to the table. When leaders gather intentionally to exchange ideas, they create an environment where thinking can deepen and solutions can develop naturally.
This type of discussion is very different from formal meetings. There is no rigid agenda and no presentation slides. Instead, leaders speak openly about challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned through real experience.
These conversations often reveal insights that would never appear in a standard meeting.
Historically, leaders understood the importance of gathering to reflect and exchange wisdom. Communities created traditions that encouraged dialogue, patience, and listening. These environments allowed leaders to test ideas and learn from one another before making important decisions.
Among Native American traditions, the ceremonial passing of the peace pipe symbolized a commitment to respectful discussion and mutual understanding. The moment reminded participants that conversation carried meaning and that thoughtful dialogue required patience.
Although modern leadership environments look different, the principle remains the same. Leaders benefit when they have a space where ideas can move freely and perspectives can be shared honestly.
In a city like Miami, where entrepreneurship and innovation are constantly evolving, leaders often discover that collaboration produces insight. When professionals from different industries gather and exchange experiences, they expose each other to new ways of thinking.
A marketing professional may share an idea that inspires a real estate developer. A financial advisor may offer a perspective that helps an entrepreneur rethink strategy. These exchanges expand the collective intelligence of the group.
Over time, the conversations themselves become a powerful resource.
As Wilson Alvarez often reminds professionals, “Action produces understanding.”
This insight highlights an important aspect of leadership dialogue. Conversations alone are valuable, but their greatest power appears when leaders apply the ideas they gain through discussion. When reflection leads to action, understanding grows and progress follows.
The takeaway is simple. Leadership improves when leaders think together.
Creating time for thoughtful conversation may feel like a luxury in a busy schedule, yet it often becomes one of the most productive investments a professional can make. When leaders share insight, challenge assumptions, and support one another, they build stronger strategies and better organizations.
If you value thoughtful discussion, professional insight, and meaningful leadership dialogue, consider becoming part of the Miami cigar community. Connect with professionals who believe in collaboration and shared wisdom by joining the Miami Cigar Club Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/miamicigarclub
For additional information about gatherings and membership opportunities, contact Wilson Alvarez Consulting Group, Inc. by calling 305 386 6165.
#MiamiCigarClub #LeadershipThinking #BusinessLeadership #MiamiBusinessCommunity #ProfessionalGrowth

The Miami Cigar Club is not simply a gathering, it is a circle of professionals committed to sharpening ideas, challenging perspectives, and helping one another rise. In an environment built on respect, thoughtful conversation, and shared experience, members meet to discuss real business challenges and support each other’s growth. It is a leadership initiative rooted in the belief that success multiplies when capable people think together. Those interested in learning more about the Miami Cigar Club and upcoming gatherings may request additional information by emailing info@wilsonalvarez.com.

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State of Pinecrest May 2025

May was a test of Pinecrest’s civic systems—and where they held
-Wilson Alvarez
Mayor’s Office: Highlights from the Pinecrest May 2025 Update
The Good
Mayor Alexandria Cruz launched the first Downtown Dining Week, spotlighting local restaurants and increasing foot traffic by an estimated 25%.➤ Read about how restaurant weeks help small businesses
She also unveiled Pinecrest’s first digital Citizen Feedback Dashboard, designed to help residents track service requests in real-time.
Suggested image: Screenshot of dashboard home screenAlt text: “Citizen Feedback Dashboard released in Pinecrest May 2025 update”
The Bad
However, the dashboard experienced data delays of up to 48 hours, prompting resident frustration.
The Ugly
A glitch led to internal complaint memos being made public before review, creating a stir over confidentiality and transparency.

City Manager’s Contributions to the Pinecrest May 2025 Update
The Good
City Manager Jordan Alvarez introduced solar-powered smart benches equipped with USB ports and Wi-Fi in the central plaza. He also completed the mid-year audit ahead of schedule.
Suggested image: Smart bench installed on Main StreetAlt text: “Smart infrastructure improvements in Pinecrest May 2025 update”
The Bad
The benches malfunctioned during rainy conditions due to inconsistent solar power storage.
The Ugly
The audit revealed two minor misallocations in the parks budget, which required reallocation and further review.

Commissioners’ Impact in the Pinecrest May 2025 Update
Laura Cheng: Public Safety Advocate
Good: Opened a new Public Safety Command Hub near the Pinecrest library.Bad: Staffing was reduced from 12 to 8 officers, raising community concerns.Ugly: The command hub’s generator disrupted quiet zones in the library, leading to formal complaints.
Suggested image: Exterior of command hubAlt text: “Public Safety Command Hub launched in Pinecrest May 2025 update”

Rafael Ortiz: Supporting Local Retail
Good: Rolled out a Shop Small Sunday campaign that boosted local retail sales by around 15%.➤ Learn how small business campaigns stimulate local economies
Bad: Participation was lower on the east side of the city.Ugly: A grant was mistakenly awarded to an ineligible vendor and had to be rescinded.

