Friday, March 30, 2018

Offering up solutions to transit. I am sponsoring the Freebee alternative on Mon., April 2. I hope my fellow council members jump on board.

This is an exciting item that I have been working on.  It is presently operating in several Miami-Dade County Municipalities. I believe it is time to bring it to Palmetto Bay.

I am proud to sponsor this item and bring it to the Village Council after investigating the program and initiating negotiations with the provider. We are also working to obtain a grant to cover a substantial portion of the cost for the first few years.  It can be found on the current agenda [(CLICK HERE) to view the full agenda - warning large download] - it is found on pages 123-124, item 5. A. (iii).

This is a great idea and I am proud to be the sponsor to bringing this service as a pilot program to Palmetto Bay. Click the headline to read the Miami Herald article posted online March 30, 2018: A bus service that residents can’t get enough of? It’s happening in Miami, by ROB WILE

I have been in discussion with this group for some time (not just "sponsoring a reso") - I believe it is now ready to bring before the village council in order for me to get everyone on board (literally).

For more information on Freebee - CLICK HERE

We set up the geographical jurisdiction through negotiation. It won't take you far out of the area, but you can go anywhere within that defined area - we can have it take you to the bus lanes, to the Falls Shopping Center, to any restaurant in Palmetto Bay, to any park, friend's house, village hall. People could take it to go from home to any church within the defined area, to any village park or facility. We would use it to get to places where parking is an issue such as the village picnic or 4th of July event. Its door to door service.

Where do you want to go?

This is an exciting opportunity.

I have been asked about the fate of the IBus.  The Freebee is a pilot program.  We continue to work for real transit solutions.  At the very least, the IBus will always be available as a shuttle for large village events.Or perhaps a school shuttle for those less than a mile from each school. (I am working on that option as well - as are others.) It sure keeps traffic out of the neighborhoods for events like Deering Seafood, etc. And I remain skeptical of the "park and Ride" from St. Richard (even though I negotiated the lease) as it will have to go down 77th Av to 144 then up to the bus lanes to work. The trip will take at least 20 minutes from St. Richards to Dadeland South. Commuters will have to get there early to make sure they don't miss it (and those who are there won't want to wait on others - they want to 'park & go'). Miss it and it will be up to a 20-40 minute wait to start your commute. You might as well drive your own car downtown, forget about additional time involved in a transfer to metro rail at Dadeland South onto Metrorail.)

Community Center v. 1,400 Charter School. Which do you prefer?

Interesting question proffered by Council Member David Singer on a local Facebook page:

I have a question for the residents of Palmetto Bay, would you rather have a 1400 student charter school in our Village or a Community Center to serve all our needs?

Well?


Take the Poll that is posted in the right hand column:

"What I prefer for our Village of Palmetto Bay" far right column.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Palmetto Bay takes any threat or risk seriously. Update - police presence - Malbrook area 176/87th Avenue late evening of March 28, 2018.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018, was a busy night for the Malbrook and surrounding areas.  Helicopters were circling and police were going door to door. The scene was cleared before midnight.  I am posting my morning update, post briefing, as to what occurred.  

I am pleased that this incident turned up nothing.  I am similarly pleased that the police personnel and assets were in place to properly and aggressively respond to any threat had it been an actual emergency. Palmetto Bay takes any threat seriously.
 
Please note that my response below is taken from my "Mayor's" Facebook page - posted at approximately 9:30 AM (3-29).  For those on Facebook, I ask that you "CLICK HERE" and like this page in order to follow the updates that I post on that site:

I am posting my official update as to the events last evening (Wednesday, March 28, 2018).
On Wed., 3/28, an off-duty police officer was on his way home with family in his personal vehicle near 87 Avenue and 176 street when the driver’s side window broke. It is still undetermined if this window break was due to a rock or other object thrown at the vehicle or if it was simply related to the car striking a pot hole.

