S & J Journal

Business and civic leaders from around Miami and South Florida joined last week at the Biltmore Hotel to honor Peter Dolara for his service to the South Florida community as Vice President of American Airlines. M r. Dolara, who joined the airline in 1963, will retire handing over the Vice President post to Art Torno. American Airlines has about 9,000 employees in South Florida and more than 300 flights a day, up from just 18 flights in 1989 when Mr. Dolara took the helm. Pictured:  Art Torno, Miami International Airport Director Jose Abreu (receiving Eagle Award) and Peter Dolara.

In terms of international real estate sales, California used to be at the forefront of the market in 2007 and 2008; but in 2009 it was Florida that took the lead – and still has it. Almost one-third of international real estate bought in the U.S. in 2011 was in Florida. 30% of those deals took place in the Miami/Miami Beach/Fort Lauderdale market according to the National Association of Realtors. Residential inventory in Miami-Dade County fell from 25,769 in August 2010 to 15,405 in August 2011: in Coral Gables it fell from 746 to 506, respectively. The top five international buyer markets are Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Canada and Colombia. Condominiums continue to be the international shopper’s residence of choice accounting for more than 70% of purchases (August 2011).

Nearly one in five FL residents is over 65 years old now (U.S. Census Bureau). By 2030, one out of every four Floridians will be a senior citizen – many who will be living in So. Florida retirement communities...The Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles revoked 7,716 drivers licenses last year, compared to 3,559 in 2000. Many seniors lose driving privileges primarily due to problems related to dementia, stroke, seizures and other health conditions. Florida law allows anyone to notify the state about motorists with physical or mental conditions that might impact their driving. To get help call 850-617-2000. Read this story: " Couple Married 72 Years Dies Holding Hands": http://www.kcci.com/r/29528191/detail.html#.TqWfpGtGr-4.blogger