Category: Education

Thwin Thet Su San is a Sophomore student studying Finance at Florida International University. She dreams of working as a corporate lawyer after finishing grad school. She came to Miami from Yangon, Myanmar after finishing high school to explore, learn and grow in a new environment.

WHO

The Deering Estate is located 24 feet above sea level on the Miami rock ridge which is also known as the Cutler Ridge. This estate was constructed by Charles Deering in 1913 and it has been preserved since then. The ecosystem blends carefully between the Saltwater from the Atlantic Ocean and the freshwater from the Everglades. The Estate spans over 460 acres with a lot of animals and plants cohabitating. It is home to different variety of animals such as crocodiles, manatees, sharks, as well as to plants such as Mangroves and more. These plants protect the Estate and the habitats from natural disasters such as hurricanes, strong winds, shoreline erosion and so much more. To preserve the environment, the Deering Estate has volunteer programs such as Gardening, Weeding, and Adopt-A-Trail Volunteer program, Visitor Guide and Museum Exhibit Volunteer, and Coastal Clean-Up Volunteer. With the help of Professor Bailly, we were able to take part in the Coastal Clean-Up Volunteer where we canoed to an island called Chicken Key where trash such as plastic and glass was picked up.

WHY

Ever since high school, I had been the one to volunteer for different charities outside of school. I would usually lead a volunteer group to pick up trash left by tourists and visitors left behind in historical sites. I know the harm that plastic and other non-biodegradable waste can cause to the environment.
Moreover, I have been taking part in reducing waste myself at home and am encouraging my close friends and family to do the same thing as well. When coming to FIU, I have also been a part of FIU’s Model United Nation Team and had directed its UNEP program during FIMUN 33 where I guided kids to find solutions for current and future environmental problems. When I was allowed to take part in the Chicken Key Coastal Clean Up, I could not say no to it. I was able to fix issues not just on paper, but with my actions and hard work in the sun. I was able to take part in forming the results that impact our and our future generation’s futures. The work was tiring but the after results gave me a new perspective on the environment that I was begging to see in the solution papers I have written.

HOW

The Chicken Key clean-up service opportunity was provided by Professor John W. Bailly as part of the Miami in Miami Honors class. Professor Bailly organized the clean-up from arranging the time and date to trash bags and canoes to get to Chicken Key island.

WHERE & WHAT

I woke up at 7 am on April 17th, 2021 to pack snacks and head to the Deering Estate arriving there at 9:50 am. After arriving, we were assigned to a canoe, provided with life jackets and a canoe partner. We were each assigned with a person who had experience and a person who doesn’t. As it was my first time canoeing or rowing anything, I was paired with my friend Balazs who had a lot of experiences. After settling on a canoe, we were ready to head to the Chicken Key Island. I was quite surprised to find out how clear the water was. From afar, I was quite scared to go into an unknown water body. But what I found in the water was not what I expected. Even before canoeing, I found manatees and tiny sharks which were swimming around in the habitat. When we started rowing, I had no idea the paddle weigh as much as both of my arms. It was a tiring experience but me and my friend were able to communicate to move the canoe in the direction that will lead us to Chicken Key.

Rowing under a scorching sun for what it felt like an hour when in fact it was less than 30 minutes, accompanied by strong wind tides was worth it as we arrive near the Chicken Key Island where mangroves surround the island with clear water at the roots of it. The air was cool thanks to the shades provided by the plants growing on the island. Arriving on the shore, we tied our ships to a metal rod since mangroves need to be protected and it would be harmful. Exiting the canoe, we set our things down in the campsite provided which was newly built. We rest for around 20 minutes by playing in the sea. Lead by Professor Bailly, we ran into the water as far as we can before falling into the clear cool water. The water provided much relaxation after a sunny and tiring canoeing. After drying ourselves, we started the mission that we came here to do.
I grabbed trash bags and started picking up litter. I had thought that there would not be much trash as a group had come last week but there was still a lot of trash. Fishing nets wrapped trees in a position where it seems like it was strangling and trapping anything that comes into them. The nets were not easy to cut as it was sharp, strong and hard to cut. With much difficulty, I managed to get a large net out. There was also a big piece of plastic shaped like a rectangle with holes in-between. The piece has been there so long, it became a part of the plant. The roots were growing out of those tiny holes in the plastic, making it impossible to remove them. Another hazardous material that I found was foam used in cushions and pillows. Just like the plastic before, it integrated with the roots, making it a part of the ecosystem. The whole island was littered with sharp glass bottles and gasoline containers as well. I picked them up but it was hard to do since they were all deposited along the edge of the island. After finishing around on the island, I decided to collect more trash in the water as there was still trash trapped among the mangroves. The biggest one was a big wooden plank and a big wooden ladder that was found on the way. The plank was easy to remove as it was floating but the ladder was trapped under the sand making it difficult to remove. After a quick lunch, resting, and playing in the water, we headed back on the canoe with huge trash bags and back to the Deering Estate where I row until my arms fell off.

WHEN

SUMMARY

The Clean up was one of the most rewarding experiences that I had done. To provide back to nature by taking part in cleaning was amazing. It is due to these types of environmental programs that we can see plants regrow and thrive in a healthy environment. The tiredness was rewarded by seeing young buds growing in person. Even under the scorching sun and tiring row, I would gladly do it again to ensure a better future for the earth and all the organis

Citation

“Volunteering Opportunities.” Deering Estate, 28 Jan. 2021, deeringestate.org/volunteer/.

STUDENT BIO

My name is Stephanie Gudiel, I am an FIU honors student majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Business. I am a little introverted, but I enjoy every opportunity to put myself out there and experience something new and at times different.

WHO

I volunteered at the Chicken key cleanup and the institution that made the cleanup possible was Deering Estate, which was the home of Charles Deering until 1927 when he died. Since then it has become an archaeological, environmental, and historical preserve open to the public with a paid admission. The estate is currently open for people to walk around and go in the main houses, normally they also hold events such as hikes, kayaking tours, ghost tours, nature walks, and even yoga, however due to the pandemic some of these events are no longer operating, or they are very limited. Before Charles deering made this land his home, there used to be Tequestas that settled in this land, and Seminoles that used it as hunting grounds. It is very interesting to see and walk the same paths as these indigenous people as well as early Miami settlers.

WHY

I chose this specific opportunity because it portrays who I am pretty well. I like to be outdoors, enjoying the sun, being by the water; simply put, it’s my happy place. At the same time, I always try to consistently volunteer, giving back to my community is something I am passionate about, currently I volunteer at my local church and before that I used to volunteer at my local hospital. In this case, I wasn’t giving directly back to my community but I was helping the environment and supporting a very important cause that in my opinion should have more awareness. I would say this opportunity was the perfect combination of my two favorite activities.

HOW

I connected with this volunteer event through my Discover Miami Honors class from FIU. This class as a whole has brought me many new unforgettable experiences and shown me a different side to Miami.

WHERE & WHAT

On April 9th 2021, I woke up and noticed it was nice and sunny, the weather was perfect for the adventure that lied ahead. I drove out to Deering Estate to meet my classmates at the dock by 10am. By the time I got there, the kayaks and canoes were lined up with life jackets and paddles, ready to be pushed onto the water. Professor Bailly gave us a rundown of how the day was going to go and what to expect of this day. We each chose a classmate to partner up with to canoe out to Chicken key. Chicken key is a small island about a mile off of Deering estate, a lot of trash and debris gets caught in the mangroves or is left behind on the island which affects the ecosystem as a whole. We packed up our canoes with trash bags, water, and our personal items, put on our life jackets and one by one pushed our canoes into the water. We each settled into our canoes with our partners and figured out how to paddle to go in the right direction. Once we managed to get the hang of it, Professor Bailly guided us through a mangrove trail that was absolutely breathtaking, being surrounded by nature and seeing our reflection perfectly in the water was astonishing.

We turned back around to head back in the direction of Chicken key, I will admit canoeing to the island was not as easy as I thought it’d be, especially since we were going against the current. When we reached the island as a group, we each pushed our canoes onto the shore and tied them to each other so they wouldn’t drift away. We left our life jackets in the canoes, grabbed our lunches, water, and trash bags and took them into the island with us. A few steps into the land there were little benches where we sat to relax a little bit, some of my classmates decided to jump into the water to cool down and others decided to enjoy their lunch. After everyone was re-energized we picked up a couple trash bags each and took them with us to explore this uninhabited island and pick up any trash we found in our path. There were so many items I found, all kinds of trash and things that simply did not belong in that ecosystem, some of them had been there for so long they almost became part of the environment. The animals built homes in some of the bottles found, or the plants themselves were wrapped around sandals and plastic. The majority of the items found were just trash that floats around in the ocean and gets caught in the mangroves, but if it is not picked up it can float back into the ocean and endanger sea life. Many fish and sea mammals accidentally eat plastic they find floating in their path and die from it, it can be something as small as a bottle cap that can kill one of these beautiful animals. Which is why these cleanups are very important, this island is covered in debris everywhere you look, but little by little as these cleanups continue and we each help out, we can help improve this ecosystem. We kept picking up trash for about two hours, and each of my classmates filled up about two to three trash bags, myself included.

