The old saying is you can’t go home again. I don’t know. I just don’t know.
I come from a pioneering Miami family. I spent most of my career in Miami Beach as a Realtor, society editor for various local magazines, and owner of several apartment buildings.
In 2007, to be near my mother, I moved to Ocala/Marion County, purchasing Fort King Manor Apartments in Ocala’s historic district.
These days, it’s such a long drive that I seldom return to my hometown of Miami. Still, when the invitation came from my friend of 38 years, Carol Connors, I did not hesitate.
CC, as she is known to friends, is a two-time Oscar-nominated singer and songwriter, most famously known for the theme song from the movie “Rocky.” She has also received nominations for Emmys, Golden Globes and Grammys.
The occasion for her trip to South Florida from her Beverly Hills home was the East Coast premiere of her film “Elvis, Rocky & Me” at the renowned Miami Jewish Film Festival.
CC and I were houseguests at Pat Riley’s Fort Lauderdale estate. Pat owns Clientele Cosmetics and, like CC, has been a friend for many years.
The first night of my stay, we were guests at a private dinner party in Boca Raton.
Happy memories washed over me as I recalled the numerous black-tie charity functions I attended at The Boca Raton. They used to say, “Life is better in Boca.” Maybe so. Maybe so.
The next evening was spent at the premiere screening, with CC participating in a question-and-answer session. It was a glamorous and magical night that brought back memories of the many events I once attended in Miami.
But how Miami has changed.
The streets are heavily congested, and the city feels far busier than I remember. The Surf Club, where we spent so many happy hours, was demolished years ago. Nothing is quite the same.
The Miami I remember no longer exists. No, one can’t go home again — but I was still grateful for the experience and for the sparkling success of my friend, CC.
