Latest news with #Aventura
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DONALD M. SOFFER, VISIONARY DEVELOPER, PHILANTHROPIST, AND FAMILY PATRIARCH, PASSES AWAY AT 92
Link here for image AVENTURA, Fla., July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Donald M. Soffer, the founder of Aventura, visionary behind some of South Florida's most iconic developments, patriarch, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, died peacefully on Sunday, July 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at his home in Aventura, Florida. He was 92. Born on September 20, 1932, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, Don inherited a tireless work ethic forged in steel towns and family businesses, teaching him the values of discipline, determination, and loyalty. He attended Brandeis University on a football scholarship, graduating in 1955 with a degree in economics. Though he was presented with the opportunity to pursue a professional football career for the San Francisco 49ers, he chose instead to serve in the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division, today known as the "Screaming Eagles." Recognizing the need for thriving suburban communities to support veterans and their families, Don returned home to work alongside his father Harry, and quickly established himself as a young developer with vision. Their firm played a pivotal role in shaping Pittsburgh's postwar landscape, with early developments such as South Hills Village and One Oxford Centre helping to transform the region. Among his most notable early achievements was the Monroeville Mall—a 1.1 million-square-foot retail destination that became both a commercial success and a cultural landmark. Don then shifted his gaze away from Pittsburgh commercial retail to South Florida, where he would vacation to golf, boat, and swim in the ocean. In the late 1960s, Don made the boldest move of his young career, leading the purchase of 785 acres of overlooked swampland north of Miami. Land his father Harry identified, where others saw only marsh, Don saw opportunity. He famously sketched his plans for the luxury community he would ultimately name Aventura on the back of a cocktail napkin. Through Turnberry Associates, the company he founded to realize that vision, Don master-planned a city centered around a golf course, positioning high-rise residences to overlook the greens and foster a sense of community. The transformation from swampland to a planned city required multiple levels of government approval and Don met with heavy resistance from controlled growth advocates and environmental activists. Through a friend, Don had a five-minute meeting with then Florida Governor Claude Roy Kirk in Tallahassee. As Don often told the story, he convinced Governor Kirk that the idea to employ 4,000 people in a $100 million construction project – one that would create a modern city where 100,000 people would visit daily – was actually Kirk's own. That way, Kirk could pitch it to his cabinet and take full credit. That salesmanship sealed the deal. In 1969, Metro-Dade County approved Don's ambitious 23,900 condominium unit master plan. Aventura became a hub for a growing community that evolved to include numerous luxury towers with almost 25,000 residences, private clubs, tennis courts, marinas, and vibrant entertainment and social spaces. Don's eye for marketing was as sharp as his eye for design; by hosting pro-celebrity tennis and golf tournaments that attracted numerous stars of the era, he generated buzz and built demand for luxury condos in a market many believed couldn't support them. In 1983, Don secured the first Macy's outside of New York with the opening of the Aventura Mall, which is now recognized today as one of the most successful malls in the country. The mall's success was enhanced by Don's intuitive understanding of the zeitgeist and innovative approach to multilevel design, including a two-story parking facility that provided easier access to both levels. Don lived and breathed the community he created. A passionate outdoorsman who loved fishing, boating, and camping with his children, he wanted his family – and everyone who called Aventura home – to feel connected to nature, to their neighbors, and to a sense of place. Today, Aventura stands as one of the most desirable and successful communities in South Florida and a lasting reflection of Don Soffer's vision, heart, and belief in what a place could become. When the city incorporated in 1995, it proudly adopted the name Don had chosen: Aventura. Don's laughter, sharp wit, and distinctive style were as renowned as his business achievements. He had a gift for making everyone feel valued, especially his family, whom he considered his greatest achievement. Don is survived by his wife, Michelle King Soffer; sister, Rita; children, Marsha, Jackie, Jeffrey, Brooke, Rock, and Abigail; grandchildren, Izak, Max, Lauren, Harrison, Madison, Benjamin, Summer, Jacob, Logan, Katie, Oliver, April, and Charlotte; and great-granddaughter, Maya. He was predeceased by his daughter Jill. Don instilled in them the values he lived by: work hard, think long-term, show up, and treat people well who are loyal to you. A generous and humble philanthropist, Don supported causes that reflected his values – education, healthcare, faith, and community. A proud Brandeis alumnus, he was steadfast in his support for future students at the university. He was a major supporter of the University of Miami and Mount Sinai Medical Center, and helped launch the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center in honor of his parents, Ida and Harry. His legacy lives on through institutions like the Don Soffer Aventura High School and the Don Soffer Clinical Research Center. Don also focused his philanthropic efforts internationally, helping to build a home and strengthen the community at the New Hope orphanage in Haiti. His support extended to organizations including City of Hope, Best Buddies, Breast Cancer Initiative, and the Humane Society of Greater Miami. Don received the Simon Wiesenthal Center Humanitarian Award in 2024. Brandeis University gave him an honorary doctorate in 2023, the Alumni Achievement Award in 2019, and he was inducted into the Brandeis Athletics Hall of Fame in 2009. The Don Soffer Aventura High School, a tuition-free charter school, was named after Soffer in 2019 in tribute to his legacy in the local community. Donald Soffer built more than landmark destinations during his lifetime; he built a legacy defined by vision, generosity, and impact. He will be forever remembered by the communities he created, the lives he touched, and his family which continues to build on the foundation he laid. To honor Don's lifelong commitment to giving back, those who wish to continue his legacy of philanthropy may do so by making a contribution in his memory. Donations may benefit either the Humane Society of Greater Miami or New Hope 4 Haiti and can be made by following this LINK ( Media contact: To contact the family, please reach out to both Susan Ainsworth, susan@ & Amy Rossetti, pr@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The Family of Donald M. Soffer
TimesLIVE
7 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
More powerful VW Amarok and Golf GTI to make SA debut soon
Volkswagen has confirmed it will use the coming Festival of Motoring at Kyalami on August 29-31 to announce a new engine derivative for its Amarok double cab bakkie range and one other new model. The hotter Amarok, powered by a 2.3 l turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, was announced in 2022 when the rest of the range debuted in this market. The new motor is a more performance-orientated unit developing 222kW, a higher output than the 184kW produced by the now range-topping 3.0 V6 turbodiesel powering the Amarok Panamericana and Aventura models. VWSA says its local launch is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025, but the company could not be drawn on pricing and other details, saying more details will be shared closer to the launch. The new Amarok will not be the only topic at VW's stand, though. With the launch of the new Tayron SUV imminent, the replacement of the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace will be available for viewing, including the new Crafter commercial range to be launched in September. VWSA says visitors to its stand will also be treated to the reveal of another exciting new model, the facelifted Mk8 Golf GTI, colloquially known as the 8.5. The updated 195kW GTI we drove in Wolfsburg, Germany, a few months ago was not part of the market introduction of the new enhancements earlier in the year, with only the 1.4 TSI models going on sale. Any hopes that locals would see the new Tengo compact crossover, which is to be built at VW's plant in Kariega, at the show were dashed. The company says it'll show up next year, despite upgrades to prepare for its assembly in Gqeberha having been completed.
The Citizen
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Report: Petrol engine Volkswagen Amarok here before year-end
Long delayed EcoBoost powered Amarok will join the Toyota Hilux 2.7 as the only other mainstream petrol bakkie in South Africa. As in Australia, the petrol Amarok bound for South Africa will likely only be offered in depicted Aventura spec. Image: Volkswagen Volkswagen's on-again, off-again petrol-engine Amarok has finally been given approval for South Africa from the fourth quarter of this year. Prolonged delayed Supposed to have made landfall in the second quarter of last year, the petrol, which uses the same 2.3 EcoBoost engine as the North American-spec Ford Ranger, went on permanent hiatus for reasons not divulged. ALSO READ: Report: Volkswagen puts a market hold on petrol-powered Amarok At the time, a Volkswagen Group Africa spokesperson told CAR Magazine, 'we have decided to put this engine on hold. We believe the current variants of our existing engines are suitable for our market'. According to the latest report by the publication, the colloquially known 222 kW Amarok, which as recently as Wolfsburg's local annual product Indaba in February still received the thumbs down, will now debut in the mentioned quarter as an alternative to the 3.0-litre Lion V6 turbodiesel. What to expect? Besides specialist bakkie such as the Ford Ranger Raptor, Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Land Cruiser 79, it will in effect become the only other mainstream petrol bakkie in South Africa along with the Toyota Hilux 2.7. A smash-hit success in Australia, despite only one variant being available in flagship Aventura guise, the officially tilted Amarok TSI 452 – made alongside the Ranger at the Silverton Plant outside Pretoria and nowhere else – produces 222 kW, an uptake of 22 kW on the Stateside Ranger, and, as per its nomenclature, 452 Nm of torque. As with the V6, power is routed to all four wheels through the Ford and General Motors co-developed 10-speed automatic gearbox. Supposed price The most powerful but unsurprisingly least torquiest Amarok Down Under, the TSI 452 retails from $79 900, which, without the various taxes included, amounts to a directly converted R933 919. A $3 000 (R35 065) credit over the comparative V6 Aventura, the petrol could potentially adopt the same line-up structure by being positioned between it and the more off-road focused PanAmericana. At present, the former starts at R1 252 600 and the latter at R1 190 900, suggesting the petrol as possibly retailing from around R1.2-million. For the moment, this is purely speculative and while final specification will mostly likely be identical to the V6, expect a clearer picture to only emerge closer to its eventual market reveal. Additional information from NOW READ: Work-ready Volkswagen Polo Vivo returns alongside facelift Crafter
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Who is Amanda Anisimova? 23-year-old American set to face Iga Świątek in Wimbledon final
American tennis player Amanda Anisimova is headed to the Wimbledon women's singles finals after upsetting No. 1 contender Aryna Sabalenka in three sets on Thursday. In their semifinal matchup at the legendary Center Court, the pair scrapped to three, hard-fought 6-4 sets for the 23-year-old to overcome and secure a spot in the championship match. Anisimova put Sabalenka on notice by winning the first set. Despite dropping the second, Anisimova kept her composure through the third and cruised toward winning the match. Ahead of Anisimova's title effort against Iga Świątek, here is what we know about the No. 12-ranked player in the world. Advertisement Hailing from Aventura, Florida, Anisimova is no stranger to upsetting the greats. As a junior, she wrapped up her amateur career with a 6-0, 6-2 win over Coco Gauff in girls' singles at the US Open before turning pro. Anisimova had a career-high ITF junior ranking of No. 2 in 2016 and was part of the United States squad that won the Junior Fed Cup the following year. Anisimova made her professional debut by competing in the 2016 US Open qualifiers as a wild card at the age of 14, winning her first of three singles titles in 2019 at the Copa Colsanitas. Anisimova followed it up with wins at the 2022 Melbourne Summer Set 2 and the 2025 Qatar Total Energies Open. She took a break from tennis in May 2023 due to mental health concerns and burnout. Anisimova returned at the beginning of the 2024 season and showed no regret over her vulnerability. Advertisement "I feel like just me being honest and vulnerable about a topic that might be a bit stigmatized in a way, I think that was super important, and for other people to have a different outlook or perspective on, you can struggle with your mental health," Anisimova said, per Tennis World. "It's just as important as your physical health. Especially when it comes to sports and pursuing this as a career. The lifestyle can be different if you don't find that right balance. It can get lonely at times." Her upcoming match is Anisimova's best campaign at a Grand Slam tournament to date, surpassing her previous best performance — a semifinal appearance at the French Open in 2019. At Wimbledon, she incurred a third-round exit in 2024 and a quarterfinal loss in 2022 after beating Gauff in the third round. She has also reached the fourth round of the Australian Open on three occasions, including 2019, 2022 and 2024. Anisimova holds a singles record of 184–109 and a 4-8 doubles record. She is facing Świątek after wins over Renata Zarazúa, Dalma Gálfi, Linda Nosková, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Sabalenka so far in the tournament. Anisimova's impressive run makes her the first American to compete in the Wimbledon ladies' singles final since Serena Williams in 2019, and the youngest American to accomplish the feat since ... you guessed it — Serena Williams — in 2004.