We then headed back to our original sit down site with the benches, ate a little snack and jumped back into the water to cool down. Some of my classmates were exhausted and decided to take a nap, I wanted to enjoy the cold water and have some fun after walking around the island in the sun.

After some time we packed up our canoes once again, splitting the trash filled bags and headed back to the estate. Canoeing back was slightly easier as there was a part of the way where we were able to just lay back and let the current drift us to shore. Once we reached land we lifted our canoes back onto the dock and disposed of all the trash properly.

WHEN

Below is the proof from Honors college.

SUMMARY

Overall, this experience was very rewarding, and something I would like to do again, although it was physically demanding. While I knew pollution was a serious issue and many organizations have actively been trying to help with this, I did not understand the gravity of the situation when it came to sea life and their ecosystems. What I enjoyed the most from this experience was seeing every single one of my classmates put in their part and be equally motivated to do their best.

STUDENT BIO

My name is Sana Arif, and I am currently a sophomore at the Honors College at Florida International University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree with a minor in International Relations. I have expanded my perspective of Miami by engaging in this course, and am excited to be able to live in South Florida with a refreshed and refined understanding of the area.

WHO

I was able to assist in the cleanup by volunteering with the Deering Estate, which is a preservation of Charles Deering’s estate in the 1920s. Charles Deering was a Chicago industrialist, the first chairman of the International Harvester Company, an early preservationist, and was widely known as an art collector and philanthropist. The Deering Estate itself is located along the coast in South Dade, featuring various ecosystems to offer you a unique and extensive glimpse of Florida fauna and flora. In addition to natural experiences, it is also a popular destination for locals to enjoy the scenery, along with various signature events, tours, and classes throughout the year (Deering Estate, 2020). 

WHY

It is widely known that humans contribute the most detrimentally out of all species on earth to the environment. Despite this, there are certainly a multitude of ways we can help out earth and work towards reversing the negative impact we have created. I deeply care about working towards a cleaner earth, and have the idea of respecting nature instilled within me. Allowing for trash buildup is inimical to our interests of a safer future. A clean environment is not only beneficial for our own health and admiration, but most importantly, for the species that flourished without negative human impact. In the past, I have attended various beach cleanups where I have collected microplastics and various other trash that plagued the waters. I have been able to learn about the harmful impacts that microplastics cause. Microplastics damage many aquatic creatures, because if swallowed, digestive tracts can be blocked, which directly results in a reduced urge to eat, which reduces growth and reproductive activity. In addition, many chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) tend to adhere to the surfaces of microplastics, along with heavy metals (Royte, 2018). I had heard Professor Bailly mention how much trash polluted Chicken Key far into the waters of the Deering Estate, and was absolutely ecstatic to be able to help clear some of the buildup and experience the scenery. 

As a biology major, I constantly learn about science and my courses have addressed negative environmental effects on our bodies, as well as with animals. In one of my biology labs, I was able to work with the sea anemone Exaiptasia pallida, where we conducted experiments to learn about reasons as to how the aquatic environment is impacted due to climate change. It was addressed how plastics can carry microbes with them, and oftentimes end up settling in various ecosystems such as coral reefs, where they can abrade and create open wounds when entangled in the reefs. This sparked my interest in this volunteering opportunity, and was an experience I had heard plenty about which caused me to decide to enroll in this course. 

HOW

This opportunity came to be through my participation in the Honors College at Florida International University (FIU). Here at FIU, I am enrolled in a course with Professor Bailly, where I am able to tour various parts of Miami to learn about the history behind many popular destinations. This service opportunity is done frequently, and is offered only to FIU students and alumni. 

WHERE & WHAT

We started out by loading ourselves into our canoes around 10 AM on April 9th, 2021. Although I started off very ecstatic, Professor Bailly pointed out a crocodile in the water where we all stood together to meet up, and I was able to observe a group of manatees nearby. It is safe to say that my morning started off to a wonderful start. 

We began paddling against a mild tide and minimal currents. The sky was bright and blue above us, with the sun beating down our backs. This was my first time paddling in such waters, so it took a while to find my rhythm of paddling with my partner, but we managed it eventually. The water was surprisingly clear, and we were able to see the turtle and eel grass below us, and occasionally the variety of fish and other invertebrates. After paddling for about an hour, we finally made it to Chicken Key. Here, I noticed small pale fish darting around us, and the intricate roots displayed along the mangrove shoreline. Despite my shoulders aching from the constant paddling motion, it was very silent and comforting to the mind to hear the quiet crashing waves against the canoe. We took a brief swim to feel refreshed once we pulled our canoes up to the island, and a quick lunch break. 

Once I started collecting trash, I was in shock of the complete build up of trash along the shore. The amount of microplastics were saddening to see, as this was an uninhabited island. It was a representation of how the negative impacts of humanity can reach even the most innocent and untouched areas. It showed me just because we cannot visualize the impacts of our decisions, does not mean it is not happening. Not only does this apply to the environment, but also to various ethical dilemmas. I found a diverse range of items, such as pieces of wood, plastic and glass bottles, shoes and clothing artifacts, and even a knife in perfect condition. I completely filled up a single garbage bag, and was barely able to hoist that up on my shoulder due to the heavy weight of all the trash I collected. We were able to see a variety of hermit crabs, and admired the beautiful glistening waters by swimming once again afterwards. 

We left the island around 3PM, and headed back to the Deering Estate to throw away our trash. All together, we were proud of the amount of trash we had collected. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to help out the environment, even if it was just for one day. Beyond working towards a cleaner environment, just the opportunity to be able to visualize nature on such a firsthand experience is absolutely unforgettable, and one unique unlike any other. It was completely rewarding and enlightening to the mind. 

WHEN

SUMMARY

Observing the amount of trash buildup at such an isolated island was very impactful in truly understanding how trash travels and does not care about what lies in its path. I hope this experience was able to spread awareness to everybody on how harmful plastic use and improper disposal of trash can be for the environment. I would love to be able to do this again, and would recommend using two trash bags as a single collector to dispose to prevent tearing and spilling out of trash. Not only was this experience rewarding to me personally because of the visual scenery I was able to admire for hours, but also of the satisfaction of seeing the amount of trash bags my group was able to haul back from the island. While more trash will continue to amount up, knowing that cleanups such as this will continue to occur helps me feel more comfortable with the knowledge that I may have the opportunity to help once again. 

CITATIONS

“Deering Estate History: Historic Miami Mansion & Gardens.” Deering Estate, 26 Mar. 2020, deeringestate.org/history/.Royte, Elizabeth. “We Know Plastic Is Harming Marine Life. What About Us?” Magazine, National Geographic, 10 Feb. 2021, http://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/article/plastic-planet-health-pollution-waste-microplastics#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20mechanical%20effects,to%20adhere%20to%20their%20surfaces.

STUDENT BIO

My name is Hebah Bushra and I am an undergraduate student at the Honors College at Florida International University aiming to pursue a career in the medical field. I am majoring in Biological Sciences and Natural and Applied Sciences as well minoring in Chemistry. My hobbies include photography, painting, and traveling and I enjoy getting out of my comfort zone with new and different experiences.

WHO

I was provided the opportunity to volunteer for a clean up project at Chicken Key through the Deering Estate and Professor Bailly from FIU Honors College. The Deering Estate, land originally inhabited by Tequesta, was owned by industrialist Charles Deering and consists of two houses, a basin surrounded by several islands including Chicken Key, and protected natural areas with distinct ecosystems. This Miami Museum embraces different activities such as conservation, hiking, learning with camps and programs, and arts exhibits.

WHY

I chose this volunteering opportunity because it is a different outlet for me to positively impact our community. I have always been passionate about giving back and helping those in need and have volunteered at the Cleveland Clinic Florida for 2 years, food pantries, Southwest Regional Library, and a Sunday School. From these opportunities, I was able to help people of all ages in a direct and immediate way. With the cleanup on Chicken Key, I was able to impact not only people indirectly but also the several flora and fauna living in Biscayne Bay through environmental efforts against harmful human activity. This slightly relates to my major of Biological Sciences through the ecological aspect however, it heavily relates to my interests and passions as I am an intern for the FIU Office of University Sustainability and helped create the environmental club at my high school. This opportunity enabled me to protect environments which humans take for granted, allowed for self awareness and reflection, and provided impactful memories.

