A COVID Thanksgiving. I am looking forward to celebrating with friends and family in a safe manner.

 A most unique Thanksgiving. My personal favorite as it is based upon friends and family, taking stock in what you are actually thankful for as opposed to the gift. It remains a pure holiday.

This year is different. We are in a bubble. The CDC has placed recommendations - restrictions with a serious goal of not further blowing up the sudden uptick in COVID

 

Dr. Anthony Fauci urged people gathering for Thanksgiving to think about how vulnerable people are in the home "and make a decision based on the level of risk that they want to put themselves through." This advice is applicable for more than just this immediate holiday. It is applicable to participating in group activities, such as the upcoming live State of the Village Address set for a mere week later. A head scratcher. Are we to sacrifice our family protective bubbles for something that certainly could be accomplished through a virtual gathering.  Oh, well, while some are doing their part to control spread, we are powerless to stop those who are COVID deniers, whose actions state that at least one local government sees the treat of COVID as a hoax - it not. It is real and many people are not going to have a good Thanksgiving due to the severe social and economic downturn that COVID has thrust upon them. Government hasn't missed a paycheck. Government needs to set the example. This is a time for leadership.

I enjoyed participating in the Turkey Trot in past years, but not this year. It is a COVID casualty. https://www.turkeytrotmiami.com/ 

To our valued Turkey Trot Miami family,

This year has been unlike anything we have ever experienced so we sincerely hope you and your family are safe, healthy and well. We hope you have found ways to stay positive, active and hopeful during this time.

We appreciate your patience as we navigate the uncertainty surrounding the return of large-scale athletic events. Unfortunately due to ongoing public safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Baptist Health Turkey Trot Miami 5K/10K scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 26, 2020.

*** *** ***

Nothing like earning those calories. Starting a long day with an early run. But I will adapt. Perhaps a solo or very small group ride done in a socially distanced and responsible manner. I will respect and do my part to fight the spread. And, in our own safe way, we, like millions of others across this great country, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring a tradition older than the nation itself. 

The Continental Congress proclaimed that the "inhabitants of these states" observe a day of Thanksgiving back in 1782.  Ever since then we set this day aside to give thanks for all our blessings, and this year we have many things for which to be thankful.

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

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

One of my personal favorite quotes about a holiday:

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

– (author unknown)

Happy Thanksgiving. Who remembers the WKRP Turkey Drop? "As God as my witness … I thought turkeys could fly …. "

"As God as my witness … I thought turkeys could fly …. " This never gets old, even after 40 plus years. This episode should air annually, each Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving Day. It is just as special as Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special. (OK, maybe it isn’t as special, but it is still a classic).

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Enjoy this special holiday that is based upon family, shared time, no gifts, but the usual football games.

Your friend and neighbor,

Eugene Flinn

The State of the Village Leadership – governments such as Palmetto Bay should set the example, not flaunt the CDC and County recommendations by hosting a potential local super spreader event

Just as the rules should apply to everyone, so too should the recommendations. Governments should lead by example. 

Example: The CDC is asking people not to travel during the Thanksgiving Holiday. The CDC is asking people to take precautions and limit contacts. 

Miami- Dade County's official messaging discourages celebrations beyond the immediate household. A county-produced video campaign on Thanksgiving encourages viewers to “share a virtual dinner with family and friends.”

Miami Herald: Skipping a big Thanksgiving during COVID-19? Here are some other ways to celebrate, 11/23/2020, by Simone Jasper

Actions speak louder than words, so then why is the Palmetto Bay Mayor planning what could be a 'super spreader' event for December 3, 2020? I am specifically referring to a "live" 2020 State of the Village Address. Enjoy an evening of fun at Ludovici Park, Thursday, December 3rd, 7 pm. Complimentary valet parking.

Food and drink - well it is apparently safe to remove masks to eat and drink, at least in Palmetto Bay. 

Valet Parking? So strangers will be getting in and out of different cars. Sharing contact between vehicles.

I just don't understand why this event should not be held virtually. Is this a case of overinflated egos, an overdeveloped sense of immunity, reckless disregard for the safety of community or an underdeveloped sense of self-control, to do things in the same manner and for the same regard for fellow residents?  Cutler Bay recently held its State of the Town through virtual presentation, but then again this Palmetto Bay is no Cutler Bay.

