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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.
    • superpages.com

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.
    • superpages.com
  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.
    • superpages.com
  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.
    • superpages.com
  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.
    • FaithStreet
  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.
    • FaithStreet
  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.
    • FaithStreet
  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.
    • FaithStreet

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

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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 business, some people follow the path laid before them, while others carve their own way—relentless, visionary, and unshaken by obstacles. These individuals are 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, attracts many such figures. Today, we shine a spotlight on one of its own: Eric Olivier Mathurin.
A Foundation Built on Ambition
Born in Queens, New York, Eric Olivier Mathurin has always focused on the future. As a child, he dreamed of bright lights and movie sets, imagining a career in Hollywood. Over time, his ambitions shifted. By high school, he became captivated by finance, drawn to Wall Street’s energy and the thrill of making strategic decisions.
Rather than just dreaming, Eric took action. At 14, he began making cold calls to Long Island homeowners about refinancing options. While most teenagers worried about prom or football games, he honed his sales skills, developed a thick skin, and embraced rejection as part of his journey to success. As a result, Eric built resilience and confidence early on.
A Career Forged in Persistence
Determined to master finance, Eric earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from St. John’s University’s Peter J. Tobin College of Business in 2012. He immediately applied his knowledge, shaping it to transform lives. Subsequently, he began his career as a financial planner, eager to make an impact.
For over 13 years, Eric has helped individuals and businesses navigate wealth management. In an industry where trust and expertise matter, he has built a reputation for understanding finance while genuinely caring about clients’ well-being. Moreover, he continuously seeks ways to improve services and educate clients about smart financial decisions.
Planting New Roots in Miami
In 2024, Eric officially relocated to Miami, although he had built connections there since 2020. He saw the city as a hub for both professional and personal growth. Since moving, he has cultivated relationships, established his presence, and earned recognition as a trusted financial planner.
His leadership skills also caught attention. In January 2025, Eric became President of BNI Miami Shores, a networking group with 23 members. Under his guidance, the group is growing stronger, fostering professional development and creating a supportive network where businesses thrive. In addition, Eric encourages collaboration among members to achieve shared goals.
Championing Financial Literacy
Eric actively promotes financial literacy, especially among younger generations. He noticed gaps in financial education growing up and strives to fill them. For instance, he educates people through social media (@ericmathurinmfg for personal insights and @mathurinfinancialgroup for business guidance). Additionally, he is writing a children’s book on basic financial principles like saving, budgeting, and investing.
His financial advising follows the three E’s: Educate, Empower, Execute. This approach ensures clients understand choices, feel confident in decisions, and take actionable steps toward achieving financial goals.
The Parallel: Ambition & Leadership
Napoleon Hill once said, “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” Eric’s journey exemplifies this truth. He didn’t wait for opportunities—he created them. From cold-calling at 14 to leading a business network in Miami, his story reflects persistence, adaptability, and boldness.
Much like Miami—a city built on ambition and resilience—Eric embodies a spirit of vision and courage. He embraces change, pivots when necessary, and forges ahead even in uncertainty, making him a true Rising Star. In fact, his leadership inspires others to pursue growth and take calculated risks.
Success isn’t about where you start; it’s about where you’re willing to go. Eric Olivier Mathurin’s journey from a young dreamer in Queens to a financial leader in Miami shows that ambition, hard work, and courage can lead to remarkable achievements.
If you need a financial expert who understands growth, strategy, and smart planning, Eric Olivier Mathurin is your go-to professional. Whether planning your future or seeking guidance for your business, he offers the experience, insight, and leadership to help you thrive. Contact him today at www.mathurinfinancialgroup.com or via email at contact@mathurinfinancialgroup.com.

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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

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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.

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

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Why Great Ideas Often Start With a Conversation

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Many of the most successful business ideas begin not in boardrooms, but in relaxed conversations where professionals exchange perspectives and challenge assumptions.

Five Original Quotes (for selection)

The best ideas often begin as simple conversations between curious minds.
Innovation rarely starts alone, it begins when people challenge each other’s thinking.
One conversation can redirect an entire business strategy.
Ideas grow stronger when they are spoken out loud and tested by others.
Every great idea was once just a thought shared across a table.

