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Aventura Confidential 2-6  

Aventura Traffic Solution: “Signs and Fines”

Usually it’s security officers who break up fights. On January 26 it was the other way around.

By Phyllis D. Huguenin
Columnist  

A Matter of Security 

Usually it’s security officers who break up fights. On January 26 it was the other way around. Two security officers employed by Biscayne Cove condominiums (18181 N.E. Ct.) got into a confrontation that ended with one of the participants being charged with battery and arrested. At 10:59 p.m., Aventura police officers responded to a report of a fight wherein two people had to be separated. They met with security officer Edner Julien (the victim according to the account) who stated that he and fellow officer Richard Dennis got into an altercation over a paperwork report which escalated to the point that Mr. Dennis punched him in the head repeatedly: an estimated 3 to 4 times. Dennis’s version was that during the argument Julien grabbed his hand and he punched him in the face approximately 3 times in trying to free himself. Operating on the theory that the surveillance camera captured the incident, the videotape was impounded. Pictures were taken of Julien and similarly impounded. Subsequently he was treated on the scene by Miami rescue and released. Dennis was arrested and transported to Dade County jail. 

Welcome The Year Of The Ram 

The Bamboo Club located inside the Aventura Mall ushered in the Chinese New Year on February 1^st with a joyous celebration marked by festive dragon dancers, beautiful model hostesses, scrumptious oriental appetizers and a full bar. The color red in this festivity symbolizes good luck and was on display everywhere from the vermilion nylon shirts worn by the servers to the lucky red packets containing gifts that all guests received. Two Kevins run the place: Kevin McDermott is the general manager and Kevin Steele is the head chef. Mr. McDermott, who has spent time in Tokyo and Kyoto Japan, was a gracious host and gave a grand tour, pointing out the breathtaking décor that included authentic Chinese pieces (wall-mounted miniature canoes and coconut huskers). One wall contained an exquisite painting on canvas and rice paper lanterns hung from the ceiling completing the Asian motif. McDermott pointed out that The Bamboo Club is      “Miami’s new dining destination that is smartly priced.” The most expensive item on the menu is $19 – making it an affordable dining experience. The open kitchen boasts the traditional woks and grills. There is also a steam section for the health conscious diner. For reservations call 305-466-7100 www.thebambooclub.com. 19501 Biscayne Blvd. # 1699, Aventura. 

Zev’s Plan of Action 

Ran into Zev Auerbach who is running for Aventura City Commissioner Seat 5 and his family while at the above event. He outlined his specific game plan for attacking Aventura’s traffic dilemma. Armed with an enlarged digital photograph of US1 and traffic lights lining the boulevard, he explained that there are two key problems areas: 1. Out of sync lights: the traffic lights are not synchronized and there needs to be a complete overhaul by The Florida Department of Transportation. 2. The City of Excellence desperately needs driver behavior modification, namely drivers have to be educated on how to drive. Due to the constant gridlock, drivers are frustrated and continually block the intersections. The solution is “Signs and Fines.” There would be a series of signs placed at problem areas advising drivers not to block. Violations would be punishable by a fine. Utilizing police service aides, for the first 30 days violators would be issued a warning only. Afterwards, during a second 30-day period, the PSAs would issue a ticket. It is believed this will condition people to clear the intersections. Auerbach concludes that the biggest problem facing innovators is that tremendous energy, vision and passion is required when dealing with the county and state in order to get things accomplished. Mr. Auerbach maintains he is up to the challenge. More on other candidates running for commission seats in upcoming columns. 

Business Burglary 

Classic Residence By Hyatt’s construction site at 19333 West Country Club Drive was hit by a mysterious burglary on January 21 at 9 a.m. Partners and co-owners Juan Rodriguez and Tim Reidy maintain a small office at the location. They went out for nearly half an hour, locking the door. Upon their return, they noticed that someone had entered the office and taken the following items: company laptop computer with case, company digital camera, company check made out to Miami-Dade Water and Sewer department for $225,000 and Reidy’s personal checkbook. As a result of the theft, the checking account was closed and a stop payment placed on the company check. According to the police report, the lock on the office door was not very secure and could easily be bypassed. In addition, there are quite a few employees with access to the office and it is not known if within that 30-minute window someone with a key entered the office and subsequently left it unlocked or if it was indeed a breach in security. Reportedly, when the owners returned the door was locked. The location is described as a construction site with hundreds of employees, thereby “there was no scene to process, no suspects or evidence.” The case is classified as closed and inactive. 

Taken For A Ride 

A yacht captain at the Turnberry Isle Marina reported the company vehicle stolen by his newly hired yacht hand. Michael Bradley, 33, Captain of the Lady Sylvia, employed by Claires Stores Inc., discovered the company’s white 2000 four-door Honda Accord missing upon awakening at approximately 9 a.m. on January 24. Also missing was 38 year- old Kelly Michael Prosser. Prosser did not have prior permission to use the vehicle under any circumstances. At roughly 10:30 a.m., Captain Bradley received a call from Prosser who is alleged to have stated “Look I know I am fired. I am just going to come back and get my things.” Prosser has not been heard from since, nor has the car been returned. A stolen vehicle affidavit was prepared and police dispatch entered the vehicle as stolen in their computer system. 

Phyllis Huguenin can be reached at huguenotusa@msn.com