Our condolences. We mourn the passing of Hershel “Woody” Williams – last surviving Metal of Honor recipient from WWII

The last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II has passed on from this life at 98 years old. Palmetto Bay was honored with his participation in our Veterans Park project. October 15, 2016, was officially proclaimed as Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Day in Palmetto Bay.

Thank you for your service to our country US Marine Williams. May you rest in peace. 

US Marine veteran Hershel “Woody” Williams died Wednesday at 3:15 a.m. at the Huntington, West Virginia, Veterans Affairs hospital named after him, according to a statement from his foundation. See: Marine Times, June 29, 2022, Last surviving WW2 Medal of Honor recipient Woody Williams dies at 98, by Andrea Scott

I will remember my time with him here in Palmetto Bay, the American Legion, Post 133, here in Palmetto Bay involved US Marine Williams in our Veterans Park project.  See October 16, 2016, Oct 15, 2016. Palmetto Bay is honored to host Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams and Gold Star Families

The Village of Palmetto Bay has been working with the members of the American Legion Marlin Moore Post #133 to create a Veterans Park/Gold Star Family Memorial Monument. This event featured a presentation by Hershel Woodrow (”Woody”) Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima.  October 15, 2016, was officially proclaimed as Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Day in Palmetto Bay.

Thank you US Marine Williams for your service, both during WWII as well as your continuous service thereafter in your efforts in regard to Gold Star Families.  Words cannot express our thoughts and thanks to the surviving family and friends of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.  

I will work to see that Palmetto Bay does keep its promises and completes a Veterans Park worthy of your participation Marine Williams! 

Preparing for Independence Day - 2022 - Make preparations to keep pets safe.

Protect Your Pets on July 4th

Protect your pets on this fourth of July holiday - as it is not a 'pet-friendly' holiday.  They don't understand what all the ruckus is about. (See my blog - CLICK HERE - to view my full post and important links)

July 4th and 5th are busy days for pet shelters. Many pets get frightened and run off during fireworks. Pets are severely distressed by the noise of fireworks. Remember, dogs' and cats' hearing is much more sensitive than ours, so those loud booms can be extremely uncomfortable!

A wiser choice for your pet is for you to bring your pet inside the house and make sure that your special friend is safely tucked into a room with a television or radio on. It is recommended that if you are not staying home with your pet, make sure that their favorite hiding spot is available so they can run to a place in the house where they feel safe ---- this could be under the bed, in the closet or even their pet crate.  If you are home, stay near them, speak to them and let them know that they are safe. 

Please take the time - CLICK HERE - to view a .PDF put out by Miami-Dade County Animal Services - July 4th Pet Safety Tips.

Additional 87th Bridge litigation update - Hearing date set - Response to Motion to Dismiss filed (link to document provided)

A reader provided me with Palmetto Bay's Response in Opposition to the County's Motion to Dismiss [this document was filed at 6:54 PM last night - (6/21), but is not yet posted to the public online docket].  CLICK HERE to download and view this 29 page response.

The hearing on the County's Motion to Dismiss has been scheduled for 3:30 PM, July 11, 2022.

Attorney Norman Waas filed discovery on behalf of Palmetto Bay:  Miami-Dade County has been served with Interrogatories (written questions to be answered in writing under oath) as well as Request for Admissions. 

Prior related post: June 21, 2022, 87th Bridge litigation update - No hearing yet to resolve the County's Motion to Dismiss 87th Avenue Bridge litigation update - 

June 17, 2022: The court rendered an order requiring the parties to prepare and file a comprehensive case management report (pursuant to Administrative Order AO 21-09). This report is presently due no later than Friday July 8, 2022. The report will provide significant details to aid the court in moving this case to resolution. (follow link above to view complete update)

87th Bridge litigation update - No hearing yet to resolve the County's Motion to Dismiss

87th Avenue Bridge litigation update - VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, CAROLINE HETU, AND CRAIG WOISCHWILL v. MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, CASE NO. 2022-003627-CA-30.  

June 17, 2022: The court rendered an order requiring the parties to prepare and file a comprehensive case management report (pursuant to Administrative Order AO 21-09). This report is presently due no later than Friday July 8, 2022. The report will provide significant details to aid the court in moving this case to resolution. 

CLICK HERE to view the blank sample  case management report that was provided in the June 17 Case Management Order.

A case management hearing was held on June 17, 2022.  I did attend as an interested observer. The hearing was held via zoom virtual platform. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Court proceedings are open to the public in Florida with few exceptions and then proceedings may be closed only if there is no reasonable alternative to closure; closure being the least restrictive form available.  

Results of the case management hearing held on June 17, 2022: No substantive items were resolved. The parties were directed to contact the court on the following Tuesday (6/21/2022) and attempt to secure an early hearing date on the pending motion to dismiss. the court also notified the attorneys that this case was put on one hour standby; that all parties should be ready to argue the motion to dismiss within an hours notice (experience tells me the court would attempt to provide more notice as scheduling permits) in the event that sufficient time becomes available on the court hearing docket.

The lawsuit is progressing slowly.  I had commented previously that this case may be different for Palmetto Bay due to appearances by Palmetto Bay Resident Norman Waas as a volunteer attorney on behalf of the Village of Palmetto Bay.  As I stated before, and without reservation, he is a highly respected litigator. He has incentive as a resident who has opposed the bridging of 87th avenue, adding his passion and extensive litigation experience. 

It was also announced at this hearing that Miami-Dade County has schedule an August 2022 groundbreaking for the 87th Avenue Bridge project.

I assume, or at least it is my hope, that the public will receive a full briefing on the status of this lawsuit at the July Regular Village Council Meeting.

Prior related posts:

April 8, 2022, The Weekend Read - the Palmetto Bay bridge litigation. Important updates. Links to important documents supplied

Background information is also provided in a prior related post of February 4, 2022, Mediation ended in an impasse – will the mayor and council file the lawsuit? Key local attorneys are ready to step in for residents in opposition to the bridge. as well as January 20, 2022, Miami-Dade County will hold the Joint meeting with Palmetto Bay today, Thursday, January 20, 2022, at 12:45 PM. There is a public comment section listed on the agenda.

Family Fun Ride Part 2- 6-12-2022 Key Biscayne Dora & The Graveling Expl...

Does anyone want to watch a video of part of the old Crandon Park Zoo? I could not located the spot where Dixie The Elephant used to live.

It is a very interesting place to walk in peace and enjoy the surroundings.

This video was part of the Come as you are Family friendly fun ride of Sunday, June 12, 2022 - a group ride of Dora & The Graveling Explorers.

On this day in History - Early in the morning on June 6, 1944: D-Day.

Think back to this day in 1944.  Waves of Allied soldiers are landing on 5 beaches along Normandy, France.

June 6, 2022, marks the 78th anniversary of D-Day, the  start of the liberation of Europe.  

CLICK HERE to view History.com’s special on D-Day’s 70th anniversary - June 06, 2014, Landing at Normandy: The 5 Beaches of D-Day, by Jesse Greenspan, which looked back at the two American, one Canadian and two British landing points that kicked off the Allied invasion of Western Europe during World War II.

Utah Beach
Omaha Beach
Gold Beach
Juno Beach
Sword Beach

June 1st - the 2022 Hurricane Season has arrived. Are you prepared? How about your Pets?

What have you done to prepare for this year? 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. 

The 2022 hurricane season is here. 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 yourself, your family and your pets.  By making proper preparations, you will allow the first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents. 

I have posted several important links below for Hurricane / Disaster Preparedness information from FEMA and Miami-Dade County 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.

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

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

http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/ 

What about your pets?  Pet Disaster Preparedness 

Miami-Dade County has resources available online for Emergency planning for your pets:

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

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 

FEMA - Federal Emergency Management Agency. U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Plan and prepare for a disaster: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/information/disaster-types/hurricane 

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 https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser149122963708133&utm_source=FriendlyURL&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=Alerts

Create or log in to your account to activate free alerts that enables County residents or visitors to receive emergency texts or emails regarding public safety issues, recommended public protective actions or other emergency information.

Staying informed during an imminent threat or emergency is critical in helping to make the right decision for you and your family. Receiving alerts will provide you with guidance in making informed decisions.

Emergency Alerts

Sign up for free emergency alerts. Miami-Dade County will notify you about weather emergencies such as tornado, tropical storm or hurricane warnings issued by the National Weather Service or any other emergency that may require public protective actions. In the event of an emergency, you'll get a message or email with details.

 

Marina Alerts

Sign up for free marina alerts. Miami-Dade County will notify you about boat ramp closures and re-openings and when hazardous weather is approaching so that you will have time to secure your vessel.

 

Transit Rider Alerts

Sign up for free transit rider alerts. Miami-Dade County will notify you about disruptions to the County transit system. In the event of a disruption, you will receive a message with details on the device of your choice. 

Through this service you can inform the County how you would like to receive these messages.