It was in an abundance of caution that police investigated, in case this was an intentional act or represented any threat to the community. The cause remains unknown at present. The extensive police Investigation turned up no witnesses that could point to any offender. There were no casings or other evidence of any weapons or offenders. Police did interview a resident who was in her garage at the relevant time, who indicated that she did not hear anything (specifically no – and I repeat – NO gunshots were heard).

The police cleared the site after determining there was no threat to the area/our community.

I thank everyone for their concern and sharing the information they had. Our PIO did release what information we had, as it became available. I remain available to provide information that I have upon request.
Once again, my cell phone is 305-302-3713. My official email is eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov

Your mayor,

Eugene Flinn

PS - I have received a request to investigate a text notification:
"Can the Village consider a text system where residents can register their phone numbers and receive text notifications in the event of community emergencies like last night. So much misinformation, nervousness and hysteria last night with little info for residents. Similar to the emergency text system that exists on College Campuses. Thanks for considering this idea."
This would be a system identical to the text alerts used at the Universities.  

Again, I am pleased that this incident turned up nothing.  The police assets were in place to properly and aggressively respond to any threat had it been an actual emergency.

Palmetto Bay did put out several Twitter "tweets", which would have been similar to text message (through not as specifically directed).  You can follow our official village twitter - Palmetto Bay - @PalmettoBayVlg

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

My e-blast update was released Tuesday, 3/27/2018. Important updates.

Please CLICK HERE to review all the information and updates provided on March 27, 2018.

IN THIS ISSUE:  
  • It takes a Village! I'm stepping in to bring our Palmetto Bay strategic plan to conclusion - "Engage Palmetto Bay",
  • Interested in "going solar"? Don't miss: Solar United Neighbors of Florida, Wed., April 11 at 7:00 PM,
  • World Tai Chi day to be celebrated at Coral Reef Park, April 28,
  • Supporting transparency by holding additional public hearings on the proceedings, 
  • Engage Palmetto Bay! Palmetto Bay Visioning Session, Park Drive Community Center - April 5, beginning at 7:00 PM, 
  • Palmetto Bay Earth Week Events - "Participate Palmetto Bay!"
  • Palmetto Bay Ordinance 2018-03 - related to the reduction of housing units has been posted to the Village website as per my special request to our clerk.
Again, please CLICK HERE to review all the information and updates provided in the e-mail blast released on March 27, 2018.

"Engage Palmetto Bay"- visioning session set for Park Drive Community Center

Please participate in Palmetto Bay's exciting project - our Park Drive Community Center.

Let's Engage Palmetto Bay!

Friday, March 23, 2018

Palmetto Bay Ordinance 2018-03 - has been posted to the Village website

I have made a special request of our clerk to post the amended/substitute ordinance to the Village website for everyone to view.  

HERE is the link to the Ordinance that passed on First Reading - 3-2. It will be scheduled for at least 2 additional readings/hearings.


Protecting native pine rocklands - our duty to preserve our Palmetto Bay community - this property is still at risk - there is more work to be done to ensure preservation.

I was invited to speak before the Miami Pine Rocklands Coalition on Thursday, March 22, 2018. I was pleased to present our continual efforts to protect what little native rock pineland remains in Miami-Dade County.  I posted information on how those interested in protecting our Pine lands can get involved: Presentation by the Miami Pine Rocklands Coalition - -- Who they are. How you can join, Dec. 14, 2015.
I discussed our progress to date in preserving these Pinelands.
"The struggle is real": We almost lost the 22 acres of imperiled Pine Rocklands to development of 41 homes and a fire station back in 2014 - See: Palmetto Bay council defers old Burger King property zoning; approves Palmer Trinity’s site-plan changes, by Lola Duffort, July 22, 2014.This effort was sponsored by then Mayor Stanczyk (as reflected in official agenda and public documents)

See: Palmetto Bay developer’s rezoning request up for vote, Environmentalists worried about proposed project on 22 acres of forest land, July 21, 2014.

