Mobile Workshops

South Florida is not all beaches, palm trees and flamingos. Lured here by the balmy breezes and long growing season, early settlers arrived by train and built compact streetcar-oriented cities in the early 20th century. Explosive growth created today's new Mega-Region. South Florida is now the sixth largest metropolitan area in the United States, with a complex rail, peoplemover, and bus-based transit network. In response to the area's climate, diverse population and desire for results, innovators developed neo-traditional architectural styles, form-based codes and intensive community-based "charrettes." Shaped by the bright, emerging new region, South Florida's transit-oriented developments helped this young, already-congested community improve the quality of life for residents and visitors. Tour registration is limited to two tours per person and includes additional fees. Some last-minute cancellations occur, so there may be extra mobile workshop opportunities available on site.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31

1.Everglades Eco Tour (7 hours)
Florida's "River of Grass" is the basis of the ecosystem for the entire southern half of the state. Travel by airboat back into the "Glades" and, with the supervision of an experienced guide, explore nature as you probably have never seen it! Spot rare species of animals, fish and birds as you float among the sawgrass and the cypress. On the way, hear about the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan and learn about Everglades National Park.
Wednesday, October 31, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $50.00

2. Fort Lauderdale Walking Tour (5 hours)
The Downtown Development Authority is overseeing the $7.8 million Transportation Demonstration Project, which focuses on developing a transit master plan that will provide a range of travel options within the downtown region. One of the key components of the project is a demonstration transit shuttle system that will link various destinations in the downtown to nearby parking facilities. The project also includes corridor improvements, such as streetscape amenities, including landscaping, shaded sidewalks, lighting and street furniture. In the future, a light-rail line will replace the city's trolley, making Fort Lauderdale a premiere city for living, working and visiting.
Wednesday, October 31, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

3. Coral Gables Walking Tour (4 hours)
The beautiful city of Coral Gables is one of Florida's first planned communities. The city boasts one of only three registered national landmarks in Miami-Dade County and an impressive nine properties on the National Register of Historic Places. In November 2003, Coral Gables launched a free service using environmentally friendly, hybrid-electric trolleys. Guided by representatives from the city of Coral Gables and the Historical Museum of South Florida, the tour will visit (on foot and by trolley) the Village of Merrick Park (a mixed-use, public- private partnership), the historic Miracle Mile shopping district and other historic sites within the city.
Thursday, November 1, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $50.00

4. City of South Miami Downtown Walking Tour (4 hours)
South Miami is both a small community on the Metrorail system and an exciting pedestrian area favored by University of Miami students. The city also illustrates how transit and land use can complement each other. Hear city representatives and transit planners discuss the form-based code used for its downtown area and the efforts to create a transit-oriented development ordinance. The tour includes a visit to the new upscale Shops at Sunset Place near the South Miami Metrorail Station, which helps to create a vibrant area for shopping, sidewalk cafes and entertainment.
Thursday, November 1, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

5. Florida East Coast Railway Tour (6 hours)
Although railroads helped create South Florida's coastal communities, passenger service was discontinued in the 1960s. But rampant growth has re-energized the idea of passenger service along the Florida East Coast Railway Corridor. Travel on this tour and hear about Florida's Innovative Eastward Ho! Initiative and other projects, which are being developed in anticipation of the Florida East Coast Railway's triumphant return to passenger service. Also learn about a regional partnership to conduct the South Florida East Coast Corridor Transit Analysis Study.
Thursday, November 1, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: $50.00

6. Metromover Miami Skyline Tour (4 hours)
Via the elevated, electric-powered Metromover, tour the new developments that are changing downtown Miami's famous skyline. Meet the developers who are setting the pace for change, as well as the architects who are defining Miami's cutting-edge architectural styles. Ride the Metromover and hear about Miami 21, and see "Art en Route." Also tour new condominiums and two proposed new museum sites, Bayside and the trendsetting Brickell Village riverfront development. Along the way, see the jewel of the Omni District - the breathtaking new Carnival Center for the Performing Arts.
Thursday, November 1, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

7. Renaissance of the Miami River (4 hours)
The Miami River corridor, which includes several Metrorail and Metromover stations, is being redeveloped with 3,300 new residential units and an additional 4,300 units under construction. This boat and bus tour provides a unique opportunity to experience the Miami River at work, along with the adjacent East Little Havana community. Hear the rich history of the Miami River and learn about the Miami River Greenway and the Miami River Urban Infill Project, as well as other innovative public, private and nonprofit initiatives that focus on revitalizing the riverfront.
Thursday, November 1, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

8. Metrorail Tour (5 hours)
Ride Metrorail from the Santa Clara Station, throughout downtown Miami and downtown Kendall. Learn about and experience firsthand Miami-Dade Transit's new development initiatives, its "Art in Public Places" program and Miami-Dade County's activity center and design guideline initiatives. Also see and experience the Village of Merrick Park, the Shoppes at Sunset Place, Dadeland South, the Metrorail bike path, the US 1 busway and other new development initiatives that are adjacent to, or connect with, the Metrorail Corridor.
Thursday, November 1, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2

