South Dade Updates

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Recognizing the birthday of President Abraham Lincoln, February 12

“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.”
Abraham Lincoln

Great reading - National Review online: Abraham Lincoln, Epitome of Political Civility, by JEREMY J. LLOYD, February 12, 2020

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Lawsuit? What lawsuit? Palmetto Bay is now a bit player in future decisions to be made regarding traffic solutions along SW 87th Avenue and surrounding areas.

We will all look back at Monday, February 10, 2020, as the day that the County took control over decisions on what happens to traffic moving within Palmetto Bay. But it gets worse. The decisions are not to be made just by Miami-Dade County, but in consultation with outside elected officials from the surrounding communities of Homestead, Cutler Bay and Pinecrest. Mayors from the listed municipalities met with Miami-Dade County Mayor Gimenez - downtown at County Hall on Monday, February 10, 2020, to discuss what needed traffic solutions along SW 87th Avenue and surrounding areas should be applied within Palmetto Bay.

There is no doubt. Mayor Gimenez advised that the County is stepping in and undertaking a traffic study to address what will be the most effective solutions for the area. These solutions will then be applied. Done and done. This radical new format effectively removes Palmetto Bay as decision maker as the decisions will be controlled by Miami-Dade County, in consultation with officials representing Homestead, Cutler Bay and Pinecrest.

I wonder how much input Palmetto Bay will be given to needed traffic solutions / issues in unincorporated Miami-Dade, Homestead, Cutler Bay and Pinecrest. Anyone? ... Anyone?

Fair question: How is that Palmetto Bay lawsuit and petty saber rattling working out right now for the current Palmetto Bay elected leaders?

Not well. Palmetto Bay has now lost most, if not all of it's relevance, as now Palmetto Bay will merely be included in the discussion led by Miami-Dade County along with the neighboring communities of Homestead, Cutler Bay and Pinecrest. From leader and decision maker to merely a participant, if not even a mere spectator.

Go ahead and say it Mayor Cunningham and members of the Council (the community is now well-aware, even if you still won't admit it) - you are no longer masters of your own domain!

Obviously, Miami-Dade County is now stepping in to fill the void in leadership here in Palmetto Bay that has seen the following crisis of indecision and reversal of traffic program that began to unravel as of December 5, 2018. I brought this crisis to readers back on October 25, 2019, when I raised the fair question as to how the current Mayor and council overstepped their authority in reaching a formal agreement with Miami-Dade County, through the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) without bringing the proposal back to the residents. It is a fair question as others have wondered whether this lawsuit is an abject 'abdication of responsibility' of the responsibility of their elected office as spelled out in the Village Charter for Mayor Cunningham and the entire Village Council to maintain civility, communication and advocate for Palmetto Bay with Miami-Dade County.

Failure to keep promises, backing out of a traffic circle for SW 87th Avenue at SW 144th, failure to follow through on the traffic programs for Farmer Road, Malbrook, Old Cutler Road, including the neighborhood off SW 156th, East of Old Cutler Road to 77th Avenue.

TRAFFIC RELIEF PLANS REMAIN ON HOLD: Planned traffic relief set for implementation in early 2019 has come to a screeching halt – Malbrook, 152/77th Area, Old Cutler Road (south of 168th), Farmers Road/Old Cutler North, bike lanes for SW 136 Street (morphing to an enlarged sidewalk solely borne by Palmetto Bay residents), as well as the right turn lane on Ludlum, turning right onto eastbound Old Cutler Road – all currently off the rails. See October 17, 2018, Update on Palmetto Bay Traffic Projects - and further updates will be posted as available

Where is the follow up on the right turn lane worked out with Miami-Dade County on Ludlum Road at the intersection with Old Cutler Road/136 Street (and don't get me started on how the bike lanes for SW 136th Street became a 8-10 foot play path limited to the Palmetto Bay side of SW 136th Street - See: October 30, 2019, Pinecrest Wins, Palmetto Bay loses.) What about the overall Marlin Engineering traffic plan approved in 2016?

The tool box on this issue - prior relevant posts:

Video of the Day - on the lighter side - Palmetto Bay's @Quincy_Aussie on Channel 6 weather

Certified most accurate - sleeping with one eye open

Have a great day!

@quincy_aussie

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Property analysis - the tool box - trend of development report prepared by the firm of Calvin, Giordano & Associates

Information relevant to the Luxcom Bert J Harris Act claim (part of a series).

The Village of Palmetto Bay retained the firm of Calvin, Giordano & Associates (CGA) to review the development potential and determine a “Trend of Development” on approximately 69 acres of the overall 81.91-acre site which was the former site of the Cutler FPL power plant owned by FP&L.

This firm of (CGA) is part of a list of pre-approved qualified firms eligible to provided engineering and transportation planning services to Palmetto Bay (Palmetto Bay Resolution 2013-40, approved 5/6/2013, as well as resolution 2014-34, approved 4/7/2014).

The goal of the Trend of Development analysis is to provide clarity regarding which uses predominate in order to create land use and development patterns on the site that are compatible with the surrounding area.

CLICK HERE to view the actual trend of development report (14 pages including site photos)

This is a document which provides some historical background of this property - Interesting reading for those who, like me, enjoy reading historical background. See section 3 Site History, beginning page 3 (pages 3 & 4 of this 14 page document).

3. Site History
The site subject to the Trend of Development study was settled by William C. Cutler in the 1910’s and was used as a plantation estate for many years.

On September 15, 1947, the Dade County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), via Resolution 2615, approved a request for a special permit to develop the site as a power plant facility.

On February 27, 1951, the Dade County BOCC, via Resolution 4177, approved a request for a special permit to allow the installation of an additional 75,000 kilowatt generating unit.

On June 24, 1952, the Dade County BOCC, via Resolution 5099, approved a request for a special permit to allow a recreation and meeting room for employees and their families and headquarters meeting room and lounge for plant visitors.

On March 24, 1953, the Dade County BOCC, via Resolution 5779, approved a request for a special permit to allow the installation of an additional 75,000 kilowatt generating unit.

On December 29, 1953, the Dade County BOCC, via Resolution 6582, approved an expansion of the uses at the location.

On December 18, 1963, the Dade County BOCC, via Resolution 2-ZAB-683-63, approved a permit to allow the expansion of the existing plant by the addition of two 425,000 kilowatt generating units and all accessory equipment and facilities.

On July 12, 1994, the Dade County BOCC, via Resolution 5-ZAB-248-94, approved a request for a special use permit to allow the installation of a monopole cell tower.

In November 2012, the property ceased its power generation activities and the power generating plant was demolished by FP&L on August 10, 2013. The site now only serves as a substation for the distribution of power produced at FP&L’s Turkey Point Facility.

On May 6, 2014, the Miami-Dade County BOCC issued Resolution No. R-439-14 determining that the Cutler Ridge Electric Power Generating Plant site was no longer in use, nor would it be used in the future, for an electrical generating facility of county-wide significance. Through this determination, and via the above referenced resolution, the County relinquished its prior regulatory authority over the site to the Village of Palmetto Bay.

Without the power generating plant, FP&L no longer needs to retain all 82 acres of the site.
FP&L’s plat application, filed on November 13, 2014, sought to separate approximately 13.4 acres from the site which they intend to retain for the purpose of operating the existing power distribution substation.

Page 9 & 10 - 4.e Surrounding Uses

Different sections of the site are bound by:

a) residential development of varying styles and densities to the north, southeast and southwest;

b) the northern edge of the Deering Estate North Addition Preserve to the south;

c) school facilities to the west; and

d) water channels connecting to the Cutler Channel and Biscayne Bay.

The surrounding residential uses include:

• To the north, King’s Bay Subdivision, an established 68-acre gated subdivision located within the boundaries of the City of Coral Gables. This subdivision contains 150 dwelling units (du’s) at an average density of 2.5 du/acre.This neighborhood was annexed into the City of Coral Gables in 2003. Single-loaded homes lining the southern edge of the subdivision back onto the FP&L site.

• To the southwest, Royal Palm Estates, a subdivision of approximately 22 lots within the Village of Palmetto Bay, that is surrounded on three sides by the properties that constitute the Miami Dade County-owned Deering Estate. Some of the estates are large, but the average density in this subdivision is approximately 2.5 du/acre.

• To the southeast, Paradise Point, a gated subdivision within the Village of Palmetto Bay, consisting of 12 single family homes, approximately 100 townhouses, and amenities including a marina. The average density in this neighborhood is 9 du/acre.

BLOG EDITOR'S NOTE: NO CONCLUSION - YET. No conclusion is provided here as there is not one to make at the present time. This information is being provided due to the fact that Palmetto Bay is not putting out this important information. Everyone should read the entirety of information provided to understand this issue. To better understand this information is to be better prepared to defend the Village Council's actions in court.

The Village's position will be much more difficult to defend if it is cast as a political decision in response to political pressure rather than a decision based upon a deliberate process that properly take all past, present and future concerns into account, relying upon these professional tools.

The defensible data is out there. It is up to the Village Council to provide responsible and competent leadership, allowing staff and village council to do its job without political interference.

Friday, February 7, 2020

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.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Palmetto Bay legislative appropriations requests - Appropriations Project Request - Fiscal Year 2020-21

Two main requests are active in the Florida House of Representatives at the present time: HB 3461 - Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 61 Construction (“water money”) and HB 3979 - Palmetto Bay Multimodal Transit Station (“the parking garage for downtown/municipal center). I did not see any appropriation bills currently pending for monies for the parks, including master plan changes, or for any green - sustainability issues (planning or implementation money). There are other sources of funding and that will be explained in later posts.

For now, here is an update on the appropriation requests made by the current Mayor and Village Council (information taken from the official Florida House Of Representatives sources):

HB 3461 - Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 61 Construction

1. Title of Project: Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 61 Construction

2. Date of Submission: 11/13/2019

3. House Member Sponsor: Vance Aloupis

$ 847,772: Total dollars initially priced for the project/appropriation broken down as follows:

Amount Requested from the State in this Appropriations Project Request: $678,218

Local Match (Palmetto Bay's contribution): $169,554

What is the specific purpose or goal that will be achieved by the funds being requested?

Palmetto Bay is requesting funding for the construction and construction support for stormwater improvements to its sub-basin #61. Improvements include building additional catch basins, manholes, culverts & exfiltration to connect the catch basins within sub-basin #61. Improvements will reduce pollutant load contribution from 3 main pollutants from the sub-basin into Biscayne Bay Aquifer, control flooding during storms; such as Hurricane Irma, and improve surface water quality.

CLICK for bill details: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=67922

HB 3979 - Palmetto Bay Multimodal Transit Station

1. Title of Project: Palmetto Bay Multimodal Transit Station

2. Date of Submission: 11/15/2019

3. House Member Sponsor: Javier Fernandez

Members Copied: Vance Aloupis

$ 3,245,900: Total dollars initially priced for the project/appropriation broken down as follows:

Amount Requested from the State in this Appropriations Project Request: $ 1,300,000

Local Match (Palmetto Bay's contribution): $ 1,945,900

What is the specific purpose or goal that will be achieved by the funds being requested?

To build a multimodal station as a regional park and ride for county transit services. The park & ride will provide parking to support Miami-Dade County's Bus Rapid Transit system recently authorized on the County's neighboring Transitway. The BRT system will transport residents from as far south as Homestead to the South Dadeland Metrorail Station. The transitway currently lacks sufficient parking to support the commuter ridership. The park & ride will provide 500 parking spaces.

CLICK for bill details: https://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=68242

Bill in the Florida Senate:

SB 2500 - Appropriations

General Bill by Appropriations

Appropriations: Providing moneys for the annual period beginning July 1, 2020, and ending June 30, 2021, and supplemental appropriations for the period ending June 30, 2020, to pay salaries, and other expenses, capital outlay - buildings, and other improvements, and for other specified purposes of the various agencies of state government, etc.

Effective Date: Except as otherwise provided herein, this act shall take effect July 1, 2020, or upon becoming law, whichever occurs later; however, if this act becomes law after July 1, 2020, then it shall operate retroactively to July 1, 2020

See: https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/2500/ByVersion

What are the legislative goals set by the current mayor and village council for the 2020 legislative session?

The Village Council passed resolution no. 2019-121, through a unanimous 5-0 vote on September 23rd, 2019, setting the following priorities for funding, which included:

A. Supporting legislation that provides funding for traffic calming projects and public transit improvements and extensions for Miami-Dade County;

B. Requesting funding for South Florida Water Management District specifically for canal bank restoration to address the critical erosion needs in the Village of Palmetto Bay;

C. Maximizing all available appropriation and funding opportunities to implement storm water and other needed infrastructure projects throughout the Village;

D. Supporting any legislation and requesting funding assistance and partnership opportunities that support the age friendly city initiatives and the development of unique opportunities for individuals with special needs;

E. Support any legislation requesting funding assistance and partnership opportunities for projects that enhance mobility and create a network of interconnected lanes in support of bicycle and pedestrian activity within the Village;

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

Compare / contrast the present status of the Palmetto Bay appropriation requests (2019):

$ 1,790,800 Total money requested from the legislature limited for 3 projects, broken down as follows:
$ 745,900 Multimodal center – location undisclosed (23% of the total estimated cost)
$ 745,900 Enviro Center to be constructed at Coral Reef Park
$ 299,000 Drainage for sub basin 61 (50% match from Village)

$ 1,790,800 Total money requested from the legislature to cover:
$ 6,089,800 total cost of these proposed projects to the residents of Palmetto Bay.

CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to Tallahassee travel and legislative asks, including:

April 26, 2019, Transparency - is the Palmetto Bay Council placing the cart before the horse or is the fix in on the multimodal? and,

August 27, 2019, Success in Tallahassee leads to success for the Deering Estate - great work

Coming soon - additional updates and fair questions.

Monday, February 3, 2020

Palmetto Bay's Citizens' Bill of Rights - protects residents from unresponsive officials, including omission of significant facts in responses

I wonder if the current Mayor and council are aware of the requirements of the Citizens Bill of Rights in the Palmetto Bay Charter, including:

CITIZENS' BILL OF RIGHTS (CLICK HERE) to view the full Charter section for the "Citizens' Bill of Rights" online.

(A) This government has been created to protect the governed, not the governing. In order to provide the public with full and accurate information, to promote efficient administration management, to make government more accountable, and to insure to all persons fair and equitable treatment, the following rights are guaranteed:

*** *** ***

(2) Truth in Government. No municipal official or employee shall knowingly furnish false information on any public matter, nor knowingly omit significant facts when giving requested information to members of the public.

(3)Public Records. All audits, reports, minutes, documents and other public records of the Village and its boards, agencies, departments and authorities shall be open for inspection at reasonable times and places convenient to the public.

(4) Minutes and Ordinance Register. The Village Clerk shall maintain and make available for public inspection an ordinance register separate from the minutes showing the votes of each member on all ordinances and resolutions listed by descriptive title. Written minutes of all meetings and the ordinance register shall be available for public inspection not later than 30 days after the conclusion of the meeting.

*** *** *** ***

(Emphasis in BOLDFACE added)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Keep this in mind as events unfold.

Friday, January 31, 2020

Traffic calming - public works - leadership. What is happening with that lawsuit so critical to address an “emergency…”? Nothing, absolutely nothing.

Rumor has it (actually, well-placed sources that are honest) that there is a deal pending that this suit will be ‘dropped’ (dismissed) in exchange for Miami-Dade County funding and installing the traffic circle at the intersection of SW 87th Avenue and SW 174th Street. This 'rumor' has neither been admitted nor denied by Village Council. It just sits there - like the stalled traffic mitigation programs in the pipeline in 2018 (CLICK HERE to view October 17, 2018, Update on Palmetto Bay Traffic Projects - and further updates will be posted as available - under a different mayor and council and, therefore, different priorities.

Back to the lawsuit. What is up with the lawsuit to protect public safety at 87 & 174? Neither the facts, nor the law are on the side of Palmetto Bay, yet it is strange that this is not being discussed publicly; that the allegations of the alleged deal were conspicuously not addressed at the Special Council Meeting held on Thursday, January 23, 2020. Item 3 of this meeting (III) was "A traffic circle on SW 87th Avenue and SW 174th Street.” The can keeps getting kicked down the road and, what, another ninety (90) days has been requested by the Village. Really? What for? The Village dodged a bullet of a prior January 17 removal date thanks to grassroots resident action (the ‘in spite of the elected officials’ result). See January 13, 2020, Palmetto Bay - salvage what you can before the door actually closes on the traffic circle for 174 and 87th Avenue

Will Palmetto Bay officials accept the inevitable on the traffic circle or, if not, why does it take 90 more days to simply say no to the county and move on the lawsuit? Is there another plan other than delay, delay, delay?

Experience matters as does maturity. It is time for Palmetto Bay to move forward on the traffic circle – and this should be done before the 4-way stop signs are removed and the “do not block the box (intersection)" paint is placed on 87th avenue.

What has been accomplished to date? Nothing – there has been no action on the lawsuit which sits dormant to date.

Screen shot of official court docket -
Palmetto Bay v Miami-Dade County as of 3:00 PM, Friday, 1/31/2020

Why must this important item of traffic safety proceed behind the scenes? How are the various members of the Village Council being advised/included without violating Florida’s Sunshine Law?

It is beginning to look more and more like there is deliberate foot dragging (if not actual hiding under the bed to avoid responsibility) calculated to make the county take unilateral action; just as the county did after the current Palmetto Bay Village Council denied the traffic circle at SW 87th Avenue and SW 144th street which forced Miami-Dade County to step in and unilaterally install the 4 way stop signs.

This is all most irregular – no action, little communication, no leadership. Miami-Dade County removed a 4 way stop at SW 82nd Avenue and SW 148th Street in Mangowood in 2016 (which did lead to significant Village council uproar, but under a prior Mayor and Council). Things have certainly changed under this current mayor and council:

Miami-Dade County installed a 4 way stop at SW 87th Avenue and SW 174th Street– that it now wants to remove in favor of a fully funded and installed traffic circle.
Miami-Dade County has installed, apparently as a permanent solution, the aforementioned four way stop at SW 87th Avenue at SW 144th street (mere blocks from where the Mangowood signs were removed - the irony!)

All this without a peep, and with no comment by the current mayor or other village elected officials.

There is no action (resolutions or other foreshadowing of discussion) relating to any of these areas listed on the official village agenda for the February village council meeting for Monday, February 3, 2020 (CLICK HERE to view the agenda as it was posted as of Friday, January 31, 2020).

It is all beginning to look like the current mayor and council continue to abdicate their responsibilities in order to simply throw shade and point fingers, all the while waiting on Miami-Dade County to tire of the endless delays and take action without them, thereby allowing Palmetto Bay officials to maintain plausible deniability and blame others – in this case Miami-Dade County.

The tool box on this issue - prior relevant posts:

2020 Biscayne - Everglades Greenway ride(s) - Calling all gravelers! Save the date - detailed information and links provided

Save the date - a different kind of rides for those who prefer not to ride on the road:

NOTE: Biscayne-Everglades Greenway Ride is a FAT Tire Event.

This ride offers 3 distances to choose from: 42, 22, & 14 miles and is brought to you FREE of charge by Everglades Bicycle Club (EBC), Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Green Mobility Network & Bike305.

Parking for this event is at the EAST GATE of the Homestead Sports Complex.

All rides are Free!
Helmets are required
Fat Tire Bikes or Hybrids (no road bikes)

---Registration is ONSITE ONLY from 8:00am-8:45am
---Mandatory Pre Ride Tutorials 8:45am
---Pedals Up for all rides 9:00am

All rides will have a Ride Leader.
Route maps will be distributed at the event.
Please bring spare tubes, c02 cartridges and hydration.

Any questions contact the event chairs:
Tom Burton tb44@comcast.net 786-229-1001
Eric Tullberg e341@bellsouth.net

More info if available by clicking either of the following two (2) links:

CLICK HERE for the EBC Facebook event

CLICK HERE for the EBC website info page

#RideEBC #EvergladesBC #EBCRides #Bike305 #EBCTrailRides

Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Video of the Day - the sounds of morning in Palmetto Bay. Birds are singing and squirrels are barking

Most people don't recognize the sound of a barking squirrel - or the sound of an owl in their backyard. Good morning Palmetto Bay - It’s morning and the morning air is filled with the sounds of songbirds - and squirrels barking out their morning announcements. I think the squirrels are getting impatient waiting on the 2020 mango crop.

Monday, January 27, 2020

Fact Checking the Palmetto Bay Village Center issue. Facts, not conjured up rumors and outright lies.

A repeat of a prior post of:

October 20, 2018

The facts about the Palmetto Bay Village Center. Its not 485, its never been 485.

We hold the cards. My opponent and her team either do not get it about the 22 acres or they have no qualms about deliberately spreading misinformation.

It could not be any simpler: The developer must transfer the 22 acres to the village as a condition to any change in developmental rights at the Palmetto Bay Village Center.

Not transferring the 22 acres means that that the developer has no right to 85 units, granted or reduced.

Not transferring the 22 acres to the village means that that the developer's rights remain as existed since 2008: 300 senior units, 100 town homes.

There has never been and never will be 485- based upon the traffic chokeholds that we placed in the ordinance we passed 3-2 in 2016. We are in some serious negotiations, and those negotiations are delicate. The negotiations require that politics be put aside and we speak in a unified voice.

So far these negotiations are playing out as expected at the Monday, Oct. 15, hearing as the PBVC owners:

Objected to this ordinance, also alleging the timing is premature.
Threatened to not deed over the 22 acres (actually 40 acres) unless they get their way.

Strong leadership stands up to threats. We countered with the fact that the PBVC loses all of their rights of the 2016 ordinance if they walk away, reverting back to the 2008 rights. The owners of the PBVC don't want this.

Here are some of the concessions I achieved Monday night (October 15, 2018):

The owners admitted that the final number will not be "485".
The representative for the PBVC mentioned that negotiations are ongoing for 200 -- half of the units -- to be Senior housing units. That's a HUGE offer in regard to traffic reduction.

The Village Manager and our Village Attorney will now enter into negotiations that should result in a significant reduction of the overall impact of this property AND obtain endangered Pine Rocklands.

None of the above would have happened if Councilman Singer had not brought this ordinance forward. None of this will happen, or our final results will be reduced if we don't stand together.

Being mayor is a special responsibility that I take very seriously. I have to continue to work hard and represent the best interest of the Village. Contrast this with a candidate and her supporters who undermine the process for there own political gain.

ALSO SEE:

March 20, 2018

Meeting report - Monday, March 19, 2018 - a victory for controlled development

"CCOC" continues to throw blame, but I know of no instance where CCOC has stood with residents to oppose the development of the 22 acres at the Palmetto Bay Village Center. Please review the following opinion posted back in October 2014 concerning (Then) Mayor Shelley Stanczyk's attempt to zone the 22 acres for development. See: Mayor Stanczyk: Using the promise of a fire station as bait to develop protected native areas. By: Grant Miller October 13, 2014

Palmetto Bay residents have reason to keep a close eye on Mayor Stanczyk, who has recently demonstrated that she is willing to sponsor removal of a protective covenant in the name of unrestrictive development. Homeowners used to feel secure in zoning decisions when a covenant was put in place to protect them well into the future. I believe I recently read something on the Eye on Miami blog where it was stated “There ought to be a law. Oops, there is and Mayor Shelley Stanczyk of Palmetto Bay thinks there is a creative way around it. That’s what our lawmakers do: dodge the laws.”

Click on the headline above (or CLICK HERE) to view the entire op ed article.

Yet, I cannot recall a single peep from anyone from CCOC on this effort at destroying 22 acres of Pineland that should be preserved.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Python update. SFWMD announcement: Participants in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl removed 80 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while simultaneously helping to raise awareness about this important conservation issue

Pythons are just one of the numerous threats that impacts the Palmetto Bay / Cutler Bay area along with South Florida / the Everglades. Pythons and other invasive non-native constrictors have been killed and captured here in Palmetto Bay. (CLICK HERE) to view some of these prior posts. This is my 31st post regarding Invasive Species.

The results are in for the 2020 Python Bowl!

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) put out a News Release on Jan. 25, 2020, providing an update that 80 pythons submitted during the 2020 Python Bowl! Noting that the "Competition to remove invasive pythons from Florida’s Everglades is a big success."

Click the link above (or CLICK HERE) to view this full release.

Participants in the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl removed 80 invasive Burmese pythons from the Everglades while simultaneously helping to raise awareness about this important conservation issue. Today the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the South Florida Water Management District announced the results and winners of the Python Removal Competition at the 2020 Python Bowl award ceremony at the Super Bowl Live event in Miami.

Here are the official Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl results:Most Pythons

Pro grand prize winner Mike Kimmel won a TRACKER 570 Off Road ATV for removing eight pythons.

Rookie grand prize winner Kristian Hernandez won a TRACKER 570 Off Road ATV for removing six pythons.

Pro second prize winner Lindsey Floyd won $750 for removing six pythons.

Rookie second prize winner Ethan O’Neil won $750 for removing four pythons.

Active service member or veteran winner Barry Offenburger (U.S. Army) won $1,000 for removing three pythons.

Longest Python

Pro grand prize winner Tom Rahill won $2,000 for a 12-foot, 7.3-inch

Rookie grand prize winner Kristian Hernandez won $2,000 for an 11-foot, 6.5-inch python.

Pro second prize winner Amy Siewe won $750 for a 10-foot, 7-inch python.

Rookie second prize winner Dave Mucci won $750 for an 11-foot, .08-inch python.

Active service member or veteran winner Dave Mucci (U.S. Air Force) won $1,000 for an 11-foot, .08-inch python.

Heaviest Python

Pro grand prize winner Tom Rahill won $2,000 for a 62-pound python.

Rookie grand prize winner Dave Mucci won $2,000 for a 49.4-pound python.

Pro second prize winner Dustin Crum won $750 for a 9-pound python.

Rookie second prize winner Kristian Hernandez won $750 for a 1-pound python.

Active service member or veteran winner Dave Mucci (U.S. Air Force) won $1,000 for a 49.4-pound python.

More than 750 people from 20 states registered to take part in the 10-day competition to remove Burmese pythons, which are decimating native wildlife populations in the Everglades. Everyone who registered passed a mandatory online training. Another 550 people took part in hands-on, optional safe-capture trainings that taught them how to identify, locate, and safely and humanely capture Burmese pythons.

“The Miami Super Bowl Host Committee is very proud to have worked with these partners to bring attention to the threat that invasive species pose to The Everglades,” said Rodney Barreto, Chairman of the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee. “There are many men and women who work diligently every day to combat the harmful impacts of nonnative species and it is imperative that we are all educated on the effects of the Burmese pythons to our native wildlife.”

“Having more than 550 people come out to take part in optional in-person trainings is a testament to the public’s commitment to helping conserve Florida’s precious natural resources,” said FWC Executive Director Eric Sutton. “Public support is critical as is the strong leadership of Gov. DeSantis and the support of our partners and sponsors including the South Florida Water Management District, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee, the University of Florida, Bass Pro Shops and the Bergeron Everglades Museum and Wildlife Foundation.”

“More than 750 registrants joined Florida’s ramped-up efforts to remove harmful pythons from America’s Everglades as part of the Florida Python Challenge™ 2020 Python Bowl,” said South Florida Water Management District Executive Director Drew Bartlett. “The national and international attention around Super Bowl LIV brought incredible public awareness to the danger invasive Burmese pythons pose and the importance of Everglades restoration. Congratulations to all the winners, and a big thank you to Gov. DeSantis, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and everyone who participated in this important conservation effort.

In addition to the Python Challenge™, there are several ways the general public can continue to help control nonnative species such as Burmese pythons. Anyone can hunt pythons any time on private lands with landowner permission and on 22 public lands throughout south Florida. People can also take part in ongoing Python Patrol trainings to learn more about how to identify and capture Burmese pythons in the wild. Learn more at MyFWC.com/Python.

The public can also help control invasive species by reporting nonnative fish and wildlife to the FWC’s Invasive Species Hotline at 888-IVE-GOT1 (888-483-4681), by reporting sightings online at IveGot1.org or by downloading the IveGot1 smartphone app.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sadly, I did not take part this year, perhaps I will have an opportunity in the 2021 challenge. Also see: May 25, 2018, 1,000 fewer pythons in the Everglades. Miami Herald Reports. I was part of one out of the 1,000.

Photo taken 2-18-2018 - photo from sanctioned/licensed hunt effort,
but not related to 2020 Python Bowl

Thursday, January 23, 2020

A vision of a possible future - but it will take work. Metrorail coming from the south.

It occurred on my Wednesday, January 22, 2020, commute to court when I saw a vision. Photographs were taken, after all, it didn't happen if it isn't posted on social media.

I rubbed my eyes in disbelief, but quickly realized that I am definitely seeing what I am seeing here, but not to the extent of what should be. Many others with me on the train platform wondered whether this was a mirage, an optical illusion, caused by the extremely cold morning (for south Florida).

A transit TEASE! I never thought I’d see the day - a train came from the south to pick up passengers at Dadeland South. Yes, this could be our future, it should be our present. Too bad this train is not actually coming from Florida City. But at least I could see a vision of a possible future.

The difference is that I would have already been on a train coming from further south rather than waiting for it at Dadeland.

Waiting for more than "A" train, waiting for the day this will be a regular occurrence.