May 4th regular council meeting this Monday - Links to the agenda items.

Meeting scheduled for the usual location: Palmetto Bay Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus St

Official agendas are posted online at the official Palmetto Bay website: www.palmettobay-fl.gov.

Please visit the Public Meetings page for further information or you may download the Agenda or the full packet (to the extent documents are electronically available).

May 4, 2015 - Regular Council Meeting - 7 pm

Revised Agenda
Items 4 A-B
Items 6 A-C
Items 10 A-B
Item 12 A
Items 13 A-B

Good news - things are moving in Palmetto Bay - we are now first in line for recaptured money for County Grant

We were late to the process, yet we are the first municipality to seek a portion of the county’s Building Better Communities Bond Program. Under re-newed leadership as of December 1, the Village of Parks is back to being a unified forward thinking village looking to maximize its opportunities and seek funding through grants. And now, through fast movement, planning that started back in 2004, as well as a great partnership with our District 8 County Commissioner, we are first in line for recovered monies through a grant program aimed at spurring private sector development through public infrastructure improvements.

As reported by Lola Duffort in the Miami Herald in Palmetto Bay in line for county grant to revitalize Franjo Road: Palmetto Bay has been eyeing the Franjo Triangle — the area delineated by Franjo Road, U.S. 1 and Southwest 184 Street — as prime for redevelopment basically since incorporation. A community-wide charette in the village’s early years put Village Hall there, and a downtown redevelopment task force at work since 2013 has been studying the area for infrastructure updates and code rewrites. The hope is to diversify the village’s tax base by revitalizing the village’s depressed commercial corridor along U.S. 1 into a walkable, transit-connected and vibrant mixed-use downtown.

The $7.5 million grant will be money well spent in improvements benefiting all in the area. We will not be reaching into Palmetto Bay tax coffers to fund these stimulus infrastructure improvements.

In Palmetto Bay – it’s about smart-transit oriented growth. Thank you Daniella Levine Cava for your partnering, assistance and sponsorship. Thank you to the entire Board of County Commissioners for the unanimous vote – a strong indicator of the strength of the grant application.

Nature Postings - instagram report - Family Kayak Adventure - Palmetto Bay Earth Week edition

CLICK HERE to view the video posted by Nature Postings - an outstanding Palmetto Bay Partner (CLICK HERE to view a prior post on the Bird Watching workshop).

As Nature Postings so aptly put it: Another AMAZING Family Kayak Adventure sponsored by Village of Palmetto Bay! Our families learned about Biscayne Bay and the ecosystems found in it. They also encountered sharks, stingrays, waterbirds and many fish! What a great day!!! This program is offered FREE the last Sunday of the month at Thalatta Estate

Yes, FREE - the last Sunday of the month at Thalatta Estate.  This program in an example of why I worked so hard with the rest of the original village council to obtain this 'backyard on the bay.' Come on out and enjoy it. 

About Nature Postings: (info below taken from their website - http://www.naturepostings.com)
Nature Postings Providing experiences and revealing the unspoken knowledge of nature through hands-on study sessions, interpretive programs and guided excursions!

Bird Watching workshop

Prior Kayak event

Palmetto Bay Earth Week Celebrations 2015 - HiamiHal Reports - Photos and video report

Photo Story -includes photographs from:
Palmetto Bay's Tree Give-Away
Bike-B-Que sponsored by Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay
Palmetto Bay's final Ladybug Release and Movie Night (Rio 2)

Palmetto Bay's Earth Week Celebrations 2015

Video posted below

Photos of the Day - Welcome to the neighborhood - Giardino Gourmet Salads - Palmetto Bay

Our current village council has an open door/welcome policy to quality businesses in Palmetto Bay.

It was our privilege to welcome another yet another new business to our Village.

The Giardino extended corporate family is welcomed to Palmetto Bay by County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, Mayor Eugene Flinn, Vice Mayor John DuBois, and council members Karyn Cunningham, Tim Schaffer (not pictured, but present) and Larissa Siegel Lara 

Giardino Gourmet Salads - Palmetto Bay- opened for business December 14th, but officially "Cut the Ribbon" on Saturday, April 25, 2015.  County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa was also present to celebrate this grand opening.

