E-mail update / statement from FPL - March 31, 2016

In the interest of keeping everyone informed, I am publishing an e-mail update from FPL.  Please see the prior post: "FPL representative to be present before Village Council to answer questions - 6:30 PM, Monday, April 4 ".  I have set special agenda time for Florida Power & Light to have a representative present at 6:30 PM - prior to this next village council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 4.

Palmetto Bay continues to stay up to date.  The following e-mail was received today, Thursday, March 31, 2016:

From: Knight, Charles
Sent: Thursday, March 31, 2016 4:02 PM
To: Eugene Flinn
Subject: Get the facts regarding Turkey Point

 

Mayor Eugene Flinn,

 

I wanted to take an opportunity to update you on FPL’s on-going efforts regarding our Turkey Point Cooling Canal Systems (CCS).  We continue to be disappointed by the media coverage and comments made by our opponents that are meant to induce fear and are simply irresponsible regarding drinking water in the surrounding area.  Therefore, as media coverage surrounding Turkey Point continues, we want to make sure you are provided with the truth behind the situation.  I have included a link to our website where you can learn more about our canal system.

 

www.TurkeyPointFacts.com.

 

There are 3 points that bear repeating from my earlier email to you:

 

1)    There is absolutely no adverse impact to our drinking water, safety or public health;

2)    There is not now, nor will there be, any lasting adverse impact on Biscayne Bay; and

3)    FPL continues to work openly and proactively with local, state and federal authorities to ensure all safety and environmental issues are continuously addressed. We will identify and implement near and long-term solutions to ensure the canals are functioning properly, now and for years to come.

 

I encourage you to visit our website and learn more about the canal systems and the proactive measures we are taking to ensure Turkey Point continues to safely provide clean energy to Miami-Dade for many years to come.  As always, if you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

 

Sincerely,

 

Charles Knight
Area Manager, External Affairs| FPL

FPL representative to be present before Village Council to answer questions - 6:30 PM, Monday, April 4

Special notice - I have set special agenda time for Florida Power & Light to have a representative present at 6:30 PM - which is one half hour prior to this next village council meeting scheduled for Monday, April 4.

 

This would be a good time and place to attend for those interested in having questions and concerns addressed or view the meeting either online or WBAY. Contact me for any further information.

 

Contact me for any further information.

Town Hall Meeting - Topic: South Dade Busway

The time is now. Come to Palmetto Bay Village Hall on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 - 7:30 PM to hear important updates on the future of livability of South Miami-Dade County.

Town Hall Meeting - Topic: South Dade Busway

Who needs to fund transportation when I can spend 2-3 hours a day in my car commuting - said no one ever!

The South Dade Mayors and councils have been working hard with our State and County officials to finally get what was promised with the 1/2 cent sales tax. Come to our Transportation Town Hall meeting on March 30, 7 PM at village Hall. Be there - traffic permitting


CLICK HERE to view the official Palmetto Bay web site information.

The county must keep its promises on transit, 

Community Newspapers, posted by Grant Miller  

CLICK HERE to read this entire article

South Miami-Dade County is at a crossroads; new development has overwhelmed the existing road system. Mass transit is not a luxury but a long-overdue component to living in South Miami-Dade.

In 2002, the county passed the half-penny sales tax and promised Metrorail would be built all the way to Florida City. This promise was broken and declared impossible to fulfill in 2014.

Now, the county is moving forward with discussions of transportation options, but the conversation for South Dade lags behind and has little input from the community as to what we desire. That is why South Dade mayors have begun meeting and have formed a coalition with State Rep. Kionne L. McGhee to address the traffic and transportation concerns facing the South Dade community and the inevitable growth that is coming to the region. (CLICK HERE to read more)

Our environment, our community, our future - a collaberative effort to maintain our quality of life. Part 1 - our local environment

Our future is all intertwined. how we treat our local environment will determine how long we will want to live here as well as the threshold question of whether there is a local above sea level to call home.

We need to protect and prepare for our future, whether it is protecting our native Pine Rocklands, Mangroves, or Everglades.  We need to grow smart or not at all.  And don’t leave out transportation.  Transportation is another Number One issue (yes - there are more than a single critical issue facing South Florida) as growing gridlock is rapidly eroding our quality of life – but more on that in a future post. 

