Building Department: No return calls!!, no return emails!! horrible customer service. permits are…read morenot processed in a timely manner, which causes delays on our projects. When asked they constantly blame the transition to new software, which has been going on for a few months -I don't know how this is MY problem-. Several times I have been on hold for almost an hour, just to be transferred to someone's voice mail. They should be reported to that state for investigation. When I complain, I am silenced by threats of retaliation. Several contractors are doing construction without a permit because of the drama of trying to pull a permit from this building department.

I am a resident and business professional in Miramar, and I am writing to formally express my…read morefrustration with current city services. Currently, the city is charging me as a homeowner for water services I do not utilize, as I rely entirely on well water. Furthermore, the monopoly on waste management leaves residents with no alternative options. Professionally, as someone in the roofing industry, I have found the Miramar Building Department to be increasingly difficult to work with. It is nearly impossible to reach anyone by phone, and permit approval times are excessive. While Pembroke Pines has historically been known for delays, Miramar's current lack of efficiency has unfortunately surpassed them.

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

This studio is extremely professional and produces such beautiful dancers. I danced at this studio…read morefrom 2006-2012; I did tap, ballet, pointe and piano. I learned so much in every single class I took. In university at USF I took a semester of ballet and the teacher complimented my technique as being the best one in the class, all thanks to the wonderful education I received at academy of arts. Now in 2025 my 3 year old daughter is taking classes and is enjoying every class. My mother, daughter and I recently went to the Christmas show and we were so proud to experience the show. It was such a great show, still professional and beautiful. 13 years later and Academy of Arts is still producing wonderful dancers. I highly recommend this studio to all dancers and artists who are eager to learn and perfect their craft.

Located in a warehouse area near U.S. 27 and Johnson Street in West Pines, Academy of Arts is under…read morethe ownership and direction of Rebeca Russo-Columbo, a Cuban-American former dancer. This is a full dance school that offers: Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Pas De Deux, Lyrical, Tap, Hip-Hop, Flamenco, Modern Dance, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Drama, Piano, Guitar, Violin, and Voice. The faculty is certified and have led professional careers in their respective areas of creative expertise. They begin laying a foundation from the preschool years all the way to young adulthood. And they have both female and male students. They also offer an AfterSchool program and work your child's classes at a mutually suitable schedule. The cost of the classes is comparable to other dance academies. I have enjoyed closely watching the development in my niece, as well as in many of her close friends. I also look forward to their professionally-mounted recitals every year.

This is a small community theater that offers a wide variety of shows. The theater is located…read moreinside the Academic Village, on the far West side of the campus. We came to watch the musical "Evita" and we were pleasantly impressed by the quality of the cast and the production in general. The singing was right on point and the play was very well executed. The theater is small and has an old fashion layout with a very small lobby, but the quality of the performances make up for that. You can buy your tickets online and that was a very easy and straightforward process, and prices were very reasonable. Overall, we truly enjoyed our visit.

Great performances by local actors at a reasonable price! Venue is quaint and comfortable.read more

I have to admit that customer service from the staff is awesome here and the property is very…read morepeaceful and pleasant to visit. But there's really nothing much to really see here except for 3 rooms of exhibits on the entire property, ...and I think it's ridiculous that they're even charging the public for any of this at all. The pioneer houses behind the school are still completely closed from any public access from what ...I've noticed based on other reviews and from what I actually saw with my own eyes. It's been YEARS. That too was certainly a let down. There was nothing more to see in the abandoned ...library downstairs or even upstairs in the wedding area. So creepy! I could only access three tiny rooms filled with rich history in writing and pictures along the walls and some artifacts. The classroom was my best experience. I found it extremely interesting to have seen the pictures ...of so many children that came to this school from the 1920s until the 80s! And they even had some of the original desks against the wall by the windows ...inside of the classroom, whereas the main ones in the middle were all donations. So basically I paid $3 admission with their food stamps discount to view all 3 of their tiny rooms; $1 per room hahaha! There's not much to see here, so I'm just warning you guys. They also ONLY allow field trip kids to tour the school in the mornings and then they close ...very early by 3 which made me have to make a second trip here on another day. The parking lot was completely empty with the exception of an elderly couple that pulled up ...as one of the employees escorted me to view the school building. Aside from all of this, everything that WAS on display was fairly enjoyable.

Pretty nice museum with a lot of history. Located in Davie you are expected to learn the PG version…read moreof the history on how the Everglades became farms and why the school was created. I came in with kid class for a field trip and all the host were very sweet a patient. The kids first activity was to learn on why and who decided to turn the Everglades into farms and why the canals were created. Then the kids made butter with heavy whipping cream and we got to try it with crackers. Next stop was an old school classroom where they were tough how to use a quail pen with ink. They got to write or draw on a paper with the pen and ink. They went 2 other rooms That they shared some history about the farmers and stores. After that they got water from a well. And then finally they washed clothes by hand. Overall it was pretty interesting.

The Miramar Branch Library is a sanctuary for book lovers and an institute of learning. Nestled in…read morea quiet corner of Miramar along a lake, this picturesque library is a haven for knowledge seekers. The Miramar Branch Library was born from a partnership between the City of Miramar, Broward County, Broward College, and Nova Southeastern University. It was conceived as a place in the Town Center where people could be educated and participate in a variety of programs. The library was completed in 2008 on a 4 acre parcel of land deeded by the City of Miramar. The ambiance of the library is welcoming and conducive to a peaceful reading and studying environment. The first floor library boasts a spacious and well-organized layout, making it easy to navigate through the extensive collection of books. The shelves are neatly arranged, and the variety of genres available caters to a diverse range of interests. The library collection includes 100,000 items. There is a multipurpose room that can host 100 people, tutoring rooms, study rooms, a conference room, 100 computer stations, wireless hot spots, a storytelling and program room, drive up book return, space for Friends of the Library, and public art by Robert Calvo. The second floor is used by Broward College and the third floor belongs to Nova Southeastern University. The librarians are knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to assist patrons in finding the right book or resource. Their passion for literature and commitment to promoting a love for reading is evident in their interactions. The Miramar Branch Library offers a plethora of resources beyond books, including a computer section with high-speed internet access, making it an excellent place for research and study. The comfortable seating areas provide a quiet space for reading or working on personal projects. One aspect that particularly impressed me was the library's commitment to community engagement. They regularly host events, book clubs, and educational programs for all age groups. These initiatives foster a sense of community and intellectual growth among the library's patrons. The Miramar Branch Library has adapted well to the digital age, offering e-books and online resources alongside its traditional collection. This forward-thinking approach ensures that patrons have access to a wealth of information in various formats. I love how this library fosters a love for literature, a commitment to education, and welcoming atmosphere making it a standout destination for bibliophiles and learners alike. I highly recommend a visit to this library for anyone seeking a quiet place to read, study, or simply immerse themselves in the world of knowledge.

I've taken my daughter to this library when she was in school to get information for school…read moreprojects. When she learned about a certain bookstore, she ditched the library in favor of creating her own library . We have 3 large bookcases full of books that we purchased for her throughout her years. When she asked for a fourth bookcase, we had to consider retirement and told her to feed her need for books through the help of a library. So, here we are. Book card in hand and a new adventure. This library has everything.

Mariachi is a type of traditional Mexican folk music believed to have originated in Western Mexico…read more From different regions of Mexico emerged a multicultural sound. During colonial times from the early 16th century through the mid-19th century, the music of Mexico's indigenous nations were influenced by the musical styles of Spanish colonists and the African slave population to form the music now called Mariachi. After the end of the Mexican revolution in the 1920's, the government began promoting Mexican folk music as a source of national pride. It is around this time that the Mariachi costumes became elaborate taking inspiration from Jalisco charros, Mexican ranchers and cowboys. By the middle of the 20th century, mariachi music had made its way into US culture, first in California, then throughout the southwest, and eventually throughout the nation. Mariachi has now become one of the most recognizable Latin music types. Carrying the Mariachi torch in South Florida is the Mariachi Show Mexicanisimo. This musical group can be hired to perform at your private events including birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations. I was able to watch them perform at a friends milestone birthday celebration. The singers had great harmony and they can sing in both Spanish and English. They offer 30 and 50 minute performances. This group was very professional and their music and vocals was enjoyed by everyone at the party. Mariachi Show Mexicanisimo is a beautiful representation of Mexican culture.

They were great! I found them through Yelp and booked for my stepdaughter's 30th birthday at an…read moreAirBnb in Miami. She was completely surprised and she and her friends were blown away. Loved it. Highly recommend.

The classes here are facilitated professionally. The instructors here are very talented and teach…read morepatiently. The direction and feedback is friendly and constructive. Classes are fun, challenging, and I leave every class feeling accomplished, always leaving wishing for more. The Nuevolution clan has been very welcoming and kind to me.

Guy and Brooklyn are superb salsa and bachata teachers and dancers. They both know how to teach…read morebeginners, and high level dancers. They treats all students the same. It doesn't matter what caliber or level the person is at in there journey to learn. How to dance salsa, bachata or cha cha. Give them a chance to teach you. You'll have no regrets...

Was an amazing experience to learn such a great heritage. I recommend for everyone to come and…read morelearn about such a great culture.. Very clean and organized and a lot of information...

Great little museum about the Seminole tribe in Florida. Came here over the weekend on a weeklong…read moretrip in Florida. I had learned about the Seminole tribe in school, and have been long fascinated by the history of the tribe (past and present) in Florida. My friend and I got in around 4 pm (they close at 5pm), so we missed the boardwalk. However, the front staff were very helpful and got us in immediately so that that we could watch the intro 18-minute video and then proceed to the rest of the exhibit thereafter. The museum showcases the history of the Seminole tribe and highlights various aspects of culture (including things like food, trade, arts, clothing). Part of the museum has artwork from painter Jimmy Osceola (no photos allowed in this part of the museum), which were absolutely beautiful and vivid in color! Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $7.50 for students. IMO, well worth the money as it provided a good understanding of Seminole history and culture, all in one small space. The boardwalk would have been a nice place to visit (if I got there earlier) - hopefully next time!

Flamingo Gardens is one of our favorite places in South Florida. Honestly, I'd even call it a…read morepeacock garden because there are so many of them wandering freely throughout the property. I especially love visiting during the winter months when the weather is cooler. It's the perfect time to slow down, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and have a little picnic with the kids. There are plenty of peaceful spots to sit, relax, and watch the peacocks walking around. The grounds are always clean, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. When you buy your tickets, you can also purchase bird food. We fed both the flamingos and the peacocks, and while it was a fun experience, here's my little tip--don't feed the peacocks from your hand unless you're ready for a pretty strong peck! I learned that one the hard way. There is also a small café, guided tram tours, and on weekends they often have live music, especially in the evenings or during holiday events. Around Christmas, the gardens are beautifully decorated with lights, making the whole place feel even more magical. If you're looking for a relaxing day surrounded by nature, Flamingo Gardens is definitely worth a visit.

Hoping I can offer a yoga or soundbath class here one day !!! Crossing fingers…read more Flamingo Gardens is such a beautiful hidden gem The gardens are gorgeous, the animals are amazing, and there's so much to see beyond just the flamingos. I especially loved seeing the peacocks roaming around, the wildlife, and taking the tram through the gardens. It's a peaceful, family-friendly experience and also a great place to visit if you just want to spend a few hours surrounded by nature. I really appreciated the educational aspect and learning more about the animals and the sanctuary.