Perhaps the current Palmetto Bay mayor, council members, administration and staff are getting impatient for the vaccine that may be out in early spring and are instead pushing for the herd immunity to take root here in Palmetto Bay. 

The CDC has posted recommendations for those who insist on Attending a gathering this Thanksgiving, but one again, I don't think they are referring to government holding an event for hundreds of people. per the CDC:

Celebrating virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice this Thanksgiving.

If you choose to attend a gathering, make your celebration safer. In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer, take these additional steps if attending a Thanksgiving gathering:

• Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Wear a mask and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
• Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
• Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
  

Many students have gone to home schooling. Football teams are rescheduling games due to positive COVID tests, some colleges and universities are shifting back to online learning. 

We are not going to be successful in beating COVID unless we are all pushing in one direction, that we all follow the same rules and recommendations.

It takes a village, but this village appears to believe that it is an island. Recommendations, ha! Palmetto Bay is hosting a live party! Covid-19 be damned.

Update on the virtual meeting held regarding the Ludlum Trail. Opportunities for input remain.

I attended the virtual meeting held Thursday evening, November 19, 2020. As I have stated, the virtual meetings are a boon, not a hindrance to public participation. Dragging people down to one physician location is so 2019.  Virtual meetings are a tool that I wish I had available prior to 2018.  Look to the numbers posted below. 421 people attended and participated - and everyone had a great view and could control the volume from where there were sitting.

Miami-Dade County is doing a great job promoting public participation through the virtual meetings.

Here is a short update:

 624 people registered for this virtual meeting
 421 actually attended (a number that would overwhelm most physician meeting locations)
 242 participated via smart phone poll
 209 individual questions proffered and the numbers continue to grow 
85% Responded that the plan is generally on the right track
13% Responded "Maybe" to the question as to 'is the plan generally on the right track?'

You can still participate! CLICK HERE for access to the tools pictured below:

General information about the Ludlum Trail (from County website):

The purpose of the Ludlam Trail is to provide a new shared-use trail in Miami-Dade County that will include safe, dedicated, direct pathways for walking, running, and cycling; to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green, non-motorized modes of transportation; and to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility between schools, parks, transit stops and residences, workplaces and shopping.

The proposed project supports the vision to provide an interconnected trail system offering transportation alternatives and reducing traffic congestion for a livable, sustainable County. Ludlam Trail will be a vital component of a seamless network of future greenway trails and water trails connecting to the Metrorail Dadeland North Station to the south and to other planned trails including The Underline/East Coast Greenway, South Dade Trail, Snapper Creek Trail, East/West Trail and Merrick Trail. It will enhance mobility and strengthen connections to neighboring communities, providing increased opportunities for economic development. 

Facts should matter. Truth? Its not about the message. It is all about the messenger. Not limited to national concerns as it has all tricked down to local politics.

It not just one, but infects both sides of the aisles.  It is local as well as National.

People are reluctant to think for themselves and simply have chosen sides and will fight to the end to support their chosen cult. Sound bites and shout downs have replaced discourse and discussion.

The rational town hall has gone into hiding (for now) and is bunkered down along with transparency.

Ludlum Trail Posters - support the effort - a green initiative Poster #1 of 4 - Please share.

 

New posters celebrating Ludlam Trail from DK&P digital artist Theresa Lee Dover, #1 of 4! Please share

The LUDLAM TRAIL will be a 5.6-mile, iconic greenway with paths for biking, walking, and running, connecting the heart of Miami-Dade. The trail will link schools, parks, transit, homes, workplaces and spots to shop & dine.

Last-minute reminder - There is much to see and discuss. Attend Ludlam Trail public information meeting Thursday, Nov 19th 6pm (via Zoom). "Virtual tools include a new project website with the ability to zoom in on a smartphone or home computer on a trail map to see details..." CLICK HERE to view the official information and register for this meeting.

Ludlum Trail Posters - support the effort - a green initiative Post #4 of 4 - Please share.

 

New posters celebrating Ludlam Trail from DK&P digital artist Theresa Lee Dover, #4 of 4! Please share

The LUDLAM TRAIL will be a 5.6-mile, iconic greenway with paths for biking, walking, and running, connecting the heart of Miami-Dade. The trail will link schools, parks, transit, homes, workplaces and spots to shop & dine.

Last-minute reminder - There is much to see and discuss. Attend Ludlam Trail public information meeting Thursday, Nov 19th 6pm (via Zoom). "Virtual tools include a new project website with the ability to zoom in on a smartphone or home computer on a trail map to see details..." CLICK HERE to view the official information and register for this meeting.

Ludlum Trail Posters - support the effort - a green initiative Poster #3 of 4 - Please share.

New posters celebrating Ludlam Trail from DK&P digital artist Theresa Lee Dover, #3 of 4! Please share

The LUDLAM TRAIL will be a 5.6-mile, iconic greenway with paths for biking, walking, and running, connecting the heart of Miami-Dade. The trail will link schools, parks, transit, homes, workplaces and spots to shop & dine.

Last-minute reminder - There is much to see and discuss. Attend Ludlam Trail public information meeting Thursday, Nov 19th 6pm (via Zoom). "Virtual tools include a new project website with the ability to zoom in on a smartphone or home computer on a trail map to see details..." CLICK HERE to view the official information and register for this meeting.

Ludlum Trail Posters - support the effort - a green initiative Poster #2 of 4 - Please share.

 

New posters celebrating Ludlam Trail from DK&P digital artist Theresa Lee Dover, #2 of 4! Please share

The LUDLAM TRAIL will be a 5.6-mile, iconic greenway with paths for biking, walking, and running, connecting the heart of Miami-Dade. The trail will link schools, parks, transit, homes, workplaces and spots to shop & dine.

Last-minute reminder - There is much to see and discuss. Attend Ludlam Trail public information meeting Thursday, Nov 19th 6pm (via Zoom). "Virtual tools include a new project website with the ability to zoom in on a smartphone or home computer on a trail map to see details..." CLICK HERE to view the official information and register for this meeting.

Reminder: Tune in and Participate regarding the Ludlam Trail. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Project meeting/update via Zoom, Nov. 19, 6 PM. Info and links provided.

REMINDER - MEETING IS SET FOR THURSDAY - Nov. 19 6 PM. Attend from the comfort of your home or from wherever best suits you.

Engage. Participate. Important public meeting is set and you can attend from the comfort of your home or office! No travel required.

The LUDLAM TRAIL will be a 5.6-mile, iconic greenway with paths for biking, walking, and running, connecting the heart of Miami-Dade. The trail will link schools, parks, transit, homes, workplaces and spots to shop & dine. 

The land was recently purchased by Miami-Dade County; a Project Development & Environment study and design of the trail are now underway. Stretching north-south from Robert King High Park to Downtown Kendall, this trail will form part of the “Miami Loop” in the county’s network of bikeways, along with the Underline. 

(CLICK HERE) to view the Public Information Meeting as well as the Ludlum Trail Corridor PD&E Study Virtual Public Meeting Invitation (2 pages of .PDF) where more information is available as well as how to register and participate in the virtual meeting. 

Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor from SW 80th Street to 400 feet north of NW 7th Street, generally following the north-south alignment of what would be NW/SW 69th Avenue, within the former Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway right-of-way. The project is located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, Florida.

The purpose of the Ludlam Trail is to provide a new shared-use trail in Miami-Dade County that will include safe, dedicated, direct pathways for walking, running, and cycling; to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green, non-motorized modes of transportation; and to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility between schools, parks, transit stops and residences, workplaces and shopping.

The proposed project supports the vision to provide an interconnected trail system offering transportation alternatives and reducing traffic congestion for a livable, sustainable County. Ludlam Trail will be a vital component of a seamless network of future greenway trails and water trails connecting to the Metrorail Dadeland North Station to the south and to other planned trails including The Underline/East Coast Greenway, South Dade Trail, Snapper Creek Trail, East/West Trail and Merrick Trail. It will enhance mobility and strengthen connections to neighboring communities, providing increased opportunities for economic development. 

Join our PD&E Virtual Public Information Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ludlam Trail PD&E Fact Sheet 
Ludlam Trail PD&E Virtual Meeting invitation

Topic

Ludlam Trail PD&E - Virtual Public Information Meeting

Description

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces invites you to attend a Virtual Public Meeting regarding the proposed Ludlam Trail Corridor.

The virtual meeting will include a presentation of work in progress and include an interactive opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions about the project. This virtual meeting is being held to allow interested persons an opportunity to be informed about the proposed trail and provide comments. There will be a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting starting at 6:15 pm.

Time

Nov 19, 2020 06:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Prior related posts - Ludlum Trail:

July 29, 2015, The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

October 4, 2019, NY Government for improved natural/recreational facilities. “DEC: Rail line should be deemed “interim trail”.

October 21, 2020, Tune in and Participate. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor.

I hope to see you there!

Oh no! Guess who has a show. Spotlight on the Village hosted by David Singer.

Now it is getting interesting. Did you see the announcement? (screen shot posted at bottom)? Controversy builds ratings, so I am expecting the David Singer show to be a huge hit in the local ratings. Perhaps it will be called "off the hook".

David Singer has announced that he will be moving on from Palmetto Bay Council Member (not commissioner) to hosting his own show on the Community Newspapers Facebook.  He will have a weekly 30-minute show with Miami Community Newspaper's starting the week of December 7, 2020. 

The good news: It will only be thirty (30) minutes.  

The bad news: It will only be thirty (30) minutes. 

Fair questions: 

• How many threats have the Michael and Grant Miller received regarding this planned show? (it is still early - so get your threats of boycotts and other anti-first amendment tirades in early).
• If threats have been made, who has made them? (I bet I could guess who.)
• Will there be prizes awarded for those who correctly guess who screams the loudest?
• Who does David Singer think he is, the second coming of Neal Rogers?
• Will there be a dump button?
• Can we expect a lightning round?
• Will there be a warning label or an "R" or "MA" rating?
• Will David Singer obtain media credentials and, if so, will he attempt to misuse the credentials for access into the next Super Bowl held in Miami?
• Who will be the initial guest(s)?
• Why am I not the initial guest?
• Will there be a live animal segment?
• Can a show hosted by yours truly be far behind?

Stay tuned!

Space X. Another next step. A great evening for launch. Returning to exciting times of space flight and adventure

I grew up watching the Apollo program. I was young, but I recall the moon launches, landings and the splash downs. Exciting times. Team work and friendly competition to push ourselves for a better world.

Yes, I was one of many to watch the SpaceX launch on Sunday, November 15, 2020. It was a beautiful evening to launch four US astronauts into space from Kennedy Space Center onboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying a Crew Dragon capsule for a rendezvous with the International Space Station high above the Florida sky.

Imaginations are being captured.

And then we joined neighbors outside to see what, if anything we could see down here in Palmetto Bay.  We think we saw it, did we?  At least we enjoyed the first clear night in far too long.

A friend in Merritt Island Florida posted a few pics taken from her neighborhood. Now that looks dramatic; as if the entire city was lit up from the rocket engines.  

Father, Daughter Ride Antique High-Wheel Bikes From Michigan To Key West

Father, Daughter Ride Antique High-Wheel Bikes From Michigan To Key West: A father and daughter rode their antique high-wheel bikes, to the delight of drivers along the way, from Michigan to Key West.

I bet this was not the kind of 'Big Wheel' that this father originally envisioned for his daughter.

Dog Whistling in Palmetto Bay. Who is actually doing it and why? It is poor sportsmanship to play games with the law.

Who heard the Palmetto Bay dog whistle blown yesterday? More on that to come, this is just the Friday the 13th stimulator. 

Funny, so many e-mail lists have been distributed.  But what is sad is how the duty to respond to public records is handled, in my opinion, not based upon the law, but based upon who you are.

Only in Palmetto Bay are people 'shamed' for requesting public records.

Only in Palmetto Bay are some people forced to file lawsuits to obtain simple public record request.

Only in Palmetto Bay do many requestors have to wait for arbitrary waiting periods. Palmetto Bay has taken the position at times that they have a 'reasonable' period to respond; their determination of reasonable being an arbitrary 30 days.  This in not the case. The public records law is clear: The Public Records Law does not contain a specific time limit for compliance with public records request. "The only delay permitted . . . is the limited reasonable time allowed the custodian to retrieve the record and redact those portions of the record the custodian asserts are exempt." Florida Supreme Court in Tribune Company v. Cannella, 458 So. 2d 1075 (Fla. 1984).

I actually created the Palmetto Bay email list back in late 2002, when we first incorporated. My list was requested several times by Gary and Shelley as well as in the name of their special interest group.

The fair question: Where did Steve Cody and Leanne Tellum obtain their e-mail lists? Did they ever disclose where? 

