Palmetto Bay - working to support our local business

Palmetto Bay has many small business - and I make it a habit to support our local businesses first whenever possible - whether it is a pump store, flooring, restaurant, pool supply, have our cell phones repaired - you get the idea. we even had a TV repaired (remember repairing, rather than simply 'replacing' TVs?).  We did and we found a local TV repair right here in Palmetto Bay - just north of 144 street.  I can't pick the most outstanding small business in Palmetto Bay - we need to support all of them. So where do you take your business in Palmetto Bay? I posted a photo collage below of some of the places I tregularly patronize. I honestly do not have enough room to list all the businesses I patronize.

Nurturing small businesses in Palmetto Bay is one of the reasons I sponsored the creation of the Palmetto Bay Partnership Advisory Committee which was created via Ordinance.

Its Mission: To realize the economic and social potential of the Village of Palmetto Bay by providing advisory input, and recommendations to the Mayor and Council. Assist the Mayor and Council in implementing these recommendations, and those recommendations that accrue from the Village’s Strategic Plan, as requested by the Mayor and Council.

Per Business.com:
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy.
According to the SBA, more than half of Americans own or work for a small business. Entrepreneurs also help create two out of every three new jobs in the United States, yearly. Since the week-long event was first issued in 1963, the number of small businesses created has continued to rise. Fewer businesses are failing, too. Although it is quite popular to cite startup failure statistics — particularly in their first year — the reality is that 50 percent of small businesses survive five years or more in business.

Recognizing that it is always important to support our local businesses, I am proud to have participated in the origination of the Palmetto Bay Business Association (PBBA) http://www.pbbaonline.com/ . As stated on their website (CLICK HERE):

These businesses are where we shop, dine, workout or receive other services including various repairs. The Palmetto Bay Business association is largely made up of local owners living in and around our Palmetto Bay community.

The PBBA meets the first Thursday of each month and members pay only $20 to enjoy fabulous food, conversation and a featured speaker. The monthly event gathers to network at 11:30 a.m. and is usually finished by 1:15 p.m.

A “highlight” is always the Village update, a short presentation on relevant updates regarding Palmetto Bay.

Please support our local business, including those listed in membership of the PBBA.

Photo of the day - a local lemonade stand

Here is a great photo of the day - our own little #SmallTownUSA on a very warm Sunday mid day:

Olivia & Thomas are working their neighborhood lemonade stand under their mother’s watchful eye and assistance on Coral Reef Drive and 81st.

Thank you all for stepping up for Bruce and Dottie Barton. Here is yet another “It takes a Village” teamwork that benefits Palmetto Bay.

I am proud to post yet another example of our community being our brother's keeper and looking out for others.  "It Takes A Village" - another good news story. Thank you Beth Story for being a kind neighbor, stepping up and notifying the community as to what is happening.  Thank you EVERYONE.

There are far too many to mention by name and the long thread has gotten away from me, but I am trying to not leave people out.  Collen Heffernan brought dinner over to the Bartons. Carlos and Alison Baez stepped forward and volunteered to assist with any clean up.  Julia Cespedes and Cindy Hewitt with their pets. Alex and I (as have others,) have offered to run errands for them.  Erica Watts contacted Lifelong resident Al Nania who runs "lawns By Al" who brought his crew over to their home on Friday and put in some hard work.  This is not an endorsement, but a sincere thank you to Al Nania and crew for their contribution Friday, June 8, 2018 to help out Bruce and Dottie. Thank you Erica Watts for facilitating this effort.  Bruce told me that the yard was a month and a half overdue, much needed, much appreciated.

Bruce and Dottie Barton are true Palmetto Bay pioneers.  Longtime residents, unofficial historians and keeper of records, (see my post of March 13, 2017: March 13, 2017, Palmetto Bay History - photo records concerning the original Coral Reef Park - "Master Plan" and field/opening day program.). 

