About Keith F
Originally from the Northeast and now living in Orlando, Keith remains an avid supporter of his alma mater University of Connecticut basketball and football teams. One of the reasons for his move was to take advantage of the year round golf at many of the wonderful golf courses that Florida has to offer-the beaches didn’t hurt either. Keith often travels with his family to other areas of the state to play which also allows him to explore all that those destinations have to offer.
Blog posts written by Keith F
April 2nd, 2008 by keith f
Polynesian Dinner photo courtesy of Mai Kai Polynesian Dinner and Show
Mai-Kai Polynesian Dinner Show really is one of the most unique dining and entertainment experiences I’ve ever had. It has been around since the mid 50’s and authentically recreates a Polynesian Village. The show remains much the same as it was in the 60’s and offers wonderful dining options alongside the Polynesian Show.
The Mai-Kai has quite the aura about it with tiki torches, thatched roofs, waterfalls and a plank bridge entrance. The plank bridge entrance runs adjacent to the bar and replicates the sound of thunder in the bar as cars pass. Each room reflects a different region of Polynesia.
The exciting 45 minute Islanders Revue is performed twice nightly by native Polynesian dancers in colorful costumes. The beautiful maidens and agile warriors recreate, through dance, details of many facets of life in the Islands. The Mai-Kai is proud home to many original artifacts, some of them up to 100 years old.
Now to the food… The award winning cuisine includes Cantonese and American dishes from fresh seafood and steaks grilled to perfection, to house specialties like Peking Duck, Rack of Lamb and Lobster Bora Bora. Delicious.
If you’re vacationing in South Florida, this place has to be visited to be appreciated. It’s one of the few “Grand Polynesia Palaces of Tiki” still in operation today. The Mai-Kai is an included bonus option on 3, 5, and 7 day Go Miami Cards.
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March 31st, 2008 by keith f
Florida Marlins photo uploaded by
Florida Marlins’ Opening Day is today versus the New York Mets. The Marlins will try to build on a disappointing 07 season where they finished fifth in the NL East, 10 games below .500 and also traded away 2 of their best players, left handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis and superstar 3rd baseman Miguel Cabrera. Leading the 08 squad will be infielders Dan Uggla and Hanley Ramirez. Ramirez was the 2006 Rookie of the Year, so this team has talent but is very young. They have also added long time MLB vet Luis Gonzalez.
This is definitely a rebuilding year. The Marlins will get to take a look at their players of the future and begin to build around shortstop superstar in the making Ramirez. On a brighter note, the Marlins have a new stadium for 2011 to look forward to breaking in, instead of dwelling on possibly finishing last in the majors in attendance for the third straight season. However, a definite last-place tag in the National League East division awaits the baby-booming Marlins for 2008.
Well, there’s always South Beach.
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February 21st, 2008 by keith f
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The Miami Dolphins will have a whole new look for the 2008-2009 season as wholesale changes have been made from the front office, to the coaching staff, to most recently a slew of players, some longtime Dolphins, being released.. Most recently 12 year vet and Pro Bowler Zach Thomas was let go. Some of the water boys may have received their pink slip as well. A few months back, owner Wayne Huzienga decided to make the leap and bring in Bill Parcells to lead the football operations of his beloved Dolphins.
Parcells has been known to “clean house” and that has been no different with the Dolphins. They have a new GM in Jeff Ireland, a new coach in Tony Sporano, a new offensive coordinator in Dan Hennings and the on the field Dolphins will have a whole new look come next season. It may take a while for all the new changes to take effect but we know for certain it will only get better as last year’s Dolphins win total was a grand total of one. You also never know with the Tuna as he is very good at turning things around in a hurry.
If you’d like to see the new look Dolphins in 2008, please for more information.
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January 17th, 2008 by keith f
The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater reopened in October to rave reviews. The 2,600 seat theater went through a multi-million dollar transformation which combines rich history with the flair of Miami Beach.
The theater has an all star lineup showcasing the biggest names in entertainment. It’s located at 1700 Washington Ave adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center, amongst a host of hotels in the heart of South Beach.
Upcoming concerts include everyone from the Go-Go’s, Kathy Griffin, Marilyn Manson and the Wu Tang Clan to Manheim Steamroller and Kenny G.
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January 9th, 2008 by keith f
Miami Beach
Photo uploaded by
On our”Ask a Travel Expert” post, Janae asked:
Q: Hey, travel expert! My two girls and are traveling to Miami, Florida for 6 days; two of them are the days that we will be arriving and leaving Miami…so we actually have 4 days to really do some full day activities. My question is: What non-expensive, 20 year old fun could we have in Miami for our trip? And what’s the best, most reliable ways to get around with or without a car?
Thanx bunches!!!
A: Well, Janae, here are some suggestions for you.
You could always hit the beach! The water may not be quite warm enough to swim in but the beach is ever so relaxing and people watching is an event.
is another suggestion which offers many options. There are tons of great restaurants (many overlook the bay) such as The Knife, Argentine Steakhouse and the Hard Rock Café. Free live music is a daily occurrence in the center of the marketplace.
There are also several inexpensive cruises, especially if you have a Go Miami Card. is one of the more popular which offer narrated cruises of Millionaire’s Row and Star Island.
offers guided walking tours of the famous Miami Beach architecture for $15 with the Go Miami Card and there’s also a number of tours of the and . This is a great way to see the city if you aren’t renting a car.
To get around without a car, the bus system is excellent. offers daily passes or it’s just $1 per ride. Pick up a bus map upon your arrival. Or, there’s always the which offers daily rentals at a reasonable price and it’s included with the Go Miami Card.
I hope this helps you have a wonderful time in Miami. Good luck!
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January 2nd, 2008 by keith f
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MIA has opened a brand new and much needed terminal. The new structure known as South Terminal adds 1.7 million square feet to the “Gateway of the America’s”. The terminal supports 19 airlines servicing 72 cities and 28 countries. Opening soon inside the state of the art building will be 39 restaurants, retail and duty free shops.
The new Federal Inspection Service Area will be able to process international passengers at the incredible rate of 2,000 per hour (!). A new bus terminal exclusively for cruise and tour passengers is also slated to open soon. It also features striking architecture with tall glass walls and eye-catching, South Florida-themed artwork. The terminal will handle about 25% of MIA’s 32 million passengers annually.
August 29th was officially the terminal’s first flight but on November 30th, the airport hosted a grand opening for a bout 500 elected officials, airport executives, community leaders and members of the public. Governor Jeb Bush was on hand as well as Bill Talbert, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, who served as the master of ceremonies.
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November 12th, 2007 by keith f
Photos courtesy of the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL)
If you’ve ever been to Miami Beach, especially South Beach, you might have been curious to know how the architecture got its distinctively stylized look. Here’s a little overview of Art Deco architecture.
Miami Beach’s building boom came during the second phase of Art Deco known as Streamline Moderne. It began at the stock market crash and ended at the onset of WWII. The architecture represents a less decorative reflection of the post-Depression era. It began in 1910 when Carl Fischer and John Collins began to transform the mangrove swamp into a tourist destination. The name Art Deco itself comes from the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels et Modernes held in Paris in 1925, which promoted art deco architecture in Europe. It’s bold colors and zig zag architecture dates back to the Egyptian tombs when objects of this style were placed in pharoahs’ tombs to enlighten the sleeping kings.
Miami Beach architects used local imagery to create what we now call Tropical Deco. These buildings feature relief ornamentation featuring whimsical flora, fauna and ocean-liner motifs to reinforce the image of Miami Beach as a seaside resort. The feel really adds to the aura of Miami Beach- it’s a contrast because though it’s a progressive and uninhibited city, the architecture brings you back to a different time and era. The best way to see and learn about Art Deco is to visit the Art Deco Welcome Center at the intersection of 10th St and Ocean Drive. They offer guided 90 minute walking tours from local historians 5 days per week. The Miami Design Preservation League is also offering a special Art Deco lecture tomorrow evening at 7 pm.
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October 25th, 2007 by keith f
Photo uploaded by compujeramey
Miami sports fan are wondering… is the window of opportunity still open for the ? The two centerpieces of this team are still in place but and Dewayne Wade are now 2 years removed from that championship, 2 years older and for Wade, 2 surgeries later.
The off season moves leave a lot to be desired with the signings of Penny Hardaway (yes that Penny now 36), DeQuan Cook, Smush Parker and Alexander Johnson. Gone are sharpshooter Jason Kopono and veterans James Posey and Eddie Jones. This team may be hard pressed to repeat last years disappointing 1st round exit from the playoffs-bottom line, it all depends on the health of those 2 centerpieces.
This aging team still employs the likes of Antoine Walker and Alonso Mourning. The ever dapper 5 time World Champion coach Pat Riley will try to will this team to the playoffs which may be a tall order but with a special player like DeWayne Wade, anything is possible.
If the pre-season is any indication of things to come, 0-7 for the first time in team history, the Heat may be in for a long season which begins at home against the Detroit Pistons on November 1st. The good news, South Beach is a 10 minute drive from the arena!
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October 15th, 2007 by keith f
On November 3rd, the City of Miami Beach will host to truly unique Miami experience called Sleepless Night-Fall Back, Culture Forward. A thirteen hour event to celebrate the clocks being turned back an hour will feature music, dance, art and culture. The event will be a complete cultural takeover and celebration of the 25th hour. It’s all free, yes free, and will be held at indoor and outdoor venues in 4 areas of Miami Beach: North Beach, Lincoln Road, Collins Park and Ocean Drive.
Adventurous entertainment will run the gamut for you to choose from: music, dance, comedy, theater and performance art. Food and of course those famous South Beach libations will be available.
There will be a FREE Sleepless Night Shuttle throughout the night picking up from various parking garages and to keep the party going (and maybe to keep you awake), there will be entertainment on the shuttles.
Hotels will offer special packages to rest one’s weary bones after the 13 hours of sleeplessness. Please check out the website for details about every aspect of this anticipated evening at www.sleeplessnight.org.
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