South Dade Updates. My best method for keeping everyone up to date on important matters affecting our community.
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Dirty tricks - stealing a lawfully placed campaign sign located on private property
Monday, September 26, 2022
ELECT EUGENE FLINN - Palmetto Bay's Thalatta Estate - teamwork to put the "Bay" in Palmetto Bay.
Thalatta Estate has a unique and storied history including the famous image of Capt. Peter Skipp’s 210-ton ship being deposited right here during Hurricane Andrew.
I am proud to have spearheaded an amazing team effort to obtain this historic property for the citizens of Palmetto Bay. We avoided development and made it a wonderful destination. Impressively, this park was purchased entirely through grant money.
Soon after the purchase, we restored and repurposed the estate into a bayside paradise, with this wonderful path, beautiful water feature and more.
But we can’t rest on our laurels and I never stop looking for better. Too few people know that we obtained a grant AND PERMISSION – to add another amenity here – a beautiful boardwalk where we could walk out and look out into the water.
Sadly, that plan has been rejected, passed and then ignored by the current mayor. The result is that the grant and opportunity may have been lost under the current administration. Significant effort gone to waste.
When elected, you can count on me to properly maintain this
treasured property and keep moving forward to improve our park amenities. And
do it going back to aggressively seeking grant dollars – and properly spending
those grant dollars.
#wecandobetter #flinnformayor #palmettobay #community #environment #trees #itstartsinparks #WeLovePB #TeamPB #PalmettoBayProud #PBturns20
POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY EUGENE FLINN FOR MAYOR OF PALMETTO BAY
Saturday, September 24, 2022
ELECT EUGENE FLINN - SW 136th Street multi-path
Thursday, September 22, 2022
BREAKING NEWS - Judge DENIES Miami-Dade County's Motion to Dismiss complaint - bridge litigation moves forward.
I just received this order denying the County's Motion to Dismiss - on all counts. The order was rendered at 6:19 PM on Thursday, September 22, 2022.
I will review this three page order and opine on it at a later date, but for now you can read the full three page order (CLICK HERE).
Sunday, September 4, 2022
To those who work hard to make America truly great: I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day Weekend 2022
Happy Labor Day 2022!
I hope everyone who works hard to make America great is enjoying a happy and safe Labor Day weekend. Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.
The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.
Read more about Labor Day on History.Com - Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers, and Labor Day 2018 occurs on Monday, September 3 (it’s traditionally observed on the first Monday in September). It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events. (READ MORE)Enjoy your special day.
Friday, August 26, 2022
National Dog Day - August 26, 2022 - Photos of some of our loyal family members
A furry friend is a life long commitment (for them as well as you). They are not a short term fancy or a photo op.
Here are some photos of our current family guards - Lil Timmy and Bailey. Enjoy.
Saturday, August 13, 2022
Link to my campaign website. eugeneflinn.com
Sunday, August 7, 2022
August 7 - Purple Heart Day. Remembering America's Veterans - special recognition for Purple Heart recipients
Palmetto Bay became the first South Florida "Purple Heart City" in 2016 - as per resolution 2016-40 that I was proud to sponsor as Mayor of Palmetto Bay. It remains important to continue this recognition.
This is a national day of recognition. Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.
See Channel 10 News online: Palmetto Bay becomes first Purple Heart city in South Florida - Flag-raising ceremony held to commemorate honor, By Peter Burke - Local 10.com Managing Editor, posted: 1:22 PM, August 10, 2016.
See prior related post of August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City! where there are additional photos from this 2016 event
CLICK HERE to view other related posts recognizing our Veterans for their service.
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
Update on the Palmetto Bay Village Center litigation – Petitioner’s request for Oral Argument Granted – to be set
Oral argument is not required to dispose of a case. The Court reviewed the request and the briefs filed in determining whether Oral Argument would be granted. CLICK HERE to view a prior post where I inserted links to view all the legal briefs filed in this proceeding.
The court could have denied the request and followed up with an order affirming the action of the Palmetto Bay Mayor and Village Council, denying the petition/appeal. Obviously the court did not take this action, but instead granted the request for oral argument. The scheduling of Oral Argument does not foreshadow any future decision. The Oral Argument is not currently set, but will be in the near future.
Background, See Prior related post of July 1, 2022: Palmetto Bay Village Center Litigation Update – Petition for Cert (a form of appellate review). All the briefs have been filed. You can download and read them here.
Stay tuned and I will continue to keep you in the loop.
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
The guard gates are being installed along the US1 busway - photos providing first look.
As seen on my public transit ride home from downtown today:
I took a few pictures of the gate arms being installed at the intersections along the US1 busway. The gate arms will go into operation with the start of the BRT service (which will most likely signal the end of the Palmetto Bay Express Bus service to the Datran South Metrorail station).
Above - boarded at Datran south for the return trip, road is clear aheadBelow: a few pictures of the safety gate arms - they appear to be the classic railroad crossing arms that existed back when the rail road trains traveled that rail easement 40-50 years ago (and much, much earlier).
SW 104th Street |
SW 132 Street (by Tire Kingdom) |
Monday, July 4, 2022
Happy Independence Day - 2022 - Have a safe and fun 4th!
