Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with Miami

Converting a smaller garage- how much and is it worth it

aussicht — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:30:18 -0800

How much would it cost to convert a garage into an efficiency and how much could I do with a small garage? I am buying a house with a small detached garage in the back yard. I'd like to turn it into a small efficiency/inlaw quarters. The garage is about 20' x 14'. I live in Miami. Some tell me that it is pretty easy to do and not to worry about permits. I am curious what the whole permitting would cost, rough estimates of the conversion itself, and if it would raise taxes/insurance on the property? I'm not talking real estimates, just like 10k-20k, 40k, etc. What happens if you have unpermitted remodeling, and then try to get it permitted? Is it possible? What does that do to the value of the house in a sale? I'd honestly like to go the permitted route if possible, I am just weighing it all out.

There's electricity already, it just needs plumbing for the kitchen, appliances, and a bathroom. It's concrete flooring with garage doors that swing outwards (french doors?), no insulation, no a/c.

Would an efficiency realistically fit in the space? I'm bad visually/spatially. Could you put a small kitchen, small bath or 1/2 bath, and open living area in?

Massage therapist in South Florida?

6and12 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:03:59 -0800

Can anyone recommend a massage therapist in South Florida? I've been living in Hollywood, FL, for a few years now, and I'm finally in a position where an occasional massage fits into my budget. There are so many options here, however, that I don't know where to start looking. I've always found good LMTs through friends or word of mouth, but I'm at a loss down here (not at a loss for friends, just friends with leads on LMTs). In the past, I've worked consistently with people who specialized in Swedish, deep tissue, or Thai massage, and I've liked and benefited from those styles. Something close to Hollywood would be ideal, but I'm willing to drive a bit for the right person. In the past, I've preferred small practices to large spas or hotels.

We are looking for non-chain restaurants in Orlando & Miami for a family with young kids (2 & 4)

rdurbin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:09:21 -0800

We are looking for non-chain restaurants in Orlando & Miami for a family with young kids We are traveling to Florida soon and are looking for recommendations for dining out with kids (2 year old and 4 year old).

Most of our meals will probably be lunches (if that matters). Assume that they both aren't too picky of eaters (so we don't need to do the diner/mac cheese/corndog route).

Cuisine - We would be most interested in non chain type restaurants. examples: authentic cuban food, fresh seafood, italian, mexican

Price - not too expensive since we are with younger kids although we would be willing to splurge a couple of times.

Location - Orlando/Miami although we have a rental so we will be all over the state really.

Thanks!

Where to find airport passenger data?

dunderwood — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 07:48:52 -0800

Looking for airport passenger data. More specifically, monthly deplaned (inbound) passenger data for Miami, Orlando and Tampa from 1975 to 2008. I've tried most government websites including the BTS as well as the airport sites themselves. Quarterly data is acceptable but yearly data is not. All I have been able to find so far is yearly data. Thanks in advance.

Why are we planning New Year's Eve this early?

unexpected — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:27:53 -0800

My friends and I trying to plan New Year's Eve. Help us figure out if New Orleans or Miami would be better... Hey everyone,

Even though it's August, my friends want to plan New Year's Eve. We've narrowed it down to two choices: Miami or New Orleans, and we're having trouble deciding.

If you have any experience with either of these two cities (especially around New Year's) I'd appreciate your input.

New Orleans:

Pros:

1) We'd stay on Bourbon St. All the action is centrally located here.

2) Sugar Bowl is going on. It would have lots and lots of people

3) We feel like drinks/entertainment would be cheaper here.

Cons:

1) NO seems to be a lot more "dirty" - especially Post-Katrina

2) There doesn't seem to be much to do besides drinking.

3) Potentially colder

Miami (South Beach)

Pros:

1) BEACH! (Though weather seems to be hit or miss)

2) More glamorous

3) Seems to have more non-drinking activities

4) Potentially warmer

Cons: (Basically the NO Pros)

1) We're a pack of 7 guys. I feel like we'd have an easier time getting into places in NO than Miami

2) Miami nightlife is going to be more expensive

3) Everything is more spread out in Miami - a lot of time in cabs traveling to and fro, no central location like vegas.

So HiveMind, I turn to you. If anyone has experience with either of this two cities (especially on NYE), I'd appreciate the input.

Let me know if you want more info about us, and our tastes.

