Prime Group and Prime Commercial Developers announce the Grand Opening of the new Hampton Inn & Suites-Miami South/Homestead. The hotel is the newest addition to Homestead’s continued growth and expansion as a business and leisure destination.

Built and owned by veteran Homestead developers, Prime Group and Prime Commercial Developers and managed by Shaner Hotels, the new five-story hotel features 126 rooms and suites, conference and banquet facilities, a private board room, fitness center, business center, suite shop, guests laundry and an expanded outdoor lanai and large pool. It also showcases many of Hilton and Hampton’s innovative, expanded social spaces, wireless internet throughout and an internet cafe with laptop docking. The contemporary colors, new look and functionality is part of an industry-leading, ground-breaking project called “Make It Hampton” – that features expanded lobby, breakfast and social areas; free breakfast; upgraded guest rooms and suites; and 100% Hampton Program.

Edgardo Rodriguez, general manager of the hotel, said the new elements have been a pleasant surprise for its guests. “Business and leisure travelers alike are very receptive to the quality lodging and consistency of Hampton Inn & Suites.” Rodriguez said. “Until now, they have not had the opportunity to experience such services in the Homestead market.”

Located adjacent to the Homestead Hospital and within minutes of the Homestead/Miami Speedway, Homestead Air Reserve Base and multiple national parks and area attractions, the new hotel is strategically positioned to accommodate both business and leisure guests. Still a convenient 20 minutes from Miami or the Florida Keys, the Hampton Inn & Suites Miami –South/Homestead offers convenient access to South Florida’s renowned nightlife, shopping, dining and expansive, outdoor recreation.



James W. Harris has been elected as chairman of the Board of Directors of Baptist Health South Florida Foundation. Other officers elected by the Board are: Philip Wolman, vice chairman; Robert Gintel, treasurer; Gonzalo Sanabria, assistant treasurer; Mita Burke, secretary; and Cynthia Leesfield, assistant secretary. Each officer will serve a one-year term through September 30, 2010.

Harris is the founder of J.W. Harris & Company, a commercial land brokerage. He is a real estate and mortgage broker, and earned his master’s degree in business administration from Northwestern University in Chicago.



St. Mary’s Medical Center is proud to announce that Dr. Andrew Schneider recently raised approximately $6,000 in support of Autism Speaks, a premiere charity organization supporting high-level, global scientific research into the diagnosis, causes, treatments and potential cures of the autism spectrum disorders. Dr. Schneider personally raised the funds through his participation in the New York City (NYC) Marathon on November 1, 2009. St. Mary’s also contributed $500 to Dr. Schneider, who is the Immediate past Chief of the Division of Surgery and current Chairman of the Performance Improvement Steering Council at the hospital.



Robert Gintel has been appointed to the Mariners Hospital Board of Directors. He is also a member and vice chair of the Mariners Hospital Foundation Board and member and treasurer of the Board of Directors of Baptist Health South Florida Foundation.

Gintel formerly headed up an investment firm, Gintel and Company, and held a seat on the New York Stock Exchange. He retired five years ago and now devotes a major portion of his time and energy to philanthropic work. He was named 2008 Philanthropist of the Year for Baptist Health South Florida.



Bethesda Healthcare System is pleased to announce Alan MacGill, D.P.M., AO Fellow, as the new panel physician of the Bethesda Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine Program.

Dr. MacGill currently practices at Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists located in Boca Raton. Dr. MacGill is the Research Director of Bethesda’s new Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program, scheduled to accept its first residents in July 2010.