Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) native plant sale. Invest in your backyard oasis and TAS

Native Plant Sale: Create your Urban Oasis!

This Sat. - Sun., June 1-2| 5530 Sunset Drive 

 

The next Tropical Audubon Society (TAS) native plant sale will be held Saturday through Sunday, June 1 & 2 at the Doc Thomas House,5530 Sunset Drive, for another native plant sale! 

Experts will be available to educate those interested in creating a wildlife oasis in their backyard.

TAS Members may also participate in an advance. early bird, pre-sale on Friday, May 31st from 4:00- 7:00 p.m.  (TAS membership is $20).

The parking entrance is on 55th avenue.
TAS will be open on:

Sat.,   9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sun.,  9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Tropical Audubon Society Food Trucks Event Sun. June 2nd

Yes, the weekend is almost here.(info below from the TAS e-news blast)

Food Truck Migration Roosts on June 2nd: 

Tropical Audubon Society's (TAS) native hardwood hammock and historic Doc Thomas House provides the nostalgic High Pines setting for the June 2nd Food Truck Migration. This event includes classical guitarist Alan Moore, who will fill the Sunday air with his enchanting notes, a chorus of birds roosting in the canopy above will sing the sun to bed.

 

For a list of participating Food Trucks & parking details click here.

Really, NCAA, still holding to your witness? Convicted UM booster Shapiro says he lied on witness stand in federal trial - MiamiHerald.com

Convicted UM booster Shapiro says he lied on witness stand in federal trial - Miami-Dade - Miami Herald.com

How damaged can damaged goods get? This is yet more evidence of a person who has no concern for credibility, yet the NCAA wants to believe he was telling the truth - when it comes to the Miami Hurricanes. The NCAA wants to continue to use as the catalyst for the complaint and its star witness a person who is serving significant federal time for lying to and exploiting his investors, clients, family and law partners. He doesn't stop there, associating with him has led to investigation of his own lawyers. The Federal Court is also investigating his bankruptcy lawyer. He has even filed a Florida Bar complaint against his own lawyers for "allowing him to lie."

Maybe the NCAA should poll Shapiro's former clients and investors for comments on his credibility. Shapiro has even damaged the NCAA itself. Remember my prior post, the NCAA cannot exorcise the demons merely throwing Julie Roe Lach, the NCAA’s Vice President of Enforcement and Mart Emmert’s hand-picked choice for the position under the bus and temporarily to the unemployment line for her role in the improper conduct that occurred during the investigation into Nevin Shapiro’s associated with Miami. 

The NCAA is a voluntary sports organization.  It is not an agency of government, though the NCAA certainly does not appear to understand this fact. However, reasonable standards of investigation conduct should apply. Any evidence from Nevin Shapiro or derived as a result of information provided by or through Nevin Shapiro should be excluded.  The "fruit of the poisonous tree" doctrine springs from what is known as the Exclusionary Rule which mandates that evidence improperly (illegally) obtained or from an unreasonable search, or coercive interrogation must be excluded.

It is not just first tier.  Evidence is also excluded from trial under the fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine if it was gained through evidence uncovered illegally, through unreasonable search, or coercive interrogation. It is abundantly clear that the NCAA would never put Shapiro "on the stand" to testify in this case, but let's be clear, everything started and points to this admitted schemer.

The NCAA should have all the responsibility and no greater rights than governments when dealing with member schools. The member should should be looking into whether they have over-empowered the NCAA.  The fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine should properly be employed to deter law NCAA enforcement from violating rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.  To do otherwise only encourages such people with so questionable morals or evil intent to exact vengeance against member schools, coaches, players, students and fans.

More on the fruit of the poisonous tree.  A major case involving the "fruit of the poisonous tree" doctrine is Wong Sun v. United States, 371 U.S. 471, 83 S. Ct. 407, 9 L. Ed. 2d 441 (1963). Read on should you be so motivated. 

What would Ben Franklin say of the NCAA? I bet he would warn the NCAA that "He that lieth down with dogs shall rise up with fleas."

A long time in coming. Florida Gov. Rick Scott set to sign texting while driving ban - MiamiHerald.com

MIAMI: Florida Gov. Rick Scott set to sign texting while driving ban - Florida Wires - MiamiHerald.com
It sounds official - Gov. Rick Scott is set to sign the texting while driving ban into law today while in North Miami.

Florida is set to become the 40th state to ban texting while driving.

As posted in the Miami Herald: In a statement, Scott said that texting while driving concerns him as a father and a grandfather. He said state officials must do everything they can to keep the roads safe, particularly during the summer. Scott says the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest days on the road for teenagers.

Stay safe my friends. Summer is here. Summer break starts for our public schools next week.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/28/3420180/florida-gov-set-to-sign-texting.html#storylink=cpy

Public Hearing - MDX - Public meetings including online Webinar regarding proposed toll rate change

MIAMI-DADE EXPRESSWAY AUTHORITY PUBLIC REVIEW - ONLINE MEETINGS
PUBLIC HEARING
The Board of Directors for the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) will be considering a toll rate change for SR 836/Dolphin Expressway. The MDX Board approved a toll rate for SR 836 of 70 cents per gantry at NW 97thAvenue, NW 57th Avenue and NW 17th Avenue in both eastbound and westbound directions. The Board is seeking public input on a potential lower rate of 60 cents for these locations. This change will impact the revenue that will be collected and the future projects that MDX can deliver in Miami-Dade County. MDX will conduct the following meetings to provide information to the public prior to this important decision. locations indicated below. Parking is free at all locations.

ONLINE WEBINAR 

Monday, June 10, 2013
6 pm - 7 pm (English) / 8 pm - 9 pm (Español) Deadline for registration, June 6, 2013 via the following link
For English: https://mdx.webex.com/mdx/onstage/g.php?d=668543355&t=a
Fecha final para inscribirse, 6 de junio, 2013 en la siguiente conexión
En Español: https://mdx.webex.com/mdx/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=662777846
 
PUBLIC REVIEW MEETING / REUNION INFORMATIVA
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 6 pm - 9 pm / Martes, 11 de junio, 2013 de 6 pm - 9 pm
MDX Headquarters - Main Board Room / Oficinas de MDX - Sala Principal de Conferencias
3790 NW 21st Street / Miami, Florida 33142
The Metrorail Airport/MIC Station is located on NW 21 Street, across from MDX. / REUNION INFORMATIVA
Acceso por Metrorail por la Estación del Aeropuerto localizada
en la Calle NW 21, en frente de MDX Free parking available / Estacionamiento gratis
 
PUBLIC HEARING /AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA
Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 4 pm / Martes, 18 de junio, 2013 a las 4 pm
MDX Headquarters - Main Board Room / Oficinas de MDX - Sala Principal de Conferencias
3790 NW 21st Street / Miami, Florida 33142

Official results from the 2013 Everglades CISMA non-native Fish roundup held May 18, 2013

CLICK HERE to view the official photographs from the non-native fish round up.  There was no article, just the list of official results and photographs from the events.

The largest invasive fish caught for this year was a 10.3 lbs. Bullseye Snakehead.

Most fish by weight by participant was 100.5 lbs.

Slam (most species) was 13 species for adult division, 2 species for the junior division.

This event was mentioned on May 7, 2013, in South Dade Updates, 4th Annual Everglades CISMA Non-Native Fish Round Up is set for Saturday, May 18, 2013.  

Congratulations to the tournament hosts, partners, sponsors, volnteers and participants for a job well done.

Memorial Day planet parade: See Jupiter, Mercury and Venus

Memorial Day planet parade: See Jupiter, Mercury and Venus

Want to witness a show by nature? Read the entire article by Joe Rao, SPACE.com, for more information. Remember, there is a local group her in South Dade that meets on Saturday evenings and welcomes the public to view these celestial events.

A trio of bright planets is shining together in the sunset sky, a must-see night sky sight for stargazers this Memorial Day weekend.

Three planets — Jupiter, Venus and Mercury — can be now be seen in the western sky at dusk, weather permitting, in a rare and beautiful gathering that changes from night to night. Astronomers call a meeting of objects in the night sky a conjunction, but this planet parade is better described as a "Grand Conjunction." 

LOCAL VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES: Don't forget - Miami-Dade County's Bill Sadowski Park,and Nature Preserve a County Park is located in Palmetto Bay, 17500 SW 78th Ave, and is home to the Southern Cross Astronomical Society (SCAS).  The members of SCAS hold open to the public events, putting out their telescopes each Saturday evening from 8 - 10:00 PM, "weather" permitting. It is a great event to come to view, solo or with friends and/or the family.

Memorial Day – 2013

Monday, May 27 is Memorial Day, a day to honor the brave men and women who gave up their lives in defense of our ideals and country. We owe our peace and democracy to them.

Please observe a minute of silence at 3:00 pm local time to pay tribute to Americans who've died in military service.

 Visit USA.gov's Memorial Day page to learn about the origins of this federal holiday; read veterans' stories; find patriotic songs; get tips on barbecue, boating, and swimming safety; and more!

Brief History:  The first Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. This day is to honor the men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service to our Nation.  We must continue to remember the sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers who have lost their lives on our behalf.  May they rest in peace.  Thank you.

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The occasion is also marked in almost every State on the last Monday in May. 

Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day, asking Americans wherever they are to pause in an act of national unity. The Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom.