Giardino Gourmet Salads - Palmetto Bay- is located at 14455 S. Dixie Highway in the Kings Bay Shopping Center.  You can also find Giardino Gourmet Salads on Facebook or visit their website: http://giardinosalads.com/ 

The start of Giardino Gourmet Salads (info from their website): Husband & wife, Kenny & Ody Lugo, wanted to cultivate a new approach to salads by opening a fast casual restaurant that combined unique salads and homemade fare, with a “feels like home” ambience. In 2004, Giardino Gourmet Salads sprouted. Today, it is a multi-unit operation and the premiere salad concept in South Florida.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

 

Thank you Kenny & Ody Lugo and the entire Giardino Gourmet Salads team for bringing their business to Palmetto Bay

Home selling seminar - April 28 - 6:30 PM

If you’re even thinking about putting your home up for sale, don’t miss Miami’s Community Newspapers’ complimentary seminar “Learn the Secrets of Selling Your Home”. A panel of local experts, led by Palmetto Bay's own Hal "MiamiHal" Feldman, will educate you about the many facets of selling a home, how to avoid pitfalls and maximize your profit.

Don’t leave the sale of your most valuable asset to chance. During this free evening event, you’ll hear from professionals with nearly 125 years of combined real estate experience about what to expect and how to make the smart move at every turn. The esteemed panel will consist of agents, appraisers, inspectors, attorneys and title agents. Learn the facts about each step of a real estate transaction so you’re 100% ready and in the know.

Your expert panel includes: Hal “MiamiHal” Feldman (RE/MAX Advance Realty), Elena Kemper (EWM), Joe Hernandez (AKG Home Inspections), Philip Spool (Certified Real Estate Appraiser), Barry Simons (Real Estate Attorney) and Title Agent Steve Medina (HBG Title).

To expedite the RSVP process, you are highly encouraged to go to www.miamihal.com/hssrsvp RIGHT NOW! Seating is limited.

Public Protest Against Over-Development on Old Cutler Road

Saturday, April 25th starting at 10:30am.

A community protest against over-development is taking place at the corner of Old Cutler Rd. and 184th Street. 

The Cutler Bay town council will soon be asked by this property owner to up-zone the property to allow for a 4-story mixed use development. To find out more about the event and to join the growing number of residents and HOAs opposed to this project, visit facebook.com/livablecutler.


Information provided by Tom and Barbara Condon, http://www.cutlerbay.net  
cutlerbay.net is an independent community website serving the Cutler Bay area.

April 25th - Just for fun - The Perfect Date

Did you realize the significance of April 25?

Paws 4 you 5K - This Sunday, April 26

Don't forget the 5K. Paws 4 You - SUNDAY'S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

This is the final stretch! If you still haven't registered, sign up now to walk or run for homeless pets this Sunday at 4pm. Each participant will receive a t-shirt, bandana, backpack, and medal. Register now at www.paws4you.org/5k 
 
I am told there is much more fun; that there will be a full bar this year with 100% of its proceeds going to the dogs thanks to World of Beer - Dadeland and Barú Urbano. Food vendors and others will also donate a portion of their proceeds to rescue pups, so make sure to visit everyone! See the list of sponsors at www.paws4you.org/5ksponsorsvendors 
 
Some important information about the day:
 
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
 2:00 - Registration begins
 2:15 - Rent-A-Dog Booth opens
 3:30 - 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe while Running by Equipaws Pet Services, LLC
 3:40 - Warm-up by Orangetheory Fitness Pinecrest
 3:55 - Opening Ceremony by Dave Barry and Eugene Flinn, Mayor of Palmetto Bay, Florida
 4:00 - 5K Timed Race begins
 4:10 - 1-Mile Fun Walk/Run begins
 5:30 - Awards Ceremony
 6:30 - Raffle Drawing
 
 PACKET PICKUP:
 Get your shirt, bandana, backpack, and goodies before the big day:
 
 FRIDAY April 24th (12-7pm):
 SoleRUNNERS Running Store 11650 N Kendall DR, Miami, FL 33176
 
 SATURDAY April 25th (12-5pm):
 Your Pets Best 8425 SW 132 ST, Miami, FL 33156
 
I am looking forward to seeing you there.

Happy Earth Day - 2015

Today is the 45th Earth Day Celebration.  What, if anything, are you doing to mark this event?  Please feel free to CLICK HERE for past updates on Earth Day. I recommend that you also take the time to review the Official Green Page of Palmetto Bay: "Palmetto Bay Village Green" which has both information of all the events of the week as well as the ongoing green efforts of our village.

Palmetto Bay is committed to Earth Day in such a big way, we take a full week to celebrate. Villagers of all ages are invited to take part in a wide range of way green activities, all free to the public, April 19-26.

The activities for this official Earth Day portion of the week include: 

 

April 22: Poster Contest  Local 5th graders are capturing the theme “It's Our Turn to Lead" in our Annual Poster Contest. The winning school gets an official visit by the Village Council for an exclusive tree planting ceremony, as well as the ever popular Lady Bug Releases, today at Westminster, Howard Drive, Coral Reef and Dr. Henry Perrine Academy of the Arts.  

 

Of course, no special day is complete without viewing Google's special Earth Day animated doodle on the Google site. 

 

A brief history of Earth Day: The April 22 Earth Day, was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson, and was first organized in 1970 to promote ecology and respect for life on the planet as well as to encourage awareness of the growing problems of air, water and soil pollution.

 

Some relevant posts on my personal blog include Invasive Species, creating a backyard oasis, Celestial Events: there have been many posts throughout this blog covering these topics and how they are relevant to our South Miami-Dade Communities. Please take the time to check a few out.

A regular on the Sunday bicycle ride - man's best friend loves to ride.

This bike riding family was first posted April 6, 2015 - as the Photo of the day (CLICK HERE). The pup who appears to enjoy bicycling, is seen again riding Palmetto Bay. 

Again, I wonder if Lil Timmy would join the ride?

Earth Week - the events have begun in Palmetto Bay! Join us. Photos of the day - Bird Watching Workshop

I am posting some photos from the Sunday morning, April 19, ”Bird Watching Workshop” held at Thalatta Estate. Participants learned about birds that inhabit the shoreline of Thalatta Estate and Ludovici Park. A great event and great use of Thalatta Estate.

Council woman Karyn Cunningham joined me to observe. It was a beautiful day on our backyard on the bay. A great time was had by the participants.  Check the website/e-news blast (CLICK HERE) for more events.

 

Sifting through their 'Bird Pellet'

Guess what I found! A mouse skull.

Enjoying a beautiful day on the bay!

 

Earth Week Special - Shopping for a cause - April 22, 2015 - Whole Foods

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22, 2015, BY SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE!!

Citizens is excited to announce that they are the recipients of the Whole Foods 5% Day Grant!!!!

Join Citizens on Earth Day, April 22, 2015, at 4 different Whole Foods locations! The Whole Foods Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Downtown, and South Beach stores will be donating 5% of their net sales for the day to Citizens to further our environmental programming in south Florida! 

Come visit their information booths, do your shopping, and celebrate Earth Day by supporting environmental education! 

(CLICK HERE to view more information from their e-blast)

What is/who are : Citizens for a Better South Florida 

  

The mission of Citizens for a Better South Florida is to provide environmental education, particularly to the diverse underserved community, that inspires active stewardship and preservation of the south Florida environment.

Citizens for a Better South Florida envisions a south Florida where people preserve and protect the environment because they understand the connections between their actions and the resultant impacts on their neighborhood, the local community, and ultimately the global community. 

Citizens for a Better South Florida's purpose is community-based conservation of natural resources through environmental education and outreach.

Return of the Bike-B-Que to wrap up Earth Week events - Pametto Bay - Cutler Bay joint event

Return of the Bike-B-Que to wrap Earth Week events

"Let's ride!" Who is up for a nice family bike ride along historic Old Cutler? I have blogged and posted on Facebook about it, now join us.  Read the Palmetto Bay News article by Gary Alan Ruse (link above or-) "Return of the 'Bike-B-Que' to wrap up Earth Week Events."