I am proud to be doing our part on environmental and transportation issues.  There are no perfect answers, but our actions must be part of well thought out policies.

For now, check out Fred Grimm’s column: South Florida’s mayors face reality of rising seas and climate change (online Miami Herald)

The Sierra Club meeting was held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at Pinecrest Gardens.   I am proud to have been part of this event along with fellow mayors (including host) Pinecrest, Miami, South Miami, Key Biscayne, and Cutler Bay.  Miami-Dade Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava as also a prime participant.  The event was moderated by Sierra Club's National Executive Director Mike Brune, and Caroline Lewis of the CLEO Institute, focusing on climate change, what local officials are doing. Also introduced was Sierra Club's nationwide campaign to have cities to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. See http://www.sierraclub.org/ready-for-100.

Thank yous are also due to Jim Teas, Chair, Miami Group (and wife Kathy as well!) for all your efforts in our community.

I am also proud and remain committed to advocating for our Future.  I was among the 15 Florida mayors wrote to Sen. Marco Rubio, begging him to face the reality of climate change. (Online Miami Herald, including links to download the letters - South Florida mayors press Marco Rubio, Jeb Bush on climate change, by Patricia Mazzei)

And yes, along with the original 15, with additions to raise the number to 21 mayors and The CLEO Institute, or http://www.cleoinstitute.org/ - signing on to letters sent to moderators of the upcoming Democratic and Republican debates describing their common concern “about sea level rise and climate change,” – Online Miami Herald: Florida mayors to debate moderators: Ask presidential candidates about climate change, by Patricia Mazzei

This is our community.  Let’s not sink together, but let’s rise up and make sure we all have a long future here in and for our South Florida Communities.  I will continue to collaborate with our elected officials and those community groups committed to protecting our quality of life. 

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Palmetto Bay

 

Family Guy - Cyclist "I'm one of these guys"

Just for fun.  I'm not really into "Family Guy" though I am well on my way to memorizing all the quotables in "A Million Ways To Die In The West".

Learn about financing & your rights regarding solar panels - two Webinars - Wednesday, March 16 and Wed March 30. Register & attend.

Two Free Solar Webinars

 

#1 - Wednesday, March 16, 2016

 

What: Free Webinar on Financing Strategies Installing Solar Panels on Your Home or Business, hosted by Go Solar Florida

 

When: Wednesday, March 16, 2016 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm

 

What: This webinar will This free webinar will show you how to finance the installation. This two-hour webinar will teach you about financing tools available to assist you in making your solar wishes a reality.  Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required.  To register for the webinar, click on this link: http://www.broward.org/GoGreen/GoSOLAR/GoSOLARFlorida/Pages/Default.aspx   .

 

Who: This live webinar is primarily for residents and business owners who are interested in learning how to make it more affordable to harness the power of solar energy for their homes or businesses.   Go Solar is a consortium sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and comprised of Alachua, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, and St. Lucie Counties as well as the City of Venice, Florida Atlantic University, and Florida Solar Energy Center.

 

 

#2 - Wednesday, March 30, 2016

What: Free Webinar on Solar Rights, hosted by Go Solar Florida

 

When: Wednesday, March 30, 2016 from 1:00 to 2:30 pm

 

What: This webinar will provide education about solar access and legal rights to install rooftop solar photovoltaic systems.   Attendance is free, but pre-registration is required.  To register for the webinar, please click here.

 

Who: This live webinar, coordinated by  the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC), will help to educate residents, building officials, contractors, and community association managers.   Go Solar is a consortium sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and comprised of Alachua, Broward, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Orange, and St. Lucie Counties as well as the City of Venice, Florida Atlantic University, and FSEC.

 

Additional: For more information, contact Colleen Kettles at the Florida Solar Energy Center: ckettles@fsec.ucf.edu

 

Lisa K. Klopp, Sustainability Program Assistant

Office of Resilience

Miami-Dade County Regulatory & Economic Resources Department

111 NW 1^st Street, 12^th Floor

Miami, FL 33128

Ph: (305) 375-5593

www.miamidade.gov

http://www.miamidade.gov/green/

"Delivering Excellence Every Day"

DTRT ANNOUNCEMENT - $6,000 SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND MIAMI POLICE ACADEMY

Do the Right Thing of Miami, Inc. (DTRT) has a $6,000 scholarship opportunity for those (and ONLY those) planning on attending the Miami Police Academy.

The deadline to submit the scholarship application is April 15, 2016.  

Note that the Village of Palmetto Bay is a municipal sponsor of DTRT.

WHAT: The Senior Police Executive Angel Calzadilla/Do The Right Thing Police Memorial Scholarship

WHO QUALIFIES: Open to all Miami-Dade County high school seniors who want to pursue a career in law enforcement. The scholarship award is $6,000 and is applied towards tuition to attend the Miami Police Academy in downtown Miami.

HOW DO YOU APPLY:  Contact me and I can forward the e-mail with the application, but you may be better served by contacting Jodi Atkison, Executive Director, Do The Right Thing of Miami, Inc., c/o City of Miami Police Department
400 NW 2nd Avenue, Room 201-J
Miami, FL 33128
Phone: 305-579-3344 Fax: 305-350-7919  
Website: www.dotherightthinginc.org
Facebook: Do The Right Thing of Miami, Inc.

The Sr. Police Executive Angel Calzadilla/DTRT Police Memorial Scholarship application is also available online on the DTRT website along with the application info sheet. To obtain a copy of the application and info sheet, log on to http://dotherightthinginc.org/scholarship/. 

Please call Jodi Atkison, Executive Director, DTRT, directly if you have any questions about the scholarship: 305-579-3344.

Great time - Tribute to the Military 5K

Photos of the day - the entire extended family joined in at the Tribute to the Military 5K held Sunday evening, March 13, 2016.

The family that runs together ...? I got nothing. It was fun. Family fun.

W/Fellow PBAY resident Roger Synder.

The cousins places 1st and 3rd in their age group!

With Lt. Col. Walter Flinn and Commissioner Pepe Diaz

Palmetto Bay Village Center – TDR – what is in it for us? Plenty. Don’t let this opportunity for preservation and park land slip by!

This land could official become part of the Palmetto Bay Parks system - restored, protected and available to be enjoyed!  We ask your support. Note that I have extended an official invitation to the officers and members of the Palmetto Bay Garden Club.  I want to demonstrate what we can accomplish when we work together.   

(Saturday, March 12, 2016) I was honored to lead the first of what I hope to be many tours of the Palmetto Bay Village Center (PBVC) to demonstrate the potential as well as the importance of transferring ownership of portions of the PBVC from private ownership to control (ownership) by the residents of Palmetto Bay. 

The pictures posted below tell part of the story of what we found there and demonstrate the importance of taking ownership - and preventing this land (the area NOT in blue) from EVER being developed.

To be clear - the photo to the right shows the portions that we would NOT be taking over - the blue defined area remains develop able land - as it is now.  The green areas will remain green - green, undeveloped open space.  Areas that become the responsibility of Palmetto Bay.  Our land - to be restored in parts, protected in all and available without question for the residents of Palmetto Bay. 

This was the first tour - we reviewed the various native and invasives located on the property.  Pines, silver palm, coontie, poisonwood, poison ivy, oaks, palmetto, mangrove.  So many species are located on site. 

(Above) Too funny - and the dedication to the environment shows.  It was hard to keep certain people from jumping in to pick up some garbage she spotted and insisted must be removed.  Love that spirit.  Of course, I had to jump in and stake a claim to this land I want to see become park of our Palmetto Bay protected preserve.

(Below) - the lagoon remains part of the PBVC corporate ownership [where there are presently two crocodiles residing - some of the numerous pines poke out from the general tree canopy along Old Cutler (seen from the internal drive of the PBVC)].

COMING SOON - the "How" on how we intend on taking ownership of this sensitive land.

Palmetto Bay Village Celebration - Saturday, March 5, 2016 - 11 AM - 2 PM - Coral Reef Park

The kick-off/welcome to the picnic will take place at CORAL REEF PARK, beginning at 11 am, starting with the singing of the national anthem by violinist, Ian Barnett from Miami Youth for Chamber Music.

 

Scheduled of events and performances as follows:

11:00am -           EVENT STARTS-  Master of Ceremonies- Jay Rokeach

·       Welcome Remarks by Village Manager, Mayor and Council

·       National Anthem by violinist, Ian Barnett Miami Youth for Chamber Music

·       Recognition of Miami Palmetto SHS Special Olympians Students: Eros Barraza, Megan Fernandez, Frederick Julme, Martin Lugo, Eduardo Martin, Michelle Mazzacane, Kristen Santalo,

Teacher: Sandra Tilton, Ph.D. SPED Teacher

 

11:15am -           Howard Drive Elementary (Dance and Chorus) 

11:45am –           Tandem Theater (Kids) 

12:15pm –          Tandem Theater (Adults) 

12:30pm –          Miami Youth for Chamber Music Preparatory Strings

 12:30pm -           Mayor’s Cup Baseball Game – Palmetto vs Coral Reef

 1:00pm –             “Get Fit Palmetto Bay” – Winner Announcements –

                              Benefit Car Show Award Announcements and RAFFLE from Bike Valet Tickets

 1:15pm-              Palmetto Middle School Drama      

1:30pm-              Southwood Middle School 4-string quartet

1:45pm-              Southwood Students - Rock Band - “The Exit”

 

In addition to the free rides, face-painting, various partner booths, and delicious food, the following highlights will be featured at the picnic!

• Bike valet – provided by Green Mobility Network
• Home Depot will set up a DYI craft kits station
• Christ Fellowship volunteers will be on-site to lend a hand and Sponsoring water!
• Krispy Kreme Doughnuts giving away 1,000 doughnuts
• P & R Recreational Providers promoting their programs with interactive activities by their booths
• P & R Tent with staff promoting programs, other park events, summer camp and sports programs.
• Palmetto Bay Police Department will be on site along with, Fire Truck Demo, Citizen Crime Watch tent with/ McGruff, Daren-Mascot from D.A.R.E., MDC Fire Safety Smoke House,  K-9 and SWAT truck unit.
• Benefit Car Shows will host an 11 category car show for all to enjoy.  Awards sponsored by Bullseye Powder Coating.

 

This event would not be possible without the amazing support of various sponsors and partners:

• South Motors
• AutoNation Nissan Kendall
• Old Cutler Presbyterian Church
• Doral Lincoln
• Corradino Group
• Kimley Horn
• Duarte Orthodontics
• Giardino Gourmet Salads
• Waste Management, Inc.
• Mack Cycle
• Benefit Car Shows
• PBA- Police Benevolent Association
• RiteCare Medical Center
• Christ Fellowship Miami
• Home Depot
• Benefit Car Shows
• Bullseye Powder Coating
• Amores A D Dental

 

Palmetto Bay Business Association update - Trust for Public Lands

A great meeting of the Palmetto Bay Business Association.  The featured speaker was Brenda McClymonds, Senior Program Director of the Trust for Public Lands (TPL). 

TPL has worked hard for Palmetto Bay - CLICK HERE to view the exciting TPL press release from 9/19/05, regarding the results of the September 15, the FCT governing board fully funded Thalatta Estate, our gem on the Bay which may not have occurred but for TPL getting involved:

•Bayfront/Haas Property, Village of Palmetto Bay, Miami-Dade County. Located on Biscayne Bay, this 3.6 acres will be protected as a public park. In addition, a house on the property that was built in 1926 will be preserved and eventually opened to the public. The FCT board approved $2.71 million to the Village of Palmetto. TPL purchased the property, in conjunction with the Village, in December 2004.  

Thank you to all the donors, volunteers, board members and staff of the TPL!

L to R - Eric Watts, Eugene Flinn, Brenda McClymonds, & Peter England

INTRODUCING ERICA WATTS

Erica Watts & Linda Robinson,
Palmetto Bay's first Vice Mayor

It was my pleasure to introduce Erica Watts to the PBBA community.  Erica is a member of our Educational Advisory Board (EAC) and it taking the lead on a PTA/PTSA summit to be held shortly. Pictured with Peter England, she is part of the PTA(PTSA)/Village collaboration as part of our 5 member EAC.  She also serves as President of the Coral Reef Elementary PTA. Many great programs are occurring and will be occurring in the near future due to Erica and many dedicated volunteers like Erica.  

District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava & Erica Watts