IBus Park & Ride Express - the "IBus 'reboot'" - first week serves 228 passengers (excluding afternoon numbers)

IBus count for the week (up to end of morning rush hour transit): 228

A great start. Let's continue the momentum and allow our program to move to success.

The IBus Park & Ride Express Bus(es) have transported 228 people to date.  I have attached the numbers provided to me by the Village Manager. 

This count far exceeds our usual weekly average for prior IBus Routes A & B. 

I will continue to keep you up to date.

Happy Commuting, Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Selenicereus bloom in Palmetto Bay - photo of the day

Photo of the day. Thank you Henry.

Photo credit: Henry

Selenicereus, queen of the night flowering cactus - a bloom from last night (evening of June 14, 2018).  I am told that this bloom is fragrant.

Described to me recently as "..., White flowers, almost the size of soccer balls, with bright orange radials should be in bloom."  (Selenicereus grandiflorus, Queen of the Night, or Organillo)  

The flowers begin to open at dusk and best viewing is around 10-11 p.m., or later.  The flowers will be closed by morning and will not reopen.  

Future smaller blooms are unpredictable and may occur throughout the month.  

One of the many wonders of local nature that you can enjoy here in Palmetto Bay.

Keeping you informed. Questions/comments relating to our IBus Park & Ride Express pilot program

I am posting some ‘best of’ questions/comments relating to our IBus Park & Ride Express pilot program, or as I have dubbed it: The IBus reboot. The postings are to share comments and concerns.  Please help us here at your Village of Palmetto Bay by providing input that will lead to continued refinement of our service.  

I am not using this page to post daily ridership numbers.  I have asked our Village Manager to post those numbers for the public to view on the official Palmetto Bay media.

The questions have come through various discussions or media.  I cannot accept or respond to anonymous comments as I do respond directly to those involved in the communication. 

Thank you and happy commuting.

_________________________________________

Comment from Michael:

C: I rode it Tuesday and Thursday. It does take more time to arrive at work. However, I found it to be less stressful! I believe that it will require some planning on the part of the user to avoid the long gap between pickups at the metro.

Comment from CI:

C: Please continue this in the fall.

Comment from David:

C: It would be nice to go another level or two into the data to measure effectiveness. For example, if the riders are (or not) VOPB residents, general areas where riders live and work, and if they drive to the church or have another transportation method. Also, how many are coming to PB in the morning from Metrorail.

Response: Not a bad idea for a next round of data collection. Now that we know we have some riders to collect data from.

Comment / question from Tracie:

C/Q: I would have ridden today, but there was no way to get back from downtown during the mid-day. Maybe an on demand service during the break

A: You mean like "Freebee"??? 

Editor's note: Coming soon see: http://eugeneflinn.blogspot.com/2018/03/offering-up-solutions-to-transit-i-am.html

Comment by JW:

C: I like it however, to be honest it is quicker to cut through to the 826. It probably will be faster going home since it is hard to get out of the airport ever since they closed perimeter road. Another issue, it is almost $113/month for rail. My costs for driving is about 75/month in fuel, $25/month sunpass and 500/year for vehicle maintenance if that much. I’ll give it a shot next week but it was promising to see parents dropping their kids off so they can use the bus to get to Dadeland to downtown. Hopefully this will be compounded when school starts back.

From Maria:

Q:  Good morning Mayor Flinn.  I am writing to you regarding the ibus. The route from us1 to Old Cutler Road on 184st is no longer available and has left a lot of people stranded from their jobs. Meaning now they have to uber from St. RICHARD... which would create more traffic in the morning and afternoon. Is there any way that route can be kept? Thanking you in advance for your attention in this matter. Hope this can be resolved.

A: We have received similar requests regarding Route B (the southern side of Palmetto Bay), but surprisingly, no such request for Route A.  Route B was where most of our IBus ridership was prior to this pilot program.  We are looking into a solution that provides an equitable use of the IBus. Please note that I am investigating a Park & Ride to serve south of 168^th Street. 

From Ana:

Q: Once the school year starts up again, are more IBuses be added?

A: It all depends upon the demand.

