Today I went to Z'est Jolie Salon on Westward Drive and got my hair done. It looks fantastic. I wish I had the time, and money, to get it done three times a week. It would be so worth it. #daretodream

They are running a special for their opening, $20 mani pedi and $40 deep tissue facial on Tuesdays.

I hope they consider becoming members of the Chamber. I also really hope they make it -- the whole experience was just lovely.

A couple of weeks ago, MSLL kicked off on a chilly Miami morning. The photo is of the team Our firm is sponsoring, the Purple Crush. I was honored to throw the first pitch for the first softball game, and amazingly it was a strike.

Sports are important, and girls sports are especially important. We should be proud that we make them a priority in our little community, Miami Springs.

“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees. I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues.” 
― Dr. Seuss, The Lorax


It is time again for All Angels Movie Night.  We are at our new location, 1801 Ludlam Road, Miami Springs.  We are only having one movie, but it has an important message.  This is one of my favorite movies; it has a great message; and, it is not not just a kids movie.  It drills home the point that trees are important for our communities, for our culture.  

If any community is aware of how important the canopy is, it is Miami Springs.  I am proud that we take care of our canopy.  I am thrilled that All Angels is showing this movie at the end of "movie season" and I hope that you will join us at 7:30 on Friday, March 15, 2013 -- rain for shine.

Last fall, a representative of Buckeye Development and Logistics contacted our City Planner and inquired whether our Council would entertain issuing a permanent pipeline Easement, Permit, or License, before Buckeye spent resources.  At the time, it appeared that the issue had been resolved.

However, on January 18, 2013, Buckeye Development & Logistics sent our City Planner a letter explaining that it was seeking to place a new route to complement or replace the current pipeline and that route would pass through the limits of the City of Miami Springs and the Village of Virginia Gardens.  

The letter fueled a story by Theo Karantsalis, which claimed that the proposed pipeline would be the sole source of jet fuel to the Miami International Airport.  Theo's story was overstated.  It was not being proposed as the sole source, but the overstatement certainly made residents stand up and take notice.   The Chairwoman of the County Commission was contacted as well as the City's lobbyist, Jose Fuentes.  The hoopla continued and Mr. Boone of Buckeye Partners, L.P. issued a news release clarifying that the January 18, 2013 letter was not a statement of intent, but instead a notice that Everglades Pipe Line Company, L.P. was conducting a feasibility study to assess potential options.  Theo Karantsalis wrote another story for The Miami Herald, which explained the status of the jet-fuel pipeline.

Thereafter, on February 28, 2013, the Manager and Mayor sent a joint letter explaining that there is no "form" City application for the type of project they were suggesting and reiterating the concern of the residents, schools and churches in the neighborhood.  Only a few days later, on March 5, 2013, Mr. Boone announced through a press release that the feasibility assessment had been concluded and that a pipeline relocation at the Miami Springs location was no longer an option under consideration.

I call this "the power of the press."  Theo's stories sure did stir up the residents of the City of Miami Springs, which in turn got the attention of the Chairwoman and County Commission.  If you look back to the beginning, it seems like much ado about nothing.  It goes to show that a little press can go a long way.

Optimist Club BBQ Blast next weekend... March 9, 2013.  On the Circle.  There is going to be a restaurant category this year.  Plenty of food for everyone.  If you are interested in having a team email miamispringsbbqblast@gmail.com or pick up an entry form at the Miami Springs Community Center.  For more information, contact Tony Silva 305-345-1019,

Really, I think the flyer says it all.  Thank you Mark Bain and all your volunteers for making this program so successful.  And thank you Bill Tallman for guiding the Optimist Club to do great things.

At My Chair for February 25, 2013.  Not much going on at Council.  Presentations, presentations, presentations.  I wish we were handling some business:  the sign code that needs updating, a Citizens' Bill of Rights, an Ethics Ordinance.  There are so many things we could be doing right now, but there does not seem to be any interest in moving forward with any of them.  #disappointing

Included is the Archery Club State Tournament Flyer, the bad news on the pool, and documents related to the Curtiss Mansion distribution of funds. 

Remember, you can watch Council meetings live on the web from the City website or review any Council meetings from the past three and a half years.  Questions?  Email me at jennifer@jenniferator.com.

I was lucky enough to be able to be able to attend the #GGI reception. It was great to see old friends (and extremely convenient in Wynwood). The purpose of the reception was to celebrate GGI and thank the volunteers. Thank you Katy Sorenson for all you do -- and your staff too. GGI is truly a labor of love.

Boy, are our kids cute! Celebrating President's Day at All Angels is always so intersesting. For those Presidental Scholars, you are missing a great show!