HOW

I connected with this volunteering opportunity through my Discover Miami Honors College course from FIU. This class encompasses memorable experiences from walking in the Everglades to canoeing to an uninhabited island and enriching knowledge of Miami’s History. 

WHERE & WHAT

On April 9th 2021, my classmates and I arrived at the Deering Estate around 10 am. With perfect weather and seeing the canoes lined up with life jackets, I was truly excited for this unique volunteer opportunity. After listening to Professor Bailly explaining what our day holds and choosing our canoeing partners, we started to canoe towards our destination of an uninhabited island off of the Deering Estate called Chicken Key. My canoeing partner, Jena Nassar, and I were cruising through the waters at first. Professor Bailly led us to a magnificent clear path surrounded by mangroves on either side which was just the start to this memorable journey. After exiting the mangrove path, the canoeing process became a bit tiresome and hard. It became difficult to control the direction our canoe went as we kept turning towards the opposite direction intended, leaving us a little behind. Once we figured out a paddling method with counting and switching paddles from side to side, we started to enjoy this peaceful experience.

After about 4o minutes of canoeing, we arrived at Chicken Key and as we paddled alongside the island I could already see waste and plastic objects tangled in the mangrove roots. We pushed and secured our canoes onto the shore of the island and with our personal items and gloves/trash bags in hand, we headed inward. We relaxed on a small bench for a couple of minutes and some students ate lunch to become energized however, from the minute I stepped foot on the island, I was eager to get started on the clean up. But first to cool down, we all ran into the shallow blue water and enjoyed yourself with some splashing. After gaining energy, we each took trash bags and started to explore the island while simultaneously picking up as much waste we encountered. I was genuinely surprised to see some of the items that washed up onto the island. I found several sandals and boots, an ice cube tray, unused contact lens, glass bottles sadly with no notes, at least 100 bottle caps, and much more! It was very important to pick the small pieces of plastic as those are the most dangerous for animals since they are accidentally consumed. At one point, I just sat on the ground for a couple of minutes picking up tiny colorful bits of plastic. It was really sad and frustrating to see that some animals lived in the bottles like crabs and plants were growing surrounded by or wrapped in plastic. After hours of filling up multiple trash bags, we all placed the heavy bags into the canoes as well as a plastic chair, tubes, and a tire. We ended our day on the island with lunch and some took naps while others headed to the water to relax and swim. We soon packed up our canoes by distributing the trash bags appropriately and headed back to the Deering Estate.

• 

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The journey back was much easier with the current and wind working in our favor. We even paddled to the edge of Biscayne Bay and laid back in the gently rocking canoes listening to the water which made me feel so relaxed and even a bit sleepy. Once we reached the estate, we made a pile of the trash and properly disposed of everything. It was very satisfying to see our efforts to help the environment in front of us and away from the innocent flora and fauna.

WHEN

The cleanup occurred on Friday, April 9th, 2021 from 10 am to 4 pm.

SUMMARY

All things considered, the service project Chicken Key Cleanup provided breathtaking and exhilarating memories and awareness of the immense need for environmental protection. This is a problem that is highly overlooked and seen as not a current issue as it is not witnessed first hand by many. After seeing a picture of the waste on Chicken Key in 2017 to how the island is currently, I am relieved that people are putting in time and effort to conserve the land. But, in 2021, we are still bringing back heavy bags of trash and this is all due to continuation of harmful human activities and this is only one small island out of many. I believe that our efforts to clean up Chicken Key was very successful and will definitely help in the long term conservation efforts. This being said, I aim to continue raising awareness on environmental issues and help through actions. This opportunity will be one of my most notable and rewarding college experiences.

CITATION

“Deering Estate History: Historic Miami Mansion & Gardens.” Deering Estate, 26 Mar. 2020, deeringestate.org/history/.

STUDENT BIO

My name is Sofia De La Torre. I am a junior in the Honors College studying Biological Sciences on a pre-med track hoping to one day achieve my goal of being a surgeon.

WHO

Deering Estate is the former residence of Charles Deering who lived on the 444-acre property. The Deering Estate, once owned by Charles Deering, is now a Miami-Dade County park and is open to the public for a small entrance fee. There are 8 different ecosystems amongst the Deering Estate property. However, our focus is on Chicken Key. Chicken Key is a small, uninhabited island right off the coast of Deering located in the Biscayne Bay. This island is where our beach cleanup took place.

WHY

I am currently taking the Discover Miami class in the Spring 2021 semester, almost exactly one year since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Due to the shutdown of almost every store, restaurant, park, etc. in Miami, the options for a service project were very limited. Through the Discover Miami course, I got the opportunity to kayak to Chicken Key and take place in a beach cleanup. I am a biology major, so I wouldn’t exactly say environmental conservation is related to my major. However, it is something that I am very passionate about. When I was in high school, my friends and I would go to the beach or kayak out from the People’s Dock at Deering Estate or from a little park next to the Snowden’s Dam and conduct mini cleanups. I feel that trying your hardest to make a small impact, can make a big difference in the long run.

HOW

Preserving the environment is something I feel a very close connection to, especially living in Miami. I have seen firsthand some of the deterioration our oceans and mangroves have been through in the 20 years I have been alive. Growing up so close to the water, it becomes a big part of your life. When I was younger, I would go to the beach with my parents or out on the boat as a pastime. However, as I got older, I realized the impact that human interference was having on our planet. It is so sad to see animals, plants, and even entire ecosystems dying due to a problem caused by humans, caused by us. What makes the problem even worse? People who are aware of this problem do not even care.

An estimated 8 billion pounds of trash, mostly plastic, is dumped in the world’s oceans every year.

(Baechler, 2021)

Miami residents live less than 45 minutes from the Atlantic Ocean and are contributing to littering trash, which eventually makes its way into the ocean. “Over 1 million marine animals are killed each year due to plastic debris in the ocean (Sea Turtle Conservancy).” This not only affects the millions of animals who call the ocean their home, but also the ecosystems in which they are living. Our own Biscayne Bay is under attack. The Biscayne Bay has had a slow death, and little is being done to remedy the situation. It is hard to reverse your mistakes after they have been made though. From climate change to rising sea levels, our environment just can’t keep up with the speed that change is occurring. 

WHERE & WHAT

On April 9^th, our class met at the Deering Estate in the morning for our kayaking adventure. I have only kayaked twice before and definitely would not consider myself an expert in any way, shape, or form. Professor Bailly led our class out to the “docking station” where we would exit Deering Estate from. Although we were told to choose experienced rowing partners, I decided to partner up with my friend, Sana Arif, which I would later learn was not the most responsible choice. To give you a sight into the future, we arrived at the island at least 10 minutes after our other classmates, but lucky for us we weren’t the last to arrive. We then spent the day cleaning up trash around Chicken Key. We learned that Professor Bailly has been leading the Honors College on this excursion since 2017. Chicken Key is not inhabited by anybody; therefore, the island was buried in plastic trash and whatever else you can imagine. It is extremely hard not to obsess over every piece of microplastic or trash that is just out of reach. For me, it was an emotional experience because you always hear about how much trash there is in the ocean and on our beaches and it is so easy to ignore that until you see it for your own eyes. After spending the day cleaning up, we swam and snorkeled in the Biscayne Bay. Man made canals were dredged for boats next to Chicken Key, so all the movement of water in that area makes the water a little murky. Our kayak trip back to Deering Estate was much easier than the trek to get there because we had the current on our side. We enjoyed napping and other shenanigans when out on the water. Lastly, our day ended by placing all the trash we had collected in the proper dumpsters. This experience was unlike one I’ve ever had before and will continue to help preserve our oceans, even if the difference I alone can make is miniscule. 

WHEN

SUMMARY

As I mentioned before, it was very hard not to obsess over picking up every piece of trash because there is just too much. I won’t sugarcoat it, but April in Miami isn’t the warmest of months. At first it was hard to find motivation to walk around and cleanup after having rowed to the island. Once on the island though, the realization hits of how much pollution is around you. I put some music on and didn’t stop picking up trash for hours. It is satisfying to know that when you are done, you’ve made a difference in your own community. Chicken Key has had a “glow up” in the last five years and we can credit Professor Bailly for helping achieve this.

Word Count: 1049

Works Cited

Baechler, Britta, et al. “Plastics in the Ocean.” Ocean Conservancy, 13 Apr. 2021, oceanconservancy.org/trash-free-seas/plastics-in-the-ocean/. 