This was also covered in the Miami Herald at length, Palmetto Bay approves Palmer Trinity expansion, By Lola Duffort, September 26, 2014, reporting that:

The council was also initially scheduled to hear a rezoning package on 22 acres of mostly forested land to allow for single-family homes and fire station at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, the 80-acre bayfront office park that once housed Burger King’s world headquarters in the village’s southeastern quadrant.

The item was first deferred from July, when criticism from environmentalists about developing forestland peppered with Pine Rockland – an imperiled habitat unique to South Florida and the Bahamas – led council members to direct staff and the property owner to gather more information about the forest’s environmentally sensitive properties.

Last week Stanczyk, the item’s sponsor, withdrew it from consideration after staff told her that the appropriate information had not yet been gathered.

“Mr. [Scott] Silver [a partner in the office park] has contacted some of the [environmental] groups, he has done some things but I don’t have any thing in writing at this point that is available to me to show that those environmental concerns have been addressed,” she said on the Thursday before the hearing.

Environmentalists who spoke out against the measure in July, including Tropical Audubon Society Executive Director Laura Reynolds, have said they wouldn’t have a problem with the village rezoning just the 1.5 acres necessary to site a fire station on the northern tip of the parcel.

But Silver said on Tuesday that the company has no intention of splitting up the rezoning package to allow the village to make a decision on the fire station separately from the housing development.
___________________________

Is it important to save Pine Rockland?
Florida’s pine rocklands are some of the most imperiled lands in the world. They are characterized by limestone rock outcroppings with a low understory of tropical and temperate shrubs, palms, vines, grasses and herbaceous wildflowers — as well as a single species of overstory tree, the slash pine. With very little soil substrate and a dependence on fire, these ecosystems are among the world’s rarest forests, occurring only in South Florida and the Bahamas. They once spanned 185,000 acres of Miami-Dade County, but now — thanks to rampant development — just 2 percent of those lands remain outside Everglades National Park. Florida’s pine rocklands are now regarded as critically imperiled globally, and the plants and animals that rely on them are extremely rare.
See: Save The Pine Rocklands, Biological Diversity.org - savethepinerocklands.org

I chose to save the 22 acres. These 22 acres do have significant development rights (discussed in many other blog posts). 

I ask that our residents who care for our community continue to join the fight to preserve these lands.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Going Solar in Palmetto Bay - Miami-Dade Solar Co-Op Info Session - Wed., April 11, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

I am proud to be hosting the April 11, 2018, Solar Co-Op meeting to be held in Palmetto Bay.  This is a tri-city event that will also include Daniella Levine Cava, as co-host for this meeting. This is a must attend meeting for those considering going solar.  Palmetto Bay is currently one of ten (10) Miami-Dade County municipalities that have waived all or at least 75% of permitting fees for solar panels: Town of Cutler Bay, Coral Gables, Surfside, Miami Beach, City of Miami, Miami Shores, Miami Springs, Doral, Palmetto Bay and South Miami. 

Waiving these fees can save homeowners hundreds of dollars on their installation.

Palmetto Bay has eliminated building permit fees for installation of Solar panels for a one year period. Learn how you can save money through participating in a Solar Co-Op.  


Solar United Neighbors presents
Miami-Dade Solar Co-op Info Session

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 @ 7:00 PM

Village of Palmetto Bay Municipal Center
9705 E Hibiscus St 
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

This event is Co-Hosted by: 
Eugene Flinn, Mayor, Village of Palmetto Bay
Daniella Levine Cava, Commissioner, Dist.8, and
Town of Cutler Bay
Village of Pinecrest, and
League of Women Voters of Florida

CLICK HERE to view and use the RSVP link. 

