The State of the Village Leadership – governments such as Palmetto Bay should set the example, not flaunt the CDC and County recommendations by hosting a potential local super spreader event

Just as the rules should apply to everyone, so too should the recommendations. Governments should lead by example. 

Example: The CDC is asking people not to travel during the Thanksgiving Holiday. The CDC is asking people to take precautions and limit contacts. 

Miami- Dade County's official messaging discourages celebrations beyond the immediate household. A county-produced video campaign on Thanksgiving encourages viewers to “share a virtual dinner with family and friends.”

Miami Herald: Skipping a big Thanksgiving during COVID-19? Here are some other ways to celebrate, 11/23/2020, by Simone Jasper

Actions speak louder than words, so then why is the Palmetto Bay Mayor planning what could be a 'super spreader' event for December 3, 2020? I am specifically referring to a "live" 2020 State of the Village Address. Enjoy an evening of fun at Ludovici Park, Thursday, December 3rd, 7 pm. Complimentary valet parking.

Food and drink - well it is apparently safe to remove masks to eat and drink, at least in Palmetto Bay. 

Valet Parking? So strangers will be getting in and out of different cars. Sharing contact between vehicles.

I just don't understand why this event should not be held virtually. Is this a case of overinflated egos, an overdeveloped sense of immunity, reckless disregard for the safety of community or an underdeveloped sense of self-control, to do things in the same manner and for the same regard for fellow residents?  Cutler Bay recently held its State of the Town through virtual presentation, but then again this Palmetto Bay is no Cutler Bay.

Perhaps the current Palmetto Bay mayor, council members, administration and staff are getting impatient for the vaccine that may be out in early spring and are instead pushing for the herd immunity to take root here in Palmetto Bay. 

The CDC has posted recommendations for those who insist on Attending a gathering this Thanksgiving, but one again, I don't think they are referring to government holding an event for hundreds of people. per the CDC:

Celebrating virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice this Thanksgiving.

If you choose to attend a gathering, make your celebration safer. In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make Thanksgiving safer, take these additional steps if attending a Thanksgiving gathering:

• Bring your own food, drinks, plates, cups, and utensils.
• Wear a mask and safely store your mask while eating and drinking.
• Avoid going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen.
• Use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils.
  

Many students have gone to home schooling. Football teams are rescheduling games due to positive COVID tests, some colleges and universities are shifting back to online learning. 

We are not going to be successful in beating COVID unless we are all pushing in one direction, that we all follow the same rules and recommendations.

It takes a village, but this village appears to believe that it is an island. Recommendations, ha! Palmetto Bay is hosting a live party! Covid-19 be damned.

It's not just Police Commander Guerra, she is now also known as Major Maria Guerra

Palmetto Bay Police Commander Maria Guerra has received her promotion to Major within the Miami-Dade Police Department.

It's not just Police Commander Guerra, its also Major Guerra as of Monday, November 19, 2018.  The position of Village Police Commander carries with it the commensurate MDPD title of Police Major to confirm with the chain of command within MDPD. Major Guerra now wears the golden oak leaf, the insignia for the rank of major.

Major Guerra earned the village commander post, succeeding Major Gady Serralta, who now serves as U.S. Marshall of the Southern District of Florida. Guerra's promotion to Major followed in early November, announced at the 2018 State of the Address. The selection of (then) Lt. Maria Guerra continues a long-standing tradition of promoting from within our own ranks. 

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

The manager's selection of Major Guerra was approved at a Special Village Council Meeting that I called for October 15, 2018 - the meeting called specifically for the purpose of the Village Council to take action on the Village Manager's selection of Lt. Maria Guerra as the Village Police Commander.

Congratulations Major Guerra, we look forward to your continued service to our community.

Eugene Flinn

Palmetto Bay - 2018 "MVPs" recognized:

It was my honor to recognize the 2018 Palmetto Bay MVPs - special recognition to some of our community members, without whom we would not have been able to achieve the many accomplishments.

