BY JOHNSTON AYALA
U/Miami News Service
The tiny enclave of Virginia Gardens was born out of the love of horses.In 1947, neighboring Miami Springs passed an ordinance outlawing horses from their city limits, so about 50 citizens decided to form their own city next door.
Virginia Gardens got its name because many of the founding residents were wealthy transplants who aptly named the village after their home state. At the time of incorporation, many of the residents owned large estates, some up to five acres, where they could ride and enjoy their horses.
Though Virginia Gardens has grown a lot since then, the village still maintains its quaint, homey atmosphere with a population of 2,348. The village lies on a small parcel of land, approximately .6 square miles, tucked between Miami Springs and Miami International airport.
Virginia Gardens has its own mayor, city council and police and recreation departments. The recreation department puts on Youth Appreciation Week as well sports programs such as soccer, baseball, girl's softball, coed softball, swimming, basketball and tackle football.
Ted Hendricks, the first University of Miami player to be inducted into the National Football League's Hall of Fame is one of those who have passed through the youth program.
Virginia Gardens is located along the Miami River and enjoys a splendorous array of lush vegetation, natural beauty and tree-lined streets.
The village's beautification committee plays a large part in helping to maintain the aesthetic qualities of the village, consulting on landscaping issues, organizing preparation before hurricane season and a number of other projects aimed at keeping the village attractive.
Virginia Gardens participates in the annual River Cities Festival with Miami Springs, Hialeah and Hialeah Gardens. The village also holds a spectacular Fourth of July celebration to honor the American Veteran and celebrate democracy, highlighted by a barbecue and fireworks.
Almost half of Virginia Gardens residents are immigrants from Latin America. Last year Televisa, the world's largest producer of Spanish-language television, moved there from California.
Ex-Mayor Paul Bithorn said Televisa chose Virginia Gardens because of its prime central location.
''I can attest to fact that wherever I am headed in Dade County from Virginia Gardens I can be there within a half an hour," said Bithorn, who was born and raised there.
Bithorn also said that Virginia Gardens also has the distinction of having more flight simulators per capita than anywhere in the world.
Bithorn said that despite the world that has grown around the village, Virginia Gardens has kept its small-town feel.
"This was a great place to grow up," said Bithorn. "Virginia Gardens is the gateway to the Americas."
Village of Virginia Gardens
- Year Incorporated: 1947
- Population (2000 Census): 2,348
- Property Tax: $4.84 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Village Hall: 6498 NW 38th Terr., 305-871-6104, (fax) 305-871-1120
- Mayor: Fred Deno IV
- City Council:
Elizabeth Taylor-Martinez (president)
John Nelson
Debra A. Conover-Machado
Steven Petterson
- Council Meetings: Held on every third Thursday of the month
- Elections: Held in September during odd-numbered years
- Police Department: 305-266-0530, Chief: Roger Free
- Recreation Department: 305-871-1120
- City Clerk: Maritza Fernandez
- Website:virginiagardens-fl.gov
