Council Member Dr. Marsha Matson said it best - "No second for anti-bullying - wow"

Council says no - in the worst way - too chicken to second and publicly discuss the bullying and combating bullying in Palmetto Bay.

Item 14-F of the agenda for the regular village council meeting of Monday, June 3, 2024.  This was a simple resolution sponsored by Dr. Matson:

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA;
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO DONATE TO
THE VILLAGE’S YOUTH COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT TASK
FORCE FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS ($1,500.00) FOR
THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF ONE (1) BUDDY
BENCH FOR ITS ANTI-BULLYING PROJECT, AND TO TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF RECEIVING A SECOND “BUY ONE, GET
ONE FREE” BUDDY BENCH; TO JOIN WITH THE TASK
FORCE IN OPPOSING BULLYING AT VILLAGE PARKS AND
PROPERTY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
(Sponsored by Councilmember Marsha Matson)

The resolution merely sought support for a $1,500 contribution from the village for the Buddy Bench - a project that is being sponsored. Dr. Matson moved it forward but it failed for lack of a second. 

That means the request was DENIED.  In effect - each and every member of the village council - other than Dr. Matson - opposed this request.

Please note that this mayor and Village Council have never been shy to spend extravagant sums on a whim; such as allowing the expenditure of $25,000 to hire a lobbying firm to fight the neighbors on the so-called Tangle woods Park (can someone locate the resolution which approved this expenditure?). I cannot locate an instance where this Mayor and Council have failed to waive park and other fees (items placed on the agenda) for use of village facilities - which on many occasions totaled more that $1,500 per event.

So yes, Dr. Matson, "wow" not a single member of the village council would even second your item. The failure to second, and therefore even discuss - speaks volumes.

Please convince me otherwise - this council appears to be pro-bullying - both in their actions (which have been documented) and the current mayor and council are even too chicken to publicly discuss why.  Ignore and move on.

Pathetic. 

Prior related post of Tuesday, May 14, 2024, "And the Children Shall Lead". Perhaps the members of the YCITF should raise money to bring a Buddy Bench to Village Hall.

Here is the stated purpose of the resolution - can someone show me the controversy (other than it forces a much needed discussion of bullying):

WHEREAS, a worthy project of the Village’s Youth Community               
Involvement Task Force is to purchase and install Buddy Benches at
Village parks and property to provide safe places where individuals
can sit with and give comfort to persons being bullied; and,

WHEREAS, on its social media sites, the Village is soliciting
donations from the public, so that the Youth Task Force can purchase
and install a Buddy Bench at Village parks and property to accomplish
its anti-bullying project; and,

WHEREAS, the Village Council wishes to support the Youth
Task Force in its effort to combat bullying and provide safe spaces for
persons being bullied; and,

WHEREAS, the Village Council desires to donate the cost of
purchasing and installing one (1) Buddy Bench for fifteen hundred
dollars ($1500.00); and,

WHEREAS, the supplier is currently offering a “buy one, get one
free” bench for the purchase of one (1) Buddy Bench. 

SUGGESTION: If this mayor and council are so offended by putting up a mere $1,500; then they should apply the same frugality to all the giveaways, or better yet, reach into their own pockets and donate through their village salary, benefits and other perks that they continue to shower upon themselves. 

Note to anyone looking to view the (in) action on the meeting video - the specific item is (not)heard at 2:53:10

When will it end? The time has passed for far too many who have waited for the legislature to act on distracted driving

Heartbreaking.  Simply heartbreaking.  Nov 27, 2018, update: DAVIE, Fla. - The news is not getting any better.  As reported by Channel 10 news, Second victim dies after driver crashes into group of bicyclists in Davie, Driver cooperating with investigation, police say: Report that a second person has died after a driver crashed into a group of bicyclists Sunday in Davie, police confirmed Tuesday. Also see Miami Herald online, A second cyclist has died after being hit by a distracted driver during group ride
By David Neal

Carlos Rodriguez, 62, was identified as the latest victim to die from his injuries. Denise Marsh, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene. 

“Wife and mother killed when driver strikes 6 cyclists on Sunday morning group ride” – the headline of a Sunday article posted online Miami Herald, by David J. Neal.  Heartbreaking. No one has prematurely judged the driver – the journalist reported that “The driver said she was distracted, but doesn’t remember from what.”

