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. 

The 2022 hurricane season is here. You should have your disaster preparedness kit and have a plan to keep your family safe.  Is your insurance coverage adequate? Those living near the coast should be familiar with the applicable evacuation routes.  Everyone needs to take personal responsibility for yourself, your family and your pets.  By making proper preparations, you will allow the first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents. 

I have posted several important links below for Hurricane / Disaster Preparedness information from FEMA and Miami-Dade County in one location for you.  There is also information on how to register with Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts to your computer or cell phone.

Miami-Dade County’s Emergency pages – Hurricane preparedness:

http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/hurricanes.asp

http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/ 

What about your pets?  Pet Disaster Preparedness 

Miami-Dade County has resources available online for Emergency planning for your pets:

 http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf 

Download the tip sheet from Miami-Dade Animal Services, Disaster Preparedness - Animal Supplies Checklist:

http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf 

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

Create or log in to your account to activate free alerts that enables County residents or visitors to receive emergency texts or emails regarding public safety issues, recommended public protective actions or other emergency information.

Staying informed during an imminent threat or emergency is critical in helping to make the right decision for you and your family. Receiving alerts will provide you with guidance in making informed decisions.

Emergency Alerts

Sign up for free emergency alerts. Miami-Dade County will notify you about weather emergencies such as tornado, tropical storm or hurricane warnings issued by the National Weather Service or any other emergency that may require public protective actions. In the event of an emergency, you'll get a message or email with details.

 

Marina Alerts

Sign up for free marina alerts. Miami-Dade County will notify you about boat ramp closures and re-openings and when hazardous weather is approaching so that you will have time to secure your vessel.

 

Transit Rider Alerts

Sign up for free transit rider alerts. Miami-Dade County will notify you about disruptions to the County transit system. In the event of a disruption, you will receive a message with details on the device of your choice. 

Through this service you can inform the County how you would like to receive these messages.

The Tropical Storm Isaias Bread & Circuses show - Palmetto Bay edition. A few sandbags do not provide our residents with what we need: affordable windstorm/flood insurance, our largest expense in homeownership.

No homeowner insurance relief, but have a sandbag or 5 (while very limited supplies last)!

What am I referring to? Our local State Representative partnered with Palmetto Bay officials to hand out sandbags at Coral Reef Park. Officials are poised to raise taxes this year, perhaps so they can fund ‘free sandbags” for a limited few. Pictures are worth a thousand words; you can see that there was a mere small truckload for the “lucky residents” that drove up for up to five sandbags (each weighing up to 30 pounds each). So, you got about $15 dollars of sand for your use to offset the probable tax increases for this coming year. Sounds like an awesome plan, right?

They also hope you don’t see the pictures and the waste of employee time in distributing these sandbags in this “voluntary giveaway ‘But like my grandpa taught me; nothing in life is free. Village employees were involved. Let’s be honest. It was merely an election season photo op. It certainly was not even a band aid. I certainly feel that the latest actions of Government fall far short of addressing crucial needs under a threat of a potential storm. Examples: where were the crews making sure the drains were not covered with clippings? Or in documenting houses that left debris piles in the front or even documenting potential trees that would be at risk during a storm? How about the crews needed to ensure our roads would be open after the storm? What was the contingency plan?

This is part of the new form of government embraced by the voters where results are no longer expected. There are no metrics to determine success. Instead there is a steady diet of ‘bread and circuses’, ‘thoughts and prayers’ and one heck of a campaign photo op for all involved (again, ultimately funded by the local taxpayers).   

What do we need versus the deliverables?

• We really need affordable windstorm/flood insurance, our largest expense in home ownership. Instead elected officials offer a limit of 5 sandbags 'while supplies last.' (paid for by taxpayers). 
•  I need affordable car insurance, instead elected officials offer a few sandbags. 
• We need proper funding for SFWMD to fix the drainage canal for flood control, instead elected officials offered us 5 sandbags to a household, again, while supplies last.
  
  
• 

And where was the current Mayor of our village? Was she in Tallahassee or DC over the year fighting for any of the above? Nope, the current mayor of my village was helping to fill the 5 sandbags. Bread and circuses. $15 of sand for the lucky few to offset the tax and fee increases for all. Fair?

The real use for the 5 sandbags? Placing on your roof to hold down the post storm blue tarp. Too many people will be unable to afford a new roof out of the post deductible and post depreciation insurance settlement - again, a gift to our pro-industry legislature.

The real question is if we voted carefully for elected officials would we, the homeowners who find their pockets constantly picked, get what we truly need.

I have an idea. I know it is a crazy idea, but an idea nonetheless: Elect officials who will actually work to reduce the overwhelming burden taxpayers face in trying to live here in South Florida. We can then afford to buy our own sandbags  (as well as in the number that will actually be useful for the purpose intended) instead of paying the higher taxes charged to fund their self-promotion foolishness!

Why can’t the legislature work to make home ownership affordable? Bring down the cost of Homeowner, Windstorm, automobile and Health Insurance. There are people who are paying $10-15K or more for home and flood insurance, as well as paying some of the highest rates for automobile insurance in Florida, if not the nation.

150 pounds of sand broken up onto a mere five sandbags does not make up for the huge financial burdens that our State government refuses to address. I know some will find the gesture worthy but I do hope most really see it for what this really is, a distraction from the lack of results for the taxpaying, insurance stressed residents.

Be prepared! 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday begins Friday, May 29th and runs through Saturday, June 4th

It is that time of year again. Starting Friday, May 29th through Saturday, June 4th - Florida's 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

Be prepared! Preparing now can save you headaches if storm warnings do go up.  Proper preparation will allow you to avoid the lines and possible short supply that will occur if storm warnings go up as well as provide peace of mind that you are ready, even if we have a (fingers crossed) storm free season.

Please take the time to review the Florida Department of Revenue web page to view the details on qualifying items related to hurricane preparedness are exempt from sales tax.

One of the many things I learned as a Scout was Be Prepared.

During this sales tax holiday period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax. However, the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport.

For more information and a list of qualifying items, please see the Department of Revenue's Taxpayer Information Publication on the 2020 Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

See: https://revenuelaw.floridarevenue.com/LawLibraryDocuments/2020/05/TIP-123007_TIP_20A01-02_FINAL_RLL.pdf   for the full 3 page TIP sheet (cover page posted)

This is first of the 2020 season series.

2 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Palmetto Bay. Important update from Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer

Important update from Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer (Monday, March 23, 2020:

To all Palmetto Bay Residents,

As of today March 23, 2020 there are 1171 reported cases of the coronavirus in the State of Florida with 21% here in Miami-Dade county.

Closer to home, I am sad to report the first two confirmed cases within the Village of Palmetto Bay (none in Pinecrest or Cutler Bay). It is time for action, not platitudes and certainly not an attempt at self-relevance. Therefore, I propose having our park closures strictly enforced by using our idle park employees turning our patrons away and doing so in protective masks and gloves and by practicing social distancing while on duty.

This in turn will free up our police officers to patrol our village.

I also propose having our code officers individually doing wellness checks on local offices to ensure they are following County mandated emergency ordinances on closure.

I ask all residents to strictly follow CDC guidelines, keep safe distances and stay patient and together we will overcome this fight against this virus, stay strong Palmetto Bay.

Together we will get through this Unprecedented situation. Please stay healthy and safe.

David Singer
Council Seat 2
Palmetto Bay

_____________________________

Thank you Council Member Singer for getting out actual numbers, warnings and being the point member for action during this pandemic. I appreciate your forward thinking use of staffers to keep Palmetto Bay safe. I do have some follow up requests to Council Member Singer:

·                While protecting identity, is there any information available that may allow other residents to determine if there is any need to be tested or increase self-isolation from elderly or otherwise at risk family members?

·                Can we eliminate these 2 cases from any participation, exposure (primary or secondary) at the Village Picnic. While it was early, this event was not cancelled and there were significant food and other lines where there was no 6 foot social distance buffer.

Separating the medical from politics - we will not get through this together; we best get through this at least 6 feet apart. Opinion

What is Social Distancing? Statements such as “we will get through this together” are factually misleading and often nothing more than political pandering. In fact, we will best get through this pandemic APART – 6 feet apart  – through social distancing. This is no joke. This is a case of an ounce of prevention will save pounds, if not tons, of cure. Gatherings promote greater contact between people. 

We all have to pay attention and stay up to date and what precautions are needed. Act early to prevent action too late. Too many politicians have been in denial since the start of this health crisis; resisting calls to cancel or postpone events, community gatherings, including picnics, sporting events. 

Local governments put residents at risk by staying 2 -3 days behind the curve and acting only when following the dictates or lead of the County or State requirements. 2 -3 days late in taking action, or 'closing the barn door' is 2 -3 days that the horse (or in this case the virus) was given a pass or head start after it has left the barn. 

Coronavirus cases reported (as of 8:00 AM, 3/19/2020):
328 cases in Florida with 80 cases in Broward and 77 reported to date in Miami-Dade

Social distancing, if done properly - and by everyone, may be an issue of short term inconvenience in order to prevent long term adverse economic, social and health consequences.  Not done properly may result in more dire restrictions being placed upon our activities.

US surgeon general: ‘If we all pitch in for 15 days, we can flatten the curve’

Dr. Jerome Adams, the U.S. surgeon general, tells TODAY that people across the country – including his own children – are “taking the coronavirus seriously” now that they see it affecting people they know. He talks about the 15 Days to Slow the Spread initiative urging people to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel, saying, “if we can get all America to pitch in for the next 15 days, we can flatten the curve.”March 18, 2020

Also see NY Times - Wondering About Social Distancing? Answers to your most common questions about the best practices for stemming the tide of the coronavirus pandemic.

Social distancing is not house arrest. Far from it. But it is certainly not business as usual. I have seen families sitting in the park within their small family groups (yes, they are in the same household – and it is not possible to keep a 6 foot distance from family members). I have seen many out biking or even taking out the boat. But social distancing is not gathering at St. Paddy Day events and having play dates at the tot lots (all of which should be closed – for the sake of the children and all who come into contact with them). A list of social distancing activities (samples) are listed below. Note this could be subject to change.

Here is an article published on Bloomberg that seems to provide a dire, worst case, impact. See: Prolonged Social Distancing Would Curb Virus, but at a High Cost, by Robert Langreth and Michelle Fay Cortez

March 17, 2020

The tool box – I continue to gather information and post here, but I recommend going to the CDC and news sources and not rely upon the politicization of this crisis.

Working together, we will get through this, while at least 6 feet away.

Helpful information - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - this post (with links) Clean & Disinfect - protect your home

Important information - follow the link CLICK HERE for the full CDC site with important information.

From the CDC site:

Based on what is currently known about the novel coronavirus and similar coronaviruses that cause SARS and MERS, spread from person-to-person with these viruses happens most frequently among close contacts (within about 6 feet). This type of transmission occurs via respiratory droplets. On the other hand, transmission of novel coronavirus to persons from surfaces contaminated with the virus has not been documented. Transmission of coronavirus occurs much more commonly through respiratory droplets than through fomites. Current evidence suggests that novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces made from a variety of materials. Cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.

Stay safe - prepare and protect.

Important read - CNN Health - Parents: Take social distancing seriously and limit playdates, other activities, experts say By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

The declarations of emergencies are an attempt to reduce the spread.

See CNN Health:

Parents: Take social distancing seriously and limit playdates, other activities, experts say

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN

"We're not asking people to be hermits, go home, lock the door and crawl under the bed," said Vanderbilt infectious disease expert Dr. William Schaffner. "We're being asked to do whatever we can to spread some distance between us."

(CNN)Reconsider group playdates, parents. Think twice about letting your kids play soccer with friends. Avoid the local playground jungle gyms and monkey bars.

"There is evidence corona viruses can live on plastic and metal for up to nine days," said Dr. Asaf Bitton, a primary care physician and executive director of Ariadne Labs, a joint health system innovation center at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

CLICK HERE or the headline above to read the entire article.

More Hurricane Heroes – Rotarians are hard at work in service of those suffering the impact of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Pics/more info provided

Rotarians Maria & Andrea

A Rotary consigned container ship was filled and departed for the Bahamas at 2:00 AM Saturday morning (9/7/2019).  Thank you Rotarians. Thank you to the hundreds of people behind the scenes who been hard at work collecting, sorting, packing, palletizing, performing inventory of donations and loading them onto the ship on its way to Grand Bahama.

Palmetto Bay is blessed to be home to The Rotary Club of Perrine-Cutler Ridge/Palmetto Bay CLICK HERE to view the official club website, including Maria Kesti (pictured to the right), who is the current Area Governor and District 6990 Polio Chair.  Her husband, Michael Kesti currently serves on the Disaster Committee.

The photos posted to this blog document the tremendous volume of much needed materials shipped to the Bahamas.  Rotary is far from declaring mission accomplished. To the contrary, work continues on receiving donations. There will be additional packing events so check their website for ongoing announcements. www.rotary6990.org

 

Information below taken from the official Rotary District 6990 website (CLICK HERE).

Grand Bahama Island has 5 Rotary clubs and is a valued part of Rotary District 6990. We will do everything possible to help them recover from the devastation.  Rotary International District 6990 has secured a 181-foot ship and begun the efforts to fill four (4) 20-foot containers with needed supplies to aid in the Hurricane Dorian Relief Efforts. The local Rotary Clubs will be collecting items and packing them for the first shipment by this weekend. 

Items being collected are Cleaning Supplies, Tarps, Toiletries, Diapers, Gloves, First Aid, Sunscreen, Clean Towels and Rags, Flashlights, Batteries, Building & Repair Supplies, Canned Food Goods (non-perishable), Garbage Bags, and others.  For a complete list of items, see list below. 

Currently, items are being collected at the following locations :

Broward County

• SpareZ Bowling –  5325 S University Dr, Davie / 9:00am to 1:00am, seven days a week
• Weston Hills Country Club, 2600 Country Club Way, Weston /  Tuesday, Sept. 3–Friday, Sept. 6. 7 am–10 pm
• International Montessory Kids Center, 602 Anderson Circle, Deerfield Beach / Wednesday and Thursday 9am – 8pm
• The City of Hallandale Beach Cultural Community Center, 410 SE 3rd Street, Hallandale Beach

Miami-Dade County

• Florida Blue Center (The Falls) – 8895 SW 136th Street, Miami / Hours: M-F 9am-7pm & Sat 9am-4pm
• Coral Gables Fire Station 1 (Headquarters) 2815 Salzedo Street
• Coral Gables Fire Station 2, 525 South Dixie Highway
• Coral Gables Fire Station 3, 11911 Old Cutler Road

 

Palmetto Bay Cart Club T Shirt Fundraiser for the Abacos - limited time to buy

This is yet another outstanding example of community spirit; as well as another opportunity to participate. 

Chad Heffernan and the Palmetto Bay Golf Cart Club have organized a hurricane relief effort to help victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Please consider buying a Palmetto Bay Cart Club T Shirt or donating to support the victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. All proceeds will go to the Abacos Relief Fund which will be utilized to get necessary food and supplies to the islands!

Here is how this Tee Shirt fundraiser works: The T Shirts are only for sale until Saturday. 100% of the proceeds go to the Abacos Relief fund, Customink.com will just send them a check when it is done. It's easy. Buy a shirt (you can also donate supplies to the Golf Cart Group as indicated below) and the proceeds to the Abacos Relief fund.

But this sale ends Saturday, so don't delay. Order now.

Chad Heffernan:

I feel passionate about the recovery effort because my family and I were lucky enough to vacation in the Abacos this past summer. Dozens of friends and their kids went too. We boated over and island hopped in six boats, and everywhere we went, the people were amazing. So much fun, always smiling. Helpful, courteous, and genuine. One of the best vacations I have ever had. That’s one of the reasons I am doing this.

The Palmetto Bay Golf Cart Club is working on a mass drop off of supplies this week. As Chad says, "(He) can’t think of what those people went through or a better cause."

CLICK HERE to Buy/Donate

EDITOR'S NOTE: Information below taken from the Custom Ink site:

About this campaign

All proceeds from the sale of these shirts will go directly to the Abacos Relief Fund, which will use 100% of the funds to purchase supplies and get to the islands of the Abacos, tax, duty, and import free.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/467924477394881/ 

Facebook Birthday Fundraiser for Hurricane Dorian Relief for the Bahamas. Happy Birthday Tracie Rusak!

Great community spirit coming together to help those devastated by Hurricane Dorian.

Palmetto Bay resident Tracie Rusak has set up a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser for Hurricane Dorian Relief for the Bahamas. It is designated to the Greater Miami Billfish Tournament Inc. Please assist to the extent that you are able. Great going Tracie - a 2019 Hurricane Hero.

CLICK HERE to find the Facebook fundraiser and to donate!

Happy Birthday Tracie Rusak.

“I'm turning 41 and I'm raising money for Hurricane Dorian relief for the Bahamas. The charity I chose is a local organization collecting money and supplies to send to the Bahamas. They have already secured a vessel and are now collecting items as well as money. If you would prefer to send an item, please let me know and I will send you the shipping address. If you are not comfortable with this, please donate to the Bahamas Red Cross. The Greater Miami Billfish Tournament Inc and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. I've included information about Greater Miami Billfish Tournament Inc below.”

CLICK HERE to view and make your donation.

Abaco Relief uodate: List of official DROP OFF LOCATIONS

Update from Richard Peeples - Abaco Relief: Providing a list of official DROP OFF LOCATIONS (listed in the JPEG below, click onto it to view in larger size). 

The administrators of the group plan on sending several ships over with supplies.  Please drop off your items as early as possible as these items will be processed and located Friday for a Saturday departure to the Bahamas.

The immediate needs are listed. All information is listed (and kept up to date) on the Abaco Relief Facebook page, but I have also listed it on this blog, see: Sept. 2, 2019, Update from Richard Peeples - Abaco Relief: Providing a list of immediate needs for Abaco Relief

I will continue posting updates here on my blog for those who may not use Facebook, but for those who do,CLICK HERE.

Update will continue to follow as relevant, but I recommend that interested people join the official Abaco Relief Facebook Page

Update from Richard Peeples - Abaco Relief: Providing a list of immediate needs for Abaco Relief

Monday, September 2, 2019, 5:20 PM Update from Richard Peeples - Abaco Relief: Providing a list of immediate needs. The administrators of the group plan on sending several ships over with supplies. 

Richard Peeples - Abaco Relief, will post an updated list of official drop off locations. Lots of people are offering for drop off locations but - Richard Peeples - Abaco Relief – has advised that they cannot guarantee how those locations are getting to the ship.

I am posting updates here on my blog for those who may not use Facebook, but for those who do, CLICK HERE.

Update will continue to follow as relevant, but I recommend that interested people join the official Abaco Relief Facebook Page

Local businesses and governments - how you can participate in post Hurricane Dorian Bahamas relief efforts

Another opportunity to participate in post Hurricane Dorian Bahamas relief efforts. 

Please review the details in regards to items requested, drop off locations as well as the groups participating.

Please join and donate to Abaco Relief - Assisting those devastated by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas

There are many leaders of this effort, including Palmetto Bay resident Richard Peeples (among others)

Here is the link to the Abaco Relief Facebook page. This is a public group.

One such plea: This just in from Richard H. Peeples III in South Florida

Good morning my friends, as we all know the Abacos have been destroyed and left the people desperate for help. Because I am insane, I am taking on the task along with Cody Holcomb, Bruce Marx, Ed Dwyer, and numerous others. We will need everything and are setting up locations to drop off your donations. So far Scott Baxter, SeaHunter Boats and Crook and Crook are established drop off locations. We will have a ship going over on Sat. That doesn't give us a lot of time to get it loaded. I've been in contact with some people in the Abacos and they will need everything. I am comprising a list. Budweiser will be donating two containers full of water. So water is not a priority. Please join Abaco Relief for information on how to make your tax deductible donations through the Miami Billfish Tournament. We are not associated with any go fund me pages. They take to large of a percentage to deal with. All monies donated will go directly to purchasing supplies and to pay shipping. All monies are for the people of Abacos. Nothing is going through the Bahamian government. We already have assurances that all customs and duties will be waved. If you need further information please send me a text since my phone is blowing up and I can't answer everyone. I appreciate everyone's help on this. Your thoughts and prayers have been great but now its time for your donations, no matter how small. These people need us and now its time to give back to the Bahamians who have given us so much. God Bless you all.

(Above information taken from the Abaco Relief public Facebook page - all the information you need is available from this site or from any of the administrators)

I will update this topic as information becomes available, but all you need to know will be posted to this Facebook site, including the ability to ask question of the leaders of this relief effort.

Hurricane Safety - Photo of the day - with link to important handling info. Don't try this - anywhere!

Safety first - especially when preparing for a significant weather event such as a storm.  This is simply unbelievable, commonly remarked with "WTH"? 

This photo has been circulating social media.  I, myself have witnessed several examples of dangerous handling of fuel cans - Thursday, 8/29/2019 - I witnessed a person filling the containers while they remained in the back of her SUV. That's right, apparently not wanting to lift the containers to and from the ground (to safely fill) she put her vehicle at risk of being soaked by an overflow or fuel spill.  Needless to say, I did not pull in directly behind her.

Please read online: Understanding New Regulations for Portable Fuel Containers, by Kelly Burke  Updated 08/10/19.

I hope the actions in the photo are staged for effect and not an accurate depiction of an actual event. I claim fair use in order to put out this safety lesson on handling flammable materials.  

Read important tips contained in a document that is part of a series from the Agricultural Engineering Department, Agricultural Extension Service, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee. Publication date: April 1986. The material is just as valid today.

NASD National Ag Safety Database - Storing Gasoline and Other Flammables, by Timothy G. Prather:

CONTAINERS

How many times have you seen people pumping gasoline into milk jugs and the like and then putting it in the trunk of the car or the back of the truck to haul it home?

Have you ever wondered how they make it home without setting the vehicle on fire, or how they keep the house from burning days later when the fuel expands, possibly rupturing the jug or blowing the top off? Milk jugs, anti-freeze jugs, glass containers and many 'gas cans' are not suitable for carrying or storing gasoline.

Stability: The cans must remain stable when filled and placed on a 30 degree slope.  

Leakage: When a filled safety can is inverted, the valve cannot leak more than four drops per minute over a period of five minutes (UL) or 10 minutes (FM). This test must be passed before and after 5,000 (FM) or 10,000 (UL) normal opening/closing operations of the valve. In addition, the seams and joints are examined under pressure for leaks. 

BLOG EDITOR'S NOTE: The plastic buckets obviously are a big fail as to the safety ratings.

I sure hope he made it home safe. I sure hope that the vehicle was fully aired out as gas vapors are much more explosive than liquid gasoline.

Don’t do this. And if you have to, don’t do this near anyone I care about.

Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring Tropical Storm Michael - Palmetto Bay Status update 10-8-2018 8:00 AM

Official 11 AM update:

Prior update:

The post if for information only at this time. I have not been notified to advise as to any recommended action. I will keep posting information to my blog as it becomes available.  I anticipate my next update at the conclusion of a 3:00 conference call.

Thank you for monitoring. I remain available for any questions or concerns at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or my cell: 305-302-3713.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn
_______________________________

8:00 AM Update:

The Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management is monitoring Tropical Storm Michael in the Caribbean Sea about  90 miles East of Cozumel, Mexico. 

Current location: 20.6N / 85.5W (Approximately 500 miles SW of Miami-Dade County)

Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 70 MPH

Forward Speed: 7 MPH

Forward Direction: North

Potential for further development or weakening: Additional strengthening is expected and Michael is forecast to become a hurricane layer today. Michael is expected to move inland over the Florida Panhandle or Florida Big Bend area on Wednesday, and then move northeastward across the southeastern United States Wednesday night and Thursday.

Potential Impact for Miami-Dade County: The National Weather Service, Miami is forecasting gusty winds, heavy rains (1.5 to 2 inches) for parts of Miami-Dade, flooding and isolated tornadoes for South Florida.   Also low-lying coastal areas are vulnerable to flooding during astronomical high tides and high tides may run up to a foot above predicted.

Current Miami-Dade County Actions: Level 3 (Monitoring)

Current related watches and warnings for Miami-Dade County: A Coastal Flood Statement has been issued for both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of South Florida. The increase in winds and waves on top of the higher than normal King Tides over the next few days will likely lead to at least minor coastal flooding at high tides.

The Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management will continue to provide updates on this weather system as it evolves. Detailed information on this system can be found at www.nhc.noaa.gov (Mobile: www.nhc.noaa.gov/mobile).  For forecast information specific to your area please visit: www.weather.gov/mfl.

Follow up & photos from 2018 Hurricane Workshop with Bryan Norcross. Important Disaster Preparedness Links & contact information.

Palmetto Bay Hurricane Workshop, 2018 edition, was another success!  THANK YOU to all who participated.

Photo Credit: Tracie Rusak

Palmetto Bay is prepared! Our hurricane preparedness "Lunch and Learn" workshop was held on Saturday, June 9th at 11 a.m. Village Hall, which included a  Huricane Presentation by NOAA Meteorologist Robert Molleda, and Meteorologist Bryan Norcross. 

How many of you know that our Kelly Craig was part of the Hurricane Andrew team with Bryan Norcross and Tony Segreto? 

While it was fun to pull out some old photos and reminisce it was more important to prepare for the next one - and rest assured that Palmetto Bay is prepared.  Are you? 

Per Robert Molleda, Meteorologist, NOAA - 2017 was first year a Storm Surge Warning was issued / areas where there may not have been hurricane force winds, but there were local threats nonetheless. Discussion of going “Beyond the Cone”

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.

I have provided you with links below [as well as posted on my blog (CLICK HERE) for the resource links or (CLICK HERE) to view past posts relative to Disaster Preparedness]. You should have your disaster preparedness kit and have a plan to keep your family safe.  Is your insurance coverage adequate? Those living near the coast should be familiar with the applicable evacuation routes.  Everyone needs to take personal responsibility for themselves, their families, and their pets.  By making proper preparations, you will allow the first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents.

Bryan Norcross was recognized for his 50 years of service in broadcasting

2017 Hurricane Heroes were recognized throughout this event. Partial recipients
Thank you to all who stepped forward and went above and beyond for your neighbors! 

I am proud of the efforts of Team Palmetto Bay and the preparations through the administration, Manager Ed Silva and the team. Our Village Policing Unit, Public Services, Parks, Code Enforcement, Building and Permitting all have important roles to play.  Our Palmetto Bay disaster teams are active before, during and after storms. Remember that you can count on me to properly/safety shelter in place in order to be ready to immediately participate in post storm activity.

Who remembered that PBay's Dir. of Communication was part of the Bryan Norcross team
covering Hurricane Andrew - pictured throughout the first 23 hours of coverage
Left to Right: Bryan Norcross, Kelly Craig & Tony Segreto - Channel 4 team

 Kelly Craig presents Bryan Norcross with a special cake celebrating his 50th year in broadcasting

Posted below are important links and phone numbers for hurricane / Disaster Preparedness information from State of Florida, Attorney General, Miami-Dade County, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay - all in one location for you.  

There is also information on how to register with Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts to your computer or cell phone.

Please take the time to review Palmetto Bay on-line:

Village of Palmetto Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

the Village of Palmetto Bay Disaster Preparedness Guide:

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/3291

Town of Cutler Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

http://www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/your-community/hurricane-preparedness

Village of Pinecrest Hurricane Preparedness Page

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Page - important links

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=344

Listen to Pinecrest Radio on your car radio at 1590 AM. The station regularly broadcasts announcements and, during an emergency, will provide important information to Pinecrest residents.

Miami-Dade County’s Emergency pages – Hurricane preparedness:

http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/hurricanes.asp

http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/

What about your pets?  Download the tip sheet from Miami-Dade Animal Services, Disaster Preparedness - Animal Supplies Checklist:

http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf

Ready.gov - Disaster Preparedness page for animals:  https://www.ready.gov/animals

Be 'PETPARED' for disasters: ReadySouthFlorida.org: http://readysouthflorida.org/get-petpared-disasters/

(CLICK HERE) Disaster Preparedness for pets-  page prepared by the ASPCA

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 http://www.miamidade.gov/alerts

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

For Evacuation Assistance: 311 (people requiring special needs shelters must register in advance)

Answer Center                      311

Rumor control:                      311

Emergency Management     305-468-5400

FP&L   (800-4OUTAGE)       800-468-8243

Florida City Gas                    305-691-8710

State Volunteer Hot-line:       1-800-FL-HELP1 (1-800-354-3571)

Elder Affairs:                         1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

Dept. of Financial Services Insurance Claim Hotline:
                                              1-800-22-STORM (227-8676)

Price Gouging Hot-Line:       1-866-966-7226 or file a complaint:myfloridalegal.com/contact.nsf/contact