Rotary international has 50 year sign removed. You gotta be kidding me. Why? Another landmark removed in the name of “progress”?

Palmetto Bay is about to celebrate its 10 year anniversary (2002-2012). What has the local Rotary International club done for our community over these same past ten years?  How about raise approximately $250,000.00 for our community over this same period of time.  It seems that this group is being repaid by having its internationally recognized sign removed from its US1 location, a location where it has stood for approximately 50 years. Is this sign making way for a new beautification project?

Current officer, Foundation Administrator, and Past President (2Xs), Edward Ludovici (a 25 year Rotary member) was surprised to receive a visit from an official earlier this week who asked him for information on a permit for the sign which has stood for 50 years at its now former location.  Permit?  After 50 years?  Information exists that a permit does in fact exist, but regardless, the sign was removed. Note that as another historical aside, Mr. Ludovici Is a member of the Ludovici & Ludovici law firm, a law practice that traces its local roots back to 1959 with Philip Ludovici.

Ed Ludovici & Dr. James Thomas
with offending signs. Gone after 50 years

Why am I writing about this?  Because as Palmetto Bay’s founding mayor, I am appalled at the apparent ill-treatment of an important community/charitable group.  Whether you think this sign is “pretty” or “worthy” of upgrading aesthetics along US1, it certainly has become a landmark over the last 50 years that should not be so summarily cast aside.  I do appreciate FDOT’s personal delivery of the sign back to Mr. Ludovici for safe keeping.  This sign is a symbol of an important worldwide organization, down to local Palmetto Bay, long before anyone ever thought of remaking an area from Perrine to Palmetto Bay. 

The local club, initially called the Rotary Club of Perrine/Cutler Ridge, is presently known as the Rotary Club of Perrine-Cutler Ridge/Palmetto Bay. The name “Palmetto Bay” was inserted approximately 10 years ago to honor the new municipality.  It is a shame that this appears to be yet another example of one-sided decorum in Palmetto Bay under current leadership.  More information can be found regarding this club on its website: http://www.pcrpbrotary.org/

I am researching this status this situation and will update reports as they become available.

It is unfortunate that Palmetto Bay’s official relationships have deteriorated under the present Mayor with local Church groups, private education facilities, business & economic development groups and now a worldwide group such as Rotary International.  This is another nail in the community relationship coffin.  Governments should be looking to foster solid working relationships to make us a true community.  This is a big step in the wrong direction.

It is my goal that the sign be returned to its historic location, reestablishing a 50 year landmark.  Quality towns provide for community organization informational gateway signs so travelers become aware of what groups meet in the community.  This is small town America, something Palmetto Bay wants to be. Palmetto Bay certainly is not too large for Rotary international.