I am not sure where to start with this column so I will go right to the bottom line: this issue of The Gazette will be the final one in PRINT. I’ve got a couple of other things on my mind that will come later.
The Gazette has been a part of this community for over 40 years and I know many of you will be disappointed that you won’t be receiving it each month, either in the your mailbox or from one of our many “outlets” all over Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, and Medley.
But I am happy to say, The Gazette will continue in a digital format and my son Brad (a.k.a. Mr. Miami Springs) will be in charge of the new website (www.rivercitiesgazette.net). And I will be a contributor to this new venture (or should I say adventure?). My other son Matthew (please don’t call him that, it is only Matt!), will be a part of it too, See Matt’s article on page 19 and look for him, along with Brad and me, to not only write on the website but to sell advertising.

Thanking all the people who have contributed to The Gazette over the years would take up more space than I have been allocated. But the two at the top of my list (after my 2 sons of course) are my editor Bill Daley (see Bill’s “goodbye” that starts on this page) and my graphic arts designer Armando Mato. Without the help of those two, none of this would have been possible. Thank you “Mondo” and “Scoop” from the Curtis Family heart and we will always be indebted to you, for putting The Gazette at the top of your priority list, right after Family.
Thanks, also, to all the writers who have given insight, humor, and perspective to the pages of The Gazette (many of whom will continue on the digital pages). And to all the advertisers over the years who have kept the Gazette afloat. And finally, to the Cities of Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, and Medley whose unending support has been the substance that has allowed us to continue to publish “your” local newspaper.
Enough already T.C.! It’s time to talk some football and what a proud moment it is going to be this Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, when Notre Dame plays the Miami Hurricanes (7:30 start time). My daughter Tammi’s son, CJ Carr,  will be the starting quarterback for the Fighting Irish. That’s right, my grandson will be at the helm of the team that is trying to beat the Hurricanes in the opening game of the season. (and if you have to ask who I’ll be rooting for, look back at my comment on the importance of Family).
Hopefully, this game will send CJ on the road to greatness, as he is only a freshman;  and maybe one day, he will join his two grandfathers (Lloyd Carr and me) in annals of the history of college football. No pressure CJ, just beat those ‘Canes (I’m sure many of you disagree with that!) and take your first step toward a great career at Notre Dame.