South Florida - HOT & COOL

South Florida Hot & Cool

Photographs and text by Mark Magula

Miami, how do I love thee, let me count the ways. It might be more accurate to say South Florida, but, for me, at least, Miami has always been the focal point. It represents life as I like to live it. Warm/hot weather, crystalline blue water, yellow sand beaches, cerulean skies, green palms and dazzling exotic flora and fauna—even mega fauna! Alligators, crocodiles, pythons, panthers, sharks, all of those beautiful (and occasionally deadly) animals are a part of what makes Florida a one-of-a-kind place to live.

There are also world class symphony orchestras, jazz clubs, rock & roll and plenty of Hip Hop, for those who dig it (I'm not one,) but it's there, nonetheless. There is unique architecture, from Miami's distinctive take on Art Deco to post-modern architectural masterpieces. There is MIMO, better known as “Miami Modern” and quaint early twentieth century bungalows scattered in between it all, functioning like lovely historical markers that remind us of the city's not-so-distant past. Yes, there are plenty of strip malls and cookie cutter suburban neighborhoods as well, but it's South Florida at the fringes that excites the senses. From the ocean to the Everglades (that one and only magnificent river of grass) there is no place like it. It is also safe to say, there is no other place I'd want to live.

Rich, bold colors are part of Miami's unique style. Reds and yellows, oranges and pinks are just a few of the primary colors seen everywhere in the city. Multicolored tropical fauna are set off against deep blue skies and blend seamlessly with the architecture, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. In the 1950's when air-conditioning was still a rarity, Floridians built homes with walls of jalousie windows. Terrazzo, used for flooring, was another common building material. It was cool to the touch and the feet and offered a range of colors.

This is an authentic Spanish Monastery right in the heart of urban Miami. It was brought here brick by brick by a wealthy investor.

Urban Miami is a hotbed of some of the finest street art in the world. Graffiti has been elevated to place a genuine respect here, with Miami's many street artists turning what could be seen as nothing more than just another old building, into a unique, living art-form.

Florida's native population, even before the Seminoles and other indigenous groups, was the alligator. A reptile with more than 100 million years of history dating to the time of the dinosaurs. There are approximately 1.5 million gators living in Florida's waterways, ranging in size from the usual six to ten footers, to the occasional fourteen foot plus, thousand pound behemoths, which is why every Floridian knows to be cautious about where and when you swim.

This large bull alligator, somewhere in the 12 to 13 foot range, sits right at the edge of a fishing dock, waiting for a free dinner from some unsuspecting fisherman as he reels in his catch. In spite of this gator's size he was barely visible, even though he was only a few feet away. There were a number of people, both adults and children, walking just above him. Most seemed unaware of what was lurking only a few feet below.

The tropical fauna is a perfect compliment to a lifestyle of beaches and boating, with houses built around waterways that connect everything from the everglades to the ocean. Fresh and salt water fishing are blended by brackish estuaries and inhabited by some of the most exotic marine life in the world.

One of the most appealing things about Miami's architecture is the lack of a single cohesive style. Art Deco may provide the most immediately recognizable trend, but it's only one of the many stylistic approaches to design that make up the city's visual aesthetic. From the small bungalows of Coconut Grove, made from the indigenous Dade County pine, to the unique high rises on the bay built by Arquitectonica, there is very little about Miami's visual landscape that is predictable. When you add the deep blue skies and the ever present green of a diverse range of palm tress, you have a color palette of extraordinary richness. One that reflects the natural and man-made beauty that is Florida's environment.

Lummus Park, in Miami, is home to one of the few remaining artifacts of slavery left in the city. It is an authentic slave quarters and stands as a reminder of America's past, in particular, Miami's past. The park was created in 1909 when there was very little development and the city was only a few decades old. The park itself sits along side the Miami River, which historically functioned as a primary method of travel for early settlers. There were few roads connecting the various parts of the city, navigating the waterways enabled Native Americans and settlers to trade. A historic Masonic Lodge and a turn of the century Hotel are still operating amid other distinctive cultural landmarks. In the same neighborhood, nestled under a massive overpass, sits Jose Marti Park in "Little Havana" which was established following Castro's takeover of Cuba.

Beautiful Palm Beach is one of the most expensive and exclusive neighborhoods in the world. At various times it's been home to the Kennedy family, John Lennon, E.F. Hutton, William S. Burroughs, Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, Jimmy Buffett, Ann Coulter, Bernie Madoff, Butch Trucks (The drummer for the original Allman Brothers Band) and Michael Jackson. This is a short list of the rich and famous who've chosen to live there. Corporate raiders, right-wing political pundits, shock-jocks, movie stars and rock music's elites have called it home. Palm Beach gives the appearance of being a city almost lost in time. In that way, the island side of city is very different than the rest of Florida. And, it's that difference that is a part of its distinctive charm. The high cost of real estate means there's very little redevelopment or new construction. You can, however, stroll along its streets, browse its antique shops and eat in its restaurants and no one bats an eye. In spite of the old money traditions that define city, Palm Beach is friendly, with one of the best beaches in the world, parts of which are accessible to all, no matter your background.

Miami's many art districts and galleries are mixed in with industrial warehouses, restaurants, boxing gyms and upscale shops. There are gourmet food trucks, quirky boutiques and plenty of thrift stores, where hidden treasures and bargains can be had for a few dollars. If you want to experience Miami on the cheap you can dine on a delicious hot dog smothered in onions from a local vendor, while walking the streets and looking at the wonderful art on just about every building. A quick stop in a local thrift store can yield a treasure trove of jazz CD's, a classic book or two, or maybe a cool end-table for your house or apartment. All of which can cost less than a single movie ticket at your local Cineplex.

This is one of the most beautiful parks in South Florida, and its free to the public seven days a week. Just about the time you think urban sprawl has paved over everything, a place like this offers gorgeous views of Florida's natural wonders, as serene and remarkable as anything in the world.

This baby alligator basks in the sun with seemingly no fear of humans, probably because they pose no threat to them here. Alligators can't be hunted in the park, so people are curious observers only. This baby gator was completely oblivious to our presence, sleeping soundly in as idyllic environment as a baby gator is likely to find.

Mark Magula