2 upcoming TOWN HALL meetings - Transparency - actually ensuring that #YourVoiceMatters

I am pleased to be your mayor and to co-host the two town Hall Meetings with Council Member David Singer.

Please attend and be heard - the strategic plan is certainly not a people's plan unless and until it is presented to residents before it is adopted.  The Town Hall meetings provide a special detail focus that is not possible if it is reduced to just an agenda items, a single part of a long regular monthly council meeting.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Public Meeting on Strategic Plan - Wednesday, January 10, 2018 - 7:00 PM
Municipal Center, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street

The purpose of the Town Hall Meeting is to gather resident input and feedback prior to the final adoption of the Village's Strategic Plan. All members of the public are welcomed to attend and participate. A draft copy of the Strategic Plan is accessible by following the link provided.

Strategic Plan Town Hall  -  the Meeting Notice has been posted.

HERE is the link to the Meeting Notice;

HERE is the link to the Public Calendar;

HERE is the link to the draft copy of the Strategic Plan.

Public Meeting on Transportation, Wednesday, January 24, 2018 - 7:00 PMMunicipal Center, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street  

The purpose of the Town Hall Meeting is to focus on making better use of the Village's existing IBUS routes, including discussion on improvements to transportation in the community. All members of the public are welcome to attend, participate, and provide feedback. To view the current IBUS - Bus Circulator - Schedule and Routes, please click HERE. 

Transportation Town Hall  -  the Meeting Notice has been posted.

HERE is the link to the Meeting Notice;

HERE is the link to the Public Calendar;

I would also encourage you to CLICK HERE reach a documents page where you can download and view our current master plans which include the following:

Transportation Master Plan- 2004 May 25, 2017 

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/3253

PALMETTO BAY TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN 2004 

15 MB

Traffic Studies & Master Plans Jul 25, 2017 

Home Residents Traffic & Transit General Information Traffic Studies & Master Plans 

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/719/traffic-studies-master-plans

Parks Master Plan Mar 3, 2017 

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/2631

19 MB

Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan - 2009 (PDF) Aug 18, 2016 

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/2089

SWMP Final Report Intro Jan 3, 2017 

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/2509

DECEMBER 2014 VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY STORMWATER MASTER PLAN UPDATE 5 INTRODUCTION 668 KB

Comprehensive Plan (PDF) Aug 13, 2016 

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/239

882 KB

VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY STORMWATER MASTER PLAN 

SWMP Final ReportExecSummary Jan 3, 2017 

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/2506

1 MB

Dadeschools Mobile App - Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Available today with more features to follow

Ready to launch - Miami-Dade Public School APP:

The App is available for download from your local App store. 

Traffic ALERT : FDOT Roadway Project Starts on US 1 on January 16th - scheduled to last through July 2018

The State (FDOT) is about to start a major update project on US1 beginning January 16th,  Plan on significant delays and increased traffic weaving through neighborhoods.  This is a long project, scheduled to begin on January 16th and  will run through July, 2018 - a 7 month project! We will pass on notifications from FDOT.  You can also follow the project through the official FDOT website.  

As posted on the official Village website on December 20, 2017 (CLICK HERE)

Roadway Project Starts on US 1 on January 16th

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is scheduled to begin a roadway construction project during the week of January 16, 2018 along northbound SR 5/US 1/South Dixie Highway from north of SW 184 Street to south of SW 168 Street in Miami-Dade County.  More details are provided on this fact sheet.

WORK TO BE PERFORMED
• Repaving and restriping the roadway
• Updating pedestrian ramps, signage and pavement markings to meet current standards
• Upgrading existing traffic signals to meet current standards
• New street lighting
• Drainage improvements• Modifying abandoned driveways
LANE CLOSURE AND DETOUR INFORMATION
Lane closures shall occur only during non-peak hours on non-event days/nights/weekends. Non-peak hours are:
• 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weekdays and weekends
• 9 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday
• 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., Friday and Saturday

Paving will be performed at night. Lane closure and project information will be posted weekly on the department’s website, www.fdotmiamidade.com. 

 FOR MORE INFORMATION (direct from FDOT)

For more information, please contact Project Administrator Farhang Esmailzadeh, (305) 986-9530, or Community Outreach Specialist Oscar Gonzalez at (786) 280-0983 or ogonzalez@mrgmiami.com.

This is an FDOT project that will impact Palmetto Bay throughout the road work period. Per FDOT notification:

HELPFUL TIPS
• Allow extra time to reach your destination
• Obey all posted signs and speed limits

ALWAYS PUT SAFETY FIRST
For your safety and the safety of others, please use caution when driving, walking or biking around any construction zone.
Wearing a safety belt is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. The department takes steps to reduce construction effects, but you might experience the following around the work site.
• Travel lane closures and detours
• Increased dust and noise
• Workers and equipment moving around the area

Please note that this schedule could change due to bad weather or other unexpected conditions

Merry Christmas - closing out the Holiday season and getting ready for another great year!

Merry Christmas - closing out the Holiday season and getting ready for another great year!

From our entire family, Meredith, Katherine, Alexandra and myself, to you and your family: Merry Christmas. 

It is our wish that everyone is enjoying this holiday season. Families celebrate the holidays in many different ways, but one of the great things that we all have in common in our area is the overwhelming sense of community and responsibility to family that we share. I again had the pleasure of participating in celebrating Chanukah with friends and family at the Chabad Jewish Center Menorah Lighting held in Coral Reef Park. 

I am reminded, especially during the holidays, of the importance of family and the importance of maintaining our sense of civic spirit.

I hope during this holiday season as we celebrate and enjoy our families that each and every one of us takes a few minutes to think about those families who cannot be together – for the soldiers who defend our country, for the loved ones who must share in their sacrifice, and for those who are no longer with us, although we hold their memory dear.

We all need to continue to strive to achieve the holiday ideal of “Peace on Earth.” Everyone can do their part to help create a better world simply by treating each other with understanding, kindness and respect. Each time you help another person, we all take another step closer toward true peace on earth.

So once again, we wish each and every one of you, a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season and a joyous and prosperous New Year. You all have earned it. Thank you all, again, for the kindness you show others, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

We look forward to new challenges and successes for 2018 as we close out our current year.

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Siblings with mom - from left: brother Lt. Col.Walter Flinn, Eugene Flinn,
Mother Dorothea and sister Phyllis Jagolinzer

My mother surrounded by grandchildren and great-grandchild on Christmas Day 2017

Where is Santa now? NORAD Tracks Santa - 2017. This is for the young and young at heart

NORAD Tracks Santa.  A recommended site.

Click on this link to Welcome to NORAD Tracks Santa to view where Santa is at the time.  

Or follow Santa on Google's Santa Tracker by CLICKING HERE 

Always a family favorite, at least until the kids age out.

Enjoy, 

Merry Christmas

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn and family

NY Times: Navigation Apps Are Turning Quiet Neighborhoods Into Traffic Nightmares -

I choose to take action like Leonia, N.J. and continue to resist turning our Village of Palmetto Bay into a cut though for ever growing deep South Miami-Dade County.  If you really believe the County that a bridge on 87th avenue won't lead to increased traffic through Palmetto Bay (brought to you courtesy of the traffic apps), then "I have a bridge to sell you."

Please take the time to review an important must read posted in the Sunday, December 24, 2017, online NY TIMES:

Navigation Apps Are Turning Quiet Neighborhoods Into Traffic Nightmares, By Lisa W. Foderaro, DEC. 24, 2017

Too many drivers appear to have abandoned the main transit roads and are now driving through roads that were previously 'out of sight out of mind', opened due to the 'wonders' of the traffic APP. 

As Mayor, I continue to advocate for continued investment in our traffic calming.  We continue to investigate methods of making our streets safe and not encourage short term band aids that will result in the division of Palmetto Bay through creation of major relievers for failing US1.  

If fact, after reading this article, I contend that Leonia, N.J., is trying to be more like Palmetto Bay.

Leonia, NJ and Palmetto Bay, FL share one important core value: both are trying to protect their resident's safety and small town way of life through resisting the hardcore traffic increases that are created outside their municipal borders. 

I remain committed to long term realistic traffic solutions through proper investment in mass transit rather than shifting this traffic burden into neighborhood roads. 

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn, Palmetto Bay

Official Village e-blast - what's Happening in Palmetto Bay, YV@W, Dec 23, 2017 edition

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Your-Village---Work--December-23.html?soid=1102365100311&aid=OURo61CcxNg

Follow the link above to view the December 23, 2017 edition of "Your Village At Work" (YV@W). Complete and up to date on the skate park (this is an update to my recent post of 12/22/2017: Skate Park to reopen early next month - interesting improvements pictured)

As described in YV@W: 

The skating ramps have been painted by local artist Gonz of Murals Miami! Each ramp features a different colorful design that changes the entire feel of the park, from dreary and gray to happy and colorful. 

This e-mail blasts also provides updates on upcoming special events and village meetings.

Check it out and stay informed.

Skate Park to reopen early next month - interesting improvements pictured

The Village does an excellent job of putting out full information - listing meetings and other Palmetto Bay events. More reason to keep up with the official village e-blast - "Your Village @ Work" (CLICK HERE - to register if you are not presently receiving these official updates.) 

On a more whimsical note, the next edition of YV@W will provide information and photos of the newly-painted skate park ramps.  The park is presently closed until the painting and sealing is completed.  Re-opening is scheduled for the first week in January.  This information will be included in tomorrow’s edition of “Your Village @ Work.”

I am taking the liberty of posting these photos early to preview updates to our Village skate park. Please look for the official update and storyline presented in the upcoming YV@W!

Sunshine Meeting held Friday, 12/22/2017 - Here is an update - Council Member Singer and I have set 2 Town Hall Meetings

Council Member David Singer and I held a Sunshine meeting on Friday, 12/22/2017.  We are working on several issues and are seeking public input on two very critical issues.  We mean it when David and I say "#YourVoiceMatters. 

The first is on the "Strategic Plan" - too much is happening outside public participation.  We reviewed portions of the plan [a draft presently posted online (CLICK HERE)].  Council Member Singer and I will co-host a Town Hall meeting to promote greater public input on the Strategic Plan. This meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, 2017 at 7 PM - at Village Hall. Please make plans to attend and participate. The document is available online for your preview and comment as many of you often do, either with me live, via telephone or via e-mail.

Wednesday, January 24, 2017, beginning at 7:00 PM.  he second is a meeting will focus on IBus/Mass Transit - making better use of our IBus.  We will invite our Education Advisory Committee, and local schools - both local school administration. district as well as the PTSAs to discuss improving transportation both as to student transportation (and, hopefully, taking motor vehicles off the road around the schools as well as getting riders to either the Transitway or all the way to Datran / Dadeland South MetroRail station to use mass transit. 

Council Member Singer and I are co-hosting these meetings to involve you, our fellow residents and make some decisions, getting the Strategic Plan process on track. These meetings will be posted to the village website/calendar in the very near future.

We look forward to INVOLVING you and others in our village process.  Please continue the dialogue as we continue to work together to make Palmetto Bay a great place to live, work and play.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov

Tracking the taxes (GOB debt) that you pay. How much is being spent in Palmetto Bay?

I remain extremely proud of  the work of our Education Advisory Committee (EAC) and consider myself fortunate to serve as the Committee Liaison to the Village Council.   This is one very Transparent committee and has created a Facebook page as part of its public outreach (CLICK HERE). Information concerning this Committee is kept on the official Palmetto Bay web site (CLICK HERE)

Here are the links to the General Obligation Bonds (GOBs) fund improvements of our public schools. 
You can view GOB projects by municipality by visiting http://bondsforschools.dadeschools.net/project-lists-by-mun…. 

For the improvements scheduled for Palmetto Bay public schools, visit http://bondsforschools.dadeschools.net/Fil…/Palmetto_Bay.pdf.

We enjoy an outstanding working relationship between our Palmetto Bay Village with both our Public and Private Schools.

Local politicians join together to thank riders of public transit

Thank you County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell and Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer for participating in our "thank you" to riders of public transportation held the morning of Wednesday, December, 19, 2017. 

*DISCLAIMER - Please note that NO PUBLIC FUNDS were used in this event.  This was a "thank you" where the politicians reached into their own pockets - not yours - to fund this event.

South Miami-Dade Transit Way/Metrorail commuters received a dose of holiday cheer when Santa (Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn), Mrs. Claus (Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell), and a very busy and hardworking mass transit Elf (Miami-Dade Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava) boarded the Transit Way sleigh (each at their own expense*) to spread holiday cheer by greeting commuters and handing out gift cards to thank them for using mass transit to relieve congestion and save time from sitting in rush hour traffic. 

Palmetto Bay Councilman David Singer joined the team to provide song and holiday music to get commuters in the spirit of the season. 

This event was reported in the Miami Herald, Metrorail commuters surprised by politicians masquerading as holiday characters, by Howard Cohen

The goal of this special holiday ride was to promote the ease and speed of the 20-mile Transit Way/Park and Ride which runs along U.S. 1 from Florida City to the Dadeland South Station. 

“South Dade is experiencing rapid growth and increased traffic congestion so mass transit has become more crucial than ever to the South Corridor,” says Miami-Dade District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. “Many residents living in Florida City, Homestead, Cutler Bay, and Palmetto Bay need to be made aware of the Park and Ride/Transit Way that will get them out of the stress of rush hour traffic and downtown with ease and speed. Miami-Dade County just introduced a brand new train with more to be added in the coming months. Improvements to the overall system are necessary and key to increasing ridership and getting cars off our congested streets.”

“I ride the Transit Way from Palmetto Bay at 152nd Street to the Dadeland South Station every time I get the opportunity,” says Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn. “I post pictures on social media of the traffic on U.S. 1 while I sit on the train in safety and comfort and arrive less stressed than if I were trying to drive downtown. Commissioner Cava, Mayor Bell, and I have been long-time proponents of mass transit to South Dade. We encourage everyone fed up with traffic to give it a try.” 

This event was our way of thanking those who use public transportation.

-----------------

*No public monies were used in this event. The gift cards were not even donated - they were purchased. Mayor Peggy Bell, Council Member David Singer, Jodi Atkinson and myself each put up our own personal monies to purchase the gift cards. The costumes were owned. We all even paid our own way to ride the transit (as I often do, without request for reimbursement by the Village). I am pleased that we spent our own money for 100% of the cost of the event. No public money was used. I know this sounds out of the ordinary, but we wanted to put up our own time and money to thank the riders for using public transportation.

Greeting the American Legion Department of Florida State Commander Steve Shuga at Marlin Moore Post 133, Palmetto Bay

The State Commander visited Marlin Moore Post 133 in Palmetto Bay on Sunday, December 17, 2017. I was honored to participate in an official meeting with the State leadership of The American Legion Department of Florida, including State Commander Steve Shuga and other State Officers of the American Legion who were also in attendance.

 Department 1st Vice Commander, Dianne Boland, Department Commander, Steve Shuga

State officers included (above) Department National Executive Committeeman, Dennis Boland, Department 1st Vice Commander, Dianne Boland, Department Commander, Steve Shuga, Department Membership Chairman, Fred Matthews

I was pleased to discuss our Veterans' activities and plans including the Palmer Settlement that resulted in our now annual Veterans' Breakfast and the ongoing planning for our exciting Heroes / Veterans' Park - See related post of October 16, 2016, Palmetto Bay is honored to host Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams and Gold Star Families

I am pleased to great such outstanding dignitaries such as the State of Florida American Legion Officers. 

Welcome to Palmetto Bay!

We are working with our Veterans groups and there are many more exciting opportunities for our Palmetto Bay community to work with our local American Legion Post.

The Vote on the Palmetto Bay resolution (2016-89) opposing bridging 5-0

CLICK HERE to view the minutes from the October 17, 2016, Village Council meeting relating to the Resolution Opposing bridging 87th Avenue.

This item was moved at the October 17, 2016, council meeting by Councilmember Cunningham and Seconded by Vice Mayor DuBois. The Village Council unanimously passed Resolution 2016-89 strongly opposing bridging on SW 87 Avenue and SW 77 Avenue within the Palmetto Bay municipal limits.

This Sunday - December 17 - Celebrate Chanukah with the Chabad of Palmetto Bay

Don't forget YOU are invited to join the Chabad of Palmetto Bay to celebrate Chanukah at this community event.  I look forward to joining Rabbi Zalman and Chani Gansburg along with the members of  the Chabad of Palmetto Bay. I hope to see you and your family there as well.

Note the location change.  This year will it will take place at the back of the soccer field, near the farmers market.

You and your family are cordially invited.   CLICK HERE to view prior posts (and photos) from prior Chabad of Palmetto Bay events.

Please spread the word and let your friends know about it. this event is fun for the young and young at heart.  It is always well attended. We look forward to seeing you.

And again, a huge thank you to Chabad of Palmetto Bay, the members and Rabbi Zalman and Chani Gansburg!

Palmetto Bay boat parade updates - don't forget the canned food drive

Palmetto Bay Boat Parade - this is the weekend - Saturday, December 16, 2017.  Here are some last-minute updates.

Along with the fun and festivities, this is also a time to focus on "Community".  This is a canned food drive event. Canned food will be accepted at the pedestrian bridge at Coral Reef Park  between the hours of 4:30 to 5:30 PM, at Bill Sadowski Park and (as is tradition) handed over along the boat Parade route. Please note that Donations can also be made at Village Hall.

Thinking of entering your boat in the parade? Information is listed on the flier posted.

CLICK HERE to view prior posts and photos from past Palmetto Bay Boat Parades.

Pre-Palmetto Bay opposition to bridging - opposition by Community Council 13 to adding cut through traffic

There has been a long history of opposing regarding bridging the canals within our community. Palmetto Bay residents have long feared our community being turned into reliever roads for US1 and Old Cutler Road due to the exponential growth far south, new traffic caused by Miami-Dade County's failure to update traffic infrastructure - especially by its failure to provide mass/rapid transit.  

Community Council Area 13 spoke for Palmetto Bay prior to incorporation.  

The Palmetto Bay Community Council opposed bridging our area canals - please view the online document - a resolution from the May 1998 agenda - yes - 1998 - over Nineteen (19) years ago. there is no mention of the 87th avenue bridge - perhaps because back then County Planners felt bridging 77th avenue made more sense.  There is no explanation today as to why

COMMUNITY COUNCIL 13, RESOLUTION NO. CC13-03-98, RE: PALMETTO BAY COMMUNITY COUNCIL STATING THAT IT OPPOSES ANY FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NORTH-SOUTH BRIDGE TO CROSS THE C-100A CANAL AT SW 77 AVENUE

This resolution was approved by a 4-3 vote.

Here is the body of the resolution  (CLICK HERE to view the online document):

WHEREAS, The Board of County Commissioners by Ordinance No. 
96-126 established Community Councils in the unincorporated 
area; and 

WHEREAS, the Community Councils may at their option perform 
certain duties and responsibilities as are contained in that 
ordinance; and 

WHEREAS, the Palmetto Bay Community Council (Community 
Council 13) at its meeting of May 7, 1998, heard a presentation 
by representatives of Miami-Dade County Public Works Department 
and the Metropolitan Planning Organization on past efforts to 
approve a feasibility study for the construction of a 
north-south bridge to cross the C-100A Canal at SW 77 Avenue; and 

WHEREAS, the Palmetto Bay Community Council (Community 
Council 13) at its meeting of May 7, 1998, discussed the request 
for the feasibility study; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE PALMETTO BAY 
COMMUNITY COUNCIL (Community Council 13) opposes any feasibility 
study for and the construction of a north-south bridge to cross 
the C-100A Canal at SW 77 Avenue. 

The foregoing resolution was offered by Council Member Marsha Silverman, who moved its adoption. The motion was  seconded by Council Member Tom David, and upon being put to a vote, the vote was as follows: 

Tom David Aye 
Paula Palm Aye 
Robert Harrison Nay 
John Pettit  Aye 
Susan Ludovici Nay 
Marsha Silverman* Aye                                                   *(Marsha Silverman Matson)
Linda Robinson, Chairperson Nay 

The Chairperson thereupon declared the resolution duly passed and adopted this 7th day of May, 1998. 

Council Member David Singer makes it 2/5 for public meetings with FPL / CalAtlantic Group, Inc. Council Member Larissa Siegel Lara will make it 3 out of 5 on Dec 19. Transparency at work.

Thank you Council Member David Singer. The public trust is enhanced when meetings with zoning applicants are held in full view of the public - and with participation.  I am pleased that Palmetto Bay is now 2 for 5, soon to be 3 out of 5.  No other public meetings regarding the Cutler Plantation (FPL) site are currently scheduled (as of 9:30 AM, Wednesday, 12/13/2017). The Palmetto Bay public should demand 5 for 5 to meet in the sunshine! This is the public's best opportunity to actually observe what goes on in these meetings - as well as actually participate. 

Under my leadership, Palmetto Bay continues to take the lead in transparency.  There will be no back room meetings – if I have way. 

Council Member Larissa Siegal Lara is next to hold Sunshine meeting – Tues. Dec. 19, 2017, at 6:00 PM at Village Hall, with representatives of Florida Power & Light and CalAtlantic Group, Inc. to discuss future development of the FPL Cutler Plantation property located in the Village of Palmetto Bay. Members of the public are encouraged to attend, observe, and provide public comment. (CLICK HERE – to view the official notice posted on the Village website).