As I stated then, "I love Palmetto Bay History!" And we all love Bruce and Dottie Barton.  Many of us can still remember back when Dottie served as a Deputy Elections Clerk for Precinct 811, years back. I fondly recall when she knocked on my door the day after an election to return my Driver's License that I had carelessly left at the polling place.  She made daughter Katherine a beautiful knit scarf and cap in Gator colors in honor for her departing to UF.  Dottie and Bruce are true community icons.

Thank you Bruce and Dottie for all you both have done for all of us.  This is one way for all of us to for once return a favor.

We all wish the best for them.  I look forward to the next good news story of community action and being able to publicly thank fellow residents for being their brothers keeper!

See a prior post of May 6, 2018: Another example of "It takes a Village" Thank you for the community coming together with Police and Code to quickly resolve a situation. I publicly thanked John Betancourt of JLA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, who stepped forward and provided valuable assistance for the benefit our community on that day.  John volunteered his know-how, strength and chainsaw in removing the tree before it became a problem as part of a team effort.  I also thanked Palmetto Bay Code officer Alan White, our MDPD/Village Policing Unit who secured the intersect and kept traffic safe and Bill Kestel for bringing this to our attention.

Keep up the great work.  Palmetto Bay should be proud.  Shining examples of being neighbors, looking out for each other. 

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Thank you blood donors. I met some great, generous people on Friday May 18

Giving the gift of life! Thank you to those who where able to donate.

I met some great people at the Palmetto Bay blood drive held on Friday, May 18, 2018. Thank you to all of those who took the time to stop by and give the gift of life. This is so meaningful to people who require transfusions, undergo surgery or suffer an accident.

Again, thank you to those who rolled up their sleeves and donated.

Another example of "It takes a Village" Thank you for the community coming together with Police and Code to quickly resolve a situation

Sunday afternoon provided a reminder that Hurricane Season is approaching.  A tree fell on Old Cutler and Southwest 136th Street, blocking the bike path and part of the road. Fortunately, I was able to find a volunteer who, along with our Palmetto Bay officers and Alan White of Code Enforcement, was able to clear the tree so everyone could continue with their Sunday.

I want to publicly thank John Betancourt of JLA PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, who stepped forward and provided valuable assistance for the benefit our community.  John volunteered his know-how, strength and chainsaw in removing the tree before it became a problem. This was a team effort.  I also want to thank Palmetto Bay Code officer Alan White as well as our MDPD/Village Policing Unit who secured the intersect and kept traffic safe. Thank you Bill Kestel for bringing this to my attention.

This was a true public/private (community partnership) - the sense of civic responsibility and pride came forward to work together as a team to expedite the resolution of this situation.  The tree was obviously weakened due to past storms.  It fell sometime mid day Sunday, May 6, 2018.

The downed tree made for a very unsafe bike path - such as for this lil fella out for a bike ride with her family (she looks like our own Lil Timmy, but obviously not).

The TEAM was able to cut (to the point required to safely clear the path) and stack in 5 minutes, 41 seconds!

This was a great community response from the Facebook post (although I can always be reached directly via call to (305) 302-3713 or e-mail at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov).  It is fortunate that this all came together this Sunday and there no accidents or injuries due to this fallen tree.

Thank you John Betancourt / JLA Property Maintenance - for being the right place at the right time and stepping up to assist.  And, again, thank you Bill Kestel for bringing this to my attention.

The walkers, bicyclists, and joggers, some with their pups are back to using the path without having to step into the street to circumnavigate the fallen tree.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Palmetto Bay does have an after hours duty phone: ‭(305) 506-7965‬ That is manned by a rotating department director. The assigned director is authorized to administer to any village needs that arise at times other than normal business hours. Please see my post of April 7, 2017, POD Passing of the Duty Phone - 305-506-7965 - for this weekend. 24/7 communication with Palmetto Bay for information.

Community Center v. 1,400 Charter School. Which do you prefer?

Interesting question proffered by Council Member David Singer on a local Facebook page:

I have a question for the residents of Palmetto Bay, would you rather have a 1400 student charter school in our Village or a Community Center to serve all our needs?

Well?

Take the Poll that is posted in the right hand column:

"What I prefer for our Village of Palmetto Bay" far right column.

Palmetto Bay takes any threat or risk seriously. Update - police presence - Malbrook area 176/87th Avenue late evening of March 28, 2018.

Wednesday, March 28, 2018, was a busy night for the Malbrook and surrounding areas.  Helicopters were circling and police were going door to door. The scene was cleared before midnight.  I am posting my morning update, post briefing, as to what occurred.  

I am pleased that this incident turned up nothing.  I am similarly pleased that the police personnel and assets were in place to properly and aggressively respond to any threat had it been an actual emergency. Palmetto Bay takes any threat seriously.
 
Please note that my response below is taken from my "Mayor's" Facebook page - posted at approximately 9:30 AM (3-29).  For those on Facebook, I ask that you "CLICK HERE" and like this page in order to follow the updates that I post on that site:

I am posting my official update as to the events last evening (Wednesday, March 28, 2018).

On Wed., 3/28, an off-duty police officer was on his way home with family in his personal vehicle near 87 Avenue and 176 street when the driver’s side window broke. It is still undetermined if this window break was due to a rock or other object thrown at the vehicle or if it was simply related to the car striking a pot hole.

It was in an abundance of caution that police investigated, in case this was an intentional act or represented any threat to the community. The cause remains unknown at present. The extensive police Investigation turned up no witnesses that could point to any offender. There were no casings or other evidence of any weapons or offenders. Police did interview a resident who was in her garage at the relevant time, who indicated that she did not hear anything (specifically no – and I repeat – NO gunshots were heard).

The police cleared the site after determining there was no threat to the area/our community.

I thank everyone for their concern and sharing the information they had. Our PIO did release what information we had, as it became available. I remain available to provide information that I have upon request.

Once again, my cell phone is 305-302-3713. My official email is eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov

Your mayor,

Eugene Flinn

PS - I have received a request to investigate a text notification:

"Can the Village consider a text system where residents can register their phone numbers and receive text notifications in the event of community emergencies like last night. So much misinformation, nervousness and hysteria last night with little info for residents. Similar to the emergency text system that exists on College Campuses. Thanks for considering this idea."

This would be a system identical to the text alerts used at the Universities.  

Again, I am pleased that this incident turned up nothing.  The police assets were in place to properly and aggressively respond to any threat had it been an actual emergency.

Palmetto Bay did put out several Twitter "tweets", which would have been similar to text message (through not as specifically directed).  You can follow our official village twitter - Palmetto Bay - @PalmettoBayVlg

First-ever public meeting - transparency and public access protected - a successful meeting held with representatives of Florida Power and Light and CalAtlantic Group, Inc., discussions/presentation regarding FPL Cutler Plantation property held before public

Palmetto Bay once again stepped forward to show a new and better way to do business. My first ever meeting with a zoning applicant was held Thursday, November 30, 2017 - and it was held in full view of the public! Thank you to the 40 or so who attended in this first-ever meeting with a zoning applicant - I had no model to work from, but worked with our Clerk, Missy Arocha, to create the format of the meeting - held in full view of the public!  

Please note that there were no decisions or commitments made.  This was an informational meeting where the representatives of Florida Power & Light and CalAtlantic Group, Inc. presented an update on the plans, modified after their Town Hall meeting held with residents.  There will be more discussions and the proposals presented will in all likelihood not be the final plans presented before the Village Council at a zoning hearing.  

I also want to thank the representatives of Florida Power & Light and CalAtlantic Group, Inc. for agreeing to meet (and be the first to meet) in this public meeting. I believe that interest will continue to grow in holding elected officials to public meetings with zoning applicants - keeping the process in the Sunshine - and this event can become a model of transparency for other elected officials to follow.  We can continue to work to polish this meeting method as more meet in this manner.

I recommend that my fellow council members follow this model and we all work together (public, officials and applicants) to remove any perception of back room deals.

  

Please note, though certainly not illegal, the issue is whether you actually think its a good idea for the decision maker to meet in private with a zoning applicant.  I prefer not have anyone question what renderings/documents were presented or what was discussed in private. 

As opined by our Village Attorney, Dexter Lehtinen:

" Whether members of the public view such “secret” meetings favorably or unfavorably is not a legal question.  Rather, the public perception of such meetings is a legitimate political question for resolution in the political forum, rather than the legal forum." 

CLICK HERE to read this memo to the Village Council of June 26, 2017, In summary, 
          (1)  As a legal matter, individual Councilmembers are permitted to meet with landowners and potential developers, such as the owner and/or potential developers of the Old Cutler Power Plant site owned by Florida Power and Light Company.
         (2)  Councilmembers should be prepared to disclose such meetings (and the date, participants, and contents of such meetings) if any later action by the Village Council is determined to be quasi-judicial in nature.
          (3)  In light of expressed desire of many Village residents for more transparency than strictly required by law, the wisdom of such meetings is not a subject of this memorandum. (Emphasis added)

For more information, Please see a related post: Statement regarding public meeting regarding Cutler Plantation Property, 6 PM, 11/30/2017.

To review current Florida law regarding ex parte meetings, see an advisory opinion for the Florida Attorney General.

Palmetto Bay does have a local ordinance, which is why any disclosures at the time a zoning item is heard.   Again, thank you again for those who attended and participated.  

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Something different - Palmetto Bay hosts it's first Pokemon event. Fun was had by all

I was pleased to bring forward a new type of event to Palmetto Bay - and make it part of the diverse range of activities that can be enjoyed within in our Palmetto Bay Parks system.  We want to reach all our fellow residents with activities from the skate park, beach volleyball, walking trails, native areas, football, baseball, softball, Yoga, the tot lot playgrounds to name just a few!

The day was Saturday, August 27.  The event was the first-ever Pokemon Lure party in Palmetto Bay Park.  The pictures best tell the story.  The turn out was incredible and I was thrilled to see so many kids, all ages, out in our park.  This is #SmallTownUSA! 

Please see my prior post of 8/15 for some background of the event set up: Announcing Palmetto Bay's Pokemon GO event. Join us for yet another fun activity held in our parks.

Photos above, top row: meeting up with two Pokemon.  Great time with participants/volunteers

Our youngest enjoyed the event as did Miami Hal - aka Hal Feldman with spouse Judy.

 
Kids, young and old, parents, and grandparents participated.  It was a date night of activity both for adults as well as our youth.  There were food trucks, a DJ, prizes, meeting up with friends and neighbors.  It was all there to be enjoyed at Palmetto Bay park on Sat. August 27. 

Photos above - left: banners at Coral Reef Park advertised our most recent community events.

Right:  Great to meet up with With Maria Perez-Duque and Diego Duque.

Participating youth caught the Pokemon in many different ways:

Additional photos below.  

Please check out the additional photos posted on my Palmetto Bay Mayor page:

Photo of the day - family time at Tripp Lake

Saturday AM July 30, 2016 - Tripp Lake, upstate NY. 
Her first cast on a new rod.  Plastic worm. Success. Release.

Enjoying family time in many different activities.

Photo left - same fish 7-30-16 just before release. Photo right - similar success at the same lake 8 years earlier - how time flies!

Small Town USA - Warrensburg's Community Garden

It is always interesting to see what is going on in Small Town USA.  My ongoing research and comparing notes while on vacation.  Part of my personal process to bringing best practices and updated ideas on making things work best for our residents home to Palmetto Bay.

Things I like, places I enjoy in Warrensburg, NY (pop 4,255).

This is an outstanding example of a community garden - The Town of Warrensburg's Community Garden is located on their main street.  

Be like the Small Town USA!

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay