Update - Roosters taking root in Palmetto Bay

The non-native population of chickens and roosters continue to grown rapidly here in Palmetto Bay.  A fellow resident posted the following regarding chickens in Palmetto Bay Park on Next Door - I am posting part here for content, but protecting her identity:

Hello Neighbors. I had posted about my love of animals (even the ones I would never want to touch), and I have found a couple beautiful roosters and chickens that were dumped in the Palmetto Bay Park near my home. I would love to know that someone could catch them and give them a safe home. Please contact me if I can help you catch them.

I would never ever want them to be tortured and killed like the ducks in our park.

(bold emphasis added)

Note how this animal lover fears that harm may come to these hens and rosters much like the mayhem that Palmetto Bay Officials caused to the ducks at Coral Reef Park.

Some interesting and telling comments to the post:

I bring them rice etc. but they don’t belong in the park and someone’s gonna hurt them. I don’t know about you but I’ve lived here 32 years and not until this past year did I see them

***   ***   *** 

I've seen those in the area for a while (over a year) . Don't think they were dumped. I do believe they are cared for by someone in the area.

Note that many people raised chickens in Palmetto Bay long before the Vice Mayor promoted Ordinance 2023-12, but we have seen an explosion of chickens and roosters establishing feral locations since this law. Some call the non-native loose roosters nature's alarm clocks while others simply refer to them as a nuisance. I even heard from a chicken keeper that she fears roosters visiting her hen house and fertilizing the eggs. No one wants to crack open a fertilized egg. Ordinance 2023-12 may have been well intentioned, but it was not well thought out or implemented.

Prior RELATED POSTS:

August 14, 2024, Reader submissions - Chickens & Roosters multiplying at Coral Reef Park - non-native species appear to be thriving.

August 1, 2024, Chickens can be raised properly in Palmetto Bay - It was done. That was before Ordinance 2023-12.

July 22, 2024, Coral Reef Park and the Mangowood community have a morning wake up alarm.

The Fairchild Subdivision Order is now final - no motion for rehearing was timely filed. My opinion as to what it means for the Village. This order reflects poorly on the Village.

“… (Palmetto Bay elected officials) failed to follow the essential requirements of the law, rendered a decision wholly unsupported by competent substantial evidence and subjected Petitioner to reverse spot zoning that resulted in a confiscatory taking of its real property.”

This is not an order that makes Village residents proud. It is a very strong indictment of a poorly run hearing. Or, in my opinion, so ruled the three judge panel of the Appellate Division of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit on September 10, 2024, in the case of FAIRCHILD BAY SUBDIVISION LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, 2023-000033-AP-01

The  ruling of the Court was accepted by the village officials without contest when they decided not to contest it by filing a motion for rehearing or clarification. The mandate has been issued (pictured right). This is good for the taxpayers, but bad for the village’s reputation. Perhaps village legal council advised the mayor and council that they had no chance and to finally quit wasting taxpayer dollars on useless litigation. The Village taxpayers should thank whoever convinced this council to accept the ruling of the court, drop the foolishness and, most importantly, not waste more time and village tax dollars in this matter. This matter will come back before the Village Council for a redo - consistent with the Order.

WHAT WAS AT ISSUE?: The issue for the zoning hearing was simple – the Property is designated as “low density residential” on the Village comp plan. The property is currently zoned agricultural. This property is located at 9000 SW 174 Street – firmly ensconced on a low density residential area.  It is a small property, too small for the agricultural designation and, in fact, this property is NOT an active agricultural use – it is currently a single home, one of the last pieces of property that once made up a vibrant mango grove (this ended long before Palmetto Bay was even an idea).  This was not an application for high density apartments. To the contrary – the applicant sought to built homes at one dwelling (single family home) per 15,000 net feet of land (same as surrounding homes).

