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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.

HistoryMiami Museum Opens Its Newest Exhibition

istoryMiami Museum Opens Its Newest Exhibition:
“Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades”
The 50-Swimsuit Collection Reflects Fashion Innovation, Textiles, Cultural Shifts, Pop Culture, and the Evolution of Miami’s “Sun, Sand and Style” Reputation;
Open to Public, May 10
**Press Preview Day:  May 7, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Miami, FL – April 28, 2025 – HistoryMiami Museum is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its new exhibition, Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades. This immersive, dynamic experience will allow visitors of all ages to explore the fascinating history and evolution of swimwear, showcasing 50 historic pieces that span over a century of fashion innovation. 
The celebration kicks off on May 9 with an Opening Night Celebration and Fundraiser featuring live music and models showcasing vintage swim fashions. The public is invited to RSVP here. Public festivities continue May 10, when the entire community is invited to a Free Family Fun Day and visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on activities that bring swimwear history to life.  The museum is located at 101 W. Flagler in downtown Miami.
Waves of Style dives into the transformative journey of swimwear and various textiles, from the heavy wool suits of the past to today’s sleek, modern designs. The exhibition explores how swimwear has reflected and influenced societal changes, celebrating the artistry and creativity behind these iconic garments.
“Miami is the perfect backdrop for this exhibition, where the beach culture is not only a part of our lifestyle but also a key element of our identity,” said Christopher Barfield, HistoryMiami’s Director of Exhibitions. “We wanted to highlight the intersection of fashion, culture, and history while allowing visitors to explore how swimwear has evolved over time in a city known for its sun, sand, and style.”
Most swimsuits featured in Waves of Style are drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, with additional pieces generously loaned by prominent Miami-based designers, Rene Ruiz, Kené Kaya and Liliana Montoya. Through engaging visuals from HistoryMiami’s Special Collections Library and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Archives, guests will enjoy interactive elements, layered storytelling, and artifacts that point to the cultural shifts shaping swimwear fashion throughout the years.
Key Stories Highlighted in Exhibition:

Learn the story of Jane Fisher, the wife of entrepreneur, Carl G. Fisher, who became a trendsetter in Miami’s swimwear scene in the 1910s.  Jane found her traditional bathing suit—complete with stockings, cap, and long skirt — too restrictive. She discovered the freedom she sought in one of Miami Beach’s earliest form-fitting swimsuits, which will be on display. Though initially shocking, Jane’s style quickly gained popularity, and within weeks, women across the beach were emulating her look. 
To promote his real estate development, Fisher – known as Mr. Miami Beach – mailed photos of women in daring bathing suits to investors across the country to promote Miami Beach as a glamorous destination. His famous “Bathing Beauty” parades became a staple of early Miami tourism.
Men’s bathing suits also get the spotlight in Waves of Style.  Olympic swimmer and actor best known for his role in Tarzan, popularized topless swimwear for men. Johnny Weissmuller appeared in 12 films between 1932 and 1948, often depicted topless at a time when men were expected to cover their chests.  

Waves of Style guests can learn about these stories and more at the exhibition’s VIP reception on May 8 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., in partnership with Ocean Drive Magazine and Bacardi. Guests will enjoy live music, models showcasing vintage swim fashions, and a first look at the exhibition. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for the museum’s education programs, ensuring that HistoryMiami Museum can continue to inspire and educate future generations. The evening is sponsored by the Greater Miami Convention Visitor’s Bureau, with support from the PARAISO Miami Swim Week, Ocean Drive Magazine, and Bacardi.
 Opening Weekend Schedule Summary:

May 7: Press Preview (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
May 8: Member Preview (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
May 9: Opening Night Celebration & Fundraiser (Ticketed VIP Event, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
May 10: Free Family Fun Day – Open to all! Experience the exhibition and enjoy interactive, family-friendly activities. (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

 Waves of Style will be on view from May 10 through October 5, 2025.
Museum Hours are:

Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm

###
Editor’s Note: 

Press Preview Day is May 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Models in vintage bathing suits highlight the VIP event, May 9.
Photo link with exhibition images and video is available upon request by emailing lisa@m.network.

 

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Cuban American Bar Association Names Fellows For Leadership Training Program

 The Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) announced 11 fellows for Class III of its leadership training program, “L.E.A.D. with CABA.” The Leadership, Education, And, Development (L.E.A.D.) program is designed to provide fellows with the knowledge, skills, and tools to be effective leaders within CABA, the Florida Bar, and their communities.
“We are excited to be welcoming a new group of fellows,” said CABA’s president, Amanda Fernandez. “Our goal is to empower them to make a meaningful impact in their communities through advocacy and by fostering strong community relationships and partnerships.”
The L.E.A.D. with CABA program will have multi-day training courses designed to assist a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers in becoming better leaders within the legal profession. The program will bring together experienced legal professionals and leadership development experts to provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes both personal and professional development.
Goals for the program include developing leadership skills, understanding issues facing the legal profession, and engagement with the community.
The “L.E.A.D. with CABA” committee, co-chaired by Gus Ceballos, Javier Ley-Soto, and Magbis Sanchez, announced the following 11 fellows for Class III:
 
The L.E.A.D. Fellows Class III include:
Mirelis Castilla, of counsel, Wilson Elser
John E. Cervera, associate, Aballi Milne Kalil, P.A.
Alexa Chinchilla, associate, Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton
Gabriel Diaz, associate, Greenberg Traurig LLP
Taylor Diaz, associate, Rivero Mestre LLP
Alexa Duarte, associate, Holland & Knight LLP
Ivan Feris, associate, Continental PLLC
Patricia Fors, associate, Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Andres “Andy” Garcia, associate, GrayRobinson P.A.
Javier Pagliery, associate, Heise Suarez Melville, P.A.
Jessica M. Pagliery, associate, Shutts & Bowen LLP
 
About the Cuban American Bar Association (CABA) 
Founded in 1974, CABA is one of the largest bar associations in the state of Florida. Its membership is comprised of lawyers and law students from various backgrounds whose interests include not only those affecting the Cuban community, but human and legal rights issues impacting minority communities. CABA also founded CABA Pro Bono Legal Services and the CABA Foundation, both created on the association’s fundamental values to aid those in need through legal advocacy as well as offering scholarships to law students.

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U.S. Century Bank Announces New Vice President of Association Banking

U.S. Century Bank announced that Jessica Raffo has joined the bank as vice president, association banking business development officer. In this role, Raffo will provide strategic guidance to community leaders—board members, common area maintenance (CAM) and management agents of condos and homeowner associations (HOA)—helping them achieve their goals through a consultative approach to financial management. Her efforts will focus on assisting clients with enhancing structural integrity, ensuring economic stability and achieving long-term success.
“We are pleased to welcome Jessica to our team,” stated Rick Alonso, SVP and director of specialty products at U.S. Century Bank. “Her tenure at one of Florida’s leading condo and HOA management companies has provided her with invaluable expertise in fostering financial and operational success in the community association sector.”
Raffo has more than 10 years of experience in business development. Before joining U.S. Century Bank, she worked at Castle Group Management as Director of Business Development. In this role, she developed and leveraged an extensive network of condo and HOA board members and key vendors to source new business, gain market intelligence, and refine sales strategies. Prior to that, she was vice president of business development at Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.
She earned an accreditation in public relations and consumer economics from Florida International University and an associate degree from Miami Dade College.
 
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.

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Blockchain Explained

In Business, Trust Is Currency — And Blockchain Secures Its Value
By Wilson Alvarez
Blockchain Unveiled: The New Currency of Trust
Imagine a ledger sitting openly in the town square. Every transaction is recorded clearly, visible to everyone. Each entry is permanently written, impossible to erase or alter without immediate detection. This transparency creates trust through accountability.
That is the foundation of blockchain technology.

Understanding Blockchain Clearly
Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions securely across a distributed network. Each transaction is grouped into a “block,” and every block is cryptographically linked to the previous one, forming a secure and tamper-resistant chain.
Because every participant in the network holds a copy of the ledger, altering data without consensus is nearly impossible. This structure ensures transparency, security, and integrity in every transaction.

Why Blockchain Matters in Business
Blockchain is more than a trend—it is a transformational infrastructure technology.
It helps businesses:

Reduce reliance on intermediaries

Lower transaction costs

Increase transaction speed

Improve security

Enhance transparency

Strengthen stakeholder trust

Industries such as finance, healthcare, logistics, and real estate are leveraging blockchain to streamline operations and reduce fraud.

A Real-World Business Example
Consider the supply chain industry.
Traditionally, product tracking involves paperwork, multiple intermediaries, and potential delays. With blockchain, every step—from manufacturing to final delivery—is recorded in real time on a secure, transparent ledger.
This improves:

Product authenticity verification

Fraud prevention

Operational efficiency

Customer confidence

Businesses can confidently demonstrate integrity and traceability across their entire supply chain.

Embracing the Blockchain Revolution
Blockchain is fundamentally about trust.
In today’s digital economy, trust determines business success. Blockchain strengthens credibility by ensuring transactions are secure, transparent, and verifiable.
Adopting blockchain technology positions companies at the forefront of innovation and competitive advantage.

The Road Ahead
Blockchain continues to evolve rapidly. Organizations that proactively integrate blockchain solutions will help shape the future of digital commerce.
Early adoption supports long-term resilience, operational efficiency, and enhanced reputation management.

Wisdom from a Trusted Voice
As Benjamin Franklin famously said, “It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.”
Blockchain technology aligns perfectly with this principle by protecting reputation through transparency, security, and accountability in every transaction.

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La Boulangerie Opens in West Kendall

La Boulangerie Boul’Mich Brings French Flair to West Kendall
A fresh croissant can’t solve all your problems—but it’s a delicious place to start.
-Wilson Alvarez

TL:DR – 30-Second Elevator Pitch: La Boulangerie Boul’Mich opened its doors in West Kendall this February, delivering a charming, European-style café experience to a bustling suburban hub. More than just a bakery, it’s a symbol of neighborhood growth, culinary culture, and local entrepreneurship. This blog covers the story behind the opening, its community impact, and why it matters.

A French-Inspired Café Finds a Home in West Kendall
On February 19, 2025, something wonderful happened in West Kendall. La Boulangerie Boul’Mich, a beloved French-Venezuelan café, officially opened its newest location at 8405 Mills Drive, Suite 210. Known for its artisanal croissants, cozy ambiance, and international menu, this opening wasn’t just a ribbon-cutting—it was a sign of what West Kendall is becoming.
As one of Miami’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, West Kendall has long needed more unique dining options—places with personality, passion, and pastries. With this new addition, it feels like we’re not just growing outward but also upward in taste and culture.

The Grand Opening Was More Than a Ceremony
Locals showed up in droves. Attendees were treated to complimentary samples, beautifully plated desserts, and espresso shots that reminded some of Paris, others of Caracas—but all of home.
Staff handed out gift certificates, children enjoyed pastry demonstrations, and new customers immediately became regulars.
More than 300 guests passed through on opening day, including foodies, families, and even a few local influencers who captured every flaky bite on Instagram. The celebration reflected not just a store opening, but a community welcoming something special.

Why This Bakery Matters to West Kendall
La Boulangerie Boul’Mich is more than a café. It represents small business growth, culinary diversity, and job creation in a part of Miami that’s often overlooked for high-end food and beverage ventures.
West Kendall has historically been a sea of chains—reliable, yes, but not always inspiring. The addition of an artisanal brand like this challenges the norm and shows that residents are ready to support independent, quality-driven concepts.
It also signals to other boutique and hospitality ventures that West Kendall is open for business—and ready to support brands with heart.

A Perfect Fit for The Falls and Surrounding Communities
The location—right near The Falls and surrounded by family-oriented neighborhoods—makes it an ideal spot. The café offers indoor and outdoor seating, fast service, and an atmosphere that welcomes everyone from laptop warriors to brunch-loving moms.
With breakfast, lunch, and pastry menus that blend French technique with Latin warmth, La Boulangerie Boul’Mich is poised to become a regular stop for West Kendall residents and a weekend destination for those in nearby areas.

“People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia ChildThis quote captures the spirit of La Boulangerie Boul’Mich. It’s not just about the food—it’s about connection, comfort, and shared experience.

Takeaway: Good Food, Great Signs for Local Business
The success of this grand opening isn’t just about croissants and cappuccinos. It shows that West Kendall is evolving, and that locals crave experiences worth sharing. When small businesses thrive, communities thrive.

Call to Action
Go visit La Boulangerie Boul’Mich in West Kendall. Support local. Try the almond croissant. And bring a friend—because good food is even better when shared.

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