Thursday, July 10, 2025

Full disclosure requested - what was the real reason for canceling Palmetto Bay's annual Independence Day celebration?

Really, why? Anticipated construction at the Shore property appeared to have been the excuse - but I received photographs that challenge this narrative.  I went out and looked for myself and yes - there's no construction.  No site prep - nothing looks imminent at that property so then how could this property force a cancellation of the community event.  For background - see PRIOR RELATED POST of Friday, June 27, 2025, Thank you Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer - the facts - Commissioner DCH picks up where Palmetto Bay dropped our very popular Independence Day community celebration

Residents have noticed that the current conditions of the related properties and some have brought this to my attention.  The community review of the properties appear to dispute the stated reason (excuses?) to support cancelation of the Palmetto Bay Independence Day celebration.  I will let the photos tell the story (photos taken after July 5, 2025):

The photo above is taken from county property website and documents the involved vacant properties.  The top area is a 5 acre area owned by the Children's Hospital. The Shores Property is approximately 3 acres that is located directly east of the Municipal Center The property marked by the yellow boundary is owned by Palmetto Bay and is the panned home for the $3+ million for profit Diadem Pickleball Facility.

The photos:

Note photo above: Franjo Road landscaped median appears in the foreground 

Above: The Shores property shows no sign of construction - no fencing is up and the property is properly maintained (mowed) and appears free of any fencing or pre-construction preparation.

The Children's Hospital property has a vacant 5 acre component that has been part of Village events in the past.  Photos:


Finally - I am posting photos of the property owned by the Village of Palmetto Bay. Note that it is the only property with any debris.  There are piles of rock and overgrown, cars and trucks are parked on the property, but no fencing or other items staged on the property that would indicate that any construction is imminent:

Is Palmetto Bay's property maintained to code? I bet this property would be subject to Code Enforcement if it was privately owned.  I can't imagine that the condition of this property is anything but an eyesore for those who live nearby.

What is the real reason for the cancelation? I wonder if the owner of the Shores At Palmetto Bay simply doesn't want to work with Palmetto Bay officials. But what about other surrounding properties? 

The most important question is whether we have suffered the end of Palmetto Bay's Downtown Independence Day celebration, most of which was held on the municipal center property and a closed off Franjo Road.  

No comments:

Post a Comment