GP030002 - final video that I am posting - part of the Warren County Bikeway

GP030002
 00:49 crossing at grade
 1:14 Under power lines
 1:48 crossing at grade
 2:07 protected bike overpass
 2:50 passing rear of grocery/shopping center
 3:26 passing directly through unknown commercial campus
 4:00 Pedestrian walking hope with shopping bag
 4:24 at grade crossing into neighborhood
 5:28 passing through neighborhood
 7:58 passing through neighborhood
 8:42 more groceries
 9:05 end of route (path continues on) ends at a bike friendly restaurant/Ice cream shop.

The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

Bicycle tourism is booming and Miami-Dade County needs to continue to add to and improve our bike trails in order to capture this market.

Personally,  Alexandra and I ride locally and enjoy biking the Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest, South Miami and Coral Gable areas on a regular basis.  We have also ridden parts of the Florida Keys, the Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast areas.  Last week (July 22-26) Alexandra and I spent part of my brief time off enjoying The Warren County bikeway it was a definite highlight and it struck me that this is what the Ludlum Trail could be if properly developed. The Ludlum Trail could offer the same opportunities (excluding, of course, the mountain views). We traveled the Warren County Bikeway from the northern start in Lake George Village to its southern end in downtown Glens Falls (though the bike trails continue at each end). The vast majority of the Warren County Bikeway is paved and for non-motor vehicle traffic.

It is interesting to note that it does intermingle with existing roads - it runs through nature preserves, along side commercial, municipal, golf courses and yes, through and part of existing affluent residential (single family home) neighborhoods.  I saw this trail to be well used by joggers, walkers and bikers. as the web site points out, where a separate trail was not possible, the trail intersects with local roads and shares the shoulder.

This trail offers both at ground level crossing with cross-secting streets as well as special over passes that allow users to cross well above and safely away from heavy traffic streets.

Commercial signage is also provided along this route, recognizing that users of this trail use it more more than recreation.  It is a safe route to travel to area businesses.  We observed users traveling to area grocery stores, restaurants and even the area municipal center.

Area shops cater to the business opportunities of the bikeway, including (obviously) the stores that rent the bikes for those who travel to the area to bike the Adirondacks - see: http://www.bikeadirondacks.org/ 

There is signage for schools, the library and other parks,

The bikeway is also used for travel to the jobs connected to these locations as well as to at least one school that we located.

The Warren County Bikeway offers an outstanding run - for work, play and sightseeing.  I highly recommend a trip on the Warren County Bikeway.

I also received a new toy for my birthday - the family gave me a GoPro - so it was appropriate that my first attempt in using this GoPro was filming our travels along the bike way.  Here is the initial start (both of the trail as well as my first attempt, so forgive the primitive first attempt). This video will provide a better feel of what it is like to travel the Warren County Bikeway.

Photos below are of just one of the businesses Alex and I patronized.  Proper bike trails add significant quality of life to the surrounding area.  I look forward to the Ludlum Trail becoming such a centerpiece.

Part II

Warren County Bikeway is what the Ludlam Trail could be - Video 1

Part one - also embedded in the article on the Warren County Bike Trail

On this day in history- July 20 - 1969. 10:56 p.m. EDT. What a historic day it was - Americans first landed on the moon.

“That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Stepping off the lunar landing module Eagle, Armstrong became the first human to walk on the surface of the moon. Apollo 11 was the United States' first lunar landing mission. While astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin descended in the Lunar Module "Eagle" to explore the Sea of Tranquility region of the moon, astronaut Collins remained with the Command and Service Modules "Columbia" in lunar orbit.

On July 16, 1969, the huge, 363-feet tall Saturn V rocket launches on the Apollo 11 mission from Pad A, Launch Complex 39, Kennedy Space Center, at 9:32 a.m. EDT. Onboard the Apollo 11 spacecraft are astronauts Neil A. Armstrong, commander; Michael Collins, command module pilot; and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot.

Apollo 11 and NASA's Next Giant Leap Photo Credits: NASA

Photos of the Day - Welcome to the neighborhood - Correa & Company - Palmetto Bay

Our current Village Council has an open door/welcome policy to quality business in Palmetto Bay.

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

It was Gallery night for Marilyn Correa-Gonzalez and Correa & Company in Palmetto Bay. Located across from village hall, their mission is to bring the arts & culture to the heart of Palmetto Bay.

Correa & Company opened its doors on Saturday, July 11, 2015, in Palmetto Bay. I, along with Vice Mayor, John DuBois, Councilwoman, Karyn Cunningham, and Councilman, Tim Schaffer were there to celebrate. 

We were treated to some sushi by Kamei Ryoko, Yoko's Japanese. The event was 5 – 9 and many people came throughout the event. We are all excited to see what great things are yet to come.

Thank you for bringing your business to Palmetto Bay.

 

Hello? Seeking your input. Palmetto Bay residents are asked take the Independence Day Event Spectators survey

Speak up! Your impressions and criticisms are being solicited. Improve or end this event. There is a limited time for Palmetto Bay residents to take the Independence Day Event Spectators survey. Help make our events event better. http://goo.gl/kOaErv

The "fine print": Thanks for taking the time to complete our survey. We value your feedback so much that we want to enter you into a really cool prize drawing. Simply provide us with your name and e-mail address, and agree to subscribe to our Village e-newsletter, and you'll be automatically entered into a drawing for one of two $15 gift certificates for lunch or dinner at Asian Fusion Cafe. There's one catch -- you MUST complete the survey before Monday, July 13 at 5:00 p.m. Two winners will get a fabulous meal and Village staff gets to make next year's event even better -- thanks for your input.

November 7, 2015 - the first annual Miami Palmetto Senior HS - 5K Color Run, food and music - Palmetto Bay Park

It is not too early to start planning for the first annual Miami Palmetto Senior HS - 5K Color Run, food and music. Save the date - it will be held on Saturday, November 7, race at 4 PM, concert afterwards, beginning at 5 PM.  Run at dusk and spend the evening at the concert afterwards!  This event will be held at beautiful Palmetto Bay Park. 

It is not too early to get started, yet there is still time if you are enjoying your summer.  There are runner websites available as well as iPhone/Android APPS to help train the first timers and many simply walk and enjoy the event.

This is a fundraiser for Miami Palmetto Senior High PTSA in partnership with Palmetto Bay.

  
 







MORE INFORMATION

Are you on Facebook?  An events page has been set up for this event which is periodically updated with additional information such as bands, food and sponsors: "1st Annual Palmetto Twilight Color Run and Concert"

Registration will be available soon at http://www.splitsecondtiming.com/
More information is available both as to the event as well as SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES -Call (305) 249-1234 or e-mail events@palmettobay-fl.gov

Photos from the Mangowood Independence Day celebration

The Mangowood Estates Citizens Association held its annual Independence Day event on Saturday, July 4, 2015.  Thank you residents and board members of MECA for yet another great community event by/located within the Mangowood community.  I am posting some photos from this event.  (Captions and photo credits coming soon).

Photos of the Day - more from July 4 - F16 Falcons taken by Len Sandow, Mangowood

I am posting several photos of the F16 Falcon jets that provided the flyover at the Saturday, July 4, Independence Day celebration at Mangowood.  Note that all photos are courtesy of Len Sandow, Mangowood, Mangowood Estates Citizens Association (MECA). The pilots are Lt. Col Robert Lytle and Lt. Col. David Smith.  Thank you all.

"Photo of the Day" - video of the Independence Day Celebration at Village Hall - Thank you Samual Dominic

Photo/Video of the Day. You Tube video - Palmetto Bay 2015 4th of July Grand Finale - You Tube post of Lars Schmekel

Have a Happy and safe July 4th weekend - 2015. Support and enjoy local events. Keep our pets safe!

July 4, 1776, the date we celebrate our independence from Britain and Democracy was born.  There are many great neighborhood and regional events going on so plan ahead, have fun and stay safe!

CLICK HERE to update yourself on the events planned within the Village of Palmetto Bay, The 4th rings with patriotic spirit and pride in a day filled with wholesome, All-American fun for the entire family! This event is free to the public. The events start at 5:00 PM.  Fireworks start at 9:00 PM!

This is a holiday to celebrate, the day we celebrate the birth of our great nation, the creation of the greatest system of freedom and democracy. All of this occurred due to the great physical and financial sacrifice of the founders of this nation, the brave men and women of yesterday and today who have sacrificed so greatly to ensure the traditions bestowed by our remarkable founders. We owe them vigilance, and the willingness to defend the democracy they have passed on to us.

Let us continue to look to a future that belongs to all of us - a future that ‘we, the people’ have the power to create.

Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I, we all wish you all a wonderful holiday, and hope that the day’s happiness reminds us all of the importance of the Fourth of July.

HISTORY OF THIS HOLIDAY: Independence Day has been celebrated since 1776.  But do you know the year that July 4 officially made a Federal Holiday?  Would you believe 1941? Check out the History.com page regarding July 4, for additional information.

PLAN FOR YOUR PETS Let's not forget about our pets this holiday weekend. It Will Be a Stressful Evening For Them. Pets and fireworks don't mix. Plan now to keep your pet safe. CLICK HERE to view Miami-Dade County July 4th Pet Safety tips.

Celebrations will occur throughout our community – there are many neighborhood block parties and bike parades and picnics on the beaches and in parks.  More complete information is contained online: See & Do, Miami Herald: Fourth of July guide: Where to watch fireworks in South Florida on July 4

FIREWORKS SAFETY Please be smart if you plan on being your own pyrotechnician CLICK HERE and review the "Fireworks Safety" brochure put out by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Division. Have fun and be safe.

Happy Independence Day – 2015 - from Eugene Flinn

A new threat to our local environment. Be on the lookout and help stamp out the Pacific island flatworm

It has been almost a year since my last posting on invasive species (August 4, 2014).  The last two posts covered invasive/local snails.  This current post concerns a new threat to our local environment; a creature described a ‘vile’, a ‘revolting’ pernicious predator to our local snail.  Be on the lookout and help stamp out this threat: the Pacific island flatworm.

See the Miami Herald: Goo-spewing worm latest threat to South Florida, By Jenny Staletovich:

Researchers last month confirmed for the first time that the Pacific island flatworm has been found on the U.S. mainland in four locations around Miami-Dade County. Even tony Coral Gables. The nocturnal creeper clocks in at just two inches, looking more like a smudge of snot than an agile predator. But don’t be fooled by its sluggish demeanor. At mealtime, the worm goes full-on Alien, posing a potentially serious threat to South Florida’s already fragile native snail population.

“It is really vile,” said David Robinson, the nation’s chief snail scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “As a biologist I can handle most things, but I find this really revolting.”

Scientists worry the worm — which is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as one of the planet’s 100 most invasive species — could spread by being transported in garden soil or on plants.

Another threat to look out for. And certainly something you do not want to spread. What can it do?  The effect in South Florida is unknown for now, as discussed in the article:

“In the case of Florida, we don’t really have a handle on what it could do,” he said, but pointed out that even after several years it does not appear to have had a significant impact.

“We can hope that Miami is not the best place for it to survive,” he said.

But should they spread, South Florida’s native snail population, already imperiled by shrinking habitat and threatened by climate change, collectors and invasive fire ants, could be in trouble.

“They are no where else to be found,” Sei said. “So once they are gone from South Florida, they are gone from the whole world.”

Upcoming presentation - Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) July 13 Village Council meeting

Esther Monzon-Aguirre, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, will attend the July 13, 2015 Village Council meeting and provide a complete briefing to interested residents, staff and members of the Village Council regarding upcoming WASD investments affecting Palmetto Bay, its residents and surrounding areas. 

Our District 8 County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava will also be present.

The WASD Team is looking forward to discussing these important issues and WASD and Palmetto Bay will work together.

Information will be similar to the Cutler Bay meeting - see the Miami Herald article online, June 16, 2015, Miami-Dade Water and Sewer department meets with Cutler Bay council, community members, by Alex Butler, Special to the Miami Herald