• Father Sullivan of Holy Rosary - St. Richard's Church, who allowed us to use his parking lot for our first "Park & Ride", and to use his hall for community uses
• Alfredo Mesa, who along with Peter England brought us the idea for our
  "Senior Night" at Marlin's Park
• Jackeline Prussing is a member of the Community Task Force, and of the "Art in Public Places" committee. She also has shepherded long overdue safeguards for use at Palmetto Bay Park.
• Richard Lujan, who has worked closely with the Village to procure donated land for our Veteran's Park. Richard is also working to help secure a second "Park & Ride" location.
• Peter England: He not only graciously brought forth the Senior Night Out event, he is also the chairman of the economic development task force and a member of the Deering foundation
• Beth Kibler: She has fought doggedly for environmental issues in our community like the protection of the Pine Rockland on Old Cutler road
• Tony Musto:   When he's not tending to his many duties at the University of Miami, he chaired the Community Center Task Force and kept a steady hand directing the group
• Erica Watts: She is a past PTA president at Coral Reef elementary, member of our Educational Advisory Committee and social activist, and we are proud that she calls Palmetto Bay home.
• Greg Zawyer, past Principal with the Miami-Dade County Schools and member of the Educational Advisory Committee
• Diane Quick, who serves on the Educational Advisory Committee as its chair.
• Suzanne Dundee Bonner: Suzanne was appointed to the task force by the county to provide input during the process of making a recommendation for the transitway
• Deena Pezoid who has dedicated herself to the arts and helped launch our "Art in Public Places" committee.
• Michael Biamonte who is the voice of the Miami Heat and President of the Palmer Trinity School. Michael has worked with me in resolving our issues amicably instead of continuing our fight thru the legal system.
• Judy Stockholm who is a part of the Age friendly task force and one of our super volunteers, the first to arrive last to leave on projects of both the Palmetto Bay Garden Club and special service projects such as recently held at the American Legion.
• Ines Mander one of the many stalwarts of the Palmetto Bay Garden Club who has championed garden projects including the butterfly garden at Ludovici Park and numerous diverse music events our manager is working on bringing to Palmetto Bay in the near future.

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

What a night!

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

 

Dear Fellow Palmetto Bay resident,

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

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

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

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

JB Cash Foundation -recipient of 2018 "Rosemary Fuller Award

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

Lt. Maria Guerra - selected as next Village Police Commander

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mayor's State of the Village Address 2018

 

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

Your Mayor.

Eugene Flinn

REMINDER: You are invited! Please attend, join us for the 16th annual State of the Village Address, Tuesday Evening, October 9, 2018, 6:00 to 9:30 PM.

Please consider this my personal invitation to you to attend the 16th annual State of the Village Address on Tuesday evening, October 9th, 6:00 to 9:30 PM.  The Address will be held at our Village Hall, 9705 East Hibiscus Street,
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157, Phone: 305-259-1234, after Hours Phone Number: 305-506-7965.

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

This year's theme is T.E.A.M- Together as a TEAM: village council, & staff, residents, businesses, and schools.....we ACHIEVE MORE!

The winners of Student Photography Contest will also be recognized. We will also recognize the 2018 recipient of the "Rosemary Fuller Award" selected by our Education Advisory Committee - and more!

Light appetizers, beverages and desserts will be served. The address will be broadcast live on the Palmetto Bay Government Access TV-WBAY and via a live webcast from the Village website.

And, as always, I will continue to keep you up to date through emails such as this one, my social media, and my blog,  posted at   www.eugeneflinn.blogspot.com, as well as through the village official social media. 

I will continue to encourage my fellow members of the Village Council to communicate to our community as well.

Your Mayor,

Eugene Flinn

2015 State of the Village Address - Wednesday, Oct 14

You are invited!  Palmetto Bay Annual State of the Village Address - Wednesday, October 14 - 6 PM

Mayor Eugene Flinn will provide the annual review of Palmetto Bay operations, goals, and objectives.  This address will be broadcast live on Palmetto Bay Government Access TV-WBAY and via a live webcast from the Village website. 

Guests will also enjoy complimentary appetizers, wine, and desert items. Please RSVP at your earliest convenience by calling 305-259-1234.

Special thanks to Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF) for their continued support of this annual community event. 

CLICK HERE to view the official Palmetto Bay Facebook invite/info page for this event.

Updates will also be posted to the official Village website: Palmettobay-fl.gov.