Native rat snake seen along the Deering roadway. Beautiful. Saturday AM, 6/26/21

Native Rat Snake. Yes,  coaxed it out of the way of all the runner, walker and cycling traffic across from Deering on 72nd. Appeared very lumpy. Maybe had recently enjoyed a meal and was looking to heat up to digest it.

Kicking off National Bike Month - get out and RIDE! POD People's Dock.

May is National Bike month - a great time to get out and enjoy our Palmetto Bay outdoors!

CLICK HERE - the League of American Cyclists is promoting NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

May is National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.

And, of course, today was the first Saturday that we all could go out and enjoy the recently completed People's Dock restoration (more on that on a future post). 

Thank you Miami-Dade County and Miami-Dade County Parks for getting this dock restored.

The weather was beautiful this morning. It was such a pleasure to see the walkers, joggers, cyclists - everyone meeting up at this outstanding location.

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.

Red-Tailed Boa encounter at Deering Preserve. Attempt made to catch and remove in order to protect our native habitat. Video and links to more information

I have been provided a video taken on Sunday, February 23, 2020, of area residents making a great attempt to remove an invasive red tail boa from the Deering Estate Preserve.

My first comment for those involved: "Great eyes!" You can see from the video just how effective this snake is at camouflage. They were really observant.

Video credit goes to Jeff Frette who both took the video (great work) as well as allowing me to share here on this blog. He advised that Rich McAlpin spotted the snake and called FWC. Jeff called someone who then called a professional snake catcher.  

The snake catcher called turned out to be Kristian Hernandez who won the Python catching tournament.  (See CBS4, January 26, 2020, Winners Of 2020 Python Bowl Showered In Prizes - hhttps://miami.cbslocal.com/2020/01/26/2020-python-bowl-winners/ ) 

Unfortunately for native wildlife, Kristian was 10 minutes too late. This was one lucky Red-Tailed Boa who got away to hunt native wildlife another day. May it not be so lucky next time. Eyes are out there, looking out for our native wildlife and engaged in the effort against invasive species.



MORE INFORMATION: I am posting a link to the official FWC Site relating to this invasive species. See: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Red-tailed Boa

Red-Tailed Boas do represent a significant threat to natives as they feed on lizards, birds, and mammals both on the ground and in trees. Established populations could potentially impact local populations of some vertebrate species. Anyone seen a spotted skunk in the area lately?

This is my 32nd blog post relating to Invasive Species. For similar encounters, see the prior post of December 27, 2015, Send me your python experiences - I am looking to uncover the extent of the population - and REPORT any sightings.

Thank you to Jeff Frette and Rich McAlpin for stepping in, making the call, seeing this through and most of all, watching out for our local nature.

Why I bike - local nature, environment and other eclectic sights seen via cycling South Miami-Dade County. Presidents Day 2020 excursion

From the "Why I bike" series. Presidents Day weekend 2020 was yet another great weekend to be active outside and view our South Miami-Dade County communities.

Above - seen along the Biscayne Trail - an abandoned bike carelessly thrown into the canal adjacent to SW 87th Avenue - south of SW 216th Street.

Above left & right: The infamous bike pose- #BAAW - where it crosses over the Deering Estate Flow-Way -along the Old Cutler Trail that runs from SW 87th Avenue Traffic Circle in Cutler Bay, through Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest - ending at the Cocoplum Traffic Circle in Coral Gables. 

Looking over the bridge, looking West (back toward Old Cutler Road) at some of the water flowing properly (as best as possible) back through the Deering wetlands into Biscayne Bay. The photos were taken attempting to book end parts of the Deering Estate Flow-Way - This is a (CERP) project that I am proud to have been involved in advocating for. This was a South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) project (CLICK HERE for more). 

The Deering Estate project is part of a larger master plan to restore Biscayne Bay, known as the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project. This plan is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which is helping to restore the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of fresh water in the South Florida ecosystem.

Take your family out there sometime when the water is running. The otters seem to like it, but good luck spotting them.

And of course, Deering Point (17350 Old Cutler Road  Miami, FL 33157) is located adjacent to the C-100 Canal at the southern point of the Deering Estate property. It’s almost like being in the Florida Keys as there is free public access to Biscayne Bay for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, watching a sunrise, and fishing. 

Below – families enjoying kayaking and a beautiful flat water day. (photo credits - all photos on this page were taken by me on the 2/17/2020 Presidents Day Ride)

The Ride route:

Prior related post in the "Why I Bike" series: June 30, 2019, Why I bike - local nature seen via cycling South Miami-Dade County. Bears, tortoises, fish and Iguanas - also known as Palmetto Bay resident Mike Estevez and team run across a wild bear (and thankfully, it got away - eluding capture)

Success in Tallahassee leads to success for the Deering Estate - great work.

The Deering Estate Foundation was Presented with the ceremonial $200K check for Capital Improvements on Thursday, August 15, . Success in Tallahassee brings our tax dollars back to our community. Information below taken from the Deering release.

The Deering Estate Foundation hosted Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez and other invited guests for a presentation of a State of Florida legislative appropriation of $200,000 to begin the renovation of a 10,700 sq. ft. field study research center. When completed, the facility will provide temporary living quarters for up to 14 researchers as well as house an archival library and a field staff office for the Deering Estate and The Deering Estate Foundation.

For years, researchers have studied the unique ecological, geological, and archaeological features on the 450-acre Deering Estate property, which is a historic park and natural preserve owned by the State and operated by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. These funds start the process of increasing the research capacity and retaining a library of the findings.

Rep. Vance Aloupis and Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez championed a funding request that was approved in 2019, which will expand the reputation of the Deering Estate as a significant research site.

POD - a lucky find - a baby Racer on my doorstep

I found my own juvenile Racer on my doorstep. I initially thought this was a baby Corn Snake, but experts have properly identified this for me as a baby racer.

Thank you Deering Naturalist Rangel Diaz who brought me good luck when he allowed me to post his photo of a cooperative Everglades Racer earlier this week. See July 29, 2019, Photo of the Day - Everglades Racer photographed at Deering Estate on Friday, 7/26/2019

Take a moment and look at a prior blog post: The wildlife is in the backyard (CLICK HERE) to view the photos of some of the local natives I have located in my Palmetto Bay yard. Posted below is a photo on adult Racer I found in my Palmetto Bay back yard in 2012:

Please don't harm these good guys. CLICK HERE to view an online article - Don’t be in a Hurry to Shoo Away a Racer, by Dr. Joan Bradshaw, University of Florida/IFAS Extension Service. I share the goal of Dr. Bradshaw and agree, "Attracting wildlife to home landscapes has gained a lot of momentum over the past few years with most of the attention focusing on enticing birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. An equally compelling case could also be made for encouraging snakes into the garden."  

Governor DeSantis issues his very first budget vetoes. Cutler Bay and Deering Estate budget appropriations appear safe. Link to entire list provided.

The veto list is out and the news appears better for Miami-Dade Locals that other areas of the State, that is for those municipalities who had their requests make it into the State of Florida budget submitted to the Governor.

Here is the link to the 2019 veto list:

https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/VETO-LIST.pdf

So how did the budget items do in the first budget for Governor DeSantis?

Incredibly, it appears that only a single local item I reported in my May 4, 2019 post listing highlights for our fellow Miami-Dade County municipals (& Deering Estate) was vetoed (indicated in red strike through text). Making it through appears to be $200,000.00 for Deering Estate Field Research Center and $200,000.00 for Cutler Bay-Drainage Improvement Cutler Ridge Section 3

Great work Deering! The list below is a final sampling of some of the local projects that will be funded by the State, as indicated. Check my math [review the official veto list (link provided) to confirm my review]:

$1,500,000.00 for City of Miami Biscayne Bay Tidal Valves and Stormwater Improvements (HB 3729)

$   985,210.00 for West Miami Potable Water System (HB 3775)

$   850,000.00 for City of Miami Springs Senior Center - New Building (Senate Form 1456)

$   750,000.00 for City of Miami Springs: South Royal Poinciana Median (Senate Form 1448) VETOED - Line # 1989, A Project 13

$   250,000.00 for Bay Harbor Islands Sewer Lateral Lining Project (HB 2151)

$   200,000.00 for Deering Estate Field Research Center - from Gen Rev Fund (HB 4055) (1639A)

$   200,000.00 for Cutler Bay-Drainage Improvement Cutler Ridge Section 3 (HB 3769)

$   200,000.00 for Doral Stormwater Improvements NW 114 Ave./50th St (HB 4499)

$   200,000.00 for North Bay Village Stormwater Pump Station (HB 2773)

$     30,000.00 for Miami Gardens Canal Erosion Protection Project (HB 2239)

Palmetto Bay requests submitted that were DENIED (not placed into the budget submitted t Gov. DeSantis:

$   745,900.00 requested for Palmetto Bay Multimodal Transit Station (HB 3763)

                             (total cost of project est.: $3,245,900)

$   745,900.00 requested for Palmetto Bay Nature Education Center (HB 4081)

                              (total cost of project est.: $2,245,900)

$   299,000.00 requested for Palmetto Bay Drainage Sub-Basin #61 Construction (HB 4069)

    (standard Stormwater % 50% of total project cost)

More will follow on breakdown down what the vetoes mean for South Dade, but I wanted to get this breaking news out to the community.

PRIOR RELATED POST: May 4, 2019, Legislativeasks - Legislature completes budget. Now waiting for Gov DeSantis' line itemveto. 2019 score card: Each year is different and 2019 was not a good budgetyear in Tallahassee for Palmetto Bay as the 3 requests failed to make it intothe budget. The three requests totaled $1,790,800.00 that the Mayor and council were seeking to offset $6,089,800.00 in proposed projects – specifics discussed (in the blog post)

POD - historical artifacts are accessible to visitors at the Deering Estate. Look what I saw recently (just for fun)

Just for fun.

Were you aware of just how important the Deering Estate is to our history? There are many historical artifacts that can be found at the Deering Estate. Some items of historical relevance remain on site.

Per the official website, the Deering Estate is home to the Cutler Fossil Site, the oldest site of Paleo human presence south of Lake Okeechobee.

The Tequesta Native Americans (ca. 3rd century BCE to mid-18th century), known as the Biscayne Bay people, left behind shell tools that have been discovered onsite, including Horse Conch hammers and cutting edge tools, Queen Conch celts, drills and awls, and Lightning Welk dippers.

Of course, items of more recent vintage can be found and remain on site, items from the Charles Deering years - and later.  

I have posted a photo (left) of an ancient device once found throughout the world, seemingly posted on every corner of every commercial street and throughout any public building. Pay phones have all but disappeared  in recent time, its existence seemingly unknown to our younger generations. 

A fine example of the pay phone era remains on display at the visitor center and is rumored to actually work if you have coins used to operate this device. I wonder who last used this device. 

What did our local leaders ask for in Tallahassee? Follow up to requests for specific information. The legislative asks from the 3 local municipalities submitted for consideration in the 2019-2020 budget

My Saturday blog post sparked some serious discussion. I have received many requests for follow ups on the Legislative Requests from Palmetto Bay and other localities. The questions have been for how much money was sought and for what specific projects (I listed money received locally). Note that Cutler Bay is still in the hunt to receive $300,000 for the Cutler Bay-Drainage Improvement Cutler Ridge Section 3 (HB 3769)

I only went back to compile the neighbors to the North and South of Palmetto Bay. Here is the list of requests, starting north in Pinecrest and moving south to Cutler Bay.

Pinecrest  
$1,500,000  HB 3765 - Pinecrest Waterline Extension Project
$   300,000  HB 4075 - Village of Pinecrest - Pinecrest Gardens ADA Accessibility Upgrades

$1,800,000 in requests
     ZERO    in budget for Governor's consideration

Palmetto Bay
$  745,900  HB 3763 - Palmetto Bay Multimodal Transit Station                     
$  745,900  HB 4081 - Palmetto Bay Nature Education Center
$  299,000  HB 4069 - Palmetto Bay Drainage Sub-Basin #61 Construction

$1,790,800 in requests
     ZERO    in budget for Governor's consideration

Cutler Bay
$  300,000  HB 3769 - Cutler Bay-Drainage Improvement Cutler Ridge Section 3
$  200,000  HB 3761 - Cutler Bay-Wetland Observation Tower
$  175,000  HB 3759 - Town of Cutler Bay Small Business Incubator

$  675,800 in requests
$  300,000 in budget for Governor's consideration

PRIOR RELATED POSTS:

May 4, 2019, Legislative asks - Legislature completes budget. Now waiting for Gov DeSantis' line item veto. 2019 score card.

April 26, 2019, Details on the Palmetto Bay requests: Transparency - is the Palmetto Bay Council placing the cart before the horse or is the fix in on the multimodal?

POD - Pelicans greeting park goers in Palmetto Bay - at Deering Point.

Good morning pelicans! Seen on Saturday morning, February 9, 2018, at Deering Point where the C100 canal empties into Biscayne Bay. 

Related Post: POD Pelican seen for first time at C100 - Thurs. Feb. 7, 2019

Miami-Dade County Parks public meeting to update the community regarding the remediation plan for Chapman Field Park set for Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at the Deering Estate Visitor Center

You ask, I find and post.  Information regarding the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department public meeting to update the community regarding the remediation plan for Chapman Field Park. 

Many of us have been demanding restoration of the beloved Chapman Field public park and ball fields for 4 years! 

County inaction has left the park abandoned and desolate. You can see the effects of decay as you take the long walk to the dog park.  

The youth Khoury Leagues, adult leagues and Palmetto High school have not had the use of critically needed ball fields., which we asked to be restored. The municipalities of Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest have been shouldering a heightened burden in their parks.  This must be made a priority for the parks Department. 

Please attend this meeting to speak up.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. at the Deering Estate Visitor Center, 16701 SW 72 Ave., Miami.

For more information, contact Danette Perez, Miami-Dade Parks Communications Division, at 305-755-7827 or Danette.Perez@miamidade.gov.

Editor's Note: Chapman Field should be a partner in the local County/Municipal partnership / collaboration on a vibrant parks system. All the local county parks need some love - Chapman Field, People's Dock & Sadowski. Participate.

POD - Saturn photo from Deering Saturn viewing event

Photo of the day (actually, its an evening photo): Saturn, showing its good side.

How many have ever participated in a viewing (solar or evening) event at Deering? Here is a photo from the Wednesday evening Saturn viewing event (held 6/27/2018, 7:30 - 9:30 PM): Saturn Watch, hosted by Deering Estate, 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, Florida 33157

Palmetto Bay congratulates Mary Pettit for her distinguished service - retiring from the Deering Estate Foundation

Palmetto Bay congratulates Mary Pettit. The presentation was made at the May 10th Members Cocktail party - as a surprise to Director Pettit.  The Member's Event was yet another great event held at Palmetto Bay's Backyard on the Bay - Miami-Dade County's Deering Estate.  Are you a card carrying member?  I am, you should be too. One of the many perks is admission to the annual Deering Seafood Festival. Enough said on that point alone!

It was my honor to present an official proclamation this week to Mary Pettit who retires from the Deering Estate Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Palmetto Bay landmark. 

Mary Pettit has served as Executive Director for the Deering Estate Foundation since 2007. Under her leadership, the Foundations’s assets grew from under $50,000 to more than $8 million, and the annual operating budget grew steadily from under $100,000 to nearly $1 million.  The 100 Ladies of Deering were formed, the recruitment and development of staff, and the volunteer Board of Directors are some of Mary Pettit’s greatest achievements along with the relationships that she has developed with the Deering Estate family, including the Village of Palmetto Bay.

Based thereupon: I, Eugene P. Flinn, Jr., Mayor of the Village of Palmetto Bay, together with the Village Council do hereby congratulate and express our heartfelt gratitude to MARY PETTIT for her leadership and dedication to the Deering Estate Foundation for the past 10 years.  We wish her a happy retirement with her family.  I urge all members of the community to join with me in congratulating Mary Pettit on her retirement and recognizing the important contributions she has made to the Deering Estate Foundation and the surrounding communities.

Junior League of Miami - 2018 Annual Legislative Breakfast

It was my honor to represent Palmetto Bay at the 2018 Legislative Breakfast held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018. The event was held at their headquarters in Coral Gables.
 
I am familiar with this organization as my wife Alexandra spent some years as a member and volunteer with this organization. Discussions of the long-term programs brought back memories, such as assisting as Santa Claus at an Inn Transition Christmas event.  Good times serving for great causes. I look forward to the Junior League April event at Deering Estate: April 14 – when The Junior League of Miami plans to transform the historic Deering Estate for the 2018 Miami Showhouse; open to the public from April 14 – 29, 2018. (CLICK HERE) to view the official Junior League of Miami website release regarding this event.

The official Miami-Dade County News Release describes the April Miami Showhouse event as an event hosted by the Junior League of Miami to increase awareness and financial capability for the 91-year-old nonprofit organization to continue its work helping at-risk families in Miami.

The release notes further that: “The highly anticipated design event will inspire dozens of the most sought-after interior designers to temporarily transform interior and exterior spaces in the former home of industrial magnate Charles Deering. From April 14 to 29, the public will have the unique opportunity to explore the residence reinterpreted with modern touches in an estate dating back to 1916.”  Please (CLICK HERE) to view the full Miami-Dade News Release regarding this event.
I am a supporter of the outstanding work of the Junior League of Miami.

I also discussed a few of the issues important to Palmetto Bay that I am fortunate to sponsor/facilitate including School Safety, transportation, our efforts in recent legislative agenda, Parks and Parks programing, including our Community Center, as well as our progress on becoming an Age-Friendly City.  

 

 

 

This event also provided me with time to meet (post event) with Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli – we are in contact on numerous issues relating to school safety, traffic, FPL, development, and even coyotes.  More on that in another post. Discussions were also held with County Commissioner Sally Heyman on traffic, transit and animal issues.

Thank you to the leaders, members and supporters of the Junior League of Miami that allows the Junior League of Miami to do some any great things for our community. 

Palmetto Bay Garden Club at work - what goes up, must come down. Deering Holiday decoration removal day.

Our Palmetto Bay Garden Club (PBGC) breaks down the Holiday Decorations at the Deering Estate early Saturday morning, January 6, 2018.  Thank you Garden Club Members for all you do to make Palmetto Bay green and adding to the holiday spirit.

Palmetto Bay is blessed to have a wonderful Garden Club.  The Palmetto Bay Garden Club, Inc, was founded August 2009. I am proud to have been a early proponent of this club and to remain as a dues paying member (family membership) to this day. 

(above left and right - I am thankful for the PBGC, for their service to our community

I was hoping to help with the "heavy lifting, but they had things well under control)

Members of the PBGC are responsible for many of the green projects throughout the Village.  The Holiday Decs at Deering is just one of many examples of their projects - community leaders gathering and working to make our Palmetto Bay a better place to live work., play and be educated.

Here are some photos of the tree decs at the 2017 Deering Holiday event - annual Festival of Trees:

 

A big 'THANK YOU" to our Palmetto Bay Garden Club!

Your Mayor (and PBGC member), 

Eugene Flinn

BTW, love to see how members of our PBGC traveled to Deering for the event:

The Deering Estate offers many Holiday events - visit & support our backyard on the bay!

Plans for the holiday season - there are many in our back yard on the Bay, Miami-Dade County's Deering Estate - see: Celebrate the Holiday Season with ‘Mistletoe & Martinis’ By: Sharon Kersten.

Mistletoe & Martinis, is a holiday cheer to benefit the Deering Estate Foundation. The event takes place on Friday, December 8 from 7:30 p.m. ‘til 10:30 p.m. at the Deering Estate, that brings together friends, neighbors and donors for a special evening of holiday cheer, celebration and giving. This event is limited to 250 attendees where you can enjoy the historic Deering Estate grounds lit up and fully adorned for the holidays.

 (Images above from prior Deering Estate Holiday events)

There are great events throughout the year at the Deering Estate - scheduled and special events. Unique events like the solar eclipse viewing party that was held early this year and drew a huge crowd.

Here is a bold gift suggestion for the holiday season - a family membership to the Deering Estate - admission to the annual Deering Seafood Festival is alone worth the membership fee. 

Tickets for Mistletoe & Martinis are $75 for members and $100 for non-members. Space is limited, and tickets may be purchased at www.deeringestate.org/mistletoe-martinis, or by calling 305-235-1668, ext. 263.

Additional Holiday Events at The Deering Estate (information supplied by the Community Newspapers article)

Festival of Trees Season Kick-off
Friday, December 1, 2017 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Professional and community organizations come together to transform Deering Estate’s grounds and Historical Houses as they come alive with holiday accents and decorations. Enjoy sipping on hot chocolate, nibbling on holiday cookies and listening to the sounds of the Yuletide Carolers as you wander through the Estate and tour the elegant and historic houses. Children can write letters to Santa and participate in Holiday Crafts while sitting under a large illuminated Ficus Tree.
Tickets
$12 for adults
$7 for children (ages 4-14)
Free for Deering Estate Foundation members. Please note that tickets are non-refundable, rain or shine. Children under 4 years old are free.
Go to www.deeringestate.org/holiday-season or call 305-235-1668, ext. 233.

Story-Time and Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 9 & 16, 2017; 10:00 a.m. – Noon.
Santa Claus is coming to town and he’s visiting the Estate! Enjoy story-time with Santa’s elves throughout the historic houses and photos with Santa inside the historic Stone House Ballroom. Children can also participate in holiday arts & crafts activities. Limited seating available. Free with Estate admission: $12 for adults & $7 for children (ages 4-14); Free for Deering Estate Foundation members. Children under 4 years old are free.
Photos with Santa: Holiday photo packages are available starting at $10 (cash only).
Go to www.deeringestate.org/holiday-season or call 305-235-1668, ext. 233.

Have you registered yet? TENTH ANNUAL “REASON TO RUN” 5K TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH - Sat., Nov 4

Happy Anniversary. 10 years for this 5K run - benefiting Pediatric Cancer research. Do you really need any additional reasons to participate/donate in this run?

The tenth annual “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk and family event benefiting CancerFree KIDS Pediatric Cancer Research Alliance will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017, at the Deering Estate, 16701 S.W. 72 Avenue, at 8 a.m. Preregistration is encouraged and can be accessed at www.reasontorun.org. On-site registration and check-in will begin at 7 a.m.

In addition to a beautiful, tree-lined course, the annual 5K run/walk features a post-race party on the Deering Estate with stunning views of Biscayne Bay. Participants will enjoy giveaways, music, food, drinks, bounce-houses and other entertainment in the family area. All participants will be automatically entered to win one of many raffle prizes including a Miami Seaquarium dolphin swim for four, a golf foursome at the Deering Bay Yacht and Country Club, admission to other attractions, and a host of other prizes. Those wishing to enter, but not walk or run, can make a donation or purchase a raffle ticket for $5.

To date, CancerFree KIDS has funded 97 innovative research projects, investing $700,000 in 2016 alone. Dr. Julio Barredo of the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center has received grants totaling $80,000, and Dr. Regina Graham, Director of the University of Miami Brain Tumor Initiative, received a $30,000 grant.

The “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk is the brainchild of avid marathoners and training partners Linda Martinez and Lisette Zamora. Both women have participated in and coached a number of fundraising events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“Finding cures for pediatric cancers took on a special meaning for my family ten years ago when my now 15-year-old nephew was diagnosed with a brain tumor when he was 5 years old,” said Martinez, event organizer. “The fact remains that cancer is the number one disease killer of children but receives only four percent of the National Cancer Institute’s budget, and the treatments currently available often negatively impact the quality of life for those who survive. Events like this will help fund life-saving research while raising awareness that there is still much work to be done.”

Sponsors for “Reason to Run” 5K run/walk include: Palmetto Ford, HiTEX Marketing, Florida Blue and Dolphin Mall. Several local schools and businesses have initiated fundraising campaigns, and several teams have formed in honor or in memory of a pediatric cancer patient.

CancerFree KIDS’ mission is to fund life-saving research of childhood cancers. CFK supports research by raising funds in a myriad of ways and by actively advocating for additional funding of pediatric cancer research on a national level. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization was founded on the belief that research can lead to a cure, not only for children, but for everyone. For additional information, visit www.cancerfreekids.org.

For more information on the race event or to register or donate, please visit www.reasontorun.org or call (305) 807-7079.

# # #

Prior post relating to this outstanding event: November 1, 2016, A busy weekend - Saturday, November 5 - Two competing 5Ks and a Pine Rockland clean up- CANCERFREE KIDS REASON TO RUN 5K

Hurricane Irma damage - Deering People's Dock.

Dramatic damage caused by Hurricane Irma at the People's Dock at Deering Estate.

 

(Photos above taken Saturday, September 30, 2017)

The  People's Dock is a great place to be anytime of the day, but especially at sunrise or near sunset.  It's a community gathering place.  Walkers, runners, bicyclists - so many people engages in so many differing activities gather here to meet up and watch nature - or rest up as an interim point of their activity. This is one of the places in Palmetto Bay where you feel like you are in the keys. The Outbound Collective listed this treasure, listing activities including "chillin", fishing, photography, touting that: Amidst the hustle and bustle of Miami, there is a charming little spot where you can just relax and catch a beautiful sunrise over Biscayne Bay.

                                                                     (photos above from February 8, 2015)

 Above - Deering and the "supertide" of Sunday, 9/27/15

Friends  recommended the People's Dock to watch a storm. Watching nature crashing over the cement pier, I am told, can be quite impressive.  Hurricane Irma obviously took it too far. It is sad to see the damage wrought by Irma on the dock. It was in need of repair before, now Irma as pushed that time line up to replacement and upgrade from repair.  

Above right: Osprey is "chillin" post meal - above left: something just became breakfast for a Tarpon

both photos taken Saturday, 9/30/2017

I look forward to Miami-Dade County restoring the People's Dock. This is one place where you can observe our local nature and appreciate what we have.