10 hour layover in Miami....What to do?

conifer — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 08:39:02 -0800

10 hour layover in Miami....What to do? On Friday I have a long layover in Miami - more than ten hours. I arrive at nine thirty in the morning and don't leave until eight at night. Suggestions on ways to pass the time, whether going into the city or doing something else are welcome!

Looking for something between assisted-living and a live-in-nurse. Help?

xotis — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 04:35:37 -0800

GrandmaHelp Filter: What's the name for a live-in assistant/nurse who visits the house of an elderly person 3-5 days a week, helps them with grocery shopping, etc? What's the best way to find referrals for quality people that perform this service in South Florida? My grandmother's health is failing. She's in her mid-90s and in Florida. My family and I are in the midwest. She'd prefer to not go into an assisted living facility. All of us have jobs that can afford us to visit every few months, but none of us can stay down there long term. She owns her condo on the 20th floor of a high-rise in North Miami Beach. She requires a walker to get around and her hearing is failing.

My family would like to hire someone like a nurse to visit her 3-5 times a week to help check up on her health, but to also spend a few hours with her. This person would potentially take her food shopping, or do her food shopping for her. Help her with laundry and putting the food away. Help with meal preperation. Etc.

1.) Is there name for this type of person?

2.) What's the best way to find this type of person?
- When she was in the hospital recently, an orderly stole cash out of her purse while she was using the bathroom. Trust levels are low right now so we're wary of just picking a random company name in the yellow pages without a referral. So, are there sites where there are ratings and reviews for people/services like this? Without knowing what they're called, or what to search for, I'm not sure where to begin.

3.) What should we expect to spend on services like this? We're not wealthy, so we need to be budget conscious.

4.) Is there anything else we should be thinking of?

When I say above that her health is failing. She's just getting more and more fragile given her age. Her vital organs will likely start to shut down in the near future according to a doctor. Mentally she's fairly sound with no signs of alzheimers or dementia.

This has been emotionaly trying for my mother so I'm trying to help her, and my grandmother, by asking this question.

Thank you for your help!

Where can you find adult foster care work in Miami?

aussicht — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 09:32:03 -0800

What sorts of jobs exist in Miami (or Florida) for people who work with adult foster care for clients with developmental disabilities? A friend of mine is thinking of moving out to Miami, and is wondering about job opportunities for working with clients who have developmental disabilities in an adult foster care environment. I've had the hardest time finding anything concrete about this to tell him about, and am curious if people know where to look, if Florida uses different terms for the work, etc? Any help?

Thanks!

Where can I go to hear a klezmer band or a large steel pan ensemble in South Florida?

6and12 — Thu, 28 May 2009 05:12:30 -0800

Where can I go to hear a klezmer band or a large steel pan ensemble in South Florida? I know that these two types of music might not seem to have much in common, but I'm asking about them both because it seems to me that one would find both in abundance in South Florida. However, Google as I might, I haven't had much luck. I've been to see the Florida Memorial University steel band before, and they're quite good. I think they only play a few shows a year, though. As for local klezmer, I haven't had much luck at all. I've seen a few klezmer bands passing through (The Klezmer Conservatory Band, The Vulgar Bulgars, The New Orleans Klezmer All Stars), but none that are based in South Florida.

Can anyone suggest any steel bands or klezmer bands that play locally on a regular basis? I live in Broward, but I'm willing to drive.

Hostelling in Miami Beach, theft-free

spherical_perceptions — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:05:57 -0800

MiamiFilter: At the end of May, as part of a longer trip, I will be spending a couple of days in Miami, I will be staying at a hostel in Miami Beach. This is my first hostelling experience and I am a bit concerned about theft of my belongings since one of the hostel reviews I've read indicate there may not always be enough lockers for all the guests (I chose it for location and social aspects). I will also have to park a rental car, probably in a municipal parking garage. Is it safe to leave some clothes/stuff in the car? How big is car crime in this area? Finally, I've read various tips online about how to survive the hostel experience, but any specific tips applicable to Miami would be appreciated.

Yeah, it's another where to stay in Miami question

toddst — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:57:28 -0800

Looking for a not too expensive (hopefully under $100) place to stay in Miami for one night. I have an overnight layover in Miami coming up. I'm getting in at night and am leaving early the next morning, won't have a car, and am hoping to find a decent/cheap place to stay that is walking distance (or a short cab ride) to places to get some food and drinks. I know that there are already a bunch of where to stay questions in Miami, but none of them seemed to hit what I'm looking for. I'm up for staying in almost any area of Miami since I won't have time to sightsee. All I want to do is get in, get a tasty bite to eat (not at a chain restaurant), have a few drinks, and sleep.