The flag should be flown at half staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds and naval vessels throughout the United States, and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. All people of the United States are requested to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary period.
_______

Questions about how and when to properly display the US Flag?  One of many online resources: http://www.afa.org/members/uscode.asp

Poetic insight in preparation for this Memorial Day: The remembrance poppy and the poem In Flanders Fields.

"In Flanders Fields" was written on May 3, 1915 by Lt. Col. John McCrae who was a physician, poet, author, artist and soldier serving in World I. Flanders is a region of Europe that comprises parts of Belgium and France. This poem resulted in the remembrance poppy becoming one of the world's most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.

This poem can be found online at http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm

In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)

Canadian Army

In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
 The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Additional observations on the local water project vetoes

I posted yesterday on the fact that Governor Scott vetoed several local water appropriations. The local veto victims included Palmetto Bay, $250,000; Cutler Bay,  $400,0000; South Miami, $120,000. Homestead had two water projects; $195,000 and $12,000 that were vetoed. The monies were in the budget and seemed so close that the elected officials could almost taste the water. Then yesterday, these water project appropriations evaporated with a single stroke of a (veto) pen.

Yet the City of Doral is set to receive $1,000,000. One million dollars to Doral while the four other cities came close, but were denied a combined $977,000.

Historic preservation Agency Money was not cut, though several specifically earmarked projects were vetoed.

I am still sorting this out. What has also not been calculated in the expenditures by the cities in lobbying fees and council travel, direct and soft costs. 

More in depth information regarding the budget and Governor Scott's vetoes is available online Miami Herald: Fla. gov. vetoes nearly $400 million from budget

Memorial Day weekend event this Saturday - Wings Over Miami Festival & Car Show

Looking for a local fun-filled event to do with your family in keeping with Memorial Day Weekend?  Make plans to attend the Memorial Day weekend event this Saturday - Memorial Day Weekend Music Festival and Car Show

Wings Over Miami Memorial Day Festival

Saturday, May 25, 2013

11 am to 5 pm

The museum will be full of great action on Memorial Day weekend! There is a car show with 111 registered cars, a day of Bluegrass music, photo exhibit and planes in the air! Come and hear mini seminars on photography, learn South Florida history and meet the Tuskegee Airmen!  Enjoy the music from the South Florida Bluegrass Association for their second music festival! Bring a chair, your sunblock and hang-on to your hat for a fun filled day!

The Wings Over Miami warbirds will also be on display and weather permitting, there will be "fly-bys" of WW2 era planes in formation. The pilots will be available to interact with attendees and pose for photos. Flying starts around 11:30 a.m. and will be intermittent throughout the early afternoon.

Be sure to watch the  website (www.wingsovermiami.com) and Facebook page to look for event details.

If you go:

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Gates open 11 am –

Wings Over Miami Air Museum

Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport

14710 S. W. 128 Street

Miami, Florida 33196

Governor Scott Vetoes local water money. $250K not going to Palmetto Bay, $400K not going to Cutler Bay. EDC veto is $50K

The veto list is out and the news is not good for Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay.  Both saw their local water projects vetoed.

Here is the link to the 2013 veto list:

http://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Veto-List-2013.pdf

The veto lists Palmetto Bay's $250,000.00 on page 4 of 5. Line 1640 C, Project  62. 

 

Cutler Bay suffered the same fate as its $400,000.00 appropriation on local water money was cut as well. See page 3 0f 5, line 1640 C, project 11. 

 

The EDC's had $50,000.00 in the state proposed budget for Economic Development Council of South Miami Dade - Business Training Program & Life Skills Training Program.  The EDC veto is listed on the same page, 4 of 5,  line 2160 A, project 1 

 

More will follow on breakdown down what the vetoes mean for South Dade, but I wanted to get this breaking news out to the community.

Online guides for South Florida Tree Huggers. Updates from Barbara McAdams

Please check out these links for those planning on any major yard work over this Memorial Day weekend.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping ^TM Pattern Book

Browse thru the pattern book at  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP43900.pdf and gather ideas for sprucing up your landscape, adding plants to attract butterflies and birds and make it all Florida-Friendly!

Publications and Website with super information on Florida-Friendly Landscape ^TM Plants.

Miami-Dade County Extension Website

http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/

Green Yards Miami

http://www.greenyardsmiami.blogspot.com/

Low Maintenance Landscape Plants for South Florida

http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu/old/programs/fyn/publications/dtpl.htm

Adopting a Florida-Friendly Landscape

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/EP/EP39600.pdf

Florida Yards

http://floridayards.org/fyplants/index.php

Miami Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM)

http://www.miamidade.gov/derm/trees.asp

Institute for Regional Conservation

http://www.regionalconservation.org/

Dade Chapter-Florida Native Plant Society

http://www.fnps.org/pages/chapters/chapterpg.php?keyword=Dade

Floridata

http://www.floridata.com/lists/contents.cfm

Have fun out there in the garden, stay hydrated and cool!

