A regular on the Sunday bicycle ride - man's best friend loves to ride.

This bike riding family was first posted April 6, 2015 - as the Photo of the day (CLICK HERE). The pup who appears to enjoy bicycling, is seen again riding Palmetto Bay. 

Again, I wonder if Lil Timmy would join the ride?

Earth Week - the events have begun in Palmetto Bay! Join us. Photos of the day - Bird Watching Workshop

I am posting some photos from the Sunday morning, April 19, ”Bird Watching Workshop” held at Thalatta Estate. Participants learned about birds that inhabit the shoreline of Thalatta Estate and Ludovici Park. A great event and great use of Thalatta Estate.

Council woman Karyn Cunningham joined me to observe. It was a beautiful day on our backyard on the bay. A great time was had by the participants.  Check the website/e-news blast (CLICK HERE) for more events.

 

Sifting through their 'Bird Pellet'

Guess what I found! A mouse skull.

Enjoying a beautiful day on the bay!

 

Earth Week Special - Shopping for a cause - April 22, 2015 - Whole Foods

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY ON APRIL 22, 2015, BY SHOPPING FOR A CAUSE!!

Citizens is excited to announce that they are the recipients of the Whole Foods 5% Day Grant!!!!

Join Citizens on Earth Day, April 22, 2015, at 4 different Whole Foods locations! The Whole Foods Pinecrest, Coral Gables, Downtown, and South Beach stores will be donating 5% of their net sales for the day to Citizens to further our environmental programming in south Florida! 

Come visit their information booths, do your shopping, and celebrate Earth Day by supporting environmental education! 

(CLICK HERE to view more information from their e-blast)

What is/who are : Citizens for a Better South Florida 

  

The mission of Citizens for a Better South Florida is to provide environmental education, particularly to the diverse underserved community, that inspires active stewardship and preservation of the south Florida environment.

Citizens for a Better South Florida envisions a south Florida where people preserve and protect the environment because they understand the connections between their actions and the resultant impacts on their neighborhood, the local community, and ultimately the global community. 

Citizens for a Better South Florida's purpose is community-based conservation of natural resources through environmental education and outreach.

Return of the Bike-B-Que to wrap up Earth Week events - Pametto Bay - Cutler Bay joint event

Return of the Bike-B-Que to wrap Earth Week events

"Let's ride!" Who is up for a nice family bike ride along historic Old Cutler? I have blogged and posted on Facebook about it, now join us.  Read the Palmetto Bay News article by Gary Alan Ruse (link above or-) "Return of the 'Bike-B-Que' to wrap up Earth Week Events."

Earth Week’s activities will conclude with a special event conducted jointly by the Village of Palmetto Bay and the Town of Cutler Bay. The “Bike- B-Que” returns on Saturday, Apr. 25, with free food, music and fun activities.
A police escorted 5.5-mile bike ride along a scenic route will begin at Lakes by the Bay Park, 8551 SW 216 St. in Cutler Bay. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.

This will be a fun, family event as, according to Palmetto Bay Parks and Recreation director Fanny Carmona- Gonzalez: “We’re going to have different raffles with prizes throughout the event,” Carmona- Gonzalez said. “We’re going to have music. It’s just a fun family day; it’s open to anybody.”

Thank you sponsors, who include Bike 305, StateFarm Insurance, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids.

Pre-registration forms are available at www.palmettobay-fl.gov or at www.cutlerbayfl.gov. Forms will be accepted until Thursday, Apr. 23, 4 p.m., via fax to 305-259- 1290 or email to events@palmettobayfl.gov.

Local High School performances - the Musical Comedy "Curtains" at Palmetto Senior High

Last two performances of Curtains at Palmetto Senior High -- tonight (Wednesday, April 15) and Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.  Only $10.00.

Your Palmetto students might be able to get extra credit for attending. 

Meredith has her big role tonight, chorus Thursday. 

It's a very professional show!

Earth Week is coming - beginning April 19 and running through April 26. Link to official Palmetto Bay information.

Palmetto Bay is committed to Earth Day in such a big way, we take a full week to celebrate. Villagers of all ages are invited to take part in a wide range of way green activities, all free to the public, April 19-26. Here's what we have planned for Earth Week 2015:

• Lady Bug Releases
• Student Poster Contest
• Library Read Along
• Wildlife Film-Maker Lecture
• Tree Give-Away
• Bike-B-Que & Rodeo
• Movie Night - "Rio 2"
• Bird Watching Workshop (no further reservations accepted)
• Kayak Adventure (no further reservations accepted)

The Kayak trips have been very popular - I had to wait for a cancellation to get my family into a trip - and it was worth the wait and effort! Don't miss out! 

See below for a schedule of events and CLICK HERE to view the Palmetto Bay "Village Green" Page for more information and updates as they occur.

Photo of the day - Woodpeckers getting the nest ready to move in

I took these photos today (Monday, 4/13/15) using my cell phone. These photo are of a Woodpecker carving out a nest into a dead palm out front of the house.

Welcome to the neighborhood.

2015 Palmetto Bay Food and Country Music Festival - the Hal Feldman wrap up

A great time was had by all who attended the 2015 Florida Rock Stars "Food & Country Music Festival"

- see Hal Feldman's report - links below.

Florida Rock Stars will return in November for their 4th annual Palmetto Bay Food & Rock Festival. You can check for advance tickets here.

Held April 4, 2015, the Palmetto Bay Food & Country Music Festival featured Jade Sanders, Cutler Stew, Rough Shot, Grayson Rogers and County Line Road. There was great local food and vendors showing their wares...

Read the complete story at: http://www.miamihal.com/hals-blog/201...

Hal Feldman, Realtor® Video report posted below.

Photos of the Day - Welcome to the neighborhood - Cross Fit Demand - Palmetto Bay

Our current village council has an open door/welcome policy to quality businesses in Palmetto Bay. 

It was my privilege to welcome another new business to our Village. My first in gym clothes! 

Cross Fit Demand officially "Cut the Ribbon" on Saturday, April 11, 2015.  

Welcome to the neighborhood.

 

We have a firm location - Old Cutler North - Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Station site.

I can confirm that Miami-Dade Fire Rescue did in fact close on the property for the fire station on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 - this is the property located on the North End of OCPC, East side of Old Cutler. Miami-Dade County is now the owner of that property. They are moving forward to further enhance life-safety in the Villages of Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest.

Property located within the red box - above - photo Google Earth

The site does not look like much right now. The value to the life-safety of this area will be immeasurable.  The Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest Communities look forward to enhanced life-safety service in the area.  Your life, or the life of a friend or loved one, might just be saved by service brought closer by this new station.

Palmetto Bay Earth Week events kick off this week - Master Gardener Terri Stephen and the UF/Miami-Dade County Extension programs at Thalatta

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Taking-a-Natural-Approach----at-Thalatta-Estate.html?soid=1102365100311&aid=zU0Fjjrx530

Earth Week?  Let's celebrate it by holding special events throughout the entire month! 

Parks & Rec, in conjunction with Master Gardener Terri Stephen and the UF/Miami-Dade County Extension, hosts a series of educational programs focusing on responsible gardening.

The series begins Wednesday at 7 pm with a one-hour discussion/Q&A on Ladybugs. Come learn from our resident expert about this delightful creature.

Responsible Gardening Workshop

Wednesday, April 8, 7 p.m.

RSVP by April 7

Thalatta Estate Park

Join us as Paws 4 You Rescue's second ever Run FUR Fun 5K - Sunday, April 26, 4:00 PM

Join us on Sunday, April 26 for Paws 4 You Rescue's second ever Run FUR Fun 5K at the Killian Greens Golf Club located at 9980 SW 104th St.

Runners will also participate in and enjoy a wonderful post-race expo with over 30 vendors and various food trucks, all to benefit Paws 4 You, Miami-Dade County’s premier dog rescue organization.

Paws 4 You is a non-profit, 501C (3) which relies on individual contributions from the community it serves to take care of close to 100 homeless dogs as they await permanent adoptions. The purpose of the Run-FUR-Fun 5K is to raise money for the new Paws 4 You “retreat” and to continue develop awareness for the hundreds of dogs on the streets and in Miami Dade Animal Services who need loving homes.

The Run-FUR-Fun 5K will give us all the opportunity to enjoy an exciting outdoor event with our own dogs and families while raising funds to support a very important cause. In order to make this an amazing event, we need you! Here is a link to view the pictures of last year's race. http://paws4you.smugmug.com/Events/RunFurFun2014

Event officials have taken the next step and are working with Split Second Timing to make this 2015 race an officially timed race. They will also provide all online support for the runners as well as providing online registration. 

Please check their website for more information at www.paws4you.org.

Photo of the day - biking with Man's best friend

 
We ran across this family out for their Sunday family bike ride - here crossing the Chinese Bridge at Deering Estate (other family members not pictured)- this is true extended family cycling. 

I wonder if Lil Timmy would join the ride?

Photos of the Day - April 2, 2015 - #LIUB - Dress Barn welcomed to PBay

I am proud that Palmetto Bay is participating with people around the globe to commemorate World Autism Awareness Day, Palmetto Bay Village Hall was bathed in Blue as part of this global effort, the sixth annual Light It Up Blue campaign. 

 

The Village council also welcomed a new business to our Village.  Dress Barn officially "Cut the Ribbon" on Thursday, April 2, 2015.  Welcome to the neighborhood.

(pictured right) Dressbarn (Palmetto Bay) Store Manager Melissa Heckman receives an official welcome.  Dress Barn opened at the Colonial Palms Plaza, 13605 South Dixie Highway, Palmetto Bay.

This was an event "well suited*" for coverage by MiamiHal (CLICK HERE to view the video)

CLICK HERE to view official Palmetto Bay coverage of this event

*original pun, courtesy of the official village PIO.

April 2 - Light It Up Blue campaign - for World Autism Awareness Day

On April 2, 2015, people across the country and around the globe will commemorate World Autism Awareness Day, sanctioned by the United Nations in 2007. It is a day of promise and a time for us to lend our hearts and minds to all who live with autism.

Palmetto Bay joins with Autism Speaks, as part of this global effort, to sponsor the sixth annual Light It Up Blue campaign. Autism Speaks celebrates ten years of progress as the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization.

Light It Up Blue is a global initiative aiming to increase autism awareness by, quite literally, lighting the world up blue.

Last year, over 10,000 iconic buildings, businesses, and homes, spread over every continent, lit up blue. This included dozens of major city halls, state capitol buildings, and governors’ mansions in the U.S. as well as numerous landmarks such as the South Pole, Empire State Building, and even the International Space Station!

This April, we plan to expand our reach to raise awareness about autism and light up even more buildings around the globe. Consider participating in Light It Up Blue by lighting up Palmetto Bay’s neighborhood in blue lights. 

CLICK HERE to view the Palmetto Bay official web site to ;earn more about the local Palmetto Bay participation.

Palmetto Bay - Earth Week Movie Night: "Rio 2"

Thank you to those who participated in selecting the movie for Earth Week.  And thank you Parks Department, Director Carmona and PIO Bill Kress.

Full information is available on the official village website (where the information below was lifted from):

You Picked the Flick for Earth Week

Thanks for sharing with us which film you and your family would like to see
at Coral Reef Park April 25 for Earth Week Movie Night.
Our Pick-the-Flick survey resulted in "Rio 2" as the most popular choice.

"Rio 2"

Blu (voice of Jesse Eisenberg) and his family take flight for the Amazon after Jewel (voice of Anne Hathaway) decides their children should explore the world. Meanwhile, the overprotective father grows concerned that his family will leave him once they've experienced life in the wild. Also starring Tracy Morgan, Jamie Foxx, and George Lopez. More…

The Deering Estate Foundation's 11th annual Deering Seafood Festival on the Bay will be held Sunday, March 29, 2015, from 10 am to 6 pm. Will we see you there?

This is a true class “A” not to be missed event. CLICK HERE or HERE to view past photos and coverage of this wonderful event. Once again, Alexandra and I will again be again traveling the green route, via bike and using the FREE BIKE VALET SERVICE at the Main Gate courtesy again of Green Mobility Network! (Including Palmetto Bay bike advocate Eric Tullberg). Free car park and ride is also available at satellite locations with shuttle service to the Estate.

Cost: $15 for adults in advance online OR $25 at the gate;
$5 for children ages 4-14; Children under 4 are FREE.
 

Admission includes park entrance and all activities excluding, food, drink, pontoon boat rides and rock climbing.

Official information can be found on the Deering Estate website: www.deeringestate.org.

Information below taken from the official website (CLICK HERE to view):

Florida’s freshest fish and seafood are always the main event with South Florida’s area restaurants and caterers lining Seafood Alley including Devon Seafood + Steak, Whole Foods Market Coral Gables, Golden Rule Seafood, Rodbenders, Asian Fusion, Paella Party, Fancy Loaf and more. Acclaimed Executive Chefs Dean Max, Cindy Hutson, Paula DaSilva and Damian Gilchristhost the much anticipated cooking demonstrations presented by Whole Foods Market Coral Gables under the big top tent, while Sommelier Veronica Litton of Crown Wine & Spirits presents limited seminars on pairing wine and seafood, in Charles Deering’s Prohibition Era Wine Cellar in the historic Stone House.

Happy Spring 2015 - Solar eclipse, supermoon, spring equinox: Friday will see 3 majo - WFLA News Channel 8

Solar eclipse, supermoon, spring equinox: Friday will see 3 majo - WFLA News Channel 8

The spring equinox is the time of year when day and night are of equal duration. It marks the in-between point of the year's shortest and longest days.

Today, March 20, the Earth's axis will be perpendicular to the sun's rays, which only happens twice a year at each of the two equinoxes. After that, earth will continue moving, making for longer days in the northern hemisphere.

Because of the symbolism, the equinox has long been celebrated as a new chapter or renewal. It's also linked to Easter and Passover, The Independent reports.

The equinox will happen at the same time as a solar eclipse in 2053 and 2072, though it doesn't always appear as close together as that.

Ides of March

Ides of March

Read the complete post by clicking the link above.

The soothsayer's warning to Julius Caesar, "Beware the Ides of March," has forever imbued that date with a sense of foreboding. But in Roman times the expression "Ides of March" did not necessarily evoke a dark mood—it was simply the standard way of saying "March 15." Surely such a fanciful expression must signify something more than merely another day of the year? Not so. Even in Shakespeare's time, sixteen centuries later, audiences attending his play Julius Caesar wouldn't have blinked twice upon hearing the date called the Ides.

The term Ides comes from the earliest Roman calendar, which is said to have been devised by Romulus, the mythical founder of Rome.

Food and Country Music Festival - April 4, 2015

Here is another great event to attend right here in Palmetto Bay: April 4, 2015 - from 3:00 to 11:00 PM at Ludovici Park.  Tickets are available online. This is a Florida Rock Stars event.

The Food and Country Music Festival features the bands JADE SANDERS, CUTLER STEW, ROUGH SHOT, GRAYSONE ROGERS BAND and COUNTY LINE ROAD.

Part of the proceeds from this event benefits Parker-Haar Charities.  

Check out www.floridarockstars.com or call 305-951-3156 for more information.