I find it extremely troubling how so many people feel it is acceptable to drive while distracted. Most often the distractions are voluntary, created by the driver themselves. It is almost as if some drivers try to find something else to do to take up their travel time.Driving and texting is unacceptable. 

As a cyclist, a runner, as a person simply walking my dog through our neighborhood, I have had more than my fair share of close calls. 

I continue to be an active leader of Palmetto Bay, a community that has consistently pushed for strengthening the distracted driving laws. (CLICK HERE to view some of our efforts).

This is a matter of public safety, of preserving life. I don’t understand the reluctance. Innocent people are being permanently injured, worse yet, lives are being lost. 

I may be leaving elected office on December 5, but that will not silence me from continuing the efforts on this issue of great public safety. 

The time has long passed for the Florida Legislature to properly take this issue on and strengthen texting and driving Law currently on the books. 

How many more residents of this great State have to pay the price?

I want to thank past members of our Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board, particularly Mark Merwitzer, a Palmetto Bay resident, a founding member of our Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board, and past chair of our Youth Board. Mark is now a student at the University of Florida and is ready once again to lobby our Florida Legislature this coming year.

The Florida Legislature has pre-empted local governments on many issues, including anti-distracted legislation within their own jurisdictions (as they should as this is a State and a National problem, but preemption is a responsibility to act on our behalf).

We have called upon the Florida Legislature to hear the pleas and act numerous times! Let’s get Florida off the list of a mere 4 states(out of 50) which do not consider deadly distracted driving to be a primary offense.  It is up to the Florida Legislature – and our Governor – to enact a statewide law in order to keep our communities safe – everywhere – in public and private, in school and in parks AND on the roads.

Mark has been a contributor to my blog - one of my medias used to stay on the record and push out many issues of importance.  His latest post was last January - on, of course, the importance of ending distracted driving. Please follow the link (click on the headline) to view Mark's post of January 14, 2018, Guest Post - Mark Merwitzer - an advocate for safe roads - ending distracted driving.

Thank you Mark and fellow students for the work with Miami-Dade County and other municipalities. The Florida legislature has seen a massive push from numerous local governments across Florida.  Palmetto Bay has included the anti-distracted driving legislative annually.  We want lives saved.

How many more lives will it take before our legislature and governor act?

Eugene Flinn

MDC and SAS Students Demand Texting While Driving Ban - Wed., March 7, 2018

The students are speaking loudly, but will the members and leadership of the Florida Senate hear their pleas and act in time?

There are scant days to go before the end of the 2018 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature. Please join the effort - call or e-mail Florida Senate President Joe Negron (850) 487-5025 negron.joe@flsenate.gov and tell our State Leaders that SB 90 or HB 33 must be heard on the Senate Floor, passed and sent to the Governor.

It was my honor to join Mark Merwitzer and students from Miami Dade College’s (MDC) Wolfson Campus and the School for Advanced Studies (SAS) on Wednesday, March 7, to address the issue of teen roadway and driving safety, and demand the Florida Senate pass legislation to ban texting while driving in order to save lives.

This was a touching press conference that each member of the Florida Senate should watch and hear tragic real life experiences from loved ones who suffer daily due to the loss of a family member - included in this press conference were Debbie Wanninkhof, who spoke of her late son, Patrick, who tragically lost his life at the age of 25 at the hands of a cell phone distracted driver and from Delphia Samuels describe how she and her family have suffered form the loss of her (then) 12 year old brother E'arron James Haley.  Two lives, out of tens of thousands, who suffered preventable deaths due to distracted drivers.

The Florida House recently voted to pass legislation to make texting while driving a primary offense but the bill has met opposition in the Senate.  Event organizer Mark Merwitzer, is a Palmetto Bay resident and Miami-Dade County Public Schools senior at the SAS, a top high school in the U.S. with locations at five MDC campuses.  He has been advocating for the bill after seeing fellow teens and adults texting while driving.

I want to thank Mark Merwitzer, a Palmetto Bay resident, student of this outstanding school and a founding member of our Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board – Mark currently serves as chair of our Youth Board.

I also must thank all the students who work so hard on this and other issues that so PROFOUNDLY impact the lives of our youth. The Florida Legislature has pre-empted local governments on many issues, including anti-distracted legislation within their own jurisdictions. We therefore call upon the Florida Legislature to hear the pleas and act – let’s get Florida off the list of a mere 4 state (out of 50) which do not consider deadly distracted driving to be a primary offense.  It is up to the Florida Legislature – and our Governor – to enact a statewide law in order to keep our communities safe – everywhere – in public and private, in school and in parks AND on the roads.

Mark has been a contributor to my blog - one of my medias used to stay on the record and push out many issues of importance.  His latest post was last January - on, of course, the importance of ending distracted driving.  This was the 6th appearance for Mark on this blog, all related to his public service and advocacy, including how to navigate a traffic circle as well as fighting against distracted driving: Oct. 25, 2017, Driven (without distractions). YCIB Member Mark Merwitzer testifies before Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee and Aug. 14, 2017: Traffic Circle Safety - Please take the time to view this creative video by Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler & Justin Merwitzer. Edited and produced through the talents of "Miami Hal" Feldman.

Thank you Mark and fellow students for the work with Miami-Dade County and other municipalities. The Florida legislature has seen a massive push from numerous local governments across Florida.  Palmetto Bay has included the anti-distracted driving legislative annually.  We want lives saved.

Guest Post - Mark Merwitzer - an advocate for safe roads - ending distracted driving

The following is another in a ongoing series of guest posts. Student Mark Merwitzer will not be distracted from his mission to save lives through advocating for increasing the safety of those on or near the roadways. Once again, Mark reports of his efforts in Tallahassee.  This is the 6th appearance for Mark on this blog (CLICK HERE) to view all prior posts, all related to his public service and advocacy, including how to navigate a traffic circle as well as fighting against distracted driving: Oct. 25, 2017, Driven (without distractions). YCIB Member Mark Merwitzer testifies before Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee and Aug. 14, 2017: Traffic Circle Safety - Please take the time to view this creative video by Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler & Justin Merwitzer. Edited and produced through the talents of "Miami Hal" Feldman.

From Mark:

My name is Mark Merwitzer. I am a 17-year-old high school student who attends School for Advanced Studies - Wolfson. I am also the chairman of the Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board. For the last 18 months, I have been working very diligently with local and state legislators to make texting while driving a primary offense in the state of Florida.

To push for this primary ban I have been working extremely closely with Miami-Dade County and other municipalities. By pushing them to pass urgings and hire lobbyist to support this initiative, the Florida legislature has seen a massive push from numerous local governments across Florida. Their voices are strongly considered as they contribute a tremendous amount to the state tax pool.

Debbie Wanninkhof / Mark Merwitzer

With the support of Miami-Dade County and Palmetto Bay, I traveled to Tallahassee with Debbie Wanninkhof.  Debbie and Rik Wanninkhof’s son Patrick died at the age of 25 at the hands of a cell phone distracted driver. He was a son, a brother, a teacher, a musician, a friend and an incredible human being. Patrick got on his bicycle in June of 2015 to ride for and to build affordable housing for those who needed it most. On July 30, 2015, he was killed by a woman who was distracted by her phone while driving. Yet Debbie and Rik turned their grief into something extraordinary. They went up to Tallahassee with me and shared their story with many Representatives and the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee.

With the Wanninkhofs, I had the privilege of testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee in support of House Bill 33. House Bill 33 makes texting while driving a primary offense, which gives police officers the ability to pull over and issue citations to drivers who are texting behind the wheel. I have also been pushing Senate Bill 90, the Senate companion bill to House Bill 33, in the Senate Transportation Committee. The bill passed unanimously in both committees.

Rep. Kionne McGhee

In addition to the bill unanimously passing both committees, I had the privilege of meeting with House Minority Leader Designee Kionne McGhee (rhyme not intended). I am very appreciative to have his support and co-sponsorship of House Bill 33. Having the support of democratic leadership further solidifies the bi-partisanship of the bill.

Sen. Annette Taddeo

I also had the honor of meeting the newly elected Senator Annette Taddeo. Senator Taddeo turned the district blue and defeated Jose Felix Diaz (R) after the resignation of Senator Artiles. She sits on the Senate Transportation Committee and is a co-sponsor Senate Bill 90. I am very grateful to have her support.

Sen. Bill Galvano

The Senate Transportation Committee also has Senate President Designee Bill Galvano on it. He voted in support of the texting while driving ban. I am extremely thankful for his vote, as it shows that Senate Leadership is in support of making our roads safer.

If you would like to get involved with the texting while driving bill, please call your State Representative and voice your support for the bill. Additionally, if you can call Representatives that sit on the House Judiciary Committee, which is the next committee of reference, that would also be appreciated. I have linked the House Judiciary Committee and the find your Representative website for your convenience. Thank you very much in advance for your support. Welcome to the team!

House Judiciary: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Committees/committeesdetail.aspx?CommitteeId=2919
Find Your Representative:

https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx

NOTE: Palmetto Bay is a supporter of traffic safety.  CLICK HERE to view a past Palmetto Bay e-currents (Oct. 2009) explaining past efforts from the original Palmetto Bay council on making our roadways safer for everyone, especially our students. Safe streets have been important from the very first Palmetto Bay council. This is an effort that requires continued vigilance and work to see an idea pass, not just paying lip service. It also takes a Village and Mark Merwitzer has been doing much of the heavy lifting these past few years. Subsequent councils (including this current council) have continued to efforts in regard to making our roads safer. - Thank you to Mark Merwitzer and others like him who are committed to making our communities safer!

(Video below - Mark Merwitzer testifying before the Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee in Tallahassee on January 9, 2018. A unanimous vote helped move the bill on to the next step.)

Driven (without distractions). YCIB Member Mark Merwitzer testifies before Senate Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee

We are very proud of one of Palmetto Bay's favorite sons - Mark Merwitzer.  Mark is one of the founding members of Palmetto Bay's Youth Community Involvement Board.  He testified before the Florida State Senate - Communications, Energy and Public Utilities Committee, on Tuesday, October 24, 2017.  

This is not his first time advocating on this issue.  Young Mr. Merwitzer will not be distracted from his mission to save lives and up the protection of those on or near the roadways, to be safe from distracted drivers.

Marks report from Tallahassee (10/24/17): 

Had a fantastic trip to Tallahassee today. To my left if Senator Perry, the sponsor of SB 90, the bill to make texting while driving primary offense. Today it was heard in the Senate Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee. I gave my testimony, along with countless amounts of parents who have lost loved ones to distracted driving. Their testimony was remarkable and touching. The bill passed 7-1. 

1 down 3 to go!

CLICK HERE  (and scroll down once there) to view prior posts and links to other media coverage relating to Mark Merwitzer's efforts to make our roadways safer.

Traffic Circle Safety - Please take the time to view this creative video by Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler & Justin Merwitzer. Edited and produced through the talents of "Miami Hal" Feldman.

Our Palmetto Bay youth stepped up and prepared this outstanding video.  

This is outstanding work by Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler & Justin Merwitzer. 

Edited and produced through the talents of "Miami Hal" Feldman. 

Drive safe Palmetto Bay.

Here are some stills from the effort, filmed Sunday, 8/13/2017:

 

Oh my! Palmetto Bay's Youth Community Involvement Board (YCIB) is discussing "Do It In The Back Seat" - please see what our youth want to do!

Now that I have your attention - Our youth are concerned about life safety.  First about texting while driving and now about keeping people safe by promoting use of seat belts by back seat passengers.  "Do It In The Back Seat!".  So concerned that our Youth Council discussed it at the CYIB meeting held on Saturday, February 11, 2017.  Columbus HS Student and founder Jake Reis made his presentation to our YCIB.  

Check out "Do It In The Back Seat!" 

CYIB meeting Sat. 2/11/17. "Do It In the Back Seat!" Founder Jake Reis, center (in white)

 

 Another Great meeting of our youth board.  They worked on participating in the 2017 Relay for Life event as well, pending legislative action promoted by our YCIB, pending projects and their annual committee report.

Help the cause - Youth Board and Mark Merwitzer - working to ban Texting While Driving

Safe driving - no to distracted driving - save a life.

Please take 30 seconds to sign Mark Merwitzer's petition asking the Florida Legislature to ban texting while driving. Sharing the petition will go a long way in making Florida roads a safer place for everyone. Click on the link below:
Make Texting While Driving a Primary Offense in Florida.

Our Palmetto Bay Youth Board is hard at work to bring about positive change in our community.

Also see related post of September 17, 2016: The Village of Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board - Sat 9/17/16 update - Important discussion on safety legislation - combating distracted driving. The Youth Board met with State Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. 

The Village of Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board - Sat 9/17/16 update

Important discussion on safety legislation - combating distracted driving.

The Village of Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board  met on Saturday, September 17, 2016.  Mark Merwitzer is bringing forward an initiative with support from the entire Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board.   Speakers included our State Senator, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. 

This is an outstanding group taking on important issues and service to our community.  Thank you to our board members for their civic participation.

Discussion on Able Bodies - dance and beyond and working with those with different abilities.

Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board w/Sen Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava

 

Reflections on the 2016 Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay Relay for Life. Thank you ACS, participants, volunteers, Village and our YCIB

Alexandra and I had the honor to participate in the 2016 Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay Relay for life on Saturday, April 2nd. This year was particularly exciting for me as this marked the first year of participation for Palmetto Bay's first youth board, officially known as the "Youth Community Involvement Board" (YCIB). I have taken the liberty of posting various photographs taken throughout this day long event. 

 

First of all: Congratulations to the Palmetto Bay YCIB's "Team Toby Keith" at our Relay for Life.  You all worked hard and were very successful in raising money.  Your booth was outstanding.  Each of you worked hard and took on significant responsibility to make this event a success.

I am so proud of all of you:  Agnes Bartha, Tatum Rivera, Patrick Barber, Jacob Dewitt, Jacob Tisthammer, Katie Signori, Charles Noguera, Alexander Santana, Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler, and Valentina Maldonado.

Below: The event itself started at noon, kicking off with a Welcome Ceremony and the team lap.  It was great to see all of the different groups represented on the track, especially all of the school groups. Everyone then took their turns walking the relay while bands and other groups performed for the crowds.

 Photos above from Team Toby Keith on the team walk!

The Team booth looked great - drinks and popcorn were sold to raise money for the cause. Council member Tin Schaffer (below left) was available to assist in the heavy lifting.

 

 Below - YCIB member - parents including Lynn Signori and Heather Rivera.  Also Pictured Coral Reef Elementary PTA President Erica Watts (above left) and Alexandra Flinn (below right, far right).

Pinecrest (above left) and Cutler Bay (below) were well represented as were Howard Drive Elementary, with a booth (manned the entire event by their Principal) and Coral Reef Elementary including performances by their JV & Varsity Cheerleaders.   

Team Cutler Bay - above

CRE Cheerleaders performing and their family members capturing the moments - family time!
Below - photos with Howard Drive Elementary Principal Deanna D. Dalby - below right with Palmetto Bat Parks Director Fanny Carmona

The most toughing moment came at 8 PM with the luminaria ceremony.  It is a humbling experience to read all of the names and messages surrounding the track.  Alexandra and I dedicated luminaria in honor of both our fathers, Rebecca Ribler, & Ofc Randy DiStefano. Seeing all of those individuals candles is always very moving for me.  As the American Cancer Society says, every candle has a name.  Thinking about all of the those families that have been affected by cancer in some way is just incredibly humbling.  

It’s such a powerful reminder of why everyone is out there doing, working so hard to make a difference. YCIB member Jackson Ribler gave a moving tribute to his mother, Rebecca, who lost her battle with cancer coming up on one year this month.  I had the honor of knowing as well as working for and with his mother Rebecca Ribler.  Her husband Larry is pictured below, lighting a luminaria with son Jackson.

The photo above right does not do the justice to Jackson's tribute to his mother.  If anyone has a better photo, please send it to me.  Thank you Jackson for sharing what this event meant to you; how much you mother meant and thank you YCIB members for your support for Jackson. 

Rebecca, Larry and Jackson Ribler.  Photo from the Council installation, December 1, 2014. We all miss you Rebecca. RIP.