Miami Economic Development = Engines that drive the community
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Definitely sounds very encouraging. I'm very glad to constantly hear Diaz's support for Downtown's redevelopment, it's about time. If we were to follow in Chicago's footsteps, I can definitely see us getting the ultimate Downtown we've always dreamed of back again.
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Diaz has two years left only!?!?!?! And cant get re-elected!?!?
Oh man, that sounds really scary! Is there any other politician that will continue all of this? Is there anyway they could change that law?!
About the article though, sounds great, Ive always noticed the similarities with the water front downtowns and the river slicing through them. Miami can go to a better place but the leadership needs to be there.
Oh man, that sounds really scary! Is there any other politician that will continue all of this? Is there anyway they could change that law?!
About the article though, sounds great, Ive always noticed the similarities with the water front downtowns and the river slicing through them. Miami can go to a better place but the leadership needs to be there.
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can always run for miami-dade mayor...can u imagine Diaz running not just miami but, the 13th lagest economy in the US
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http://www.colliers.com/Content/Rep...h/Market_Report/PDFs/Mid_Year_Report_2007.pdf
Very interesting read on office development, vacancy rates, economy and industries in Miami.
Very interesting read on office development, vacancy rates, economy and industries in Miami.
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Ummm....how about enhance Civic Center area. Maybe the University of Miami could think about some partnerships in the realm of $1 Billion.what can we do to attract and/or create more high paying jobs in S florida (and the rest of the state)?
we are way under represented in fortune 500 companies, and it seems like floriduh is destined to always be low paying
We are underrepresented by Fortune 500 company headquarters and over represented by Entrepreneurs. Fine with me!
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It'll never be a hub of corporate headquarters like Atlanta or NYC but there's certainly no lack of regional offices that employ plenty of people in well-paying jobs.what can we do to attract and/or create more high paying jobs in S florida (and the rest of the state)?
we are way under represented in fortune 500 companies, and it seems like floriduh is destined to always be low paying
The economy there is still largely service-based so salaries do tend to be lower. It's always been that way so I wouldn't expend too much time banging my head against the wall over it---it is what it is.
What can be done? First and foremost, education. South Florida sits pretty low on the national educational level totem pole so that's something that absolutely MUST change to see the kind of change you'd like. Without that, no chance.
I believe it will get better but am realistic about the dynamics as well. In the meantime I don't see the need for counterproductive terms such as "Floriduh." I'm sure you can do better than that...:cheers:
with all the stupid policies they enact down here, floriduh is an understatement.
i also think education needs to be a priority, yet they keep cutting the funding!hno:
even today, miami is going to drop hundreds of millions on a stadium where people PLAY A GAME!!!! instead of on improving the schools. If it weren't for real, it would be hilarious.
i also think education needs to be a priority, yet they keep cutting the funding!
hno:even today, miami is going to drop hundreds of millions on a stadium where people PLAY A GAME!!!! instead of on improving the schools. If it weren't for real, it would be hilarious.
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We NEED to improve our schools in Miami. We have some top-ranked national magnet high schools (DASH and MAST) and a lot of really good high (Palmetto and Coral Reef), middle and elementary schools but along with that we also have some very bad schools with bad grades (Hialeah, Carol City, and Norland). We need to get the average schools (Coral Gables, Miami Beach) to good and the really good ones to #1. We can do it, Miami-Dade County Public Schools is the 4th largest school system in the U.S. (after L.A., NYC, and trailing behind Chicago by a couple hundred), so we have the resources and the influence, we can do it if they work hard on attracting all the right things here.
On a random note, anyone know anything about Southside Elementary School in Brickell, it's a public K-8 school by Infinity I, but anyone know how it is or if they have plans on expanding it or building a high school for the Key Biscayne/Downtown students?
On a random note, anyone know anything about Southside Elementary School in Brickell, it's a public K-8 school by Infinity I, but anyone know how it is or if they have plans on expanding it or building a high school for the Key Biscayne/Downtown students?
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That is a great point. Many of the kids these days don't even know how to write a proper sentence.i also think education needs to be a priority, yet they keep cutting the funding!
even today, miami is going to drop hundreds of millions on a stadium where people PLAY A GAME!!!! instead of on improving the schools. If it weren't for real, it would be hilarious.
I'll do my part by providing some tutoring and leadership for kids who don't know how to capitalize the first word in a sentence, the word I, and proper nouns.
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Average? All the schools in South Beach are A rated. You can't get a better rating than that.
Miami Beach Senior High is not A rated and needs improvement, but overall, Miami Beach Schools are great.
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I was referring to the high schools Coral Gables SHS and Miami Beach SHS.
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LMAO!!!
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Speaking of Education...
Florida schools rank 14th nationally despite low spending level
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Jan. 10, 2008 – Florida’s schools ranked 14th nationally with a grade of C-plus on a report card issued Wednesday by Education Week magazine, although the state placed only 38th in public education spending.
Much of the credit for Florida’s overall finish – up from 31st last year – among the 50 states and District of Columbia goes to high marks for its teaching profession and system of standards, assessment and accountability. Those are two of six categories measured in the annual Quality Counts report.
“Given the financial resources of the state and the complexities of the state of Florida we are certainly on the right track,” said Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith.
Smith, though, said Florida has much more to do.
“A grade of C-plus is not what I would want my kids to bring home from school,” he said. “While the highest grade is only a B, we’d like to be the first A.”
The report did little, though, to quiet critics of the state’s education policies.
“Florida has had one of the worst graduation rates in the country for years,” said House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. “Our teachers are paid woefully below the national average and our overall financing for public schools is pitiful.”
Gelber acknowledged the state’s high score for its assessment standards but said the report failed to “examine the impact these standards have had on Florida’s curriculum or, ultimately, achievement.”
Florida, though, also had a high seventh-place ranking in kindergarten through 12th grade achievement although the state received a grade of only C in that category. Florida was so high this year because the average national grade was a dismal D-plus.
Florida’s current achievement remained below average, but its high overall ranking in that category was due to “very strong improvements in recent years and relatively small poverty gaps,” the report says.
The biggest drag on Florida’s achievement grade was its 2004 graduation rate of only 60.5 percent – 45th nationally.
State education officials insist graduation rates on such national comparisons are based on unreliable statistical models while Florida obtains more accurate numbers by tracking every student. The state’s number for last year was 72.4 percent.
Another difference is that the state counts General Education Development and other special diplomas not included in national statistics.
The report was compiled by the magazine’s parent, Bethesda, Md.-based Editorial Projects in Education, with support from the Pew Center on the States, a research organization in Washington, D.C.
The B that Florida received for its teaching profession was good for fourth place nationally. Florida received high marks for its teacher testing requirements, performance evaluations, merit pay plan and bonus payments to teachers who earn national board certification.
Some lawmakers have questioned the 10 percent national board bonuses after a study showed students taught by board certified teachers don’t do noticeably better on standardized tests than other children. Smith and Gov. Charlie Crist, however, support them.
“Having a sister who has that national certification, I probably come to it with a bias,” Crist said. “We need to do everything we can to help our hardworking public school teachers.”
The state, though, fell short on overall teacher pay. Florida teachers earn only 85 cents for every dollar earned in 16 comparable jobs including accountant, architect, clergy, computer programmer, editor, reporter, insurance underwriter and registered nurse, according to the report.
Florida received its worst grade – a C-minus and 38th place ranking – for school finance. Florida’s per student spending of $7,539 in 2005 ranked 39th nationally. The state spent only 3 percent of taxable resources on public schools to rank 42nd. Florida’s finance system, though, got mostly good marks for equity.
Smith said the state’s success despite low funding wasn’t necessarily negative.
“What it really states is that the strategies and the processes that Florida has chosen to pursue are paying off,” Smith said. “There are states that are spending much more and are getting less of a return.”
Florida received an A-minus and placed 12th nationally – down from fourth last year – for standards, assessments and accountability. Florida has long been considered a leader in accountability and assessment.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush’s A-Plus program includes high-stakes standardized testing and annual grades used to reward and sanction individual schools.
Florida received a C-plus and 32nd ranking – one spot down from last year – in the chance of success category. It includes family income, parents’ educational level, whether parents speak fluent English and statewide income, employment and education levels. It also factors in student achievement.
The state received a C-plus and 12th ranking – also one down from last year – in the final category, transition and alignment of public school policies to early childhood and post-secondary education, the economy and work force.
Last year’s report did not include school finance and teaching profession assessments and it dropped letter grades. In 2006, Florida received in overall grade of B-minus but Education Week officials said no comparison can be made with this year because changes are made annually in the way grades are determined.
Florida schools rank 14th nationally despite low spending level
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Jan. 10, 2008 – Florida’s schools ranked 14th nationally with a grade of C-plus on a report card issued Wednesday by Education Week magazine, although the state placed only 38th in public education spending.
Much of the credit for Florida’s overall finish – up from 31st last year – among the 50 states and District of Columbia goes to high marks for its teaching profession and system of standards, assessment and accountability. Those are two of six categories measured in the annual Quality Counts report.
“Given the financial resources of the state and the complexities of the state of Florida we are certainly on the right track,” said Florida Education Commissioner Eric Smith.
Smith, though, said Florida has much more to do.
“A grade of C-plus is not what I would want my kids to bring home from school,” he said. “While the highest grade is only a B, we’d like to be the first A.”
The report did little, though, to quiet critics of the state’s education policies.
“Florida has had one of the worst graduation rates in the country for years,” said House Democratic Leader Dan Gelber, D-Miami Beach. “Our teachers are paid woefully below the national average and our overall financing for public schools is pitiful.”
Gelber acknowledged the state’s high score for its assessment standards but said the report failed to “examine the impact these standards have had on Florida’s curriculum or, ultimately, achievement.”
Florida, though, also had a high seventh-place ranking in kindergarten through 12th grade achievement although the state received a grade of only C in that category. Florida was so high this year because the average national grade was a dismal D-plus.
Florida’s current achievement remained below average, but its high overall ranking in that category was due to “very strong improvements in recent years and relatively small poverty gaps,” the report says.
The biggest drag on Florida’s achievement grade was its 2004 graduation rate of only 60.5 percent – 45th nationally.
State education officials insist graduation rates on such national comparisons are based on unreliable statistical models while Florida obtains more accurate numbers by tracking every student. The state’s number for last year was 72.4 percent.
Another difference is that the state counts General Education Development and other special diplomas not included in national statistics.
The report was compiled by the magazine’s parent, Bethesda, Md.-based Editorial Projects in Education, with support from the Pew Center on the States, a research organization in Washington, D.C.
The B that Florida received for its teaching profession was good for fourth place nationally. Florida received high marks for its teacher testing requirements, performance evaluations, merit pay plan and bonus payments to teachers who earn national board certification.
Some lawmakers have questioned the 10 percent national board bonuses after a study showed students taught by board certified teachers don’t do noticeably better on standardized tests than other children. Smith and Gov. Charlie Crist, however, support them.
“Having a sister who has that national certification, I probably come to it with a bias,” Crist said. “We need to do everything we can to help our hardworking public school teachers.”
The state, though, fell short on overall teacher pay. Florida teachers earn only 85 cents for every dollar earned in 16 comparable jobs including accountant, architect, clergy, computer programmer, editor, reporter, insurance underwriter and registered nurse, according to the report.
Florida received its worst grade – a C-minus and 38th place ranking – for school finance. Florida’s per student spending of $7,539 in 2005 ranked 39th nationally. The state spent only 3 percent of taxable resources on public schools to rank 42nd. Florida’s finance system, though, got mostly good marks for equity.
Smith said the state’s success despite low funding wasn’t necessarily negative.
“What it really states is that the strategies and the processes that Florida has chosen to pursue are paying off,” Smith said. “There are states that are spending much more and are getting less of a return.”
Florida received an A-minus and placed 12th nationally – down from fourth last year – for standards, assessments and accountability. Florida has long been considered a leader in accountability and assessment.
Former Gov. Jeb Bush’s A-Plus program includes high-stakes standardized testing and annual grades used to reward and sanction individual schools.
Florida received a C-plus and 32nd ranking – one spot down from last year – in the chance of success category. It includes family income, parents’ educational level, whether parents speak fluent English and statewide income, employment and education levels. It also factors in student achievement.
The state received a C-plus and 12th ranking – also one down from last year – in the final category, transition and alignment of public school policies to early childhood and post-secondary education, the economy and work force.
Last year’s report did not include school finance and teaching profession assessments and it dropped letter grades. In 2006, Florida received in overall grade of B-minus but Education Week officials said no comparison can be made with this year because changes are made annually in the way grades are determined.
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I was in Chicago recently and let me tell you, the Loop is still dead after 6 pm. (almost all restaurants are closed, even crappy McDonald's) and Chicago still has huge areas that look really scary. (the west and south sides) The only real changes I see is more condos north of the loop and Millennium park is great. (love that amphitheater) Don't believe evrything you read.
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You should have seen in 1995 when I lived there!!!
I was there last summer and believe me, Chicago has come a long way in the last 13 years.
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Filming brought $153 million to Dade in 2007, county data reveal
Filming brought $153 million to Dade in 2007, county data reveal
By Risa Polansky
Fueled largely by a growing Spanish-language sector, Miami-Dade's film and entertainment industry boomed in 2007 and should stay afloat in 2008, even with an ongoing screenwriter and potential actors' strike, industry players say.
The nearly 2,000 location productions filmed here last year contributed more than $153 million to the local economy, up 20% from 2006, according to the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment.
Feature films contributed more than $13 million locally, commercials $23 million, music videos $3.9 million and still shoots more than $36 million, film office data show.
"The growth area has been television," said Jeff Peel, office director, with Spanish-language productions on the rise.
Television shows contributed $77 million, with "telenovelas" accounting for more than $50 million.
Miami is becoming for Spanish-language production what Los Angeles is for mainstream film and television, said Raul Mateu, senior vice president of the William Morris talent agency in Miami Beach and director of the South Beach Comedy Festival.
