Palmetto Bay mourns the passing of Rosemary Fuller. Educator, mentor. Retired Principal of Perrine Elementary

Palmetto Bay mourns the passing of Rosemary Fuller.

Today, the Palmetto Bay community mourns the loss of longtime Perrine Elementary School (Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts) Principal and a dear friend to the Village, Ms. Rosemary Fuller.

Principal Fuller was an outstanding person who served Palmetto Bay as a member of one of our original advisory committees and played an essential role in solidifying the great relationships we have with our local schools. She helped me start up what is now an annual tradition, our Palmetto Bay Principals’ Breakfast – establishing a bridge between Palmetto Bay and our local schools. She remained active in the community well after her retirement from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and we would occasionally cross paths at the Palmetto Bay Business Association and other events held in South Miami-Dade County.

On behalf of the Village, I’d like to extend my condolences not only to Principal Fuller’s family, but also to all of her students and her fellow educators whose lives she impacted through her passion and dedication to education.

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay

Chabad of Palmetto Bay invites you (and your family / friends) to Celebrate Chanukah with a Balloon Menorah!

Sunday, January 1, 2017, 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Coral Reef Park

Chabad of Palmetto Bay invites you (and your family/friends) to Celebrate Chanukah with a Balloon Menorah! 

This is a free of charge event.  

Go to www.jewishpalmettobay.org or call (786) 262-043 for more information.

Invasives continue to turn up in strange places - please report them if and when you spot them

Pythons swimming in Florida Bay?!  There appears to be no place safe if South Florida environment to encroachment from invasive species. 

I recently received a report of a 5 foot alligator approaching kayakers in the canal that runs along 84^th Street here in Palmetto Bay (a NATIVE Florida species).  They were referred to the South Florida Water Management District where they made the report.  At least that is a native species that we need find a way to live with in peace.  For local gator issues - information on how to live with/report them - see my 6/16/16 posting: "Local Gator? Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program - SNAP. FWC Alligator Management Program".

This post is about the continuing travels of invasive species and how I continue to run into more and more of them in and near Palmetto Bay.  This is my 24^th posting under the “Invasive Species” label.

Christmas 2015 involved two python sightings (both dead).  No such sightings in 2016. No reports of python road kill or being pulled from swimming pools in Palmetto Bay. 

I am posting an article posted online on December 27, 2016 – Miami Herald  - Think sharks are scary? There’s a new critter swimming in Biscayne Bay, By Jenny Staletovich.

We cannot ignore the fact that we have our shares of Python captures in Palmetto Bay.  A prior post from three years earlier (Dec 12, 2012), noted that two large pythons had been removed from Palmetto Bay in 2012.  CBS 4 reported on November 26, 2012, that a “very large” python who made its home on a Palmetto Bay lawn was removed by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Venom Unit near 180 Street and SW 77 avenue.

But I have not yet received a report of a python swimming in the canal.

The invasive were smaller in 2016.  I posted on my personal Facebook page: "Happy Holidays from the non-native invasive basilisk lizard now making its home in Palmetto Bay" - a Brown Basilisk lizard.  This sighting was at my mother-in-law's near Sadowski.  I had first noticed them at Perrine Wayside back when we were first developing that park into our Dog Park. 

Please report what you see – download the app from the FWC – “IVeGot1” Go to - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and link over to "Wildlife & Habitats"

See something?  Report it – and please keep me up to date on what you see and report.

Kicking off Christmas music Season - A Charlie Brown Christmas - Christmas Time is Here Song

I am posting the gold standard classic - let's lighten it up post election and enter this Christmas season on a Palmetto Bay high note. 

Warning - Dollar Tree customers are having their cars towed for parking in neighboring properties - be forewarned

WARNING - aggressive tow away practices are being employed by owners of property owner(s) adjacent to the Dollar Tree Store located at 13811 South Dixie Highway, Palmetto Bay.  Is this fair protection of property rights or a predatory operation?  It is a fair question.

Saturday, December 10, 2016, was an (unwanted) eventful day for unsuspecting Dollar Tree store Patrons.  Many people have parked in what they thought was a common parking lot only to find their car towed.  Most people are unaware that these businesses are largely separately owned properties with separately owned parking lots - in other words, this collection of businesses is unlike most shopping centers where there is common parking.  The current result is that those who unwittingly park in the wrong spot are being towed, sometimes immediately upon parking.  Don't let this happen to you!

It may simply not be worth it to shop at this Dollar Tree location, not unless you are lucky enough to find a parking space right in front of the store location, or being savvy enough to abide by the competing property rights of the neighboring businesses.  

Above left - view of the property (taken from the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser website).
Above right - a tow removal in process, interrupted by the owner catching the tow truck driver before he could drive away. 

Above left and right - views of the signage warning drivers of the tow-away zone.  

I spoke with many people who pulled in to go to the Dollar Tree.  Not a single driver noticed the signs or realized where the property lines for the different stores began or ended. All would have been towed and faced hundreds of dollars in costs for the car towing along with the aggravation.

I was told that the driver of the truck (pictured in these photos) ended up negotiating an $80+ charge for the tow truck operator to "drop" his vehicle in place, returning it to him within the same parking lot, 'saving' him the time, inconvenience and additional expense of having to retrieve the vehicle from the tow company storage lot. I was told by bystanders (and the owner of the truck pictured in this event) that it makes no difference if there are people left in the vehicle (students in the case of the black truck), the tow trucks are still moving in on occupied, but parked vehicles, and picking them up for towing. 

SPOTTER ENGAGED: It appears that a "spotter" is being employed to immediately identify any offenders and call in the tow trucks.  Can you see the car (headlights on) parked in the lot (photo above left)?  I was told by bystanders in this shopping plaza (frequent customers and employees of adjoining businesses) that the driver of this car acts as a "spotter" and calls in the tow trucks when an unsuspecting patron parks in an incorrect parking spot and walks into the Dollar Tree store.  

The driver of this "spotter vehicle" did get out of his vehicle while the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit was on scene.  He is pictured above (above right), wearing the long pants with the blue folder under tucked his left arm.  

Above left and right - the alleged "spotter" moving his car when the witnesses in the parking lot brought out their camera phones to document the event - note that the license plate has been obscured as a courtesy to him.

To the best of my knowledge, this is the only example of what I consider to be an aggressive tow-away zone parking situation in Palmetto Bay.   

This matter has been brought to the attention of our Palmetto Bay Village Manager and it will be brought before the entire Village Council for discussion.  I asked those involved in the event on Sat, 12/10 to provide post event communication; providing additional details.  It remains to be seen if they do follow up and contact me.  I ask anyone else who has suffered similar experiences within Palmetto Bay to contact me via official e-mail: eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov.  

In the meantime, be careful and respectful where you park - especially if you are planning to shop at the Dollar Tree - even if you think you will be "in and out of the store" in "just a moment." 

Please be careful where you park, both to be considerate of the property rights of business owners as well as to prevent yourself from falling victim to having your vehicle towed away.  I also request that you pass on this information to your friends and neighbors.  

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

176 / Old Cutler Crosswalk. More examples of new pedestrian infrastructure being installed by Miami-Dade County within Palmetto Bay

These photos were taken on the afternoon of Friday, December 9, 2016.  Miami-Dade County is adding on push-buttoned signaled crosswalk upgrades to Old Cutler Road at 176 Street.  This will make it safer to cross over Old Cutler Road.

 

 

This crosswalk upgrade is an example of ongoing collaborative efforts to improve traffic mobility throughout Palmetto Bay - part of a complete effort.   

Dec 9 - I am proud to participate in Miami-Dade County's #PublicTransitDay

Today, Friday, December 9, 2016 is the first-ever "#PublicTransitDay" in Miami-Dade County.  I will be participating.

I am pleased to be cited in the Miami Herald as one official who regularly uses public transportation - and yes, there are many days I take my car.  Its a matter of using it when I can and recognizing that I actually save commuting time and traffic gridlock along US1, while also relieving me of downtown parking hassles and expense by using MetroRail/MetroMover.  See: Miami Herald, 12/8/2016: Discounts! Freebies! But you’ll have to ditch your car and take the bus, by Monique O. Madan

The community-wide day is aimed at encouraging people to use public transportation and use the hashtag #PublicTransitDay on social media while they commute. What started out as a Miami-focused effort has now expanded to include transit riders and leaders in Broward and Palm Beach counties as well.

My family has used MetroRail (as have many others) to commute down to events at the (now demolished) Miami Arena for events such as Heat or Panther games - or the Ice Shows - or down to the Miami Book Fairs.  We often took MetroRail from the Datran South, South Miami or UM Stations to games/events at the Orange Bowl.

Today may not be your day to participate in #PublicTransitDay, but I look forward to your participation.

And, as the #PublicTransitDay sponsor ask, please tweet or post out your experiences today for all to see, using the hastag "#PublicTransitDay"

Have a great day, 

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay.  

Remembering the events of the Pearl Harbor attack - 75 years later. Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Address

75 years ago today. December 7, 1941. "A day which will live in infamy." Please take a moment to reflect on this day and remember those who still survived this Day and those who gave up their lives in service of our Country.

Turkey Point Warning Siren Test Announcement - Friday 1:00 PM

You may hear sirens blaring on Friday - be advised it is a regularly scheduled test.

Please be advised: Friday, December 2 there will be a test of the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant’s warning sirens .  This is a regularly scheduled quarterly siren test.  The sirens test will start at approximately 13:00 (1:00 PM) and lasts about 20 minutes from start to finish.

I am posting this as I have been advised that this regularly held test may result in calls.  Please be advised that this test is a required part of the Turkey Point Nuclear Plant’s alert and notification program.  In the event of a real event, information about the incident and protective action (if necessary) would be communicated via regular media outlets.

Your village, your voice - get engaged - participate in upcoming traffic meetings concerning traffic issues such as speeding, volume/congestion, safety, and cut-through traffic

VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY
NOTICE OF PUBLIC TRAFFIC MEETINGS

The Village of Palmetto Bay shall host Public Traffic Meetings with the Village’s traffic engineer, Marlin Engineering concerning traffic issues such as speeding, volume/congestion, safety, and cut-through traffic. Although this is not a meeting of the Village Council, Council Members may attend at their option. No official action will be taken. The purpose of these public traffic meetings is to help the traffic engineer continue to develop the Village-wide traffic calming and redirection plan for: 

•District 3 Residents (SW 168 Street extending south to SW 184 Street): Meeting to be held on Thursday, December 08, 2016;

•District 2 Residents (SW 152 Street, excluding all of Royal Harbor Yacht Club and Paradise Point, extending south to SW 168 Street): Meeting to be held on Thursday, December 15, 2016;

•District 1 Residents (SW 136 Street south to SW 152 Street, including all of Royal Harbor Yacht Club and Paradise Point): Meeting to be held on Tuesday, December 20, 2016;

The Public Traffic Meetings for Districts 1, 2, and 3 will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Village of Palmetto Bay Municipal Center, 9705 East Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.

Any meeting may be opened and continued and, under such circumstances, additional legal notice would not be provided. Any person may contact Village Hall at 305-259-1234 for information. In accordance with the Americans Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needed special accommodation (or if hearing impaired) to participate in this proceeding or to review any documents relative thereto should contact the Village for assistance at 305-259-1234 no later than four (4) days prior to the proceedings.

For more information, please visit: www.palmettobay-fl.gov and/or contact (305) 259-1234.

BATTLE OF THE BANDS event set for February 11, 2017

First call for bands who want to compete and benefit the 2017 Relay for Life!

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD- we are looking for bands to compete in our BATTLE OF THE BANDS event set for February 11, 2017. 

There are two categories: Youth bands 22yrs and under and Adults over 22 yrs. 

Please share and contact me with any questions- eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or call (305) 302-3713. Or you can also contact the event chair, Pinecrest Council Member Cheri Ball at cheri_ball@yahoo.com or call her at (305) 215-4617.

The event supports the Relay For Life 2017 for Pinecrest-Palmetto Bay-Cutler Bay.

Palmetto Bay's Unique Abilities Fair / Jonathan's Day - Sat., Dec. 3rd from 10 am to 1 pm

Join us at Coral Reef Park on Saturday for Jonathan's Day. 

What is Jonathan's Day?  Watch the video from "Focus on South Florida", WBFS, MyTV33, Rudabeh Shahbazi, as Jonathan Mirzrachi, the 12 year old namesake of Jonathan's Day, talks about this event with his mother, Melinda Mizrachi, to provide details on the purpose of this wonderful event: Focus On South Florida: Jonathan's Day: The University of Miami and Nova University's 'Center for Autism and Related Disabilities' are on a mission.

You're invited to Palmetto Bay's Unique Abilities Fair -Jonathan's Day, a Day of Community Discovery, Saturday, Dec. 3rd from 10 am to 1 pm at Coral Reef Park.

Jonathan's Day will be a day filled with food, fun, and programming to raise community awareness about children with autism and other vulnerable populations and their families. Read more. RSVP with us today or click here to make a donation!

The University of Miami and Nova University’s “Center for Autism and Related Disabilities” are on a mission — to provide support and assistance to people with autism, and to help families of children diagnosed with the disorder.

 

Community Event - Southwood Middle School PTA will host its 2nd Annual Festival of the Arts at the school in Palmetto Bay on December 9, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 PM

Support Southwood Middle School PTA - and have a great time with your children.

Southwood Middle School PTA will host its 2nd Annual Festival of the Arts at the school in Palmetto Bay on December 9, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 PM. 

Festival of the Arts is an event that showcases Southwood’s fabulous visual and performing arts magnet programs while also providing students and the community with fun entertainment. In addition to the magnet demonstrations, students may enjoy unlimited playtime on many inflatable rides, meet with a variety of community vendors, listen to a professional DJ spin some tunes and rock out with Southwood Middle School’s Rock Band. 

COSTS:  Wristbands will be sold for $15.00 at the school on the day of the event, which covers entrance to the event and unlimited access to all rides and programs. Food and drinks will also be available for purchase.

Please note that elementary school students will not be admitted into the event without a parent or guardian present.  Parents/legal guardians must sign a Participation Waiver, permitting their child/children to participate.

For more information, please send an e-mail to  southwoodptsa@gmail.com or Cindy Medina at cindytheveg@gmail.com.

Thank you Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for brifing us on the impact of Fidel Casto's death for our community

A historic day for South Florida -

Official release - Nov 26, 2016 - Ros-Lehtinen Comments on Death of Fidel Castro

I appreciate the time set aside by our Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to personally brief me on the death of Fidel Castro and impact on our community. Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen took the time to provide special insight on this day to our daughter Katherine.  You have always remain accessible to your constituents. We are pleased to have you as our member of congress.

 

Castro had and will continue to have a huge impact on our local politics.  This brutal dictator destroyed many families and caused tragedy/turmoil that will never heal for so many throughout the world.  . 
 
Thank you for your time during this historic and busy day Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen.  Having grown up here in South Florida, I wish the best for my Cuban-American friends, the entire Cuban-American Community and look forward to the next step toward ultimate liberation of Cuba.

FPL property - "Cutler Plantation" property is now back on the market - seeking $60 million

FPL has put the "Cutler Plantation" property back on the market.  I am sharing this information here for you to review.  This is the old Cutler Plant which as decommissioned a few years ago.

Property located at
6525 SW 152nd Street
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

Should Palmetto Bay seek to buy this property for a park?  Its a big number.  FPL is currently seeking $60,000,000 - that is Sixty Million Dollars.  Note this is only the asking price,  I am sure the final sales price will be much lower. 

Thank you for those who have contacted me concerning this property.  This property has raised significant speculation and discussion. Should/can the Village purchase the property to create another park in the community. I ask that everyone stay informed and engaged on this and other issues that are important to you. I can be reached at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or (305) 302-3713.

CLICK HERE to view the actual online property listing

Turkey Day run - 2016 - Baptist Health Turkey Day Miami 5K/10K

A great day with thousands - THOUSANDS of participants at the Baptist Health Turkey Day 5K/10K run.  Alexandra and I ran once again.  A great warm up for the Thanksgiving feast.

Palmetto Bay resident Desiree Barger won the 10K - Woman's Division.  The second and third place finishers came in 1:53 behind her. That is a very impressive win!  

We had many Palmetto Bay residents participating, many of which participate in our tri-city Old Cutler Run Club, sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida.  

Here are a few photos - again, running the 5K was a great start to a day of feast time with family.  

I am thankful for many things, in part for working with #GetFitPalmettoBay and spending time with friends and family.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving! 

Happy Thanksgiving - 2016

The holiday season is officially upon us!  Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

There is much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.

Like millions of others across this great country, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring a tradition older than the nation itself. The Continental Congress proclaimed that the "inhabitants of these states" observe a day of Thanksgiving back in 1782.  Ever since then we set this day aside to give thanks for all our blessings, and this year we have many things for which to be thankful.

Please also take the time to remember and help the less fortunate.  Many families and children are doing with less, Take the time to become involved in a local charity, with time, if not a donation. There are many ongoing charities that are looking for donations and volunteers.

The Palmetto Bay Canal Association will be collecting canned foods during its 7th Annual Palmetto Bay Boat Parade scheduled for Saturday, December 10.

Thanksgiving is the busiest traveling season of the year.  Please be aware and be safe.

One of my personal favorite quotes about a holiday:

On Thanksgiving Day all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime.

- (author unknown) 

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Following up - Palmetto Bay Farmer's Market

Great news -

For all dog lovers - I am following through on our prior discussions - live at the Farmer's Market as well as on various Facebook pages, including - Around Palmetto Bay & Palmetto Bay Leadership thru Transparency - the Village Council will be discussing/implementing a policy regarding dogs at the Farmer's Market at the next Village Council meeting. 

Please provide me updates as to your recommendations/concerns on how we allow dogs - some great ideas are temporary dog clean up bags (yes, as opposed to permanent ones). Please provide me other suggestions as well, including more tables (high tops for standing/picnic for sitting) in the market area. Yes, it was a great first day and I look forward to continued growth of the Farmer's Market, both in number of vendors as well as attendees!  So, as requested, how should the Village manage/allow dogs at Palmetto Bay's Farmer's Market.  This will be discussed at our next village council meeting at my request. After all, Dogs [love them (as I do) or dislike them] are a fact of life at all area Farmer's Markets - Pinecrest, South Miami, et.al.  A Farmer's Market without Dogs is like a picnic without ants!

Photos from the event:

Video - CLICK HERE to view my official Facebook LIVE video with the founders of Palmetto Bay's Farmer's Market.  Other photographs/videos/reports regarding this event can be accessed on my Mayor Facebook Page, posted for that date.

 

Please keep your comments and suggestions coming - you can reach me via e-mail at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov. 

7th Annual Palmetto Bay Canned Food Drive - oh, and yes, the Boat Parade - Sat., Dec 10, 2016, 5:30 PM

Join your fellow Palmetto Bay friends and residents to help ring in the holiday season.  Its time for the Palmetto Bay Canal Association's canned food drive - and Boat Parade!

All canned foods gathered will support local families. This year’s theme is COMMUNITY!!

 

Join your fellow residents and businesses in supporting our neighbors. Canned food drop-off points can be found at:

 

GC Miami Barbers (184th St.)
Palmetto Bay Village Hall

Parade Participants will meet on their boats at Coral Reef Park at 5:30pm. The parade route will travel south on the canal through Palmetto Bay, passing Bill Sadowski Park and ending in southwest Palmetto Bay.

 

Canned food donations will be accepted at the pedestrian bridge at Coral Reef Park between 4:30 and 5:30pm and by the boats along the parade route.

 

Spectators can enjoy the parade from Coral Reef Park, Bill Sadowski Park, or anywhere along the canal parade route. Gather your family and friends in the beautiful Palmetto Bay outdoors while celebrating the spirit of the holidays.

 

If you wish to enter your boat into the parade, or for additional information, please email Rainer Schael at rainer@rs-env.com or call (305) 799-8533

 

Photos below from past Boat Parade events:

 

 

Welcoming Station 62 to their new (Temporary) home at Old Cutler Road

Station 62 - at least the temporary station - become operation as of "1900" on Wednesday, November 16, 2016.  This temporary station is located adjacent to the permanent home off 142 / Old Cutler Road.  I am pleased to have stopped by to witness this local Palmetto Bay history - a project that commenced back with our original village council and members of our Public Safety Committee as one of Palmetto Bay's original priorities. 

Captain Bond, Mayor Flinn, Comm Levine Cava & team

Thank you Miami-Dade County, MDFR, Mayor Carlos Gimenez and our commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. 

My pleasure to welcome station 62 to the temp home on Old Cutler Road

Feel free to click on the "Fire Station" Label to view previous posts concerning the fire service efforts in our Palmetto Bay. 

Vice Mayor Runoff Election update - sample ballot - polling places listed - status of mail-in ballots

I am passing on this update on the 2016 Vice Mayor Runoff Election.

Pease note that effective today (11/15/2016), all Vote-By-Mail ballots have begun mail delivery by the Miami Dade Elections Department.

 

The Elections page of the Village website has been updated to include the following for the Run-Off scheduled for Tuesday, November 22, 2016:

 

·        Sample Ballot;

·        Polling Locations/Precincts;

·        Canvassing Board Schedule.  

 

For more information, please feel free to check out the page directly: http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/election-2016#General Information

 

Here are the polling places for this Nov 22 runoff - note the same precincts as usual:

 

Sample ballot as follows:

 

Palmetto Bay Farmer's Market is coming - Opening November 20th! Every Sunday from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

Finally, the long-awaited Farmer's Market has arrived - and this time to Coral Reef Park.  Please come on out, enjoy beautiful Coral Reef Park and support your local farmers, gardeners, artisans and others!

More information will be posted.  Please support Palmetto Bay's own open air "Farmer's Market" located at Coral Reef Park.

Holy Rosary - St. Richard's (HRSR) Catholic Church and School - hosting 3rd annual INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND ART FESTIVAL - Nov 19th

Come on out with your family and enjoy this wonderful community event.

Holy Rosary - St. Richard's (HRSR) Catholic Church and School will be hosting the Third annual INTERNATIONAL FOOD AND ART FESTIVAL on November 19, from 9 AM to 6 PM. 

There will be international cuisines from Around the World, arts and crafts, specialty vendors, children's fun alley, music, fun rides, pony rides, and much, much more!!!!