The Aventura Marketing Council/Chamber of Commerce held a quarterly luncheon meeting for condominium and homeowners association board members and property managers. The meeting featured guest speakers who provided information on topics like funding renovation options, planning for impacts to association budgets, and technology responsibilities and liability. Florida Senator Jason Pizzo also spoke, sharing updates on issues like association fees and potential insurance reductions. Attendees found the event very beneficial for networking and learning from each other.

1. Ron Book introduces his
friend at Aventura Marketing
Council/Chamber of
Commerce luncheon
• • • • • • • • • • • • •
BY ELAINE ADLER
When the legendary Ron Book called the
Aventura Marketing Council/Chamber of
Commerce (AMC) and said, “I’d like you
to meet a friend of mine and a really great
guy!”, a Chairman’s Roundtable luncheon
was scheduled so Ron could introduce Juan
Fernandez-Barquin, the newly-appointed
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court & Comptroller.
Responses to the luncheon held at Ruth’s
Chris Steak House Aventura came in
quickly, and a full house of elected and
appointed officials and senior decision-
makers from the Roundtable’s business and
governmental communities were there, in-
cludingAventuraMayorHowardS.Weinberg,
Esq; Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Larisa
Svechin; El Portal Mayor Omarr Nickerson
and North Miami Beach Acting Mayor Jay
Chernoff. AMC Chairman Gary Pyott ran
the meeting and introduced all the
o f f i cials — a big job in itself. The
networking was outstanding as was the
Ruth’s Chris meal.
Ron Book, President & CEO of Ronald
L. Book, P. A., has a client list that’s the
“who’s who” of business and industry, local
governments, healthcare and not-for-profit
organizations. His firm has led the
governmental affairs industry in Florida,
specializing in the appropriations process,
responsible for literally billions in grants,
programs and earmarks to various projects
and causes. He also serves as Chairman of
the Miami-Dade Homeless Trust that
oversees the county’s effort to end
homelessness in the county. Ron serves as
Chairman for the Lauren’s Kids Foundation
he founded with his daughter, Fl. State
Senator Lauren Book. This foundation is
dedicated to ending childhood sexual abuse
through education and awareness and
helpingsurvivorshealwithguidanceandsupport.
Ron introduced Juan Fernandez-Barquin,
a former member of the Fl. House of
Representatives. The words, “ethical”,
“dedicated” and “hard-working” were used
by Ron often to describe his friend.
Fernandez-Barquin noted that Miami-Dade
is the fourth largest judicial circuit in the
nation, where he has 16 court facilities and
leads a team of approximately 1,100
employees who serve over 2.7 million
county residents. What was most notable
was his interest in truly helping the
residents with issues from jury duty to
payments for traffic ticketing and more.
With the goal of helping residents, he
created “Operation Green Light” to waive
collection fees on traffic, parking and court
costs. During a 17-day event this past
September, over 5,500 customers resolved
their financial court obligations as his office
waived over $275,000 in collection fees.
He said, “During these challenging
economic times, it is our responsibility to
ease the burden of our citizens who want to
do the right thing.”
For more information, Ronald L. Book,
PA, 305.935.1866 or www.rlbookpa.com;
www.miamidadeclerk.gov; 786.493.8682
Photos by Andrew Goldstein Photography
OCTOBER 16 - 29, 2023
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court & Comptroller
Juan Fernandez-Barquin keynotes meeting
Juan Fernandez-Barquin
Miami-Dade Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Ron Book, Ronald L. Book, PA /
Lauren’s Kids foundation

