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Village of Pinecrest – A Glimpse Back In Time

August 20, 2010

P R O P E R T Y   S E A R C H

R E S T I V O – H E C H T M A N    T E A M

 

Antony’s Pizza may be a new local Pinecrest landmark …

but during the construction of the Overseas Railroad down to the Florida Keys in the 1900’s,  railroad tycoon Henry Flagler used the corner of  US 1 and 102 Street as his staging area (pretty much same spot where Anthony’s Pizza is now). 

Pinecrest has changed over the years…  

 

“Pinecrest” became fairly well known 1930’s.  Parrot Jungle and Gardens  (which relocated recently to Watson Island… just over the bridge as you head toward Miami Beach) was among the first tourist attractions.  Winston Churchill visited the 20 acre Parrot Jungle,founded by Franz and Louise Scherr in 1936 .  

Once Parrot Jungle, it is now Pinecrest Gardens, with only a few wild parrots remaining .  The gardens are open to the public for community events, art shows, weddings, botanical exploration,trails, paths and gardens.  Adjacent to it is a public library … with grounds, and a community center, classes and activities, and a statue by Romero Britto.   Years ago,  Pinecrest was also home to the Miami Serpentarium, which lured tourists in by the droves (and which you can link to, above).

Ranch-style construction in the 50’s and 60’s in Pinecrest’s  avocado and mango orchards… offered acreage to homebuyers.  Unlike other areas of South Florida where land was (and still is )very much  at a premium,  Pinecrest homes provided a buffer zone between one house and the neighbor.   With a  rural residential character and “A-Rated” public schools, Pinecrest  attracted families  relocating to Miami …   Today nearly 20,000  residents live in Pinecrest: in an eight square mile radius,  20 minutes south of Miami International Airport and Downtown Miami.

Evelyn Langlieb Greer and Gary Matzner  incorporated the “village”  in  March, 1996.  Greer became the first mayor (and served for two terms).  Matzner followed in 2004.  Peter G. Lombardi, Pinecrest’s  founding Village council and Village Manager began adding municipal services (police, parks and recreation, building and planning services and public works).   From the railroad …  to parrots … snakes  …  and Realtors …. 

Whether you are moving to Miami, or considering selling a property here,  please don’t hesitate to give us a call or contact us here.  We look forward to making your move a good one!

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