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.

Wildlife photography - pictures give reason to appreciate and therefore the drive to protect our local wildlife - Photos by Jennifer Santino-Finger that aid other local wildlife activists.

Why Wildlife photography? Because photos have the power to bring nature to the viewer and turn them on to the wonder of nature. Photography has always been a powerful medium and it has become an essential tool to inspire the desire to protect wildlife; to spark preservation. Photos often go viral on social media, bringing the much-needed attention to imperiled wildlife. 

Palmetto Bay is a long time refuge for wildlife. Most of our wildlife is native, but some is unfortunately non-native invasive. I have documented many issues related to our local wildlife from invasive species (34 posts), features on the FWC (18 posts) as well as our local environment that so many work to save to home the special plants and local wildlife [Liveable Cutler (7), Miami Pine Rocklands Coalition (16), National Geographic, Native Plant Society (2), Our Environment (20) and Patch of Heaven Sanctuary to name a few. (see the labels posted in the far right column for more, or for all links)] And then there are the coyotes that have earned their own space. There is a need to co-exist. We should all work to make our backyards a wildlife habitat.

You may have missed an article on Channel 10 regarding a Wildlife Sanctuary Ordinance championed by Council Member David Singer (2016-2020). It takes a village to get attention to issues of protecting our environment. Catalysts are required from within. Channel 10 featured residents heavily involved in such protection. There are many to thank, but at this time I especially want to thank Carol Vega and Jennifer Santino Finger.

CLICK HERE or the headline to view the June 18, 2021 article by Channel 10 Reporter Christina Vazquez, Wild macaw parrots need to be protected from poachers in Miami-Dade, residents say

Poaching is a huge problem and it is important not to give away locations of these nesting birds that we all enjoy. Macaws are non-native, but are not invasive – this is an important distinction. Please review the article, link above. And remember, it is one thing to enact a law, but any law can be rendered worthless unless it is properly enforced.

Palmetto Bay resident Jennifer Santino-Finger provided Channel 10 with the photographs of the macaws here in Palmetto Bay. Jennifer graciously granted license to me to post a selections of her photos here to this blog. I am posting more than the parrots. There are many outstanding photos that must be seen!

(Click on each photo to view in a larger format.)

Palmetto Bay has much more than Parrots - Jennifer has captured numerous local birds in the only way they should be: through the lens:

We can't leave out this little fish who appears just as interested in the photographer:

A SUGGESTION - how about an exhibition!

This blog does provide the proper forum for these outstanding photos. I strongly suggest a Jennifer Santino-Finger nature photography exhibit at the Coral Rock House here in Palmetto Bay. It is long overdue and would be most welcomed. Parks should host it. Local students should be given an opportunity to see and participate.

Admit it, these photos add reason as to why we need to work to protect our environment, 22 acres at a time.

(Please note that photo credits for all photos posted here are Jennifer Santino Finger)

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Send more photos! This is also an open invitation for others to send photographs of appreciating Palmetto Bay! Better read than politics. CLICK HERE to view some of my prior posts of my attempts to photograph backyard nature here in Palmetto Bay! 

Oh no! Guess who has a show. Spotlight on the Village hosted by David Singer.

Now it is getting interesting. Did you see the announcement? (screen shot posted at bottom)? Controversy builds ratings, so I am expecting the David Singer show to be a huge hit in the local ratings. Perhaps it will be called "off the hook".

David Singer has announced that he will be moving on from Palmetto Bay Council Member (not commissioner) to hosting his own show on the Community Newspapers Facebook.  He will have a weekly 30-minute show with Miami Community Newspaper's starting the week of December 7, 2020. 

The good news: It will only be thirty (30) minutes.  

The bad news: It will only be thirty (30) minutes. 

Fair questions: 

• How many threats have the Michael and Grant Miller received regarding this planned show? (it is still early - so get your threats of boycotts and other anti-first amendment tirades in early).
• If threats have been made, who has made them? (I bet I could guess who.)
• Will there be prizes awarded for those who correctly guess who screams the loudest?
• Who does David Singer think he is, the second coming of Neal Rogers?
• Will there be a dump button?
• Can we expect a lightning round?
• Will there be a warning label or an "R" or "MA" rating?
• Will David Singer obtain media credentials and, if so, will he attempt to misuse the credentials for access into the next Super Bowl held in Miami?
• Who will be the initial guest(s)?
• Why am I not the initial guest?
• Will there be a live animal segment?
• Can a show hosted by yours truly be far behind?

Stay tuned!

Great video - from the heart. David Singer for Palmetto Bay Council, District 2

Watch this short video. David Singer's youngest son speaks from the heart. 

The youngest of the Singer family has been a frequent volunteer, working to help serve at numerous breakfasts at the American Legion, post 133.

Only Council Member David Singer had the courage to step forward and make a statement at the 6-1-2020 Palmetto Bay Council Meeting. Not a single comment of leadership from any of the other members.

Great leaders lead while others follow or are silent.

I was shocked last night when after a four hour council meeting neither Mayor Cunningham or any of the other Council member mentioned or spoke on any of the events that are occurring in our Country, until I made the following statements.

“Anytime an individual, especially someone of African American decent, is brutally tortured and murdered it is the responsibility of individuals who are engaged in a leadership position to take a strong stance against such an action such actions and inequalities.

If we as leaders stand by and don’t lift our voices and let them be heard then we are no better than the individuals who perpetrate such atrocities, just as those who watched millions of innocent people get killed by Germany during the Second World War.

If elected officials want to be in a position of leadership, they are morally obligated to stay off the fence and ensure police brutality or any other type racism in the United States immediately stops.

Peaceful demonstrations are the bedrock of our country and we must engage society to move forward and not backwards in time.

The time of hating our fellow man for reason of color, religion, sexual preference, birthplace, needs to end.

If we expect the world to be a better place for our children and our children’s children, we must show and prove that we can do better.

We much lead the world by example and not by rhetoric. I implore my other councilmembers and elected officials to stand up and take a firm position on the murder of George Floyd and others who are harassed, beaten, or murdered due to skin color, religion, or sexual preference.”

David Singer

Follow the link to view the full public Facebook post.
https://www.facebook.com/david.singer.mia/posts/10222835400340536

Editor's Note: Maybe this is yet another example where the other village elected officials (note, not 'leaders') will make their statements in private where they can carefully tailor the message to reflect the person or group they are speaking with.

Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez's Executive Order 20-20 requiring mask. Palmetto Bay once again relying upon leadership from the County. Time to listen to Council Member Singer as well as follow the lead of Cutler Bay. 13 versus 1 is telling.

Thank you Mayor Gimenez for taking action that applies to Palmetto Bay.

Palmetto Bay continues to meet minimum standards. Grade wise, that is generally given the letter grade of “C-.” And while I was pleased to see our Village Policing Unit at the local grocery store this morning (4/10/2020) enforcing rules of social distancing and use of masks, my pleasure was tempered by the knowledge that these rules were actually put in place by Miami-Dade County, not Palmetto Bay; that it took leadership from outside our Village to make this happen. The store employees were also wearing masks. I had mine as did 99% of other shoppers.  This could have happened much earlier, but as I started off this post, once again, thank you Mayor Gimenez for taking action that applies to Palmetto Bay.

Palmetto Bay has been doing NOTHING other than following behind the county dictates. Cutler Bay and Pinecrest have both been aggressive. The stats to date show results that are favorable to the health of the Cutler Bay and Pinecrest residents.  However, let's assess honestly: of Palmetto Bay officials, only Council Member David Singer has shown any concern for bringing local ordinances to protect residents during this coronavirus pandemic. A review of the village agendas would show what has really been going on.  Also see: April 9, 2020, Photo of the Day - action, partial action and all others (all others are those not listed). And Thank you David Singer for protecting essential employees (Agenda item 10 C). Palmetto Bay did not join the Masked Club, it was dragged into it by Miami-Dade County Order.  Most of Palmetto Bay is located within the 33157 zip code - one of the biggest COVIC-19 hot spots in Miami-Dade County. Cutler Bay has been very aggressive in protecting its residents; perhaps that is why the current count for Cutler Bay is a single case (1) while Palmetto Bay is in the teens (13) as of April 9, 2020. See: April 9, 2020, COVID - 19 FLORIDA HEALTH update for Thursday, April 9, 2020. The short update for the Old Cutler Tri-City area of South Miami-Dade – Palmetto Bay is presently at 13, Pinecrest at 6, Cutler Bay at 1.  

Most everyone else appear to realize that these are serious times - with profound impact, long and short term, for our residents and the Village as a whole, as to our personal and financial health. The time has passed for Mayor Cunningham (and others on the Council) to take the advice attributed to American Patriot Thomas Paine: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way." Palmetto Bay is far behind Cutler Bay - and Pinecrest in protecting its residents. Mayor Cunningham needs to get out of the way and listen and act on the advice and leadership, both of neighboring Cutler Bay, as well as one of Palmetto Bay's own: Council Member David Singer.

Now on to Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez's Executive Order 20-20 requiring masks:

Strict social distancing of at least six feet between people is still required, even when masks are in use MIAMI ( April 09, 2020 ) — Today Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez signed Executive Order 20-20 requiring the use of facial coverings by people working in or visiting grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, construction sites, public transit vehicles, vehicles for hire, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible. This order goes into effect as of 11:59 p.m. on April 9, 2020:
Following guidelines set by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, this Order requires the use of any facial covering that snugly covers the face and mouth, whether store-bought or homemade, and is secured with ties or ear loops. Examples of compliant home-made masks may be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html People should not use N95-rated masks, since these are critical supplies for health care workers, police, fire, emergency management, or other people engaged in life/safety activities. Everyone wearing masks should review the CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines regarding safe application, removal and cleaning of masks. Masks are not be required for children younger than two years old or anyone who has trouble breathing due to a chronic pre-existing condition. “I want to remind everyone that while wearing masks can help for close encounters, you must continue to practice social distancing,” Mayor Gimenez said. “We do not want anyone to have a false sense of security by solely wearing a mask. “Even people who feel perfectly healthy and are wearing masks can transmit COVID-19, so everyone, keep your distance of at least six feet and, please, do everything within your power to stay ‘Safer at Home’!” The provisions of EO 20-20 are the minimum standards required by the County. Municipalities may impose more stringent standards within their jurisdictions, as permitted by law. For the County’s most recent COVID-19 updates, go to miamidade.gov/coronavirus. # # # To request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, and/or any accommodation to participate in any County-sponsored program or meeting, please call Office of Communications, 305-375-1545 or email, comminfo@miamidade.gov, five days in advance to initiate your request. TTY users may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service). Office of the Mayor 111 NW 1st Street, Suite 2910 Miami, FL 33128

Photo of the Day - action, partial action and all others (all others are those not listed). And Thank you David Singer for protecting essential employees (Agenda item 10 C)

Do Heroes wear Masks?

CDC recommends wearing masks.  As listed on Channel 10, April 8, 2020, News Broadcast, what I call the "masked" cities:

I applaud Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer for bringing forward outstanding Emergency Legislation at the April 6, Village Council Meeting.  This Emergency Resolution (CLICK HERE to download and read in full). Protects front line essential employees from the Coronavirus in the following manner:

(i)        That all employers of businesses permitted to be open in the Village of Palmetto Bay are not permitted to prevent any and all employees from wearing personal protective equipment, including but not limited to gloves, masks, goggles, or any other equipment recommended by the CDC to control the spread of respiratory illness;

(ii)       That all businesses that are permitted to be open in the Village of Palmetto be required to ensure that a minimum distance of not less than 6’ feet between customers is maintained in order to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19 ( the “Corona Virus”).

I recognize the remainder of the Village Council for approving Council Member David Singer's Emergency Resolution in the manner submitted, without weakening, temporarily deferring it, or passing it on to the Interim Manager to determine the necessity some time in the future!

This is an example of decisive action:

I did confirm Council Member Singer’s release of information relating to the 2 cases of Coronavirus here in Palmetto Bay - Why does official Palmetto Bay info differ? Last check, 3:15 PM, which does NOT list any cases confirmed in Palmetto Bay.

Wouldn't Palmetto Bay release information as important as two confirmed cases of Caronavirus in Palmetto Bay? I did confirm Council Member Singer release of 2 cases of Coronavirus here in Palmetto Bay - this information conflicts with official Palmetto Bay info, last check, 3:15 PM, which does NOT list any cases confirmed in Palmetto Bay.

Here is the information I could find through sources at the Florida Health site:
# Cases  Municipality followed by County (I listed 9 municipalities in 2 Counties)

5            Coral Gables, Dade
3            North Miami Beach, Dade
3            Doral, Dade
2            Biscayne Park, Dade
2            Coconut Grove, Dade
2            Palmetto Bay, Dade
2            North Miami, Dade
2            South Miami, Dade

1            Key Largo, Monroe

CLICK HERE to view page 6 where I found this update from Monday morning, 3/23/2020.

So yes, Palmetto Bay officials need to update the official information to the public. Thank you Council Member David Singer for providing important information to the residents so we can make informed decisions relating to the health and safety of our families.

I want to be kept timely up to date in order to know the current risk level for myself and my family. I thank David Singer for his release of Monday, March 23, 2020, advising that:

As of today March 23, 2020 there are 1171 reported cases of the coronavirus in the State of Florida with 21% here in Miami-Dade county.

Closer to home, I am sad to report the first two confirmed cases within the Village of Palmetto Bay (none in Pinecrest or Cutler Bay).

The latest coronavirus update listed on the official Palmetto Bay website states that there are NO KNOWN cases of caronavirus here in Palmetto Bay - my personal review was as of 3:20 PM, Monday, March 23, 2020. 

I continue to do my research.

2 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Palmetto Bay. Important update from Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer

Important update from Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer (Monday, March 23, 2020:

To all Palmetto Bay Residents,

As of today March 23, 2020 there are 1171 reported cases of the coronavirus in the State of Florida with 21% here in Miami-Dade county.

Closer to home, I am sad to report the first two confirmed cases within the Village of Palmetto Bay (none in Pinecrest or Cutler Bay). It is time for action, not platitudes and certainly not an attempt at self-relevance. Therefore, I propose having our park closures strictly enforced by using our idle park employees turning our patrons away and doing so in protective masks and gloves and by practicing social distancing while on duty.

This in turn will free up our police officers to patrol our village.

I also propose having our code officers individually doing wellness checks on local offices to ensure they are following County mandated emergency ordinances on closure.

I ask all residents to strictly follow CDC guidelines, keep safe distances and stay patient and together we will overcome this fight against this virus, stay strong Palmetto Bay.

Together we will get through this Unprecedented situation. Please stay healthy and safe.

David Singer
Council Seat 2
Palmetto Bay

_____________________________

Thank you Council Member Singer for getting out actual numbers, warnings and being the point member for action during this pandemic. I appreciate your forward thinking use of staffers to keep Palmetto Bay safe. I do have some follow up requests to Council Member Singer:

·                While protecting identity, is there any information available that may allow other residents to determine if there is any need to be tested or increase self-isolation from elderly or otherwise at risk family members?

·                Can we eliminate these 2 cases from any participation, exposure (primary or secondary) at the Village Picnic. While it was early, this event was not cancelled and there were significant food and other lines where there was no 6 foot social distance buffer.

Measures taken - a time for calm and following precautions. What are the next steps here locally?

This is neither time for panic nor business as usual. This is a confirmed Global pandemic. Forget "this is getting real". This is very real. But it is time for calm action; not mixed messages, creation of confusion, and certainly not photo ops. This is certainly not the time to take the position that this virus won't happen to us. And, by the way, It need not happen here.

Trump address sparks chaos as coronavirus crisis deepens, Analysis by Stephen Collinson, CNN, Updated 7:17 AM ET, Thu March 12, 2020

The White House has cancelled several public events.

Actors Tom Hanks and spouse Rita Wilson have confirmed they tested positive for corona virus (in Queensland, Australia)

An NBA Player has tested positive. The NBA has suspended play all together. The NCAA has banned spectators at March Madness games. Locally, City of Miami and County Officials cancelled ULTRA and are looking at large events.

Some Colleges and Universities are moving to online classes and in some cases, sending students home.

The coronoavirus has been confirmed in Miami-Dade County. State health officials confirm first Miami-Dade coronavirus case, two others, by SAMANTHA J. GROSS HERALD/TIMES TALLAHASSEE BUREAU, March 11, 2020.

This is a place sports, our Country, our localities have never been before. This is the time to take uniform action and not go independent. What happens somewhere can have impact on what happens elsewhere.

In Palmetto Bay, the picnic went forward, but there was ample ability to have people maintain a safe six foot buffer (as recommended on the local virus page).

Will this affect the Deering Estate Seafood Festival? Waiting to hear. So far, I have heard only from Council Member David Singer who made a request for action to the Interim Village Manager. (See below):

Greg,

As acting Palmetto Bay Village Manager, you should seriously consider canceling all public events within Palmetto Bay for the next 60 days. This includes using any of our police officers or staff for any Miami Dade County or Deering Event to keep them safe from the coronavirus. I will be very disappointed if are Village doesn’t do everything possible to protect our residents and community.

Thank you

David Singer

Council Seat 2
Village of Palmetto Bay
(305) 903-3700 

 Calm must prevail. Everyone should monitor and follow the CDC and WHO recommendations.

Be your brother’s keeper, stay calm, stay safe. Let’s all work together to prevent, as president Trump says, “… to prevent any new clusters…”

We all need to push together in the same direction. Adequate protection and precautions now will greatly benefit our health, our communities and our local, regional, national and even international economies.

Palmetto Bay’s current Mayor needs to stop hiding behind proxy attacks and build coalitions, not angry mobs through misinformation. 2020’s first textbook example of poor leadership.

There's a Spanish idiom, in English literally "to throw the stone and hide the hand" which means "to start some kind of trouble and then not take responsibility for that"

The current Palmetto Bay mayor couldn't go 48 hours into 2020 before she stirs her behind the scenes proxies to attack fellow village council member David Singer. It is truly sad that Palmetto Bay could not make it more than 48 hours into the new year without the first behind the scenes attack from one council member to another. I term this as a textbook example of bad leadership because once again, our current elected officials, who put forth the public personas of being friendly and engaging in public, bear fangs once again (and far too often by proxy) to engage in an attack on the person and not on the discussion.

This comment made through this attached e-mail is, in my opinion, quite  unprofessional. We often disagree (that is everyone's right to disagree) but to denigrate a fellow council member is uncalled for, especially in such a crude manner in stating: “It’s complete and utter BS.”

Can we please have a return to civility and be positive: to bring your advocacy to the council meeting rather than tearing things down through building a mob behind the scenes? Especially when she, as mayor, hasn’t stated publicly her position on the bridges. And, by the way "hoping" is not advocacy.

Is the problem that she has nothing to offer on her own, so she resorts to rounding up others to come and attack in order to allow her to sit back and not take blame? She obviously does not want to discussion to be held - at least in the Sunshine of open government proceeding.

Speaking in riddles - different responses carefully tailored to different and opposing people? A common tactic for politicians without principles:

What does this response to a bridge proponent mean? From Mayor Cunnigham, 10-18-2019, advising a resident that "Our (meaning Palmetto Bay's) opposition is not keeping the county from moving forward if they deem it appropriate."

There are two ways to rescind a resolution. 
The first is to put forward a resolution actually rescinding by stating that this current council has changed its position - and note there is no such resolution pending.  
The second is to make sure that the resolution is ignored, to no longer back up that prior resolution. 

The 10-18-2019 e-mail from Mayor Cunningham appears to state that the prior anti-bridging resolution exists on paper, but is not being actively pursued by this current mayor and counsel.  This is a backdoor way to allow things to happen, but deflect criticism for allowing it to happen.

This all relates back to Spanish idiom I opened this post with - "to throw the stone and hide the hand" which means "to start some kind of trouble and then not take responsibility for that.” It’s all about ‘don’t blame (Mayor Cunningham – who appears to be doing a great job at avoiding responsibility), who appears to be saying different things to different people and not going to advocate for or against the prior resolution, blame the County for what even happens either way.’ Leadership? Transparency? speaking straight to Constituents? Hardly. This is a coward’s way out. Palmetto Bay deserves better.

Postscript. Elected officials should use official Village e-mails, not personal or third party emails, when communicating with constituents on official business. The posted e-mail concerns an official agenda item; it is therefore concerning official village business. Why then, is the mayor not using her official village e-mail? Is this to enable her to avoid public records laws in regard to transparency in her communication to others relating to village business? 

Palmetto Bay Councilman David Singer organizes Hurricane Relief for the Bahamas - At Dadeland Station

Palmetto Bay Councilman David Singer has teamed up with Corporate America - Dadeland Station and its stores for supplies to Abaco Relief. This is yet another outstanding example of community spirit; as well as another opportunity to participate. 

Councilman Singer has organized a hurricane relief effort to help victims of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, teaming up with Dadeland Station.

He is asking folks to drop off non-perishable donations at the Dadeland Station center located at 8312 S Dixie Hwy, Miami, FL 33143.  Items should be dropped off at the Security Office located on the 1st floor of the parking garage.

David Singer will oversee the transfer of these goods from the Dadeland Station security office to the ships transporting the much-needed supplies to the Bahamas.

The Dadeland Station donation site offers a unique opportunity for those looking to buy and contribute as they do not have to transport. Items can either be brought from home, office or schools to the site, or you can purchase items at any of these stores and simply brought down to the security office via shopping cart - one stop.

Councilman Singer has expressed his heartfelt appreciation for those who participate in the many efforts going on to assist the Bahamas in this crisis.

Our Environment - Interesting & important read – CNN BUSINESS - Coke and Pepsi abandon the plastics lobby, by Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Business, Tue July 30, 2019

When is participating in a plastic lobby part of recycling effort versus protecting the market for producers and distributors of single use plastics? 

This is important as there is a huge difference between ‘can be recycled’ versus the percentage actually recycled. It could be more than fair to say that recycling has been a well-intentioned, but documented as a failure to date, as  a "whopping 91% of plastic isn't recycled." (the National Geographic article source is posted below)

Please read this online article, CNN BUSINESS - Coke and Pepsi abandonthe plastics lobby, by Danielle Wiener-Bronner, CNN Business, Tue July 30, 2019

Coca-Cola and PepsiCo, two major sellers of plastic bottles, have made sweeping sustainability commitments. Now they are stepping away from a plastics lobbying group.

Both soft drink companies are trying to increase the amount of recycled plastic they use in bottles. They want to improve recycling infrastructure and ensure their packages are recyclable.

But the Plastics Industry Association has encouraged states to make plastic bans illegal.

We have seen the impact of such lobbying efforts. Florida municipalities have been at odds with groups such as the Plastics Industry Association, groups that have worked to have our State Legislature preempt and outlaw local municipal rights to pass ordinances on everything from plastic bags as well as plastic straws.

The recent actions of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo should provide pause to everyone concerned with our environment (and this should actually be “everyone”). What are the standards, the established markers or “deliverables” / “measurables” for recycling? Most, but not all, single use plastic bottles are “recyclable”. Miami-Dade County limits plastic recycling to “narrow neck” – specifically:

Plastic containers (bottles only): bottles, milk, water, detergent, soda and shampoo containers (flatten and replace cap) (CLICK HERE).

9 % recycling rate? See National Geographic - PLANET OR PLASTIC? A whopping 91% of plastic isn't recycled - read the article on how "Billions of tons of plastic have been made over the past decades, and much of it is becoming trash and litter, finds the first analysis of the issue."

  

The CNN article reports that “Coca-Cola (KO) produced 3.3 million tons of plastic in 2017, it disclosed in recent report by the Ellen MacArthur foundation. PepsiCo (PEP) did not disclose how much plastic it sells.”

That is a significant amount of single use plastic that is NOT recycled. Further,

Both companies are trying to figure out ways to reduce their use of virgin plastics and increase recycling. They're also exploring alternatives to plastics, like aluminum, that are easier to recycle.

PepsiCo announced recently that its Aquafina-brand water will be sold in aluminum cans at US fast food and restaurant chains as soon as next year. The company is testing out a broader rollout to retail stores.

BLOG EDITOR'S NOTE: Please review these prior, related Blog Posts, including:

May 22, 2019, FAQ - Accommodations in the Plastic Straw ordinance forADA/Medical necessity - other exemptions. I posted FAQs regarding  Council Member Singer’s ordinance, presenting the facts, responding to rumor and incorrect information, and

May 15, 2019, End the delay, the time is now for Palmetto Bay to debateand take action on Council Member David Singer's proposed ordinance to banplastic straws in Palmetto Bay. The point of this blog post was to advocate for the current mayor and council to cease resistance, to stop bottling up, Council Member David Singer's plastic straw ban and let the debate come to the council floor where council members can finally let the public know why they have not seen fit to hear this item. There are no reasons to continue to avoid the issue of banning plastic straws in Palmetto Bay - as, as Gov. DeSantis opined:

"Citizens who oppose plastic straw ordinances can seek recourse by electing people who share their views."

The BBV - the Better Bat Videos - additional higher quality videos of Singer's Bats

I am posting 2 new higher quality videos of the Bats who have set up neighborhood pest control at the home of Council Member David Singer.

PRIOR RELATED POSTS: (CLICK HERE) to review prior posts relating to these bats.



The above is one of a series of videos recorded on Monday, July 8, 2019, by Hal Feldman with equipment supplied by David Singer. The equipment used included a wireless Endoscope Inspection Camera Borescope for iPhone.  

Stay tuned for more events at this home - requests have been made and there will be an open event soon.  

Watch this blog for more information.

One more video:

Update on the Palmetto Bay Bats - here is a view of inside the 'bat cave'

The bat video in in and I am posting it here for all to enjoy. Some voyeuristic views of nature and what is going on in Council Member David Singer's "belfry". 

Please review my PRIOR RELATED POST of Friday, June 7, 2019, "June 6, 2019 - Looking in on a colony of Mexican / Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats who call Palmetto Bay their home."


 
Nature is certainly interesting and we see these guys trying to make a go of it here in Palmetto Bay.  Be pleased that these bats are here as they are a big part of Nature's natural method of controlling parasitic pests such as mosquitoes. 

They can fly as high as 10,000 feet and forage on tons of harmful pest insects daily.

These bats are communal. They are known to form mega colonies that number in the hundreds of thousands, with the largest known maternity colony reaching nearly 20 million bats.

We are fortunate to have a colony of the Mexican / Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat here in Palmetto Bay - we welcome their evening feasts on pests such as mosquitoes.

CLICK HERE to read more about the Mexican / Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat on the National Park Service Everglades website.

Here is the link to the page of Bat Conservation International, specific to this Mexican / Free-Tailed Bat subspecies: http://www.batcon.org/resources/media-education/species-profiles/detail/1738

Please visit the respective web sites posted above - support our local environment including preserving the 22 acres on Old Cutler Road.

SPECIAL NOTE: Thank you Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer and family for being great hosts, both on Thursday, June 6, as well hosts to our Bat-friends who are trying to make a go of it here in suburban Palmetto Bay - I can check Bats off my list of the wide range of creatures that call Palmetto Bay home.
I promised this video. It is in and uploaded.  Enjoy.

June 6, 2019 - Looking in on a colony of Mexican / Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats who call Palmetto Bay their home.

Are you really aware of the plants and animals that call Palmetto Bay home? 

There was quite a rare air crowd present at the home of Council Member David Singer and family on Thursday, June 6, 2019. We waited with anticipation for the daily departure of the homesteaded bats, identified as Mexican / Brazilian Free-Tailed Bats. We were told that there are pups at this time of year, so a scope was used to invade the bat habitat and observe them pre-evening departure. 

This Bat colony was reviewed by Melquisedec Gamba-Rios, Ph.D., BCI Research Fellow / Florida Bonneted Bat Initiative, Bat Conservation International, batcon.org and Frederick Hubbard, Director, patchofheavensanctuary.org  

This was a great evening in Palmetto Bay - that is if you are a Bat-fan! (And I am!). My photography skills are limited as I was unable to get one of the bats to hold a pose for a photo.

We were told that the southeastern free-tailed bats commonly roost in buildings and under bridges in urban areas, where they form relatively large colonies with individuals typically numbering in the hundreds to thousands. Roosting together in large colonies allows baby bats, called pups, to remain behind in the warmth, comfort, and safety of the colony while the mothers leave the roost to feed.

The subspecies that occurs in the southeastern United States, including Florida, is Tadarida brasiliensis cynocephala.

These bats are the fastest mammals on earth and have been clocked at 99 mph in level flight (can't we give them a round up?!). 

They can fly as high as 10,000 feet and forage on tons of harmful pest insects daily. 

These bats are communal. They are known to form mega colonies that number in the hundreds of thousands, with the largest known maternity colony reaching nearly 20 million bats.

We are fortunate to have a colony of the Mexican / Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat here in Palmetto Bay - we welcome their evening feasts on pests such as mosquitoes. 

CLICK HERE to read more about the Mexican / Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat on the National Park Service Everglades website. 

Here is the link to the page of Bat Conservation International, specific to this Mexican / Free-Tailed Bat subspecies: http://www.batcon.org/resources/media-education/species-profiles/detail/1738

Please visit the respective web sites posted above - support our local environment including preserving the 22 acres on Old Cutler Road.

SPECIAL NOTE: Thank you Palmetto Bay Council Member David Singer and family for being great hosts, both on Thursday, June 6, as well hosts to our Bat-friends who are trying to make a go of it here in suburban Palmetto Bay - I can check Bats off my list of the wide range of creatures that call Palmetto Bay home.