CLICK HERE to view the official Facebook event page

More information regarding Solar United Neighbors of Florida can be found online - (CLICK HERE)

Volunteer Eco Restoration fun days -- Hosted by Livablecutler - Sat / Sun, March 24 & 25 see information below

Volunteer - participate in Eco Restoration -- Hosted by Livablecutler
Here is an opportunity to participate in restoring part of our native lands - going on for 7 hours on Saturday with another opportunity on Sunday for an additional 7 hours.  Note that they are NOT seeking a full 7 hour commitment for either day, spend the time and effort to the extend that you are able.  Please see the Livablecutler Facebook site for more information.
Details
We will be restoring our coastal ecosystems.

March 24&25, Sat and Sun. 8:30 - 3:30

What will we be doing?

Planting native plants - restoring uplands with pineland and hammock species and coastal wetlands with native grasses. Also removing light debris, installing interpretive signs, and mulching trails.

Where?

SE corner of Old Cutler Rd and SW 184 St - at the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands

Who?

All are welcomed. From individuals, groups, schools, organizations, and elected officials. And we give credit for needed volunteer hours.

You too can be a part of this great effort and add your own brush strokes to the painting.

Gloves, drinks, and snacks will be provided.

Just bring sunscreen and energy!



Tuesday, March 20, 2018

Meeting report - Monday, March 19, 2018 - a victory for controlled development

Update note - Monday- April 2, 2018.  I want to thank Mr. Pastorella for directing you to my blog, where for the first time he directs people to a source of information backed up by advice from professional land planners and village attorneys.  I have updated this post to provide some information regarding what, in my opinion, are the on again off again misstatements made by Mr. Pastorella and the CCOC group. My original post follows at the end of this update. 

I have attempted to ignore and not respond to his endless attacks, however, sometimes politics does go too far and Mr. Pastorella oversteps the bounds of what I believe to be proper decorum and what is in the best for our community.  Mr. Pastorella appears to have no yearning to preserve native lands, even going as far as stating that "The buffer is not a pine rockland as the mayor has asserted in the past." 

Are you kidding me Mr. Pastorella, not a Pine rockland? Who has ruled this is not a pine rockland? The Village Council has attempted to have this area designated as such in the past. 

His real issue? Perhaps Mr. Pastorella prefers development on the 22 acres as he has announced what appears to be opposition to the village taking ownership of this land, stating that: "The Village’s Council’s approval will force the taxpayers to assume the unknown or hidden white elephant costs of a continuing maintenance and build out budget for the buffer and other areas." 

I am sure that his long time readers have observed that his attacks are not limited to me - he has in the past attacked many, including both Vice Mayor John Dubois - and at many times, going so far out of bounds, so personal, such as to allege "... Mr. Dubois slovenly appearance may be as a result of his mental illness...." as well attacking, suing, and then supporting (now) Council Member David Singer for election in 2016.  Gary Pastorella is back to attacking Council Member Singer.  This truly is one of those situations where fact is stranger than fiction. Mr. Pastorella has been involved in litigation with both Vice Mayor Dubois and David Singer.  A list of the lawsuits involving Mr. Pastorella are posted below.

I hear from residents concerned about Mr. Pastorella's endless attacks, but once again, it is not limited to me.  One only has to review past videos, past litigation to see that he appears to do what he can to evoke response and attention, good or bad.  

There is a post from 2013 in the anonymous blog South Dade Matters - note that I am posting this verbatim (and clarification is indicated in brackets and italics - no claim of ownership is made to its contents) Here is the text from the 2013 post:

Decorum in Palmetto Bay? Not for GP  
In a despicable personal attack on Palmetto Bay's Vice Mayor, resident Gary Pastorella slurred the following (2:50:34):
I think this has to do…this is bought and paid for…this is special interest at its best, when you spend over a hundred thousand dollars on a campaign to be elected Vice Mayor, this is the end result. This is to get the neighborhood propection…protection provision overturned in such a way that special interests of Palmetto Bay can come forward…we have Palmer Trinity sitting in..in..in the here, right now…umm, we have Palmer Trinity having spent thousands upon thousands of dollars in John Dubois’s campaign…and I go back to the concern that I had several months ago in that John, Mr. Dubois and his lawsuits against the residents of Palmetto Bay - I being one - and the question at issue in his legal action against me and others was his state of mind…and I claim today as I did then that I question, and it’s my opinion that the state of mind of John Dubois is in question. He stated in a sworn affidavit that he suffers mental and emotional pain and suffering and as such, my concern is that and..is…that…one indicator of that someone, someone is suffers from mental health is that they begin to have a slovenly appearance and as such I say that Mr. Dubois’s slovenly appearance may be as a result of his mental illness. 
Aside: SDM's first reaction to Pastorella's statement is, now we understand why Mr. Dubois is suing you!
Despite immediate reactions from the audience to an obvious violation of the sometimes-applied decorum statement, Mayor Shelley Stanczyk failed even to chastise Pastorella for attacking her colleague. But that wasn't the only attack. Another resident appeared to be calling the Vice Mayor a fascist and went directly at both the Vice Mayor and Councilman Fiore. Absolutely outrageous.
SDM Says: The decorum statement that allegedly governs in Palmetto Bay is bad joke, just like the Mayor [assume that this blogger is referring to (then) Mayor Stanczyk] who is tasked with enforcing it. 
----------------------------------------------------
I would like to add that I know of no instance where Mr. Pastorella has stood with residents to oppose the development of the 22 acres at the Palmetto Bay Village Center.  Please review the following opinion posted back in October 2014 concerning (Then) Mayor Shelley Stanczyk's attempt to zone the 22 acres for development.  See: Mayor Stanczyk: Using the promise of a fire station as bait to develop protected native areas. By: Grant Miller October 13, 2014
Palmetto Bay residents have reason to keep a close eye on Mayor Stanczyk, who has recently demonstrated that she is willing to sponsor removal of a protective covenant in the name of unrestrictive development. Homeowners used to feel secure in zoning decisions when a covenant was put in place to protect them well into the future.  I believe I recently read something on the Eye on Miami blog where it was stated  “There ought to be a law. Oops, there is and Mayor Shelley Stanczyk of Palmetto Bay thinks there is a creative way around it. That’s what our lawmakers do: dodge the laws.”
Click on the headline above (or CLICK HERE) to view the entire op ed article.

Yet, I cannot recall a single peep from Mr. Pastorella on this effort at destroying 22 acres of Pineland that should be preserved.

I choose to maintain decorum.  I do want to correct the record and let my readers know that there are many, many instances of Mr. Pastorella attacking others.  The photo below is representative of some of the disputes that Mr. Pastorella has undertaken with others.
I would like to get back to good government and hope that this response sheds some light on what my be some of Mr. Pastorella's motivations.  Thank you for reading this update as well as the original response below.
__________________________________________________________
3 of of 5 members of the village council voted to keep traffic restrictions in place, reduce the development cap down to 389 and transfer sensitive Pine Rockland to Village ownership.

Monday, March 19, 2018, was a very positive day for Palmetto Bay and for everyone who values preservation of endangered lands, properly controlling development and who wanted to see less, not more density along Old Cutler Road.

I am providing several positive points that result out of 3 out of 5 members of the village council diligently working together:


  • Reducing density from the potential of "485" to a hard cap of no more than 389 units,
  • Reducing traffic impact on Old Cutler Road,
  • Permanently protecting endangered Pine Rocklands,
  • Supporting transparency by holding additional public hearings on the proceedings
Please CLICK HERE to Download and/or view the presentation made by the Village Planner addressing the Village Mixed Use (VMU) District and explaining the main differences between the development approvals given in 2008 and in 2016, along with recent traffic data gathered impacting the site's development.

I applaud the efforts of Council Member David Singer who brought forth an amendment to the Vice Mayor's Ordinance.   Council Member David Singer's amendment to that ordinance are based upon actual evidence; a traffic analysis that was completed and provided to the Village on March 15, 2018.

I am proud to have voted with Councilman Singer and Councilwoman Siegel Lara to protect 22 acres of pine rockland from development right along Old Cutler Road and lower the cap of development down to 389 units – a number less than the 400 units, plus a hotel, plus probable development on the pineland that the Vice Mayor’s Ordinance would have allowed.  It is unfortunate that this was not a unanimous action. The Vice mayor and one council member don’t want resolution, but want instead to place our village at risk for uncontrolled development along Old Cutler Road by repealing the traffic safeguards put in place on May 2, 2016.

VOTE TO REDUCE DENSITY, TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE ENDANGERED PINE ROCKLAND:

Why would the Vice Mayor and another council member vote against reducing traffic along Old Cutler Road,  Why would they vote for more development, to put 22 acres of valuable pine rockland back on the development block – a vote that risked an absurd possibility of a total of 680 units on Old Cutler Road. This was a time for reasonableness and evidence, not emotion and politics.  It is undisputed that the Palmetto Bay Village Center owners have vested rights to 400 units on their main property, plus rights to development on the sensitive Rock Pineland. The ordinance passed on first reading caps all development at 389 and could go lower – and protects the Pine Rocklands.


Think about the difference between 680 units verses 389 on Old Cutler Road.

Political ambitions nearly costs us!

TRANSPARENCY:

Transparency is not the enemy of staying current as information and/or evidence develops. Facts and evidence often changes between the time an item is placed on an agenda and action is actually taken at the meeting. To argue against any modifications, actions taken at the meetings, would restrict all votes to a simply “yes” or “no” on an item as it was placed on the agenda, irrespective of the testimony by residents or experts at a hearing. 

Transparency is how you handle an item to conclusion.  Councilwoman Larissa Siegel Lara, Councilman David Singer and I agreed that the Singer amended ordinance shall not reach final vote without at least two (2) public hearings (not including Monday, 3/19) and the final vote will take place on the same date as the zoning hearing on any site plan application made by the Palmetto Bay Village Center. 

The amendment to the Ordinance protected the village from the harm that may have occurred had the original Ordinance been approved.  

WORKING FOR LOWER DENSITY. PROTECTING TRAFFIC CONTROLS. PROTECTING PINELAND AND TRANSPARENCY:

This is a great day for Palmetto Bay and for everyone who values preservation of endangered lands. We have a park and protections from rampant development along Old Cutler Road.

More to come ...

Friday, March 16, 2018

Palmetto Bay hit with the LINE ITEM VETO!

The Florida Legislature giveth, but the governor took it away (line item Veto). The Palmetto Bay appropriation for the Multi-Modal project was vetoed by Governor Scott today (Friday, March 16, 2018).  

The entire veto list can be viewed online.  Governor Scott Vetoed $64 Million worth of line items.

This is why we don't count our chickens.  This post is in follow up of the prior post of March 14, 2018, Governor Scott to decide if Palmetto Bay receives State Money for its Multi-Model project.

Thank you to our State Representative Michael Bileca and State Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez for their assistance.

We move on, living within our budget means.

Traffic meetings continue on a neighborhood group or personal level - updates.

We continue to meet with concerned residents on Traffic issues - both Traffic enforcement as well as Public Services (Public Works) requests.  Yesterday I was at Old Cutler and 152 on a failure to yield to school buses issue. Today with an issue impacting Cape Cutler Estates.

Council Member David Singer and I remain engaged in see these issues through.  See a prior post of  March 13, 2018, Update on Traffic Enforcement - Major Serralta and team discuss special traffic initiatives for Palmetto Bay - Council Member David Singer and I want to thank those who contiue to follow up with us, as well as those who were able to join us live at our Traffic Safety Town Hall meeting held March 12, 2018.  

I don't limit myself to office hours. I have met anywhere from 6:30 AM to as late as it takes. My cell is (305) 302-3713. My e-mail is eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

SW 136th Street project - FDOT - State Road (SR) 5/US 1 at Howard Drive/SW 136 Street, Project Identification Number: 439984-1-52-01

This project affects both Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six is developing the design for a safety improvement project along SR 5/US 1 at Howard Drive/SW 136 Street, in Miami-Dade County. The scope of work for this project is listed in the project fact sheet (CLICK HERE to view online).

