When the 20 acre Vizcaya Park opened in June of 2012, it had the first building in the city…read morecertified as a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) "green" building. The 7,500 square foot community center has a computer lab, game room, and community room. The community center offers a variety of classes and programs, including after school programs, summer camps, educational programs and recreational classes such as dance, karate, drama and chess. The rooms are also available for residents to rent for birthday parties, baby showers, and other activities. In addition to a welcoming community center, the park has many other amenities that will appeal to a wide range of people, These include two full sized basketball courts, a soccer/football field, covered playground, four picnic pavilions with BBQ grills, walking trail, and splash pad. I found Vizcaya Park to be well-maintained, with clean facilities and well-kept grounds. It was designed to be a true community park, bringing people together for leisure, celebrations, play, and classes. Whether you're looking to host an event, enjoy outdoor sports, or spend time with family, Vizcaya Park provides is a great recreational resource for the Vizcaya neighborhood of Miramar.

A big open space right down the end of a one way street. It is a big open space of a park. Thery…read morehad a few cabanas, big fields and a kids play area. Not a park I would visit again to be honest.

The MacFarlane Homestead and Golden Gate Subdivision celebrates the Black community that built…read moreCoral Gables, Coconut Grove, and Miami. It is part of the Historical Marker Program, one of the Division of Historical Resources' most popular and valued public history programs. The markers raise awareness of Florida's cultural history while enhancing the enjoyment of historic sites for residents and tourists. The blue historic markers tell the stories of the people and places that were important to Florida's history and they can be found in front of schools, roads, archaeological sites, battlefields, cemeteries, churches, forts, historic buildings, and historic districts like this one. Historic marker F-1113 was installed in 2019 by the City of Coral Gables and the Florida Department of State. The MacFarlane Homestead and Golden Gate Subdivision are in the area, south of S. Dixie Highway and adjacent to the former Florida East Coast Railway, During segregation, these neighborhoods were home to many of Coral Gables' first African American residents from the Bahamas and the American South who arrived in the late 1800's and early 1900's for new opportunities during the land boom years.. These pioneers worked in Coconut Grove, Miami, and Coral Gables for the Peacock Inn, Deering Estate, and FEC Railway. They also assisted city founder George Merrick in building Coral Gables. The MacFarlane Homestead Subdivision is named after Flora MacFarlane, the plot's first female homesteader and schoolteacher who sold 19.61 acres of land to the Coral Gables Securities Corporation in 1925. The subdivision is bounded by Oak Avenue on the north, Grand Avenue on the south, Brooker Street on the east, and U.S. 1 on the west. It was incorporated into Coral Gables in 1925, after the Coral Gables Securities Corporation purchased the land from the Flora MacFarlane estate. The Golden Gate Subdivision is bounded by Le Jeune Road on the west, Grand Avenue and U.S. 1 on the north, Grant Drive on the south, and Lincoln Drive on the east. It was annexed by Coral Gables in 1926. Residences in both subdivisions were built of Dade County Slash Pine, Homes were designed in the shotgun and bungalow styles common to the Bahamas. Only two Bahamian Vernacular houses remain in Golden Gate today but there are many more in MacFarlane Homestead. Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church served as a focal point for the two subdivisions and helped build a feeling of community. The church's five deacons all helped build houses for residents in both neighborhoods. In 1924, George Merrick donated 5 acres in Golden Gate for the construction of an African American elementary and junior high school, the Dade Training School. The school was renamed for black agriculturalist George Washington Carver in the 1940's and designated a local historic landmark in 1991. Also in 1924 members of Macedonia Missionary Baptist founded St. Mary's Missionary Baptist Church. Services were held in the school until 1926 until permanent church building was constructed in MacFarlane Homestead. Through the efforts of the Lola B. Walker Homeowners Association, the MacFarlane Homestead Subdivision received a local historic designation in 1989, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994. Pioneer Park in the community was dedicated to Lola Walker in 1984.

Located on Ocean Drive on Hollywood Beach I find personally I come here for two reasons first…read moreHollywood Lakes Civic Association monthly meetings and to vote as this is where my polling place is located. For both of these occasions the parking lot just North of this building is free. Therefore you can ignore paying to park and there will be no tickets issued. For both these important occasions they are just happy as citizens that we are engaged so they want to make it as convenient as possible. The facilty is well maintained good amount of seating to handle alot of people. This last meeting I attended was about 100 persons. As for the voting I usually skip coming here and Vote early instead at City Hall no lines. Because if you wait until the actual date you will have lines as well as pollsters annoying you from the second you get out of your car. I believe this location is used for other City activities as well as you could rent out for a large parties.

Located at the Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines. I had no idea this place existed…read moreuntil a friend of mine told me they offered different types of art classes here. When you arrive at the Charles F. Dodge City Center and see the huge yellow structures in the front, The Frank Art Gallery is located on the opposite side. It's a small but beautiful and modern space. They change out their art exhibits regularly. Check out their website for different classes for all ages. We attend the monthly Teen Art Club and it's only $5. So crazy how inexpensive. But something different and fun. Highly recommended. The staff here is very friendly and knowledgeable. The space is gorgeous. Love the modern vibe!