Help us keep busy in Miami!

tumbleweedjack — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:08:17 -0800

Going to Miami and Palm Beach from March 13th to 19th. Help us keep busy! We are two mid-20s gay guys spending the weekend in South Beach and then several days in Palm Beach. Can you recommend stuff that we shouldn't miss? We're probably gonna rent a car, so we can drive to stuff out of the city. I'm open to any suggestions, but I'd also be particularly interested in knowing more about:

1) the everglades- is it worth doing a tour, or should we give it a pass?
2) the gay scene
3) food. we are foodies.

Guaraberas in Miami

Carsey — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:30:37 -0800

Where can I get good quality, authentic guayabera shirts in Miami? I have some great Reyn Spooner vintage Hawaiian shirts and am looking for similar quality in a guayabera. I am only in Miami for 2 days and want to spend as little time "shopping" as possible ... so your tips will be appreciated.

Is South Beach a good place to stay in Miami? Or is it too noisy?

ImaginaryFriend — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:54:58 -0800

Is South Beach a good place to stay in Miami? Or is it too noisy? We’re planning to go to Miami for a few days. We’re just looking for an to-too-expesive break from the Canadian winter.

We want to stay somewhere affordable, tourist-friendly, and very close to the beach.

South Beach seems like the obvious part of town to stay. We’ve found some okay-looking pretty-affordable ($100-$125) hotels around there.

But it it crazy noisy there? I gather South Beach is where all the nightclubs are. We live in a neighbourhood w. lots of nightclubs, which I sort of hate, so I’m hoping for my vacation not to involve sleeping somewhere where we get tons of nighttime drunk-revelers screaming, thumping bass from clubs, and the other hazards of clublands.

Is south beach bad for that sort of thing? If so – what would you say are the more/less noisy parts?

If South Beach is all noisy – are there parts of Miami that are tourist-friendly, close to the beach, but so night-clubby?

(We’re looking, I think, at a couple of places on Collins Ave around 14th block… But may end up elsewhere…)

Any advice would be much appreciated!

New Year's Eve in Miami

kevin-o — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 07:00:42 -0800

In Miami for New Year's Eve. Where should we celebrate? My boyfriend and I are going to be in South Beach for New Year's Eve, and we haven't yet made plans for the night. We are gay, and we would be happy in a gay venue or a mixed venue. We love dancing, we love lounges, we love music, and we love being outside. We don't mind places that are a little bit crowded, but I would prefer not to have to wait in line. Our budget is flexible up to $200/person, but I would be very happy to spend significantly less than that. Where should we go?

The Best of Miami and South Beach?

kdern — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:26:45 -0800

Spending next week in Miami... tell me about the best food on Miami Beach and South Beach, also cultural experiences in Little Havana and Little Haiti. My fiancee and I will be in Miami from Mon to Saturday next week, staying at the renovated Fontainebleau. What are your favorite restaurants etc. on Miami Beach and South Beach?

Especially interested in sushi, Indian, lounge type nightclubs (not dance clubs), great salads or salad bars, diners, pizza and any other great small local spots. We don't mind expensive or upscale restaurants, but we especially like good local spots and ethnic food.

We're also interested in going into the city itself to visit Little Havana and Little Haiti - where should we eat in these neighborhoods?

Anything else in the city itself that is a must-see or must-eat?

Canadian in Miami for Grey Cup and Thanksgiving

bookley — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:47:35 -0800

Can anyone suggest a bar around Miami that will show the Grey Cup this Sunday? And what are some ways to experience S. Florida Thanksgiving? Bonus marks if there's such thing as a Grey Cup party on an NFL Sunday.
I'm a Stamps fan, but would happily suck it up and watch with Montrealers.

This is also my first Thanksgiving in America. Would be grateful for suggestions on how to make the most of your holiday while I'm in Miami.

Thanks!

Nice place for anniversary dinner in Miami?

UMDirector — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 14:28:34 -0800

Can anyone recommend a nice restaurant in Miami for my anniversary that wouldn't make me look silly if I wore a jacket? My wife and I are going to my college homecoming in Miami at the end of October, which is also our anniversary and would like to go to a nice dinner. I never did much real dining while going to undergrad so this is a new experience and I am short on restaurants...South Beach would be ideal, but would also consider the Gables or Grove.

