The first Saturday in March, will be the Redland Road Rally’s second rally event this year. This is a free event for history buffs, car enthusiasts, eco- tourists, locals and anyone who enjoys driving through the Redland, Homestead, Florida City areas of South Dade County, soaking up local history and partaking of our agricultural bounties. Like a scavenger hunt, participants pick up clues to questions at each stop to qualify to win special prizes at journeys end at Schnebly’s Winery.

The first Road Rally on January 9th was a major weather disappointment throughout the state, with rain, wind, and temperatures dropping into the low 40’s locally during the day. For those who did make the January Road Rally or tried participating in the motorized self-tour, you’ll remember what a cold and wet day it was. For all those folks, locals, car clubs and history enthusiast who didn’t make it, March 6th is the next date. For more information on signing up- go to www.redlandriot.com.
 

Robert Chaplin of RL Chaplin Photography, inc. was the instructor for a photography workshop held at the Redland Hotel in January. The subject of the workshop, Understanding and Using Your Digital Camera, covered two of the most popular types of digital cameras in use today by the general public; the point and shoot and the digital, single lens reflex cameras. People that attended the workshop brought along their own equipment so they could follow along with Chaplin’s instruction and have a better understanding of their own cameras’ technology and usage. The next photography workshop date is to be announced.

Robert Chaplin is a local professional photographer who specializes in photographic workshop expeditions into the Everglades and natural South Florida. He also is a photography instructor. For more information about Robert Chaplin Photography visit, www.rlchaplinphotography.com.
 

In December Members of the Power Squadron of Homestead got together at the historic Redland Hotel for their annual Christmas party to celebrate fellowship and holiday cheer.

Starting from the left: Leonard Hamker and his wife, America, his sister, Eleanor, John Furey, Squadron Commander, Brock Shiffer, Executive Officer, his wife Joel Ann, Ken DiMarzo, Everett Allen, Past Commander and member for over 50 years and his wife Lucille. Not pictured, photographer- Jennifer Fuery, Treasurer.

The Homestead Power Squadron offers free public boating courses for certification. Go to www.usps.org/localusps/homestead for more information.
 

The management of the Downtown Bar and Grill located within the historic Redland Hotel at 5 South Flagler Avenue announced that they are now open and serving lunch and dinner. The Downtown Bar and Grill features an extensive menu specializing in good, old-fashioned comfort food, heart smart selections, daily specials and perennial favorites like pot roast, home made soups and the best half pound Angus beef burger in town, already a local, favorite pick. The restaurant is open Monday through Friday for lunch and dinner, from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with extended grill hours on Friday to 8:00 p.m. Give us a call ahead of time and we’ll gladly prepare your lunch or dinner for pick up.

At the DB & G, you can either eat inside or dine outside on our porch for a more relaxed experience. If you are looking for a larger space for your group for lunch or dinner, inquire about our private dining room. We can cater your group meetings or special events.

The Downtown Bar and Grill also features a fully stocked bar with a wide selection of liquors, beers and wines. The Bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

In 2010, the historic Redland Hotel at 5 South Flagler Avenue will be celebrating its 106th year as Homestead’s oldest commercial building, continuously operating since 1904. Call 305-246-1904 for information regarding the restaurant, hotel or for booking holiday or special occasion parties or go to their website at www.redlandhotel.com.