STUDENT BIO
Daniela was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, and came to Miami when she was 15 years old. Having spent most of her life as a flamenco dancer, Daniela is passionate about the influence Spain has on American culture in general. She is currently majoring in Psychology and once she finishes her bachelor’s degree, she would like to further her studies and pursue a Masters in Science in Professional Counseling.
GEOGRAPHY
According to the U.S Census Bureau, the city of Doral seats a 13.8 square miles area. It has an elevation of 3ft, limiting to the Town of Medley, Hialeah, Miami, West Miami, Fontainebleau, and Tamiami, and is located at 25°49’10″N 80°21’19” W.
In the past ten years, the city of Doral has seen a 32.58% increase, which positions it in the 34th place among the largest cities in Florida and has a population density of 5,839 people per square mile. Its fast growth makes it the perfect place to have restaurants, shopping centers, and a now coming new and luxurious home complex.
HISTORY
The history of the city of Doral dates back to the late 1950s when real estate pioneer Doris and Alfred Kaskel bought 2,400 acres of swampland for about $49,000 intending to open a golf course and a hotel. In 1962, they opened this hotel and golf course and named it “Doral”, combining both names Doris and Alfred. Years later, Donald Trump bought a golf course and changed its name to Trump National Doral Golf Course.
Years after, in the early 1980s, Kaskel’s grandson developed Doral Estates and started to build house communities around the area, naming these communities after the hotel, yet something was missing in the area: they had no grocery stores or schools or parks nearby so the people living there had to travel to get these things. The cost of living there was not ideal for all the services residents needed. It was not until 1996, after the first Community COuncil election that they started to work on different projects addressing the needs of the community.
Finally, in 2003, 85% of Doral voters voted in favor of incorporation, and Doral became a city of its own, with a local government. The relatively new city of Doral is an attractive location for investors interested in the Latin American market, as most of its population is from this region.
Nowadays, the city of Doral is looking at more changes and development than ever. New business areas such as Downtown Doral, City Place Doral, and Midtown Doral are one of the top places to start a business due to their high shopping traffic at any time of the day. Also, new residences are starting to be built which makes Doral the perfect place to invest in a better life right now. Often known as “Doralzuela” due to the large Venezuelan population in the area.
DEMOGRAPHICS
According to the World Population, the City of Doral has a population of 80, 678 people as of 2022, with a median age of 35.8 years. According to the United States Census Bureau, out of its total population, 62, 943 people are of Hispanic or Latino origins. Their employment rate is 65.2%, having a median household income of $75,138, and only a 10.9% poverty rate. The Median gross rent is $2,082 and 46.9% of its population owns a property
88.2% of the population speaks another language than English at home: 81.4% speak Spanish at home, 11.8% speak English at home, 4.9% speak other Indo-European languages at home, 1.6% speak Asian and Pacific Islander languages at home, and .4% speak other languages.
68.5% of its population is born in a foreign country; out of those 45.2% is a naturalized US citizens.
52.9% of its population has a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher and 68% are currently enrolled in a K-12 program.
Out of its population, 181 are American Indian and Alaska Native, 2,324 are Asians, 1,042 are Black or African American, 62,943 are Hispanic or Latino, 13 are Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 7,446 are white alone (not Hispanic or Latino), and 11,690 are of some other race.
INTERVIEW
Roxana is a 18 years old Cuban-American living in the city of Doral
Daniela: Hello Roxana, how are you today?
Roxana: I am doing great. Thank you for asking.
Daniela: Have you lived in Doral your whole life?
Roxana: No, I came here with my parents when I was about 6 years old.
Daniela: What are your ethnic backgrounds?
Roxana: I was born in Cuba.
Daniela: Do you like living in Doral?
Roxana: Yes, I would not change it for any other place in Miami
Daniela: What is your favorite thing about Doral?
Roxana: If I had to choose one thing, it will be the trolly and the freebies. They are a huge help to getting around the city, especially during rush hours, besides saving on gas and parking.
Daniela: Any favorite place in here?
Roxana: Doral CityPlace. It is the perfect place to go out, and have a fun night or a great time in general.
Daniela: Thank you, Roxana.
Roxana: You are very welcome.
LANDMARKS
City Place Doral (8300 NW 36th St, Doral, FL, 33188)
This place in Doral is a one-stop destination for anyone visiting the zone. It has everything ranging from shopping centers to restaurants, to art galleries. Among the most interesting restaurants we can find Tap 42, and Novecento, both highly ranked by the community. Everywhere you walk to Doral City Place you can find live music playing and the beautiful view of the fountain from every corner you stand at. This place has accommodations for everyone in the family even having an Improv Comedy Center in one of its spaces.
It offers free parking for up to 2 hours from Monday through Thursday, which makes it enjoyable for people who are coming to have a nice lunch or dinner on the weekdays.
For more information, email info@cityplacedoral.com
Downtown Doral: (8551 NW 53rd, Doral, FL, 33166)
Downton Doral offers vasts places to visit either for the culture of the zone, commerce, offices, schools, restaurants, home, or retail shops. One of the schools in the area, Downtown Doral Charter Upper School now offers an International Baccalaureate Program. The newly designed downtown offers walkable and green spaces. The place also offers live concerts. Mainly all the areas are pet friendly. Plans include a Public library and a Cultural Arts Pavilion.
To stay up to date with the events in Downtown Doral, they suggest subscribing to their newsletter.
Business hours are subject to the business.
Trump International Doral (4400 NW 87th Ave, Miami, FL 33178)
Opened in the 1960s, the 800 acres resort is now one of the biggest landmarks in Doral. Originally costing $10 million, Donald Trump bought the resort in February 2012 for $150 million. In May 2019, reports suggested a financial decline of 69% in the hotel’s income. One night reservation costs about $300-$400. It features four golf courses, and it has been featured as Top 100 resort to stay and play.
GREEN
Downtown Doral Park (8395 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL, 33166)
Finalized in 2012, the Downtown Doral Park is located adjacent to Doral Government Center and encompasses 3 acres of land. Opened every day from 7:00 AM to sunset, this park includes a children’s playground and picnic tables, which makes it perfect for a Sunday afternoon with the family. It also offers a walking/jogging path and a large open lawn for those people who decide to work out or go walk their dogs. The location at the heart of the Downtown Doral area makes the perfect combination between modernism and the familiar environment that the city of Doral has to offer.
More information can be found at doralparksinfo@cityofdoral.com
Doral Central Park (3000 NW 87th Ave)
Ranking as the largest park in the city of Doral, this park is home to major events celebrated around the area. Located at the heart of Doral, this park is adjacent to Carnival Cruise Lines’ headquarters. The 82-acre park includes a .9-mile walking/jogging trail for those who would like to work out as well as picnic benches that can be rented at their office. The park opens Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sundays from 7:00 AM to sunset.
CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION
TRANSPORTATION
Freebee
The City of Doral offers Free Door-to-Door, on-demand transportation services. These freebees are 100% electronic and while you are on the ride, they will share the latest news about Doral. It can accommodate the whole family.
Trolley
The free service of the Doral Trolley has 4 routes: to shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and Metrorail and a connector with Florida International University. The only route operating on Sundays is route 1 which connects crosstown. It offers a real-time tracker with information about all the routes available.
FOOD
La Uchirena (7880 NW 52nd St, Doral, FL 33166)
Open Monday through Saturday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM and on Sundays from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this place in Doral takes its name from Boca de Uchire, a tourist destination in Estado Anzoategui, in Venezuela. This place’s mission is to make its guests feel as if they just walked into the Caribe. Their menu can range anywhere from traditional sandwiches to dessert to lunch to breakfast. The perfect place to reminisce about Venezuela or to travel without needing a passport or plane ticket.
Bulla Gastrobar (5335 NW 87 AVE, #C102, Doral, FL, 33166)
Originally opening its doors in Coral Gables, the second restaurant location is in Downtown Doral. They focus on Spanish Cuisine, and their artisanal style is what makes them popular in the area. Their distinguished menu offers food to delight their customers from brunch to dinner to lunch. Open Monday and Tuesdays from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM, and Sundays from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, this is the perfect place to enjoy a good Spanish-style menu.
Reservation is required
Divieto Ristorante (10650 NW 41st ST, Doral, FL, 33178)
The name itself makes this place unique within the variety of restaurants in Doral. Italian for “prohibition”, this restaurant mixes the Italian flavors and the American touch in a modern 1920s New York scenery in the center of Doral. This place offers a little over 70 dishes and a wide Italian and American wine collection to choose from at the bar. Everyone coming to this place will have something to try because of all these dishes, ranging from Pizza to gourmet food. Open from Monday through Wednesday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Thursday and Sunday from 11 AM to 11 PM and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 12 AM, this will be the perfect place to come with friends or family.
BUSINESSES
Ballet Boutique (5335 NW 87th AVE, Doral FL, 33178)
Distinguished for its personalized customer service, Ballet Boutique brings dancewear for Ballet, Jazz, HipHop, and many more dancers throughout the city of Doral or Miami in general. This boutique has something very special, its shoe-fitting, to make sure every experience fulfills the customers’ expectations. They have a newsletter to which people can subscribe to be aware of the latest news and discounts. Opens from Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM, and closed on Sundays, this special place will make sure to give each customer an unforgettable experience.
Blos Roses (8550 NW 53rd St, Suite B103, Doral, FL, 33166)
Blos Roses is that place that every girl will dream of while growing up. They claim to give you a manicure, a pedicure, and a blow-dry, all combined in less than 60 minutes. The perfect place for those moms that only have one hour of spare to dedicate to themselves. Closed on Mondays and open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM, on Saturdays from 9 AM to 7 PM, and on Sundays from 9 AM to 4 PM, this place has even been featured in the Miami New Times and has been awarded as the salon of the year on 2020.
TG Bridal (8550 NW 53rd St, Doral, FL 33166)
Ever since I passed by this place, this European boutique-style caught my attention at an extraordinary level. This place has the most beautiful bride dresses I have seen in Miami. The aspect I liked the most about it, is that they have options for every person, no matter the size or style the customer requests. Not only for the bride but also for the court and the bride’s accessories. Open from Monday through Saturday from 1 PM to 7 PM this place makes sure your day is as special as you ever dreamt off.
SUMMARY
Despite its relatively young age, the city of Doral is one of the most fascinating throughout Miami Dade County. The mix of ethnicities and its developments makes this city one of the preferable ones to live in. The beautiful parks and the free transportation are something every city should have as it creates an atmosphere where neighbors get to share their afternoons.
WORKS CITED
About blos·roses. Blos·Roses. (2020, October 2). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://blosroses.com/about/
About Doral. About · City of Doral. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.cityofdoral.com/about/
About Us. DIVIETO RISTORANTE. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.divietoristorante.com/about-us
All about Doral Miami. MiamiandBeaches.com. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/neighborhoods/doral
Ballet Boutique – Miami’s leading Dance Apparel & Accessories store. Ballet Boutique Miami. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://theballetboutique.com/
Doral Central Park. Doral Central Park · City of Doral. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.cityofdoral.com/all-departments/parks-and-recreation/facilities-and-rentals/doral-central-park/
Doral Miami-Dade County, Florida. Doral, FL – Geographic Facts & Maps – MapSof.net. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.mapsof.net/doral
Doral Trolley. Doral Trolley · City of Doral. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.cityofdoral.com/all-departments/public-works/doral-trolley/
Doral. Bulla Gastrobar. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://bullagastrobar.com/locations/doral/
Downtown Doral Park. Downtown Doral Park · City of Doral. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.cityofdoral.com/all-departments/parks-and-recreation/facilities-and-rentals/downtown-doral-park/
Freebee in Doral. Freebee in Doral · City of Doral. (n.d.). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://www.cityofdoral.com/residents/freebee-in-doral/
Miami Resort & Hotel in Doral – trump hotels. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2022, from https://www.trumphotels.com/miami
TG bridal. Downtown Doral. (2020, October 2). Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://downtowndoral.com/directory/tg-bridal/
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