I don't necessarily want to go to a place that requires a jacket, but at least one that I wouldn't look like a goofball wearing one. Not sure if any hip or fun places require jackets or if that is an oxymoron.

Hoping to spend no more than $200 for the two of us.

Your U.S. election is for our entertainment. But where do get a good seat?

bering — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 05:13:30 -0800

So we’re planning a holiday to coincide with the election on November 4th. We figure it will be a very special occasion, with a good chance to see new sides of the U.S. But where to go? The current favorites are Miami and L.A. (would be nice to catch some sun as well), but we might want to go somewhere a little more foreign to some liberal Scandinavians such as ourselves (Denmark). Austin has been mentioned, but we don’t really know that much about it…
(bonus info: we are single guys, late 20-ies, so partying and going out is mandatory)

Where to go between Key West and NYC?

lodev — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:10:42 -0800

Road trip from Florida to NYC. Where to go, what to do? I'm flying in to Ft. Lauderdale from San Francisco on September 24th. I need to be in New York City on October 4th. What to see/do in the meantime?

Tips on where to go in New York are readily available, but I'm sort of stuck on the part before that. I've got 1,5 week in which I'd like to see Key West, Washington DC, Miami. But where else can I go and what's a reasonable route to take? I'll be renting a car. Thanks in advance for your tips!

And of course, should you live along my route I'll be happy to buy you a beer!

Is the Fontainebleau hotel too far north on Miami beach?

kdern — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:17:33 -0800

Is the Fontainebleau hotel too far north on Miami beach? My fiancee and I are planning our first vacation in Miami. Since I'm in the travel industry, I have a great deal at the Fontainebleau (set to re-open in October), but I'm concerned it may be too far from restaurants, bars, shops, etc in South Beach.

We won't be club hopping every night, but we will want to go out for a bagel, a lunch, dinner, etc. It looks like the only businesses near the Fontainebleau are other hotels, so I picture us having to drive to the city or South Beach once or twice a day.

Any opinions on this will be helpful. Is driving and parking in the area a challenge? Is the beach at the Fontainebleau as nice as South Beach? Any other factors to consider?

Education giving in Miami?

ejvalentine — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:47:04 -0800

My organization is searching for foundations or individual donors in the Miami area who fund education related projects in Miami-Dade. Do you know of any? We have applied at about 5 foundations in the city for grants, but have had little luck so far, mostly because we can't seem to locate that many. I don't want to name them here, but am looking for ideas on ones we may have overlooked.

Does anyone know of foundations or individual donors that make grants in Miami-Dade, especially for education? Any and all names would be appreciated.

We're a 501(c)3.

Allapattah and Downtown Miami- how is it?

aussicht — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:04:39 -0800

I am contemplating moving (I live in Wynwood, and like it) nearer to where I go to school/work (hospital district/the gables). How is living in allapattah or downtown miami? i'm used to living in working class areas and can handle myself, but am not sure if crime is bad there? Is anything open downtown after like 6? What about community spaces, bars, restaurants, cafes, etc? My girlfriend is asian, and I know there's no neighborhoods with many asians around, but is downtown homogeneously latin or is it more diverse?

Where can I find the Season 2 remix of the Miami Ink theme song?

Chuck Cheeze — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:55:19 -0800

Where can I find the Season 2 remix of the Miami Ink theme song? I know the song is Funky Kingston by Toots and the Maytals, but I love the amped up remix for season 2 of Miami Ink. Anyone know where to find it?

miami beach hotel

Flood — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 06:15:02 -0800

Miami Beach Hotel Filter: Can you help me find the right Miami Beach hotel? Is my plan for a family vacation in Miami plausible? Details inside. Miami Beach Hotel Filter.

I am working in Miami in early August. My company has given me a $200 per night hotel allowance. I can spend it anyway I want, including bringing my family, getting two rooms, and letting them have a Miami vacation while I work.

I would like to get a hotel within walking distance of Miami Beach. The family will not have a car. Can I find two decent rooms for $200 per night within walking distance of Miami Beach?

Also, I am working near the intersections on Highway 821 and Highway 41. It is only about 12miles from the beach. But, I guess it is 12 miles across a city. Is staying on Miami Beach going to make for a terrible commute to my work location?

I greatly appreciate any help to either question.