 Construction is expected to begin in November 2020 and last about four months. The estimated construction cost for this project is $385,520.

Work is expected to begin in November 2020 and last about four months. Please note that the construction duration is subject to change.

Project Identification Number: 439984-1-52-01

Junior League of Miami - 2018 Annual Legislative Breakfast

It was my honor to represent Palmetto Bay at the 2018 Legislative Breakfast held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. The event was held at their headquarters in Coral Gables.
 

I am familiar with this organization as my wife Alexandra spent some years as a member and volunteer with this organization. Discussions of the long-term programs brought back memories, such as assisting as Santa Claus at an Inn Transition Christmas event.  Good times serving for great causes. I look forward to the Junior League April event at Deering Estate: April 14 – when The Junior League of Miami plans to transform the historic Deering Estate for the 2018 Miami Showhouse; open to the public from April 14 – 29, 2018. (CLICK HERE) to view the official Junior League of Miami website release regarding this event.

The official Miami-Dade County News Release describes the April Miami Showhouse event as an event hosted by the Junior League of Miami to increase awareness and financial capability for the 91-year-old nonprofit organization to continue its work helping at-risk families in Miami.

The release notes further that: “The highly anticipated design event will inspire dozens of the most sought-after interior designers to temporarily transform interior and exterior spaces in the former home of industrial magnate Charles Deering. From April 14 to 29, the public will have the unique opportunity to explore the residence reinterpreted with modern touches in an estate dating back to 1916.”  Please (CLICK HERE) to view the full Miami-Dade News Release regarding this event.
I am a supporter of the outstanding work of the Junior League of Miami.

I also discussed a few of the issues important to Palmetto Bay that I am fortunate to sponsor/facilitate including School Safety, transportation, our efforts in recent legislative agenda, Parks and Parks programing, including our Community Center, as well as our progress on becoming an Age-Friendly City.  

 
 
 
This event also provided me with time to meet (post event) with Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli – we are in contact on numerous issues relating to school safety, traffic, FPL, development, and even coyotes.  More on that in another post. Discussions were also held with County Commissioner Sally Heyman on traffic, transit and animal issues.

Thank you to the leaders, members and supporters of the Junior League of Miami that allows the Junior League of Miami to do some any great things for our community. 

Governor Scott to decide if Palmetto Bay receives State Money for its Multi-Modal project

The legislature placed the money in the budget, but the final decision belongs to Governor Rick Scott.

The money made it into the budget, but do NOT start counting the chickens. The question is whether the multi-model money will survive Governor Scott’s line item veto pen.

The Multi-Modal line item was discussed at our March Regular Village Council meeting when I set up an extraordinary telephone call in report from our State Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez.  We also thank our Representative Michael Bileca who sponsored this appropriation in HB 3821.


See Miami Herald, Which local projects in the state budget will survive? It’s up to Gov. Scott’s veto, by Elizabeth Koh And Steve Bousquet, March 13, 2018.

As stated:
Scott’s pen is the final hurdle for hundreds of local projects sponsored by lawmakers for constituents back home — but it is a high hurdle to vault. The governor has slashed more money from the budget — about $2.3 billion in line-item spending, not counting last year’s school budget — than any other Florida chief executive, calling much of that spending unnecessary or wasteful.
Many of those local projects are standard municipal fare, including money for water and sewer projects, housing, transit, emergencies, and local cultural and educational projects. They are also a fraction of the projects proposed by legislators every year during session — others never even make it into the state budget, blocked by legislative leaders who have final negotiating power on its contents before it is sent to the governor.

We are working to try to survive the 2018 veto pen. 
Here is a link to the 2018 legislative priorities that I prepared and sponsored this year. It was approved unanimously  See: (CLICK HERE) Palmetto Bay Resolution 2018-17.