Earth Week’s activities will conclude with a special event conducted jointly by the Village of Palmetto Bay and the Town of Cutler Bay. The “Bike- B-Que” returns on Saturday, Apr. 25, with free food, music and fun activities.
A police escorted 5.5-mile bike ride along a scenic route will begin at Lakes by the Bay Park, 8551 SW 216 St. in Cutler Bay. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

This will be a fun, family event as, according to Palmetto Bay Parks and Recreation director Fanny Carmona- Gonzalez: “We’re going to have different raffles with prizes throughout the event,” Carmona- Gonzalez said. “We’re going to have music. It’s just a fun family day; it’s open to anybody.”

Thank you sponsors, who include Bike 305, StateFarm Insurance, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids.

Pre-registration forms are available at www.palmettobay-fl.gov or at www.cutlerbayfl.gov. Forms will be accepted until Thursday, Apr. 23, 4 p.m., via fax to 305-259- 1290 or email to events@palmettobayfl.gov.

Local High School performances - the Musical Comedy "Curtains" at Palmetto Senior High

Last two performances of Curtains at Palmetto Senior High -- tonight (Wednesday, April 15) and Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.  Only $10.00.

Your Palmetto students might be able to get extra credit for attending. 

Meredith has her big role tonight, chorus Thursday. 

It's a very professional show!

Earth Week is coming - beginning April 19 and running through April 26. Link to official Palmetto Bay information.

Palmetto Bay is committed to Earth Day in such a big way, we take a full week to celebrate. Villagers of all ages are invited to take part in a wide range of way green activities, all free to the public, April 19-26. Here's what we have planned for Earth Week 2015:

• Lady Bug Releases
• Student Poster Contest
• Library Read Along
• Wildlife Film-Maker Lecture
• Tree Give-Away
• Bike-B-Que & Rodeo
• Movie Night - "Rio 2"
• Bird Watching Workshop (no further reservations accepted)
• Kayak Adventure (no further reservations accepted)

The Kayak trips have been very popular - I had to wait for a cancellation to get my family into a trip - and it was worth the wait and effort! Don't miss out! 

See below for a schedule of events and CLICK HERE to view the Palmetto Bay "Village Green" Page for more information and updates as they occur.

Photo of the day - Woodpeckers getting the nest ready to move in

I took these photos today (Monday, 4/13/15) using my cell phone. These photo are of a Woodpecker carving out a nest into a dead palm out front of the house.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

2015 Palmetto Bay Food and Country Music Festival - the Hal Feldman wrap up

A great time was had by all who attended the 2015 Florida Rock Stars "Food & Country Music Festival"

- see Hal Feldman's report - links below.

Florida Rock Stars will return in November for their 4th annual Palmetto Bay Food & Rock Festival. You can check for advance tickets here.

Held April 4, 2015, the Palmetto Bay Food & Country Music Festival featured Jade Sanders, Cutler Stew, Rough Shot, Grayson Rogers and County Line Road. There was great local food and vendors showing their wares...

Read the complete story at: http://www.miamihal.com/hals-blog/201...

Hal Feldman, Realtor® Video report posted below.

Photos of the Day - Welcome to the neighborhood - Cross Fit Demand - Palmetto Bay

Our current village council has an open door/welcome policy to quality businesses in Palmetto Bay. 

It was my privilege to welcome another new business to our Village. My first in gym clothes! 

Cross Fit Demand officially "Cut the Ribbon" on Saturday, April 11, 2015.  

Welcome to the neighborhood.

 

We have a firm location - Old Cutler North - Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Station site.

I can confirm that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue did in fact close on the property for the fire station on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 - this is the property located on the North End of OCPC, East side of Old Cutler. Miami-Dade County is now the owner of that property. They are moving forward to further enhance life-safety in the Villages of Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest.

Property located within the red box - above - photo Google Earth

The site does not look like much right now. The value to the life-safety of this area will be immeasurable.  The Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest Communities look forward to enhanced life-safety service in the area.  Your life, or the life of a friend or loved one, might just be saved by service brought closer by this new station.

Palmetto Bay Earth Week events kick off this week - Master Gardener Terri Stephen and the UF/Miami-Dade County Extension programs at Thalatta

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Taking-a-Natural-Approach----at-Thalatta-Estate.html?soid=1102365100311&aid=zU0Fjjrx530

Earth Week?  Let's celebrate it by holding special events throughout the entire month! 

Parks & Rec, in conjunction with Master Gardener Terri Stephen and the UF/Miami-Dade County Extension, hosts a series of educational programs focusing on responsible gardening.

The series begins Wednesday at 7 pm with a one-hour discussion/Q&A on Ladybugs. Come learn from our resident expert about this delightful creature.

Responsible Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, April 8, 7 p.m.

RSVP by April 7

Thalatta Estate Park

Join us as Paws 4 You Rescue's second ever Run FUR Fun 5K - Sunday, April 26, 4:00 PM

Join us on Sunday, April 26 for Paws 4 You Rescue's second ever Run FUR Fun 5K at the Killian Greens Golf Club located at 9980 SW 104th St.

Runners will also participate in and enjoy a wonderful post-race expo with over 30 vendors and various food trucks, all to benefit Paws 4 You, Miami-Dade County’s premier dog rescue organization.

Paws 4 You is a non-profit, 501C (3) which relies on individual contributions from the community it serves to take care of close to 100 homeless dogs as they await permanent adoptions. The purpose of the Run-FUR-Fun 5K is to raise money for the new Paws 4 You “retreat” and to continue develop awareness for the hundreds of dogs on the streets and in Miami Dade Animal Services who need loving homes.

The Run-FUR-Fun 5K will give us all the opportunity to enjoy an exciting outdoor event with our own dogs and families while raising funds to support a very important cause. In order to make this an amazing event, we need you! Here is a link to view the pictures of last year's race. http://paws4you.smugmug.com/Events/RunFurFun2014

Event officials have taken the next step and are working with Split Second Timing to make this 2015 race an officially timed race. They will also provide all online support for the runners as well as providing online registration. 

Please check their website for more information at www.paws4you.org.

Photo of the day - biking with Man's best friend

 
We ran across this family out for their Sunday family bike ride - here crossing the Chinese Bridge at Deering Estate (other family members not pictured)- this is true extended family cycling. 

I wonder if Lil Timmy would join the ride?

Photos of the Day - April 2, 2015 - #LIUB - Dress Barn welcomed to PBay

I am proud that Palmetto Bay is participating with people around the globe to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day, Palmetto Bay Village Hall was bathed in Blue as part of this global effort, the sixth annual Light It Up Blue campaign. 

 

The Village council also welcomed a new business to our Village.  Dress Barn officially "Cut the Ribbon" on Thursday, April 2, 2015.  Welcome to the neighborhood.

(pictured right) Dressbarn (Palmetto Bay) Store Manager Melissa Heckman receives an official welcome.  Dress Barn opened at the Colonial Palms Plaza, 13605 South Dixie Highway, Palmetto Bay.

This was an event "well suited*" for coverage by MiamiHal (CLICK HERE to view the video)

CLICK HERE to view official Palmetto Bay coverage of this event

*original pun, courtesy of the official village PIO.

April 2 - Light It Up Blue campaign - for World Autism Awareness Day

On April 2, 2015, people across the country and around the globe will commemorate World Autism Awareness Day, sanctioned by the United Nations in 2007. It is a day of promise and a time for us to lend our hearts and minds to all who live with autism.

Palmetto Bay joins with Autism Speaks, as part of this global effort, to sponsor the sixth annual Light It Up Blue campaign. Autism Speaks celebrates ten years of progress as the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

Light It Up Blue is a global initiative aiming to increase autism awareness by, quite literally, lighting the world up blue.

Last year, over 10,000 iconic buildings, businesses, and homes, spread over every continent, lit up blue. This included dozens of major city halls, state capitol buildings, and governors’ mansions in the U.S. as well as numerous landmarks such as the South Pole, Empire State Building, and even the International Space Station!

This April, we plan to expand our reach to raise awareness about autism and light up even more buildings around the globe. Consider participating in Light It Up Blue by lighting up Palmetto Bay’s neighborhood in blue lights. 

CLICK HERE to view the Palmetto Bay official web site to ;earn more about the local Palmetto Bay participation.