Who is giving out their lists for "free"? And why do Palmetto Bay officials continue to resist public records request, and by resisting, I can point to several types:

1. Undoing years of precedent in posting public records on the village web site, requiring people to ID themselves and ask for those items that should be open and available to all - without having to ask in the first place: See May 21, 2020, A total lack of transparency. Why you have to ask. It now takes a formal public records request to obtain information from Palmetto Bay. No resolutions posted since February 5, 2019. No updates to the index since July, 2019.

2. Actual refusal (which lead to the law suit - to view October 26, 2020, Public Records Enforcement Order rendered against Defendants Village of Palmetto Bay and Mayor Cunningham, but no harm to the Defendants, after all, it was all fought with Other People’s Money.

3. Unreasonable delay, providing the records only after persistent follow up or threat of lawsuit.

4. Attempting to charge for records that should be freely available - see April 25, 2019, Palmetto Bay - Transparency - on sale to those who can afford it

I doubt this is the "New Direction" that our residents envisioned in the 2018 elections.

Veterans Day 2020 – We recognize and thank those who have served our country in the armed forces.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and thank all US Military veterans for their service to our country. Everyone should take a moment to honor those who have preserved our freedom and protected all of our rights, including the right to vote. Veterans Day is a holiday honoring living military veterans. It is both a Federal holiday and is also recognized and observed by all 50 states.

History:  President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed Armistice Day on November 11, 1919. Other countries today also still recognize November 11th as Armistice Day or Remembrance Day in honor of the Armistice treaty which ended WWI. The U.S Congress amended this act on November 8, 1954, making this holiday Veterans Day as we know it today.

Recommended reading: Military dot com article, The History of Veterans Day

Thank you to every person who has served our county as a member of our armed forces as well as their families who give up so much to protect our freedom.

701 pages, 144 mb of lawsuit. I have posted a link to the Yacht Club by Luxcom v. Village of Palmetto Bay. A very long read.

The full complaint finally went public today (Tuesday, 11/10/2020). The LUXCOM complaint was filed November 05, 2020, but it was not visible to the public until it went through 'redaction'. I now know why it took so long, the entire complaint is a total of 701 pages (144 MB). 

701 pages CLICK HERE to download and view the entire 701 pages.

  51 pages CLICK HERE to view the smaller 51 page document, the complaint, minus the exhibits.

The tone is set in the Introduction, page 1:

This is an action in which Luxcom seeks to recover millions of dollars in damages from the Village based on its unlawful, inequitable, discriminatory, deceptive and bad faith actions and the Village ' s material misrepresentations by virtue of its silence and omissions/failure to disclose critically important information to Luxcom relating to its purchase of a large tract of undeveloped land in excess of 70 acres in Palmetto Bay for $33 million dollars and Luxcom's repeated attempts to develop the property which have been continuously thwarted by the Village. 

YACHT CLUB BY LUXCOM, LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, 2020-023918-CA-01, filed its latest lawsuit, the formal Bert J. Harris claim, on Thursday, November 5, 2020.

The complaint does make for colorful reading. Beginning numbered paragraph 10, (page 4 of 51, or 701) Plaintiff describes the proceedings  as having been conducted in a manner …

(10.) … that rivaled the likes of the Star Chamber courts of England's King Henry VIII. During these sham hearings, the Village failed to comply with and properly apply its own Code and the proceedings discriminated against Luxcom and violated its due process rights - all in furtherance of the Village's carrying out its above described plan of severely limiting development on Luxcom's property. The outcome of these hearings (and enacting the ordinances) was pre-detennined by the Village whose Council did not act as a fair and impartial tribunal but, rather, as an advocate of its own self-sponsored ordinances.

11. The Village Council's lack of fairness and impartiality was on full display at these public hearings. The lack of impartiality was thrown into the spotlight when both Vice Mayor John Dubois (who served as the Village' s sponsor for the ordinances) and Council Member Marsha Matson (who, amongst others, campaigned for her Council seat based on promises of limiting development on the property to no more than one unit per acre) -- both failed to recuse themselves from the voting. They both voted in favor of what was a fait accompli - enacting the ordinances.

Please take the time to review this entire complaint. I am unaware as to whether the Village has been served with this complaint. Palmetto Bay will have twenty (20) days to file and serve its response unless the time is extended, which I expect to be extended given the depth of the issues as well as the length.

