A partial victory for a literate community. Miami Herald: Miami-Dade County will no longer close any public libraries.

Miami-Dade County will no longer close any public libraries - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com

The people have spoken loudly and the message was heard, partially.  There is more work to do. We cannot allow our public library system to be rendered useless through lack of access (greatly reduced operating hours).

Thank you to those who fought so hard in the Save The Miami-Dade Public Libraries Campaign and many local elected officials such as Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner (once again, Palmetto Bay officials are missing on this important issue of neighborhood protection).  There is more to do and ample opportunities to finish the fight to have a culturally literate community.

I never doubted that Miami-Dade County would find a way to keep OUR libraries open, (7/13/13, Here we go again with the same old tax time games: County may shutter 42 libraries, lay off 260 employees) but now we need to continue the work to also convince the County Commission that the programs are important as well.   169 librarians are at risk to their jobs by Oct. 1, and libraries would operate about three-quarters of the hours they do now. All libraries may see their hours and days of operation cut, including those in Cutler Bay, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay.

All these facts are presented in the updated Miami Herald article Miami-Dade County will no longer close any public libraries (8/24/13, By Patricia Mazzei). The board is scheduled to meet Monday morning to discuss the most recent 2013-14 budget projections, following its decision last month to keep the property-tax rate flat despite the service cuts and employee layoffs that would follow as a result.

In a memo to commissioners, Gimenez said the county must consider the library department’s long-term future, including altering its funding structure. Libraries rely on taxes separately from those that go to the county’s general fund.

“To move toward a sustainable library system in the future, we must shift out perspective on how library services in Miami-Dade County are currently funded,” the mayor wrote in his memo.

I would argue that anyone who thinks libraries are irrelevant or obsolete have obviously do not have children or has not been to a library lately. Libraries (through the Librarians and Staff) provide significant programing for our readers and community in general.

Who here wants to speak up in support of illiteracy? Thank you Pinecrest for the support, you have been loud and clear, but the silence of the Palmetto Bay current electeds by not standing up for the libraries, speaks volumes. Silence is not golden on this issue.

6:00 PM Update: I was provided the URL for the Save The Miami-Dade Public Libraries blog. CLICK HERE. Thanks for the e-mail update!

 

Photo of the day - "The lookout"

A squirrel maintains a cautious lookout as his friends raid the bird feeder. It is a beautiful Saturday morning in Palmetto Bay. A stark contrast to 21 years ago when Hurricane Andrew arrived quite uninvited.

It is a great morning to sit on the patio, read the paper with morning coffee and watch the pets and local backyard wildlife run amok.

Hurricane Andrew landfall - 5 AM August 24, 1992. 21 years ago today

One of those defining periods in our lives. Where were you when Hurricane Andrew made landfall?

Life changed forever. 
Andrew came ashore near high tide with a near 17 foot storm tide on August 24, 1992.  Bye, bye Burger King World Headquarters in (pre) Palmetto Bay, one of the featured corporate victims of the storm. I recall the huge damage to the Datran Center and the inability to navigate back home immediately after the storm.

Stats:

• Andrew was born as a result of a tropical wave which moved off the west coast of Africa wave and passed south of the Cape Verde Islands (Cape  Verde Storms are often known as creating the most intense) 
• Andrew became a tropical storm on August 17, 1992 and became a hurricane on August 22.  It strengthened to a strong category 4 hurricane the next day. 
• The central pressure was 922 millibars at landfall in southern Miami-Dade County. 
• Andrew caused an estimated $25 billion in damage in Miami-Dade County. 
• Andrew moved northwest across the Gulf of Mexico to make a second landfall in Louisiana as a Category 3 storm on August 26. 
• Andrew directly caused 23 deaths in the U.S. and indirectly caused 38 more. 
• 25,524 homes were deemed destroyed 
• 101,241 homes were damaged. 
• And, as a lasting legacy of Hurricane Andrew, Windstorm Coverage was created, eventually bringing us Citizen’s. Homeowner’s insurance has never been the same.

Friends Forever Rescue, Inc., a Palmetto Bay based pet rescue group is in desperate need of your financial assistance

CLICK HERE to read the full e-mail plea.

Friends Forever Rescue,Inc., has been forced to find additional housing for all the dogs due to mold in their shelter.

They will not be able to return until ALL the MOLD has been removed and the walls replaced.

This situation has put a halt to the number of dogs that can be helped!!!

Friends Forever Rescue is seeking ANY Donation!!!   Your donations would help Friends Forever Rescue, Inc.,  continue its mission to rescue as many dogs as possible!

Donations can be made Via Check, mailed to:

P.O. Box 163455

Miami, Florida 33116

786-229-9002

You can also visit the FFR website and click on the DONATE button

Check out the Blue Moon rises, tonight, Tues, 8/20/13

This month's full moon, which rises on Tuesday (Aug. 20), is more than merely a "Blue Moon": it's also the Full Sturgeon Moon, the Full Red Moon, the Green Corn Moon and the Grain Moon.

Check out the article on Space.com for more information.

Great advice. Tune up for the start of a new school year. Crime Watch: Start of school year is a good time to talk to kids about safety - 08/15/2013 | Momsmiami.com

Crime Watch: Start of school year is a good time to talk to kids about safety - 08/15/2013 | Momsmiami.com 
Another must read by Carmen Caldwell, executive director of Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade regarding child safety. Summer vacation is over, and it’s back to the books. It is also the end of the light commuting traffic so our work days are now going to be lengthened. 

Ms. Caldwell states that this is the time for parents to talk to their kids about safety. She offers her yearly review on what you need to do.  It is great advice and we all could use refreshers.  Do not assume that your child knows even the basic facts about safety and other risks.

Alexandra and I wish everyone a happy and safe school year 2013-2014. Always be cautious, but be extra careful in the next few weeks until everyone settles into their new school year routine.

Following the anticipation. Comet ISON: Hope or Hype? | canada.com

Comet ISON: Hope or Hype? | canada.com

Interested in following what could be a spectacular comet show toward the end of this year. Doubts are rising as to whether it will live up to expectations.  Check out the link above to read the discussion on whether Comet ISON may not be performing up to expectations.

The comet, hailed by the media as a possible “Once a century comet” that will shine “Brighter than the Full Moon” has made its appearance out from behind the Sun, and initial reports from ground-based amateurs has found its performance a bit lackluster.

The latest word on Comet C/2012 S1 ISON’s possible demise comes from a recent report online via Sky & Telescope by Arizona-based amateur astronomer Bruce Gary. Gary recovered ISON on August 12^th, low in the dawn sky using an 11-inch reflecting telescope and estimated its current magnitude at just under +14, a full 2 magnitudes or six times fainter than predicted.

But are calls declaring ISON’s downfall warranted?

Read on and follow this next potentially great celestial event.

Official FPL YouTube Video of demolition of Cutler power plant in Palmetto Bay

Update: Official FPL YouTube Video of demolition of Cutler power plant in Palmetto Bay.

FPL's Cutler plant demolisted - Channel 10 coverage. One heck of a morning wake up call.

Watch this video and see the final downfall of the Cutler Power plant located off Ludlum Road, between 136 and 152 Streets.  The plant was first operational in 1949, but has been obsolete for years.  It is a landmark that won't be missed. 

One day we will all be asking who remembers seeing this FPL Cutler power plant.

Check it out FPL implodes power plant, 64-year-old plant became obsolete 

MDX US1 Express Lanes Public Workshops to be held locally. Your opportunity to obtain information and ask questions.

US 1 Express Lanes Public Workshop  August 13th & 14th in South Miami-Dade

Get engaged. There are two opportunities to attend a Miami-Dade Express Authority (MDX) public workshop regarding the US 1 Express Lanes Project (Tier 2 Alternatives).  The public will have an opportunity to obtain information and ask questions.  Tuesday, August 13, 2013 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Cutler Bay Town Hall/Council Chambers 10720 Caribbean Boulevard Cutler Bay, Florida or Wednesday, August 14, 2013 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Coral Reef Branch Library 9211 Southwest 152 Street Miami, Florida MDX, in coordination with Miami-Dade Transit (MDT) and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is conducting a study that will evaluate the concept of express or managed lanes on the South Miami-Dade Busway including the use of the Busway be private vehicles paying a toll. The Tier 2 process is the next step in identifying alternatives for improving mobility on the US 1 corridor resulting from the improvements within the Busway right-of-way. Information from the meetings will be posted at www.mdxway.com after the public workshops.  For additional information, please contact Public Information Officer Tere Garcia at US1Express@mdxway.com or 786-277-9299. This is an important issue for neighborhood protection in Palmetto Bay, but it is not receiving the attention in required from its elected officials. Then Dist 2 Councilman Howard Tendrich attempted to bring discussion and action forward (seconded by Councilman Fiore) at a council meeting (CLICK HERE the official minutes page 4 of 9) but was denied 2 – 3 by Stanczyk, (former Vice Mayor) Pariser and Lindsay. This is not the time to sit idle, but to get involved and get active. There is both the possibility of a tax applied for use of US1 special lanes as well as potential impact for the US1 business corridor. Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner had previously expressed hope that Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay would join her in this effort.This issue needs to be an ongoing leadership effort, not holding back to see which way the political winds are blowing, then a brief two-minute personal presentation. It is best to be involved from onset and try to guide a project rather than try a last-minute fight if the project turns unfavorable. "If this passes, instead of living in a suburb, we are going to be living by I-95"  Cutler Bay Mayor Ed MacDougall, as well as south dade business/civic groups Chamber South and Economic Development Council are engaged, but only Howard Tendrich for Palmetto Bay, who is no longer in office.

Pinecrest proposed budget now available online. Town Hall, Workshop and 2 budget hearing dates posted

The Pinecrest Village Manager has submitted to the Village Council the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2013-14 which commences on October 1st.  

The following public meetings have been scheduled to review and discuss the budget and seek public input:

"Town Hall" Meeting

Tuesday, August 13, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

Pinecrest Municipal Center, 12645 Pinecrest Parkway, Pinecrest, Florida 

Budget Workshop

Tuesday, August 20, 2013, 6:00 p.m.

Pinecrest Municipal Center, 12645 Pinecrest Parkway, Pinecrest, Florida

First Budget Hearing

Wednesday, September 11, 2013, 6:00 p.m.

Pinecrest Municipal Center, 12645 Pinecrest Parkway, Pinecrest, Florida

Final Budget Hearing

Monday, September 16, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

Pinecrest Municipal Center, 12645 Pinecrest Parkway, Pinecrest, Florida

Visit www.pinecrest-fl.gov/budget for a copy of the proposed budget.

All information above taken from official Village of Pinecrest update.

Observations of the Dolphins first scrimmage game. The games have officially begun. South Florida wakes from its summer vacations

I watched the Dolphins game and felt the rush that the season is finally here! Not necessarily the football season, (sorry Heat, I watch and root for you, but I still consider this a football town) but the early scrimmage start signals the beginning of life returning to South Florida. 

The South Florida season is when everyone finally returns from their travels and schools start - football through the end of the Art Show season.  It is participant and active time in South Florida once again.

This is the time that South Florida is at its best. I am looking forward to the end of summer and the start of a new year that for us football fans and/or with children in school, starts in late August, not in January.

The game, oh yeah, I read the laments about the Dolphins loss.  Several thoughts come to mind:

1.  It is a scrimmage. The Dolphins lost a game by 4 points after giving up two scores on turnovers, one a tipped ball intercepted and returned for a touchdown. I’d rather come up 4 points short in a game that does not count in the standings, having driven for points then be pleased that the Dolphins won on two mistakes by their opposition.

2.  It is a scrimmage.  Of course the game is going to be somewhat sloppy. That is why they play pre-season. Do you think they would risk injury to multi-million dollar players during preseason if everyone was expected to be ready to go day/game one? I want to see the new guys fight through the jitters and fight for roster spots than watch the veterans try to avoid injury.

3. It is a scrimmage. I wonder, and I cannot answer this question, but do teams even scout other teams for a pre-preseason game like the Hall of Fame scrimmage? Who knows who is going to play, let alone what the expected play schemes will be. I assume they are looking to assess the players currently in their camp rather than worrying about opposing players who may be working in the real world outside of football in the next 34 days.

4.  I was wrong about the game last night being far from the Superbowl.  It was similar in one respect. I enjoyed some of the commercials.  I don’t know if it was new, but the Hyundai commercial (at least I think it was for Hyundai) with the kid putting together the team to get his ball back was enjoyable – so insofar as TV commercials; this was not a scrimmage, Madison Avenue is already in mid to post season form. 

Overall impressions:  Let the games begin.  Life is good.  I am looking forward to Friday, August 30 when UM (no preseason) kicks off against Fla. Atlantic. I am really looking forward to the UM/Gator game September 7.  Then we see the real season open for the Miami Dolphins on Sunday September 8 at Cleveland.

And so it begins. Humble beginnings, but a start to the season nonetheless. Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys hopefuls play encore to Hall of Fame induction ceremony - MiamiHerald.com

Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys hopefuls play encore to Hall of Fame induction ceremony - Miami Dolphins - MiamiHerald.com
8:00 PM Tonight, Sunday, August 4, 2013. This is a network TV game! The Cowboys hoping to make the roster take on those who want to make the roster for the Dolphins.

No one will mistake this game for the Superbowl, but the game will be far too real for those unsure of making the final rosters.  Call it the undrafted free agent bowl.

I happen to like preseason games. Its an insight into team development. You can root for the little guys. Players soon find out whether they have an realistic opportunity or if they were hired as part time tackle dummies. Some years you get to watch place kickers duel it out.  Just please, take these games for what they are: scrimmages.  I recommend that you don't take these games too seriously.  The old Raiders in the Coach Madden days never did.

The preseason games will be all we have until the University of Miami opens its season on Friday (Friday?) August 30th against Florida Atlantic University at Joe Robbie Stadium.   Go 'Canes!

My oldest daughter became a gator, so we will have to sit far apart at the next UM Game, September 7.

Coming soon, ready or not. The 2013 Perseid Meteor Shower: An Observer’s Guide.

The 2013 Perseid Meteor Shower: An Observer’s Guide

Universe Today reports: Get set for the meteoritic grand finale of summer. We can begin to see this annual meteor show during the second week of August. The expected peak is August 12.  

Northern hemisphere summer that is. As we head into August, our gaze turns towards that “Old Faithful” of meteor showers, the Perseids. Though summer is mostly behind us now, “meteor shower season” is about to get underway in earnest.
  
Pronounced “Pur-SEE-ids,” this shower falls around the second week of August, just before school goes back in for most folks. This time of year also finds many the residents of the northern hemisphere out camping and away from light-polluted suburban skies.

This year also offers a special treat, as the Moon will be safely out of the sky during key observation times. 

The best viewing will be in the hours just before daylight, so this is more of an early morning excursion than an all-nighter.  No equipment is needed to view the metor show other than possibly coffee for some. The best viewing will be found farther away from the suburban lights.

Read more: http://www.universetoday.com/103826/the-2013-perseid-meteor-shower-an-observers-guide/#ixzz2azwOwAkf

Another great event to share with the family. Proof that sometimes good things do happen after midnight.

Charge (it)! Florida Sales Tax holiday has begun.

The Florida Sales Tax holiday began hours again (as of 12:01 AM, Friday, Aug 2.) and runs through the end of this weekend. See the E-flier courtesy of the Miami-Dade County School Board. 

No Florida sales tax or local option tax will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $75 or less per item, on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, and on computers and certain related accessories selling for $750 or less per item when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

CLICK HERE to view a list of both tax exempt and TAXABLE items covered by the sales tax holiday. 

This is the weekend for savings before the start of the new school year.

Photo of the Day! Surprise driving down 826

South Dade Update's Photo of the Day - (photo taken Thursday, Aug 1, 2013)

 

How many people spilled their morning coffee thinking this truck was coming

toward them during the Wednesday, Aug 1 rush hour?.

No, the truck is not driving the wrong way. It was being towed.

It was a great photo.

Look up in the sky! It's Wings Over Miami Air Museum providing 4th of July flyovers. See Community Newspapers | Cutler Bay

Fourth of July flyovers lift eyes toward S. Florida skies | Cutler Bay
Check out the full story (link immediately above).  Another good news story.

Look, up in the sky! It's a plane!
It's a bird!
It's a frog!
A frog?

Actually, it was a plane, or in this case three planes, not a bird or a frog or even underdog!

Three vintage warplanes flew courtesty of the pilots and members/staff of the Wings Over Miami Air Museum (WOM) to participate in the celebration of our national holiday.  The WOM celebrated July 4 differently this year. WOM opened its doors and invited the public to watch three of its planes take off for a series of flyovers timed to honor veterans at various community holiday events which included the Village of Key Biscayne, Palmetto Bay’s Mangowood community and its seventh annual flag-raising event and then the Cutler Bay festivity in Whispering Pines before returning to the museum ramp. Waiting at the hangar were visitors who greeted the returning pilots, peeked inside the planes and took many photos.  

Lucky were those in the flight path, including the participants of the three community events who were able to personally observe the flyovers.

Wings Over Miami has a group of skilled pilots and friends of the museum who are certified in formation flying and often fly together, mainly on weekends and for special events such as the Homestead Air Reserve Base air show. It takes many hours of practice to get the certification and requires a group of aircraft with equal flight capabilities to be able to participate in a formation flight. While most of the planes at the museum are air worthy, not all of them have the capacity to fly formation flights. While the normal military flyovers were grounded due to sequestration it was certainly great to see the museum’s warbirds fill the void left in the South Florida skies. More information about the museum may be found on the website at www.wingsovermiam.com

Disney partners with Wings Over Miami Air Museum - Sat. 8-3-13 Event. Bring your plane!

Disney has partnered with the Wings Over Miami Air Museum (WOM) and is opening the museum for a Free Admission Day on Saturday, August 3.

CLICK HERE to view event details.  Pilots are invited to Taxi Over or Fly-In to the Museum on this Saturday and share your plane with museum guests!

 

WOM says a little Aviation Show and Tell is a good thing! I agree. Bring your family and enjoy this Disney sponsored event.

Four months to go until Comet ISON is scheduled to peak on Nov 28

Four months to go until we find out if Comet ISON will live up to the hype.  The comet is hurtaling toward a close encounter with the sun on Nov. 28, predicted to make a 724,000 mile approach to the solar surface.

This comment may have the potential to shin as brightly as the full moon.

We will wait and see. Comet ISON was discovered in September 2012.  This comet is thought to be making its first-ever foray into the inner solar system from the distant and frigid Oort Cloud.

Have you ever taken the time to ponder the wonders of nature? Comet ISON may just be a great family event to spend time with the family. 4 months. Plan ahead. You are going to get only one chance with Comet ISON.

Successful end of one of America's greatest missions. This day in History - July 24

Today in history - Flight controllers celebrate the successful conclusion of the Apollo 11 lunar landing mission on July 24, 1969, at NASA's Mission Control Center in Houston. On July 20, Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong planted the first human foot on another world. With more than half a billion people watching on television, he climbed down the ladder and proclaimed: "That's one small step for a man, one  one giant leap for mankind." Image Credit: NASA. Source - NASA

Photobomb complete. Stunning photos of Earth taken by Cassini on 7/19

I asked you on Friday (7/19) to smile for the first interplanetary photobomb, to be part of the very first interplanetary photobomb!  Well, did you? Check out Nasa,gov for all photos and greater information. I also recommend checking out Nasa's Image of the Day Gallery.

The photos from Cassini are in.  See if you can find yourself.  In any event, these photos give us a greater perspective; seeing the Earth as much smaller part of our solar system and greater universe.

These images of Earth were taken on July 19, 2013 and received on Earth July 20, 2013. The camera was about 898,414,528 miles away. (NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute)

Get ready! 2013 Sales Tax Holiday dates: Fri Aug 2 through Sun Aug. 4. Personal computers are included this year!

Stop!  This may not be the weekend to purchase school supplies or clothing or even personal computers for the 2013 school year.  The upcoming 3-day sales tax holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m., Friday, August 2, 2013, and end at midnight Sunday, August 4, 2013.  See the E-flier courtesy of the Miami-Dade County School Board.  Mark your calendars and plan your school supply spending accordingly.

No Florida sales tax or local option tax will be collected on sales of clothing, footwear, and certain accessories selling for $75 or less per item, on certain school supplies selling for $15 or less per item, and on computers and certain related accessories selling for $750 or less per item when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use.

CLICK HERE to view a list of both tax exempt and TAXABLE items covered by the sales tax holiday. 

Business owners: Important information that you need to be aware of: Florida Department of Revenue, TIP sheet (Tax Information Publication).  This document provides specifics on what is and what is not covered.

Advance notice - Smile for the first interplanetary photobomb. Don't miss out - Be in the picture taken from interplanetary distances!

Read NASA Science News.  Be part of the very first interplanetary photobomb!

On July 19th, NASA's Cassini spacecraft will photograph Earth through the rings of Saturn--and NASA wants you to jump into the shot.

"Cassini has photographed Earth before, but this will be the first time Earthlings know in advance their picture will be taken from a billion miles away," says Linda Spilker, Cassini project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA.  "We hope that people around the world will go outside to wave at Saturn while the photo-shoot is underway."
Cassini's Blue Dot (wave, 200px)
 
This will be the first time Earthlings have had advance notice that their picture will be taken from interplanetary distances. To learn more about how to participate, click here .

Cassini's cameras will be trained on Earth during a 15 minute interval that begins at 2:27 p.m. PDT (5:27 p.m. EDT or 21:27 UTC

This will be the first time Earthlings have had advance notice that their picture will be taken from interplanetary distances. To learn more about how to participate, click here

Remember when the Eagle Landed? July 20, 1969 - Apollo 11 - Family event celebration at Wings Over Miami

I am sure that most of us are too young (or want to be) to remember the moonwalk. I do and I had the lunchbox to prove it!

Wings Over Miami Air Museum is giving Apollo a nod with it's weekend event.

This Saturday, July 20, out at the museum, they are doing some beginner rocket building, having solar viewing with Southern Cross and having the Nike Missile park rangers from Everglades National Park do a presentation.

The Nike Missile presentation runs about an hour and will include the history and current information about the Nike Base hidden inside the park boundaries.

Weather permitting, the Southern Cross volunteers with their solar telescopes will be out on the museum ramp for some safe solar viewing. Solar viewing is done with powerful telescopes which have filters to protect your eyes as you view the sun. To use the telescopes, the volunteers need sunshine and/or partly cloudy skies, so this weeks rain has got to go!

The museum has discounted the admission rates and warns that the rocket building class (8-12 year olds) will only hold 35 kids. There is a $2 materials fee (rocket kits run about $8 in the stores)  for the class on top of the $4 entry charge. The discounted entry is $7 for everyone over 12 years old. Veterans and active duty military are free.

Hope to see you there!

Coral Gables hosts public hearing on FPL power lines- MiamiHerald.com

Coral Gables hosts public hearing on FPL power lines - Coral Gables - MiamiHerald.com
Want to speak?
Interested persons can attend the Thursday hearing to speak for or against the proposed FPL power lines. The hearing is scheduled to run from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 18.  It will be held at the Coral Gables Youth Center, 405 University Drive, Coral Gables.

Coral Gables is one of the cities involed in the adminstrative action that is ongoing, along with Miami, Miami-Dade County, South Miami, and Pinecrest. Coral Gables has filed an additional lawsuit which claims that “The city and its residents will be irreparably harmed by the visual impacts, massive and over burdensome proposed power poles and lines,” 

“The city filed this lawsuit to protect its right-of-way and the quality of life of its citizens along the right-of-way,” Coral Gables Attorney Craig Leen said. See the full story in the Miami Herald, the link is at top.

Palmetto Bay history. Strategic planning and why the Palmetto Bay neighborhood branch library should survive the current library cuts

I love history. And I enjoy creating and watching our area prosper. That is a huge part why I like to stay engaged in Palmetto Bay and our South Dade communities. We all have a huge investment in making our community the best it can be. There were many reasons why things were done in certain ways. You cannot always account for every contingency, but you want to make sure that taxpayers get what they pay for, in this case bringing library services closer to those living in Palmetto Bay and north Cutler Bay.

I hope by now that everyone has taken advantage of this resource. A library is much more than 'bricks and mortar.' It is also a gathering place where community events occur. Tot reading time, Middle schooler book discussion groups, crafts and the popular 'Edible Book Festival' have been featured in this library. Do you have a favorite activity from this branch by now?

Please review the July 14, 2011, post: A short history of the efforts resulting in the Palmetto Bay Branch Library and the protections that the initial village council put in place to make sure we would have a library for current and future generations to enjoy.

This sets out the original vision plan of the very first council and let's everyone know why the Palmetto Bay neighborhood branch library should survive the current library cuts.

Palmetto Bay and Miami-Dade County entered into a 28 year lease in 2005. This lease is known as the “Library Interlocal Agreement.” The payment terms provide that the county will make an annual payment of $108,980.70 during the 28 year period. This is additional to the common area maintenance fees. This money goes toward the ultimate purchase of this library building by the County. Miami-Dade County is required to use this facility primarily for library and library-related purposes (and a possible use for elections). Failure of the County to use this site as a library at any time in the future (before or after the initial 28 year period) causes title to the property to revert back to Palmetto Bay.
 
This same agreement requires that the MDPLS will operate the library and pay the full yearly operating costs. The library will be open 5 days per week from Monday through Saturday according to the following schedule:
 
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday : 09:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

 

Note, however, that the library is not precluded from altering its hours of operation.

 

The County does have the right to cancel this agreement. HOWEVER, Miami-Dade County will owe the village a balloon payment equal to the balance required to pay-off Palmetto Bay’s construction cost debt should the county chose to terminate the interlocal agreement for the library with Palmetto Bay. Palmetto Bay would retain and own the building.

 

We made sure there was a huge financial disincentive for Miami-Dade County to try to pull out of the library we fought long and hard for.  Not every area has these protections to protect their branch.  Regardless, all public libraries are valuable assets for the communities they serve. Protect your library.

The Miami Herald posted an article on the 22 branch libraries currently at risk. See  Miami-Dade County releases list of public libraries, fire-rescue units on budget-chopping block: The 22 libraries are: California Club, Opa-locka, Golden Glades, Civic Center Kiosk, Lemon City, Little River, Model City, Culmer, North Shore, Shenandoah, South Shore, Fairlawn, Virrick Park, Country Walk, Concord, Sunset, Lakes of the Meadows, Tamiami, West Kendall Regional, Doral, Hialeah Gardens and Palm Springs North.

Palmetto Bay in missing in action on this important fight to protect the quality of life for our South Dade Area, FPL’s plan to place transmission lines along U.S. 1 and the Everglades jolts several communities - Coral Gables - MiamiHerald.com

FPL’s plan to place transmission lines along U.S. 1 and the Everglades jolts several communities - Coral Gables - MiamiHerald.com
Pinecrest, South Miami and Coral Gables, backed by some area businesses, have campaigned for three years against the utility’s plan to run a 230-kilovolt line that would run up U.S. 1 from the edge of Cutler Bay to Coconut Grove, urging FPL to put it underground or use an existing corridor farther west. Earlier this month, Coral Gables filed a suit contending the proposal violated long-standing agreements, and Miami also waded in with legal objections.  Kudos to Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner and South Miami Mayor Dr. Phillip Stoddard who have shown true leadership and dogged determination in this tough effort.

Who is missing? Why Palmetto Bay is missing (a recent consistent course of conduct). Somehow the thought of rows of 500-kilovolt lines on 100-foot-tall concrete and steel towers running down US1 from 136 street north does not offend Mayor Shelley Stanczyk or the Palmetto Bay Council. The issue has united many other communities and their elected officials who do care about neighborhood protection, namely the Cities of Miami, Coral Gables, South Miami and Pinecrest. Even Miami-Dade County questions whether both corridors run afoul of county codes. Environmental groups such as Friends of the Everglades and the Tropical Audubon Society are engaged. Williamson Cadillac and other businesses fear the impact and have taken up the fight all agreeing on the profound detrimental impact that the proposed FPL transmission lines will have on area quality of life.

Palmetto Bay was once part of the fight under my leadership, but Mayor Stanczyk has firmly placed her head in the sand, reversed course and avoided this fight (much like how she has left Pinecrest to continue the fight alone for the USDA area fire station).  Palmetto Bay recently withdrew from the area wide effort. See my July 8, 2013, post: FPL Transmission Line Administrative Hearing begin today (After 4 years of preparation) - and without Palmetto Bay

I guarantee you that Mayor Stanczyk will be trying to lead the parade if the hard work of these other communities pay off and lead to a big win for our communities, but in reality, Mayor Stanczyk, it will be in spite of you, not because of you as once again, you have run and failed to support your allies.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/13/v-fullstory/3498932/fpls-plan-to-place-transmission.html#storylink=cpy

Here we go again with the same old tax time games: County may shutter 42 libraries, lay off 260 employees - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com

County may shutter 42 libraries, lay off 260 employees - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com

This is as predictable as when the as when the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano, it is tax time, so it is time to threaten what people are willing to pay more to preserve.  It seems like just yesterday, but check out my prior, Sat, July 16, 2011, post: What library branches are at risk for closure under the current proposed budget for Miami-Dade County?or the Thurs, July 14, 2011, post on tough budget choices regarding the Libraries. Are we living in 2013 or is it 2011? Where are those tax/budget reforms?

This is indisputable evidence that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Nothing has changed, only the players. Where was the reform? It is beginning to appear as if those elected in 2010 merely claimed victory by pushing off the hard decisions back rather than actually succeeding in meaningful reform.

Here is the threat: The Miami Herald reports that Library Director Raymond Santiago is expected to meet with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez Sunday to discuss a proposal to close almost all of the public libraries. 

The new scenario alleged, or threatened, is to close 42 libraries and lay off 260 full-time employees,” which is being reported by the Miami Herald.  Maybe, just maybe, it is time to take a stand and keep these important employees and make top mangers, and the numerous department heads make the case for their continued existence in this tax time replay of the big scare. Why jump right into this type of threat? Budget time is of no surprise, why is this not an ongoing analysis?

Under the proposed plan, according to email, only seven county libraries would remain open: Main library, Miami Beach, North Dade Regional, West Dade Regional, South Dade Regional, Northeast Branch (under construction) and Coral Gables. 

Will Palmetto Bay's own officials fight for Palmetto Bay's neighborhood library? You can bet Mayor Cindy Lerner and the Pinecrest Council will be fighting for the Pinecrest Library.  Palmetto Bay officials, including Mayor Stanczyk, had plenty of fireworks in fighting each other Thursday night (7/11/13), but again, nothing but crickets was heard on either the fire station (that Mrs. Stanczyk slept on for over 2 1/2 years) or this alleged current library funding crisis. It is obvious that our mayor and council have no advance intel on anything at County Hall that may profoundly affect Palmetto Bay. 

News flash to Mayor Shelley Stanczyk: Closing our library or further reduction in the hours and/or programing will adversely affect the quality of life in our community.

Click the link at the beginning of this post or CLICK HERE to read the entire Miami Herald article.

Palmetto Bay's initial Director of Parks & Recreation - Ana Garcia - is now the new City Manager for North Miami Beach - see details in Miami Herald.com

North Miami Beach hires Biscayne Park manager as its own - North Miami / NMB - MiamiHerald.com

Congratulations Ana Garcia, the new City Manager for North Miami Beach. Click the link above to read the complete Miami Herald story.

Palmetto Bay was well served with Ana Garcia as its first Director of Parks and Recreation, who assisted the council and implemented the policy of the initial village council in establishing such a dramatic renovation / upgrades of the area parks as well as working with the council and the special events committee to establish great events like the annual celebration picnic.

As Palmetto Bay's first mayor, I like to see alumni of Palmetto Bay continue to do well.

Manager Garcia came to Palmetto Bay having served South Miami. Manager Garcia then took her first manager position with Biscayne Park.

Again, Ana, congratulations.  You deserve it.

FPL Transmission Line Administrative Hearing begin today (After 4 years of preparation) - and without Palmetto Bay

Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner reports that the FPL Transmission Line Administrative Hearing begin today (after 4 years of preparation) . 

There are 18 tables of Attorneys here, half are for FPL, the others include Village of Pinecrest, cities of Coral Gables and Miami, Miami Dade County, DEP, Everglades Law Center, and others. This is a monumental battle, which Mayor Lerner fully expects that we will ultimately prevail!

Note that Palmetto Bay was once part of this neighborhood protection team under the former Mayor and Council.  Mayor Stanczyk and the current council have bowed out of this important effort of protecting the character of US1, which serves as our main route home for so many of us.  The withdraw from the effort was done without any public action being taken.  Some view the stipulation as an official certification by Palmetto Bay officials for the new transmission lines. 

It is also important to note that Mayor Stanczyk never brought forth a resolution or motion in public to undertake the withdraw.  So much for transparency. Regardless, this hearing is going forward without the support or participation of the Palmetto Bay elected officials who so obviously prefer to have important decisions regarding our future quality of life for our community to be made by others, reducing Mrs Stanczyk and the council to spectators in this effort, not leaders.  Palmetto Bay's current "leaders" have turned their backs on the prior committments made and the prior joint efforts to protect our quality of life.

Congratulations are in order to British citizen and hero, and part-time Miami resident, Andy Murray who broke a 77 year drought on England’s home turf – Wimbledon.

How long was this drought? It predates World War II.  Most, if not all, of the current player’s parents were not even born yet. The last English player to win Wimbledon was Fred Perry who won three consecutive Wimbledon Championships from 1934 to 1936 and was World No. 1.  Fred Perry was also the last British player to win any of the Men's singles Grand Slam titles until Andy Murray won the 2012 US Open.

Fred Perry did not live to see the next Englishman win Wimbledon, passing away in 1995. That is a very long time between Englishmen prevailing on home turf.

Fourth of July family fun in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Cutler Bay - Coral Gables - MiamiHerald.com

Fourth of July family fun in Coral Gables, Coconut Grove and Cutler Bay - Coral Gables - MiamiHerald.com
Follow the link above to view the short article and 12 photo slide show of communities in South Miami-Dade and their activities to get residents into the Independence Day groove; featuring and including a fireworks display and concert in Coral Gables on the Biltmore Golf Course, a kid-friendly parade in the Whispering Pines neighborhood of Cutler Bay and an old-fashioned Fourth at the historic Barnacle house in Coconut Grove.

Happy Fourth of July Weekend everyone! Stay safe and have fun.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/07/05/3486427/fourth-of-july-family-fun-in-coral.html#storylink=cpy

Wings Over Miami - July 4th Flyover - Event photos

Copyrighted photo by Allen Lubitz — at Wings Over Miami Air Museum

Thank you to the Museum - the directors, sponsors and the pilots who gave so generously on the Fourth of July holiday in providing a historic plane flyover for many local events including Village of Key Biscayne, Town of Cutler Bay and Mangowood HOA in Palmetto Bay.  Wings Over Miami Air Museum opened the day for those who wanted to greet the pilots and watch the planes take off for their morning holiday mission.  A trio of WWII era planes flew from the museum, later returning to the hangar where many curious and photographers had the opportunity for a close-up with several visiting planes that are not normally in the hangar.

Thank you Wings Over Miami for such a wonderful event as well as adding to many other community events.  Outstanding work!

Photo courtesy of Suzette Rice, Wings Over Miami Air Museum

Young photographer takes full advantage of the opportunities at the  Wings Over Miami Air Museum.

Have a Happy and safe July 4th weekend. Support and enjoy local events. Keep our pets safe!

July 4, 1776, the date we celebrate our independence from Britain and Democracy was born.  Please CLICK HERE to view the special July Fourth edition of the South Dade Updates e-blast for some listings of area celebrations. There are many great neighborhood and regional events going on so plan ahead, have fun and stay safe!

This is a holiday to celebrate, the day we celebrate the birth of our great nation, the creation of the greatest system of freedom and democracy. All of this occurred due to the great physical and financial sacrifice of the founders of this nation, the brave men and women of yesterday and today who have sacrificed so greatly to ensure the traditions bestowed by our remarkable founders. We owe them vigilance, and the willingness to defend the democracy they have passed on to us.

Independence Day has been celebrated since 1776.  But do you know the year that July 4 officially made a Federal Holiday?  Would you believe 1941? Check out the History.com page regarding July 4, for additional information.

Let us continue to look to a future that belongs to all of us - a future that ‘we, the people’ have the power to create.

I wish you all a wonderful holiday, and hope that the day’s happiness reminds us all of the importance of the Fourth of July. 

Let's not forget about our pets this holiday weekend. It Will Be a Stressful Evening For Them. Pets and fireworks don't mix. Plan now to keep your pet safe. CLICK HERE to view some simple pet safety tips posted on the July 4th South Dade Updates E-mail blast.

Celebrations will occur throughout our community – there are many neighborhood block parties and bike parades and picnics on the beaches and in parks. CLICK HERE to view the e-mail blast listing of some events in our area. Area events will include flyovers from area residents flying planes from the Wings Over Miami Air Museum. Start your July 4th with a quick visit to Wings Over Miami Air Museum to watch the planes take off for a morning flight. In celebration of July 4th, there will be a special admission discount. Of course, as always, active duty military and retirees enter for free.

Weather permitting (no rain allowed!), a trio of WWII era planes will be  leaving the museum at promptly 10:30 a.m. and will be returning to the hangar around 11:30 a.m. - these planes are single radial engine trainers.

The museum will open at 9:30 a.m., so once the pilots finish their pre-flight briefing, they will be available to meet and greet museum guests.  The museum will be closing early at  3:00 p.m. on the holiday.

Bring a camera for your opportunity for a close-up with several visiting planes that are not normally in the hangar. 

FIREWORKS SAFETY Please be smart if you plan on being your own pyrotechnician CLICK HERE and review the "Fireworks Safety" brochure put out by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue’s Fire Prevention Division. Have fun and be safe.

Happy Independence Day – 2013

July 1, 2013 – Certification of Taxable Value released by Miami-Dade Property Appraiser . How will this affect your services and property tax rate?

The Miami-Dade Property Appraiser released the July 1, 2013, Certification of Taxable Value - to the County’s taxing authorities which include county government, the 35 municipal governments, School Board, Children’s Trust and the State regional districts.  The release of July 1, 2013 certification is the information used by the County, municipalities and various other taxing authorities in their various budget preparations for the 2013-2014 budgets.

Martha Brannigan of the Miami Herald reported in Miami-Dade tax roll up 3.39 percent, that "Miami-Dade County’s property-tax base rose 3.39 percent for 2013, marking the second consecutive year of growth after the great real-estate crash that crippled the region’s economy and forced many local governments into painful downsizing.

News was not good for all municpalities however, as the report went further to document that for some, "... the recovery remained spotty across the sprawling and diverse county, with some municipalities posting big gains and others still seeing their tax base shrink."

Palmetto Bay is one of only 6 under performing municipalities; those in negative numbers for the 2013 certified tax roll. The other 2013 declining cities are Hialeah, Opa-Locka, West Miami, Florida City and Miami Gardens.

Related prior posts:  Is the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser mistaken? Palmetto Bay's drop is alarming. Is this a signal of the need for change? (June 3, 2013);

Special Council meeting - could consideration of a property tax rate increase be in the works? (June 19, 2013) 

Cutler Bay led the South Dade rebound for this year with an increase of 3.77%, out pacing the County-wide average. 

% of change from 2012 (increases are noted in black, declines are in red)

  2.12%  Coral Gables  

 0.46%  South Miami

 2.67%   Pinecrest     
-0.62%  Palmetto Bay

  3.77%  Cutler Bay

  0.12%  Homestead
 -5.58% Florida City

  1.90%  Unincorporated Miami-Dade

  3.39%  Miami-Dade County (Countywide) (affects all property taxpayer in Miami-Dade

                County regardless of which municipality or unincorporated area the property is

                located)

CLICK HERE to download and review the full comparison chart for each taxing district.  This provides much more detailed information from the partial listing above.