2. BY ELAINE ADLER
TheAventura Marketing Council/Chamber
of Commerce (AMC) recently held one of
their quarterly CHOAB (Condominium
and Homeowner Association Board
Members and Property Managers)
luncheon meetings for condo and home-
owner association Board Members and
Property Managers at Ruth’s Chris Steak
House Aventura, and judging by the
rave reviews of the attendees, it was the
best one yet.
Aventura Comm. Dr. Linda Marks,
CHOAB Chairperson, said, “It is very
beneficial for board members and property
managers from many different Associations
to get together to share and learn from one
another.The addition of the amazing speakers
we just had made our event truly fantastic.
It is a pleasure to chair this wonderful
group.”
The meeting featured three guest speakers
in an interactive one-on-one format where
association leaders were provided with
important information and have the
opportunity to ask questions. The program
featured Steven G, Founder of Interiors by
Steven G (“Refreshing and Renovating
your Building: Smart funding options);
Dan Tiernan, COO of Campbell Property
Management (Planning for Impacts to your
Building’s Budget) and Brian LaTorre, VP
of Hotwire Communications (Technology
Responsibilities and Liability). As the
speakers rotated amongst the tables, the
attendees listened carefully, made notes,
asked questions and then asked more
questions… and received answers
After the luncheon, the dynamic Florida
Senator Jason Pizzo shared thorough and
updated information that association leaders
needed, covering areas such as association
fees , possibility of insurance reductions
and more. Sen. Pizzo encouraged questions
and answered them in the open and honest
way he has always done so.
Steven G said, “The cost of renovations
is a challenge for many associations, and I
am so pleased that my company is able to
provide a no-cost funding solution. As we
all know, renovations result in increased
property values.”
Gary Pyott, Senior VP of Campbell
Property Management, said, “As we all
know, the SIRS and Milestone Inspection
legislation has created serious financial
issues at many condominium associations.
Especially while condos are faced with
u n p r e c e d e n t e d c o s t i n c r e a s e s
d u e t o i n s u r ance and inflation at the
same time. This recent CHOAB luncheon
was a great opportunity for Campbell to
share our budgeting and planning tips that
can help condos adapt and get through the
financial crisis that many are facing. You
can find more information about this topic
at GetFAN.org.” Brian LaTorre added, “As
a technology leader in the condo and home-
owner association space, Hotwire
Communications embraces the opportunity
to learn from our customers by participating
in education and community engagement.
We have and are always willing to work
w i t h t h o s e s e e k i n g t e c h n o l o g y
advancements along with expectations of
concierge level service. We are facing
critical times in our industry and while it is
easy for others to stand on the side lines and
wait for answers, we are pioneers
seeking solutions.”
For more information, www.aventura-
marketingcouncil.com; 305.932.5334.
Photos by Andrew Goldstein Photography
Around Town
Florida Senator Jason Pizzo joins speakers from
Campbell Property Mgmnt., Hotwire and Interiors
by Steven G for association seminar
(L to R) Brian Torre; Sen. Jason Pizzo; Steven G; Aventura Comm. Dr. Linda Marks; Dan Tiernan; Aventura Mayor Howard S. Weinberg, Esq.

3. HCA Florida Aventura Hospital
appoints Andrew Hiller, MD
as Department Chair of Surgery
HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, a Top
100 Hospital and Top 15 Major Teaching
Hospital recognized by Fortune/PINC AI,
has promoted Andrew Hiller, MD, Ortho-
pedic Surgeon to the position of Depart-
ment Chair of Surgery. “Dr. Hiller’s
leadership in our surgical services space
will advance the clinical excellence of our
operating room with a focus on the patient
experience, on-time start, and orthopedic
care”, shared Trish Stephens, MD, Chief
Medical Officer, HCA Florida Aventura
Hospital.
Dr. Hiller specializes in knee, shoulder
and hip surgery, comprehensive sports
medicine and orthopedic trauma care.
Under his leadership as Department Chair
of Surgery, HCAFloridaAventura Hospital
will lead the charge in delivering surgical
care excellence. Dr. Hiller adds, “I am hon-
ored and humbled to take on this exciting
opportunity to lead our strong surgical de-
partment. It will be my honor to work with
such a talented group of surgeons and look
forward to all we will accomplish to-
gether.”
Dr. Hiller earned his medical degree at
the University of Michigan Medical
School. He went on to complete his or-
thopedic surgery residency at the Univer-
sity of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital
and completed a fellowship in Sports
Medicine,Arthroscopy, and Reconstruction
at the world-renowned Southern
California Orthopedic Institute in Los
Angeles, California.
Andrew Hiller, MD
1/4 AD 1/4 AD
Why is All Natural & Air Chilled
better when it comes to chicken?
With a single bite, you’ll understand
why Bell & Evans is known as “The
Excellent Chicken.” Bell & Evans Chicken
is a premium poultry brand that is known
for its high quality, incredibly tender, juicy,
and great flavor profile in every bite.
So how do they do it? From humane
animal welfare to their 100% Air Chilled
method, everything Bell & Evans does
adds up to healthier, more flavorful
chicken. Bell & Evans is the first company
in the country to raise 100% of flocks with-
out antibiotics — from the egg throughout
the chicken’s entire lifespan. From the moment
they hatch, chicks enjoy a superb
healthy organic diet and are raised in a
clean and stress-free environment, that
keep their immune systems strong and
eliminates the need for antibiotics.
Bell&Evansalsousesasignature100%Air
Chilled process that actually locks in the
natural juices, tenderizes the meat, and retains
the natural plumpness and flavor. They
NEVERaddplumpingsolutionsofchlorinated
water that other producers use, which ends up
in most store bought packaged chicken.
You can find a complete line of Bell &
Evans Chickens at Plum Market Aventura,
conveniently located at 17801 Biscayne
Blvd. Plum Market has quickly become
known for their commitment to all natural,
organic, and locally sourced foods, and is
a haven for those seeking healthy and
flavorful meals. Plum Market Co-Founder
Marc Jonna personally endorses the Bell &
Evans line, “I’ve toured a Bell & Evans
facility myself and have seen their
outstanding quality standards in practice,”
he adds, “Quality you can taste and trust:

4. Clerk of Court and Comptroller
Juan Fernandez-Barquin’s
“Operation Green Light” helped
thousands of residents
Clerk of the Court and
Comptroller Juan
F e r nandez-Barquin
recently helped thousands
of residents save
hundreds of thousands
of dollars with his
O p e r ation Green Light
program.
The program was
offered from September
1st through September
17, 2023. During the 17-
day event, the Office of
the Clerk and Comp-
troller waived collection
fees on traffic, parking
and court costs.
“I was proud to have my office help over
5,500 customers resolve their financial
court obligations as we waived over
$275,000 in collection fees,” said
Fernandez-Barquin. “The money
saved by our customers goes directly
back into their wallets to pay for everyday
essentials.” Typically, a driver license sus-
pension occurs when an individual has unpaid
traffic tickets, fails to comply or appear at a
traffic summons, point suspensions and
more. To lower the num-
ber of suspended li-
censes in Miami-Dade
County, at the direction
of Fernandez-Barquin,
the large scale Operation
Green Light event took
place. During this event,
payments could be made
online, over the phone, or
in person at eight court-
houses. “I would like to
thank our team members
who either worked
directly or indirectly
with our customers. It is
because of them that
Operation Green Light was such a success,”
he added. “During these challenging
economic times, it is our responsibility
to ease the burden of our citizens who
want to do the right thing.” During the 17-
day period, over 1,300 payment plans
were established, 276 D6 clearance forms
were issued, and over 1,500 customers
became eligible to have their drivers’
licenses reinstated, assuming they had no
other pending financial court obligations in
another Florida county or in another state.
Juan Fernandez-Barquin
1/2 AD
JW Marriott Miami
Turnberry Resort & Spa,
Aventura’s tropical oasis,
rich with a culture of
accessible luxury and
enriching experiences, has
appointed Alice Land as
Executive Director of Sales
and Marketing. Ms. Land
will oversee all sales,
marketing, and public
relations efforts for the 685-
room luxury destination,
bringing more than 20 years
of experience working with
independent, resort, and
branded hotel properties – including more
than 15 years with Marriott hotels – to her
new role.
Ms. Land joins JW Marriott Miami
Turnberry Resort & Spa from Fort
Lauderdale Beach’s four-diamond, 650-room
Marriott Harbor Beach Resort, where she had
served as Director of Group Sales since 2019.
She previously served as Area Sales Leader
for Modern Select, Core, Luxury and Resort
Portfolio hotels for Marriott International,
partnering with stakeholders to meet hotel
goals for all segments –
b u s i n e s s / l e i s u r e
transient, wholesale,
contract and groups. Ms.
Land has also held
Director of Sales and
Marketing positions at
Miami’s Mayfair Hotel
& Spa in Miami and
Renaissance Fort
Lauderdale Plantation.
A graduate of the
University of Southern
Alabama in Mobile with
a Bachelor of Science in
Hospitality and Tourism
Administration, Ms. Land began her career
as a front desk associate, and later as a Sales
Manager, at Marriott’s Grand Hotel, Resort,
Golf Club & Spa in Clear Point, Alabama
Ms. Land, whose love of travel led her to
a career in the hospitality industry, is
enthusiastic about the Florida lifestyle,
enjoying parks and the beach, biking,
paddleboarding and yoga in her free time.
She is passionate about animal rescue
organizations and enjoys spending time with
her cocker spaniel-labrador mix Isabel.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry
Resort & Spa announces
Alice Land as Executive Director
of Sales and Marketing
Alice Land