From BF:

C: Mayor Flinn, this service is huge for the kids in the neighborhood that go to MAST, New World, and the other downtown magnets that make use of the metro rail. A good idea would be to speak to those schools and see if there is a way for them to reach out and inform their local students that it is available. We had my son at MAST for 7th grade but the commute was just too much to handle. This would have been a game changer.

Click 'Read more' below to view prior Questions, Answers and Comments that have been posted.

Flag Day 2018 - a patriotic day - Fly your flag. Info on the holiday with link to video

Are you up to date on flag custom; which days are appropriate to fly your flag?  The answer is every day, but there are special days when the flag should be displayed. I have chosen the Military dot Com site to provide more information on flag custom: 

UNITED STATES CODE

(Display of U.S. flag)

Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS

Sec. 174. Time and occasions for display

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable), Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.

Have a happy Flag Day. Fly it proudly.  

Eugene Flinn

Traffic Construction update. Traffic Circle update. Work at SW 82nd Av. and 168th St. scheduled to start July 11th.

The revisions to the 168th/82nd Avenue traffic circle are set to begin July 11, 2018, during the summer school break and timed to be completed before the start of the 2018/19 school year.  The work is scheduled for a three week period to completion once commenced.  The actual timetable will be dependent upon weather.

this work was originally scheduled to take place over the holiday break in December 2017/Jan 2018, but the entire project was pushed back to summer in order to prevent risk of this project spilling into the restart of the school session.

Please note that this is my unofficial courtesy notice.  Official notice will be posted through official Village of Palmetto Bay media notifications.

Getting you back home in the evening. Picking up the Palmetto Bay IBus Park & Ride - to head back to Holy Rosary St. Richard / Palmetto Bay

Residents can use our Palmetto Bay Park & Ride Express to get from Holy Rosary St Richard Church, to the metrorail. This is how we get them home in the afternoon rush hour.

The Palmetto Bay IBus picks up transfers from Metrorail (or even from surrounding businesses) at the general bus pick up / transfer area located to the east side of the station - between the Dadeland South station and Shorty's BBQ.  Look for the pick up spot for the 31  / 52 buses which aslo serves as the stop for the Palmetto Bay IBus - note the subtle stickers on the sign (2 stickers).

A very short video is posted below, detailing the pick up for return run. 



Our goal is to enhance your ability to take public transit and bypass the congestion of US1.

Please keep me up to date on your experience as well as ideas to improve the system.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

6/14/2018 update on the pick up schedule:
Updated afternoon schedule - as posted on the Village website (CLICK HERE).
Monday - Friday

4:00 pm - first pick-up @ Dadeland South Metrorail Station
4:20 pm
4:50 pm
5:10 pm
5:40 pm
6:00 pm
6:40 pm

7:00 pm - last pick-up @ Dadeland South Metrorail Station

Random photos from the 6/11 kick off:

Follow up & photos from 2018 Hurricane Workshop with Bryan Norcross. Important Disaster Preparedness Links & contact information.

Palmetto Bay Hurricane Workshop, 2018 edition, was another success!  THANK YOU to all who participated.

Photo Credit: Tracie Rusak

Palmetto Bay is prepared! Our hurricane preparedness "Lunch and Learn" workshop was held on Saturday, June 9th at 11 a.m. Village Hall, which included a  Huricane Presentation by NOAA Meteorologist Robert Molleda, and Meteorologist Bryan Norcross. 

How many of you know that our Kelly Craig was part of the Hurricane Andrew team with Bryan Norcross and Tony Segreto? 

While it was fun to pull out some old photos and reminisce it was more important to prepare for the next one - and rest assured that Palmetto Bay is prepared.  Are you? 

Per Robert Molleda, Meteorologist, NOAA - 2017 was first year a Storm Surge Warning was issued / areas where there may not have been hurricane force winds, but there were local threats nonetheless. Discussion of going “Beyond the Cone”

A single storm can cause more than just dollars in damages.  It can cost human lives. We know from experience that people are more likely to be safer and have the ability to recover more quickly when they are properly prepared.