9. Bicycle Tour of Miami Beach (4 hours)
This compelling journey will take you through 100 years of Miami Beach history, highlighting incredible architecture, famous movie locations, celebrity homes and legendary hotels. Hear how the former streetcar system and historic architecture influenced Miami Beach's development. Learn about cutting-edge pedestrian improvement projects initiated by the city of Miami Beach. Other points of interest will include South Pointe Park, Ocean Drive, the Museum District, Lincoln Road, Espanola Way and the beautiful residential neighborhoods along Pinetree Drive, LeGorce Island, Bayshore Drive and the Venetian Islands.
Friday, November 2, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $50.00

10. Miami Streetcar and Midtown Miami Mobile Workshop (4 hours)
Tour the city of Miami's streetcar route and view the newly opened Midtown Miami, a 56-acre, high-density, mixed-use transit-oriented development that is unique because of its location within an empowerment zone, a brownfield district, a community development district and a community redevelopment area. Visit other streetcar destinations along the tour and join the city's streetcar project managers, the county's economic representative and midtown Miami's designers for a discussion about how to build transit on a fast track with public-private partnerships to create livable communities.
Friday, November 2, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

11. Dadeland South Metrorail Walking Tour (4 hours)
Dadeland South, or downtown Kendall, is the southern terminus of the Metrorail line and represents a textbook example of transit-oriented development. Initiated by the local chamber of commerce, the project's planning process led to a successful, form-based code that has created a roadmap for converting an auto-intensive area into a mixed-used community along two Metrorail stations. The significance of the ordinance will be visible on this tour - as evidenced by the densities and the colonnades required for creating a pedestrian atmosphere in this tropical environment.
Friday, November 2, 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

12. Miami and Miami Beach by Water Tour (3 hours)
Take a boat around beautiful Biscayne Bay and hear the Miami-Dade Metropolitan Planning Organization discuss the issues and opportunities for developing water transport opportunities in Biscayne Bay. City of Miami representatives will speak about the development booming on Miami's islands and along the coast of Biscayne Bay. Along the way, see Miami's spectacular coastal sites, including the beautiful downtown Miami skyline, the Port of Miami, Brickell Key, Fisher Island and the celebrity- filled islands of Miami Beach, known as "Millionaire's Row."
Friday, November 2, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Cost: $75.00

13. Transit-Oriented Developments along the Busway (5 hours)
The final leg of Miami-Dade County's US 1 Busway connects the communities bordering the Florida Keys to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station. Communities along the busway have initiated transit-oriented planning for future development that complements the busway, and new zoning is in place around four of the stations. This tour will illustrate how communities are evolving along the busway, as well as the county's effort in planning ahead with the community. The workshop will also include a short walking tour to Homestead's historic downtown area.
Friday, November 2, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

14. Trains and Planes - Henry Flagler's Coach Tour (5 hours)
Travel by air-conditioned bus and learn about colorful tycoon Henry Flagler, who brought his East Coast Railway to Miami in 1896. The tour starts on Flagler Street in downtown Miami and includes a look at the location of Flagler's Florida East Coast Railway Station, Flagler's historic church, and the Art Deco Pan Am Building. Story-telling is an added bonus on this tour, as a historical expert talks about how Flagler lived and died. Follow the old Florida East Coast right-of-way south to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, where you can board a historical train and play with model railroads.
Friday, November 2, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Cost: $50.00

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3

15. Downtown West Palm Beach Walking Tour (9 hours)
Explore new retail, residential and office development in downtown West Palm Beach, adjacent to Tri-Rail's historic West Palm Beach Station. Walk through the new CityPlace Development, a large, successful publicprivate partnership. Hear representatives from the city of West Palm Beach discuss the regulatory framework that made CityPlace possible, as well as the new downtown master plan incorporating a transit-oriented development district. Learn about the challenges of implementing a transit-oriented development. Time permitting, the tour will visit Palm Beach and learn about the fascinating history of this island paradise.
Saturday, November 3, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cost: $35.00

16. Biscayne National Park Eco Tour (7 hours)
When President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a bill that led to the creation of Biscayne National Park, he protected "a rare combination of terrestrial, marine and amphibious life in a tropical setting of great natural beauty." Learn how development is balanced with the four primary ecosystems protected by the park: the mangrove forest along the mainland shoreline, the shallow southern portion of Biscayne Bay, the northernmost Florida Keys and a portion of the world's third-longest living coral reef. Sea turtles, dolphins and colorful tropical fish are just a few of the surprises you might encounter on this three-hour, glass-bottom boat trip.
Saturday, November 3, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cost: $50.00

17. Walking Tour of the Miami Beach Art Deco District (3 hours)
Miami Beach's Art Deco District exists as a virtual chameleon. Once a barrier island, the area was transformed into a coconut plantation and then into an exotic winter playground. That winter destination was destroyed by a hurricane, rebuilt as a modern city, saved by preservationists and reborn again as a cool, tropical, urban resort. Walk through the district and learn about the area's pioneers and visionaries, the former streetcar system and historic architecture that have influenced Miami Beach's development, and the cutting-edge, pedestrian improvement projects that Miami Beach has undertaken.
Saturday, November 3, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $35.00