Miami Shoot Magazine

Zachary Devita

Cover Stories, Luxury, MSM Online, Sports

Keeping Up with Alonzo Mourning

By Zachary Devita Photography by Claudio Beier Alonzo Mourning will always be remembered as the NBA player who put himself on the map for his passion and hard work on the hardwood. During his career, he was a seven-time NBA All-Star, a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and won an NBA Championship in 2006 with the Miami Heat. When he retired in 2009 at the age of 38, his number, 33, became the only retired number in Heat history. One of the most influential figures during his time in the NBA is former Heat coach and current Team President Pat Riley. “I’m a little biased, but it has to be Pat Riley. While he’s known for his strategic coaching tactics, to his players he was a motivator but not only that, he got the best out of his players. And I think that’s a key to being a great coach, not just drawing up a great play. I think it’s about you getting your players to believe in the plan you’ve set out,” shared Alonzo. Retirement hasn’t stopped Alonzo from being involved with the NBA and the Miami Heat. “I’m the Vice President of Player Programs and Development for the Miami Heat, which consumes a lot of my time.” Beyond being involved with the Miami Heat, Alonzo has been working tirelessly with the Mourning Family Foundation, which he established in 1997. The mission of the charity is to help the development of children and families living in at-risk situations and providing support and services that will enhance their lives. “There’s a hole that needs to be filled as it pertains to all the obstacles that young people are trying to overcome. We just have to accept responsibility and understand that what it really comes down to is helping young people accomplish their goals.” Alonzo has also partnered with the Warren Henry Auto Group to benefit his non-profit organizations. Some of these special events included sponsoring a donation drive to assist in collecting toys, gifts, and donations that were gifted to students of the Toys for Tots program, in which Warren Henry Auto Group has participated in for several years. They also assisted in the Back to School Drive, which involved being a location point that collected school supplies for children in need. Although retirement keeps him busy, Alonzo still misses some nuances and parts of the game. “I miss the comradery more than anything. The playoffs were something that I used to look forward to and I loved to compete at that level. But the long and short of it, I miss the competitiveness and being around my teammates.” For now, Alonzo continues to build his strong relationship with the community around him and push the young players on the Miami Heat for a bright future for not only themselves, but for the team as well. For more information, please visit www.mourningfamilyfoundation.org & www.warrenhenryauto.com

Events, Luxury, MSM Online

Ride2Revive

By Zachary Devita The Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach hosted a day of thrills, smiles and a lot of luxury cars. Established by Brett and Brooke David, owners of Prestige Imports, the third annual Ride2Revive event gave terminally ill children and their parents a fantastic day of top speeds in such vehicles as A7 Audi’s, Lamborghinis and Maserati’s. For Brooke, it’s more than just driving a child in a luxury car, “Seeing these kids light up for the cars and to let them feel the wind in their hair, it shows how important it is to give back.” Prestige Imports partnered with such organizations as the Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital, Chai Lifeline and the MYWISH4U Foundation which brought kids all the way from Israel to experience this wonderful event. With looks of sheer joy and the ability to make these kids’ dreams come true, Ride2Revive is more than just a day out for them, but one that will stay in their memories forever. For more information, please visit www.ride2revive.org

Entertainment, Health & Fitness, MSM Online, Sports, The Issue

Shane Battier: Taking Charge

By Zachary Devita Photography by Aldo Arguello Former Miami Heat player Shane Battier and his wife, Heidi, established the Battier Take Charge Foundation around six years ago and have been an integral and popular part of the Miami and Coral Gables community. “I’m a proud Miamian. I live here locally in Coral Gables and we’ve established roots here. This is home, so, I think it’s the responsibility of not just me, but everybody, to be a part of their community. To do what they can to make it better.” The Battier Take Charge Foundation mission revolves around helping troubled youth by providing the necessary tools and resources to gain a good education and develop into effective leaders in society. “When I made it to the NBA, when I made it big, I felt like it was my duty to be able to afford access and opportunity to those who needed it. We are providing a great opportunity to unlock these kids’ dreams through the power of a college education.” The foundation has graduated three kids to this point, and hold another 15 within the program and have placed them all over the country. Last month, Shane hosted the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Village of Merrick Park in cooperation with the Battier Take Charge Foundation. When asked about the Christmas Wonderland the Village put on, Shane said, “This is a fun celebratory event…when I was asked to lead the tree lighting celebration, I took it as a huge honor!” Shane’s illustrious basketball career spans back from winning a college national championship at Duke as well as Naismith College Player of the Year back in 2001 and culminated when he won back-to-back championships with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013. The key to his success? His parents. “They were instrumental in helping me develop into the person I am today. They instilled in me a sense of gratitude, community and an unbelievable work ethic. There’s no question I wouldn’t be here without their guidance.” Although Shane has been retired for over a year now, there are still things about the game of basketball he misses. “I miss the subtle battles in a game. The in-game adjustments you have to make against Kevin Durant, or Carmelo Anthony or some of the greatest players in the world. The small battles that really are never picked on television, that you know that you’ve won or you’ve lost in the heat of it all.” While the small battles may be over, Shane hasn’t shied away from the world of sports in retirement. “As an old retired player now I’ve taken up golf. I’m merely a single digit handicapper and so I’ve worked really hard on that. I’m improving and it’s been a fun journey.” Along with golf, Shane has put a strong focus on the foundation and expanding its efforts and events in and beyond South Florida. “Everyone in Miami knows about the success of Battier-oke. That’s been a lot of fun to bring down here and we’ve had a huge level of support for that. We’re looking to grow as a foundation, looking to add programming, looking to add more kids. There are a lot of great kids in our county and in South Florida that just need the access, need examples and need to be told, hey, someone cares about you.” As of right now the foundation is up to standards according to Shane, but their work is never done and they are looking to add more within the community. Despite the fame and the fortune that comes with a career like his, Shane remains humble, always willing to help those around him. This remains evident when asked what piece of advice he would give to future basketball players who want a career similar to his. “Learn to love to work. If you enjoy the work, then you’ll have no problem putting in the extra time it takes to make yourself a great basketball player and unlock your full potential.” It’s no surprise that Shane loved his work on the court, but it’s his work off the court that will continue his legacy for years to come. For more information on the Battier Take Charge Foundation, please visit www.takechargefoundation.org Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online, The Issue

Preview of the 2016 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show

By Zachary Devita Photography Courtesy of Miami Boat Show Known as one of the top boat shows in the world, the Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show hosts its 75th anniversary on February 11-15, 2016. Not only is this the optimal winter location to find the best in boating, but the show has moved to the renowned Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin. This new location is just minutes from downtown Miami and allows visitors to see thousands of new boats, accessories and enjoy the full experience of life on the water. The guests can board and view more than 1,200 boats, from luxury yachts to high-speed performance boats and also take a free water taxi or shuttle bus to a second location. The second location, at Miamarina at Bayside and sailor’s paradise, features the newest sailing gear of 2015, dozens of daily seminars and more than 100 sailboats. Some of the highlights and improvements to the show include enhanced entertainment activities, which will hold state of the art air-conditioned tents for the boats and the latest boating technology, as well as boat demonstrations and sea trials for the real shoppers. Guests can also be a part of on-the-water power boating and sailing workshops along with kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, all while viewing the beautiful downtown Miami skyline. Lastly, the show will provide a full wine and dine experience, including a Beer Garden and even a place for kids to enjoy food as well. With the 75th anniversary, the boat show will feature three famous South Florida boats including the Pilar, a replica of Ernest Hemingway’s famous boat which influenced several of his books, like The Old Man and the Sea. The second boat is the original speedboat from the Miami Vice TV show. The last boat is the Carol Suzanne, one of the most prominent racing boats of the Miami Marine Stadium. To find out more information about the boat show including hours, transportation, admission and accommodations, visit www.miamiboatshow.com Click here to view this post in the MSM January/February 2016 digital issue

Events, LIFESTYLE, MSM Online

Village of Merrick Park Kicked off Christmas with Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Zachary Devita Illuminated with colorful bulbs, children wearing reindeer antlers and the echoing sounds of holiday music, the Village of Merrick Park kicked off Christmas in South Florida with their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Hosted by former Miami Heat player Shane Battier and the Battier Take Charge Foundation, the night included performances by Coral Gables Senior High School, the Miami Royal Ballet and even a special visit from jolly old Saint Nick. Shane and his wife, Heidi, established the Battier Take Charge Foundation around six years ago and have been an integral and popular part of the Miami and Coral Gables community. “I’m a proud Miamian. I live here locally in Coral Gables and we’ve established roots here. This is home, so, I think it’s the responsibility of not just me, but everybody, to be a part of their community. To do what they can to make it better,” shares the former Heat player. When asked about the Christmas Wonderland the Village put on, Shane said, “This is a fun celebratory event…when I was asked to lead the tree lighting celebration, I took it as a huge honor!” The Battier Take Charge Foundation mission revolves around helping troubled youth by providing the necessary tools and resources to gain a good education and develop into effective leaders in society. “When I made it to the NBA, when I made it big, I felt like it was my duty to be able to afford access and opportunity to those who needed it.” This is just one of the many events the foundation is spearheading. Throughout the event, the crowd was able to see glimpses of the different outlets Merrick Park has to offer. The shopping center is home to such names as Crate & Barrel, Nordstrom and one of Coral Gables best restaurants Yardhouse. Despite the fact that the temperature was in the upper 80s, the atmosphere resembled that of any child’s North Pole. For more information on the Battier Take Charge Foundation, please visit www.takechargefoundation.org For more information on the Village of Merrick Park, please visit www.shopsatmerrickpark.com

LIFESTYLE, Luxury, MSM Online

2016 Miami International Boat Show Announces New Transportation Plan

By Zachary Devita With a move to the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (or NMMA) begins to prepare for the 2016 Progressive Insurance Miami International Boat Show. At the top of their preparations is the planning for parking, traffic and transportation. To accommodate the boat show’s guests and exhibitors, the NMMA, along with the City of Miami, has created a plan that spans from water taxis (which can transport up to 25,000 people to the event each day) to VIP and valet parking while strategically placing abundant public parking options throughout Miami and on Virginia Key. Furthermore, to ensure that the parking plan is full proof, the City of Miami hired Kimley Horn, a third party consultant, in order to provide a traffic study on the Rickenbacker Causeway. The study incorporates the importance of the Rickenbacker Causeway by minimizing the boat show’s effect on traffic, establishing an efficient transportation system that will help everyone throughout the five day-event. The plan was presented by the NMMA with the City of Miami to the Village of Key Biscayne. Top priorities of the plan includes: 10,000 parking spaces in downtown Miami, shuttle and water taxi services directly to the exhibition and water taxi or shuttle service to attendees who purchase tickets online in advance. “Transportation is a critical component of building a successful new show,” said Thom Dammrich, President of the NMMA. “As a result, we have created one of the most efficient transportation plans ever undertaken by NMMA.” The NMMA, as well as the City of Miami, will keep building and improving transportation in the future. The boat show will take place from February 11-15, 2016.  For more information, please visit miamisboatshow.com

Living, MSM Online, Real Estate

Miami Real Estyle – Historic Sale for the Sunset Islands

By Zachary Devita Gal Erlichman is no stranger to big real-estate deals, and this month the founder and director of the Homeberry Group, a boutique real estate agency, added another innovative deal to that list. Erlichman closed 2830 Lucerne Avenue located on the Sunset Islands for $4.7 million.  This sale could prove to be historic as Erlichman sold the estate for 30% higher than the highest price per square ever paid on Sunset Islands. Only minutes from South Beach, this gated residence holds a pool, multiple lavish guest suites and a private second floor master with its own walk-in dressing room. Furthermore, it comes with a top notch security system that ensures ultimate privacy to the residents.  Originally built by Carlos Schoeppl, it was recently renovated and restored in 2014 by its previous owner. “After looking at numerous overpriced and under restored homes, this turnkey listing…was an immediate winner for my European client,” said Erlichman about the estate. He also stated that his client “was willing to pay top dollar for its prime location, modern updates, sophisticated details…and unusual unobstructed sunset views.”  The Sunset Islands are on the rise and their prices have gone up a moderate 13.46% this past year. The median listing prices of these four luxurious residential islands come in at $2.95 million and all but one of the islands offers direct access to the city, with Alton Road just five minutes away.  Erlichman’s sale could prove to be a very important turning point for the Sunset Islands and for those looking to live in a lavish community that is close to downtown Miami, look no further, just get in contact with the Homeberry Group.

Scroll to Top