Happy Independence Day to you and your families!
This is a holiday to celebrate, the day we celebrate the birth of our great nation, the creation of the greatest system of freedom and democracy. All of this occurred due to the great physical and financial sacrifice of the founders of this nation, the brave men and women of yesterday and today who have sacrificed so greatly to ensure the traditions bestowed by our remarkable founders. We owe them vigilance, and the willingness to defend the democracy they have passed on to you.
Independence Day has been celebrated since 1776. But do you know the year that July 4 officially made a Federal Holiday? Would you believe 1941? Check out the History.com page regarding July 4, for additional information.
Protect Your Pets on July 4th Protect your pets on this fourth of July holiday - 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 is a busy day 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. |
Friday, July 1, 2022
Palmetto Bay Village Center Litigation Update – Petition for Cert (a form of appellate review). All the briefs have been filed. You can download and read them here.
This update relates to the Petition for Certiorari (a form of appellate review) filed by the applicant Palmetto Bay Village Center (PBVC) in the case styled as 17777 OLD CUTLER ROAD, LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA ET AL, case number: 2022-000012-AP-01 . I am working to truly keep interested readers in the loop.
You can see the most important documents by following the links below:
Petition for Writ of Certiorari, filed April 1, 2022 (63 pages)
Two part Appendix to the Petition for Writ of Certiorari, filed April 1, 2022:Part 1 (1,574 pages) and
Part 2 (220 pages)
Palmetto Bay's Response to Order to Show Cause/Petition for Writ of Certiorari, filed June 10, 2022 (62 pages)
Petitioner's Reply to Response to Petition for Writ of Certiorari, filed June 30, 2022 (21 pages)
Please take the time to download and review. We will discuss after everyone has the opportunity to read the arguments on their own.
BACKGROUND - see prior related post of April 1, 2022, More litigation for the Village – The Palmetto Bay Village Center has filed for judicial review – a big read. Initial review and impression – links to critical documents provided
Other significant litigation pending (there are others cases filed that are not currently significant in my opinion):
17777 OLD CUTLER ROAD, LLC, VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY
Local case number: 2022-006141-CA-01
Filed April 1, 2022
17777 OLD CUTLER ROAD, LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA ET AL
Local case number: 2022-000012-AP-01 (the case discussed in this post)
Filed April 1, 2022
VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY ET AL VS MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA
Local case number: 2022-003627-CA-01
Filed February 25, 2022
AMADO RODRIGUEZ ET AL VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY
Local case number: 2022-000305-CA-01
Filed January 6, 2022
YACHT CLUB BY LUXCOM, LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA
Local case number: 2020-023918-CA-01
Filed November 5, 2022
VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA VS MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Local case number: 2019-031036-CA-01
Filed October 18, 2019
Case watch - Sarasota Circuit Court Judge DENIES Landrie's Motion to Dismiss by order rendered 6-30-2022. Claim for intentional infliction of emotional distress moves forward.
"On behalf of the Laundrie family it is our hope that the search for Miss Petito is successful ad that Miss Petito is reunited with her family."
“As alleged by the Plaintiffs, the Laundries made their statement knowing that Gabby was dead, knowing the location of her body, and knowing that her parents were frantically looking for her. If this is true, then the Laundries’ statement was particularly callous and cruel, and it is sufficiently outrageous to state claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress.” (Bold emphasis added)
“... Florida law recognizes that family members are particularly susceptible to emotional distress around the time of a loved one’s death. Malicious conduct during that timeframe can rise to the level of outrage.”
“Plaintiffs have not identified, and the Court is unaware, of any legal duty the Laundries would have owed to Plaintiffs to tell the Plaintiffs that Gabby was dead or the location of her body,” Carroll wrote, adding that Joseph and Nichole similarly did not identify a duty the Laundries had to them that would require that they responded to their text messages “or refrain from taking a vacation” while Gabby’s parents searched for her.
The bottom line (so far):
If the facts of this case truly were about silence with no affirmative act by the Laundries, the court would have granted the motion to dismiss in the Laundries' favor."
Wednesday, June 29, 2022
Our condolences. We mourn the passing of Hershel “Woody” Williams – last surviving Metal of Honor recipient from WWII
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.
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!
Wednesday, June 22, 2022
Additional 87th Bridge litigation update - Hearing date set - Response to Motion to Dismiss filed (link to document provided)
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)
Tuesday, June 21, 2022
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.
Monday, June 13, 2022
Family Fun Ride Part 2- 6-12-2022 Key Biscayne Dora & The Graveling Expl...
Monday, June 6, 2022
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
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
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.
What about your pets? Pet Disaster Preparedness
Miami-Dade County has resources available online for Emergency planning for your pets:
Download the tip sheet from Miami-Dade Animal Services, Disaster Preparedness - Animal Supplies Checklist:
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
Sunday, May 29, 2022
Photo of the day. Lucky dog cyclist - the lead dog
This pampered pooch has a great seat providing a great view. Love the googles.
Photo permission granted |
Saturday, May 28, 2022
The Remembrance Poppy and the Poem, "In Flanders Field"
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.