I have provided you with links below [as well as posted on my blog (CLICK HERE) for the resource links or (CLICK HERE) to view past posts relative to Disaster Preparedness]. You should have your disaster preparedness kit and have a plan to keep your family safe.  Is your insurance coverage adequate? Those living near the coast should be familiar with the applicable evacuation routes.  Everyone needs to take personal responsibility for themselves, their families, and their pets.  By making proper preparations, you will allow the first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents.

Bryan Norcross was recognized for his 50 years of service in broadcasting

2017 Hurricane Heroes were recognized throughout this event. Partial recipients
Thank you to all who stepped forward and went above and beyond for your neighbors! 

I am proud of the efforts of Team Palmetto Bay and the preparations through the administration, Manager Ed Silva and the team. Our Village Policing Unit, Public Services, Parks, Code Enforcement, Building and Permitting all have important roles to play.  Our Palmetto Bay disaster teams are active before, during and after storms. Remember that you can count on me to properly/safety shelter in place in order to be ready to immediately participate in post storm activity.

Who remembered that PBay's Dir. of Communication was part of the Bryan Norcross team
covering Hurricane Andrew - pictured throughout the first 23 hours of coverage
Left to Right: Bryan Norcross, Kelly Craig & Tony Segreto - Channel 4 team

 Kelly Craig presents Bryan Norcross with a special cake celebrating his 50th year in broadcasting

Posted below are important links and phone numbers for hurricane / Disaster Preparedness information from State of Florida, Attorney General, Miami-Dade County, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay - all in one location for you.  

There is also information on how to register with Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts to your computer or cell phone.

Please take the time to review Palmetto Bay on-line:

Village of Palmetto Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

the Village of Palmetto Bay Disaster Preparedness Guide:

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/3291

Town of Cutler Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

http://www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/your-community/hurricane-preparedness

Village of Pinecrest Hurricane Preparedness Page

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Page - important links

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=344

Listen to Pinecrest Radio on your car radio at 1590 AM. The station regularly broadcasts announcements and, during an emergency, will provide important information to Pinecrest residents.

Miami-Dade County’s Emergency pages – Hurricane preparedness:

http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/hurricanes.asp

http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/

What about your pets?  Download the tip sheet from Miami-Dade Animal Services, Disaster Preparedness - Animal Supplies Checklist:

http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf

Ready.gov - Disaster Preparedness page for animals:  https://www.ready.gov/animals

Be 'PETPARED' for disasters: ReadySouthFlorida.org: http://readysouthflorida.org/get-petpared-disasters/

(CLICK HERE) Disaster Preparedness for pets-  page prepared by the ASPCA

Miami-Dade Alerts

Miami-Dade County has some important resources to help keep you informed and prepared, like the free Hurricane Guide and Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Internet users can register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts.  I encourage everyone to register online at http://www.miamidade.gov/alerts

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

For Evacuation Assistance: 311 (people requiring special needs shelters must register in advance)

Answer Center                      311

Rumor control:                      311

Emergency Management     305-468-5400

FP&L   (800-4OUTAGE)       800-468-8243

Florida City Gas                    305-691-8710

State Volunteer Hot-line:       1-800-FL-HELP1 (1-800-354-3571)

Elder Affairs:                         1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

Dept. of Financial Services Insurance Claim Hotline:
                                              1-800-22-STORM (227-8676)

Price Gouging Hot-Line:       1-866-966-7226 or file a complaint:myfloridalegal.com/contact.nsf/contact

Ready for the IBus "reboot". The full dry run on a very wet day. Palmetto Bay IBus Park N Ride

Thank you all for stepping up for Bruce and Dottie Barton. Here is yet another “It takes a Village” teamwork that benefits Palmetto Bay.

I am proud to post yet another example of our community being our brother's keeper and looking out for others.  "It Takes A Village" - another good news story. Thank you Beth Story for being a kind neighbor, stepping up and notifying the community as to what is happening.  Thank you EVERYONE.

There are far too many to mention by name and the long thread has gotten away from me, but I am trying to not leave people out.  Collen Heffernan brought dinner over to the Bartons. Carlos and Alison Baez stepped forward and volunteered to assist with any clean up.  Julia Cespedes and Cindy Hewitt with their pets. Alex and I (as have others,) have offered to run errands for them.  Erica Watts contacted Lifelong resident Al Nania who runs "lawns By Al" who brought his crew over to their home on Friday and put in some hard work.  This is not an endorsement, but a sincere thank you to Al Nania and crew for their contribution Friday, June 8, 2018 to help out Bruce and Dottie. Thank you Erica Watts for facilitating this effort.  Bruce told me that the yard was a month and a half overdue, much needed, much appreciated.

Bruce and Dottie Barton are true Palmetto Bay pioneers.  Longtime residents, unofficial historians and keeper of records, (see my post of March 13, 2017: March 13, 2017, Palmetto Bay History - photo records concerning the original Coral Reef Park - "Master Plan" and field/opening day program.). 

As I stated then, "I love Palmetto Bay History!" And we all love Bruce and Dottie Barton.  Many of us can still remember back when Dottie served as a Deputy Elections Clerk for Precinct 811, years back. I fondly recall when she knocked on my door the day after an election to return my Driver's License that I had carelessly left at the polling place.  She made daughter Katherine a beautiful knit scarf and cap in Gator colors in honor for her departing to UF.  Dottie and Bruce are true community icons.

Thank you Bruce and Dottie for all you both have done for all of us.  This is one way for all of us to for once return a favor.

We all wish the best for them.  I look forward to the next good news story of community action and being able to publicly thank fellow residents for being their brothers keeper!

See a prior post of May 6, 2018: Another example of "It takes a Village" Thank you for the community coming together with Police and Code to quickly resolve a situation. I publicly thanked John Betancourt of JLA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, who stepped forward and provided valuable assistance for the benefit our community on that day.  John volunteered his know-how, strength and chainsaw in removing the tree before it became a problem as part of a team effort.  I also thanked Palmetto Bay Code officer Alan White, our MDPD/Village Policing Unit who secured the intersect and kept traffic safe and Bill Kestel for bringing this to our attention.

Keep up the great work.  Palmetto Bay should be proud.  Shining examples of being neighbors, looking out for each other. 

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Read the complete June 7, 2018, e-news published by Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn

CLICK HERE to view the full e-mail online. 

Important updates included in the e-mail blast released on June 7, including:

IN THIS ISSUE:     NEW  Make plans to attend our Lunch & Learn Hurricane Workshop this Saturday, with Meteorologist and Hurricane Specialist Bryan Norcross. CITE update - Report a Traffic Concern Online .  Palmetto Bay will launch a free shuttle beginning Monday, June 11, operating to and from the parking lot of Holy Rosary - St. Richard's Catholic Church and the Dadeland South Metrorail station Join us for age friendly discussions on June 13 and July 13 at Community Meetings that will touch upon the Strategic Plan, DUV code process update & AARP- age friendly discussion.  Palmetto Bay moves closer to receipt of a major grant for Freebee. We continue to work on a southern Park & Ride location.  $80,000.00 grant for Palmetto Bay: Smart Mobility Hubs/Transit Infrastructure Plan View May, 2018, Crime Stats Online (posted on June 4)! How we compare: Our upcoming Budget process officially begins.  Budget Workshops set - dates listed below.  Monday, July 9, 2018 at 6:00 PM (prior to Regular Council Meeting) - General Government Operating Monday, July 16, 2018 at 7:00 PM - Capital Projects  Monday, July 23, 2018 at 7:00 PM - Special Revenue REMINDERS - UPCOMING Important links for hurricane preparedness.  Thank you to those who attended our Palmetto Bay Parks Master Plan visioning session. Opportunities remain for input. I don't mean to hound you, but reminder, that the 2018 edition of the Dogs of Summer is set to return to Palmetto Bay's Coral Reef Park on Sat., June 23, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

On this day in History - Early in the morning on June 6, 1944: D-Day.

Think back to this day in 1944.  Waves of Allied soldiers are landing on 5 beaches along Normandy, France.

June 6, 2018, marks the 74th anniversary of D-Day, the  start of the liberation of Europe.  

