Thank you MDC Commissioner DLC & CM for getting Deering's Chinese Bridge reopened

 

Grassroots effort and inquiries directed to the proper representative gets public access restored. I will refer to the resident only by the initials "CM". Note - I have since received permission to use his proper name, so thank you Craig Merwitzer.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the federal leader on coronavirus policy, has said that running right now is "not only safe, it’s healthy.” Fauci himself is a serious runner. 

So that resolves the issue as to is outdoor exercise "OK". As far as I am concerned, run, bike, walk - do it safely. Stay healthy. 

The reason for the closure from the MDC Parks Department: "I hope everyone is safe and well ! regarding the Chinese bridge - unfortunately, we had to close off the bridge due to concerns that many folks were congregating at the bridge without adhering to social distancing requirements. We worked in concert with Village of Palmetto Bay Police Department, who placed the barricades as a safety concern. As soon as social distancing restrictions are lifted, we will open it up again". 

Grassroots action. Craig Merwitzer brought this matter to Commissioner DLC's attention on 3/28. The area was reopened to the public for safe use later that day and remains open as of Sunday, 3/29.

From the Commissioner: "From DLC:  Thank you everyone. I saw it was opened when I biked by at around 5 pm. Of course our health and safety are number one so all steps to prevent congregating are warranted. Hopefully our residents can exercise common sense and restraint."

Now please - do not congregate and violate the social distance requirement at the bridge. It is reopened, use it responsibly.

Manatee update – Sunday afternoon (2-24-2019) Commissioner Cava's staff hard at work coordinating efforts between multiple jurisdictions.

Reports are that Commissioner Cava's staff has connected Fish and Wildlife with the Marine Patrol as soon as it was brought to the Commissioner's attention. Both agencies have already been sharing information over the weekend.

Commissioner Cava's staff is in the process of drafting the proposed boating restrictions for the C100 network of canals which cover three municipalities. Staff is close to having a draft ready for review by the affected cities and residents.

The schedule (Goal) is for first reading introduction by either the second March or first April meeting of the Board of County Commissioners.

Attached is a link from FWC to the speed zones in Miami-Dade:
https://myfwc.com/media/7310/miamidadempz-bramaps.pdf

Those interested should continue to monitor and participate with the SFWMD and Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava's office.

This is an update relevant to earlier post: Manatee and its two calves have been spotted and photographed within Palmetto Bay. Is this sufficient to trigger manatee protection rules by the FWC?

All of Miami-Dade deserves the Metrorail promised, a Letter to the Editor by our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, December 7, 2018

Letter to the editor from our County Commissioner

CLICK HERE or headline below to read the letter online from our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, District 8 Commissioner as posted online in the Miami Herald 

All of Miami-Dade deserves the Metrorail promised
December 07, 2018

On Thursday, my colleagues on the Transportation Planning Organization took an important vote about the future of Miami-Dade transportation and mobility in the northern part of the county.

The decision was to: officially state that elevated Metrorail is the local preference of residents and proceed to making that a reality.”

Expanding transportation is a frustratingly long, complex and expensive process. However, this vote goes to show that with a full analysis of all of the options, investment in elevated Metrorail makes the most sense for our community.

Unfortunately, South Dade was shut out at every turn by the county and prevented from even considering elevated Metrorail for the South Corridor.

We were told that it was too expensive to do 20-miles of surface-level Metrorail at $1.2 billion. Now $1.8 billion for less than half that distance won’t break the bank.

We advocated for doing the South Corridor in phases. The mayor said that would be unfair somehow to break the project up. But now it’s a splendid idea.

In retrospect, I wish the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) had conducted all of the studies. I think we would have benefited from an unbiased and uniform evaluation process. A process free from regular interference from the county and where the public’s opinion seemed to actually matter.

As frustrated and disappointed as I am at the raw deal South Dade got — the clear double standard applied to the South Corridor — I still support extending Metrorail along the North Corridor.

Even though our residents in South Dade have been denied the advantage of a “one-seat-ride,” Metrorail extended on the North Corridor will improve the mobility and economy for everyone in Miami-Dade.

The flaws in this process and more broken promises further undermine the public’s confidence that they are being treated fairly and served well by the officials elected to represent their interests.

Daniella Levine Cava

District 8 Commissioner

A recommendation for Elevated Rail for NW 27th Avenue, rejecting the same 'world class BRT' attempted to be foisted on the South? Say it ain't so!

Read it for yourself! A professional consultant, WSP USA, " ...rejected the option of a modernized, rapid-transit bus route for 27th Avenue as too disruptive to existing traffic."

That's right the option of a modernized, rapid-transit bus route for 27th Avenue as too disruptive to existing traffic - obviously no consultant has ever considered how disruptive the transitway (a nicer name for the US1 busway) has been and will continue to be "disruptive" for traffic trying to cross US1.

So here it is. A recommendation for elevated rail for NW 27th Avenue, but crumbs for South Dade.  Evidence that they will take our money in order to shift that funding for real transit anywhere but for us. This is why I opposed any compromises and refuse to accept BRT - South Miami-Dade County was sacrificed to make room for the north line. This is why we cannot and should not settle for "BRT".

In my own opinion, this is an example of a double standard being applied between the North and South Corridors.  This is quite unacceptable. The incoming Palmetto Bay Mayor and Council need to step up, no compromise, and pick up on the fight for South Miami-Dade County.

What makes us different? as pointed out in the article, “The mayor agrees with the recommendation for an elevated track for the north corridor,” Gimenez communications chief Myriam Marquez said. “He wants it done in phases so that it’s financially feasible.”

See the Miami Herald: Costs killed one Metrorail expansion, but a pricier option is looking more popular, by Douglas Hanks: 

Months after deciding Metrorail was too pricey for South Miami-Dade, county leaders are on board with an even costlier expansion of the rail system to the north.

A state consultant recommends Miami-Dade build a $1.8 billion extension of Metrorail’s existing elevated tracks along Northwest 27th Avenue. The consultant, WSP USA, rejected the option of a modernized, rapid-transit bus route for 27th Avenue as too disruptive to existing traffic.

That’s the same kind of system that Mayor Carlos Gimenez won approval for in South Dade in August. His administration had had recommended a similar system last year for the north as well. A county transportation board will take up the proposal Thursday, clearing the way for Miami-Dade to apply for transit dollars from Washington for the project.

This summer Gimenez campaigned publicly and privately to block board approval of a $1.3 billion Metrorail option in the south, including a last-minute bid by transit advocates to start with a smaller segment of the 20-mile extension being considered. Months later, the Gimenez administration has dropped its rapid-transit bus recommendation for the north in favor of the phased construction of an elevated rail system a consultant says will cost about $1.8 billion. ...

Click the link above to read the entire article.

Please review prior efforts as contained in prior posts, starting with a post of October 5, 2018, Team work continues on transit solutions. 

As I stated in that post, I believe that the TPO vote was a delay, not denial of our efforts to obtain rail. Many will recall the long fight for Palmetto Bay's incorporation - the delays and many adverse votes, including a moratorium lasting many years. 

Now it will be up to the incoming Mayor and Council to continue the fight under these newly revealed circumstances. We shall see how much fight there is in this council.

Our fellow South Dade taxpayers have been paying many years in advance for rail, through the half-cent sales tax. Residents clearly voted for rail when they supported the half-penny tax, and rail is what Miami-Dade County should be delivering to South Dade.

What an evening! Photos and video from the 16th annual State of the Village Address, Tuesday Evening, October 9, 2018

What a night!

Results of Palmetto Bay teamwork 2018 showcased at the 2018 State of the Village Address

 

Dear Fellow Palmetto Bay resident,

A great evening at Village Hall was enjoyed by over 200 attendees at the 16th annual State of the Village Address held last Tuesday evening, October 9th.

It was my honor to present this annual address highlighting Palmetto Bay's operations and accomplishments, along with the goals and objectives for the coming fiscal year.

We celebrated increased public services, a lower property tax millage rate for the second time in 4 years, more park programming, another year of reduced crime rate, increased transparency and public participation.  A great year celebrated with the team - council, management/staff and our fellow residents!

CLICK HERE to view the full text of the State of the Village Address.

JB Cash Foundation -recipient of 2018 "Rosemary Fuller Award

Congratulations to Janice and Ted Nickolaris of the JB Cash Foundation, awardees of the 2018 recipient of the "Rosemary Fuller Award" selected by our Education Advisory Committee

Lt. Maria Guerra - selected as next Village Police Commander

Another exciting announcement was Village Manager Ed Silva's selection of Lieutenant Maria Guerra as our new Village Police Commander, continuing a long-standing tradition of promoting from within our own ranks.

Commander Guerra started her career in law enforcement in 1989 and over that span of time has earned more than 60 commendations. She has been part of the elite Northside Crime Suppression Team and, in 2003, was promoted to Lieutenant while serving in the Narcotics Bureau. She then became the first female K-9 Lieutenant in the Miami Dade Police Department. We were lucky enough to welcome her to our Palmetto Bay Policing Unit in 2015.

Lt. Guerra's selection is not final until and unless the Village Council approves the Manager's selection.  I have called a Special Council Meeting for Monday, October 15, 2018 - at 5:45 PM the purpose of the Village Council to take action on the Village Manager's selection of Lieutenant Maria Guerra as the Village Police Commander.

Recognition of  St. Rep McGhee and Commissioner Levine Cava, as well as outgoing councilwoman Larissa Siegel Lara.

We recognized our outgoing District 3 Councilwoman Larissa Siegel Lara, State Representative Kionne McGhee and our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava for their teamwork with the Village of Palmetto Bay.

The video of the entire State of the Village Speech is also available for your viewing (CLICK BELOW).

Mayor's State of the Village Address 2018

 

Again, thank you everyone for the TEAMWORK of this past year and I look forward to moving forward to an even greater 2019!

Your Mayor.

Eugene Flinn

Team work continues on transit solutions. Please read the update in the current Palmetto Bay News

Please read the update in the current Palmetto Bay News, Most local officials disappointed that county chose buses over rail, by: Gary Alan Ruse

As I stated in the article, The TPO vote was a delay, not denial of our efforts to obtain rail. Many will recall the long fight for Palmetto Bay's incorporation - the delays and many adverse votes, including a moratorium lasting many years. This latest TPO vote was geared toward applying for a Federal Grant that was limited to BRT. I believe they tried to tailor their request to a grant for which they are applying. It is uncertain as to whether this grant will be received. In the meantime, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay are doubling down on our efforts for long term rail transit.

Our fellow South Dade taxpayers have been paying many years in advance for rail, through the half-cent sales tax. Residents clearly voted for rail when they supported the half-penny tax, and rail is what Miami-Dade County should be delivering to South Dade.

Palmetto Bay Community Meeting - Water Issues - Sep 11th, 2018

Palmetto Bay Community Meeting - Water Issues - Sep 11th, 2018

Water Meeting held. Commissioner Cava & SFWMD at Palmetto Bay to update and coordinate efforts

A great turn out for another Town Hall meeting.  I was pleased to host and participate in this multi-jurisdictional program. I want to thank the many concerned residents who turned out who spoke with the South Florida Water Management District and Miami-Dade County Government DERM. The meeting was well staffed from the experts from these agencies including Federico E. Fernandez, Esq., Chair, SFWMD Governing Board and Lee Hefty, Director, DERM.

Topics included our canals, including canal maintenance, erosion and safety enforcement, water quality protection, Biscayne Bay restoration, hurricane preparedness.

There will be additional follow up and collaboration between the State of Florida, SFWMD, Miami-Dade County, and locals including Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay. 

The SFWMD is responsible for operating and maintaining more than 2,100 miles of canals from Orlando to the Keys.  The post provides a link to the specific document created by The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) regarding Palmetto Bay.  

The video from this meeting is available online (CLICK HERE).

 

 

 

 

 

 

Important meeting - Miami-Dade County, South Florida Water Management District to discuss Water Issues - Sept 11, 2018, 6:00 PM at Palmetto Bay Village Hall.

I am pleased to sponsor/promote this event. This is an important meeting to attend. Canal and water issues can and will be addressed by officials of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).  

Topics will include our canals, water quality protection, Biscayne Bay restoration, hurricane preparedness and more.

Please CLICK HERE to view the official Facebook event site.

I look forward to seeing you at this event.  As always, you can reach me via e-mail at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or cell at 305-302-3713 should you have any questions or concerns.

Your Mayor,

EUGENE FLINN

Note: CLICK HERE  to view prior posts relating to the SFWMD.

A doggone good time! Dogs of Summer Adoption & Training Expo 2018

 “It's a party. A big Dog Party.”

― P.D. Eastman

Yes it was – until the rains came.

A great time was had by all.  The dogs had their day in Coral Reef Park on Saturday, June 23, 2018.  This was a Tri City event, sponsored by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, co-hosted by Mayors Eugene Flinn of Palmetto Bay, Joe Corradino of Pinecrest and Peggy Bell of Cutler Bay.  I have posted some pictures of this event below.  Thank you to our event partners, our Commissioner and the Parks & Rec Departments for Pinecrest

Miami-Dade Animal Services was present and provided free microchipping to the first 50 pets.  3 dogs were adopted at this rain-shortened event. Congrats.

Three large dogs were adopted out that this Dogs of Summer Adoption & Training Expo MDPD K-9 Unit put on a demonstration.  There was free microchipping for the first 50 dogs. 

Lil Timmy and Bailey enjoyed their day out. We adopted Lil Timmy from Miami-Dade Animal Services. 

Thank you to our event partners:

Who's Alpha Dog Training
Miami's Pet Grooming
Bark Love Couture
MDPD K-9 Unit
Hope Express Pet Adoptions
Flavia-Berti Equi-Paws
Cindy Animal Services
Petsmart Store #352
MDC Vet Techs
Paws 4 You
South Florida Veterinarian Foundations
Mr. PB&J Gourment; and
Palmetto Bay's Truth N Tennis - this was another team effort, with so many of the Truth N Tennis youth volunteering to assist: