Palmetto Bay's Shannon Melendi Act - more important than ever. Here are the facts and my opinion on enforcing it.

I have received many inquiries in the last two weeks about the Shannon Melendi Act as enacted by Palmetto Bay. I am posting the discussion here. The law was enacted in 2008. It has not been amended or repealed by any subsequent administrations. I will add that this law was very important to me. Important as a father as well as a mayor who feels a huge responsibility to safeguarding the safety of our residents, of all ages. Therefore, it was important to me to work to enact our (Palmetto Bay's) own version of the Shannon Melendi Act. As Palmetto Bay's founding mayor, I pushed hard along side the initial Village Council to create what I later coined (and had trademarked) "The Village of Parks" in 2006.

Please note that Miami-Dade County had enacted the Shannon Melendi Act which Palmetto Bay incorporated into our initial parks ordinance. We went further, strengthening this law; casting a wider net of protection for child / personal safety. It was stated in the Ordinance that we, "...are concerned about the security and safety of children visiting Village Parks..." Police, Protection, Parks, ... all part of what I have long called 'the "Ps" of Palmetto Bay.' all are needed to work together for benefit our our village.

Who falls under, who is exempt, from the Palmetto Bay’s version of the Shannon Melendi Act?

The Palmetto Bay’s version of the Shannon Melendi Act applies for any event or program other than a single day event (the one-day picnic, Relay for Life, a single day special event) that takes place in our parks. Where applicable, who must comply with the Shannon Melendi Act? The short answer, in my opinion, nearly everyone other than the following who are specifically excluded:

• Law enforcement personnel; 
• Emergency or fire rescue personnel;
• Persons conducting deliveries; and
• Military recruitment personnel

Why are those listed above exempt? Because all on this list go through a vigorous background check.

Employers of child event workers, employers of park vendors, and programming partners and CBOs shall, upon request, provide copies of these documents to the village or to any law enforcement personnel with jurisdiction.

Every child event worker, park vendor, and staff member and volunteer of a programming partner or CBO shall wear, in a conspicuous and visible manner, an identification badge that contains his/her photograph and full name while working or volunteering on park property owned or operated by the village, except when in costume and during a performance. The identification badge shall be of a size, design, and format approved by the village park and recreation department.

Volunteers are NOT exempt. The Act does include Volunteers as well. Palmetto Bay’s ordinance defines the applicability as follows: "Volunteer shall refer to any individual performing volunteer duties for a CBO, for a programming partner, for the village's park and recreation department, as a child event worker, or as a park vendor for more than three days in any six-month period. Students volunteering in order to fulfill high school graduation requirements shall be exempted from this definition." (bold emphasis added)

Reading the original Shannon Melendi Act on Municode may be a bit arduous, so here is a link to the actual Ordinance that I and fellow members of the village council championed in 2008: CLICK HERE to view.

PENALITIES - FINES FOR VIOLATIONS REMAIN THE LAW IN PALMETTO BAY

By the way, there are penalties for those who violate Palmetto Bay's Shannon Melendi Act. Sec. 20-179. - Section 8CC-10 Schedule of civil penalties. Read the entire code section (CLICK HERE to view this specific section on Municode).

Village Officials, who are charged with enforcing (or amending) Village Codes, may issue a notice of violation which carries a civil penalty up to $500.00 for violations of this action, including: "Failure to secure nationwide criminal background check of a prospective child event worker, park vendor, or employee or volunteer of a programming partner or CBO whose duties would require physical presence on The village-owned or operated park property"

FAIR QUESTION: Should this ordinance (law), The Shannon Melendi Act, be enforced as enacted or applied selectively if at all? I say this law is needed more that ever.

IN MY OPINION: There is no 'explaining away" or "reinterpreting" Palmetto Bay's Shannon Melendi Act. Either enforce it, amend it or repeal it, but don't leave a law on the books and not enforce it. That only risks a false sense of security for our residents and their children that may lead to tragedy. 

BACKGROUND - Why did the members of the Village Council in 2008 enact this ordinance (Law)? For subscribers of the Miami Herald, see: A beloved Miami college student vanished 25 years ago. There was a murder, but no closure, by Miami Herald Archives, March 10, 2019

Meeting Reminder: Tune in and Participate regarding the Ludlam Trail. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Project meeting/update via Zoom, Nov. 19, 6 PM. Info and links provided.

Engage. Participate. Important public meeting is set and you can attend from the comfort of your home or office! No travel required.

The LUDLAM TRAIL will be a 5.6-mile, iconic greenway with paths for biking, walking, and running, connecting the heart of Miami-Dade. The trail will link schools, parks, transit, homes, workplaces and spots to shop & dine. 

The land was recently purchased by Miami-Dade County; a Project Development & Environment study and design of the trail are now underway. Stretching north-south from Robert King High Park to Downtown Kendall, this trail will form part of the “Miami Loop” in the county’s network of bikeways, along with the Underline. 

(CLICK HERE) to view the Public Information Meeting as well as the Ludlum Trail Corridor PD&E Study Virtual Public Meeting Invitation (2 pages of .PDF) where more information is available as well as how to register and participate in the virtual meeting. 

Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor from SW 80th Street to 400 feet north of NW 7th Street, generally following the north-south alignment of what would be NW/SW 69th Avenue, within the former Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway right-of-way. The project is located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, Florida.

The purpose of the Ludlam Trail is to provide a new shared-use trail in Miami-Dade County that will include safe, dedicated, direct pathways for walking, running, and cycling; to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green, non-motorized modes of transportation; and to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility between schools, parks, transit stops and residences, workplaces and shopping.

The proposed project supports the vision to provide an interconnected trail system offering transportation alternatives and reducing traffic congestion for a livable, sustainable County. Ludlam Trail will be a vital component of a seamless network of future greenway trails and water trails connecting to the Metrorail Dadeland North Station to the south and to other planned trails including The Underline/East Coast Greenway, South Dade Trail, Snapper Creek Trail, East/West Trail and Merrick Trail. It will enhance mobility and strengthen connections to neighboring communities, providing increased opportunities for economic development. 

Join our PD&E Virtual Public Information Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ludlam Trail PD&E Fact Sheet 
Ludlam Trail PD&E Virtual Meeting invitation

Topic

Ludlam Trail PD&E - Virtual Public Information Meeting

Description

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces invites you to attend a Virtual Public Meeting regarding the proposed Ludlam Trail Corridor.

The virtual meeting will include a presentation of work in progress and include an interactive opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions about the project. This virtual meeting is being held to allow interested persons an opportunity to be informed about the proposed trail and provide comments. There will be a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting starting at 6:15 pm.

Time

Nov 19, 2020 06:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Prior related posts - Ludlum Trail:

July 29, 2015, The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

October 4, 2019, NY Government for improved natural/recreational facilities. “DEC: Rail line should be deemed “interim trail”.

October 21, 2020, Tune in and Participate. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor.

I hope to see you there!

Tune in and Participate. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor.

Hi Friends, I continue my personal support to see this project gets funded and underway again. I encourage you to register for this virtual meeting and let our voices be heard. This is an outstanding project. 

Note that I am proud to have sponsored Palmetto Bay Resolution 2015-05 (CLICK HERE), wherein the Village of Palmetto Bay officially expressed support for the development of the Ludlum Trail as a lineal park. This was a publicly discussed agenda item and received full support, a unanimous 5-0 vote of support.

The following information is taken verbatim from the official Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces website:

(CLICK HERE) to view the official page where more information is available as well as registering to participate in the virtual meeting. 

Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor from SW 80th Street to 400 feet north of NW 7th Street, generally following the north-south alignment of what would be NW/SW 69th Avenue, within the former Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway right-of-way. The project is located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, Florida.

The purpose of the Ludlam Trail is to provide a new shared-use trail in Miami-Dade County that will include safe, dedicated, direct pathways for walking, running, and cycling; to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green, non-motorized modes of transportation; and to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility between schools, parks, transit stops and residences, workplaces and shopping.

The proposed project supports the vision to provide an interconnected trail system offering transportation alternatives and reducing traffic congestion for a livable, sustainable County. Ludlam Trail will be a vital component of a seamless network of future greenway trails and water trails connecting to the Metrorail Dadeland North Station to the south and to other planned trails including The Underline/East Coast Greenway, South Dade Trail, Snapper Creek Trail, East/West Trail and Merrick Trail. It will enhance mobility and strengthen connections to neighboring communities, providing increased opportunities for economic development. 

Join our PD&E Virtual Public Information Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ludlam Trail PD&E Fact Sheet 
Ludlam Trail PD&E Virtual Meeting invitation

Topic

Ludlam Trail PD&E - Virtual Public Information Meeting

Description

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces invites you to attend a Virtual Public Meeting regarding the proposed Ludlam Trail Corridor.

The virtual meeting will include a presentation of work in progress and include an interactive opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions about the project. This virtual meeting is being held to allow interested persons an opportunity to be informed about the proposed trail and provide comments. There will be a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting starting at 6:15 pm.

Time

Nov 19, 2020 06:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Prior related posts - Ludlum Trail:

July 29, 2015, The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

October 4, 2019, NY Government for improved natural/recreational facilities. “DEC: Rail line should be deemed “interim trail”.

Don't miss it. Bike305- Bike the Wild Side at Zoo Miami. Saturday, July 18th

I am posting a wonderful family inclusive event. Bike305's: Bike the Wild Side at Zoo Miami is set for Saturday, July 18th (Check-in starting at 4:30 p.m. Ride starts at 6 p.m.). This installment offers a safe and enjoyable experience for guests, all while following CDC recommended guidelines.

Now is the time to request your tickets as this event always fills up fast – and there is a limited number of tickets for this family Bike305 'Bike the Wild Side' event at Zoo Miami.  Guided by the talented Zoo Miami staff, groups of 9 cyclists will be led on a leisurely ride around the zoo for approximately 3 miles. Each group will have the opportunity to stop and learn about the habits and habitats of some of the animals, with special appearances from life-sized animatronic dinosaurs. Don't miss this one of a kind opportunity to see Zoo Miami in a whole new way!

It doesn’t get more family friendly, cuter than this!

CLICK HERE for more information and tickets

*Masks are required to participate. Masks must be worn at registration and at all stops along the route. However, they may be temporarily removed while bike riding.*

Note- There is a charge for this event: $20 for ages 13 to adult. $15 for 12 and younger. Bring your own bike or rent one at the event (must pre-register rental for an additional $15 per rental. Please review the official site to review and confirm all prices and details.

Palmetto Bay Parks - re-opening Monday, May 18. Here are the 'new normal' (for now) Rules and Regulations

Starting Monday - limited use of Palmetto Bay parks. Your "Village of Parks" are back in operation under the stated "new normal" rules and regulations. 

This is no way to bridge a community. Both banks are a mess at Coral Reef Park as we near the annual community celebration.

Complaints have been made loud and often regarding the status of the canal banks and the pedestrian bridge that is supposed to be there in Coral Reef Park – but isn’t. I have been asked questions that I will answer, because it has become quite obvious that the current Palmetto Bay elected officials would rather avoid the tough questions, referring them to others.

Yes, this pedestrian bridge should be finished by now.  And, it does not appear that this new pedestrian bridge will be a focal point for the 18th Annual Picnic Celebration, scheduled for March 7, 2020, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Coral Reef Park. Wait, I take that back. It will be a focal point; but not as intended. It won't be a positive ribbon cutting / grand opening photo op event that our resident photo op professional would like it to be.

It would have been appropriate to have this pedestrian bridge open in time for the Sunday, March 1st event: Samantha's Purpose Run, Walk & Stroll 2K for Cerebral Palsy. This is an outstanding event that started with my support as part of my third term as Mayor. It is an event that I am pleased to see our village continue to support. But, it would have been nice to have this new bridge to pass over for the event, rather than a construction zone to avoid passing through.

HISTORY OF THE BRIDGE: While I was Mayor, the Village of Palmetto Bay applied for and was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. As a result, Resolution No. 2016-83 (CLICK HERE - 26 pages) was adopted on September 19, 2016, accepting the grant award. This grant did require an equal match by the Village, for the connection of 3 trails and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge.

On October 12, 2017, the Village of Palmetto Bay advertised Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 1617-12-010 seeking proposals from qualified firms for the design/build services for the new pedestrian bridge.

Anzac Contractors, Inc. was selected to provide the design/build services for the new pedestrian bridge [see Resolution 2017-115 - CLICK HERE But these projects, especially design/build projects, don't happen automatically. They take significant village oversight by the Parks Director, Building Officials and the Manager (or in this current situation, the Interim Village Manger). The construction started in early-December 2019.  

QUESTIONS FACING THIS CURRENT MAYOR AND COUNCIL: I cannot answer the following questions:

• Why hasn’t the village provided updates as to the delay?  Maybe there is no delay. Maybe this project is on time in the minds of the current mayor and council members.
• Why isn’t the job site secured? There are children at the park and a picnic upcoming. The photos show the environmental barriers down at critical points, at the waterline (see photo below).
• Is Palmetto Bay in danger of losing the grant?
• These projects usually have prefabricated bridges. Why isn’t it at the site? Is it built? Does it match the specifications called for in the RFP?
• Where is the contract? Has the contractor been placed on notice?
• Is there an issue with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), internal permitting?               Or, ....
• Is this current Mayor and Council simply losing sight of, or interest in, the project?

I can state that I don't think that this bridge will be completed and open for the 18th Annual Village Celebration Picnic scheduled for Coral Reef Park on Saturday. 

PERFORMANCE TO DATE ON THIS PROJECT: This project is currently making the Franjo Road street project look well organized and well-done.

Tallahassee update – REVISED – I missed one significant appropriation regarding Pinecrest. A great request. Also, confirming my prior post as to the Palmetto HS Field request.

First: I left this worthy project from my list. Pinecrest is working on improving their jewel, Pinecrest Gardens. Palmetto Bay should do the same. Palmetto Bay has received millions in the past for our parks system that allowed us to claim the title “Village of Parks” – these parks are used by far more than our residents. The parks are open for all.

Pinecrest is getting aggressive in their appropriation requests; making some very reasonable and well researched requests to the Florida Legislature.

One such request is House Bill (HB) 2545 - Village of Pinecrest-Pinecrest Gardens ADA Upper Garden Initiative – the request is for $500,000

Title of Project: Village of Pinecrest-Pinecrest Gardens ADA Upper Garden Initiative

House Member Sponsor: Javier Fernandez

Stated purpose (“Village” below refers to Village of Pinecrest):

The Village proposes to renovate the existing playground, bathrooms, petting zoo, Inspiration (educational) Center and connecting paths to make them ADA accessible; it also intends to add new playground equipment and a unique, greatly expanded ADA accessible Sensory and Learning Garden. Additionally, creating new picnic facilities, a new nature trail and installing better lighting.

CLICK HERE to view the details of this request.

Second, I was contacted regarding my post of February 20, 2020, pointing out to me that the HB 5001 currently lists the appropriation level to the school at $100,000.

Miami Palmetto Senior High School Athletic Field (HB 4987) –  CLICK HERE to view the 8 page project details. HB 4987 is a request for $1,000,000 – One Million dollars.  But it appears (at this time) to be funded at only the $100,000 level that I reported on February 20. As I also said, nothing is ever final until an item makes in into the budget, avoids the veto pen and remains safe in a budget signed/approved by the Governor.  See numbered page 31 (it is actually page 32 of the posted .PDF) of the current list of appropriations listed in HB 5001 – again – no result is guaranteed. Changes can and often do happen, sometimes positive and often less than positive. 

PRIOR RELATED POSTS:

February 6, 2020, Palmetto Bay legislative appropriations requests - Appropriations Project Request-Fiscal Year 2020-21.

February 20, 2020, Tallahassee update - What monies are currently listed in House Bill 5001 - General Appropriations Act – a review of what is currently earmarked for our local Miami-Dade municipal communities –including Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay& Palmetto HS

February 7, 2020, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) - FY2020-2021 Recommended Priority List

Prior posts providing background:

May 8, 2014, Florida Communities Trust (FCT) requires Palmetto Bay to change its operation of Thalatta Park – This is good news for area residents

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)

Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) - FY2020-2021 Recommended Priority List

Which municipalities submitted for funding and made the list? The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) considered all applicants, determining that 134 projects were worthy for funding. The projects are ranked from #1 to #134.  The 2020-21 list includes #18 Key Biscayne, #23 Homestead, #27 Cutler Bay, #40 Miami Beach, #56 Virginia Gardens, #57 Bay Harbor Islands, #68 Sweetwater, #87 South Miami, and #92 North Bay Village. 

A fair question: Did Palmetto Bay even submit for FRDAP funding this cycle? Palmetto Bay was very successful in the past - FRDAP monies have been used in all of our parks. It is foolish and fiscally irresponsible to ignore $50,000 to $200,000 per year. Palmetto Bay does have an in-house, full time grant writer. 

(CLICK HERE) to view the FRDAP ranking list for FY 2020-21. I have posted the local Miami-Dade Municipalities who submitted funding requests and had their proposals make the ranking list (1-134) chose as eligible to receive funding, subject, of course, to the funding provided to FRDAP by the Florida Legislature and approved by the Governor.

Listed below are local projects (Miami-Dade County) that I identified that are contending for funding. The number to the immediate left of the municipality name is the ranking of the application, followed by name of municipality, description of project, and funding amount proposed. 

Note that not all projects may receive funding.  Projects are funded in order of rank.

18 Key Biscayne               530 Crandon Phase I                                       $ 200,000
23 Homestead                  Mayor Roscoe Warren Municipal Park         $ 125,000
27 Cutler Bay                    Franjo Park Restoration Project                      $ 200,000
40 Miami Beach              Fairway Park                                                      $ 200,000
56 Virginia Gardens       Athletic Complex Phase III                               $   50,000
57 Bay Harbor Islands    Tot Lot Park                                                       $   50,000
68 Sweetwater                  Linear Park Improvements                              $   50,000
87 South Miami               S Miami Park Playground & Fitness 
                                                     Outdoor Equipment Project                     $   50,000
92 North Bay Village      NBay Village Canoe/Kayak 
                                                     Launch Project                                           $  50,000

$12,342,750.00 Total amount of funding sought by FRDAP (guaranteeing all projected listed above receive full funding). 

This is an update (and part of what can be considered your Florida Legislature 2020 "tool box") of the RELATED POST of February 6, 2020, Palmetto Bay legislative appropriations requests - Appropriations Project Request - Fiscal Year 2020-21

FRDAP is one of the legislative goals of the Current Palmetto Bay Mayor and Council (see prior post), for the 2020 legislative session, specifically:

Palmetto Bay Resolution no. 2019-121 included:
Note: A. - E. Omitted

F. Seeking funding assistance for the Village’s FRDAP and other such FDEP projects to address park capital improvements and park property acquisitions.

Coming soon - additional updates and fair questions.

Troubling: No explanation forthcoming from Palmetto Bay officials - County explanation offers more issues, than answers

I found this post this morning on Carol's "Village of Palmetto Bay for Real" Page. It creates more issues than answers.  And I would like answers.

But first, let's be clear: No one ever suggested that this was the decision of our district commissioner, however, based upon this answer, I do want to know who ordered the signs now that we hear that these signs are being ordered down. I ask that our Commissioner discuss whether she was involved in these discussions between Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay and Miami-Dade, including at any of her "MOM" Meetings (Meetings of the Mayors). Answers would go far in providing the back story on how this all fell into place.

Let's not overreact, but also troubling is how everyone seems to be scurrying when the Sunshine is cast on clear, conspicuous and clearly intentionally created (and posted) signs are revealed by my blog to a broad general audience. The signs are being removed "taken down" - so there will be no notice to anyone as to the relocation of this event? (I am thankful that I have the photos documenting that the signs were in fact placed there.)

This is troubling.  Now we are being told that PB and CB "decided" to work together for an event in Palmetto Bay. 

This is an open request for anyone with information on any meetings or agreements, information as to how two local governments made this decision out of view of their residents, to forward such information to me at eugeneflinn@bellsouth.net. 

I have so many concerns, so many questions that I do not even know where to begin, but I will collect my thoughts and begin after my morning hearings.

FYI - once again, I post the photo of the County Banner that appears to be very specific - self explanatory:

I personally cannot recall any meeting or discussion in held public view or any advisement of the public, but then again, I am a very busy person so I cannot monitor everything. I depend upon the watchful eye of many other interested residents to assist. This requires further investigation.

RELATED POST: Background information can be found on the initial post relating to this situation, posted 6-17-2019: Half the story - leaving out a very important detail - the Truth: Palmetto Bay is hosting a regional MEGA Fourth of July event. Black Point's celebration moves to Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay’s home grown game of “Where’s the Big Red MEGA Shed?” Palmetto Bay’s own live version of "Where's Waldo?”

Just like the book series,  "Where's Waldo?” the rules of Palmetto Bay’s home grown game of “Where’s the Big Red MEGA Shed?” are simple enough: comb through the acres and acres of Village property  to find Palmetto Bay’s Big Red MEGA Shed, with its its Waldo-esque red and white decor.

The MEGA shed was first spotted at Village Hall in December 2018. (CLICK HERE to view an updated post of March 8, 2019, Update on the wild MEGA red shed placed at Village Hall.) Then once enough people found it, it moved on to its new location in early March, 2019 (WARNING – spoiler alert – do not read on from here if you have yet to located it yourself) to . . .

Palmetto Bay Park!

Photo credit - FOSDU 3-12-2019

Where it will move next? And has this location been permitted and inspected?

Palmetto Bay’s Manager has upped this game as the shed has now been outfitted with wheels (see Pic #2 below) to up this game into a real moving “whack a shed” game. It could get as frustrating as the old PC game, Minesweeper. I’ve heard rumor of side bets going on between evening park goers, betting on whether this shed used its landing gear to roll the shed from out from Village Hall to Palmetto Bay Park, down US1 under the cover of darkness. (Oh, please, someone must have pictures to send to me!)

This game is not the first of its kind. Some may remember the North Dade “outhouse gang” – and the City of Hallandale in Broward once had its own version, see: South Florida Sun Sentinel online, archives from November 18, 2011: Outhouse Gang gets away with Hallandale Halloween prank — again by Sergy Odiduro, Forum Publishing Group

Pic #2 note the fold up wheels that can be deployed for a quick getaway!

Hallandale’s game may have been the work of insiders, much like Palmetto Bay’s. It was reported in this 2011 article that “The Outhouse Gang got away with their Halloween shenanigans — again.” 2011 marked the 82nd consecutive year where a masked crew known for potty-related antics eluded the Hallandale Beach Police Department despite its best "efforts."

1929 marked the start of Hallandale’s annual game of cat and mouse with police. Palmetto Bay's game has started 89 years later.

Hallandale's perennial prank led to the annual Outhouse Festival, which caters to children with costume contests, bounce houses and more.

Could the recent antics in Palmetto Bay be foreshadowing the start of an annual Palmetto Bay Big Red MEGA Shed Festival catering to our children with costume contests, bounce houses and more? Time will tell, but for now, the Manager is not giving away any secrets!  

I will say, Palmetto Bay’s game of Where’s the Big Red MEGA Shed is a new twist and provides residents with distractions from the mundane as well as the controversial. This is a family-friendly game. We have yet to hear the prize, but perhaps that will be revealed at the next State of the Village Address.

Until then, Play On! Keep me apprised of the location of the Palmetto Bay Big Red MEGA Shed, an item of Palmetto Bay folklore as mythical as the Palmetto Bay Freebee, only there are those who have actually seen the Palmetto Bay Big Red MEGA Shed within the municipal boundaries of the Village of Palmetto Bay.

                                    (Above Left) Palmetto Bay's Red MEGA Shed as previously seen at village hall, 
                                    then *poof* only some slight discoloration remains (above right) as it has left the
                                     building during the evening of March 12, 2019.