ELECT EUGENE FLINN - Palmetto Bay's Thalatta Estate - teamwork to put the "Bay" in Palmetto Bay.

Thalatta Estate has a unique and storied history including the famous image of Capt. Peter Skipp’s 210-ton ship being deposited right here during Hurricane Andrew.

I am proud to have spearheaded an amazing team effort to obtain this historic property for the citizens of Palmetto Bay. We avoided development and made it a wonderful destination. Impressively, this park was purchased entirely through grant money.  

Soon after the purchase, we restored and repurposed the estate into a bayside paradise, with this wonderful path, beautiful water feature and more.

But we can’t rest on our laurels and I never stop looking for better. Too few people know that we obtained a grant AND PERMISSION – to add another amenity here – a beautiful boardwalk where we could walk out and look out into the water.

Sadly, that plan has been rejected, passed and then ignored by the current mayor. The result is that the grant and opportunity may have been lost under the current administration. Significant effort gone to waste.

When elected, you can count on me to properly maintain this treasured property and keep moving forward to improve our park amenities. And do it going back to aggressively seeking grant dollars – and properly spending those grant dollars.

#wecandobetter #flinnformayor #palmettobay #community #environment #trees #itstartsinparks #WeLovePB #TeamPB #PalmettoBayProud #PBturns20

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY EUGENE FLINN FOR MAYOR OF PALMETTO BAY

Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Friday, May 18th at 7 pm, Thalatta Estate

Don't miss it! This event always sells out. Do NOT delay in ordering your tickets!

The event that always makes a killing is back! On Friday, May 18th at 7 pm, Thalatta Estate Park will host "Midnight at the Masquerade". 

Tickets are 55 dollars, and includes valet, beer/wine, a 3-course dinner and a real whodunit. Join us!

CLICK HERE for more information, including important details/restrictions.

Photos below taken from the 2017 "Totally 80s" event held at Thalatta:

Visioning sessions - important input/fun times. Join us and positively impact our "Village of Parks"

A great visioning session was held on Thursday, April 6 - regarding Thalatta Estate, Ludovici Park and Perrine Wayside Park.  I have posted some photos.  (Additional photos are also posted on my Facebook site - feel free to follow the link embedded below) Please make plans to attend and participate in any or all of the meetings that remain.  This is your best chance to influence the future of the "Village of Parks".  

These master plan visioning sessions are similar to our original meetings held during the formulation years of the Village (2002-2007) where we sat together at tables; dreaming, discussing, drawing and yes, debating!  This is all part of the 'Palmetto Bay "Ps"' and opportunities to participate in the Planning, Parks & People.

Here is a list of the Public Meetings remaining for the Parks Master Plan:

* Friday, April 21, 2017 at 7:00 PM - The meeting will be held concerning Palmetto Bay Park and will take place at the Palmetto Bay Park Community Room, located at 17535 SW 95th Avenue, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.  

* Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 7:00 PM - The meeting will be held concerning Coral Reef Park and will take place at the Coral Reef Park Community Room, located 7895 SW 152nd Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.  

* Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 7:00 PM - The meeting will be held concerning future parks such as the Veteran's park, the woods on SW 168th, and others and will take place at Village of Palmetto Bay Municipal Center, Council Chambers located 9705 East Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.  

Although these are not meetings of the Village Council, Council Members may attend at their option.  No official action will be taken.

Please watch the official village website - meetings page for updates concerning these meetings: Palmetto Bay Public Meeting Schedule

 

 

Please "Like" my Government Facebook page to follow events and photos as they occur as well as interacting!

Village updates: Village meetings & events you should plan on participating in!

Its time for you to participate - SRTS meetings, Parks Master Planning, Historical Committee and a murder/mystery.  All here in Palmetto Bay.  Join me in February and March.

Please review my latest in the Community Newspapers online:
Village meetings & events you should plan on participating in!
By: Eugene Flinn - Mayor of Palmetto Bay |February 3, 2017
Late February and March will be a big month. Yes, more of the “P”s that I keep harping on! Planning Parks & People are some of the big “P”s that we are involved in. Please Plan on attending and Participating (or otherwise Providing inPut via e-mail or other means).

One of my biggest priorities is having Safe Routes to Schools (“SRTS” – keep an eye out for that acronym). A Village workshop on SRTS improvements scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2017 – 7:00 PM at our Village Hall. With Village Officials and design engineers. This is one of your best chances to impact the project. You are invited to attend and receive information on the details of the SRTS project designed to advance safe walking and bicycling to and from schools. The project consists of sidewalk connectivity, crosswalk and ADA ramp upgrades, signage, and pavement markings. Please note that no official action will be taken – this is a preliminary meeting – one of those opportunities to impact the project before it is a finished project.

Note that other meetings will be scheduled for our other schools, so don’t panic because you did not see your area of interest listed.

I want to let everyone know that Palmetto Bay will be engaged in updating our 2007 Parks Master Plans. Meetings are being planned. The decisions made will impact our community for generations to come so it is important for you to participate. Impact could range from decisions simply to maintain status quo and upgrade what we have to a total revamping of one or more parks. I recently have heard ideas involving bringing pickleball to existing facilities. There are many ideas – as well as opinions which include simply “add no more” so I ask for you to get engaged.

How is your knowledge of Village History? Are you a history buff? Do you have any pictures or “relics” from Palmetto Bay’s relatively short past? If any apply, you may want to participate in an upcoming short term history project. Your Mayor and Village Council is poised to set up a history committee that has been championed by our founding Vice Mayor, Linda Robinson. We will be gathering history for our 15 year Village Celebration. A surprise or two may be in store. Get involved – Participate!

Lastly, not to be missed, Thallata Estate is home to yet another open ticket event – Come on out for the March 10, “Totally 80’s, Murder Mystery Dinner & Show – full details are available on the official Palmetto Bay Facebook and website regarding this exciting evening of interaction with a professional cast to figure out the culprit in a lively “who-dun-it” mystery. Murder- as they say, “dinner – and a show!”

I look forward to continue the work with you in protecting Palmetto Bay as the best place to Live, Work, Play, & learn – no place better for families in Miami-Dade County!

Old Cutler Run Club Update - Last week Thalatta Estate, this week Deering Estate

Run club update. The run club met up at Thalatta Estate last week (Sunday, 10/16/16).  This Sunday will be very special.  This Sunday, October 23, meets up at Deering where we will have access to the trails on site.  This will be an extra special run.

Photo (above) and caption taken from the social media site for the Old Cutler Run Club: "Welcome to the Run Club Estate. This squad didn't let a little a Miami drizzle keep them from playing outside. @baptisthealthsf Old Cutler RC #werunmiami"

Palmetto Bay Business Association update - Trust for Public Lands

A great meeting of the Palmetto Bay Business Association.  The featured speaker was Brenda McClymonds, Senior Program Director of the Trust for Public Lands (TPL). 

TPL has worked hard for Palmetto Bay - CLICK HERE to view the exciting TPL press release from 9/19/05, regarding the results of the September 15, the FCT governing board fully funded Thalatta Estate, our gem on the Bay which may not have occurred but for TPL getting involved:

•Bayfront/Haas Property, Village of Palmetto Bay, Miami-Dade County. Located on Biscayne Bay, this 3.6 acres will be protected as a public park. In addition, a house on the property that was built in 1926 will be preserved and eventually opened to the public. The FCT board approved $2.71 million to the Village of Palmetto. TPL purchased the property, in conjunction with the Village, in December 2004.  

Thank you to all the donors, volunteers, board members and staff of the TPL!

L to R - Eric Watts, Eugene Flinn, Brenda McClymonds, & Peter England

INTRODUCING ERICA WATTS

Erica Watts & Linda Robinson,
Palmetto Bay's first Vice Mayor

It was my pleasure to introduce Erica Watts to the PBBA community.  Erica is a member of our Educational Advisory Board (EAC) and it taking the lead on a PTA/PTSA summit to be held shortly. Pictured with Peter England, she is part of the PTA(PTSA)/Village collaboration as part of our 5 member EAC.  She also serves as President of the Coral Reef Elementary PTA. Many great programs are occurring and will be occurring in the near future due to Erica and many dedicated volunteers like Erica.  

District 8 Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava & Erica Watts

Great times in the Village of Parks - "Murder Mystery" dinner & show - where fun was had by all, that is all but for the 'victim'!

Palmetto Bay's inaugural "Murder Mystery" dinner & show was held Friday, September 4, 2015.

This was a guest participation event – part theatre, part dinner, where an appetite was required both for the meal as well as for solving a murder whodunit. The ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ Murder Mystery Dinner & Show started at 7:30 pm at Thalatta Estate Park. 

The event sold out well in advance of the event date. This is a strong statement that Village sponsored ticketed events are welcomed by residents in and surrounding 'The Village of Parks." 

Reviews posted on social media about the event have been very positive as well.

“Dinner and a show!” This was a sold out event which included a delicious three-course meal and an exciting evening of interaction with a professional cast to figure out the culprit in a lively “who-dun-it” mystery. 

Just one table group with part of the cast.  Good times.

Winners of 'best costume'

What is a “Murder Mystery Dinner & Show”? Murder-mystery dinners begin innocently enough – diners arrive to mingle amid drinks and quiet conversation. As diners munch away, a sudden death interrupts the feasting, and a hapless detective arrives to accuse one of the audience members. A detective arrives to determine who the killer is, inevitably laying blame on one of the audience members. Tablemates work together to prove their innocence and find the real killer through an interactive performance full of hilarious characters and eye-catching costumes.

I will update this blog, or add new posts as new photos or comments come in.  

Thank you to all in attendance.

A huge "Thank You" to our Village Management, Parks Director and staff/Special Events team/PIO for working so hard to get these events started and working so well in running such an outstanding event. Watch the village web site for upcoming opportunities to meet up and enjoy an another evening in our Palmetto Bay Parks with family, friends and neighbors.

New Date Night Event - Sushi Rolling Date Night, Aug. 7 at Thalatta Estate, connects couples with a romantic culinary experience.

Another great event in the "Date Night" series. For a fee of $90, each couple gets hands-on instruction on preparing unique sushi rolls of their own, while overlooking beautiful Biscayne Bay (underneath our covered patio area). Join us.

CLICK HERE for complete information and to RSVP - Deadline to purchase tickets: August 6th. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.shushicuisine.com/date-night/

Thalatta Estate Park
17301 Old Cutler Road
Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay's Yoga By The Bay - great start - Sunday, May 17, 2015.

What a great start to a Sunday!

Your backyard on the bay was calling out for you to come and enjoy another innovative and FREE activity at Thalatta Estate. Having fun yet?

Part of the group posing with instructor Maria Luisa Tovio

Thank you to those 40 or so, who joined us for "Gentle Yoga by the Bay" at Thalatta Estate Park.

Don't worry, several more Sunday dates planned through August. According to Instructor is Maria Luisa Tovio. 

All you have to do is RSVP, sign a one-time waiver, bring your own yoga mat and water bottle -- and get ready to savasana. 

Future Dates: May 24, June 7 & 14, and Aug. 2 & 9. 

RSVP via email or call 305-259-1234. 

Also see comments below for a quick promotional video that Village Staff created for you, to serve as a reminder -- and to make you laugh a little... (Staff seems to have a little Town of Pawnee "Parks & Rec" feel to them recently).

Village of Parks Events - Gentle Yoga by the Bay
GENTLE YOGA ON THE SHORE OF BISCAYNE BAYJoin us for "Gentle Yoga by the Bay" at Thalatta Estate, FREE on Sundays, starting May 17, 9:30 - 11 am. Instructor is Maria Luisa Tovio. Sign a one-time waiver, bring your own yoga mat and water bottle -- and get ready to savasana. Dates: May 17 & 24, June 7 & 14, and Aug. 2 & 9. RSVP via email or call 305-259-1234. Get details: http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/thalatta-estate-park-17301-old-cutler-road#Yoga
Posted by Village of Palmetto Bay on Friday, May 15, 2015

Photos of the Day - the May 13 Responsible Gardening Workshop at Thalatta Estate “Flower Arranging Tropicals

What a evening to spend time at Palmetto Bay's - your - 'Backyard on the Bay.' About 22 people attended and were treated to a demonstration at Thalatta Estate Park on how to use our local flowers and leaves in spectacular arrangements.  Held May 13, the "Flower Arranging Tropicals," is one of a series of Responsible Gardening Workshops presented by Palmetto Bay resident and Master Gardener Terri Stephen, in partnership with the University of Florida/Miami-Dade County Extension.  I am posting some photos taken from this evening here for you to view the event. 

I think its time for you to come on out and enjoy an evening at Thalatta Estate.  A link to to official webiste listing of upcoming events is posted at bottom of this post.  I look foward to additional public events at our Thalatta Estate.  

Thank you,

Eugene Flinn

Learn about composting, mangos, and much more in futureworkshops. Visit the Village website or the Village Facebook for details and updates.

Public events continue at Thalatta Estate Park - May 13 at 7 p.m. "Flower Arranging Tropicals"

Come on out and enjoy our backyard on the bay!

May 13 - Arranging Tropicals

Tap into your inner floral designer. See a demonstration at Thalatta Estate Park on how to use our local flowers and leaves in spectacular arrangements, May 13 at 7 p.m. "Flower Arranging Tropicals" is the latest in a series of Responsible Gardening Workshops presented by Palmetto Bay resident and Master Gardener Terri Stephen, in partnership with the University of Florida/Miami-Dade County Extension. Learn about composting, mangos, and much more in future workshops. Visit the Village website or the Village Facebook for details and updates.

RSVP Now, Arranging Tropicals, May 13, 2015, 7 - 8:30 p.m. Register via email

 

CLICK HERE to view the official Village of Palmetto Bay e-blast concerning this - and other Palmetto Bay events coming up.

Nature Postings - instagram report - Family Kayak Adventure - Palmetto Bay Earth Week edition

CLICK HERE to view the video posted by Nature Postings - an outstanding Palmetto Bay Partner (CLICK HERE to view a prior post on the Bird Watching workshop).

As Nature Postings so aptly put it: Another AMAZING Family Kayak Adventure sponsored by Village of Palmetto Bay! Our families learned about Biscayne Bay and the ecosystems found in it. They also encountered sharks, stingrays, waterbirds and many fish! What a great day!!! This program is offered FREE the last Sunday of the month at Thalatta Estate

Yes, FREE - the last Sunday of the month at Thalatta Estate.  This program in an example of why I worked so hard with the rest of the original village council to obtain this 'backyard on the bay.' Come on out and enjoy it. 

About Nature Postings: (info below taken from their website - http://www.naturepostings.com)
Nature Postings Providing experiences and revealing the unspoken knowledge of nature through hands-on study sessions, interpretive programs and guided excursions!

Bird Watching workshop

Prior Kayak event

Earth Week - the events have begun in Palmetto Bay! Join us. Photos of the day - Bird Watching Workshop

I am posting some photos from the Sunday morning, April 19, ”Bird Watching Workshop” held at Thalatta Estate. Participants learned about birds that inhabit the shoreline of Thalatta Estate and Ludovici Park. A great event and great use of Thalatta Estate.

Council woman Karyn Cunningham joined me to observe. It was a beautiful day on our backyard on the bay. A great time was had by the participants.  Check the website/e-news blast (CLICK HERE) for more events.

 

Sifting through their 'Bird Pellet'

Guess what I found! A mouse skull.

Enjoying a beautiful day on the bay!