South Miami Life Embraces the Beauty of South Florida
1/13/2021 (Permalink)
Enjoy a Visit to South Miami while Exploring the Natural and Cultural Attractions of the Greater Miami Area
Boundaries to South Miami are almost invisible to the visitor and resident in the greater Miami area. As you drive through it, you recognize it by its tree-lined streets and landscaped yards. Native Americans, mainly Tequesta and Calusa, were the first known inhabitants of South Florida. Wilson Alexander Larkins and his wife Katie Estelle arrived in 1896. They purchased the piece of property now known as Cocoplum Circle, and the population began to grow in what we now know as South Miami. It wasn’t until 1926 that residents made a move to incorporate as the Town of South Miami, which coincided with the first incoming class to the University of Miami, which shares a border with South Miami. Sadly, 1926 also marked the Miami Hurricane devastation, which caused significant damage to the burgeoning city.
The boundaries of South Miami have changed throughout the years, making it a very irregular shape now. However, in the 1950s, the town was prosperous following World War II. South Miami Hospital was founded, as well as the First National Bank of South Miami. The Holsum Baking Company was an essential part of its economy, and many still refer to the space it occupied as the Bakery Center, even though it is now The Shops at Sunset Place.
Dining and shopping in South Miami is a pleasant experience. There are many open-air spaces and numerous parks throughout the city, making it a favorite for family living. The most discerning palates should find a delicious offering from Japanese restaurants to Portuguese to traditional Italian. As you finish your meal, you can stroll through downtown South Miami and enjoy the Sunshine State’s beautiful weather. The best time to visit South Florida is between October and March, before temperatures and the humidity rise. However, even when it feels unbearably hot outside, there are many activities under A/C you could enjoy.
So what is the difference between South Miami and the City of Miami? In reality, the distinction is more relevant in terms of schools, services, and local government than from a practical everyday perspective. As you drive down U.S. 1, you can touch upon the City of Miami, South Miami, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and even Palmetto Bay in a short span. Tourists may not even realize they are crossing city boundaries as they explore.
Home to South Miami High School and South Miami Hospital, for example, the city’s livelihood is interdependent with its neighboring communities.
Top attractions in South Miami
If you are visiting South Miami and strictly adhere to city boundaries, you may want to explore the many parks it offers for recreational use. The Murray Park Aquatic Center, for example, provides swimming opportunities for young learners and adult athletes who wish to enjoy them. Close-by, the Gibson-Bethel Community Center houses many sports amenities for residents to enjoy. Also close to South Miami, the following attractions are a must-see:
- Miami Beach- just a short drive away, yet a completely different world. Enjoy the warm water and sandy beaches while sipping a delicious drink and people-watching. Everything you see in the movies is true about this iconic landmark!
- Lowe Art Museum- located on the beautiful University of Miami campus, the Lowe Art Museum honors the memory of philanthropists Joe and Emily Lowe, who allowed for the Museum’s construction as a repository for the University’s growing art collection. Today, its over 36,000 square feet footprint exhibits a wide array of art and fulfills an essential role in the university students and the community's education.
- Pinecrest Gardens- the historic botanical garden is a lovely visit for families and those seeking a stroll through native Florida plants. True Miamians remember the spot as Parrot Jungle, which operated on the premises from 1936 to 2002 when it moved to a new location closer to Miami Beach. Since then, Pinecrest Gardens continues to house more than 1,000 exotic tropical plants as well as open play spaces for younger visitors.
Besides these close-by attractions, South Miami visitors and residents can explore everything the greater Miami area has to offer. There is an option for everyone from performances at the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts to a visit with the animals at Zoo Miami. Miami’s diversity is on display every day when you drive from South Miami to Coconut Grove or visit the Wynwood district. This vibrant city is ready to host the most discerning visitors and invite them to explore to their heart’s content.
Water Levels and Flooding in South Miami
South Florida is seeing increasingly worrisome trends regarding rising water levels. Although South Miami is not as susceptible as other waterfront communities, it is not uncommon for a summer storm to cause damage to some neighborhoods. When damage occurs, calling upon a professional water mitigation company is the best way to protect your home now and in the future.
At SERVPRO, we pride ourselves on our work's efficiency, which we achieve by applying the best techniques and equipment to your restoration job. Whenever water makes its way into your home, we move quickly to extract, dry, and sanitize the premises. Our team's experience and know-how help us minimize the disruption to your daily life and anticipate issues such as mold.
Many of our clients rely on SERVPRO to look into restoring specific items such as electronics and photographs. Our team has in its arsenal the techniques and equipment to handle these specialized drying needs. Sublimation and quick freeze-drying help us reverse the damage to your most valued items and return them to you for safekeeping.
SERVPRO of South Miami is here to help when you require water mitigation services. Do not hesitate to call us at (305) 269-8900 when disaster strikes and trust us to restore your home. Our team promises to work diligently until your home feels and looks “Like it never even happened.”