“Information About Sea Turtles: Threats from Marine Debris.” Sea Turtle Conservancy, http://www.conserveturtles.org/information-sea-turtles-threats-marine-debris/. 

“Deering Estate History: Historic Miami Mansion & Gardens.” Deering Estate, 26 Mar. 2020, deeringestate.org/history/. 

STUDENT BIO

My name is Sofia De La Torre. I am a junior in the Honors College studying Biological Sciences on a pre-med track hoping to one day achieve my goal of being a surgeon.

GEOGRAPHY

Coral Gables is located at coordinates 25°43′42″N 80°16′16″W and occupies a 37.31 mi² radius of land. It is right next to the Pinecrest and Coconut Grove neighborhoods. The city, which was built in the 1920s, is extremely close to the water, with most of the east side of Coral Gables being located on the Biscayne Bay having either direct water access or canals running through many of the residential streets. It sits at around 10 feet above sea level, making it a very desirable area for property owners and/or investors. Coral Gables is known for its flourishing greenery and tree-lined streets.

HISTORY

Coral Gables is regarded as one of Miami’s high-class, luxury neighborhoods. It is one of the first planned communities to be built in the United States. The founder of the neighborhood, George E. Merrick, envisioned what he termed a “Garden City” containing lush greenery throughout both residential and urban areas. The city is known for its Mediterranean Revival architectural style, similar to other areas in Miami. The city has many historic sites, such as the Venetian Pool, the Biltmore Hotel, City Hall, and many more. Incorporated in 1925, the 5^th oldest incorporated city in Miami, it has grown into a hub for businesses in the downtown area and a retreat for the retired in the residential community.

When Miami was first being discovered and “colonized”, rich white men from the north came down south to build and buy properties which would later make them profit. George Merrick isn’t much different from the Deering brothers, who came to Miami, Florida from Maine to build their lavish homes. George E. Merrick was a real estate developer and governor of Florida. He was born in Pennsylvania but moved to Miami when he was 12. He grew up in a small house in what is now known as the Gables area and named the neighborhood after that house due to its coral/limestone walls and gabled roof.

The City Beautiful Movement was a philosophy of North American architecture and urban city planning that flourished during the 1890s and 1900s. It promoted the idea that beautification and monumental grandeur in cities was beneficial to the community. Merrick incorporated a lot of these ideals when creating Coral Gables. “In a 1925 interview with the New York Times, Merrick commented: ‘Just how I came to utilize the Spanish type of architecture in Coral Gables, I can hardly say, except that it always seemed to me to be the only way houses should be built down there in those tropical surroundings.’” He brought Spanish and Mediterranean style architecture to Miami because he thought the “vibe” suited the tropical weather we experience here. This artistic style of architecture and landscaping in which Merrick envisioned turned into the beautiful city of Coral Gables as we know it today.

DEMOGRAPHICS

The population of Coral Gables is currently at 51,673 residents. Women make up 52.39% of the population, while men make up the other 47.61%. The median age of residents is 39, however, the 65+ community takes the highest spot when it comes to age distribution, with the 20-29 age group coming in a close second. 70.4% of the population of Coral Gables have an Associate’s degree or higher and 33.25% have a Graduate level education or higher. Coral Gables population has a labor force of 26,688 people and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The median income level of a household is $95,264, however 59.34% of the households earn more than average each year. This median household income is 82% higher than the median of Miami-Dade County. The majority of residents are owners of their homes (60.38%), while the remaining 39.62% rent their homes. (Miami-Dade Beacon Council)

This neighborhood is known to be one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Miami, coming in second right after Miami Beach (Fisher Island). The median price of a house is more than $3.5 million. This is one of the reasons that Coral Gables is considered to be very exclusive, only a select few in Miami can afford a home in this price range.

University of Miami, which George Merrick is credited for its establishment, is also located in Coral Gables. This brings a lot of out-of-state students to the school. UM is the perfect location, being in Miami, for college students who love to party. 

Interview with Robert Taraboulos:

Robert Taraboulos is a CPA and co-founder of the accounting firm KSDT & Company.

How long have you lived in Coral Gables (Cocoplum)?

I have lived in Cocoplum for about five years now.

What is your favorite thing about the property or neighborhood?

My house is located on a canal and has access to the bay, which was a deal breaker for me when looking for homes. The neighborhood is very safe and quiet, which my family and I love. However, there was a python spotted by the front gate once.

Would you live in a different neighborhood? Why?

I used to live in the Kendall/Dadeland area but wouldn’t want to live anywhere else now. Cocoplum is a great neighborhood with amazing schools nearby and I have a waterfront property, which is what I always wanted in a home.

LANDMARKS

Actors’ Playhouse at Miracle Theatre

The Actors’ Playhouse is a theatre company that features plays, musicals, and children’s programs all year-round. In 1995, Coral Gables and Actors’ Playhouse partnered together to begin restoration of the Miracle Theatre. The Miracle Theatre was established in 1947, designed by architect William H. Lee. It served as the community movie house for over 50 years. After its restoration which began in 1990, the theatre’s Art Deco opulence returned to the community. This theater now serves as the home of the Actors’ Playhouse company and is the center of performing arts for the community of Coral Gables.

Biltmore Hotel

The Biltmore Hotel is one of the most historic and well-known hotels in Miami. It was built by George Merrick, founder of Coral gables, in 1926. It became a hot spot for golf tournaments, fashion shows, and many more glamorous events. During World War II, it served as a military hospital and continued to serve as a veteran hospital after the war ended. Now, it is known for its elegant architecture style, huge golf course, and gorgeous wedding venues.

Coral Gables Museum

Coral Gables Museum is the historic site of the old Police and Fire Station built in 1938. The building keeps on with the theme of Mediterranean Revival style architecture seen throughout the Gables. Located in the heart of downtown, the museum now houses exhibits focusing on civic arts and host educational events for the community.

GREEN

TRANSPORTATION

All modes of transportation are used throughout the Gables from bikes to trolleys and even boats. On the residential east side, cars, bikers and people walking are very common. In downtown, you’ll see more trolleys and cars. However, since the neighborhood is practically on the water, many people take their boats out directly from their houses. Since the Gables is in between many popular surrounding neighborhoods, this creates a lot of traffic at certain times of the day. The city is perfectly located where South Beach, Coconut Grove, and other popular cities are just a short drive away. Residents spend an average 22 minutes commuting to and from work every day.

FOOD

Coral Gables is home to some of the fanciest and most popular restaurants in Miami. There is way too many to name, but here are three that have made their impact on the city and visited by people from all over the world.

Caffe Abbracci

Caffe Abbracci is an Italian restaurant that caters to many different audiences. During the day, it is a popular lunch spot for businessmen to conduct meetings or for the housewives to mingle. By night, the restaurant becomes a romantic date-night worthy place to dine. They serve many upscale pasta, seafood, and meat dishes, but doesn’t lose the homemade authentic side of Italian food. Located in the heart of downtown Coral Gables on Aragon Avenue, the prices aren’t too low. The restaurant features a gorgeous tiffany style, stained glass ceiling and crystal chandeliers.

Christy’s Restaurant

Christy’s Restaurant is a classic steakhouse and fine dining experience that has been open since 1978. The restaurant attracts many couples due to the elegant ambiance created by the wood-paneled walls and piano bar. Also located in the heart of downtown Coral Gables on Ponce de Leon Blvd., the prices aren’t too low. They are known for their table side flambéed iconic Baked Alaska and delicious cuts of meat and seafood. 

Redfish by Chef Adrianne

Redfish by Chef Adrianne, which was previously known as Redfish Grill, is located in Matheson Hammock Park and was founded in 1996. Charles Hauser, who is the founder of the famous Redfish Grill, also founded Christy’s Restaurant. Redfish has a seaside venue which features 360 ocean views, making it one of Miami’s most unique restaurants. They serve seafood dishes featuring Chef Adrianne’s “Maximum Flavor” style.

BUSINESSES

Wayside Market

Pinecrest Wayside Market is an outdoor fruit and vegetable market with some of the best milkshakes and smoothies in Miami. Although it is not exactly located in Coral Gables, I had to include it because it is a staple for Miami natives in this area. Located on Red Road, it is less than a 5-minute drive from the Gables but is a popular spot to stop and relax when on a walk or bike ride.

Bacardi

Bacardi Limited, the liquor company, has their main USA headquarters in downtown Coral Gables. The company was founded in 1862 in Santiago de Cuba. The Bacardi family began making rum in Cuba and dominated the industry. During the Cuban revolution, the family maintained a strong opposition to Fidel Castro’s rule over Cuba. Eventually, the family escaped Cuba, but the government kept all their assets and monies in the bank and gave the Bacardi’s no compensation. Luckily the company survived and is now one of the largest family-owned spirits companies in the world. The Bacardi family story is one that many Cuban immigrants had to face when leaving their country and moving to the United States, however many immigrants were not as well off as the Bacardi’s were.