Barbara McAdam
Program Assistant/Florida Yards & Neighborhoods
Rain Barrel/Water Conservation Workshop Outreach
UF/IFAS/Extension
Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension
Department of Regulatory And Economic Resources
8710 S.W. 288th Street  Homestead, Fl. 33030
(305) 248-3311 ext. 245

http://miami-dade.ifas.ufl.edu

floridayards.org

http://www.greenyardsmiami.blogspot.com

Lunar meteor shower results in bright impact.

Ever wondered what it would look like if someone set off 5 tons of TNT on the Moon?

OK, so you haven't, but for the past 8 years, NASA astronomers have been monitoring the Moon for signs of explosions caused by meteoroids hitting the lunar surface.  Check out NASA Science News: Bright Explosion on the Moon, May 17, 2013.  

"Lunar meteor showers" have turned out to be more common than anyone expected, with hundreds of detectable impacts occurring every year.

They've just seen the biggest explosion in the history of the program.

"On March 17, 2013, an object about the size of a small boulder hit the lunar surface in Mare Imbrium," says Bill Cooke of NASA's Meteoroid Environment Office. "It exploded in a flash nearly 10 times as bright as anything we've ever seen before." 

Alex Flinn signing newly released Towering, Sunday, 5/19 at Books & Books, Coral Gables

Alex Flinn signing Towering Sunday, May 19, 4:00 PM at Books & Books in Coral Gables.

Books & Books

265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, Florida 33134-5008

View Map · Get Directions

2013 Preakness. Will this be Governor Charlie’s comeback race? Look for UM Alumn Sam Grossman - Bugler Sam

Orb races for history today at historic Pimlico Race Course. Pimlico traces its history back to 1870, and is billed as the second oldest racetrack in the United States, behind Saratoga in upstate New York.

Speaking of New York, watch for New York Native, UM Music School alumn Sam Grossman, aka, "bugler Sam" at today's race.  He trumpets the "Call to the Post." 

The 2013Preakness is obviously a pivotal race to see if the 2013 Belmont has relevance as the final race for the Triple Crown. I will spare you the comment "no horse has ever won the Triple Crown, without winning the Preakness." Last Triple Crown winner? Affirmed in 1978.

Orb is at even odds to win today as of the morning newspaper, we will see how he gets bet up or down as it gets closer to post time. I am rooting for Orb as I would love to see the Triple Crown winner, however my money is on Orb to place today, keeping affirms streak alive as last Triple Crown winner.

I just have a weird feeling about today. There is a horse whose name I just can never count out of any race: Governor Charlie, who won the Sunland Derby back on March 24 with the fastest time in Sunland Stakes history. He was slated to compete, but was pulled from the Kentucky Derby.

Yes it does! Village deserves council that can work together | Palmetto Bay

Village deserves council that can work together | Palmetto Bay

Is it really that hard to get along? Palmetto Bay News Co-Publisher Grant Miller again takes issue with a lack of civility from Mayor Shelley Stanczyk and the current toxic air at council meetings, stating that the Village deserves council that can work together. Mr. Miller states that: Palmetto Bay lacks leadership all around the dais. Despite loud complaints, nothing has been done to address the lack of civility, transparency or even allowing anyone not affiliated with completing campaigns to address concerns of public interest. Senseless squabbling, often through intermediaries, still remains business du jour.

It really isn't hard to get a long and move forward for the good of a community. And I believe I do have some insight as founding mayor, having served from 2002 through 2010. No one person or group of people "owns" any seat on the council. No one person, or any single group, should dominate the agenda of mayor Shelley Stanczyk, the vice mayor or other member of the council. You can't get upset and storm off when something fails to go your way.  

It should not be this way.  I would like to share a quote from President Dwight D. Eisenhower on leadership and respect. We need to think a little more locally for our village and start to show some self-respect for ourselves by demanding that our current mayor and council show some respect for our community by respecting opposing viewpoints as well as their own. Have respect for others - and for themselves.

This world of ours... must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

Calling all Photographers! May 19th Deadline! Wings Over Miami Photo Exhibit

Wings Over Miami museum is about hosting its first photo art exhibit during its Memorial Day May 25th event! Get your camera and take part.

With the assistance of Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs, Wings Over Miami Air Museum is inviting photographers to snap some shots of aircraft and share their favorites with the world on May 25th during the Memorial Day Event.

CLICK HERE to view a photo page of photos by Allison Diaz/Miami Herald of photographers out at the museum. 

CLICK HERE to view the link for all details!

Click here to read Exhibit Instructions.  Click here for Exhibit Application in PDF format.

The public will be invited to select their favorites and top photos will be showcased online and in Wings Over Miami’s very own annual calendar!