CLICK HERE to view History.com’s special on D-Day’s 70th anniversary - June 06, 2014, Landing at Normandy: The 5 Beaches of D-Day, by Jesse Greenspan, which looked back at the two American, one Canadian and two British landing points that kicked off the Allied invasion of Western Europe during World War II.

Utah Beach
Omaha Beach
Gold Beach
Juno Beach
Sword Beach

Update - on the 2018 June 1st Estimates of Taxable Values released by Property Appraiser, Pedro J. Garcia

Property Appraiser, Pedro J. Garcia, has released the 2018 June 1st Estimates of Taxable Values to the Taxing Authorities showing a continued growth in the real estate market. The countywide estimated taxable value for 2018 is $288,859,000,000, a 6.0% increase from 2017.

I have listed below the taxing districts that I (Mayor Eugene Flinn) usually follow as relevant to Palmetto Bay:

 Gain    Taxing authority                                           New construction $ expressed in Millions

  3.90   Coral Gables                                                   $161 m

  5.50   Cutler Bay                                                       $   9 m

  3.80   Doral                                                               $595 m

  5.50   Homestead                                                     $  85 m

  4.00   Palmetto Bay                                                  $    5 m

  3.40   Pinecrest                                                         $  35 m

  4.70   South Miami                                                    $  24 m

  3.90   Unincorporated Miami-Dade (UMSA)             $903 m

Countywide and School Board will affect your countywide portions of your tax bill

  3.90   Countywide                                                    $5,679,000,000.00

  3.30   School Board                                                 $5,683,000,000.00

Note that the differences in estimated taxable value between the Countywide and School Board is due to various additional homestead exemptions applicable to Miami-Dade County that do NOT apply to the School Board.  This is equally applicable to the municipalities and UMSA listed above.

Initial estimate released June 1:

The Miami-Dade Property Appraiser issued the June 1, 2018 Estimates of Taxable Value to Miami-Dade County's Taxing Authorities.  This allows the County, School Board, and local governments such as Coral Gables, Cuter Bay, Homestead, Doral, South Miami, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami and UMSA to proceed with the preparation of their 2018-2019 budgets.

Final Property Roll to be released July 1.

July 1st the Property Appraiser’s Office will publish the 2018 Assessment Roll, which provides the taxing authorities with their official numbers to set their millage (tax) rates.

It is early, but to get a preview of my philosophy, see my post from August 4, 2017, Budgeting for our 2017-18 fiscal year. I remain committed to "government 'lite'" in Palmetto Bay. And yes, I firmly remain committed to Government Lite and keep the property tax rate the same, and that includes any actions taken on Parks, including the proposed Community Center.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Update - Parks Master Plan Visioning Session (Sat. 6/2/18) another successful village public event

Thank you Old Cutler Presbyterian Church (OCPC) for opening up your facilities and hosting yet another successful Parks Master Plan visioning session.  More great ideas and a careful consideration of ideas expressed to date.  

Background on these proceeds can be found throughout my blog, including the post of May 30, 2018, Village of Palmetto Bay - Materials are available to prepare for June 2, Parks Master Plan Visioning Session.  And don't miss in that same May 30, post: SOME INTERESTING FACTS, HISTORY & INITIAL COSTS Of Palmetto Bay's Parks

I am once again providing a link to the current Village of Palmetto Bay Parks Master Plan (CLICK HERE).  This is a detailed (57 page) strategic document that took years to complete and involved significant public participation. Creation of this Master Plan involved surveys, onsite interviews, stakeholder meetings, analysis involving consultants, staff and council members as well as many, many town hall and Village Council Meetings.

Thank you to those who attended Saturday, as well as those who have participated in prior events. This continues to be a work in progress and will come before the council for a public hearing and vote.  I will keep you up to date.

Our upcoming Budget process officially begins. Palmetto Bay 2018 Tax Roll Estimate is released

June 1 - is the start date for more than hurricane season. Budget season starts.  The Office of the Property Appraiser has released the estimate of the 2018 Property Tax roll.  Please note that this is preliminary.  The final tax roll will be released on July 1, 2018.  

The preliminary for 2017 was $2,812,000,000. The 2018 estimate is $2,927,000,000

The preliminary estimate allows us to get started with our budget. See below.