So during the pandemic I have been out and about discovering everything and anything on my literal…read moredoorstep. I therefore stumbled upon this place, and came to see it for the artsy, architectural aspect of the building, and it did not disappoint. I did not gain a look to the inside, so my review is reflective of just the outside only. See my numerous photograpghs to get the feel of the place. Here is some information about the Mayor that this place is named after - A resident of Pembroke Pines since 1977, Mayor Frank C. Ortis has a long history of service to the community. He was elected to the Pembroke Pines City Commission in 1996 and served as Vice Mayor in 1998 and 2002. After serving two terms as City Commissioner, he was elected Mayor of the City of Pembroke Pines in 2004 and re-elected in 2008. In 2012, he was elected unopposed to a third term as Mayor of Pembroke Pines. In 2016, he was once again elected unopposed to a fourth term as Mayor of Pembroke Pines, and in 2020 Mayor Ortis was re-elected. "I like making a difference and helping people with their concerns," said Mayor Ortis. "This is a great city to live and work in, and I'm extremely proud to be a part of it." He has served and currently serves on numerous boards and committees, including being on the Board of the Broward and Florida League of Cities; Chair of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) Committee on Jobs, Education and the Workforce; the USCM Vice Chair for Sports and Recreation, Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports; and the USCM Advisory Board; on the Broward County Workforce One Development Board; and on the Board of the United Way of Broward County.. He is also the recipient of many awards, honors and recognition for his work as a civic leader, including being a recipient of the 2019 Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award, and being named the 2013 winner of the prestigious E. Harris Drew Municipal Official Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by the Florida League of Cities, which recognizes and honors a local elected official who has made a lasting and worthwhile contribution to the citizens of Florida through their efforts and dedication in the performance of their duties on the local level.  He was also presented the 2012 Public Leadership in the Arts Award; and was named the Cities of Excellence "Mayor of the Year" by the Florida League of Cities. Mayor Ortis graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. He lives with his wife Barbara in Pembroke Pines

From the experiences I have heard and read online about the living hell that consulates are in…read moreorder to obtain a visa, I was quite hesitant and nervous upon arriving. The building where the consulate is located is beautiful. The security guard is terribly rude, but at least you don't have to deal with him much. The people who assist you and interview you inside the consulate are friendly, courteous, understanding, and welcoming. I did not feel ridiculed or offended by anything they said or by the way they acted. Overall, I think the experience could not have gone better. Also, make sure to bring cash since everything must be paid in cash.

Overtown was incorporated as a colored neighborhood in 1896 during segregation. It was the place…read morewhere Henry Flagler's black railroad workers lived while building the infrastructure of Miami. Overtown is the second oldest neighborhood in Miami. During the 1920's, it was home to D.A. Dorsey, one of the first black millionaires in the south. After WWII it became the epicenter of black culture and was known as the Broadway of the South. Many famous entertainers stayed here when performing in Miami like Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nat King Cole. In the 1950's the area suffered an economic decline and in the 1960's many residents were displaced by the construction of I-95. Almost 40 percent of the people live in poverty but the area has some exciting things happening like Marcus Samuelson opening the second location of his hugely successful Harlem restaurant, Red Rooster. St. Agnes Episcopal Church is a historic church in Overtown. It is one of Miami's oldest and largest churches. St. Agnes was organized in 1898 when Reverend James O. S. Huntington, a visiting Episcopalian Father Superior, learned that the Anglican Bahamians who had come to the Biscayne Bay area to work had no place to worship. The first service was held in a home near Flagler Street. In 1901, the Bahamian worshippers built the first St. Agnes' church building on a large corner lot donated by Henry Flagler at NW 3rd Avenue and NW 8th Street. St. Agnes' was chosen as the name because the majority of them had been members of the Saint Agnes Parish in New Providence on Blue Hill Road. Eventually the congregation grew so large that they outgrew the building. In the 1940s, St. Agnes was the third largest African-American Episcopal congregation in the nation. In 1929 Reverend John E. Culmer joined the church and worked to complete the building of the St Agnes Church building that exists today. A foundation was laid at a larger lot at NW 3rd Avenue and NW 18th Street. The building was designed by Harold Hastings Mundy, a prominent Miami architect in the early part of the twentieth century. He was known for the Spanish Colonial influence in his buildings. He also designed e Miami-Edison Senior High School and the Coconut Grove Public School. The outside of the building has elements of Gothic Revival and Mission. The roof was rounded instead of gabled in order to better protect it from storms. After becoming distraught over the tuberculosis deaths of several of his young parishioners, Rev. Culmer began a mission to improve conditions in Overtown. He brought the issue to the Greater Miami Negro Civic League and volunteered to serve as chairman of the league's fact-finding committee. By the early 1930s he had won the support of the editor of the Miami Herald, who published a series of columns on the unhealthy conditions in the community. St. Agnes' Episcopal Church was designated a historical site in 2003. You can still worship at St Agnes today.