5. Miami-Dade Clerk of Court & Comptroller
Juan Fernandez-Barquin keynotes meeting
305.757.3627
305.757.3627
Photos by Andrew Goldstein Photography

6. Miami-Dade Clerk of Court & Comptroller
Juan Fernandez-Barquin keynotes meeting
Photos by Andrew Goldstein Photography

7. Florida Senator Jason Pizzo joins speakers from
Campbell Property Mgmnt., Hotwire and Interiors
by Steven G for association seminar
Photos by Andrew Goldstein
Photography

8. The Florida Panthers and Amerant Bank,
the largest community bank headquartered
in Florida, jointly announced that the new
home for Panthers hockey and premier
entertainment in Broward County will be
Amerant Bank Arena. Both the Panthers
and Amerant Bank, as the community bank
of Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach
counties, are committed to working together
to give back to South Florida.
Amerant Bank currently has four
Broward County branches with another
opening soon in downtown Ft. Lauderdale,
an operations center in Miramar, and
recently announced a Broward County
Regional Headquarters in Plantation.Amerant
will continue their entitlement of the
premium center-ice seating area ‘Amerant
Vault’ and remain a supporting partner of
the Panthers Kids Club and youth hockey
initiatives.
“Adding naming rights to the arena to the
already strong and extensive partnership we
have with the Panthers just seemed like the
next logical next step for us,” said Amerant
Bank Chairman and CEO Jerry Plush. “In
addition to showing our support and align-
ment with Matt Caldwell and the Panthers
organization, we are also excited to step up
our commitment to the people and
businesses in Broward County. We aim to
be the bank of choice in the markets we
serve and believe this is another big step we
are taking to demonstrate that commitment.”
ThePanthersandAmerantBankpartnership
began in October 2021 when they became
the first-ever official home helmet partner
for the 2021-22 season. The following season
Amerant expanded their investment in the
organization by becoming the home and
away helmet partner for the 2022-23
season, the ‘Official Bank of the Florida
Panthers’and entitling the arena’s premium
club area to the Amerant Vault.
Florida Panthers announce arena naming
rights agreement with Amerant Bank
Broward County premier hockey and entertainment
venue becomes Amerant Bank Arena
1/2 AD

9. Acqualina Resort & Residences Trump family, Stephanie, Jules, and
Eddie Trump, are excited to host the 28th annual “I Have a Dream”
FoundationMiamiGalaonThursday, November 16th
, 6:30pm at The Diplomat
Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. The Gala will celebrate the Class of
2032, who began on their academic journey with the “I Have a Dream”
Miami program as second graders. The Trump family founded the Miami-
Dade chapter in 1995.
Guests attending the Gala can expect a truly magical evening, beginning
with a captivating cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by an
exquisite dinner, music, and an exhilarating live auction. All the funds
raised during the live auction will be dedicated to supporting the “I Have a
Dream” Foundation Miami Dreamers, ensuring their bright and
promising futures.
The “I Have a Dream” Foundation is committed to empowering children
from low-income areas to reach their educational and career goals by
providing a long-term program of mentoring, tutoring, and tuition
assistance for higher education. The Foundation guarantees the
children’s academic tuition at a Florida state university for a four-year
degree or an accredited trade school.
“We are honored to be part of this incredible program. We are
preparing our Dreamers to become proud and productive citizens by giving
them the necessary tools they need to make their dreams a reality. So many
of these Dreamers are the first in their families to graduate high school, let
alone go on to college,” says Stephanie Trump . “It is so rewarding to see
our students after the program who have gone on to successful career paths.”
For information on sponsorship packages, or becoming a supporter, contact
stephanie@trumpgroup.com, or call 305.937.7834 or visit
dreammiami.org.
Individual tickets start at $500 and $1000 for couples; tables begin at
$7,500 and accommodate eight guests. To reserve a table, please visit
dreammiami.org.
Acqualina Resort & Residences hosts 28th
annual
“I Have A Dream” Foundation Miami Gala
1/2 AD