As previously reported, this latest case is assigned to the Honorable Martin Zilber, Circuit Court Judge, section CA 08. If this Judge's name sounds familiar to you, it is because Judge Martin Zilber recently rendered a Public Records Enforcement Order (VIEW HERE) against the Village/Elected Official in a lawsuit for public records filed against the Village of Palmetto Bay, as well as against a Palmetto Bay elected official, in case No.: 2020-020589-CA-01 after a full hearing held on October 14, 2020.

I will continue to take time to review this latest lawsuit and report on details.

See PRIOR RELATED POST:  November 6, 2020, NEW LAWSUIT ALERT: LUXCOM files another lawsuit against Palmetto Bay.

History - 31 years ago November 9, 1989 - the world tore down the Berlin Wall

 History - 31 years ago today: The world tore down the Berlin Wall.

Now that was a party. Long overdue.

The Berlin Wall was a sobering sight. Now that was communism. That was imprisoning your citizens. This was a potential flash point to start WW III. I have posted a few photos that I took personally while on Holiday in West Berlin back in 1982 (to this day, I do not know why the photo quality is so poor):

Exposed. Pre-election – Sandbag photo op. Post-election, in the middle of a major flood event? Where are the sandbags? We need a focus on the needs, not failed photo ops.

Where are the sandbags? Palmetto Bay is one of many areas suffering the huge rainfall of Tropical Storm Eta. 

We can now see the difference between services provide by elected officials pre-election versus post-election. Pre-election Palmetto Bay promoted FREE SAND DISTRIBUTION at Coral Reef Park on Friday, July 31, 2020. Please take the time to review the embedded announcement as well as the PRIOR RELATED POST of August 3, 2020, The Tropical Storm Isaias Bread & Circuses show - Palmetto Bay edition. A few sandbags do not provide our residents with what we need: affordable windstorm/flood insurance, our largest expense in homeownership.

Hopefully people will wake up to the empty diet of endless 'bread and circuses'. I will continue to challenge the ‘bread & circuses’ of Palmetto Bay, but even as people love promises, Emergency Operations are important. So compare the ‘services provided' pre-election when I called out these same actors on August 3rd, for providing a mere small truckload of sand for the “lucky residents” that drove up. Those participants received about $15 dollars of sand for their use ( and offset the actual tax increases this current mayor and village council enacted for this new budget year). Many argue that the July 31st event set a precedent in that people expect consistent performance. Why then, was it appropriate for Village Officials to hand out sandbags in July but not in November? Is the answer anything but election publicity?

The July 31 sand giveaway was an awesome event, right? ... No, it wasn't.

Similarly, the July 31st sandbag event was far from disaster planning at its best.  And please don't tell me that Tropical Storm ETA differs from Tropical Storm ISAIAS as Palmetto Officials enacted a Declaration of Emergency in anticipation of "Hurricane ETA" on November 8, 2020.

Planning? Note that Palmetto Bay Officials passed the Palmetto Bay Budget nearly two months following the great sand giveaway, in September, 2020 (with the aforementioned tax increases). Surely the Mayor included funding for future sand bag distribution in this budget, right? WRONG.  

I get it now, and so should readers. The lack of follow up post-election in November confirm my comments and fears stated August 3rd, that the campaign time event documents the waste of employee time in distributing these sandbags in this “voluntary giveaway”. Taxpayers should not be asked to fund an election season photo op.

The Florida Legislature will convene the 2021 legislative session in early 2020. Perhaps it is time to put the foolishness aside and enact a realistic legislative plan, don't ask for money with a record for being vetoed; money that will certainly be vetoed for the third consecutive year, but instead, work for:

• Affordable windstorm/flood insurance, our largest expense in home ownership. Instead elected officials offer a limit of 5 sandbags 'while supplies last.' (paid for by taxpayers). 
• Affordable car insurance, instead elected officials offer a few sandbags. 
• Proper funding for SFWMD to fix the drainage canal for flood control, instead elected officials offered us 5 sandbags to a household, again, while supplies last. (and have continually threated a lawsuit against the SFWMD, but none has been filed to date.)

Buh Bye - Political Humor. Enjoy on this stormy day. (Did I just type "Stormy"?)

Too funny not to share. But you need to remember the original SNL skit.

Don't blame me. I would be out on a peaceful gravel ride in the East Everglades, but for this storm.

No claim to original video, credit to Eli Banks.

Historic day - both Fox and CNN agree: Joe Biden is president-elect; set to be our 46th US President. VP-Elect Kamala Harris sets history as our first female VP of color

Counts done! CNN & FOX now agree (watching between CNN & FOX for the diversity of opinions. (Ballot count on, count off). Now let the healing begin. Congratulations to Biden and special congratulations to Kamala Harris who is our first female VP, first female VP of color (I will simply refer to her as VP-elect Harris).

_______________________________________

NEW LAWSUIT ALERT: LUXCOM files another lawsuit against Palmetto Bay.

The weekend read. I will update interested readers as new information becomes available.

YACHT CLUB BY LUXCOM, LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, 2020-023918-CA-01, filed its latest lawsuit, the formal Bert J. Harris claim, on Thursday, November 5, 2020.

The case is presently assigned to the Honorable Martin Zilber, Circuit Court Judge, section CA 08. If this Judge's name sounds familiar to you, it is because Judge Martin Zilber recently rendered a Public Records Enforcement Order (VIEW HERE) against the Village/Elected Official in a lawsuit for public records filed against the Village of Palmetto Bay, as well as against a Palmetto Bay elected official, in case No.: 2020-020589-CA-01 after a full hearing held on October 14, 2020.

I will take time to review this latest lawsuit and report on details. This lawsuit was just filed. Palmetto Bay officials have not yet been served with the lawsuit, so they have not had time to review it. The Village is not under obligation to respond to this suit until it is served.

I will continue to keep you in the loop.

Your friend and neighbor,

Eugene Flinn

Friday afternoon update (11-6-2020):

Wasting no time, the LUXCOM attorney e-filed a 20 day summons that was issued same day by the Clerk of the Court. Perhaps this lawsuit will be served upon Mayor Cunningham next week.

Meeting Reminder: Tune in and Participate regarding the Ludlam Trail. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Project meeting/update via Zoom, Nov. 19, 6 PM. Info and links provided.

Engage. Participate. Important public meeting is set and you can attend from the comfort of your home or office! No travel required.

The LUDLAM TRAIL will be a 5.6-mile, iconic greenway with paths for biking, walking, and running, connecting the heart of Miami-Dade. The trail will link schools, parks, transit, homes, workplaces and spots to shop & dine. 

The land was recently purchased by Miami-Dade County; a Project Development & Environment study and design of the trail are now underway. Stretching north-south from Robert King High Park to Downtown Kendall, this trail will form part of the “Miami Loop” in the county’s network of bikeways, along with the Underline. 

(CLICK HERE) to view the Public Information Meeting as well as the Ludlum Trail Corridor PD&E Study Virtual Public Meeting Invitation (2 pages of .PDF) where more information is available as well as how to register and participate in the virtual meeting. 

Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor from SW 80th Street to 400 feet north of NW 7th Street, generally following the north-south alignment of what would be NW/SW 69th Avenue, within the former Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway right-of-way. The project is located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, Florida.

The purpose of the Ludlam Trail is to provide a new shared-use trail in Miami-Dade County that will include safe, dedicated, direct pathways for walking, running, and cycling; to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green, non-motorized modes of transportation; and to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility between schools, parks, transit stops and residences, workplaces and shopping.

The proposed project supports the vision to provide an interconnected trail system offering transportation alternatives and reducing traffic congestion for a livable, sustainable County. Ludlam Trail will be a vital component of a seamless network of future greenway trails and water trails connecting to the Metrorail Dadeland North Station to the south and to other planned trails including The Underline/East Coast Greenway, South Dade Trail, Snapper Creek Trail, East/West Trail and Merrick Trail. It will enhance mobility and strengthen connections to neighboring communities, providing increased opportunities for economic development. 

Join our PD&E Virtual Public Information Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ludlam Trail PD&E Fact Sheet 
Ludlam Trail PD&E Virtual Meeting invitation

Topic

Ludlam Trail PD&E - Virtual Public Information Meeting

Description

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces invites you to attend a Virtual Public Meeting regarding the proposed Ludlam Trail Corridor.

The virtual meeting will include a presentation of work in progress and include an interactive opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions about the project. This virtual meeting is being held to allow interested persons an opportunity to be informed about the proposed trail and provide comments. There will be a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting starting at 6:15 pm.

Time

Nov 19, 2020 06:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Prior related posts - Ludlum Trail:

July 29, 2015, The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

October 4, 2019, NY Government for improved natural/recreational facilities. “DEC: Rail line should be deemed “interim trail”.

October 21, 2020, Tune in and Participate. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor.

I hope to see you there!