"Seventeen years ago, there was no business, and five years ago, it wasn't really as big as it is todayÖ I think it's going to get better," he said. "On the Spanish TV side, corporate America is waking up to the power of this community around the country."
Advertisers, Mr. Mateu said, are beginning to demand "programming that reflects the American Hispanic population" rather than Spanish-language productions brought in from other countries.
This "translates to original productions," he said. "Miami is the beneficiary."
In a time of uncertainty for US production, with writers on strike and rumors of actors following suit later in the year, the spike in demand for Spanish-language production is "the really good news for Miami," Mr. Peel said.
The Latin sector is to be unaffected by the strikes, he said, and should remain strong in 2008.
Also because of the strikes, the early part of the year should bring a surge of mainstream production because "people are trying to get as much film and television product finished as they can" as the strikes begin to make an impact, Mr. Peel said. "Everyone in Hollywood is scrambling right now."
Several feature films are preparing for production here now, he said, including Fox 2000's "Marley and Me" directed by Miami native David Frankel and starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, and Universal Pictures' "Chilled" with Renee Zellweger.
By June, however, it "may be a little bit dismal," Mr. Peel said, potentially affecting the filming of the second season of "Burn Notice," USA Network's new Miami-based hit.
Even facing a slump, industry players are taking note of Miami, Mr. Mateu said.
Executives from ABC, FOX, CBS and NBC descended on Miami Beach during this month's comedy festival to scout for new talent, he said, part of the goal in organizing the festival three years ago.
"Our theory, "if we build it, they will come,' has proved true," he said. "The festival going forward is going to be a big boon for the South Florida entertainment industry," known for bringing "key decision-makers in town to do business."
A $100 film permit application fee instated by the county office last year has not deterred industry players from doing business here, Mr. Peel said, citing no "negative fallout."
Some feared the locally unprecedented charge would drive production away, but, he said, "no one has said to me, "we're not coming because you're charging me 100 bucks."
http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/080124/story3.shtml
Filming brought $153 million to Dade in 2007, county data reveal
By Risa Polansky
Fueled largely by a growing Spanish-language sector, Miami-Dade's film and entertainment industry boomed in 2007 and should stay afloat in 2008, even with an ongoing screenwriter and potential actors' strike, industry players say.
The nearly 2,000 location productions filmed here last year contributed more than $153 million to the local economy, up 20% from 2006, according to the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment.
Feature films contributed more than $13 million locally, commercials $23 million, music videos $3.9 million and still shoots more than $36 million, film office data show.
"The growth area has been television," said Jeff Peel, office director, with Spanish-language productions on the rise.
Television shows contributed $77 million, with "telenovelas" accounting for more than $50 million.
Miami is becoming for Spanish-language production what Los Angeles is for mainstream film and television, said Raul Mateu, senior vice president of the William Morris talent agency in Miami Beach and director of the South Beach Comedy Festival.
"Seventeen years ago, there was no business, and five years ago, it wasn't really as big as it is todayÖ I think it's going to get better," he said. "On the Spanish TV side, corporate America is waking up to the power of this community around the country."
Advertisers, Mr. Mateu said, are beginning to demand "programming that reflects the American Hispanic population" rather than Spanish-language productions brought in from other countries.
This "translates to original productions," he said. "Miami is the beneficiary."
In a time of uncertainty for US production, with writers on strike and rumors of actors following suit later in the year, the spike in demand for Spanish-language production is "the really good news for Miami," Mr. Peel said.
The Latin sector is to be unaffected by the strikes, he said, and should remain strong in 2008.
Also because of the strikes, the early part of the year should bring a surge of mainstream production because "people are trying to get as much film and television product finished as they can" as the strikes begin to make an impact, Mr. Peel said. "Everyone in Hollywood is scrambling right now."
Several feature films are preparing for production here now, he said, including Fox 2000's "Marley and Me" directed by Miami native David Frankel and starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson, and Universal Pictures' "Chilled" with Renee Zellweger.
By June, however, it "may be a little bit dismal," Mr. Peel said, potentially affecting the filming of the second season of "Burn Notice," USA Network's new Miami-based hit.
Even facing a slump, industry players are taking note of Miami, Mr. Mateu said.
Executives from ABC, FOX, CBS and NBC descended on Miami Beach during this month's comedy festival to scout for new talent, he said, part of the goal in organizing the festival three years ago.
"Our theory, "if we build it, they will come,' has proved true," he said. "The festival going forward is going to be a big boon for the South Florida entertainment industry," known for bringing "key decision-makers in town to do business."
A $100 film permit application fee instated by the county office last year has not deterred industry players from doing business here, Mr. Peel said, citing no "negative fallout."
Some feared the locally unprecedented charge would drive production away, but, he said, "no one has said to me, "we're not coming because you're charging me 100 bucks."
http://www.miamitodaynews.com/news/080124/story3.shtml
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