Priya Sharma: Wellness and Community Building
Good: Led the Healthy Pinecrest walk and community blood drive, which drew over 300 participants.Bad: The route lacked proper signage, causing confusion.Ugly: A volunteer coordinator quit mid-event, creating scheduling chaos.
Suggested image: Residents participating in community walkAlt text: “Healthy Pinecrest event organized during Pinecrest May 2025 update”

Community Engagement Events Recap
Downtown Dining Review – May 8
Restaurant owners appreciated the boost but called for better coordination with city services.➤ See our previous event coverage on dining promotions
Tech & Tourism Brief – May 15
Jordan Alvarez showcased the feedback dashboard. Business leaders emphasized the need for faster updates.
Community Safety Forum – May 23
Residents expressed concerns over command hub staffing and generator noise. Mayor Cruz and Commissioner Cheng pledged to revisit staffing needs.

Monthly Takeaways from the Pinecrest May 2025 Update
The Pinecrest May 2025 update reflected a city eager to modernize while still wrestling with the details. Forward-thinking ideas—like smart benches and transparency dashboards—energized the community, but execution missteps reminded leaders that digital upgrades must come with dependable follow-through.

Conclusion: The Future of Pinecrest Starts Now
The Pinecrest May 2025 update revealed both momentum and missteps. Mayor Cruz’s digital initiatives, Jordan Alvarez’s infrastructure focus, and commissioner-led community events brought energy and optimism. Still, technology bugs, staffing issues, and planning oversights remain key lessons. For long-term success, Pinecrest must align innovation with dependability and clear communication.

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State of Palmetto Bay – May 2025

Legal feuds extract more than just money
-Wilson Alvarez

May 2025 in Palmetto Bay reflected a month of transition into the summer season, with leadership focusing on infrastructure readiness, community programming, and maintaining service consistency. Village officials, including the Mayor, Commission, and administrative team, advanced park preparations, monitored roadway conditions, and supported local engagement efforts, which matters because it ensures the village is prepared for increased seasonal activity while maintaining public trust and operational stability.
Additionally, community participation remained steady through local programs and public meetings. Meanwhile, departments coordinated to support seasonal demand across services. As a result, May served as a preparatory month focused on readiness and continuity.

Leadership and City/Village Operations
Village leadership maintained consistent operations throughout May. Council meetings addressed routine governance matters, project oversight, and departmental coordination.
Additionally, administrative teams ensured that services remained uninterrupted during seasonal transitions. However, while operations remained stable, residents continue to seek more detailed updates on long-term planning efforts.

Mayor and Community Engagement
Mayor Karyn Cunningham emphasized community readiness and participation as the village approached the summer season. She encouraged residents to stay engaged and take part in local initiatives.
Furthermore, outreach efforts focused on communication and awareness of available services. However, while messaging remained consistent, residents continue to expect deeper insights into strategic priorities.

City Management and Service Stability
Village Manager Nick Marano ensured reliable service delivery across all departments. Parks, public works, and permitting operations continued efficiently throughout the month.
In addition, communication updates helped residents stay informed about maintenance schedules and service availability. Because of this, May reflected a stable and well-organized administrative environment.

Commission Priorities and Infrastructure Focus
Commissioners focused on infrastructure readiness, including park maintenance and roadway monitoring. These priorities aligned with seasonal preparation and ongoing service needs.
Meanwhile, discussions emphasized maintaining service quality and monitoring existing projects. However, residents continue to request clearer timelines and measurable outcomes for future improvements.

Business Community and Economic Engagement
The local business community remained active in May, supported by seasonal activity and consistent municipal communication. Village efforts continued promoting local commerce and engagement opportunities.
Additionally, organizations such as the U.S. Small Business Administration and the National Association of Counties highlight the importance of supporting local economies through strong municipal partnerships and planning.
For more information on local businesses, visit:👉 https://305socialmedia.com/palmetto-bay-businesses

Resident Participation and Civic Engagement
Resident participation remained steady throughout May, with community members attending meetings and engaging in local initiatives. Public input continued to support village operations and planning.
Furthermore, seasonal programs encouraged civic involvement. As a result, Palmetto Bay maintained a strong connection between leadership and its residents.

TL;DR
May 2025 in Palmetto Bay focused on seasonal preparation, infrastructure readiness, and continued community engagement. Leadership maintained operational stability, while residents remained actively involved.
Overall, the village positioned itself for a smooth transition into the summer season.

Looking ahead to June 2025, Palmetto Bay is expected to expand summer programming, maintain infrastructure, and enhance community engagement efforts. Additionally, leadership may increase communication around seasonal services and public safety. As a result, the next month will build on May’s foundation of preparation and stability.

#PalmettoBay #May2025 #LocalGovernment #CommunityEngagement #Infrastructure #PublicService #CivicLeadership #305SocialMedia

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