Kitetober Fest at Haulover Park
Everyone loves a spectacle in the sky and it’s no doubt that Miami’s beaches and skies host the most beautiful sky shows in the country. This coming October October 21 (Saturday) & October 22 (Sunday), Miami’s beautiful beach skies will be filled will a marvelous dance of various kites of various sizes, shapes and colors, At Haulover Park, attractions such as the 100-foot flying squid, the 30 foot flying scuba man, 300 square foot parafoil, 30 foot Nemo fish and 150 foot flying rainbow and many more amazing sites will grace the event for 2 whole days!
This free event which is hosted by Miami- Dade Parks and Skyward Kites will not only have an amazing display of kites but will also host exciting activities such as a feature paper kite building class and a special demonstration for kite enthusiasts. There will also be an invigorating flying competition for specific categories specifically for children and adults.
There is absolutely no age limit to this event and everyone is highly encouraged to join, spectate, build their own or simply purchase their own kites. The best part is that there are no specifications or requirements for kites and the smallest and biggest ones are more than welcome to partake in this event.
If you’re more into watching than joining, visitors are encouraged to come down and bring their blankets on the sand and enjoy the sights and sounds. Food is not a problem as vendors will be situated at various places in the area, ensuring a complete weekend experience!
If this hasn’t amazed you, prepare to be swept off your feet! This year, Pete Dolphin, kite master extraordinaire will also be joining the Kiteober Fest and his experience with kites over the past 30 years with a background in kite making & performing will definitely be substantial. Bringing along his 150 foot long Flying Rainbow, which is one of the largest kites in the world, Dolphin is expected to dazzle visitors coming from near and far.
Registration for the event is $7.00. Interested participants or onlookers are encouraged to contact Dan Ward at Sky Ward Kites at 305- 893- 0906. You can also send an email at skywardkites@gmail.com.
Onlookers are highly encouraged to check out the Kite Festivals official website and to also come in your most comfortable running shoes so they can fully maximize their experience!
Erica Grace acquired her Bachelor’s degree in Business with a minor in English from FIU. Her Passion for Miami, the city she grew up in, has enabled her to capture and highlight all of the Beauty and Power “The Most Exciting City in the World” has to offer. For exclusive interviews and advertising opportunities, please contact Erica Grace at press@welcometomiami.us
U.S. CENTURY BANK’S EARNINGS CONTINUE TO CLIMB: Profits reach $4.0 million for first six months of 2017
MIAMI—U.S. Century Bank (USCB) one of the largest Hispanic owned community banks in Florida, today announced net income of $2.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 compared to a loss of $0.8 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. For the six months ended June 30, 2017, the bank reported net income of $4.0 million, an improvement of $3.8 million from net income of approximately $0.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016.
For the second consecutive year, results for the first six months outperformed the same period of the prior year.
Six Months Ended
(in 000’s)
June 30, 2017
June 30, 2016
Net Income
$4,038
$263
Total Assets
$989,520
$884,904
Total Loans, net
$708,066
$702,079
Total Deposits
$809,446
$745,441
Non-performing Assets
$3,586
$21,785
USCB’s Tier 1 and total capital remain stronger than required by regulators to be a “well capitalized” bank.
“This quarter marked the fifth consecutive profitable quarter and is great evidence of the progress USCB has made. Our results are attributed to continued improvement in credit quality, operational efficiencies and the ongoing success of recently introduced business strategies targeting high potential market segments and attracting new business from our optimized branch footprint,” stated Luis de la Aguilera, President and CEO of U.S. Century Bank.
For the quarter, deposits increased $13.2 million, bringing total deposits to $809.4 million. Net loans decreased to $708.1 million.
“The bank generated strong loan production during the quarter while resolving our legacy problem loans. I am pleased to announce that the vast majority of these legacy loans are behind us as demonstrated by our ratio of non-performing assets to total assets dropping to 0.40% as of June 30, 2017. In addition, I am pleased to report that we no longer have any OREO properties. Our repositioning is complete and we are well poised for continued growth and increased profitability,” noted de la Aguilera.
In the past six months, the Board expanded to six members, and in May, appointed Dr. Aida Levitan, Ph.D., as chairman of the board, succeeding Alex Acosta who resigned to serve as U.S. Secretary of Labor. The board welcomed the addition of Ramón A. Abadin, an attorney and partner at Sedgwick LLP, an international litigation and business law firm in Miami; and Bernardo B. Fernandez, Jr., M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health Medical Group.
“We are pleased with the growth of the bank and the results of the first two quarters. The addition Ray Abadin and Dr. Bernie Fernandez to the Board have been positive developments for USCB as they are both highly regarded in their professional fields,” stated Dr. Levitan, Chairman of the Board.
The Bank’s new programs, such as the Jurist Advantage focused on professionals and U.S. Century’s Community Association Banking Initiative geared toward assisting homeowners associations, are expanding USCB’s reach. The SBA lending program and the expansion of the residential product line to include a full range of products geared toward first-time home buyers, international purchasers and investors have also expanded the business model.
“We are looking forward to the many opportunities which lie ahead as we move into the second half of the year,” said de la Aguilera.
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 Hispanic-owned community banks in the state, with assets of almost $1 billion. Through its network of 13 branch locations and its online banking platform, it offers its customers a wide range of financial products and services. U.S. Century Bank has received awards and accolades from numerous organizations for its philanthropic support and leadership, including the Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latin Builders Association, March of Dimes and others. For more information or to find a U.S. Century branch near you, please call (305) 715-5200 or visit www.uscentury.com.
Summer Butterfly Walk at Deering Estate: July 22
Attention nature lovers! Enjoy the wildlife butterflies on July 22 at this Summer’s Butterfly Walk at the Deering Estate. Bring your family and friends to explore the tropical wonderland. The Deering Estate and butterfly walk is located on an environmental, archaeological and historical preserve located along the edge of Biscayne Bay. Come view rarely seen species of colorful butterflies. The Summer Butterfly Walk is on July 22 from 11 am to 12 pm. Explore the area as you search for Ruddy Daggerwing, Dina Yellow, the exotic Atala Butterfly and more! The admission fee for adults is $12 and children are $7. If you can’t make it to the event this time, the good news is the butterfly walk will also occur on August 26 and September 23, 2017, from 11 am to 12 pm.
But, this time you will get the chance to see a variety of butterfly species such as the Giant Swallowtail, Monarch, Cassius Blue, Zebra Heliconian, Julia Heliconian, Ruddy Daggerwing and lots of rare butterflies. You also have the chance to become a member of Deering Estate at Cutler to protect and preserve the wildlife in the area.
During your visit don’t forget to visit the Native Butterfly Garden which was created by Girl Scout Troop 10 and maintained by volunteers throughout the year. This special garden is filled with tropical beauty and wildlife and refreshes your spirit.
You also have the opportunity to enjoy the “Wings over Florida” program and wildlife trail enriched with colorful butterflies. This program is free to residents and non-residents. You will be glad to know that the “Wings Over Florida” butterfly program awards certificates at six achievement levels to butterfly watchers who report their life lists to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Don’t miss the exciting adventure!
Erica Grace acquired her Bachelor’s degree in Business from FIU. Her English major and her passion for Miami has enabled her to highlight in a big way, “The most, exciting city in the World.” For exclusive interviews and advertising opportunities, please contact Erica Grace at press@welcometomiami.us.
Read MoreU.S. Century Bank Welcomes New Human Resources Director
MIAMI—April 17, 2017—U.S. Century Bank has announced the addition of Jessica Goldberg as Senior Vice President and Human Resources Director.
In her new role, Goldberg will be responsible for overseeing all of the processes and systems related to staffing and internal growth; including recruitment, team building and employee relations.
“We are pleased to be welcoming Jessica. She has both experience and ability and we look forward to growing and strengthening our team,” stated Luis de la Aguilera, president and CEO of U.S. Century Bank.
With more than 15 years of experience in human resources and administration, Goldberg holds vast knowledge of strategic planning, recruiting and screening programs for potential candidates; as well as compensation and benefit programs for established employees.
Goldberg most recently served as Vice President and Human Resources Director of Executive National Bank where she managed all H.R. functions for more than 85 employees among five locations.
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 Hispanic-owned community banks in the nation, with assets of almost $1 billion. Through its network of 17 branch locations and its online banking platform, it offers its customers a wide range of financial products and services. U.S. Century Bank has received awards and accolades from numerous organizations for its philanthropic support and leadership, including the Beacon Council, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latin Builders Association, March of Dimes and others. For more information or to find a U.S. Century branch near you, please call (305) 715-5200 or visit https://www.uscentury.com.
Palmer Trinity School Hosted Its 17th Annual International Festival
MIAMI — April 17, 2017 — Palmer Trinity School (PTS) recently hosted its 17th annual International Festival at its campus in Palmetto Bay. The festival celebrates the school’s vibrant multicultural community and highlights its ongoing commitment to global sustainability and environmental initiatives.
This year PTS presented a wide variety of entertainers from colorful dancers to aikido martial artists to its very own student musicians, dancers, and actors. The highlight of the festival is the assortment of food booths representing countries from every corner of the world with signature dishes.
Community organizations were also present to sign up students for a variety of service opportunities, while shoppers browsed for clothing and accessories.
In addition to the festival, PTS held its 5th annual Indoor World Cup soccer game in the school’s gymnasium with teams representing different countries playing for the World Cup title.
PTS’s middle and upper school students led the main event, the International Flag Parade, which traversed through booths and displayed flags from more than 50 countries, ending up on the main stage for display.
All money raised will go to support Palmer Trinity School’s global education initiatives.
International Flag Parade
China Booth
About Palmer Trinity School:
Palmer Trinity School—a coeducational, Episcopal day school—is dedicated to promoting academic excellence that integrates knowledge, compassion, global citizenship, and social responsibility. Providing a supportive environment, Palmer Trinity School serves students from a broad range of socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds in grades 6-12. For more information about the school, visit www.palmertrinity.org. To follow Palmer Trinity School on Facebook, click here.