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*BEACH CLEANUP**
Volunteers walked Key Biscayne’s shoreline on Saturday, collecting litter as part of the annual Coastal Cleanup. Michele Estevez, who has led the effort for years, praised the 2009 event’s success, citing dedicated participants. She was joined by Reverend Bud Schroeder and his wife Diane.
**REAL ESTATE – ZIP 33149**
The 33149 zip code ranked 199th on Forbes’ list of America’s 500 most expensive markets. Median asking prices fell 10 % to $1.14 million, yet the market remains attractive. James Salas of E Realty International described it as “opportunistic” with prices rebounding after a 15‑20 % dip in 2009. Cash buyers are finding deals, such as a 2,500‑sq‑ft home with a pool and remodeled kitchen sold for under $900 k. Managing broker Vivian Galego‑Mendez noted that such prices were unprecedented. Suzan Abell of Coldwell Banker highlighted the condo market’s role in keeping the area buoyant, with unit prices now about 30 % lower than the 2005‑06 peak. In 2009, 24 single‑family homes and 110 condos sold. Mayor Robert Vernon, a broker, said inventory is being absorbed and that demand is rising from U.S., South American, and European buyers.
**BACK‑TO‑SCHOOL LUNCH**
The Key Biscayne K‑8 Center hosted a back‑to‑school luncheon in its cafeteria. Teachers Lourdes Lorido, Jessica Lopez‑Miro, and Ivette Fernandez were photographed enjoying the event.
**DOMESTIC WORKERS LAWSUIT**
Two nannies, Alejandra Ramos and Maria Onelia Maco Castro, secured a $125,000 settlement after suing former employers Javier Hoyle and Patricia Perales. The jury found the couple violated federal labor and trafficking laws, paying less than minimum wage and forcing the women to work 15‑19 hours a day, six or seven days a week. They were housed in a closet near a trash chute. Represented by Erika Deutsch Rotbart, the case underscores the exploitation of immigrant workers. Attorney Jennifer Hill noted the difficulty of proving such abuses due to their private nature.
**AQUA PARTY**
The Key Biscayne Community Foundation celebrated its annual Aqua Party at The Ocean Club. Attendees included Stacia Bahamondes, Christina Termine, Susan Joch, and Leni Weber.
**GOLF CART SAFETY DISCUSSION**
Village Council members reviewed a committee report recommending a ban on children under three in golf carts. Concerns were raised about enforceability and the feasibility of building new access paths. Mayor Vernon suggested banning car seats instead, citing the inability to secure them on carts. Police Chief Charles Press reminded that children must use standard car seats until age two, booster seats until five, and seatbelts until thirteen. Council members debated whether the ban would inconvenience families using carts on low‑traffic residential streets.
**BEAR CUT BRIDGE REPAIR**
Repair of deteriorated support beams on Bear Cut Bridge has been delayed. Miami‑Dade County Public Works expects completion by August 31, weather permitting. Four beams required attention; the first beam’s repair finished recently. One eastbound lane has remained open throughout, affecting only the Key Biscayne‑bound side.
**SONESTA PROPERTY SALE**
Sonesta International Hotels Corp. has signed a contract to sell its property for $78 million to an Argentine real‑estate developer that owns the JW Marriott hotels on Brickell Avenue and in Dadeland. The deal became binding on September 1, with closing scheduled for September 25. The buyer remains unnamed, but the transaction reflects continued investment interest in Key Biscayne’s hospitality sector.
