Interested in our new website? Here is the link. Take a look. Let us know what you think

We are working on a new web site to better communicate with / serve you.   have attached the link to the new website for your review : 

http://fl-palmettobay.civicplus.com/

Take a look.  Let us know what you think.  Please contact me with your comments at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or info@palmettobay-fl.gov.

I would like every resident or business owner in Palmetto Bay to have the opportunity to review this site and give comment, rather than simply council members, staff or a select 'focus' group.  This is your time to review and comment.  My goal is to avoid a last-minute and expensive re-design.  This new website should be a significant improvement.  

Traffic Calming update - Link to Marlin Engineering presentation

Interested in the progress of the Palmetto Bay traffic calming program?  CLICK HERE to view the 24 page/slide Marlin Engineering presentation (power point .PDF - 2.95 MB).  This remains a work in progress. Your observations and concerns - your voice matters.  Please continue to keep me up to date on your questions and concerns - call me at (305) 302-3713 or e-mail at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov

Mayor's fitness challenge gets off to a running start - there is still time to participate.

Palmetto Bay had to compete with the Dolphins playoff game - but we still had good attendance at our event - many more came out in time for the 5K run, which was after the  Dolphins game (or at least after the outcome was determined) - significant information given out and many registered for the Mayor's Fitness Challenge. 

Thank you to so many, including, but not limited to: Frankie Ruiz, the Old Cutler Run Club, the Pineapple Pacers, Baptist Health South Florida, Race Day Professionals and many others for the 5K (a free event - a timed race).

There is still time to register  for the Get Fit Palmetto Bay Kickoff and participate in the Mayor's Fitness Challenge.  The Mayor's Fitness Challenge is a great way to address the Holiday weight gain.

The Mayor's Fitness Challenge is a 7-week program that requires participants to register by January 14th and follow their progress for the 7-week period.  Program participants will receive an initial health screening administered by Baptist Health, which includes weigh-in and body composition measurements.  Participants will also receive a "goodie bag", a Health Passport to track measurements, two passes to Surf & Turf Zumba-Kayak Workout and discounts and freebies from program partners.

 

Please see the Mayor's Fitness Challenge Rules for more information.

 

CLICK HERE to view additional photos posted my Eugene Flinn, Mayor - Facebook Page

(above - Natures Postings was a sponsor/participant in this family event)

Photos immediately above: With County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava

and reps of Giardino Gourmet Salads, Palmetto Bay

(Photos from registration and with Cathy Parbst-Accurso, In Balance Physical Therapy,

at the Palmetto Bay Get Fit Kick off)

 Immediately above right - Saylin Paez, Events & Programs Coordinator completing the 5K run

 

CLICK HERE to view the Old Cutler Run Club photos posted to Facebook.

 (Note - photo credit for 6 photos immediately above from Old Cutler Run Club)

 

Come on out - join us - have fun and improve your fitness here in the Village of Parks!

Go Dolphins

Go Dolphins - break the playoff dry spell.

Merwitzer family ends 2016 on a solar note. Go GREEN in Palmetto Bay

I am taking this opportunity to publicly congratulate Craig and Roseann Merwitzer - the entire Merwitzer family for taking this bold step in making use of renewable energy. 

The Merwitzer family ended 2016 on a green note; going live with their solar panels. I was there to witness the switches being thrown as they put the solar energy to work on powering their Palmetto Bay home.  (Note that the Merwitzers also own and operate an electric automobile).

Also note that son Mark is a founding member of our Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board. 

CLICK HERE to view a drone video of the Solar Panels installed on the Merwitzer home. 

Note that the Solar panels were installed through Raul Vergara, CEO of Cutler Bay Solar Solutions, a member of Ygrene.  Please note that Palmetto Bay is a Charter Member of the Green Corridor P.A.C.E. District.  It was my honor to work with Paul Vrooman, then Mayor of Cutler Bay who worked hard to bring the green energy PACE district to Florida.

See: Ygrene works - Home Improvement Financing For Energy Efficiency Upgrades.

See a prior post on Palmetto Bay's participation in alternative energy: Update on how voting No on Amendment 1 is actually PRO SOLAR - involving Palmetto Bay resident/ Eco-artist, Xavier Cortada and Raul Vergara, CEO of Cutler Bay Solar Solutions - This event was held in collaboration of three sister cities - Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay - all members of the Green Corridor P.A.C.E. District - event at Pinecrest Gardens on Wednesday, October 26, 2016.

I remain committed sustainability and in assisting our residents who want to go green. Thank you Merwitzer family for stepping forward and setting such a great example for our community. 

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor 

2017 is here - resolve to participate with your friends and neighbors to “Get Fit Palmetto Bay”

(CLICK HERE) to read my entire article posted online, Community Newspapers: Participate with your friends and neighbors to “Get Fit Palmetto Bay”

Happy New Year! Many of us took part in holiday parties and family feasts this December. For some, the holidays don’t end until the last of the College Bowl and professional Football playoff games conclude.  Then, talk turns from the point spreads to the holiday spread that is more personal to us – and time for the ‘New Year’s Resolutions to reduce. 

Are you ready?  Our Palmetto Bay 2017 “Get Fit Palmetto Bay” is ready with a series of events, programs, and seminars focused on wellness, nutrition, and fitness. All information can be found on the official village website: Palmettobay-fl.gov

The Village has activities planned for all ages – walking, fitness groups, biking, and running – to name a few.  There is plenty to do as part of the Get Fit Palmetto Bay and Mayor’s Challenge campaigns – it all kicks off on January 8, 2017, at 2:30 – 5:30 PM at Ludovici Park.

I started the Mayor’s Challenge in 2016, and it is back for a second year. The 7-week program, starts January 8.  To track progress and be eligible for prizes, participants must register by January 14. For a low $25.00 fee, participants will receive an initial health screening administered by Baptist Health, which included weigh-in and body composition measurements as well as a “goodie bag”, containing a Health Passport to track measurements, two passes to Surf & Turf Zumba-Kayak Workout and discounts and freebies from program partners.

Please see the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge Rules posted online for more information (CLICK HERE). 

I look forward to participating in "Get Fit Palmetto Bay" in 2017 - please join us and take advantage of your "Village of Parks".

Happy New Year!

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Village of Palmetto Bay

Important update to those living near Palmer Trinity School (PTS) – impacting area traffic

I am providing important updates regarding the ongoing construction at the Palmer Trinity School (PTS) and the proposed impact on traffic and Palmetto Bay traffic calming initiatives.

Many continue to observe the construction and ask when the PTS traffic will move off 176 Street and onto 184th.  The initial news, is that PTS has indicated that the new entrance/exit road from SW 184th to the existing school will be operational for staff, students will begin using this entrance by mid-February.

Please note that PTS has indicated that all school buses, staff, delivery trucks and student drivers will be restricted to this entrance only.  Please also take note that some PTS traffic will remain on 176th.  The PTS 6-9th grade drop off and pick up (only) will remain on 176 - all other PTS traffic will be moved over to 184. 

As your Mayor, I will work through the manager to ensure that the traffic plan is posted online (palmettobay-fl.gov) once it is made available.

Other updates: 

1.The potential for traffic circles at SW 77 Ave. and 82nd Ave.

 

UPDATE: Your Palmetto Bay government continues to work on the traffic plan that includes traffic circles at SW 77 Ave. and 82nd Ave. Palmetto Bay’s traffic engineer remains hard at work, reviewing staff findings, and is working with the County to justify all future traffic calming initiatives.

 

Update on constructing a series of traffic chicanes along 176 Street:

 

UPDATE: Please note that the County has indicated they are not in favor of chicanes and would prefer other alternatives

 

Update on installing special curbing to prevent left turns SW 77 Ave. and 74 Court:

UPDATE: Boulevard design for this area will also be a consideration that will be addressed by the traffic engineer and a follow up meeting has been scheduled with the County on this issue

1.Building a thin median strip between SW 78th and 79th Avenues.
2.Slight widening and restriping to create designated left- and right-turn lanes at Old Cutler and SW 176th Street.

UPDATE: This proposal has been finalized and we are awaiting County commitment as Old Cutler Road is there road, additionally some other options to further improve mobility at this intersection have been discussed and will be provided at the meeting on December 12. The meeting will also discuss the potential for a turbo-lane intersection for this intersection as the recommendation of the County.

There are also fixes that I, as your Mayor, along with the Council and Village Staff continue to work with Miami-Dade County on to address the traffic issues.  Our manager had specifically proposed three suggestions for more immediate relief:

     1. Reprogram the traffic light at SW 176 Street and Old Cutler Road for hours between 7:15 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. To provide more time for eastbound traffic.

UPDATE: This ask, if warranted by the traffic engineering will be made after the initial assessment by this firm, this is still pending

     2. An additional officer for the 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.

UPDATE: Note that this ask has not been accepted by Palmer and they have indicated they would wish to wait until the new entrance is completed to re-evaluate traffic on SW 176 but we have placed an officer at this intersection and will continue to do so when school is in session until the South entry is completed.

     3. Install no-left-turn signs school days (7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m./and maybe even school afternoons) along SW 176 Street at 78th Ave., 77th Ave. and 74 court.

 

UPDATE: It is important to note that Miami-Dade County has indicated they are not willing to curtail mobility in the Village.

 

In closing on this interim update, I hope this allows you to see some progress albeit slower than what we all would prefer. In addition to the above, a new right turn lane from Old Cutler Road to SW 184th. Street has been completed.

Your voice matters! Please do not hesitate to contact me at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or Village Manager Ed Silva at esilva@palmettobay-fl.gov for additional updates as well as to provide any additional input at the changes go into action. 

Thank you for your patience and participation in this matters.  I will continue to advocate for lasting changes to improve our traffic within the Village of Palmetto Bay.

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Chabad of Palmetto Bay - annual Chanukah event at Coral Reef Park.

This is a great family event.  I remember participating in the event when it was initially held in the parking lot of the Starbucks off 168th and Old Cutler Road.  We are fortunate that the Chabad of Cutler Bay now holds their annual event at Coral Reef Park.   

Photos from the Chanukah celebration held on Sunday, January 1st, 2017 - New Years Day.  

The Chabad of Palmetto Bay Chanukah event included the Olive Oil Press Workshop.  This event was open to the public and a great family event.

Friends, family, traditional Chanukah celebration foods!

Thank you Rabbi Zalman and Chani Gansburg: the entire Chabad of Palmetto Bay members/family. Another wonderful community event at our Park. 

Happy New Year. Happy Chanukah.

Palmetto Bay mourns the passing of Rosemary Fuller. Educator, mentor. Retired Principal of Perrine Elementary

Palmetto Bay mourns the passing of Rosemary Fuller.

Today, the Palmetto Bay community mourns the loss of longtime Perrine Elementary School (Dr. Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Arts) Principal and a dear friend to the Village, Ms. Rosemary Fuller.

Principal Fuller was an outstanding person who served Palmetto Bay as a member of one of our original advisory committees and played an essential role in solidifying the great relationships we have with our local schools. She helped me start up what is now an annual tradition, our Palmetto Bay Principals’ Breakfast – establishing a bridge between Palmetto Bay and our local schools. She remained active in the community well after her retirement from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools and we would occasionally cross paths at the Palmetto Bay Business Association and other events held in South Miami-Dade County.

On behalf of the Village, I’d like to extend my condolences not only to Principal Fuller’s family, but also to all of her students and her fellow educators whose lives she impacted through her passion and dedication to education.

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay

Chabad of Palmetto Bay invites you (and your family / friends) to Celebrate Chanukah with a Balloon Menorah!

Sunday, January 1, 2017, 2:00 - 4:00 PM at Coral Reef Park

Chabad of Palmetto Bay invites you (and your family/friends) to Celebrate Chanukah with a Balloon Menorah! 

This is a free of charge event.  

Go to www.jewishpalmettobay.org or call (786) 262-043 for more information.

Invasives continue to turn up in strange places - please report them if and when you spot them

Pythons swimming in Florida Bay?!  There appears to be no place safe if South Florida environment to encroachment from invasive species. 

I recently received a report of a 5 foot alligator approaching kayakers in the canal that runs along 84^th Street here in Palmetto Bay (a NATIVE Florida species).  They were referred to the South Florida Water Management District where they made the report.  At least that is a native species that we need find a way to live with in peace.  For local gator issues - information on how to live with/report them - see my 6/16/16 posting: "Local Gator? Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program - SNAP. FWC Alligator Management Program".

This post is about the continuing travels of invasive species and how I continue to run into more and more of them in and near Palmetto Bay.  This is my 24^th posting under the “Invasive Species” label.

Christmas 2015 involved two python sightings (both dead).  No such sightings in 2016. No reports of python road kill or being pulled from swimming pools in Palmetto Bay. 

I am posting an article posted online on December 27, 2016 – Miami Herald  - Think sharks are scary? There’s a new critter swimming in Biscayne Bay, By Jenny Staletovich.

We cannot ignore the fact that we have our shares of Python captures in Palmetto Bay.  A prior post from three years earlier (Dec 12, 2012), noted that two large pythons had been removed from Palmetto Bay in 2012.  CBS 4 reported on November 26, 2012, that a “very large” python who made its home on a Palmetto Bay lawn was removed by the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Venom Unit near 180 Street and SW 77 avenue.

But I have not yet received a report of a python swimming in the canal.

The invasive were smaller in 2016.  I posted on my personal Facebook page: "Happy Holidays from the non-native invasive basilisk lizard now making its home in Palmetto Bay" - a Brown Basilisk lizard.  This sighting was at my mother-in-law's near Sadowski.  I had first noticed them at Perrine Wayside back when we were first developing that park into our Dog Park. 

Please report what you see – download the app from the FWC – “IVeGot1” Go to - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and link over to "Wildlife & Habitats"

See something?  Report it – and please keep me up to date on what you see and report.

Kicking off Christmas music Season - A Charlie Brown Christmas - Christmas Time is Here Song

I am posting the gold standard classic - let's lighten it up post election and enter this Christmas season on a Palmetto Bay high note. 

Warning - Dollar Tree customers are having their cars towed for parking in neighboring properties - be forewarned

WARNING - aggressive tow away practices are being employed by owners of property owner(s) adjacent to the Dollar Tree Store located at 13811 South Dixie Highway, Palmetto Bay.  Is this fair protection of property rights or a predatory operation?  It is a fair question.

Saturday, December 10, 2016, was an (unwanted) eventful day for unsuspecting Dollar Tree store Patrons.  Many people have parked in what they thought was a common parking lot only to find their car towed.  Most people are unaware that these businesses are largely separately owned properties with separately owned parking lots - in other words, this collection of businesses is unlike most shopping centers where there is common parking.  The current result is that those who unwittingly park in the wrong spot are being towed, sometimes immediately upon parking.  Don't let this happen to you!

It may simply not be worth it to shop at this Dollar Tree location, not unless you are lucky enough to find a parking space right in front of the store location, or being savvy enough to abide by the competing property rights of the neighboring businesses.  

Above left - view of the property (taken from the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser website).
Above right - a tow removal in process, interrupted by the owner catching the tow truck driver before he could drive away. 

Above left and right - views of the signage warning drivers of the tow-away zone.  

I spoke with many people who pulled in to go to the Dollar Tree.  Not a single driver noticed the signs or realized where the property lines for the different stores began or ended. All would have been towed and faced hundreds of dollars in costs for the car towing along with the aggravation.

I was told that the driver of the truck (pictured in these photos) ended up negotiating an $80+ charge for the tow truck operator to "drop" his vehicle in place, returning it to him within the same parking lot, 'saving' him the time, inconvenience and additional expense of having to retrieve the vehicle from the tow company storage lot. I was told by bystanders (and the owner of the truck pictured in this event) that it makes no difference if there are people left in the vehicle (students in the case of the black truck), the tow trucks are still moving in on occupied, but parked vehicles, and picking them up for towing. 

SPOTTER ENGAGED: It appears that a "spotter" is being employed to immediately identify any offenders and call in the tow trucks.  Can you see the car (headlights on) parked in the lot (photo above left)?  I was told by bystanders in this shopping plaza (frequent customers and employees of adjoining businesses) that the driver of this car acts as a "spotter" and calls in the tow trucks when an unsuspecting patron parks in an incorrect parking spot and walks into the Dollar Tree store.  

The driver of this "spotter vehicle" did get out of his vehicle while the Palmetto Bay Policing Unit was on scene.  He is pictured above (above right), wearing the long pants with the blue folder under tucked his left arm.  

Above left and right - the alleged "spotter" moving his car when the witnesses in the parking lot brought out their camera phones to document the event - note that the license plate has been obscured as a courtesy to him.

To the best of my knowledge, this is the only example of what I consider to be an aggressive tow-away zone parking situation in Palmetto Bay.   

This matter has been brought to the attention of our Palmetto Bay Village Manager and it will be brought before the entire Village Council for discussion.  I asked those involved in the event on Sat, 12/10 to provide post event communication; providing additional details.  It remains to be seen if they do follow up and contact me.  I ask anyone else who has suffered similar experiences within Palmetto Bay to contact me via official e-mail: eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov.  

In the meantime, be careful and respectful where you park - especially if you are planning to shop at the Dollar Tree - even if you think you will be "in and out of the store" in "just a moment." 

Please be careful where you park, both to be considerate of the property rights of business owners as well as to prevent yourself from falling victim to having your vehicle towed away.  I also request that you pass on this information to your friends and neighbors.  

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

176 / Old Cutler Crosswalk. More examples of new pedestrian infrastructure being installed by Miami-Dade County within Palmetto Bay

These photos were taken on the afternoon of Friday, December 9, 2016.  Miami-Dade County is adding on push-buttoned signaled crosswalk upgrades to Old Cutler Road at 176 Street.  This will make it safer to cross over Old Cutler Road.

 

 

This crosswalk upgrade is an example of ongoing collaborative efforts to improve traffic mobility throughout Palmetto Bay - part of a complete effort.   

Dec 9 - I am proud to participate in Miami-Dade County's #PublicTransitDay

Today, Friday, December 9, 2016 is the first-ever "#PublicTransitDay" in Miami-Dade County.  I will be participating.

I am pleased to be cited in the Miami Herald as one official who regularly uses public transportation - and yes, there are many days I take my car.  Its a matter of using it when I can and recognizing that I actually save commuting time and traffic gridlock along US1, while also relieving me of downtown parking hassles and expense by using MetroRail/MetroMover.  See: Miami Herald, 12/8/2016: Discounts! Freebies! But you’ll have to ditch your car and take the bus, by Monique O. Madan

The community-wide day is aimed at encouraging people to use public transportation and use the hashtag #PublicTransitDay on social media while they commute. What started out as a Miami-focused effort has now expanded to include transit riders and leaders in Broward and Palm Beach counties as well.

My family has used MetroRail (as have many others) to commute down to events at the (now demolished) Miami Arena for events such as Heat or Panther games - or the Ice Shows - or down to the Miami Book Fairs.  We often took MetroRail from the Datran South, South Miami or UM Stations to games/events at the Orange Bowl.

Today may not be your day to participate in #PublicTransitDay, but I look forward to your participation.

And, as the #PublicTransitDay sponsor ask, please tweet or post out your experiences today for all to see, using the hastag "#PublicTransitDay"

Have a great day, 

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay.  

Remembering the events of the Pearl Harbor attack - 75 years later. Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Pearl Harbor Address

75 years ago today. December 7, 1941. "A day which will live in infamy." Please take a moment to reflect on this day and remember those who still survived this Day and those who gave up their lives in service of our Country.