I had posted about this recent order back on September 11, 2024 – See PRIOR RELATED POST - Fully unfavorable decision rendered against the Village of Palmetto Bay by the court in FAIRCHILD BAY SUBDIVISION LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, 2023-000033-AP-01. As I stated then, This decision hurts. You can’t spin it, though I am sure they will try. I was wrong. Even the village team of spin doctors did not want to try and touch this one. Instead they hope you don’t notice.

The order is now final. So what is the damage?  Here are the findings of the court that are now accepted:

The most outrageous statement comes from Mayor Cunningham – this opinion singles her out for opposing the rezoning because there is “nothing really that requires us to change the zoning.” (top of page 5 of the opinion) Wrong! This statement was featured as part of how the court determined that she, as part of the entire council, failed to follow the essential requirements of law. (The mayor and council also failed to follow the Staff recommendation as well as the recommendations of the Village Attorney). Yes, despite that fact that she has been on the counsel since 2015, she has yet to figure out the Code or her responsibilities of actually following the Code or the law. Some may say, don’t blame her, she’s not an attorney.  But two members of the Village Council do have law degrees, and even though neither practice law, both also were also outed by the court for failing to follow the Village Code as well as the essential requirements of law. Further, these two council members failed the community by not engaging any legal common sense and by not directing the mayor to focus on the facts of the application and to properly apply the Village Code and the Law. This is part of a never ending pattern of ignoring the law – see December 13, 2023, Court slaps down Palmetto Bay's zoning appeal -- more units for Old Cutler Road

The Court was strong in the language. See page 11-12 of the Fairchild order, where the court discussed how wrong she/they is/are on their failure to follow the law. The Court reviewed Palmetto Bay’s Code of Ordinances (which the mayor had significant input on crafting) – section 30-30.7 in this case where the Process and Criteria for review are enumerated. The court noted how none – NONE – of the council members [including the mayor – questioned the applicant on any of the enumerated criteria (bottom of page 13 of the order)], but instead focused on irrelevant issues.  The court determined that the mayor and council – they all - failed to follow the essential requirements of law.

The Village really cannot recover from this opinion (along with the beat down received in the Palmetto Bay Village Center cases).  But the voters can replace two of the offending council members next month and bring fresh perspective along with people who will properly follow the Village’s Codes and Law. 

As detailed on page 17 of the order, the judges determined that they were “constrained to find that the Council unjustifiably applied their own unenumerated criteria in denying (the applicant’s} rezoning application, In so doing, the Council Also disregarded the Village’s Comprehensive Plan ….” [legalese for the court finding that the Mayor and Council made up their own rules that were inconsistent (contrary to) the law].

Accordingly, the Village failed to follow the essential requirements of law.  (page 17 of the order, bold emphasis added)

The Village Officials are accepting their failures while hoping that no one will notice. (Obviously because it is not election time).

Take notice voters! Zoning is an essential function of the Village Council. Their continued failures cost you in higher taxes and bad zoning decisions.

A campaign email from candidate David Singer - a positive message to remove the toxic culture in local government.

I received this campaign email on Wednesday, September 25,2004.  I was struck by its simplicity and how positive this political message is for Palmetto Bay - CLICK HERE to view this actual message online.

I'm David Singer, and I'm reaching out to you as a lifelong resident of our beautiful village. Palmetto Bay has been my home for my entire life and where I have raised my three beautiful children. I've had the privilege of watching our community grow and evolve over the years. My love for this village and its residents has only deepened with time. Some of you may remember me from my previous tenure on the council. I'll be the first to admit that my approach wasn't always perfect. My passion for our community sometimes got the better of me, and there were times when I could have been a better listener. However, those experiences have taught me invaluable lessons about effective leadership, the power of collaboration, and the vital importance of uniting our community. Today, as a father and local business owner, I see our challenges more clearly than ever. Issues like traffic relief, responsible development, and preserving our quality of life are at the forefront of my mind. I'm committed to addressing these challenges head-on, with a focus on solutions that work for all of us, not just a select few. You may have heard about or seen some negative tactics from my opponent. I want to assure you that I won't be distracted by personal attacks or bullying. Our village deserves better than that. Instead, I'm focused on moving Palmetto Bay forward with sound policies and a commitment to civil, productive dialogue. I invite you to visit my website to learn more about my vision for our village and how we can work together to create a brighter future for Palmetto Bay.

Meet David

If you have any questions or ideas you'd like to discuss, please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly at (305) 903-3700. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to seeing you around the village and hearing your thoughts on how we can make Palmetto Bay even better. Sincerely, David Singer

POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR AND APPROVED BY DAVID SINGER FOR PALMETTO BAY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 2

A positive endorsement for David Singer - Miami Realtors

“The MIAMI Association of REALTOR is proud to support (David Singer’s) candidacy  for the position of Seat 2 Councilmember for the Village of Palmetto Bay!”

Congratulations David - this is a very positive endorsement - Miami Association of Realtors.

Both David and his opponent sought this endorsement and both were interviewed by the board.  Many factors were considered in this endorsement - and so often endorsements like these go to the incumbent office holders, which is part of what makes this endorsement so significant.

Why is this important - Realtors serve in the purchase and sale of property - most often seen in the residential market - which for most is the biggest investment people make in their lives.  Positive communities retain their value and sell - toxicity drives values down.

Groups like the Miami Realtors work for their clients - and a positive market. They do not seek contracts, zoning applications or concessions before local government - again - they work for their clients.

About the Miami Realtors (information taken from the website):

The MIAMI Association of Realtors (MIAMI) was chartered by the National Association of Realtors in 1920 and is celebrating 104 years of service to Realtors, the buying and selling public, and the communities in South Florida. Comprised of six organizations: MIAMI RESIDENTIAL, MIAMI COMMERCIAL; BROWARD-MIAMI, a division of MIAMI Realtors; JTHS-MIAMI, a division of MIAMI Realtors in the Jupiter-Tequesta-Hobe Sound area; MIAMI YPN, our Young Professionals Network Council; and the award-winning MIAMI Global Council. MIAMI REALTORS represents nearly 60,000 total real estate professionals in all aspects of real estate sales, marketing, and brokerage. It is the largest local Realtor association in the U.S. and has official partnerships with 260+ international organizations worldwide.

Congratulations David Singer.

REWARD - looking for a missing tortoise. Last seen in the Southwood area.

REWARD! Our tortoise has been missing since September 8.  Please help get him back home. He was last seen in the Southwood Middle School area, but he can move quickly when motivated and he may have been picked up. He’s about 60-65 pounds so he’s a large tortoise.

Please call or text me at (305) 302-3713 if you have any information or see him. I am offering a reward for information leading to its return.

He has been a member of the family since 2004.

More - Alex Flinn's novel Beastly - thrilled to be included as part of DNKY's Fall Campaign featuring Kaia Gerber - part 2

And more. For those who follow Instagram. (you have to follow the link - Instagram videos can not be embedded).

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAEZCvEPA-Y/

PRIOR RELATED POST: September 18, 2024, Alex Flinn's novel Beastly - thrilled to be included as part of DNKY's Fall Campaign featuring Kaia Gerber

Alex Flinn's novel Beastly - thrilled to be included as part of DNKY's Fall Campaign featuring Kaia Gerber

Visiting New York City? You may run into a quote from Alex Flinn's NY Times #1 bestseller Beastly as part of a new ad campaign featuring supermodel Kaia Gerber, the face of DKNY, who also recently starred in the Palm Beach based series, Palm Royale.

NEW YORK STORIES

This isn't a fairy tale -

it's New York City

Alex Flinn

Beastly

More about the ad campaign - Trey Laird, Founder, and Chief Creative Officer at Team Laird, who worked on the campaign’s creative direction, notes, “The concept of the campaign was an inspiring opportunity to connect DKNY’s love of all things New York with Kaia’s love of literature in a pure authentic way.” See: Fashion Gone Rogue - Kaia Gerber Lights Up NYC in DKNY Fall 2024 Ad, Joanna Elizabeth, Published August 19, 2024

About Alex Flinn - Alex Flinn is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Beastly, a spin on Beauty and the Beast that was named a VOYA Editor’s Choice and an ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers. Beastly was made into a major motion picture in 2010. Stars include Vanessa Hudgens, Neil Patrick Harris, Dakota Johnson, and Mary-Kate Olsen.

Elected official hypocrisy 101 - you can’t make this up. When is a tree worth saving? SPOILER ALERT: only when it is not on Village owned property.

I love to hear from readers and find it interesting what some readers point out to me.  I verified and I am passing it on.  I am posting pictures below that really do expose the current vice mayor and other elected officials of this village for the ‘do as we say, not as we do” mentality.

BACKGROUND – One of my most popular posts in recent history was September 11, 2024, Fully unfavorable decision rendered against the Village of Palmetto Bay by the court in FAIRCHILD BAY SUBDIVISION LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, 2023-000033-AP-01.

As detailed in the Court's opinion of September 10, 2024, 

“A thorough review of the record fails to establish substantial compete evidence to support the Village’s decision. The Respondent (Palmetto Bay) fails to identify any specific material and relevant statements from the public hearing that constitute substantial compete evidence. The evidence primarily addressed the Property’s ownership history, the potential loss of mango trees and Petitioner’s site plan for the future development of the Property...."(bold and underline access added)

Residents speaking against the project, as did the current Vice Mayor, were concerned for the loss of the mango trees located on the applicant’s property. Yes, that is right, as the court outlined in thee order (on page 4):

“Vice Mayor Tellam questioned the existing mango trees on the Property and potential loss of shade, …” (Sounds great, but wait until you get to the pictures below and prior post references to see the difference between her talk and the actual action)

Back to the background contained in the order. The court really took this counsel to task.  Outlining the relevant criteria in the applicable Code of Ordinances, (pages 11-13 of the Order). I find it a bit embarrassing that the court opinion recognized, and pointed out (last paragraph on page 13) that:

Rather than question Petitioner’s counsel regarding any of the above enumerated criteria, Counsel members asked questions related to the cost to acquire the Property; the Property’s ownership history; the Property’s topography; the potential loss of mango trees; and Petitioner’s site plan for the future development of the Property. ….

It was noted in this opinion that

“None of the questions, … or discussion by Council members were relevant to the established criteria for rezoning.” (Bold emphasis added)

This is quite an indictment. Now if the above wasn’t bad enough (a true traffic wreck of a zoning hearing), it gets worse. And for this I am simply relying upon the photos below.  What do they show? Here is my opinion (and as discussed with others who pointed this out to me):

The Vice Mayor says she wants to protect the mango trees – but apparently only on the applicant’s property (private property, not owned by the Village).  Her alleged concern at zoning hearings does not match what has happened on village property under her watch. Look at the before and after photos of the property where the Village maintains the Public Works facility.  Look how all the shade trees – including many mature, long-time producing mango trees were cleared in 2024 – this year – so that village vehicles can park (no longer in the shade) on dirt (unpaved) grounds.  Would private property owners be allowed to do this? Of course not, as I stated earlier this is Vice Mayor Tellam once again showing disdain for trees on Village owned property and right of ways.  It has happened under this vice mayor and present council all along SW 136 Street for the mega sidewalk: Coral Reef Park: the Public Works building and soon to Coral Reef Park - where several mature oaks will be cleared for the community room.

No environmentalist would stand by and allow this to happen. Unfortunately we see here another politician who claims to be an environmentalist; but is really anything but.

Photos above - before the trees were felled

Photos below the canopy removed from the property sometime in 2024

- a mud pit and unpaved parking for village vehicles.

Yes, the before and after pictures are of the Village property located on the far south end of Palmetto Bay Park.  This is our elected officials doing their worst to set a bad example for all private property owners. 

A clear case of “do as I say, not as I do.” It really is sad; the trees have no chance in Palmetto Bay under this current council.

But it is sadder to see the blatant hypocrisy in how trees are treated on private property versus land owned by Palmetto Bay under this current council.

Prior related posts on how this current council does not value trees or a property tree canopy:

September 9, 2021, Remember the trees I warned the Village about in April? Well those trees are now dead. Why it matters.

June 14, 2024, Direct question - one tree saved - but I am seeking a statement from current Palmetto Bay officials: please state with certainty how many trees in Coral Reef Park will be chopped down for the new building

April 26, 2021, Poor Tree. Who determined where and how to locate the Coral Reef Park Bridge? Regulations ignored. Once again, Palmetto Bay acts say: do as (Palmetto Bay) says, not as Palmetto Bay does.

June 9, 2024, We have a chance to save a few, but important trees from destruction. Please take the minute to sign the petition!

August 3, 2019, Update on Palmetto Bay's tree fiasco - not so good, trees uprooted and left by the side of the road

The best example - may be another one of my opinion posts - the post of 

June 18, 2024, I may have found the reason why the current mayor and council remove so many trees - Dendrophobia

Fully unfavorable decision rendered against the Village of Palmetto Bay by the court in FAIRCHILD BAY SUBDIVISION LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, 2023-000033-AP-01

This decision hurts. You can’t spin it, though I am sure they will try. I am putting out the opinion rendered yesterday, Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in the case of FAIRCHILD BAY SUBDIVISION LLC VS VILLAGE OFPALMETTO BAY, 2023-000033-AP-01

The Court: the decision to deny Appellant’s zoning reclassification was arbitrary, unreasonable and confiscatory.

Wait for the projected village spin.  This hearing process was not a valiant attempt to protect the village – it is a model of how not to conduct a hearing or make a (bad) decision – I based this upon the stated opinion of the Judges – including 

“… (Palmetto Bay) failed to follow the essential requirements of the law, rendered a decision wholly unsupported by competent substantial evidence and subjected Petitioner to reverse spot zoning that resulted in a confiscatory taking of its real property.”

Ouch

What was lost here was any opportunity to actually protect the neighbors through attempting to reach a reasonable compromise. Any compromise could have included covenants and other ways to protect the community in the future.  Of course, it is too hard for this current group to make a decision based upon the evidence and properly apply the law. That takes skill as an elected official (that they lack) as well as political guts.  It is much easier for this group to play to the Plebiscite and then blame the courts (or others before them) when their poor decision(s) hits the fan.

The court cited staff reports and testimony where the applicants could not meet the requirements of the zoning code under the current designation (see page 16 of the opinion) (which is why they were seek a change – to be compatible with the surrounding areas).

As detailed in the opinion, 

“A thorough review of the record fails to establish substantial compete evidence to support the Village’s decision. The Respondent (Palmetto Bay) fails to identify any specific material and relevant statements from the public hearing that constitute substantial compete evidence. The evidence primarily addressed the Property’s ownership history, the potential loss of mango trees and Petitioner’s site plan for the future development of the Property...."

By the way, the application was filed February 23, 2023 (see foot note 1 on page 2 of the decision). This means this entire action falls upon the Elected Officials elected in 2000 and 2022. This was based upon the municipal code put in place by that (current) group of elected officials.

This was not an error in the defense of this certiorari action, this is an error that started before the zoning hearing.  The errors occurred in how the elected officials failed to properly manage the zoning matter; in essence – well, as the opinion stated:

“(Palmetto Bay) failed to follow the essential requirements of the law, rendered a decision wholly unsupported by competent substantial evidence rind subjected Petitioner to reverse spot zoning that resulted in a confiscatory taking of its real property.”

The lesson is that if you deny, the mayor and village council better have some evidence to base their denial on.  They didn’t. The lost and now the village residents will pay the price for their foolishness.

This is a long opinion, designed (in my opinion) to provide guidance in order to prevent future errors.

The closing paragraph is the concurring opinion fairly sums this up:

For the reasons stated in the majority opinion, the decision to deny Appellant’s zoning reclassification was arbitrary, unreasonable and confiscatory. Kugel, 206 So. 2d at 285 (finding denial of a rezoning request unreasonable and arbitrary where “[t]he character of the property has already been changed by other actions of the municipality.”). Accordingly, I would grant the Writ of Certiorari because Respondent failed to follow the essential requirements of the law, rendered a decision wholly unsupported by competent substantial evidence and subjected Petitioner to reverse spot zoning that resulted in a confiscatory taking of its real property.

More to come at some future date. For now, I will wait for any village spin.  No matter how you spin it, this decision does NOT reflect well upon the officials of the Village of Palmetto Bay.

And note, this decision is "not final" until any motion for rehearing is disposed of, but I doubt very seriously the decision will be reversed upon any request for reconsideration.

Palmetto Bay turns 22 today, September 10, 2024.

Palmetto Bay was incorporated on September 10, 2002. I am wishing everyone a very happy 22nd. 

I have kept track of our Village History throughout this blog. Feel free to search this blog for numerous posts regarding our Palmetto Bay history. Start HERE.

Thank you to everyone for making this the best municipality to live, work and play!

EUGENE FLINN

Invitation accepted! Art South event. Claudina Charles event at the Perrine Community House.

This is one of those times where “Art speaks where words are unable to explain”.

A Palmetto Bay PR Team gimme - village inspired art - the Rooster - on display at the Perrine Community Center.

The Claudina Charles event will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, at the Perrine Community House at Palmetto Bay - 900 Perrine Avenue Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.

We hope to see you there!

Happy Labor Day 2024!

 Happy Labor Day 2024!

I hope everyone who works hard to make America great is enjoying a happy and safe Labor Day weekend.  Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.

Read more about Labor Day on History.Com - Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers, and Labor Day 2018 occurs on Monday, September 3 (it’s traditionally observed on the first Monday in September). It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, parades and athletic events. (READ MORE)

Enjoy your special day.

Bring back fiscal responsibility - Candidate review - David Singer for Palmetto Bay Council, District 2

Here is an election website worth a look. Far from the usual platitudes. Read his real skills and experience and what it brings to Palmetto Bay. I have seen him in action on budgets. He is focused and fair. The works hard at preventing government wasteful spending so that our tax dollars actually go to the delivery of true municipal services.

His education includes both Florida State University and the University of Miami.

He has vast experience.  CPA and Real Estate agent, Eight years in public accounting, specializing in auditing, and experience in forensic auditing for various law firms.

"Palmetto Bay isn't just where I live—it's where my heart is. I'm committed to bringing our community together, giving every resident a voice, and steering our village back to the path of progress and harmony."

-David Singer 

David Singer has the skills and the proven track record. David will bring fiscal responsibility back to Palmetto Bay.

CLICK HERE to view his official website.

Mark Meritzer - knowledgeable and experienced on transit - an issue critical to Palmetto Bay

Update on transportation - and a breath of fresh air - Palmetto Bay has a candidate who actually understands transit and the issues relating to South Miami-Dade County.

Nearly 80% of those who took the time to vote - voted in favor of the non-binding straw poll on transit - "Does Miami-Dade County need to expand its existing rapid mass transit system? (Rapid mass transit is defined here as elevated Metrorail, passenger rail, and/or Metromover)" - as reported in the Miami Herald - Miami-Dade voters overwhelmingly say the county should expand rapid mass transit, by Catherine Odum, updated August 21, 2024

One source? Palmetto Bay's favorite son, Mark Merwitzer, the associate director of the advocacy group Transit Alliance, said he was pleased with the results of the straw poll. He said by voting in favor of this ballot measure, Miami-Dade residents made it clear they don’t want the “status quo” of “more highways and more traffic.” 

Miami-Dade’s growing population has exacerbated congestion and traffic throughout the county. 

Merwitzer added that he commends Gilbert, along with co-sponsor Commissioner Eileen Higgins, for their work.

(source above - the Miami Herald)

My take aways?

1.    Residents have loudly proclaimed their concern as to the state of transit in Miami-Dade County.

2.    Palmetto Bay has a resident - and candidate for Vice Mayor - who clearly understands the issues and is ready to advocate for Palmetto Bay.

3.    Mark Merwitzer has demonstrated that he can work with County leaders on issues of great public importance.

MiamiHal Host Hal Feldman talks with candidate for Palmetto Bay Vice May...

MiamiHal Host Hal Feldman talks with Mark Merwitzer, the policy director at the Transit Alliance. This interview originally aired on May 30, 2024, when Mark had just announced that he is running for the Vice Mayor position in Palmetto Bay.

An outstanding idea - an ideal subject for the Nature Postings Photogenic Nature Workshop - Palmetto Bay's free range chickens & roosters

This is why I put things out on the blog.  I get some great responses.  

One reader suggested that readers and "photo contributors" of the blog should enter the Nature Postings Photogenic Nature Workshop - set for Saturday, August 31, 2024

The following info is provided by official Palmetto Bay sources: This workshop provides the perfect setting for amateur photographers, professionals, and families to experience nature behind the lenses of a camera. Open to all skill levels and ages. All participants will be required to bring their own camera or phone. $10 per person. Register here.

Registration remains open - hurry and register - please don't chicken out!

Reader submissions - Chickens & Roosters multiplying at Coral Reef Park - non-native species appear to be thriving.

 I am posting two photos taken early Wednesday, August 14, 2024. Where did the chickens come from? And no, this is not an invitation to engage in the which came first - the chicken or the egg

The children of our village have grown up with the recent duck slaughter. How long will it be before proper action will be taken against those who are irresponsibly releasing chickens into Palmetto Bay?

Here are some PRIOR RELATED POSTS:

July 29, 2024, A new exercise opportunity for Coral Reef Park - here now : "The ROCKY II Chicken Chase"

July 22, 2024, Coral Reef Park and the Mangowood community have a morning wake up alarm.

August 1, 2024, Chickens can be raised properly in Palmetto Bay - It was done. That was before Ordinance 2023-12.

This could be funny except for how the ducks were slaughtered in Coral Reef Parks. Will the chickens meet the same violent end?

August 7 - Purple Heart Day. Remembering America's Veterans - special recognition for Purple Heart recipients

Palmetto Bay became the first South Florida "Purple Heart City" in 2016 - as per resolution 2016-40 that I was proud to sponsor as Mayor of Palmetto Bay.  It remains important to continue this recognition.

This is a national day of recognition. Purple Heart Day is observed on August 7 each year and is a time for Americans to pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who were either wounded on the battlefield or paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.

See Channel 10 News online: Palmetto Bay becomes first Purple Heart city in South Florida - Flag-raising ceremony held to commemorate honor, By Peter Burke - Local 10.com Managing Editor, posted: 1:22 PM, August 10, 2016.

See prior related post of August 12, 2016, Recognizing our Purple Heart Awardees. Palmetto Bay is now a Purple Heart City! where there are additional photos from this 2016 event

CLICK HERE to view other related posts recognizing our Veterans for their service.

Congratulations to Kirsten Faulkner - Gold Medalist - Women's Road Cycling

Congratulations to Kirsten Faulkner - She only began cycling as a hobby in 2017 - and dominates the Olympic road cycling event in 2024!  Inspiring.

As reported online by NBC News: 

It was the "upset of a lifetime" in women's road cycling as American Kristen Faulkner surged ahead of the pack to secure gold at the end of the race.

Faulkner was not a favorite to win this race but the former rower crossed the finish line almost a full minute ahead of Netherlands' Marianne Vos and Belgium's Lotte Kopecky.

This is the first Olympics for Faulkner, who did not qualify on her own for the race and was added to Team USA at the last minute. She only began cycling as a hobby in 2017, saying it provided an outlet for her venture capitalist job in New York City.

“It was kind of my outlet every day to get into Central Park and ride for two hours away from the bustle of the city,” Faulkner told NBC News last month.

A great story.

Transit on the ballot in Miami-Dade as officials look to expand Metromov...

See Channel 10 online for the full story - excerpts below:

MIAMI – Advocates say Miami-Dade voters have a choice on the Aug. 20 ballot.

“More highways, more congestion, or a new option?” Mark Merwitzer, with Transit Alliance Miami, said.

A measure on the primary ballot includes a non-binding question about expanding rapid transit in the county, specifically the existing Metromover and Metrorail systems.

It comes as choking congestion prompts county commissioners to look at elevated rail along the county’s East-West Corridor: a Metromover expansion along Flagler Street to Florida International University.

“The number one complaint about quality of life in Miami-Dade County is the traffic,” Merwitzer said. “Traffic is a nightmare and public transit is the solution to that.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins summed it up thusly: “People are trapped in traffic.”

see Channel 10 Miami - As congestion chokes Miami-Dade, transit on ballot as officials ponder Metromover to FIU

EDITOR'S NOTE: I am not sure how I will vote.  I am far from pleased as to how the current half cent sales tax is being (mis)spent. I'd like to send a message and vote NO, but they will play the vote how they want to, regardless of the results.

UPDATE: I am posting a screen shot of the County Straw Ballot question.  Do we really need to answer it? The answer is obvious. But note that this does nothing toward upgrading South Dade with anything elevated, which the prior mayors of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay fought for.  This locks South Miami-Dade into the bus; but now with the old fashioned Railroad style crossing gates (talk about antiquated technology). 

Chickens can be raised properly in Palmetto Bay - It was done. That was before Ordinance 2023-12.

I stated prior that there have always been residents in Palmetto Bay who raise chickens, but it has always been kept responsibly and under the radar because of the code. There was no feral chicken or worse, rooster, population in Palmetto Bay - that is until post 2023 - as amateur chicken farmers kept them under wraps.  It has been only recently that the feral roosters have begun to show up in various areas of Palmetto Bay.  Have they reached a level where the roosters can be described as a local invasive species?

My issue is when you legislate a right, legislate it so it does not infringe upon others.  In my opinion, a bad example of an possibly well intentioned, but not well thought out ordinance – Palmetto Bay Ordinance 2023-12, sponsored by Vice Mayor Leanne Tellam.   Palmetto Bay officials enacted a hastily considered ordinance which even noted that "...roosters, which can and do disturb the peaceful quality of life in the Village ...." – and yet here they are (Roosters).  Now there are feral populations of chickens and the accompanying roosters throughout Palmetto Bay.   

And, as many predicted – the chickens would come home to roost. We are now seeing the effects. Free roaming chickens attract Roosters. 

Here is a PRIOR RELATED POST where I discussed raising chickens: March 24, 2020, Coronavirus adjustments. In this case, “the 'chickens have come home to roost'” has a positive meaning. Time and a desire for family activities, a pet and eggs, all come together for this family.

Changes due to the Coronavirus. Her son always wanted chickens as a pet. This has become a project during self-quarantine as they now have the time to set it up right. They have an activity. He has the pets he has wanted and she now has fresh eggs. This is a true win/win for all concerned. No longer does her son have to egg her on.

(NOTE - names and location withheld)

In this case, “the 'chickens have come home to roost'” has a positive meaning. Time and a desire for family activities, a pet and eggs, all come together for this family.