Pre- Hurricane Irma - Palmetto Bay Police / Public Services teaming up to clear streets Tornado Watch announced

I am proud of Team Palmetto Bay. They were hard at work trying to keep our streets passable in the early stages of the storm - for any last-minute evacuees as well as for our first responders.  The efforts were called off at approximately 12:30 PM due to announcement of a Tornado Watch.

Despite the fact that Hurricane Irma hours away from South Florida; the National Weather Service issued a tornado watch in nine counties: Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, as well as Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee and mainland Monroe. Residents remaining in the watch area should watch for tornadoes until midnight.

Tornadoes are a common result of the whirling winds hurricanes bring ashore.

Team Palmetto Bay is now off the road due to the tornado watch - but our policing unit remains safely deployed throughout the Village keeping us safe.  

We have no single position specialists in Palmetto Bay - we are "Government lite" and benefit from a team of dedicated, cross trained, multiple talent, team members.  I was pleased to be out of the house, from behind the shutters and working off the built up energy clearing the roads with MDPD/Village Police Commander, Major Serralta, Village Manager Ed Silva and public works, helping to clear the roads.

 

Reports of Hurricane Irma impact - trees down and scattered power outages so far - please do not take risk sightseeing.

I am posting some examples of damage coming in.  Please - we are on the building side of the storm, far from experiencing maximum effects.  

9:00 AM. I was advised by MDFR Fire Chief Dave Downey that Station 62 has relocated temporarily to Station 50.  This is precautionary.  Station 62 is currently housed in the temporary trailer with the actual unit housed only under a canopy.  Station 50 is near Village Hall - and is a permanent hardened Fire Rescue Station.  Unit 62 remains available to service all Palmetto Bay (including Northeast corner), south Pinecrest, etc.  

10:00 AM. There are reports of some areas experiencing power outages.   

Ongoing tree damage (photo to right) : Looks like 84th Av south of 176 st is blocked by a large tree that fell. Photo courtesy Malbrook Resident.

Prior (below) photos of a snapped light tree that fell safely on a neighbor's driveway.  No damage, no risk to traffic.
 
The photos posted illustrate why it is not safe to be outside at the present time. 

Hurricane Irma Updates - 9:00 AM Saturday, 9/9/2017

Feeder bands started coming in, causing me to run out and close/lock the last of my shutters - of course, that band has now passed and I could have accomplished this final prep without driving rain. Better safe than sorry.  I am now taking my final preparations and my home.

First the official - here is Situation Report #7 from either this morning:

BE SAFE - here is an example of the unexpected - what appeared to be a healthy palm tree snapped off due to the wind from the feeder band early this Saturday morning.  Expect more of this type of damage even before any heavy weather comes in.  Down trees like this could cause secondary damage including, but not limited to falling onto a roof or accessory structure, a vehicle, or pulling down a power/phone line.  

Remain prepared and stay safe!

Notes from Participation in South Miami-Dade Municipal EOC call/conference - 1:30 PM 9/7

A conference call was held at 1:30 today

Here are my notes from Participation in South Miami-Dade Municipal EOC call/conference.

Thank you Commissioner Cava for putting this together. 

This storm needs to be taken seriously.  I was present along with representatives from Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, Homestead, Florida City and Office of the County Mayor along with the MDC EOC.

Miami-Dade County is under both a Hurricane and Storm Surge Watch and there is presently a mandatory evacuation order under effect for zones A, mobile homes and barrier Islands. 

The order will likely be extended to B and possibly parts of C – this will be on an address/street by street basis – you may need to call 311 or Miamidade.gov/emergency to view the specific areas where the mandatory evacuations are called.

8 evaluation centers are now open.  There were 670 occupants as of the report at the conference.  Included are special medical needs/02 dependent.  Commissioner Cava has been advocating for additional South Dade shelters.  No transportation? County evacuation buses are circulating.  Busses are picking up – no one is at the stops - it remains available and operation for those who need the transportation. 

3-1-1 has gone to 24/7.  It is busy so be persistent if you need to access a call. Please lave 3-1-1 open for others if you can find the information you need on the county website – MiamiDade.gov/emergency

Medical assisted transport for evacuation – call 311 – special needs should be registered – there is a ongoing database – but make that last minute addition if you need.  Time is running short to do this so, you should have completed your preparations early Friday.

MAKE THAT CALL NOW if you need.  There is a wait for 3-1-1 so be persistent. There will be a time when it is announced that they cannot take on any registrants.

It is time to complete your preparations.  The deadline to be on the road, if evacuating is early Friday evening.  The gale force winds are expected by early Saturday morning. 

Garbage regular pick up is still scheduled for collection on the regular Thursday and Friday Scheduled. 

Please bring in and secure your cans ASAP. 

No NEW PILES – the County Bulky Waste is 2,000 behind.  No new pick up tickets . There is no way to pick up any new debris piles. 

Volunteer network listed on the County Web Site – those who are available and can provide assisted 

FPL Storm page - be prepared for Hurricane Irma

FPL information. CLICK HERE to view the full storm information web page.

Be prepared for Hurricane Irma

Based on Hurricane Irma’s size, strength and multiple projected paths, much of Florida could be impacted by this major storm, resulting in extended power outages. We are preparing for the possibility of having to rebuild our electrical infrastructure in the worst hit areas. We urge you to prepare your home now. Remember after the storm, the best way to stay connected with us and get up-to-date information is to visit our website or use the FPL app. Affected areas will also receive daily email updates after the storm.

CLICK HERE to visit FPL's Storm Center - Hurricane Irma

____________________________
I had the opportunity to view on of the command center trucks that FPL uses in their restoration operations at the EDC remembrance of the 25th Anniversary of Hurricane Andrew.  

 

The tour was provided by FPL personnel Ed Devarona, Illeana Rentz and Marie Bertot who provided detailed explanation of how they identity specifics of outages and deploy the resources to restore power as quickly and as safely as possible.

The FPL storm page provides us with access to apps and links that provide the following:

Download the FPL app
Your fingerprint will give you instant, secure access to your account.

Get daily updates
FPL will send daily email, text and voice message updates. Sign up today.

View outages
Report outages from your mobile device and check the status of an outage. 

Sign up and be Storm-Ready!

Very truly yours,

Your Mayor, 
Eugene Flinn, 
Village of Palmetto Bay

“Palmetto Bay Storm” Channel Created on Zello for group communication.

This may be a useful tool for instant group communication.  I just set it up this morning.  Consider it.  You may also consider setting up a specific channel for your neighborhood, business employees, PTA or other group.

“Palmetto Bay Storm” Channel Created on Zello for group communication.

Following the Texas storm, a smartphone app called Zello was used like a walkie-talkie to coordinate rescue assistance.  I have created a channel for us on Zello called "Palmetto Bay Storm”. Residents can use Zello our channel after the storm to share information and help one another (assuming cell service stays up or comes up quickly again). 

I recommend downloading the Zello app and creating an account for yourself before the hurricane reaches us. CLICK HERE to view the iTunes description/review of this Zello Walkie Talkie app.

I will be staying in Palmetto Bay for the duration and post storm. I have been out and about this morning and the lines have been long throughout the night at the gas stations that have been open as well at the local grocery stores pre-opening.  

Keep up the preparations and Stay safe.

your mayor,

Eugene Flinn

Florida Governor Rick Scott declares a State of Emergency in response to Hurricane Irma.

NAPLES, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott issued Executive Order 17-235 declaring a state of emergency in all 67 counties within the State of Florida in response to Hurricane Irma – a major Category 4 storm approaching Florida. By declaring a state of emergency in all 67 Florida counties, Governor Scott is ensuring that local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to get prepared for this dangerous storm and are not hindered, delayed or prevented from taking all necessary actions to keep communities safe.

Governor Scott said, “Hurricane Irma is a major and life-threatening storm and Florida must be prepared. I have continued to be briefed by the Florida Division of Emergency Management on Hurricane Irma and current forecast models have Florida in Irma’s path – potentially impacting millions of Floridians. Today, given these forecasts and the intensity of this storm, I have declared a state of emergency for every county in Florida to make certain that state, federal and local governments are able to work together and make sure resources are dispersed to local communities as we get prepared for this storm. In Florida, we always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and while the exact path of Irma is not absolutely known at this time, we cannot afford to not be prepared. This state of emergency allows our emergency management officials to act swiftly in the best interest of Floridians without the burden of bureaucracy or red tape.

“In Florida, we know that the best way to protect our families in severe weather is to have a plan. I urge all Floridians to remain vigilant and stay alert to local weather and news and visit FLGetAPlan.com today as we all prepare for Hurricane Irma. We will keep monitoring and issuing updates on Hurricane Irma as it approaches Florida.”

###

Notice of cancellation - Wed 9/6 meeting / FPL Presentation on Cutler Plantation property

I was just notified moments ago of the cancellation (to be rescheduled) for the FPL INFORMATION SESSION ON CUTLER PLANTATION.  Notification was provided to me just after 2:00 PM on Monday, 9/4/2017.  I am passing that information onto my readers.

This meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, September 6, 2017 - 7:00 p.m.  This meeting WILL BE RESCHEDULED to allow for public information/interaction on this property. 

A Public Notice will be posted as to the date it is rescheduled. 

Disaster Preparedness - September 2017 update - links - phone numbers

I am re-publishing my Hurricane/Preparedness information as requested.  Note that you can always view my past posts (20 to date) on this topic by CLICKING HERE (The Disaster Preparedness label).

Posted below are important links and phone numbers for hurricane / Disaster Preparedness information from State of Florida, Attorney General, Miami-Dade County, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay - all in one location for you.  

There is also information on how to register with Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts to your computer or cell phone.

Please take the time to review Palmetto Bay on-line:

Village of Palmetto Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

the Village of Palmetto Bay Disaster Preparedness Guide:

https://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/documentcenter/view/3291

Town of Cutler Bay Hurricane Preparedness Page

http://www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/your-community/hurricane-preparedness

Village of Pinecrest Hurricane Preparedness Page

HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Page - important links

http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/index.aspx?page=344

Listen to Pinecrest Radio on your car radio at 1590 AM. The station regularly broadcasts announcements and, during an emergency, will provide important information to Pinecrest residents.

Miami-Dade County’s Emergency pages – Hurricane preparedness:

http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/hurricanes.asp

http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/

What about your pets?  Pet Disaster Preparedness  Miami-Dade County has resources available online for Emergency planning for your pets:

 http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf

Download the tip sheet from Miami-Dade Animal Services, Disaster Preparedness - Animal Supplies Checklist:

http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf

Miami-Dade Alerts

Miami-Dade County has some important resources to help keep you informed and prepared, like the free Hurricane Guide and Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system.  Internet users can register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts.  I encourage everyone to register online at http://www.miamidade.gov/alerts

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

For Evacuation Assistance: 311 (people requiring special needs shelters must register in advance)

Answer Center                      311

Rumor control:                      311

Emergency Management     305-468-5400

FP&L   (800-4OUTAGE)       800-468-8243

Florida City Gas                    305-691-8710

State Volunteer Hot-line:       1-800-FL-HELP1 (1-800-354-3571)

Elder Affairs:                         1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)

Dept. of Financial Services Insurance Claim Hotline:
                                              1-800-22-STORM (227-8676)

Price Gouging Hot-Line:       1-866-966-7226 or file a complaint:myfloridalegal.com/contact.nsf/contact

Population Growth Comparison - Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay

I am posting here the Official Population Estimates (for April 1, 2017) prepared by the University of Florida, Bureau of Economic & Business Research. 

 Municipality      Change in Population     4/1/2010      4/1/2017
Cutler Bay                 +     4,936                      40,286         45,222
Palmetto Bay            +        730                       23,408         24,138

I am waiting on the population estimate relating to the Village of Pinecrest.  I will post those numbers here, once received.

Any challenge to these estimates must be filed by September 8, 2017. 

These figures become permanent and information for all applicable jurisdictions will be available on or close to October 17, 2017. 

CLICK HERE to view the official website for the University of Florida, Bureau of Economic & Business Research.


 
  

The Smart Growth Partnership - The Village of Palmetto Bay wins a smart growth award for its DUV Code.

The Smart Growth Partnership of Southeast Florida (SGP) has awarded the 2017 SMART GROWTH EXCELLENCE AWARD to the Village of Palmetto Bay (the Village) and Bermello Ajamil & Partners (B&A) for the Village’s Downtown Master Plan and Downtown Urban Village Regulations. 

Historical note: Bermello Ajamil & Partners (B&A) were hired to prepare/write the Village’s Downtown Master Plan and Downtown Urban Village Regulations at a Special Council Meeting held in January of 2014 as reflected in Palmetto Bay Resolution 2014-07 (CLICK HERE).  The cost was not to exceed $120,000.00.  The vote to proceed on this plan was 2-1 with Council Member Joan Lindsey and Mayor Shelley Stanczyk voting in favor and Council Member Patrick Fiore voting against.  Vice Mayor John DuBois and Council Member Tim Schaffer were absent from this vote.. 

 
The Award presentation: On Thursday, September 14, 2017, the Smart Growth Partnership will be hosting an Education Event at the Anne Kolb Nature Center, where Palmetto Bay and  been invited to receive the awarded the 2017 Smart Growth Excellence Award for the Downtown Master Plan and Downtown Urban Village Regulations.

Mission Statement - of Smart Growth Partnership

Smart Growth Partnership is a collaborative of diverse professionals and organizations providing leadership, advocacy, and education to promote livable, sustainable and green communities. To that end, the partnership will support the principles of Smart Growth for the South Florida region.

About Smart Growth Partnership

Smart Growth Partnership is a collaborative of diverse professionals and organizations providing leadership, advocacy, and education to promote livable, sustainable and green communities. To that end, the partnership supports the principles of Smart Growth for the South Florida region.

Smart Growth Principles:

• Provide a range of housing opportunities and choices
• Aim to increase efficiency of utilizing water and energy resources
• Preserve and create open space
• Create distinctive buildings and neighborhoods with a strong sense of place
• Promote mixed land uses serviced by a variety of transportation modes
• Make development decisions more predictable, quicker and cost effective
• Create walkable sites, neighborhoods and community designs
• Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration
• Promote regional collaboration
• Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities
• Take advantage of compact building design

For more information about Smart Growth Partnership visit: http://www.smartgrowthpartnership.org.

Traffic Circle Update - New Traffic Circle will be OPEN for School Opening Day Traffic

I am pleased with the hard work of our Village Management team and contractors.

ANNOUNCEMENT! New Traffic Circle will be OPEN for School Opening Day traffic (but not fully completed)

As previously reported, our contractor has been working extended hours to ensure that the new Traffic Circle at the intersection of SW 168th Street and SW 82nd Avenue will be open to traffic this Monday, August 21st.  

Although not fully completed, the circle will be open from 6:30 am to 9:00 am and again from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm.  It will be closed for the rest of the time to allow for the remaining work to be completed within the next few weeks.  The circle will re-open during the same times on weekdays until fully completed.

We thank you again for your patience during this period.  If you wish to learn more about how to use a traffic circle, check out this video from the Florida Department of Transportation! (CLICK HERE)

We also have the video created by members of our very own Youth Community Involvement Board and MiamiHal.  CLICK HERE or video preview below to view the updated community video.

Police - preparations for managing traffic for Start of School

Team Palmetto Bay is working to plan for the start of Public School for Monday, August 21.

Photo left: MDPD/Village Commander Major Gadyaces S. Serralta assessing and working with our Public Services Team to prepare for traffic beginning this Monday - plans are being made - for circle open as well as detours remaining in place.




The team is hard at work attempting to get this traffic circle open for Monday.  The weather this weekend will have a significant impact upon whether we reach this goal.  Either way, our police will be needed and they will be out there to assist traffic on Monday, the start of public school.

We appreciate you patience in this time of "construction ugly" as we work for a long term gain in easing traffic flow through our village.

Unacceptable - failing to fund essential government services

I am opposed to cutting essential services. More to follow. For now, please see the notice posted below.

Please see below on Clerk of Courts actions that will impact our police and residents severly.

---

PUBLIC NOTICE

Due to a Statewide shortfall in funding, Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office will no longer be able to provide front counter public service assistance at the following locations – Hialeah District Court, Martin Luther King Office, North Dade Justice Center, Miami Beach District Court, Coral Gables District Court, South Dade Justice Center and the Sweetwater sub-office as of Close of Business Friday, September 8, 2017. 

Please refer to the locations listed below to obtain these services and note our reduced service hours 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and expect a longer waiting time.  You may also access our automated voice response system or visit our website.

For Traffic and Criminal related matters:

Richard E. Gerstein Justice Building1351 NW 12th Street
Miami, Florida 33125
Monday - Friday
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
305-275-1111 (Traffic)
305-275-1155 (Criminal)

For Civil related matters:

Miami-Dade County Courthouse73 W. Flagler Street
Miami, Florida 33130
Monday - Friday
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
305-275-1155

For Marriage License related matters:

Marriage License BureauOvertown Village South
601 NW 1 Court, Suite 1900
Miami, Florida 33136
Monday - Friday
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
305-275-1155

For Parking related matters:

Parking Violations Bureau22 NW First Street (4th Floor)
Miami, Florida 33128
Monday - Friday
9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
305-275-1133

Update on Coyotes in our area – updated/better photos – have you seen any?

I am continuing to receive reports of Coyotes in and around Palmetto Bay.  Most recent reports are regarding the Deering/Kings Bay community in Coral Gables, bordering Palmetto Bay.

Please take efforts to protect your pets.  One reader has advised how he lost a cat to a coyote.  He is now active in "coyote patrols" in his neighborhood and has noted several areas where he has observed coyotes gaining access through holes or gaps in fences.

Please send me any personal observations you may have encountered.

Please see a prior guest post: June 4, 2017, Guest Post - Coyotes in Palmetto Bay? What have you seen?

This guest post addressed legitimate concerns about Coyote sightings here in Palmetto Bay. I am posting new and better photos alleged to have been taken of Coyotes on the USDA land adjacent to Deering Bay.

Traffic Circle update - Wednesday, August 16, 2017 - "Live" with Steve from Palmetto Bay Public Services

The contractor crew is hard at work - past 7 PM on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, to get this traffic circle done - and done right!  

I went "live" on Facebook with a report from Steve, from Palmetto Bay Public Services, to update:

I thank you all for your patience to date.  Drive safe and rest assured that Palmetto Bay is working hard to manage the traffic issues.

Here are some additional photos that demonstrate the progress to date:

 Above - the excavator and drainage containers are in and 

digging/placement should commence on Thursday, 8/17/2017.

 

Traffic Circle Safety - Please take the time to view this creative video by Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler & Justin Merwitzer. Edited and produced through the talents of "Miami Hal" Feldman.

Our Palmetto Bay youth stepped up and prepared this outstanding video.  

This is outstanding work by Mark Merwitzer, Jackson Ribler & Justin Merwitzer. 

Edited and produced through the talents of "Miami Hal" Feldman. 

Drive safe Palmetto Bay.

Here are some stills from the effort, filmed Sunday, 8/13/2017:

 

Weekend update - Traffic Circle project Intersection of SW 168/82 - photos of progress

The work for Saturday, August 12, 2017.  The heavy work is completed for the weekend.  More cement was poured on Saturday. The curbing is in. The cuts for drainage and crosswalk are poured. Work is moving swiftly.

Kudos to our Palmetto Bay Manager, Ed Silva; Public Services Director Corrice Patterson and project Team!  Palmetto Bay's Steven Diaz, from Public Services is working hard, pushing the contractors and making good things happen at this site.

Here are additional photos documenting the work to date.

The project is moving nicely.  

Please drive carefully and be respectful of the neighbors absorbing the traffic detours. 

Photo above - Steven Diaz, (in background behind the circle) Palmetto Bay Public Services 

- Project Director for this Circle Project - he is hard at work to deliver a quality project on time!

  

Photo above - Steven Diaz, Project Director - Palmetto Bay Public Services