Miami Herald
25-06-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
17 new stores and restaurants are coming to Aventura. Where are they all going?
Are there growth hormones on the land where competing malls Aventura and Esplanade operate? The two shopping and dining complexes, with no love between them, are growing — apart. Aventura Mall, Florida's largest, has been a success since opening in 1983. The mall, recently voted the best in the U.S., is still opening new attractions and shops, like the new Eataly Italian marketplace. MORE: Why Aventura Mall in Miami thrives and its formula for success Esplanade at Aventura, which includes restaurants STK Steakhouse and Joey, and a Lego Store that left the Aventura Mall next door, recently signed 17 new tenant leases — and the shops, boutiques and restaurants plan to open through 2025. The newcomers will slot into 54,768 square feet of new space. The open-air Esplanade was originally a 12.3-acre plot that housed a Sears, a Sears Auto Center and their parking lots adjacent to Aventura Mall. After the Sears was torn down in 2017, Esplanade rose on the site, and opened next to the Aventura Mall in 2023. The independently owned Esplanade is not affiliated with the more established mall next door. But the upstart complex, and its 40 or so shops and restaurants, is surrounded by the same perimeter road as the bigger Aventura Mall, just east of Biscayne Boulevard and 195th Street. Despite being adjacent neighbors, the malls don't give shoppers access from one complex to the other. You want to spend a day at both? Neither mall makes it easy. Step outside of one, go into the sprawling parking lots, and slip into separate entrances. Think of the malls as two megabucks, divorced parents, neither of whom wants to give up their living space, so they just build up and out around each other and try and pretend the other's not there. Esplanade newcomers Here's a look at the shopping and dining venues coming to the Esplanade space through 2025 and into 2026, 'an exciting new chapter for us,' said Eric Dinenberg, chief operating officer of Seritage Growth Properties, the parent company for Esplanade. ▪ Tremble: A 1,600-square-foot fitness studio opened in June. Strength training, cardio and Pilates. This location is the 16th in Florida with others in Coral Gables, South Miami, Pinecrest, Midtown, Brickell and Fort Lauderdale. ▪ Hästens (July): Hästens, a Swedish luxury bed manufacturer, expands its presence in South Florida with its third local store, joining ones in Miami's Design District and West Palm Beach. ▪ Next Health (fall): Healthcare and wellness chain in a 2,453-square-foot space. ▪ Salt & Straw (fall): A 1,065-square-foot ice cream scoop shop. Flavors include Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons; Salted, Malted, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Freckled Mint Chocolate Chip. ▪ Pura Vida Miami (fall): Pura Vida Miami, born in South Beach in 2012 and with a newly opened Coconut Grove wellness-themed restaurant and a nearby hub at the mixed-use Aventura Park Square development that opened in 2021, the newcomer in Aventura is 3,949 square feet. Menu features all-day breakfast menu, açai bowls, cold-pressed juices, sandwiches, wraps, salads. 'Our expansion to Esplanade at Aventura reflects our deep commitment to this vibrant community,' said Omer Horev, CEO and founder. 'Our concept aligns with the area's family-friendly, wellness-focused lifestyle.' ▪ Anatomy Fitness (late 2025): A 25,482-square-foot luxury wellness space. Recovery amenities include infrared saunas, hot and cold plunges and eucalyptus steam rooms. ▪ Wairua Beauty (fall 2025): A luxury skin care boutique joins its Miami Beach kin that opened in 2023. ▪ Lola + The Boys (late 2025): Children's clothing in a 1,425-square-foot boutique. ▪ 7th Avenue (late 2025): Indoor and outdoor sectionals, loveseats, armchairs, daybeds. ▪ Feulard (spring 2026): A hair artistry and skincare salon in 1,801 square feet. Also coming: A 2,800-square-foot Starbucks cafe (fall); The Keyes Company real estate firm (late 2025); a Bank of America branch (summer). Also opened: The Salty doughnut and coffee shop; If So women and girls 7 and older clothing; Chip City cookies; The Shade Store custom window treatments.
