the Personal Attack Fallacy - part of my "inside baseball" series.

From my "inside baseball" series:

personal attack fallacy

Ad hominem means “against the man,” and this type of fallacy is sometimes called name calling or the personal attack fallacy. This type of fallacy occurs when someone attacks the person instead of attacking his or her argument.

I will not dignify the attacker by name as it provides them with the attention they crave.

Sad, very sad. We should all agree that protection of our residents is of utmost importance.

Remember, most of these "attacks" are really proxy attacks - put out on behalf of those unable to properly articulate their arguments. 

Think readers! Perhaps the attackers don't understand (or refuse to acknowledge) the importance of the issue when they attack the messenger rather than resolving the issue. 

Stick to the issue at hand. Avoid ad hominem fallacies.

Palmetto Bay's Shannon Melendi Act - more important than ever. Here are the facts and my opinion on enforcing it.

I have received many inquiries in the last two weeks about the Shannon Melendi Act as enacted by Palmetto Bay. I am posting the discussion here. The law was enacted in 2008. It has not been amended or repealed by any subsequent administrations. I will add that this law was very important to me. Important as a father as well as a mayor who feels a huge responsibility to safeguarding the safety of our residents, of all ages. Therefore, it was important to me to work to enact our (Palmetto Bay's) own version of the Shannon Melendi Act. As Palmetto Bay's founding mayor, I pushed hard along side the initial Village Council to create what I later coined (and had trademarked) "The Village of Parks" in 2006.

Please note that Miami-Dade County had enacted the Shannon Melendi Act which Palmetto Bay incorporated into our initial parks ordinance. We went further, strengthening this law; casting a wider net of protection for child / personal safety. It was stated in the Ordinance that we, "...are concerned about the security and safety of children visiting Village Parks..." Police, Protection, Parks, ... all part of what I have long called 'the "Ps" of Palmetto Bay.' all are needed to work together for benefit our our village.

Who falls under, who is exempt, from the Palmetto Bay’s version of the Shannon Melendi Act?

The Palmetto Bay’s version of the Shannon Melendi Act applies for any event or program other than a single day event (the one-day picnic, Relay for Life, a single day special event) that takes place in our parks. Where applicable, who must comply with the Shannon Melendi Act? The short answer, in my opinion, nearly everyone other than the following who are specifically excluded:

• Law enforcement personnel; 
• Emergency or fire rescue personnel;
• Persons conducting deliveries; and
• Military recruitment personnel

Why are those listed above exempt? Because all on this list go through a vigorous background check.

Employers of child event workers, employers of park vendors, and programming partners and CBOs shall, upon request, provide copies of these documents to the village or to any law enforcement personnel with jurisdiction.

Every child event worker, park vendor, and staff member and volunteer of a programming partner or CBO shall wear, in a conspicuous and visible manner, an identification badge that contains his/her photograph and full name while working or volunteering on park property owned or operated by the village, except when in costume and during a performance. The identification badge shall be of a size, design, and format approved by the village park and recreation department.

Volunteers are NOT exempt. The Act does include Volunteers as well. Palmetto Bay’s ordinance defines the applicability as follows: "Volunteer shall refer to any individual performing volunteer duties for a CBO, for a programming partner, for the village's park and recreation department, as a child event worker, or as a park vendor for more than three days in any six-month period. Students volunteering in order to fulfill high school graduation requirements shall be exempted from this definition." (bold emphasis added)

Reading the original Shannon Melendi Act on Municode may be a bit arduous, so here is a link to the actual Ordinance that I and fellow members of the village council championed in 2008: CLICK HERE to view.

PENALITIES - FINES FOR VIOLATIONS REMAIN THE LAW IN PALMETTO BAY

By the way, there are penalties for those who violate Palmetto Bay's Shannon Melendi Act. Sec. 20-179. - Section 8CC-10 Schedule of civil penalties. Read the entire code section (CLICK HERE to view this specific section on Municode).

Village Officials, who are charged with enforcing (or amending) Village Codes, may issue a notice of violation which carries a civil penalty up to $500.00 for violations of this action, including: "Failure to secure nationwide criminal background check of a prospective child event worker, park vendor, or employee or volunteer of a programming partner or CBO whose duties would require physical presence on The village-owned or operated park property"

FAIR QUESTION: Should this ordinance (law), The Shannon Melendi Act, be enforced as enacted or applied selectively if at all? I say this law is needed more that ever.

IN MY OPINION: There is no 'explaining away" or "reinterpreting" Palmetto Bay's Shannon Melendi Act. Either enforce it, amend it or repeal it, but don't leave a law on the books and not enforce it. That only risks a false sense of security for our residents and their children that may lead to tragedy. 

BACKGROUND - Why did the members of the Village Council in 2008 enact this ordinance (Law)? For subscribers of the Miami Herald, see: A beloved Miami college student vanished 25 years ago. There was a murder, but no closure, by Miami Herald Archives, March 10, 2019

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.

A continuing issue for this current mayor/administration: 

1. Leaping without looking, and 

2. Rules are for others. 

I was proud to lead Palmetto Bay into becoming a "Tree City USA" municipality. But tree abuse like this should lead to Palmetto Bay being stricken from that list of honor.

What am I talking about?  This once proud Oak Tree (pictured right). I am also posting before and after photos. Note the elevation. Note that at one time these trees were planted in ground far from any paved surfaces. Now they are paved into the bridge path. Why is this a problem? Because placing asphalt too close to the roots has been described by some environmentalists as the equivalent to placing a plastic bag over someone's head, but placing a few air holes in it to provide air to breath.  This tree is now facing an uphill (or downhill) battle for survival.

Trees are important to parks (they are very important in general). Trees/plants are essential for the passive/environmental element.  Trees should line and shade walking paths, but not have their roots paved over like this one. It is also ironic to note that these impacted trees are close to the meditation area that members of the Palmetto Bay Garden club set aside for the late Dolly Morrow. Now garden club members will view what has been done to this tree.

Pictured above: the trees pre-3rd bridge built 2020-2021

Also take note of how the tree has become 'shorter'. The ground around that tree was elevated surrounding (against) the trunk. This is not healthy. This is a tree not long for this world.

Note the changed elevation for the trees adjacent to, not made part of the path

Who cares? Too few obviously, perhaps even the Palmetto Bay Tree Board. I can't believe the Tree Board Members would have signed off on this path placement. And if they didn't, well then, that is another problem in and of itself. 

Many residents want "tree protection" in Palmetto Bay; for Palmetto Bay to punish developers and property owners who cut down trees to make way for development. But here is the real issue: How can we expect Palmetto Bay to enforce rules on private property when it ignores Village rules on public land?

This is yet another example as to how this current administration operates with little regard - actually - no regard, for rules. 

Are there rules against this? Palmetto Bay adopted Chapter 24, Article IV, Division 2 of the Miami-Dade County Code, cited as Sec. 30-100.4. - Tree preservation and protection.

The technical section:

It’s a short section, simply providing that 

The Village of Palmetto Bay adopts Chapter 24, Article IV, Division 2 of the Miami-Dade County as part of the Village's Code as it relates to tree preservation and protection. DERM is responsible for administering and enforcing these provisions. (Ord. No. 08-21, § 1, 10-6-2008)

A sub part of this applicable Miami-Dade County code provides that:

(e)Natural grade shall be maintained within protective barriers. In the event that the natural grade of the site is changed as a result of site development such that the safety of the tree may be endangered, tree wells or retaining walls are required. (bold emphasis added)

Note the lack of either tree wells or retaining walls in the pictures posted. The tree trunks are merely absorbed into the new land elevations.

Finally,  Live oaks are listed as a tree unsuitable for restrictive paved areas due to large surface roots see page 4/4 http://www.fao.org/uploads/media/Trees_for_parking_lots_and_paved_areas.pdf

I once oversaw the implementation of a “right tree in the right place” program for Palmetto Bay. It is obvious that not a single village official looked at a map locating the existing trees when the current administration was looking to place a bridge.  Poor planning and execution.

Tune in and Participate. Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor.

Hi Friends, I continue my personal support to see this project gets funded and underway again. I encourage you to register for this virtual meeting and let our voices be heard. This is an outstanding project. 

Note that I am proud to have sponsored Palmetto Bay Resolution 2015-05 (CLICK HERE), wherein the Village of Palmetto Bay officially expressed support for the development of the Ludlum Trail as a lineal park. This was a publicly discussed agenda item and received full support, a unanimous 5-0 vote of support.

The following information is taken verbatim from the official Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces website:

(CLICK HERE) to view the official page where more information is available as well as registering to participate in the virtual meeting. 

Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces is performing a Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study for the 5.6-mile-long Ludlam Trail Corridor from SW 80th Street to 400 feet north of NW 7th Street, generally following the north-south alignment of what would be NW/SW 69th Avenue, within the former Florida East Coast (FEC) Railway right-of-way. The project is located in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, Florida.

The purpose of the Ludlam Trail is to provide a new shared-use trail in Miami-Dade County that will include safe, dedicated, direct pathways for walking, running, and cycling; to encourage active lifestyles and the use of green, non-motorized modes of transportation; and to enhance overall connectivity and accessibility between schools, parks, transit stops and residences, workplaces and shopping.

The proposed project supports the vision to provide an interconnected trail system offering transportation alternatives and reducing traffic congestion for a livable, sustainable County. Ludlam Trail will be a vital component of a seamless network of future greenway trails and water trails connecting to the Metrorail Dadeland North Station to the south and to other planned trails including The Underline/East Coast Greenway, South Dade Trail, Snapper Creek Trail, East/West Trail and Merrick Trail. It will enhance mobility and strengthen connections to neighboring communities, providing increased opportunities for economic development. 

Join our PD&E Virtual Public Information Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ludlam Trail PD&E Fact Sheet 
Ludlam Trail PD&E Virtual Meeting invitation

Topic

Ludlam Trail PD&E - Virtual Public Information Meeting

Description

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces invites you to attend a Virtual Public Meeting regarding the proposed Ludlam Trail Corridor.

The virtual meeting will include a presentation of work in progress and include an interactive opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions about the project. This virtual meeting is being held to allow interested persons an opportunity to be informed about the proposed trail and provide comments. There will be a brief presentation at the beginning of the meeting starting at 6:15 pm.

Time

Nov 19, 2020 06:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Prior related posts - Ludlum Trail:

July 29, 2015, The Warren County Bike Trail - I contend that this is a model for the Ludlum Trail

October 4, 2019, NY Government for improved natural/recreational facilities. “DEC: Rail line should be deemed “interim trail”.

Palmetto Bay Parks - re-opening Monday, May 18. Here are the 'new normal' (for now) Rules and Regulations

Starting Monday - limited use of Palmetto Bay parks. Your "Village of Parks" are back in operation under the stated "new normal" rules and regulations. 

Did I touch a nerve? Readers react. Village officials attempt to hide their shame behind a green screen for all to see at our upcoming community picnic. Update of the bridge.

It is obvious that my blog posts get reactions, if not results. This time the reactions are merely reaction and avoidance. I was tipped off today (Thursday, March 5, 2020) of a frenzy of activity at Coral Reef Park near the area of the new pedestrian bridge construction.  My first thoughts included, if the missing permit was finally issued and, if so, are they trying to make some progress on the bridge before the picnic? But, alas, it was not to be.  The frenzy of activity is nothing more than an attempt to hide the council created mess behind a green screen. Unfortunately for our current village officials, this is not TV or the movies, so the “green screen” does not change what is there. Furthermore, they have run out of green screen, not having a sufficient amount to fully envelope the construction site (perhaps more green screen is on order).

The activity around the incomplete pedestrian bridge was viewed by readers of this blog who believe this action is too late, and a sad attempt to sweep this mess under the rug for the picnic.

The photos on this page show the site as it now exists as of Thursday, March 5, 2020. The prior posts (at bottom) have photos for those earlier days.

One big question (and a fair one): If this screen is simply to properly protect park users, then why has it taken well over 2 months to install it? It is just now marked “CONSTRUCTION AREA – DO NOT ENTER”. Why was this warning not put into place until now? Was this site up to our building code without the sign?

The tool box – past relevant posts on this bridge fiasco:
March 5, 2020. Palmetto Bay officials – acting as if “permits are for the little guy”: building a bridge without a permit – caught, now on hold, waiting for the permit. WTH (heck)??? Follow up on the issues.
      and
March 1, 2020, This is no way to bridge a community. Both banks are a mess at Coral Reef Park as we near the annual community celebration.

Cleaning Lazy GIF from Cleaning GIFs

Palmetto Bay officials – acting as if “permits are for the little guy”: building a bridge without a permit – caught, now on hold, waiting for the permit. WTH (heck)??? Follow up on the issues.

Here is an update on the Coral Reef Park pedestrian bridge fiasco.  Because you have questions, and because it takes an investigation to get answers from the current Mayor and her administration,and because readers raise an issue, I work to obtain the facts through knowledgeable backdoor channels and to actually keep you in the loop on what is happening on our Village. Be advised that I am protecting my source(s) on this issue.  Background on this construction fiasco can be found on  my blog post of March 1, 2020: This is no way to bridge a community. Both banks are a mess at Coral Reef Park as we near the annual community celebration.

Here is what I have been advised. Are you ready for why this is taking so long?

Here it is: Palmetto Bay does not have a permit for the bridge construction at Coral Reef Park.  Let me say this again just in case you thought you read it wrong (and because it bears repeating). Palmetto Bay does not have a permit for the bridge construction at Coral Reef Park.

What the hell? Doesn’t Palmetto Bay have a permitting department? Doesn’t Palmetto Bay have code enforcement and building departments that investigate and stop property owners within Palmetto Bay from performing work without a permit??? 

The answers are yes, yes, and hell yes.

This park construction nightmare appears to be yet another example where the current mayor and council demonstrate that they believe to be above the rules. This behavior of 'dig first, permit only if caught' is clearly on par for the course of this current administration of “do what we say, not what we do!”

Will today, Thursday, March 5, 2020 "be the day"? When will the Village receive the permit? Per outside sources, the permit may finally be ready for the Village on March 5, 2020, or three (3) months after dirt started turning on this project. I’d love to see if there is a paper trail of finger pointing between current village officials and the contractor as to who was responsible for securing the permit.

Short answer as to that: The property owner is always ultimately responsible for making sure that proper permits were pulled prior to the commencement of any work.

What if you or I (or any property owner without political connections to the Village) created a similar mess? Our project would be subject to a stop work order, citations risk of fines, and possibly double permit fees would be assessed. And, that does not include any code enforcement action for having an ongoing debris site on the property as the photographs document.

Fair questions: Who applied for the permit and when? Who was tasked to monitor the permit? Is there threat of a fine from Miami-Dade County or other agency for this permit debacle? And, if so, who pays (we know the answer: we the taxpayers!)?

Will there be more blame game, more finger pointing and deflection, coming from this current Mayor and council? "You betcha!" But here is the difficulty for them: This project was started after the former manager was effectively out the door on furlough, running out his time as of December 1, 2019. He certainly was not involved in the day to day as of that date.  It is up to those who occupy the seat(s) of authority to make sure everything is ready, especially permits, before the heavy machinery cranks up and starts excavating. 

I wonder if anything similar is adversely impacting the Franjo Road project which allegedly was on track to finish in February. We are now in March with no sign of completion.

Health Alert: Palmetto Bay’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) update of March 3, 2020: did it mean to infer that the cleanliness of Palmetto Bay’s public areas were lacking and unclean prior to this health issue? Gross!

Email from the Village of Palmetto Bay - Ouch - I ask myself if this is true; that in response to this health risk, that the village is "now":

... ensuring that all door handles and surfaces are regularly cleaned. At Palmetto Bay Village Parks, we are ensuring that all restroom soap dispensers are full,.... 

Did I read that correctly, that the Village is [again, in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health risk] is now (CLICK HERE to review this e-mail) undertaking the following:

"... ensuring that all door handles and surfaces are regularly cleaned."
"At Palmetto Bay Village Parks, we are ensuring that all restroom soap dispensers are full, ...."

When did Village Parks staffing and the Park budget for simple maintenance like cleaning, ever fall below the level where all restroom soap dispensers were not full at all times?

The original Village Council worked hard to revamp, to create a wonderful parks system that has resulted in Palmetto Bay becoming known as "The Village of Parks". Our parks facilities and those who use them are worthy of having the facilities properly maintained to the Palmetto Bay Standard.  Again, It should not take a special health emergency to trigger a regular cleaning of door handles and surfaces as well as making sure there is adequate soap in our public facilities. Our elected officials and Village Staff should always maintain our common areas like it is our home - because it is our home, our community.

It should not take a public health risk like Coronavirus (COVID-19) to trigger basic cleanliness of our park facilities.

Village of Palmetto Bay properties should always be properly cleaned to prevent the spread of any dirt or illness - it should not take an international health threat. Not cleaning door handles and surfaces is just gross.

via GIPHY

This is no way to bridge a community. Both banks are a mess at Coral Reef Park as we near the annual community celebration.

Complaints have been made loud and often regarding the status of the canal banks and the pedestrian bridge that is supposed to be there in Coral Reef Park – but isn’t. I have been asked questions that I will answer, because it has become quite obvious that the current Palmetto Bay elected officials would rather avoid the tough questions, referring them to others.

Yes, this pedestrian bridge should be finished by now.  And, it does not appear that this new pedestrian bridge will be a focal point for the 18th Annual Picnic Celebration, scheduled for March 7, 2020, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Coral Reef Park. Wait, I take that back. It will be a focal point; but not as intended. It won't be a positive ribbon cutting / grand opening photo op event that our resident photo op professional would like it to be.

It would have been appropriate to have this pedestrian bridge open in time for the Sunday, March 1st event: Samantha's Purpose Run, Walk & Stroll 2K for Cerebral Palsy. This is an outstanding event that started with my support as part of my third term as Mayor. It is an event that I am pleased to see our village continue to support. But, it would have been nice to have this new bridge to pass over for the event, rather than a construction zone to avoid passing through.

HISTORY OF THE BRIDGE: While I was Mayor, the Village of Palmetto Bay applied for and was awarded a $200,000 grant from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. As a result, Resolution No. 2016-83 (CLICK HERE - 26 pages) was adopted on September 19, 2016, accepting the grant award. This grant did require an equal match by the Village, for the connection of 3 trails and the construction of a new pedestrian bridge.

On October 12, 2017, the Village of Palmetto Bay advertised Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 1617-12-010 seeking proposals from qualified firms for the design/build services for the new pedestrian bridge.

Anzac Contractors, Inc. was selected to provide the design/build services for the new pedestrian bridge [see Resolution 2017-115 - CLICK HERE But these projects, especially design/build projects, don't happen automatically. They take significant village oversight by the Parks Director, Building Officials and the Manager (or in this current situation, the Interim Village Manger). The construction started in early-December 2019.  

QUESTIONS FACING THIS CURRENT MAYOR AND COUNCIL: I cannot answer the following questions:

• Why hasn’t the village provided updates as to the delay?  Maybe there is no delay. Maybe this project is on time in the minds of the current mayor and council members.
• Why isn’t the job site secured? There are children at the park and a picnic upcoming. The photos show the environmental barriers down at critical points, at the waterline (see photo below).
• Is Palmetto Bay in danger of losing the grant?
• These projects usually have prefabricated bridges. Why isn’t it at the site? Is it built? Does it match the specifications called for in the RFP?
• Where is the contract? Has the contractor been placed on notice?
• Is there an issue with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), internal permitting?               Or, ....
• Is this current Mayor and Council simply losing sight of, or interest in, the project?

I can state that I don't think that this bridge will be completed and open for the 18th Annual Village Celebration Picnic scheduled for Coral Reef Park on Saturday. 

PERFORMANCE TO DATE ON THIS PROJECT: This project is currently making the Franjo Road street project look well organized and well-done.

Tallahassee update – REVISED – I missed one significant appropriation regarding Pinecrest. A great request. Also, confirming my prior post as to the Palmetto HS Field request.

First: I left this worthy project from my list. Pinecrest is working on improving their jewel, Pinecrest Gardens. Palmetto Bay should do the same. Palmetto Bay has received millions in the past for our parks system that allowed us to claim the title “Village of Parks” – these parks are used by far more than our residents. The parks are open for all.

Pinecrest is getting aggressive in their appropriation requests; making some very reasonable and well researched requests to the Florida Legislature.

One such request is House Bill (HB) 2545 - Village of Pinecrest-Pinecrest Gardens ADA Upper Garden Initiative – the request is for $500,000

Title of Project: Village of Pinecrest-Pinecrest Gardens ADA Upper Garden Initiative

House Member Sponsor: Javier Fernandez

Stated purpose (“Village” below refers to Village of Pinecrest):

The Village proposes to renovate the existing playground, bathrooms, petting zoo, Inspiration (educational) Center and connecting paths to make them ADA accessible; it also intends to add new playground equipment and a unique, greatly expanded ADA accessible Sensory and Learning Garden. Additionally, creating new picnic facilities, a new nature trail and installing better lighting.

CLICK HERE to view the details of this request.

Second, I was contacted regarding my post of February 20, 2020, pointing out to me that the HB 5001 currently lists the appropriation level to the school at $100,000.

Miami Palmetto Senior High School Athletic Field (HB 4987) –  CLICK HERE to view the 8 page project details. HB 4987 is a request for $1,000,000 – One Million dollars.  But it appears (at this time) to be funded at only the $100,000 level that I reported on February 20. As I also said, nothing is ever final until an item makes in into the budget, avoids the veto pen and remains safe in a budget signed/approved by the Governor.  See numbered page 31 (it is actually page 32 of the posted .PDF) of the current list of appropriations listed in HB 5001 – again – no result is guaranteed. Changes can and often do happen, sometimes positive and often less than positive. 

PRIOR RELATED POSTS:

February 6, 2020, Palmetto Bay legislative appropriations requests - Appropriations Project Request-Fiscal Year 2020-21.

February 20, 2020, Tallahassee update - What monies are currently listed in House Bill 5001 - General Appropriations Act – a review of what is currently earmarked for our local Miami-Dade municipal communities –including Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay& Palmetto HS

February 7, 2020, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) - FY2020-2021 Recommended Priority List

Prior posts providing background:

May 8, 2014, Florida Communities Trust (FCT) requires Palmetto Bay to change its operation of Thalatta Park – This is good news for area residents

Why I bike - local nature, environment and other eclectic sights seen via cycling South Miami-Dade County. Presidents Day 2020 excursion

From the "Why I bike" series. Presidents Day weekend 2020 was yet another great weekend to be active outside and view our South Miami-Dade County communities.

Above - seen along the Biscayne Trail - an abandoned bike carelessly thrown into the canal adjacent to SW 87th Avenue - south of SW 216th Street.

Above left & right: The infamous bike pose- #BAAW - where it crosses over the Deering Estate Flow-Way -along the Old Cutler Trail that runs from SW 87th Avenue Traffic Circle in Cutler Bay, through Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest - ending at the Cocoplum Traffic Circle in Coral Gables. 

Looking over the bridge, looking West (back toward Old Cutler Road) at some of the water flowing properly (as best as possible) back through the Deering wetlands into Biscayne Bay. The photos were taken attempting to book end parts of the Deering Estate Flow-Way - This is a (CERP) project that I am proud to have been involved in advocating for. This was a South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) project (CLICK HERE for more). 

The Deering Estate project is part of a larger master plan to restore Biscayne Bay, known as the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project. This plan is part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), which is helping to restore the quantity, quality, timing and distribution of fresh water in the South Florida ecosystem.

Take your family out there sometime when the water is running. The otters seem to like it, but good luck spotting them.

And of course, Deering Point (17350 Old Cutler Road  Miami, FL 33157) is located adjacent to the C-100 Canal at the southern point of the Deering Estate property. It’s almost like being in the Florida Keys as there is free public access to Biscayne Bay for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, watching a sunrise, and fishing. 

Below – families enjoying kayaking and a beautiful flat water day. (photo credits - all photos on this page were taken by me on the 2/17/2020 Presidents Day Ride)

The Ride route:

Prior related post in the "Why I Bike" series: June 30, 2019, Why I bike - local nature seen via cycling South Miami-Dade County. Bears, tortoises, fish and Iguanas - also known as Palmetto Bay resident Mike Estevez and team run across a wild bear (and thankfully, it got away - eluding capture)

Should Palmetto Bay Parks be tested for contamination - a most unexpected development in Miami - as reported in the Miami Herald

Every now and then something happens somewhere else that causes you to take note and consider testing. Such an event was reported in the Miami Herald, Tuesday, August 20, 2019 edition (front page section, page 1A): Report on Beckham stadium site shows soil contaminated by unsafe levels of arsenic, by Joey Flechas (and no, it wasn't the unrelated but equally eye catching article located below the fold, same page entitled: "Hurricanes may spin a more aggressive population of spiders", new study shows, by Alex Harris - but I reviewed that article as well) but back to our parks:

The Miami Herald reports that the site proposed for the Soccer stadium and shopping mall (at current Melreese Golf Course) is far more toxic than previously expected, with arsenic contamination levels reaching more than twice the legal limit and surface-level soil samples containing debris that poses a “physical hazard.”  This is troubling more than for the proposed use. It is troubling for the ongoing use as a golf course. As reported:

A new environmental analysis has shed more light on the large extent of the environmental problems in the dirt at Melreese golf course, Miami’s only city-owned golf course and the potential site for a sprawling $1 billion commercial and stadium complex that would serve as the venue for home games played by David Beckham’s MLS team, Inter Miami.

A consultant hired by the team, environmental firm EE&G, recently completed soil testing that found contamination levels at twice the allowable limit for arsenic. Barium and lead levels also exceeded legal limits. The crud, including debris at shallow depths, kept showing up over the course of more than 140 soil samples taken in recent months.

“The debris included fragments of tile, metal and glass, mixed with fine-grain sands, which often exhibited a rusty color,” reads a section from a 193-page portion of the consultant’s report. “Intermittent wood fragments were encountered along with concrete and other non-native materials, but not evidence of municipal garbage.”

Read the entire article to gain all the insight. Now I realize that Melreese is located basically adjacent to Miami International Airport where there is historic and heavy commercial use ongoing, which is far different from any of our parks.  But then again, we did inherit many of our park land from Miami-Dade County which has been engaged in remediation issues at County owned & operated Chapman Field located in the neighboring Pinecrest/Coral Gables area. And Coral Reef Park is currently undergoing demolition of the long-red tagged field house, which is located as part of the Tot lot/playground - (note that the playground is closed during the demolition for public safety).

Just to be safe. We (Palmetto Bay officials) have historically tested the water at the Palmetto Bay Bark Park to monitor safety.  Perhaps we should test the remainder of our Palmetto Bay Parks, just to provide assurances to our residents in general, Park users and neighbors that we are not playing in an unsafe toxic area.

Late Tuesday (8/20/2019) update - Melreese Golf Course ordered closed temporarily - RELATED UPDATE TO MELREESE STORY: please read the Miami Herald online: Miami closes Melreese after tests on Beckham stadium site reveal unsafe arsenic levels by Joey Flechas and Adriana Brasileiro:

Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez ordered the closure of Melreese golf course, Miami’s only city-owned golf course, at the end of the day Tuesday, one day after an environmental analysis revealed high levels of arsenic and other pollutants in the soil where David Beckham plans to build a stadium to host his upcoming Major League Soccer team Inter Miami.

Click on the link above to read the entire updated story.

Troubling: No explanation forthcoming from Palmetto Bay officials - County explanation offers more issues, than answers

I found this post this morning on Carol's "Village of Palmetto Bay for Real" Page. It creates more issues than answers.  And I would like answers.

But first, let's be clear: No one ever suggested that this was the decision of our district commissioner, however, based upon this answer, I do want to know who ordered the signs now that we hear that these signs are being ordered down. I ask that our Commissioner discuss whether she was involved in these discussions between Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay and Miami-Dade, including at any of her "MOM" Meetings (Meetings of the Mayors). Answers would go far in providing the back story on how this all fell into place.

Let's not overreact, but also troubling is how everyone seems to be scurrying when the Sunshine is cast on clear, conspicuous and clearly intentionally created (and posted) signs are revealed by my blog to a broad general audience. The signs are being removed "taken down" - so there will be no notice to anyone as to the relocation of this event? (I am thankful that I have the photos documenting that the signs were in fact placed there.)

This is troubling.  Now we are being told that PB and CB "decided" to work together for an event in Palmetto Bay. 

This is an open request for anyone with information on any meetings or agreements, information as to how two local governments made this decision out of view of their residents, to forward such information to me at eugeneflinn@bellsouth.net. 

I have so many concerns, so many questions that I do not even know where to begin, but I will collect my thoughts and begin after my morning hearings.

FYI - once again, I post the photo of the County Banner that appears to be very specific - self explanatory:

I personally cannot recall any meeting or discussion in held public view or any advisement of the public, but then again, I am a very busy person so I cannot monitor everything. I depend upon the watchful eye of many other interested residents to assist. This requires further investigation.

RELATED POST: Background information can be found on the initial post relating to this situation, posted 6-17-2019: Half the story - leaving out a very important detail - the Truth: Palmetto Bay is hosting a regional MEGA Fourth of July event. Black Point's celebration moves to Palmetto Bay

Native Plant Day - to be held in Palmetto Bay, Miami-Dade's Bill Sadowski Park, Saturday, March 23 - 9 AM to 4 PM

Readers and fellow residents know how I enjoy our unique Palmetto Bay / South Miami-Dade environment.  Keep it native as planting natives mean no fertilizer or irrigation as our local plants are appropriate to our South Florida environment.  Here is a family friendly, yard friendly event will take place at Bill Sadowski Park in Palmetto Bay - come on out. CLICK HERE to view the official Native Plant Society e-blast with official details.

Related posts - CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to gardening in Palmetto Bay including our local Palmetto Bay Garden Club. I invite you to view one of my favorite local posts of January 14, 2013, We can help rebuild our ecosystems with proper gardening - Home & Garden

Please shop local and support the Native Plant Society, just as I ask that you support our Palmetto Bay Garden Club. This is always a great event which is co-sponsored by the Dade Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

Native Plant Day

Saturday, March 23, 2019 * 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bill Sadowski Park at Old Cutler Hammock

17555 SW 79th Avenue, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

(One half mile west of Old Cutler Road)

Programs & nature walks

Hands-on activities

Plant sales and raffles

Books & other merchandise

  Learn about attracting birds and butterflies to your yard and ask experts questions about plants, cuttings, insects, wildlife, the environment, and landscaping.  Kids activities, too!

This and much, much more…all FREE!

Rain or Shine!

Also: Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Rain Barrel Workshop!

Workshop free.  Barrel Cost: $40. Register:https://tinyurl.com/NPD2019RainBarrel

M-D Water & Sewer is generously offering lightbulb (3) and showerhead (2) exchange!

8 a.m.: Early Birding Walk – bring binoculars!

Drinks and food will be available for purchase on site.

Full Schedule - Available at http://dade.fnpschapters.org

  talks  include topics such as: attracting birds, growing orchids, attracting butterflies to your yard, and urban beekeeping. 

        walks include: fern identification, natives behaving badly,  proper planting techniques, & free canoe trips all day

Co-Sponsored by: The Dade Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

CLICK HERE to view prior blog posts related to local native plant sales and activities.