Books & Books

Books & Books is a local bookstore founded by Miami Beach native Mitchell Kaplan in 1982. It features a courtyard and café along with the hundreds of books in the store. They show and sell local artists work at their 5 locations in Miami. They also hold events, such as book clubs and even opening parties (pre-covid). It is a cute hangout for the community to come relax and read a book.

SUMMARY

The city of Coral Gables is a delightful place to spend time and is very safe, however it doesn’t come at a low price. With the average price of a house in the Gables is around $3.5 million, it is a bit of a ways away for most regular Miami residents to be able to move there. The location and activities make the city accessible to many, but the price point may be a problem. Parking and traffic are a huge problem that residents have to endure during certain time of the day. Parking can be expensive, but the city has a free public trolley system and there are a few Metrorail station stops. Due to the desirable location of the city, there is many buildings under construction and new construction popping up in every corner. The nightlife makes it a well-liked location for the younger crowds. The city of Coral Gables is constantly hosting cultural and performing arts events and feature sculptures and art throughout the city. The Mediterranean architecture and landscape make the city a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike.

Word Count: 2339

Works Cited

“Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theater.” Cinema Treasures, cinematreasures.org/theaters/293.

“A History of Coral Gables.” Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce, 16 Oct. 2020, coralgableschamber.org/a-history-of-coral-gables/.

“Coral Gables.” The Beacon Council, 26 Apr. 2018, www.beaconcouncil.com/why-miami-dade/cities/coral-gables/.

EvoGov.com. “Economic Overview.” City of Coral Gables – Economic Overview, www.coralgables.com/business#evo_interior_title. 

FM, WLRN 91.3. “A History Of The Biltmore, Miami’s Best Known Creepy Hotel.” WLRN, 31 Oct. 2014, www.wlrn.org/culture/2014-10-30/a-history-of-the-biltmore-miamis-best-known-creepy-hotel.

Click to access 144523.pdf

Student Bio

My name is Letizia D’Avenia. I am a sophomore attending the Honors College at Florida International University majoring in psychology. I was born in Milan, Italy, and I lived there for the first 17 years of my life. At FIU, I am part of an organization called Roarthon, I am a proud member of Phi Mu Fraternity and I am a Learning Assistant in the Psychology department. I like to describe myself as an “artistic” person. One of my favorite hobbies is singing and playing the guitar. I took pottery classes for about 4 years and I love painting. I enjoy reading and writing songs. I am very extroverted and one of my goals in life is to travel the world and make friends with people from different countries.

Geography

Map retrieved from Google Maps

The Village of Pinecrest expands on an area of 7.5 miles in the southeastern part of Miami-Dade County. In the north it borders the City of South Miami, in the east the City of Coral Gables, in the south the Village of Palmetto Bay, and US-1 and unincorporated Miami-Dade County to the west (Village of Pinecrest). This neighborhood is mainly a residential and rural area, with some main roads but for the majority smaller roads that take residents to their homes. There are different green areas, such as the Pinecrest Garden and the Coral Pine Park, where people can go to take walks or just relax. Closer to the South Dixie you can find more of an urban landscape, with many shopping centers and services. Additionally, through the Village you can encounter many religious buildings, such as the Epiphany Catholic Church, St Louis Catholic Church and Crossbridge Church.

History

The history of the Village of Pinecrest is definitely unusual. After Harry Flagler used the US1 and the Southwest 102 Street as a staging area during the construction of the Overseas Railroad to the Florida Keys, the area kept slowly growing. However, in 1930, this place became extremely popular thanks to the first tourist attractions established in the Miami vicinity – Parrot Jungle and Gardens. It is exactly what it sounds like: a garden full of tropical birds where tourists could go to interact with them. Parrot Jungle was founded exactly in 1936 by Franz and Louise Scherr. The idea came to life because Scherr, (who was an immigrant from Austria, a former U.S. Army private and contractor, and a farm owner in Homestead, Florida), had the idea of building an attraction where birds would “fly free” (Pinecrest Gardens). In order for this to become reality, Franz Scherr rented 20 acres of hammock land for a monthly fee of $25. His dream became true, and after the park opened it became internationally famous, attracting more than 10.000 visitors by the end of the first year of operation (Pinecrest Garden). This attracted thousands of people, and Pinecrest started growing rapidly. During the 1950s and 1960s more houses were built in a ranch style which would be setting the foundation for the neighborhood’s rural landscape. Finally, in 1996, thanks to the movement led by residents Evelyn Langlieb Greer and Gary Matzner, the Village of Pinecrest was officially incorporated. 

Today, the Village of Pinecrest is nationally recognized as a Tree City USA, a Playful City USA and a Community of Respect and in 2011, the South Florida Business Journal recognized Pinecrest as one of the ten best places in Florida for “quality of life” (Village of Pinecrest).

Demographics

According to the 2019 census, the population in the Village of Pinecrest was 19,555. The ethnic group is made up of people who are mostly white, which are about 87.7%. Of this percentage, not Hispanic or Latino are 43.1%, while 45.5% are Hispanic or Latino. The Village of Pinecrest also includes an Asian community of about 6.3% and Black or African American take up about 1.8%. Those who indicated Two or More Races add up to 2.6% and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander are 0.1%. There is no American Indian and Alaska Native community. The age of the population is almost evenly distributed, with 25.8% of individuals under 18 years old, and 15.6% of over 65 years old. The female population is 48.9%, and the male population is 51.5%. The median household income (in 2019 dollars) over the past 12 months is $156,875. The poverty rate stands at 6.1%.

Interview with Lucia Scarsi

How long have you lived in Pinecrest?

I’ve lived in Pinecrest since my family immigrated to the US in 2001 so 20 years.

What is your favorite thing about Pinecrest?

Favorite thing is how beautiful it is. When I think of pinecrest I think about beautiful green trees and bromeliads. It’s a beautiful place to live in.

What is your least favorite thing about Pinecrest?

Least favorite thing personally is how obsessed the local government is with maintaining this prestige image of the perfect neighborhood. This has stopped many helpful infrastructure projects to get people better access to things like wifi. It’s irritating to say the least.

If you could change something about Pinecrest, what would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about Pinecrest it would be how accessible it is for people to live here. This neighborhood is a wonderful place to grow up and I wish more people could experience the childhood I had. Maybe more affordable housing could help others get a similar experience.

Would you ever want to live in another neighborhood in Miami other than Pinecrest? Why?

I honestly don’t think I would mind living in another place because Miami is so diverse but Pinecrest has my heart.

Landmarks

To this day, the original entrance of Parrot Jungle is still at Pinecrest Garden. In 1936, this building became the attraction’s signature structure. Originally, it was constructed of Dade County Pine and it had a palm-thatched roof patterned. However, in the 1940s, this kind of roof was replaced with clay tiles and the building was faced with natural coral rock. Unfortunately, it was damaged by a fire in 1994, but it was not completely destroyed and the Village of Pinecrest was able to acquire the Parrot Jungle site in 2003 and restored this historic building in 2008.

Another landmark of the Village of Pinecrest is the Whilden-Carrier Cottage, built in 1932. In the 1900s through 1930s, it was typical for pioneers who settled in rural Dade County to build these kinds of houses. This one in particular belonged to Carl Whilden, chief foreman at Fairchild Tropical Gardens. He and his family lived there from the Depression through the early 1970s, and the property included vegetable gardens, fruit trees, tropical specimens and native species.

Lastly, Old Cutler Road is definitely one of the most relevant landmarks. This road gets its name from the former town of Cutler, which was an old farming community (founded in the 1800s) by William Fuzzard. The name of the town comes from Dr. William Cutler, who was the one to encourage Fuzzard and others to settle down there. In 1883, Fuzzard and others decided to cut a road to reach Coconut Grove, and that is considered the first overland route between Coconut Grove and Cutler (The Historical Marker Database). In 1895 it was officially declared a public road. Today Old Cutler Road still proves a tangible reminder of the heritage of the Miami Area.

Green

Pinecrest Garden

The first green space in Pinecrest that is extremely popular is the Pinecrest Garden. It is a beautiful and spacious garden, which is easily accessible (the ticket to enter is only about $5, and they usually have discounts). Once you are in, you can decide to walk around the park, since there is a trail that enables you to watch the flora and fauna. There are small ponds in which fish and turtles swim happily, and you can usually see birds flying around. There is also a spacious green open area, in which you can do picnics or bring children to play. Additionally, the Pinecrest Garden hosts many events in the outdoor arena, including concerts, theatre shows, musicals and choir performances. There are also seasonal events; for example, during winter time they put on a light show, they decorate the Garden with christmas ornaments and they play christmas music.

Coral Pine Park

This park is situated relatively close to the South Dixie Highway, and it consists of a nine acre space. Within the park, there are many facilities that enable individuals to conduct sports such as tennis (there are six lighted tennis courts), an all purpose field and a tot lot. Additionally, there is also a natural area, where people can relax, walk and pertain in whatever activity they like best (as long as they do not damage the area).

Evelyn Greer Park

This park is home for the Leslie Bowe Hall. Leslie Bowe was a relevant figure in the Village of Pinecrest and in the FIU Honors community. He served on the boards of several institutions including The Vizcayans, as President, FIU Honors College and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Gardens. He also served for two terms as a Council member for the Village of Pinecrest, where he has lived for more than 25 years (Miami Herald). The park consists of about ten acres with different fields for athletic purposes (such as baseball, softball and soccer). There are also batting cages, a tot lot, and Wi-Fi is available within a gazebo spot (“Village of Pinecrest”).

Transportation

The Village of Pinecrest is very well connected. There is a 108 mile roadway network with a 28 mile sidewalk network. Additionally, there are major roads, such as Old Cutler and the US-1, which enable a fast transit in-and-out of the Village. There are three Miami-Dade Transit bus routes that pass through Pinecrest, specifically Routes 57, 136 and 73. Both Route 57 and Route 136 predominantly serve the southeastern and eastern sections of the Village, while Route 73 serves a short segment of SW 88th Street (Kendall Drive) between US 1 and SW 67th Avenue (Ludlam Road) (Pinecrest Transit Circulatory System). To facilitate transportation, the Village of Pinecrest has also created the “Pinecrest People Mover”, which is a free transit bus service connecting the Village’s neighborhoods and schools. It is a free service, easily accessible and reaches many areas of the neighbourhood. Another extremely useful service is the Pinecrest FREEBEE. It is a new green transportation service which offers free rides and connects the South Dade Transitway and Metrorail station. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 is momentarily inactive, but it will resume its activity soon.

Lastly, to connect Pinecrest with other parts of Miami, such as Coconut Grove or Brickell, there is a Metrorail station (Dadeland South). Although a ticket must be purchased to access this service, it is convenient. A result of all these services is that residents have the capability to decide which means of transportation they want to use, and they will most likely find one that is convenient for them, reducing their car use.

Food

Captain Tavern is the place to be for all the seafood lovers. After it was opened in 1971 by Bill Bowers (“The Captain”), it has been one of the best places to eat in the Village of Pinecrest. It is a modest restaurant, with a recurring ocean theme. The place offers a warm and comfortable environment, where clients can enjoy their food and relax. My all time favorite is the King Crab Legs, they are tasty and juicy. In addition to the restaurant, they also have a fresh seafood market next door, where clients can shop. 

As the true italian I am, as soon as I moved to Miami I started looking for an authentic Italian place, and I found the perfect place in Pinecrest. Anacapri is an italian restaurant and market, in which you can find many tasty italian dishes. It has a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere, perfect to enjoy a night out either by yourself or with family or friends. I am a lover of the Anacapri Bruschetta and the Gnocchi Sorrento, they are some of my favourite dishes. I also shop there for food almost every week, since they have many products that I would buy in Italy (such as the Mutti, which is true italian tomato sauce, and Pan di Stelle biscuits and cream). 

Saffron Indian Cuisine is one of the best indian restaurants in the area. This place does not offer plenty of indoor seating, and that ensures excellent service. The quality of the food is always exquisite, and you can tell that the ingredients are fresh and cooked with passion. I do not take spicy very well, so I usually try to go for dishes that have milk or yogurt in them (which decreases the spiciness). My favorite is the Goa Chicken Curry, because coconut milk mixed with curry creates a sweet flavor, and the chicken becomes so soft that it almost melts in your mouth. I usually order rice as well, to create a contrasting texture with the softness of the main course.

Businesses

The first place ever that I went to after I moved to Pinecrest two years ago was the Pinecrest Farmers Market. Before COVID-19, every Sunday the local farmers would go with their stands at the Pinecrest Garden and they would sell their products. There were so many different varieties of products, from food to candles to plants to jewelry. It was always crowded, with families coming from the whole neighborhood to enjoy a great lunch in the outdoors. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, they had to suspend the Farmers Market, then they turned it into into a “drive through”, where customers could stop at the vendor they wanted and purchase the products without leaving the vehicle, while only about a month ago it has finally moved back to its original walk-through set up, thought still respecting separation and limited capacity. Hence, there are not even half of the stands that used to be there before, and some of my favourites (a smoothie stand and a Greek food stand which used to serve fresh gyro pitas) have not been able to come back.

Pete’s Suniland Barber shop is one of the oldest tenants in the Suniland Shopping Center. The prices are competitive and the client care is a priority for this shop (Community Newspaper). This place is special because the barbers are focused on making sure that the clients are having a great experience, and once they become regulars, they are basically considered friends. It has gotten to the point where fathers who have been regulars for many years bring their sons who have just started growing hair. The community within this shop treats each other like a family, and whenever someone goes inside the shop they are greeted with an atmosphere of honesty, fun and goodwill (Community Newspaper).

Hirni’s Wayside Garden is the perfect place in case you need a last minute bouquet. Situated next to the Pinecrest Garden, this magical shop provides anything floreal, plants, and decorations. They have been a family owned business for about fifty years, and they work hard to provide the freshest flowers arrangements. They are also able to personalize their compositions, in case you have a special occasion you need flowers for, such as an anniversary, a birthday, or if you need to apologize for something you did. They are able to do both curbside pickup or delivery, which can come be really convenient due to the social distancing rules for COVID-19.

Summary 

Overall, Pinecrest is a family friendly neighborhood, full of green and rural areas. It is easy to conduct outdoor hobbies such as walking, biking or running, thanks to the long and usually empty streets. The Pinecrest Garden is definitely one of the most fun green areas, since there is almost always something going on, whether it’s a show or an exhibition. An aspect of the Village of Pinecrest that works perfectly is the balance between nature and urban. In fact, the residential areas are usually surrounded by trees and plants, but the shopping centers are not even ten minutes away. Walgreens, CVS, Publix and other fundamental shops are all easily reachable, making this one of the strengths of Pinecrest. The means of transportation are also extremely convenient, enabling people to not use their car everywhere they go. The only aspect of this neighborhood that I think could be improved is to seriously work on the Cane Toads issue. Cane Toads are an invasive species that is poisonous to pets, especially if they try to bite or consume them. They are a hazard to the community and more measures to eliminate them should be created. 

However, Pinecrest will always have a special place in my heart. It was the first place where I officially lived in the United States, and I have made so many unforgettable memories in the months that I have lived there. 

Citations

Bureau, US Census. “Census.” Census.gov, www.census.gov/

“Leslie Bowe Obituary (2017) – Miami, FL – the Miami Herald.” Legacy.com, Legacy, 5 Nov. 2017, www.legacy.com/obituaries/herald/obituary.aspx?n=leslie-anthony-bowe&pid=187152983

“Village of Pinecrest.” Evelyn Greer Park | Village of Pinecrest, www.pinecrest-fl.gov/government/parks-recreation/parks-and-facilities/evelyn-greer

“Village of Pinecrest.” Transportation Master Plan | Village of Pinecrest, https://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=8815

“Village of Pinecrest.” Pinecrest FREEBEE | Village of Pinecrest, www.pinecrest-fl.gov/our-village/public-transportation/pinecrest-freebee

“Pinecrest Transit Circulator System”. Village of Pinecrest. https://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=1191

“Pete’s Barber Shop Is a Village Tradition.” Miami’s Community News, 27 Feb. 2012, communitynewspapers.com/pinecrest-tribune/pete%E2%80%99s-barber-shop-is-a-village-tradition/

“Pinecrest Gardens.” History | Pinecrest Gardens, www.pinecrestgardens.org/venue/history

Matson, Marsha. “Whilden-Carrier Cottage Historical Marker.” Historical Marker, 16 June 2016, www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=79655

Matson, Marsha. “Old Cutler Road Historical Marker.” Historical Marker, 16 June 2016, www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=73635#:~:text=Old%20Cutler%20Road%20was%20declared,Fuzzard%20in%20the%20late%201800s.&text=Grove%20and%20Cutler.-,It%20was%20subsequently%20widened%20to%20a%20wagon%20trail%20and,a%20public%20road%20in%201895

“Jungle Island [Formerly Parrot Jungle], Miami, Florida.” RoadsideAmerica.com, www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11308

Student Bio

Monica Barletta is a sophomore in the Honors College at Florida International University. She is currently a Biology major on the Pre-med track and hopes to attend the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Outside of school, she enjoys creating art and spending time with her friends and family.

Who

This volunteer opportunity was organized by John Bailly on behalf of the Deering Estate. The Deering Estate is a 444-acre plot of land that has a very rich history behind it. On the property, there are multiple hiking trails each containing beautiful unique sights, as well as two houses that contain some of Miami’s oldest pieces of history that are still on display today. This estate’s background dates back to the late 19th century when the first house on the property was built by the Richmond family and later turned into an inn for travelers until 1915 when it was purchased by Charles Deering of the International Harvester Company. The Deering family has had such a huge impact on the development of Miami and being able to see the home of such an influential man is a unique opportunity that South Florida residents get to enjoy. Not only does the Deering Estate serve as a museum, but it supports local artists by employing many of them as residents, including the lead organizer of the cleanup: John Bailly. This museum also hosts so many events for the people of Miami; The Deering Estate gives back so much to the community that it is only right that we as a community give back to this place as well, volunteering to clean up one of its islands is just one of many ways to help support this place.

Why

 I chose to participate in this specific volunteer opportunity because I feel it is our responsibility to clean up after ourselves and leave the world a better place than we found it. Mangrove forests are gorgeous ecosystems that provide habitats to many different organisms and are of great importance to communities along the coastline. Trash washes up on these mangrove islands and can disrupt marine life cycles or even kill many of these animals. Although this is an issue everyone should care about, I feel as if it does connect with me specifically because I am a biology major, so I have taken many classes that made me realize how detrimental plastic pollution is to many ecosystems.

How

I found out about this trip through my Art Society Conflict professor, John Bailly. This cleanup is a popular volunteer opportunity among the Honors College at FIU and something I have wanted to do since my freshman year. A message was sent out in the class group chat that there were a few spots open for the cleanup and, as this is a trip I have been wanting to do for a while, I immediately responded. Due to COVID restrictions, the excursion was limited to 18 people and people were accepted on a first come-first serve basis.

Where and What

This cleanup took place the Saturday morning of April 17. We all met up at the back of the Deering Estate by its boat basin at 9:30 AM, where we would depart on the two-person canoes after pairing up. The Chicken Key is a seven-acre mangrove island about one mile away from our departure point. We spent about 30 minutes paddling our way to the island, stopping once to take pictures and admire a path that went through the mangroves.

Once we made it to the island, we tied up our canoes and took a quick dip in the water to cool off before we got to work. We spent the next few hours walking around the island picking up whatever garbage we could find and putting them in trash bags we would later haul back to the estate to throw away. We found a surprising amount of trash and even things like a mattress that I am still wondering how they washed up onto the island. After collecting trash for a few hours, we all bonded by sitting around the campfire grounds together and eating lunch. While the trash was being loaded onto the canoes, we jumped back into the water to enjoy the water at high tide.

The canoe ride back was so much harder because of how much trash was collected. Despite the wind blowing against us and having to haul the extremely heavy trash, I still had so much fun paddling back with everyone. Once we got back to the estate, we unloaded the trash from the canoes and brought it to the dumpster in the back.

All in all, I had an amazing time volunteering; this was an amazing experience that I would love to have again. Just because we had to work doesn’t mean we didn’t find ways to have a great time with it.

When

Summary

The Deering Estate is a historic landmark that has so much significance not only in supporting our present-day community, but also by containing so much of South Florida’s history within its walls. It is critical for us to work to protect this site because of how important it is to the local community. I chose to volunteer at the estate to help preserve the history and to protect the ecosystems that are so important to my home. Everyone should do their part to help clean up after themselves and keep our waters clean, but sadly many people do not which leads to trash piling onto the island.

This has been an activity that I have been wanting to participate in for a while but COVID made it very difficult, we got around this by making sure to wear our masks and social distance so everything could run smoothly. This trip was very eye-opening as it made me realized just how much trash washes up onto the island. I was able to see old pictures of the island from before the cleanups started and there was so much garbage that it was almost unrecognizable. It is clear the cleanups have made a tremendous difference in the few short years since they began by bringing back so much life and beauty to the island. Although there has been a huge amount of progress, there is still work to be done with trash washing up on shore every day. 

Sources

Biscayne Bay – Chicken key in Florida. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://paddling.com/paddle/trips/biscayne-bay—chicken-key-florida

Charles Deering. (2021, April 10). Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Deering

Endangered species International. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.endangeredspeciesinternational.org/mangrove.html#:~:text=Despite%20their%20ecological%20and%20economic,of%20the%20world’s%20mangrove%20forests.&text=Endangered%20Species%20International%20focuses%20its,restoring%20mangroves%20in%20critical%20areas.

Services, M. (n.d.). Tips to keep Biscayne BAY clean – Miami-Dade County. Retrieved April 20, 2021, from https://www.miamidade.gov/environment/biscayne-bay-clean.asp#:~:text=Garbage%20and%20impaired%20water%20quality,the%20environment%2C%20especially%20marine%20ecosystems.&text=Impaired%20water%20quality%20can%20trigger,fish%20kills%20in%20Biscayne%20Bay.

STUDENT BIO

My name is Johnny Casares, I am a student at FIU currently majoring in Computer Science. Since I lived in Venezuela, I always had an interest in both art and computer but never had the proper tools to dive deeply in these dreams. Now that I live in the U.S., I enrolled in the Honors College to continue to not only challenge myself academically, but also to take advantage of the opportunities I never had before.

WHO

I volunteered with the Deering State and the class of Discovering Miami in the collection of garbage from the island of Chicken Key, which’s fragile ecosystem is threatened by contamination. Volunteering with them was a decision I made for both convenience and my joy of connecting with nature. Despite of my major being computer science, a career that is mostly sedentary, one of the things I enjoy the most I being outside and being active with my body, and volunteering in Chicken Key gave me the perfect opportunity to enjoy myself while positively contributing in my community.

WHY

What made participating in this volunteer service possible was the class of Discovering Miami, which is the one that introduced me to this local volunteer opportunity, and gave me and the class the chance to engage in an activity in which we make a positive impact and strengthen our connection with the community.

HOW

Professor John Bailly introduced me and the class to this great volunteer opportunity at Deering State.

WHERE & WHAT

On the April 9 of 2021, volunteers departed off the shores that caress the property of the Deering State into the island of Chicken Key, where most of the volunteer activity took place. Upon arrival the volunteers, including myself of course, made sure to collect the trash left by human activity on the island, as well as other types of debris brought ashore by the waves. Even though it is impossible for a small group of students to fully eliminate the waste off the island, every little action count when it comes to taking care and protecting of the unique and delicate ecosystem of Chicken Key and Miami as a whole.

One personal account of this event was finding a 2012 can of sprite while paddling on the way to the island. I thought it was both disturbing and amazing to make this finding because I could not believe how a can almost a decade old was not only floating in the vastness of the ocean, but also the fact that it was full, made me realize how inconsiderate/ careless people can be. However, I was surprised to how well conserved the can was and by the way nature itself adapts to these contaminant agents, embracing them and utilizing it to its advantage. Attached to the can, a small colony of goose barnacle were attached to the surface of the object. One of my assumptions was that they were there for the extraction of any nutritional content from the can, however, it later occurred to me that, considering these organisms have a hard time moving due to their physical structure, they might be using the can as an effective mode of transportation. Another little story is a cage I found while picking up trash, which was placed there to catch racoons. On the cage a small sign warns about not what is the trap for, and it explains that it is an effort to restore the endemic turtle population. I thought this was interesting because it made me realize that the damage humankind has done to nature is not only in the form artificial waste, but also by displacing animals into areas where they don’t belong, putting a whole ecosystem at risk.

From personal experience with volunteer opportunities, this was the best one so far. An important insight I got from this activity is that when we do something that matters to us causes an element of joy in the individual. It wasn’t only the fact that I was able to help the community and the environment, but also the fact that I could enjoy myself and spent time with people that shared that common factor of joy from the work done. Personally, a big factor of joy for me in this activity was the fact that I could engage in movement, I gave my body a good physical activity, and being outside and not confined by the walls of a classroom.

What worked the best in this volunteer service was the whole effort of all members into the main goal. I think we were all well informed of the issue we were dealing with and the objective of the volunteer service activity was clear. Cooperation was key to achieve what we achieved that day and it was the most effective tool for results. Another factor of importance was the proper displacement and disposal of garbage recollected from Chicken Key. Even though I do not know with certainty where that trash will end up, I am putting my faith that the institution in charge will make sure that it is properly thrown away. However, I have to add that this is an activity not meant for everyone as it is physically exhausting. I would advice only engaging in this activity if you are mentally and physically prepared for what the activity demands.

WHEN

Below is the approval from FIU Honors college of the volunteer hours.

SUMMARY

Overall, we had excellent results that were personally satisfying, considering that we left the place cleaner than we found it. Also, I want to add that this can become a unique opportunity to connect with the lesser known side of Miami, as well as being a perfect opportunity of trying something new such as canoeing while helping the community grow healthier and more united. From a more academic interest, knowing that the island has never been inhabited by humans, one can assume that a similar terrain and atmosphere was found in some other parts of the mainland before the major urbanization projects. This is an experience that goes beyond volunteering and can be an opportunity to become more connected to the city, community, nature, and even yourself.

             Student Bio

My name is Aimee Zuniga, I am a senior hoping to graduate by July 2021. I am an organizational communications student. I will be continuing my education and getting a master’s in international business after I graduate.  I was born and raised in Miami, so picking between all the different neighborhoods was difficult. Although I have never been a resident of Doral, I did attend a charter high school in the Doral area. I have spent a lot of time in Doral as a teenager. I haven’t been in this part of Miami in about 4  years so, I wanted to do this project on a part of Miami that I truly miss spending my time at. 

Geography

What once was swampland, then turned golf course, is now a fast growing urban landscape filled with shops, restaurants, and residential housing. Located between the Turnpike and the Palmetto, the city of Doral continues to grow in population without expanding its borders. Much of Doral is occupied by residential homes, many of them being luxury and modern homes which have been recently constructed in the past couple of years. There is quite the distinction between the residential and industrial areas of the city. From NW 12th St up until about NW 41th St, you will find the streets almost entirely filled with commercial and industrial warehouses as well as shopping strips, and restaurants. Passing 41st St, you will be greeted by luxury apartments, townhomes, and big houses. Recently, there has been a lot of construction and interest in what is called Downtown Doral. There are multiple large apartment buildings surrounding by modern townhouses and a strip which houses several local and chain restaurants. Its a nice area to have a bite to eat and later take a stroll in the Downtown Doral Park.

History

The city of Doral gets is name from two real estate pioneers named Doris and Alfred Kaskel. Together they coined the name “Doral”. When purchasing the land, their intention was never to make it into a city. Instead, they had goals of creating a golf course and a hotel. After creation of both the golf course and hotel, Doris and Alfred saw a large growth in attendants. In the 1980s, there was interest in the city of Doral as well, and residential areas were soon built. The first residential houses to be built was called Doral Estates, which to this day holds the same name and location. Soon after that, the second residential area of the city was developed with the help of Lennar, to build Doral Park. Following this trend, the city began to expand further as young families gained interest in living in what was back then an area of low housing costs. Fast forward a couple of decades and the people of Doral voted for incorporation. This lead to a new local government which took care of their own people, and lead to a growth in investment and expansion. Today, there are several areas of the city which are getting the attention of Fortune 100 corporations and mom-and-pop stores. The city is growing and there is no end in sight to the progress.

Demographics

Like most of Miami, the city of Doral is predominantly hispanic. The largest nationalities in Doral are Venezuelan and Colombian. This is evident simply by driving around the area as you will be greeted with many Venezuelan owned small business including boutiques and restaurants. While there is a melting pot of different nationalities, Fox News has reported that so many Venezuelans have fled their country and arrived in Florida, that they’re becoming a “growing political and cultural force in an area that for years has largely been dominated by Cubans.” As a matter of fact, with the ever-growing population of Venezuelans in Doral, a new nickname has been coined to the city: Doralzuela.

Interview with a Doral resident

Erick Carro is a Doral Academy student who has lived in Doral his entire life.

Aimee: Can you please give me a small introduction of yourself?

Erick: I am a junior at Doral academy and the streets of Doral is all I know.

Aimee: How did you end up in Doral?

Erick: My parents came from Mexico and wanted to live in Doral. So I have been here since I was a little kid.

Aimee: How would you describe Doral?

Erick: Doral is one of the cleanest and safest areas in Miami. It is also very diverse with people with different Latin nationalities which I really like because I am Mexican.

Aimee: What is your favorite thing about Doral?

Erick: My favorite thing about Doral would have to be all the Venezuelan food.

Landmarks

Trump National Doral

Everyone knows about Trump National Doral. Not only is it a Doral landmark, but it is actually a very historic location in the city. Most people don’t know, but the hotel and golf course was the first estate to be built back when Doris and Alfred envisioned the city to be only a hotel and golf course. In 2012, the property’s management changed and Donald Trump purchased the land and changed the name of the Hotel. To this day, the property is used as a hotel and resort, golf course, and is a host to many large events in Doral. Donald Trump also stayed in this property several times during his presidency.

Downtown Doral Park

In the heart of a booming city lies Downtown Doral Park. The park is between the booming activity that is the restaurant strip, government center, brand new townhomes, and even a school. Whether you are working in the government building or wanting to take a walk after a big meal, the park provides excellent and clean service that is hard to imitate. The park itself is not too big in size compared to other parks in Doral but it does offer a spacious grassy area to take a blanket and have a nice picnic. There is also a brand new playground in the park for younger kids to enjoy and it is in pretty good condition too!

Doral Government Center

The Doral Government center is where you can offices of government officials such as Mayor J.C Bermudez and Vice Mayor Pete Cabrera. The building finished construction in 2012 and costed approximately $22 million to build. The government center also has two beautifully crafted amethyst women shaped sculpture in the entrance.

Green

Morgan Levy Park

Morgan Levy Park is the hub of all youth activities for Doral residents. For almost everyone that went to school in the area, the possibility of hanging out in Morgan Levy on a Friday night is incredibly high. A couple years back, the park was named Doral Park, in which everyone would ask each other in school, “are you going to DP?” The park was popular for a reason, it has numerous basketball courts, soccer courts, a playground, a volleyball court, and a concession stand. The park is centrally located within the neighborhood of Doral Park.

Doral Central Park

Formally known as J.C Bermudez Park, Doral Central Park offers a mile loop where many go to run, bike, or walk. It is the largest park in the city of Doral, measured at 82 acres. There is a small outdoor gym for guests to use as well as a lake in the middle of the park. Many events are held at the park for its vast open space. Unlike other Doral parks, this one lies in the middle of commercial and industrial warehouses and buildings. Nevertheless, it is a nice park to go for a jog.

Transportation

Doral Trolley

“Next stop!” Hearing this aboard the Doral trolley was an everyday thing for a lot of kids. The trolley was taken as a lot of students as an alternative to take the bus. After all, why pay weekly for the bus when you can take a free trolley provided by the city? For this reason it is one of the most widely used method of transportation for residents of Doral. Aside from the Doral trolley, driving around the city you will find a lot of pedestrian traffic as people walk and bike to their destinations.

Food

Pepitolandia

Pepitolandia is a Venezuelan fast food restaurant. They are known for signature Venezuelan hotdogs and burgers. Most fast-food restaurants in Doral sell hotdogs and burgers as it is a very famous in Venezuela to eat hotdogs with different sauces and toppings. The way the hotdogs and hamburgers is eaten with different toppings and sauces is what makes it Venezuelan.

El Arepazo

El Arepazo is another very famous Venezuelan fast food restaurant. As you can see from the photo above there is a Venezuelan flag. Doral is full of Venezuelan restaurants that wave the Venezuelan flag. El Arepazo is known for traditional Venezuelan arepas. They also sell Venezuelan hotdogs. Most of these fast-food places all sell the same Venezuelan eateries such as arepas , hotdogs and hamburgers.

Pepito Arepa’s

Pepito’s arepas is another Venezuelan fast food place. This place is known to be the hangout spot on weekend nights .This spot is also known for the traditional Venezuelan style arepas. Anywhere you go in Doral you will see Venezuelan eatery.

Summary

All in all , Doral is one of the safest and nicest areas to live in. If you are ever craving Venezuelan eateries , Doral is the place to come eat. If you ever feel like engaging with a very diverse community then Doral is the place for you. There are plenty of parks for you to come take walks and exercise. Doral is a very prosperous city. It is great for families and individuals that want to live in a diverse community. Doral is a city that continuously grows for the better and a beautiful place to live.

Works Cited

https://www.foxnews.com/us/venezuelans-becoming-a-growing-political-and-cultural-force-in-miami

https://www.simscrane.com/city-doral-gets-new-city-hall/

https://www.cityofdoral.com