Memories of old South Beach and Rene de Dios by Joe Garcia

posted by Joe Garcia
Post subject: Re: Rene de Dios the South Beach pier "Big Kahuna"
PostPosted: Mon May 02, 2011 11:56 pm

I want to thank all of you who posted this article of Rene, the last time I saw him he was working on a Ferry that takes people to Fisher Island.
Being a young buck back in those days watching Rene fish for Sharks was amazing. The original Pier had good memories. Rene who I thought his last name was Diaz, Ham, Bob the Scuba Diver, Larry, Miko, Jose Piñero, the Cabrera brothers, all those people we knew. You guys were all like family. I remember a concert we once had and people came from far but the family represented their pier. The Game Room just across the street, we had Lums, Chicken Unlimited, Gino's Pizza, and las but not least who can forget Piccalo's Restaurant being a low income kid, you had to get by with whatever you could. Knocking on the back door of the kitchen to Piccalos was a ritual. The bread rolls, and sticks were to die for, I don't think there's a restaurant out there that has been able to duplicate that taste...... The Park next to Piccalos, the hangout. Or you could just ride you skateboard to the Projects up the street as you passed the Dog Track or the Biscayne Collins Hotel. What was it called South Shore Park, or later changed to South Point. If you went to South Beach Elementary you know you stood for a Shark maybe that's what got Rene started, whatever it was you joined many people together may you rest in peace Rene, but rest a sure you legend travel on to all our friends and kids. I miss those days, but thanks guys for keeping the spirit alive. Joegarcia33012@yahoo.com look me up on Facebook and at me if you lived on the beach in those days.