The updated draft was forwarded via e-mail. Here is the blog post relating to the updates for Friday, July 13, 2018.

I received the updated proposed code revisions and immediately forwarded them via an e-mail blast was provided immediately upon receipt from the Manager.

Reminder about the meetings I have set for this Friday. 

There are multiple opportunities for interested members of our community to view and participate.

2:00 PM - as my guest and co-participant in my official briefing, and

7:00 PM Presentation to the Council / Public by the Dover Kohl Group

Dear Fellow Palmetto Bay Resident,

I apologize for the second e-mail blast in a single day, but the revised proposed revisions to the DUV Code by Dover Kohl was provided after my mid-day e-blast release. I want to do my part to get these materials to you as early as possible for those who are planning on participating.

Significant work goes on between meetings. 

I am pleased that additional efforts and communications have resulted in the updated draft of the proposed Downtown Urban Village Code Revisions 

I remain proud in setting a standard for public participation.  I have been consistent and once again invite everyone to listen in/participate in my official briefing/meeting with the Dover Kohl Group, prior to the public meeting. This is my final reminder that this official meeting will take place at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 13th. Other separate meetings are set that same day with the other Village Council Members. The general meeting is set for early evening, 7:00 PM, the same date, July 13.

ACCESSING THE UPDATES REPORTS - the following items were placed in my dropbox - there are three files (pages 1-30, 31-60 & 61-92) as listed below:

30-50.23   Downtown District (Downtown District pages 1-30)

30-50.23.4 Development Standards (Downtown District pages 31-60)

Downtown District - (Downtown District pages 61- 92)

As always, I am available to discuss this and any other matters with you.  eflinn@palmettobay-fl. gov or 305-302-3713.  

Please review prior blog article updates relating to the downtown Code:

• June 28, 2018, Dover Kohl Group's suggested changes to the DUV have been released to Village Council.
• July 19, 2017, Here are the recommendations made by Dover Kohl & Partners, Marcela Camblor & Associates regarding the Palmetto Bay DUV - updated to add new links to the report and powerpoint presentation.
• November 22, 2017, Reminder - FT&I Charrette documents remain available on line.

Thank you for your interest.  I look forward to the public dialogue on this DUV revisions.  Join me.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Updated IBus Park & Ride Express numbers - Week of July 2 - 6, 2018 - 131 trips total

I am presenting the weekly ridership numbers relating to both the IBus Express Park & Ride as well as regular routes.  This was a short holiday week where we celebrated Independence Day. The IBus operated only 4 of the 5 days.

The numbers are for the week of  July 2, 2018 – July 6, 2018: 131 rides total.

Week of July 2 - 6, 2018

AM                         66
PM                         44
Regular route:        21
Total - all routes:  131

How does this compare to prior weeks? (Weekly totals):

Week of June 11, - 15, 2018

AM                        141
PM                          97
Regular route:        14
Total - all routes:  252

Week of June 18, - 22, 2018

AM                         76
PM                         79
Regular route:        29
Total - all routes:  184

Week of June 25, - 29, 2018

AM                        100
PM                         73
Regular route:        32
Total - all routes:  205

Please CLICK HERE to view prior blog posts relating to the IBus & IBus Express

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Rumor Control Hot Line - Yes, there is a County proposal to increase density along the Transitway. It is not moving forward at this time. It is on our Village Watch List.

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This is a Miami-Dade County proposal.  This is not endorsed or encouraged by any member of the Palmetto Bay Village Council.  This item is on our watch list.  Again, this is a proposal that may be considered by Miami-Dade County.

Click on the photo to view it in an enlarged view.

The Chart lists both PRESENT densities as well as PROPOSED densities in the defined county areas: (And note, both the present and proposed densities are significantly higher than those within the Village of Palmetto Bay):

Core : This is an area defined as existing within a half-mile radius from a Transit Station.

Center : Area that lies within 1/2 mile from the Transitway, irrespective of how far from a Transit Station.

Edge : Areas that are the next 1/2 mile from the center - a total of 1 mile out from the Transitway, irrespective of how far from a Transit Station.

As your mayor, I will continue to monitor and fight any adverse impact to our village, regardless of whether the County tries to preempt our local zoning or simply up zones the surrounding unincorporated area.  Either way, this proposed upzoning will create significant cut through traffic for Palmetto Bay, especially where the transit is insufficient to manage 

Independence Day - celebrated in the Village of Parks Day events I - III

July 4th holiday was celebrated in Palmetto Bay. Here are some photos that document some of the very festive day.  It started early.

Morning gathering:

 Mangowood:

 American Legion:

SMART Poll Shows Palmetto Bay and Surrounding Cites Want Rail or Tax Repeal if Buses Win Out

The following is from an official Village of Palmetto Bay media release:

Palmetto Bay, FL (July 7, 2018) - South Miami-Dade residents have spoken. The results are overwhelmingly in favor of rail as the preferred mode of mass transit along the 20-mile South Dade Busway. Don't let the consultants highly misleading numbers fool you. Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has called for a vote on the matter July 19th. Here are the numbers from a recent poll that was taken regarding rail v BRT (Bus Rapid Transit). This poll was developed to gauge real voter sentiment after misleading numbers. State Rep. Kionne McGhee, former Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell and Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn, along with the Councils of Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay have continuously endorsed rail as the only viable solution..   The poll was conducted via telephone: Palmetto Bay: 82% responded yes, the County did not keep their promise on the 1/2 Cent sales tax 83% Indicated that they want rail 74%  Would support repeal of the 1/2 cent transportation sales tax in the event we do not get rail. Cutler Bay: 70% responded yes, the County did not keep their promise on the 1/2 Cent sales tax 77% Indicated that they want rail 75% Would support repeal of the 1/2 cent transportation sales tax in the event we do not get rail. City of Homestead: 60% responded yes, the County did not keep their promise on the 1/2 Cent sales tax 69% Indicated that they want rail 56% Would support repeal of the 1/2 cent transportation sales tax in the event we do not get rail. Florida City: 47% responded yes, the County did not keep their promis on the 1/2 Cent sales tax 80% Indicated that they want rail 60% Would support repeal of the 1/2 cent transportation sales tax in the event we do not get rail. Leaders from these communities are glad to see that they are right in advocating for rail.    "The taxpayers have been paying on promises since 2002. It's time for those promises to be kept, rail to be delivered, and not another failed attempt at taking taxpayer's monies for maintenance and operations", says Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn. "We polled our residents in Cutler Bay to ensure their voice was heard on this issue", said Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell. "We heard them loud and clear - Give Us the RAIL! Over 2 billion dollars have been spent in 16 years in more affluent communities, while our residents pay the same but only get inadequate bus service". State Representative Kionne McGhee echoes the frustration of his colleagues. "Denying the North and South Dade communities the opportunity to experience MetroRail is simply a continuation of the county suppressing our abilities to have public access to the best of what Miami-Dade has to offer". Concerned residents are encouraged to contact the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) TPO@mdtpo.org and attend their next SMART Plan meeting. It will be held Thursday, July 19, 2018, at 1:30 pm, 111 NW 1st St., Commission Chambers, 2nd Floor, Miami, FL 33128.

(L to R) State Representative Kionne McGhee, Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell, former Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, and Village of Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn. For More Information: KCraig@palmettobay-fl.gov

Miami Herald: South Miami-Dade leaders are right: If they settle for buses, they’ll never get rail, by Fabiola Santiago

Rail is needed.  See the online Miami Herald: South Miami-Dade leaders are right: If they settle for buses, they’ll never get rail, by Fabiola Santiago

I will not sell our community short. The future of Palmetto Bay South to Florida City will be forever impacted by this rail v bus decision on July 19th. I will fight for what our community truly needs, not the easy politically expedient option.

The alleged $250,000,000.00 sought for "BRT" is really a Trojan horse to cover shortfalls of long overdue, long ignored, maintenance upgrades to the Transitway.

Dear Fellow Palmetto Bay resident,

July 4, 1776, the date our county's founders declared our independence from Britain, the date we marks as the day that American Democracy was born. There are many great neighborhood and regional events going on (some including Mangowood and American Legion Post 133 are listed below) so plan ahead, have fun and stay safe!

This is a holiday to celebrate, the day we celebrate the birth of our great nation, the creation of the greatest system of freedom and democracy. All of this occurred due to the great physical and financial sacrifice of the founders of this nation, the brave men and women of yesterday and today who have sacrificed so greatly to ensure the traditions bestowed by our remarkable founders. We owe them vigilance, and the willingness to defend the democracy they have passed on to us.

Independence Day has been celebrated since 1776.  But do you know the year that July 4 was officially made a Federal Holiday?  Would you believe 1941? Check out the  History.com page regarding July 4, for additional information.

Let us continue to look to a future that belongs to all of us - a future that 'we, the people' have the power to create.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday, and hope that the day's happiness reminds us all of the importance of the Fourth of July.

As always, I am available to discuss this and any other matters with you.  eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or 305-302-3713.  

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Independence Day celebration in Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay is the place to celebrate the Fourth of July  

It all starts at 6 pm at Village Hall, with plenty to see: Bands, rides, artists and food. We'd like to thank our red-level sponsors this year, as we invite you to check out the complete guide to Independence Day festivities here at Village Hall: (CLICK HERE)

Neighborhood Events

Mangowood

The Mangowood Community is once again hosting its annual July 4th Celebration. 

This event is held at SW 152 St / SW 148 Drive in the Village of Palmetto Bay. 

A military flyover has been approved and is anticipated to take place between 10:30 and 11:30. 

I make no guarantees about the flyover and precise time, but I suggest that you find a clear spot to view it between 11:00 and 11:15 .

AMERICAN LEGION, MARLIN MOORE POST 133, Palmetto Bay

The American Legion, Post 133 is hosting an Independence Day BBQ beginning at noon on July 4th. Members of the post will be serving Burgers, Hot Dogs and sides for lunch. 

Stop by in between other local events and say hi to your friends at the Legion!

Post 133 is located at 16401 SW 90th Ave, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.

The members of the American Legion would like to continue to serve all of us.  Please stop by and share some 4th of July holiday spirit with our veterans.

(CLICK HERE) to view prior blog posts relating to events at the American Legion.

MAYOR FLINN'S SPECIAL NOTE: The American Legion has been very accommodating and welcoming to our Palmetto Bay community. The membership of the American Legion has been working hard to raise money for a much needed roof.  The American Legion would appreciate donations to their building fund.  Contact me for more information, or the American Legion, Post 133, directly if you would like to donate/help.

I also want to publicly acknowledge and thank Council Member Singer and his family, along with Laurel Auberbacher, who purchase the food at their own personal expense as well as actually cook and serve breakfast every other Sunday at the American Legion (breakfast is served every Sunday), which serves as a fundraiser for the Post expenses, e.g., the building/roof fund. (CLICK HERE)

Breakfast runs in the $5-6 range. Breakfast, open to the public, runs on Sunday and is open it the public from 8:30 AM to 10 AM.

POD - 7-2-2018. A meet up with County Commissioner Xavier Suarez to discuss transit

Updated IBus Park & Ride Express numbers - Week of June 25 - 29, 2018 - 205 trips total

Here are the numbers for last week of June 25 - 29, 2018 - 205 rides - trips -  total

How does this compare (Weekly totals):

Week of June 11, - 15, 2018

AM                        141
PM                          97
Regular route:        14
Total - all routes:  252

Week of June 18, - 22, 2018

AM                         76
PM                         79
Regular route:        29
Total - all routes:  184

Photos of the Day - Welcome to the neighborhood - Babe’s Meat and Counter - Palmetto Bay

I support local businesses in Palmetto Bay.  And while it is always exciting to see a new business open, we need to be sure to continue to support our local businesses in order to keep them open and thriving within our Village. Please stop by and intorduce yourself to Jason and Melanie Schoendorfer who have jumped in and invested in their business here in Palmetto Bay.  They got their start from the Pinecrest Farmer's Market.  

Welcome to Palmetto Bay!

PALMETTO BAY WELCOMES ANOTHER NEW BUSINESS TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

Jason and Melanie Schoendorfer "officially" opened their business, Babe's Meat and Counter with their grand opening held on Sunday, July 1, 2018.  This celebration was specially set to coincide with both Canada Day (Mel, is Canadian) and US Independence Day.The party stated 10 am and last well past their planned closing time of 2:00 PM.. A unique "sausage cutting" was held at 12:30 PM.  

There was a special menu for the occasion featuring fare from both great nations because, as they say, "why can't we be friends?" #nopoliticsjustpoutine 

CLICK HERE to view their web site

Babe's Meat and Counter

9216 SW 156th Street

Miami, Florida 33157

786-429-1315

Babe’s Meat and Counter is open Monday’s -Friday’s 7-3 pm, Saturday 7-5, Sunday 9-2 at 9216 SW 156 Street, just off US 1.

Photo of the day - a local lemonade stand

Here is a great photo of the day - our own little #SmallTownUSA on a very warm Sunday mid day:

Olivia & Thomas are working their neighborhood lemonade stand under their mother’s watchful eye and assistance on Coral Reef Drive and 81st.

Photo of the Day - finding a large ceremonial check - working for grants to create "The Village of Parks"

A little Palmetto Bay history. 

Looking through the achieves and I found this BIG check for Palmetto Bay Park (Aug 2006). 

This was a check for $2,715,000.00 from the County GOB earmarked for Palmetto Bay Park.

Did we forget to cash it? 

Don’t worry, we did deposit it and we put it to good use creating a gem of a Park. 

It was our hard work at locating and obtaining grants that allowed us to create “The Village of Parks”.

Our parks and their purchase, development or enhancements were funded largely  through grant monies provided through provided through the Florida Communities Trust; Miami-Dade GOB, SFWMD, Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) and other assistance.

This was no small effort.  The total amount Palmetto Bay spent on the initial investment to make Palmetto Bay the most family friendly community in South Florida was $16.8 million dollars, not including dollars spent on such items as landscaping, signage, plumbing, electrical, and the like. 

That's right - almost $17 million dollars has been spent or budgeted on parks improvements between 2002 and the 2008-09 fiscal year. And no taxes were raised to make this happen!

That's the equivalent of more than $350 dollars per-year, per-household, over the initial six years - a small amount, considering the large reward.

Why do we do it?  For our seniors, our children, for the betterment of our community.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn