Photo of the Day - finding a large ceremonial check - working for grants to create "The Village of Parks"

A little Palmetto Bay history. 

Looking through the achieves and I found this BIG check for Palmetto Bay Park (Aug 2006). 

This was a check for $2,715,000.00 from the County GOB earmarked for Palmetto Bay Park.

Did we forget to cash it? 

Don’t worry, we did deposit it and we put it to good use creating a gem of a Park. 

It was our hard work at locating and obtaining grants that allowed us to create “The Village of Parks”.

Our parks and their purchase, development or enhancements were funded largely  through grant monies provided through provided through the Florida Communities Trust; Miami-Dade GOB, SFWMD, Florida Recreational Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) and other assistance.

This was no small effort.  The total amount Palmetto Bay spent on the initial investment to make Palmetto Bay the most family friendly community in South Florida was $16.8 million dollars, not including dollars spent on such items as landscaping, signage, plumbing, electrical, and the like. 

That's right - almost $17 million dollars has been spent or budgeted on parks improvements between 2002 and the 2008-09 fiscal year. And no taxes were raised to make this happen!

That's the equivalent of more than $350 dollars per-year, per-household, over the initial six years - a small amount, considering the large reward.

Why do we do it?  For our seniors, our children, for the betterment of our community.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Dover Kohl Group's suggested changes to the DUV have been released to Village Council.

The suggested revisions to the DUV code arrived late this afternoon (Thursday, June 28, 2018).  

Palmetto Bay Manager Ed Silva has released the DUV code revision as proposed by the Dover Kohl Group.  The document is large as it contains graphics and, therefore had to be divided into 3 parts (with section 2 having parts A & B) due to its size, in order to be small enough to e-mailed to the council.  

I have asked for this document to be posted on line.

Staff is working at the present time to upload the complete package to the official village website.  This task may not be accomplished until near close of business day tomorrow, Friday, June 29, due to the size of the package.

In the interim, Here are the Dover Kohl suggested revisions to the DUV code placed in a drop box for you to download and review:

Click the links below

Part 1 -      Introduction
Part 2 -     Sector Summaries
Part 2 A - Development Standards
Part 2 B - Architectural Features for All Frontage Types
Part 3 -     Street Standards

I am reviewing the current suggested revisions and will discuss these proposals at a public town hall meeting.  Join with me twice on July 13th. 

I remain proud in setting a standard for public participation.  I have been consistent and once again invite everyone to listen in/participate in my official briefing/meeting with the Dover Kohl Group, prior to the public meeting. My official meeting is set to take place at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 13th. Other separate meetings are set that same day with the other Village Council Members. The general meeting is set for early evening, 7:00 PM, the same date, July 13.

I have asked that the Village Council Chambers be set up to be the site of this meeting to accommodate interested residents.

Being one of the few elected officials who has never met privately with a developer about a zoning matter, and meetings (and there has been only one), has been held in public. In fact, 3 out of 5 village council members have held such meetings in the public. I want to thank Council Members David Singer and Larissa Siegel Lara for doing what is right and joining me in increasing transparency here in Palmetto Bay.

The public trust is enhanced when important meetings are held in full view of the public - and with participation.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Some information regarding the DUV code update. Please review my blog for some past posts that will provide background on the DUV code, including:

August 23, 2017, The Smart Growth Partnership - The Village of Palmetto Bay wins a smart growth award for its DUV Code.

and

July 29, 2017 Miami Herald - real news - regarding Palmetto Bay's code efforts - This city needs less parking, shorter buildings and more building incentives, experts say by Monique O. Madan.

Thank you for your interest.  I look forward to the public dialogue on this DUV revisions.  Join me.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

MADD is concerned for our safety. July 4th Marks One of our Nation’s Deadliest Holidays for Drunk Driving

A holiday reminder. Good advice year around. Be safe.  Enjoy the 4th, safely.

 

June 27, 2018

CONTACT: Helen.Witty@madd.org

                                             

July 4th Marks One of our Nation’s Deadliest Holidays for Drunk Driving

Miami, June 27, 2018 — This Fourth of July holiday, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) urges everyone to celebrate safely by planning ahead and designating a non-drinking driver if plans include alcohol. Backyard barbecues, fireworks displays and other festivities surrounding the Fourth of July holiday often include drinking, making it one of the deadliest holidays of the year.

Last year, from 6 p.m. July 1 to 5:59 a.m. July 5, 188 Americans were killed in crashes involving drunk drivers. During that timeframe, drunk driving deaths accounted for 41 percent of all fatalities on U.S. roadways.

MADD reminds everyone to take personal responsibility by using taxis, public transportation, rideshare services or calling a non-drinking friend if their plans include alcohol this Independence Day and every day.

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

POD - Saturn photo from Deering Saturn viewing event

Photo of the day (actually, its an evening photo): Saturn, showing its good side.

How many have ever participated in a viewing (solar or evening) event at Deering? Here is a photo from the Wednesday evening Saturn viewing event (held 6/27/2018, 7:30 - 9:30 PM): Saturn Watch, hosted by Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, Florida 33157

CITE update - Report your Traffic Concern Online

Help is available online for reporting traffic concerns.

On May 30th, Council Member David Singer & I held a follow up town hall meeting

addressing traffic safety. Many followed this meeting via my Facebook Live feed.  I am pleased to report that our Police Commander announced another step forward on traffic safety at this May 30th meeting: you can now report your traffic concern online. 

This is part of our Palmetto Bay CITE program in response to your concerns! 

CLICK HERE for the actual online form posted on the official Palmetto Bay website.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

A doggone good time! Dogs of Summer Adoption & Training Expo 2018

 “It's a party. A big Dog Party.”

― P.D. Eastman

Yes it was – until the rains came.

A great time was had by all.  The dogs had their day in Coral Reef Park on Saturday, June 23, 2018.  This was a Tri City event, sponsored by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, co-hosted by Mayors Eugene Flinn of Palmetto Bay, Joe Corradino of Pinecrest and Peggy Bell of Cutler Bay.  I have posted some pictures of this event below.  Thank you to our event partners, our Commissioner and the Parks & Rec Departments for Pinecrest

Miami-Dade Animal Services was present and provided free microchipping to the first 50 pets.  3 dogs were adopted at this rain-shortened event. Congrats.

Three large dogs were adopted out that this Dogs of Summer Adoption & Training Expo MDPD K-9 Unit put on a demonstration.  There was free microchipping for the first 50 dogs. 

Lil Timmy and Bailey enjoyed their day out. We adopted Lil Timmy from Miami-Dade Animal Services. 

Thank you to our event partners:

Who's Alpha Dog Training
Miami's Pet Grooming
Bark Love Couture
MDPD K-9 Unit
Hope Express Pet Adoptions
Flavia-Berti Equi-Paws
Cindy Animal Services
Petsmart Store #352
MDC Vet Techs
Paws 4 You
South Florida Veterinarian Foundations
Mr. PB&J Gourment; and
Palmetto Bay's Truth N Tennis - this was another team effort, with so many of the Truth N Tennis youth volunteering to assist:

 

 

Coral Reef, Palmetto Bay and Perrine Wayside Dog Park recognized as Florida-Friendly Landscapes.

3 of our Palmetto Bay Parks are recognized as Florida Friendly Landscapes.

The conservation and protection of Florida’s water resources starts at home. Homeowners’ landscaping choices can affect the health of ground and surface waters and the natural environment.

Congratulations to our Village of Parks. Coral Reef, Palmetto Bay and Perrine Wayside Dog Park were recognized as Florida-Friendly Landscapes on June 18, 2018. 

Thank you to our Parks staff for protecting Florida's environment and enhancing the community by successfully implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping practices and maintenance at these parks. 

Here's a guide to how you can make your own yard a "Florida-friendly" environment: https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/homeowner.htm

A big "Thank You" and another "Job Well Done" to our Village Management and Staff.

The Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Homeowner program educates homeowners about how to design, install, and maintain healthy landscapes that use a minimum of water, fertilizer, and pesticides. The result? Low-cost, low-maintenance, attractive landscapes that add value to your community and reduce the chance of polluting the water supply.

Councilman David Singer & Mayor Eugene Flinn, Coral Reef Park, 1-15-18

Parks are my passion. I was honored to be the 2016 recipient of the Charles H. Crandon Award from the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, "For outstanding effort by an elected official to increase park, recreation, and conservation open space opportunities for the residents and visitors of Miami-Dade." The award was presented at the Great Parks Summit back in April 0f 2016.

Photo of the Day - taken in Volusia, nowhere near Palmetto Bay. How to Identify a Coral Snake, info

What's in your closet?

How would you like to find a Coral Snake moving past your shoes in your closet?

Native wildlife.

The rhyme for identifying a Coral Snake from a harmless impostor such as a milk snake or the scarlet king snake:  "Red touched black, safe for Jack. Red touches yellow, kill a fellow. This is how to identify a coral snake."

This snake calls Volusia, FL home.  This snake is nowhere near Palmetto Bay, but Coral Snakes are occasionally found here in Palmetto Bay.

For more information on Eastern Coral Snakes: http://venomoussnakesfl.com/coral.htm

Exciting news on School Transportation! Our Palmetto Bay EAC to receive an update on School Pool - Car Pooling

I  told you that additional traffic programs are set to roll out on traffic here in Palmetto Bay. Here is one more program - this one specific to our school traffic issues.

Come to our next Education Advisory Committee (EAC) and learn more about Car Pooling to our schools located in Palmetto Bay. The next EAC meeting is set for Tuesday, June 26th at 6:30 pm at Village Hall, 9705 E Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 

The Miami-Dade County Public Schools is partnering with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) / South Florida Commuter Services to expand the School Pool Program to include all schools in the Village of Palmetto Bay for the 2018-19 school year.

This transportation item is being placed on the EAC agenda to allow FDOT, School and So. Fla. Commuter Services to explain in detail what the program entails and how to best inform the public about this opportunity to reduce traffic on the streets of Palmetto Bay.

We may need to move the June Education Advisory Board (EAC) meeting to the council chambers! Why? To provide for proper space for our interested public to learn more about this good news on this Transportation School Pool program. We are attempting to confirm the attendance of the FDOT representatives.

For more information on School Pool, please visit: GoSchoolPool (CLICK HERE)

         What is SchoolPool? (info taken from their website)

SchoolPool is a free service offered by the Florida Department of Transportation in cooperation with Miami-Dade County Public Schools. The program connects families interested in carpooling, biking or walking to and from school and provides incentives to parents and students who share the ride. It can even match families participating in before-and after-school programs. If you are tired of idling in the car pick-up line each day, SchoolPool is perfect for you!

I remain proud of the hard work of our EAC. The members of the EAC serve the Village by reviewing and supporting the terms of the Education Compact that was entered into between the Village and Miami-Dade County Public Schools. I am honored to be the Council Liaison for the EAC.

I invite parents, caregivers, as well as the members of the public who are interested in hearing about another effort at traffic mitigation to attend to hear details regarding the (FDOT) / South Florida Commuter Services intention to expand the School Pool Program to include all schools in the Village of Palmetto Bay.

Car pooling to school is far from new.  Times may have changed from when I was able to walk to my local Elementary School, which I did and I biked as well. I was part of a Car Pool to what when then known as "Junior" High School.

This weekend! Dogs of Summer Adoption & Training Expo, Sat. June 23, 10 AM to 2 PM at Coral Reef Park

A day with your dog at Coral Reef Park. Come on out with your furry friend. Don't have one? Animal services will be there to offer some for adoptions!

EVENT:   Dogs of Summer Adoption & Training Expo

WHEN:    Sat. June 23, 10 AM to 2 PM

WHERE: Coral Reef Park. 7895 SW 152nd Street

Held last in Coral Reef Park in July of 2016.  It was a big dog party and a great dog party!

Please review my blog (and view photos) post from 8/2/16: Dogs of Summer - a doggone good time - there were adoptions and microchipping - and fun!

Please come on out and participate.

Quincy

What to expect: Mix with friends and neighbors along with their pets, see a MDPD K-9 Unit demonstration, Canine Contest, Training workshops by local experts, Important information on spaying and neutering pets, HOPE Express with on-site adoptions from Miami-Dade Animal Services, and a Dog Wash!

WHY:       “Every dog must have his day.” – Jonathan Swift (author, Gulliver’s Travels)

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and man.” – Mark Twain (Author, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)

Photos below were taken at the 2016 event:

IBus Park & Ride Express - the "IBus 'reboot'" - first week serves 228 passengers (excluding afternoon numbers)

IBus count for the week (up to end of morning rush hour transit): 228

A great start. Let's continue the momentum and allow our program to move to success.

The IBus Park & Ride Express Bus(es) have transported 228 people to date.  I have attached the numbers provided to me by the Village Manager. 

This count far exceeds our usual weekly average for prior IBus Routes A & B. 

I will continue to keep you up to date.

Happy Commuting, Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Selenicereus bloom in Palmetto Bay - photo of the day

Photo of the day. Thank you Henry.

Photo credit: Henry

Selenicereus, queen of the night flowering cactus - a bloom from last night (evening of June 14, 2018).  I am told that this bloom is fragrant.

Described to me recently as "..., White flowers, almost the size of soccer balls, with bright orange radials should be in bloom."  (Selenicereus grandiflorus, Queen of the Night, or Organillo)  

The flowers begin to open at dusk and best viewing is around 10-11 p.m., or later.  The flowers will be closed by morning and will not reopen.  

Future smaller blooms are unpredictable and may occur throughout the month.  

One of the many wonders of local nature that you can enjoy here in Palmetto Bay.

Keeping you informed. Questions/comments relating to our IBus Park & Ride Express pilot program

I am posting some ‘best of’ questions/comments relating to our IBus Park & Ride Express pilot program, or as I have dubbed it: The IBus reboot. The postings are to share comments and concerns.  Please help us here at your Village of Palmetto Bay by providing input that will lead to continued refinement of our service.  

I am not using this page to post daily ridership numbers.  I have asked our Village Manager to post those numbers for the public to view on the official Palmetto Bay media.

The questions have come through various discussions or media.  I cannot accept or respond to anonymous comments as I do respond directly to those involved in the communication. 

Thank you and happy commuting.

_________________________________________

Comment from Michael:

C: I rode it Tuesday and Thursday. It does take more time to arrive at work. However, I found it to be less stressful! I believe that it will require some planning on the part of the user to avoid the long gap between pickups at the metro.

Comment from CI:

C: Please continue this in the fall.

Comment from David:

C: It would be nice to go another level or two into the data to measure effectiveness. For example, if the riders are (or not) VOPB residents, general areas where riders live and work, and if they drive to the church or have another transportation method. Also, how many are coming to PB in the morning from Metrorail.

Response: Not a bad idea for a next round of data collection. Now that we know we have some riders to collect data from.

Comment / question from Tracie:

C/Q: I would have ridden today, but there was no way to get back from downtown during the mid-day. Maybe an on demand service during the break

A: You mean like "Freebee"??? 

Editor's note: Coming soon see: http://eugeneflinn.blogspot.com/2018/03/offering-up-solutions-to-transit-i-am.html

Comment by JW:

C: I like it however, to be honest it is quicker to cut through to the 826. It probably will be faster going home since it is hard to get out of the airport ever since they closed perimeter road. Another issue, it is almost $113/month for rail. My costs for driving is about 75/month in fuel, $25/month sunpass and 500/year for vehicle maintenance if that much. I’ll give it a shot next week but it was promising to see parents dropping their kids off so they can use the bus to get to Dadeland to downtown. Hopefully this will be compounded when school starts back.

From Maria:

Q:  Good morning Mayor Flinn.  I am writing to you regarding the ibus. The route from us1 to Old Cutler Road on 184st is no longer available and has left a lot of people stranded from their jobs. Meaning now they have to uber from St. RICHARD... which would create more traffic in the morning and afternoon. Is there any way that route can be kept? Thanking you in advance for your attention in this matter. Hope this can be resolved.

A: We have received similar requests regarding Route B (the southern side of Palmetto Bay), but surprisingly, no such request for Route A.  Route B was where most of our IBus ridership was prior to this pilot program.  We are looking into a solution that provides an equitable use of the IBus. Please note that I am investigating a Park & Ride to serve south of 168^th Street. 

From Ana:

Q: Once the school year starts up again, are more IBuses be added?

A: It all depends upon the demand.

From BF:

C: Mayor Flinn, this service is huge for the kids in the neighborhood that go to MAST, New World, and the other downtown magnets that make use of the metro rail. A good idea would be to speak to those schools and see if there is a way for them to reach out and inform their local students that it is available. We had my son at MAST for 7th grade but the commute was just too much to handle. This would have been a game changer.

Click 'Read more' below to view prior Questions, Answers and Comments that have been posted.

Flag Day 2018 - a patriotic day - Fly your flag. Info on the holiday with link to video

Are you up to date on flag custom; which days are appropriate to fly your flag?  The answer is every day, but there are special days when the flag should be displayed. I have chosen the Military dot Com site to provide more information on flag custom: 

UNITED STATES CODE

(Display of U.S. flag)

Title 36, Chapter 10 PATRIOTIC CUSTOMS

Sec. 174. Time and occasions for display

The flag should be displayed on all days, especially on New Year's Day, January 1; Inauguration Day, January 20; Lincoln's Birthday, February 12; Washington's Birthday, third Monday in February; Easter Sunday (variable), Mother's Day, second Sunday in May; Armed Forces Day, third Saturday in May; Flag Day, June 14; Independence Day, July 4; Labor Day, first Monday in September; Constitution Day, September 17; Columbus Day, second Monday in October; Navy Day, October 27; Veterans Day, November 11; Thanksgiving Day, fourth Thursday in November; Christmas Day, December 25; and such other days as may be proclaimed by the President of the United States; the birthdays of States (date of admission); and on State holidays.

Have a happy Flag Day. Fly it proudly.  

Eugene Flinn

Traffic Construction update. Traffic Circle update. Work at SW 82nd Av. and 168th St. scheduled to start July 11th.

The revisions to the 168th/82nd Avenue traffic circle are set to begin July 11, 2018, during the summer school break and timed to be completed before the start of the 2018/19 school year.  The work is scheduled for a three week period to completion once commenced.  The actual timetable will be dependent upon weather.

this work was originally scheduled to take place over the holiday break in December 2017/Jan 2018, but the entire project was pushed back to summer in order to prevent risk of this project spilling into the restart of the school session.

Please note that this is my unofficial courtesy notice.  Official notice will be posted through official Village of Palmetto Bay media notifications.

Getting you back home in the evening. Picking up the Palmetto Bay IBus Park & Ride - to head back to Holy Rosary St. Richard / Palmetto Bay

Residents can use our Palmetto Bay Park & Ride Express to get from Holy Rosary St Richard Church, to the metrorail. This is how we get them home in the afternoon rush hour.

The Palmetto Bay IBus picks up transfers from Metrorail (or even from surrounding businesses) at the general bus pick up / transfer area located to the east side of the station - between the Dadeland South station and Shorty's BBQ.  Look for the pick up spot for the 31  / 52 buses which aslo serves as the stop for the Palmetto Bay IBus - note the subtle stickers on the sign (2 stickers).

A very short video is posted below, detailing the pick up for return run. 



Our goal is to enhance your ability to take public transit and bypass the congestion of US1.

Please keep me up to date on your experience as well as ideas to improve the system.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

6/14/2018 update on the pick up schedule:
Updated afternoon schedule - as posted on the Village website (CLICK HERE).
Monday - Friday

4:00 pm - first pick-up @ Dadeland South Metrorail Station
4:20 pm
4:50 pm
5:10 pm
5:40 pm
6:00 pm
6:40 pm

7:00 pm - last pick-up @ Dadeland South Metrorail Station

Random photos from the 6/11 kick off:

Follow up & photos from 2018 Hurricane Workshop with Bryan Norcross. Important Disaster Preparedness Links & contact information.

Palmetto Bay Hurricane Workshop, 2018 edition, was another success!  THANK YOU to all who participated.

Photo Credit: Tracie Rusak

Palmetto Bay is prepared! Our hurricane preparedness "Lunch and Learn" workshop was held on Saturday, June 9th at 11 a.m. Village Hall, which included a  Huricane Presentation by NOAA Meteorologist Robert Molleda, and Meteorologist Bryan Norcross. 

How many of you know that our Kelly Craig was part of the Hurricane Andrew team with Bryan Norcross and Tony Segreto? 

While it was fun to pull out some old photos and reminisce it was more important to prepare for the next one - and rest assured that Palmetto Bay is prepared.  Are you? 

Per Robert Molleda, Meteorologist, NOAA - 2017 was first year a Storm Surge Warning was issued / areas where there may not have been hurricane force winds, but there were local threats nonetheless. Discussion of going “Beyond the Cone”

A single storm can cause more than just dollars in damages.  It can cost human lives. We know from experience that people are more likely to be safer and have the ability to recover more quickly when they are properly prepared.

I have provided you with links below [as well as posted on my blog (CLICK HERE) for the resource links or (CLICK HERE) to view past posts relative to Disaster Preparedness]. You should have your disaster preparedness kit and have a plan to keep your family safe.  Is your insurance coverage adequate? Those living near the coast should be familiar with the applicable evacuation routes.  Everyone needs to take personal responsibility for themselves, their families, and their pets.  By making proper preparations, you will allow the first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents.

Bryan Norcross was recognized for his 50 years of service in broadcasting

2017 Hurricane Heroes were recognized throughout this event. Partial recipients
Thank you to all who stepped forward and went above and beyond for your neighbors! 

I am proud of the efforts of Team Palmetto Bay and the preparations through the administration, Manager Ed Silva and the team. Our Village Policing Unit, Public Services, Parks, Code Enforcement, Building and Permitting all have important roles to play.  Our Palmetto Bay disaster teams are active before, during and after storms. Remember that you can count on me to properly/safety shelter in place in order to be ready to immediately participate in post storm activity.

Who remembered that PBay's Dir. of Communication was part of the Bryan Norcross team
covering Hurricane Andrew - pictured throughout the first 23 hours of coverage
Left to Right: Bryan Norcross, Kelly Craig & Tony Segreto - Channel 4 team

 Kelly Craig presents Bryan Norcross with a special cake celebrating his 50th year in broadcasting

Posted below are important links and phone numbers for hurricane / Disaster Preparedness information from State of Florida, Attorney General, Miami-Dade County, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay - all in one location for you.  

There is also information on how to register with Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts to your computer or cell phone.

Please take the time to review Palmetto Bay on-line:

Village of Palmetto Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

the Village of Palmetto Bay Disaster Preparedness Guide:

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/3291

Town of Cutler Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

http://www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/your-community/hurricane-preparedness

Village of Pinecrest Hurricane Preparedness Page

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Page - important links

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=344

Listen to Pinecrest Radio on your car radio at 1590 AM. The station regularly broadcasts announcements and, during an emergency, will provide important information to Pinecrest residents.

Miami-Dade County’s Emergency pages – Hurricane preparedness:

http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/hurricanes.asp

http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/

What about your pets?  Download the tip sheet from Miami-Dade Animal Services, Disaster Preparedness - Animal Supplies Checklist:

http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf

Ready.gov - Disaster Preparedness page for animals:  https://www.ready.gov/animals

Be 'PETPARED' for disasters: ReadySouthFlorida.org: http://readysouthflorida.org/get-petpared-disasters/

(CLICK HERE) Disaster Preparedness for pets-  page prepared by the ASPCA

Miami-Dade Alerts

Miami-Dade County has some important resources to help keep you informed and prepared, like the free Hurricane Guide and Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Internet users can register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts.  I encourage everyone to register online at http://www.miamidade.gov/alerts

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

For Evacuation Assistance: 311 (people requiring special needs shelters must register in advance)

Answer Center                      311

Rumor control:                      311

Emergency Management     305-468-5400

FP&L   (800-4OUTAGE)       800-468-8243

Florida City Gas                    305-691-8710

State Volunteer Hot-line:       1-800-FL-HELP1 (1-800-354-3571)

Elder Affairs:                         1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

Dept. of Financial Services Insurance Claim Hotline:
                                              1-800-22-STORM (227-8676)

Price Gouging Hot-Line:       1-866-966-7226 or file a complaint:myfloridalegal.com/contact.nsf/contact