January 10, 2004

Miami-Dade County School Board Plays Scrooge to Members of 25-Year-Old Facility

AVENTURA, FL – While nearby shoppers at Aventura Mall purchase scarves, foot warmers and holiday blankets to ward off the chill, the members of the Croatian American Social Club, located at 21050 N. Dixie Highway, believe they’ve been left out in the cold. Appropriated and condemned by the Miami-Dade County School Board in order to build a new elementary school, the Social Club finds itself unable to purchase a replacement facility due to the low purchase price offered by Miami-Dade government officials.

“We’ve been holding events for our members, and open events for the community, for more than 25 years,” stated Don Grgas, Club secretary. “Our home was taken away from us without our consent and, to tell you the truth, we can’t afford to move into a new facility if the offer price isn’t raised.”

The Croatian American Social Club has hosted numerous special events over the years including weddings, birthday parties, concerts, dinner/dances and charity fundraisers. In addition, it serves as a home away from home for members of the Croatian American community. It will be hosting its final New Year’s Eve Gala to welcome in 2005 on December 31st. The Club, which is located on a desirable piece of property in Aventura, has retained eminent domain law firm Brigham Moore as General Counsel.

“The School Board is trying to purchase this property, in what amounts to a hostile takeover, without addressing the hardship they are causing the Croatian American community,” stated Mark Tobin, partner at Brigham Moore, Florida’s oldest and largest eminent domain and property rights defense firm. “We believe that the Social Club should be able to keep its property if the government is unable to make a fair and viable offer.”