I would be remiss if I did
not give credit where credit is due, giving a huge “Thank You” to the special
events committee set up under the original council, an outstanding group of
volunteers. The initial chair was
Jacquie Sosa who was an anchor with Channel 10.
This position was held later by Jeanne Rothfield and finally Donna
Coughlin, who served as our last chairperson. The special events committee and staff, all
working as part of the team under the initial village council, created events
and interests including rides, city information, educational topics, wholesome
family events, dunk tank -raising thousands of dollars at no expense to village
taxpayers - for charity, & local school participation! Come on, who did not
enjoy dunking me to raise money for charity?
The Parks Department, which has worked with our committee, continues to
organize this event, even though there is no longer a citizen special events
committee. Many people still volunteer Pat and Jim Gladieux still take charge
of the ever-popular corn on the cob.
I look forward to the use of the I-Bus for the historic preservation
committee’s tours, which were started under Palmetto Bay’s first Planning
Director, Arlene Weintraub and the committee. We all enjoy watching the school
children performing and of course, the staff of the Planning and Parks
Department as well as our police work well to continue to make this event a
success. I was proud to work with Palmetto High School to start the annual
Mayor’s Cup game (can you name the winner and score from that historic first
game?)
The yearly events have seen helicopters land in the field and
firefighters come in their trucks, the start of the student safety and
fingerprinting programs. The Voice of the Heat served in past years as emcee.
Past years has seen well over 5,000 people for a picnic. We came in from year
one with significant corporate donations from corporate neighbors including Starbucks,
Home Depot, Dade Paper, local banks and Publix, we have had breaks on the food
and coverage of costs through donations!
The efforts and impact that you and the Special Events Committee have
been successful and has left an outstanding celebration legacy that continues
through this day. Thank you all who
served at any time in the past on the Special Events Committee.
So please make sure you attend with friends and family on March 1. Look
for me and say hi. Let’s continue the good will and let’s all work together to
continue the vision of Palmetto Bay.
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