"Hearts Around the World" A great Second Grade class project where you and your friends and relatives can participate - Mrs. Arrington's Class at Howard Drive Elementary.

 

Please ask any friends and relatives who are - or will be out of State - including out of the Country.

It takes a village. 

Thank you. 

Climbing the Rickenbacker (the William M Powell) Bridge - Sat. Jan 4, 20...

The actual climb starts at 3:42 of the video.

A beautiful day for a ride - Saturday January 4, 2025, was a special day to ride onto Key Biscayne - and climbing the highest point in Miami-Dade County. The fast descent is well earned reward for the climb.

Enjoying a white Christmas - Christmas Eve Day - December 24 2024

It is snowing (a light snow for this venue).  We are enjoying a white Christmas in Warrensburg, NY - the Adirondacks. Family time - Merry Christmas

A view of the Hudson River behind the Upstate NY home of the in-laws.

Update of Fairchild development / litigation. The loss in court in now complete – Village officials cave – and without argument – enter into an agreed final judgment in favor of the developer.

Palmetto Bay officials have surrendered and did not contest judgment against the village in the case of FAIRCHILD BAY SUBDIVISION LLC VS VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, 2023-016828-CA-01. CLICK HERE to view the Order entered on December 5, 2024. 

I expected a Fairchild victory. The Order notes that “…in light of the recently entered opinion by this Court’s appellate division, quashing the Village’s rezoning denial at issue in this case. The Court has reviewed the Motions at a virtual hearing held on December 3, 2024…” but what is surprising is that “… the entry of this Final Judgment is unopposed.” (emphasis added)

When did Village Officials make the decision to accept judgment against the Village? No one knows. We will all have to wait until any shade session transcripts are released before the public finds out.

Village Officials have not released statements about this profound development.

Details are important. This judgment requires Palmetto Bay to take the following action:

PALMETTO BAY will adopt an Ordinance, approving the proposed rezoning of the Property from Agricultural (“AG”) to Estate Modified (“EM”).

PALMETTO BAY is directed, in accordance with applicable law, to properly advertise a rezoning and bring before the Village Council for final decision in the matter of rezoning the Property from Agricultural (“AG”) to Estate Modified (“EM”) by February, 2025.

PALMETTO BAY shall effect the rezoning of the Property from Agricultural (“AG”) to Estate Modified (“EM”).

HOWEVER, and one slight good point for village taxpayers, each side shall each bear their own attorneys’ fees and costs. (Taxpayers will "only" be responsible for the attorneys fees and costs paid to the list of lawyers who represented Palmetto Bay).

We will also now wait for the February zoning hearing to hear about the details.

THE BACKSTORY - PRIOR RELATED POSTS:

See November 19, 2024, Now armed with a strong appellate decision in their favor, is the stage set for victory by Fairchild Subdivision applicant against Palmetto Bay?

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

Appellate Court rules against Residents and Palmetto Bay in the bridge appeal.

The action of Miami-Dade County regarding the 87th Avenue bridge has been affirmed on appeal. 

The decision was released this morning deciding the appeal of Village of Palmetto Bay, Florida, et al. v. Miami-Dade County, Florida, 3rd DCA Case no.: 2024-0230.  This was a 14 page decision.  In conclusion, the panel ruled that:

... the County was and is the ultimate decider as to the necessity of the Bridge Project. Because its actions were consistent with the applicable regulatory framework, it acted within its purview in approving the construction. We therefore find no reversible error and affirm in all respects.

CLICK HERE to view the opinion released Wednesday, December 4, 2024.

I will post an analysis later this week, but I am posting the notification and link to the opinion to enable access for any interested readers. 

Best Christmas Commercials Ever Santa Riding A Norelco Razor

This commercial was once the official signal that the Christmas season had arrived.

This was long before the famous Christmas movie - Die Hard - was released.  The current signal is the fall of Hans Gruber from the Nakatomi Building, but that's another story. 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2024

Like millions of others across this great country, we will celebrate Thanksgiving, honoring a tradition older than the nation itself. The Continental Congress proclaimed that the "inhabitants of these states" observe a day of Thanksgiving back in 1782.  Ever since then we set this day aside to give thanks for all our blessings, and this year we have many things for which to be thankful.

Please also take the time to remember the less fortunate.  Many families and children are doing with less, Take the time to become involved in a local charity, with time, if not a donation. There are many ongoing charities that are looking for donations and volunteers.

There is much to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. Alexandra, Katherine, Meredith and I wish you and your family the happiest of holidays.  

Thanksgiving is the busiest traveling season of the year.  Please be aware and be safe. 

Famous Quote:

On Thanksgiving Day all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime.
– (author unknown)

Breaking post - Now I've seen everything - parrot out for a drive

 I did ask and obtain permission for the photos.  Of all the things to see on my way to a mediation: a parrot riding on the car (tethered).  A beautiful day for a morning drive with the top down. I should have driven the convertible car this morning!

Seen while cycling - Santsimodo?

Alex and I ran across this Christmas display near South Miami City Hall.

Come on, look at it with an eye toward amusement: Santa is not climbing to a chimney, he is climbing a tower (clock tower) that rings bells to mark time.  We have named this display Santismodo after the fictional character in The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo.

Just for fun.  Enjoy.

Thanksgiving Holiday songs - kicking off with "Family" by Dolly Parton (with lyrics)

Three days until Thanksgiving.  

I am posting some Thanksgiving themed music in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving Holiday. Just for fun.

Hershey's Kiss Christmas Commercial HD

An all time Christmas favorite - far a commercials go.  Just posting for fun.  Enjoy.