I would encourage our other two members of the village council to initiate holding any meeting relating to zoning, quasi-judical proceedings – in the public view. 

From all reports, Council Member David Singer had a great meeting in the public view with representatives of FPL and CalAtlantic Group.  

Please see my related post of 12/1/2017 – regarding how my first-ever meeting with a developer went [it was also Palmetto Bay’s (if not first-ever for any elected official in Miami-Dade County) first-ever meeting in the public view where a developer met with an elected official].  See: First-ever public meeting - transparency and public access protected - a successful meeting held with representatives of Florida Power and Light and CalAtlantic Group, Inc., discussions/presentation regarding FPL Cutler Plantation property held before public

Monthly Crime stats posted on the official Palmetto Bay website. Important information.

Palmetto Bay provides monthly crime stats on the official village web site. The stats are important for our village police to determine staffing levels and to adjust village protection.

Please follow the link (CLICK HERE) to find the following:

Monthly Location Maps
Monthly Statistics
The Palmetto Bay Policing Unit provides monthly statistics for residential burglaries, traffic enforcement, and vehicle burglaries.
Statistics can be found and downloaded from the website.

Additional Information
If you have information about any crimes or incidents, please contact the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit, weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location Maps
Click on the links below to download/ read the location maps for monthly residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and traffic enforcement.

    Location Maps of Residential Burglaries (Monthly)
    Location Maps of Vehicle Burglaries (Monthly)
    Location Maps of Traffic Enforcement (Monthly)

POD - Lil Timmy at home in his Christmas sweater

Just for fun - It may be cool outside, but Lil Timmy feeling warm and secure at home in his Christmas sweater.

Palmetto Bay Crime/Safety update - Palmetto Bay Police Enhances Its Citizen Protection Strategy

Our police are responding to the recent car break-ins. The following information was presented at our December Regular Village Council meeting.  The following was posted on the official Palmetto Bay website (CLICK HERE to view the information online)

As many of you know, there were a series of vehicle break-ins over the weekend, scattered over areas from SW 136 Street to SW 160 Street. A total of 35 vehicles were affected and 21 incidents have been reported so far (some homes had more than one car broken into.) The group of thieves moved swiftly through the area and broke into the cars by smashing windows. The group of thieves moved swiftly through the area and broke into the cars by smashing windows. A resident provided video footage from their Ring doorbell camera which shows how quickly the perpetrators moved through the area. 

DNA was collected at the scene and our policing unit has increased its presence in the area. The unit’s command staff had previously implemented its annual Grinch Busters initiative, which augments police presence in areas shown to have an increase in criminal activity based on trend and intelligence data. This initiative has proven to decrease criminal activity during the holiday season. Compared to 2016, robberies are down 18% as a result of the Grinch Busters action plan. 

Immediately following this event, the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit adjusted its strategy to further protect the residents of the Village. Our officers are on high alert and will be working additional hours as necessary. Nevertheless, we ask residents to help us in this endeavor. 

During our regular Council meeting this past Monday, the Police Commander, Major Serralta asked that anyone with information should contact our policing unit. Major Serralta also encouraged all residents to please contact the Miami-Dade County Police Non-Emergency line to report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Miami-Dade County handles all dispatch services for the Village of Palmetto Bay and will dispatch a Palmetto Bay officer to the area 24/7. In the event of an emergency, please do not hesitate to call 9-1-1. 

Unfortunately, the holiday season is a time of heightened criminal activity. Please stay alert and aware of your surroundings, lock your homes and vehicles and report any suspicious activity to the police. Our priority is to ensure your safety and we are working harder than ever to protect you.

Palmetto Bay Policing Unit: 305-278-4000
Miami-Dade County Non-Emergency Line: 305-479-5423 (305-4-POLICE)
Miami-Dade County Emergencies: 9-1-1

<<<Also see our list of Holiday Safety Tips>>>

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Please see my prior related posted:

Be a "Grinch Buster" - Your Policing Unit Offers These Holiday Safety Tips (December 5, 2017), and:

CRIME ALERT - at least 17 vehicles broken into overnight Sat/Sun, 12/2-12/3. Please report suspicious activity. (December 3, 2017)