TL;DR –
Many successful business ideas begin with conversations. When professionals gather to exchange perspectives and challenge ideas, innovation often emerges naturally through dialogue and shared experience.
Why great ideas often start with a conversation is something many successful entrepreneurs eventually realize.
Innovation is often portrayed as a solitary process. We imagine someone sitting alone with a brilliant insight that suddenly changes everything. In reality, many powerful ideas develop through dialogue with other people.
Conversation refines thinking.
When an idea remains inside one person’s mind, it often lacks the perspective needed to grow. However, when that idea is shared with others, something important begins to happen. Questions emerge. Different viewpoints appear. Assumptions are tested.
This process strengthens the idea.
A direct answer to why conversations matter in innovation is simple. When professionals exchange perspectives openly, ideas become clearer, stronger, and more practical.
Dialogue reveals blind spots.
One professional may present a concept that seems promising. Another may immediately recognize a potential challenge that had not been considered. Someone else may suggest a variation that improves the idea entirely.
Through conversation, thinking evolves.
This collaborative process has been responsible for countless business breakthroughs. Partnerships, investments, and strategic decisions often begin with informal discussions where ideas are explored without the pressure of formal presentations.
These moments create opportunity.
A relaxed environment allows participants to explore possibilities without fear of immediate criticism. Instead of defending ideas, people can experiment with them. The conversation becomes a workshop where thoughts are shaped and refined.
Throughout history, communities have relied on shared dialogue to generate insight and solve problems. Gathering together allowed individuals to combine their experiences and perspectives, producing solutions that one person alone might never have discovered.
In many indigenous traditions, conversations played a central role in decision making. Participants gathered in circles where every voice contributed to the collective understanding of a challenge or opportunity.
Among Native American traditions, the ceremonial passing of the peace pipe symbolized unity and thoughtful dialogue. The ritual encouraged participants to speak honestly while listening carefully to the ideas of others.
The principle remains powerful today.
Modern professionals often discover that their best ideas emerge during conversations with trusted peers. When individuals gather to discuss business challenges and opportunities, innovation begins to take shape naturally.
Cities like Miami provide fertile ground for this type of exchange. Entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals constantly interact across industries, bringing diverse perspectives into the same room.
These interactions spark creativity.
One person’s experience in technology may inspire a solution for someone in real estate. A conversation between a marketing professional and a restaurant owner may reveal a completely new approach to customer engagement.
Ideas move faster when they move through people.
Wilson Alvarez often reminds professionals, “Movement creates clarity.”
Conversation is one of the most powerful forms of movement for ideas. When thoughts are spoken aloud and challenged respectfully, they evolve into strategies, partnerships, and opportunities.
The takeaway is clear.
Innovation rarely happens in silence. It grows through conversation, perspective, and the willingness to explore ideas together.
If you value thoughtful dialogue, creative exchange, and meaningful professional conversations, consider joining the Miami cigar community. Connect with professionals who believe in exchanging ideas and supporting each other’s growth by joining the Miami Cigar Club Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/miamicigarclub
For more information about gatherings and membership opportunities, contact Wilson Alvarez Consulting Group, Inc. by calling 305 386 6165.
#MiamiCigarClub #BusinessIdeas #InnovationThroughConversation #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 West Kendall – Jan 2025

State of West Kendall – Jan 2025

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A new year brings resolutions. In West Kendall, we’re still waiting for results
-Wilson Alvarez

Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez: A Slow Start
Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez began West Kendall’s January 2025 with optimistic talk. He mentioned “zoning reform and smart growth policies” rolling out in Q1 of 2025.
However, the only publicized action so far? Another traffic signal study on SW 120th Street, a corridor long plagued by congestion.
Residents also noticed his absence from local HOA meetings. Meanwhile, his social media showed him at multiple ribbon-cuttings—in Coral Way and Coral Gables, not West Kendall.
This disconnect continues to frustrate a district that already feels overlooked.
Learn more about Miami-Dade zoning initiatives.

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava: Countywide, but Distant
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava kicked off her 2025 agenda with a countywide tour discussing flood resilience and housing affordability—two critical issues for West Kendall January 2025.
Yet cities like Doral and Cutler Bay received specific allocations and stormwater plans. West Kendall was once again left out of targeted relief.
A small win: a new recycling pilot program will include 1,200 homes in West Kendall, starting in March.
Still, no update on incorporation discussions—leaving many residents frustrated.
Read the Mayor’s resilience strategy here.

West Kendall MAC: Reorganizing or Retreating?
The Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) began January 2025 with a quiet shuffle. Several members stepped down, citing “incompatibility with county alignment.”
Activist Sofia Meza took a seat and promised to revive the incorporation feasibility study, but support from the chair was lacking.
No meeting agenda was published for the second half of the month. Transparency, once again, is in question.
What is incorporation? Miami-Dade explains.

Community Infrastructure: More Talk, Less Work
West Kendall’s January 2025 infrastructure update? Not promising.

The traffic light at SW 167th Ave and 88th St is delayed until April—due to permitting issues.

The Hammocks pedestrian overpass project hasn’t started, despite a high-profile groundbreaking last fall.

Officials cite “supply chain issues,” but locals feel excuses are wearing thin.Traffic congestion rose 7.8% over last year, according to Waze and Google Maps data.
Track Miami-Dade transportation projects here.

Education & Public Services: The Bright Spot
Amid the political noise, one leader continues to shine. Luisa Santos, District 9 School Board Member, delivered real results for West Kendall January 2025:

Smart boards funded for Kendall-based elementary schools

Two live town halls hosted

Free STEM workshops announced for local families

Launch of a civics scholarship challenge for high school students

Her consistent engagement is setting the standard.
Visit the Miami-Dade School Board District 9 website.

Civic Controversy: Hammocks HOA Fallout Continues
The Hammocks HOA scandal has officially entered 2025. A civil lawsuit filed by homeowners will begin depositions by March.
Calls for HOA reform across the county are growing louder. But Commissioner Rodriguez has yet to issue a statement.
Background on the Hammocks HOA scandal.

January 2025 Wrap-Up
West Kendall January 2025 ends with plenty of promises, but minimal progress.
The district saw lofty goals and weak execution, with leadership still failing to connect with the community’s core needs.
One thing is certain: West Kendall isn’t waiting anymore. It’s watching—and keeping score.

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North Bay Village Executive Director

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Kristen Minihan: Leading North Bay Village Into a Bold New Chapter
In the heart of North Bay Village, Kristen Minihan has become a name synonymous with action, connection, and vision. As the newly appointed Executive Director of the North Bay Village Chamber of Commerce, she has taken on the ambitious task of launching a chamber from the ground up—and doing it with style, strategy, and strength.
Kristen Minihan North Bay Village initiatives have already set a new tone. Since January 2025, her role has been about more than just networking—she’s igniting a wave of collaboration between small businesses, residents, developers, and government agencies.
Before accepting this position, Minihan served as a District Manager for ADP’s major accounts division, helping businesses across South Florida streamline their payroll and human capital operations. That experience gave her a unique lens for understanding the challenges entrepreneurs face and a toolkit for helping them succeed.
A graduate of the University of Florida, Kristen blends her business acumen with community insight. She lives in the MODA building in North Bay Village and is often seen walking her Goldendoodle, Emmy, by the bay. Whether she’s discovering local restaurants or tackling fitness challenges, she lives the lifestyle her community represents.
Kristen Minihan North Bay Village efforts reflect a broader theme: leadership rooted in locality. She isn’t just managing a chamber—she’s shaping the village’s economic future. Her deep involvement with chamber initiatives, event planning, and business outreach is already earning praise across Miami-Dade County.
If North Bay Village is indeed undergoing a renaissance, Kristen Minihan is the architect behind the blueprint. Expect her influence to ripple far beyond the shoreline.
Kristen Minihan on LinkedIn

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