Sad to see - it looks tired, unkept and pretty sad. This is what I discovered about this place -…read more Constructed to house one of Miami's oldest African-American congregations, this church building reflects a mix of architectural styles, including Neo-Classical and Mission style elements. The interior ornamentation is particularly noteworthy and includes an ornately carved marble altar from the congregation's original church and detailed ceiling. Although the building foundation was laid in 1923, a variety of setbacks delayed its construction, and the first service in the new sanctuary of St. Agnes' Episcopal Church was held in 1930. St. Agnes' Episcopal Church has served the religious and humanitarian needs of Miami's African-American community for many years, and it remains an active center in the Overtown area.

I've been coming to this park for years to get a cardio walk…read more It has a Great walking or running path that's along the open grassy field. Along the path you can find exercise stops. Sometimes certain weekends or evenings you will see the kids are paying the soccer or football leagues or even practicing on the empty fields. Usually you can find easy parking to your desired area unless there's a big sports tournament. ( happened to me once) The park has a community center, shaded play area for the kids, score board, basketball court, tennis court, few picnic tables around the kiddy play area, vending machines and clean restroom. Shaded stands and trees for parents and guest to sit and watch the games. The park is well kept... grass is cut and workers are always seen keeping the area tidy. Few tress in the park are dedicated to the passing of some loved ones. So that makes it special to me. Oh I just remembered that they have a hall that you can rent for special events. I attended a birthday event there once and the room was clean and spacious. It did not smell stuffy and old. So that's a plus.

I came here invited for the celebration of the Veterans American Legion group. I was happy to be…read morepart of an event that celebrates our veterans. This park has lots of parking. The community hall is big and has large windows that let the light in to brighten the room. The women's restroom has multiple stalls and was clean and stocked. I know this is the park where soccer is played but have yet to do that and will have to investigate further on my next visit.

This community center is a hidden gem tucked behind the Publix is West Miramar. I've heard of…read moreSunset Lakes Community Center but I never actually came all the way out here until I enrolled my daughter in a volleyball clinic. This community center has everything you could want for its local community. This development is fairly new, less than 5 years old and already is a great facility to the surrounding area. Been here a month and already I have met parents from Miami Lakes, Pembroke Pines, and Weston who come here specifically for their quality programs and awesome staff/coaches. This community center has all things athletics Volleyball, soccer, indoor/outdoor basketball, weightlifting, aerobics classes, karate, and a senior center full of activities to occupy your time. You need to pay in order to use the gym which technically speaking is just as competitive to pay a regular gym member at LA Fitness. All sports and activities are open to everyone not just Miramar residents. The staff is very friendly and very helpful. Any questions regarding summer camps, sports, or events everyone is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. Even the maintenance man takes pride on how clean and how great this facility is. Very much appreciated by everyone.

Susie B.W. 8/28/2023 all that Ms Shanais V. had said in 2018 is accurate and even better now! Safe…read morelocation and lots of fun for the kids and adults year-round. In fact, it is also a voting precinct with very sociable, respectful ladies with good senses of humor - it is always a treat to check in and vote there. The building is next to the Miramar Police Station for the west side of town on SW 186 Ave., and Fire Station 100 (which fronts SW 184 Ave.), as well as very close (steps) to a church and 2 schools. A small subdivision which is part of Sunset Lakes HOA, consists of townhouses, some with garages, and you can't beat the location next door to the Shoppes of Sunset Lakes - Publix, Wells Fargo, Montessori, 7-11 gas station with carwash, fantastic vet - Dr. Schooley - nail salon, barber shop, dry cleaner, take out Chinese, Matteli's (small but great to have Italian food back in our area), large Sushi place also with very nice outdoor seating, State Farm, judo studio, and sorry cannot remember all the places there! And a fairly new (small) mini park due north of the elementary school on SW 184 Ave.(eventually we will have shade, but not in my lifetime :). NO, I am not a Realtor or agent or employee for the City of Miramar - just a homeowner since early 2001 and hope people will not only take advantage of all the Sunset Lakes Community Center has to offer, but also the general Sunset Lakes Shoppes and all that is special about our area. PS - Super Walmart 2 mi north on SW 184 Ave., and Super Target and Memorial Miramar and GINORMOUS Regional park with many sports activities, Olympic sized pool, just 2 mi east on Miramar Pkwy, etc etc PLUS great entertainment of all kinds at the Regional park. My only wish is that we could donate foodstuffs etc during the year to the Community Center for people who may be in need. Thanks for listening to this "old woman." I believe we still have a Senior Center, but I take care of my husband, who lives at Home Depot and Publix!