1,000 fewer pythons in the Everglades. Miami Herald Reports. I was part of one out of the 1,000.

There are snakes, pythons no less, here in Palmetto Bay.  CLICK HERE to view past posts, with photos, of past python encounters in our Village).  

These encounters and captures unfortunately did not count toward the python eradication stats kept by the FWC (CLICK HERE for other posts involving FWC, including our Coyote situation).

The python control has now broken 1,000 pythons.  See the Wednesday, May 23, 2018, article in the Miami Herald  (or online 5/22/2018) Florida's Everglades now have 1,000 fewer pythons, by Jenny Staletovich. 

Pythons are invasive and are devastating our local animal population. I'd like to think that I have been doing my small part, both in education through this blog as well as actually participating in a python "hunt" - I was on a python hunt on Feb 19, 2018 (with a licensed FWC guide/hunter) where we bagged this lil guy - 7 feet, 4 inch python. 

In the interest of full disclosure, this python capture took place on February 18, 2018.  The snake was not harmed as part of the capture. The licensed python hunter took the snake the next day to the FWC location where it was measured, logged and then harvested.  

Mayor's fitness challenge gets off to a running start - there is still time to participate.

Palmetto Bay had to compete with the Dolphins playoff game - but we still had good attendance at our event - many more came out in time for the 5K run, which was after the  Dolphins game (or at least after the outcome was determined) - significant information given out and many registered for the Mayor's Fitness Challenge. 

Thank you to so many, including, but not limited to: Frankie Ruiz, the Old Cutler Run Club, the Pineapple Pacers, Baptist Health South Florida, Race Day Professionals and many others for the 5K (a free event - a timed race).

There is still time to register  for the Get Fit Palmetto Bay Kickoff and participate in the Mayor's Fitness Challenge.  The Mayor's Fitness Challenge is a great way to address the Holiday weight gain.

The Mayor's Fitness Challenge is a 7-week program that requires participants to register by January 14th and follow their progress for the 7-week period.  Program participants will receive an initial health screening administered by Baptist Health, which includes weigh-in and body composition measurements.  Participants will also receive a "goodie bag", a Health Passport to track measurements, two passes to Surf & Turf Zumba-Kayak Workout and discounts and freebies from program partners.

 

Please see the Mayor's Fitness Challenge Rules for more information.

 

CLICK HERE to view additional photos posted my Eugene Flinn, Mayor - Facebook Page

(above - Natures Postings was a sponsor/participant in this family event)

Photos immediately above: With County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava

and reps of Giardino Gourmet Salads, Palmetto Bay

(Photos from registration and with Cathy Parbst-Accurso, In Balance Physical Therapy,

at the Palmetto Bay Get Fit Kick off)

 Immediately above right - Saylin Paez, Events & Programs Coordinator completing the 5K run

 

CLICK HERE to view the Old Cutler Run Club photos posted to Facebook.

 (Note - photo credit for 6 photos immediately above from Old Cutler Run Club)

 

Come on out - join us - have fun and improve your fitness here in the Village of Parks!

2017 is here - resolve to participate with your friends and neighbors to “Get Fit Palmetto Bay”

(CLICK HERE) to read my entire article posted online, Community Newspapers: Participate with your friends and neighbors to “Get Fit Palmetto Bay”

Happy New Year! Many of us took part in holiday parties and family feasts this December. For some, the holidays don’t end until the last of the College Bowl and professional Football playoff games conclude.  Then, talk turns from the point spreads to the holiday spread that is more personal to us – and time for the ‘New Year’s Resolutions to reduce. 

Are you ready?  Our Palmetto Bay 2017 “Get Fit Palmetto Bay” is ready with a series of events, programs, and seminars focused on wellness, nutrition, and fitness. All information can be found on the official village website: Palmettobay-fl.gov

The Village has activities planned for all ages – walking, fitness groups, biking, and running – to name a few.  There is plenty to do as part of the Get Fit Palmetto Bay and Mayor’s Challenge campaigns – it all kicks off on January 8, 2017, at 2:30 – 5:30 PM at Ludovici Park.

I started the Mayor’s Challenge in 2016, and it is back for a second year. The 7-week program, starts January 8.  To track progress and be eligible for prizes, participants must register by January 14. For a low $25.00 fee, participants will receive an initial health screening administered by Baptist Health, which included weigh-in and body composition measurements as well as a “goodie bag”, containing a Health Passport to track measurements, two passes to Surf & Turf Zumba-Kayak Workout and discounts and freebies from program partners.

Please see the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Rules posted online for more information (CLICK HERE). 

I look forward to participating in "Get Fit Palmetto Bay" in 2017 - please join us and take advantage of your "Village of Parks".

Happy New Year!

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Village of Palmetto Bay

Turkey Day run - 2016 - Baptist Health Turkey Day Miami 5K/10K

A great day with thousands - THOUSANDS of participants at the Baptist Health Turkey Day 5K/10K run.  Alexandra and I ran once again.  A great warm up for the Thanksgiving feast.

Palmetto Bay resident Desiree Barger won the 10K - Woman's Division.  The second and third place finishers came in 1:53 behind her. That is a very impressive win!  

We had many Palmetto Bay residents participating, many of which participate in our tri-city Old Cutler Run Club, sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida.  

Here are a few photos - again, running the 5K was a great start to a day of feast time with family.  

I am thankful for many things, in part for working with #GetFitPalmettoBay and spending time with friends and family.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving! 

Opportunity to run the trails at Deerings Estate - Old Cutler Run Club 10/23 4:00 PM

Let's get fit Palmetto Bay! Old Cutler Run Club participants have an opportunity to explore the Deering Estate trails here in Palmetto Bay this Sunday, 4:00 PM.  Meet up at the Deering Estate Visitor's Center.

Trails, cooler weather, good friends, family time - it does not get much better than this. #GetFitPalmettoBay #WeRunMiami #WeRunOldCutler #BaptistHealth #PalmettoBay #CutlerBay #Pinecrest #running

Old Cutler Run Club - its a family thing. Its a #GetFitPalmettoBay thing. Join us.

I am so pleased with our version of the Run Club sponsored by Baptist Health South Florida.  October 2, 2016, drew another huge family turn out.  It was a cooler day as well, part due to the time of year - moving into our Fall "season" as well as the misting of rain we received during the run.  Of course, Coral Reef Elementary was well represented with their CRE on the Run club members.  Attendance-wise, this was a tough Sunday, with many participants out of town for the long weekend (Monday being a religious holiday with a school off day).

The route changed ever so slightly this day; taking the run north as usual along Old Cutler, then turning back and running around the Palmetto Bay Village Center.  The run took everyone through the beautiful, scenic pathway of the disputed 22 acres of hardwood hammock and Pineland along Old Cutler Road that I am fighting so hard to save.   

10-2-16 group photo

Let's use this area for preservation and recreation, not development

Yes, another great week for the Old Cutler Run Club - thank you once again to our Palmetto Bay Parks Department, Baptist Health South Florida, Frankie Ruiz and the "Pineapple Pacers" for another week of fun and fitness.  

See you all next Sunday, same time, same location. Remember: #GitFitPalmettoBay #WeRunMiami #WeRunOldCutler

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Palmetto Bay 

Photos of the day - The Sunday Old Cutler Run Club is off and running- Photos from week 2

The Old Cutler Run Club continues to grow.  This is a Tri-City effort between Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest and Cutler Bay.  We thank our sponsor Baptist Health, South Florida and, of course, all-world runner, Frankie Ruiz as well as the Pineapple Pacers. 


Group Photo, week 2, 9-18-16

I continue to be impressed by the participation from Coral Reef Elementary and its CRE on the Run Club.  The club (run through teacher and parent volunteers) develops healthy activities to our youth.

 I am pleased that our village continues to promote a diverse range of activities in our Village Parks. The Amphitheater at Ludovici Park has been used for rehearsals and performances of cultural events, community gathers and now - pre-and post- run club warms ups/cool downs. 

I love this new activity - the run club provides yet another purpose to our parks system.  This run club has benefited from significant planning and we have to thank Frankie Ruiz for his expertise and confidence in our area as well as our Sponsor Baptist Health Systems.  Here are some photos from past planning meetings:

April 20 - A great meeting today (4/20/16) at Panera. Formulating a partnership Run Club. Look for it soon. Partnering with Miami-Dade County - MDC Parks (Deering Estate) and our sister communities and it all to be sponsored through Baptist Health Systems. Thank you Frankie Ruiz.

July, 7, Three Mayors and our sponsor working on a tri-city run club. Looking forward to a running start in early September. A Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay collaboration with our sponsor Baptist Health Systems.

Baptist Health South Florida Turkey Day 5K - a healthy way to start Thanksgiving Day.

Earning that thanksgiving feast.  Thank you Baptist Health South Florida and all who worked so hard to make the Turkey Day Run 2015 such a success. There were two runs - a 5K and 10K. There was also a youth run held after the 5/10Ks.  Students from one of Palmetto Bay's local elementary schools, Coral Reef elementary, (members of the Coral Reef on the Run club) participated. Palmetto Bay was very well represented at the 2015 run.

Alexandra and I worked up our Thanksgiving appetite with the Baptist Health South Florida Turkey Day Run Miami.  We ran with thousands of our closest friends to start the day in a healthy way. 

 It was a wet Thanksgiving, but fun nonetheless. 

We look forward to participating in this event next year.  Alexandra and I participated in the 5K, though thousands competed in the 10K.

I do recommend picking up your race package in the days prior to the event rather than waiting for event day (photo left). It saves from the lines and confusion of race day.

CLICK HERE to view the official results of the 2015.

See you next year?