Beware the Ides of March. The history of this superstition.

What does it mean? Most think back to the day in 44 BC when Julius Caesar was stabbed in the back, front and practically everywhere else on the body in one of ancient Rome's most gruesome assassinations.

There remain many politicians who have stepped forward though use of this stab in the back technique. Some of the biggest back stabbers are also the first to cry victim.

An ides refers to days that land in the middle of the month, which in months with 31 days means March 15. It's known as the deadline for settling debts in Roman times and the day William Shakespeare warned you about. ... Here's the history of March 15 and why it's considered a day full of bad luck.

See CNN online: Why the Ides of March is considered bad luck, by Francisco Guzman and Jeanne Bonner, Sun March 15, 2020

Enjoy this day of superstition, but watch your back (figuratively).

True bike mobility - examples of bike mobility options - see for yourself. What is your vision?

The video documents conventional bike lanes, pained bike lanes v protected bike lanes, as well as a shared path (where the roadway remains marked for shared use by bicyclists - identical to the Old Cutler Path).  This information is important as current Palmetto Bay officials are not satisfied with the SW 136th Street project - next up are other streets, including SW 184 as well as Coral Reef Drive - January 28, 2022, Next issue - do we turn Coral Reef Drive into the next SW 136th Street? Time to get involved.

 

Examples of different bike lanes - traditional (conventional) - along SW 62nd Avenue (in front of Miami's Community Newspapers) 0:01:42 Painted, traditional non-separated bike lane. 0:02:17 Sharrow and wide sidewalk 0:02:43 example of a curbed protected bike lane 0:03:38 another example of a curbed protected bike lane 

More to follow on bike lanes.

When you look, please consider what you prefer as a motorist as bike lanes are for drivers as well. How? Because a bike lane places the cyclists in their own lane, rather than taking the lane in front of the motorist. Remember, a shared path is not a dedicated bike lane. See December 17, 2018, Taking a close look - Old Cutler Bike Trail - designed use, rules of the road - Types of bikeways - 2 discussed here: paved path & sharrows. Cyclists may choose to use it, but is not required to do so - and there are many examples I can give as to why 'taking the lane' is preferable, and safer, for a cyclist than riding a shared path.

Also think about what you would prefer as a homeowner living on that street. Look to SW 136th Street to see the loss of swale (drainage, landscaping - green space) and parking. Does the SW 136th Street project get bicyclists off the roadway. In then end, the SW 136th Street is just a disjointed collection off standard size sidewalks in part with wider sidewalk  sections in other sections. Barriers remain in many areas including signage, abrupt curves as well as utility boxes and poles. It is neither well thought out or well designed.  See: October 2, 2021, Special post - Photo(s) of the day. Reader submitted photos of the Palmetto Bay designed shared path. Or is it a car park?

Another issue with projected bike lanes - what happens at time of deliveries - or garbage / recycling pick up? How are vehicles going to move down streets during these events? Delivery vehicles will remain in the street as they cannot pull off the road due to the barriers created for the protected bike lanes.  But at least no one will be parking on in the protected bike lanes (as they do on the shared paths) - the curbing or barriers prevent any such intrusion. 

We are seeing the impact of share paths in Palmetto Bay - far too many examples of vehicles parking on them as the right of way (swales) have been lost, so now where do guests or large families park? I have documented many such violations throughout this blog. So we need more?

This post is another in my series of relating to local issues, local places. This is part of a developing "taking a close look at" or "Fact Checking" series on issues and places in and around Palmetto Bay and our south Miami-Dade Communities.

Miami-Dade Minute - 2022 Bike To Work Day

Wednesday, March 9, 2022 - Mayor Daniella Levine Cava led the 10th Annual Bike305 Bike to Work Day, an event that encourages residents in all municipalities to ride a bicycle to work, school, and fun destinations for a healthy way to live life. The 2022 event was held in Miami Lakes. It was 6-mile police escorted bike ride from Miami Lakes Town Hall to Amelia Earhart Park.

Bursting my spring bubble – back to the 50s projected for this weekend, but great temps to ride and work in the yard. Take advantage.

I am looking forward to the weekend (this is a very busy week, which is a very good thing).

I was advised that temperatures may dip into the 50s this weekend. My weather app forecasts a low of 55 up to a high of 87 for Palmetto Bay this weekend. That’s prime bike ride weather! So do I ride or garden? I am behind on both the planting and ride mileage for 2022. And if I ride (ha, ha – “if”), do I ride road or gravel? (Nature could be calling.)

Two great choices, tough choices for weekend activities here in South Florida

We will have to see.

Does anyone have cactus to spare? On the subject of gardening, planting, does anyone  have any Prickly Pear Cactus that they can share for me? My tortoise loves it. I had several strong Prickly Pear Cactus plants in the yard then - none.  I need to restart the native, home grown food source.  Thank you in advance.

The forecast - the weather app, not mine:

Palmetto Bay’s celebration 2022 picnic – part of an enduring legacy. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff and fellow residents who initiated and nurtured it.

Happy 20th Palmetto Bay! Another year of celebration for Palmetto Bay – this one was special – where we gathered with friends and family in celebrating the 20th year of incorporation.  The village picnic is special, though attendance my vary from year to year, it remains a time for celebration and family fun, as well as a time to remember how this event came charging out of the gate as a major village event from its very first year. CLICK HERE to see prior related posts on past Village Picnics. Special note: there are many photos from many different celebrations posted, perhaps you can find family and friends, if not even yourself in these photos.

Once again, I want to give credit where credit is due, giving a huge “Thank You” to the special events committee set up under the original council, an outstanding group of volunteers.  The initial chair was Jacquie Sosa who was an anchor with Channel 10.  This position was held later by Jeanne Rothfield and finally Donna Coughlin, who served as our last chairperson.  The special events committee and staff, all working as part of the team under the initial village council, created events and interests including rides, city information, educational topics, wholesome family events, dunk tank -raising thousands of dollars at no expense to village taxpayers - for charity, & local school participation! Come on, who did not enjoy dunking me to raise money for charity?

The Parks Department, which has worked with our committee, continues to organize this event, even though there is no longer a citizen special events committee. Many people still volunteer Pat and Jim Gladieux still take charge of the ever-popular corn on the cob.

Past celebrations took advantage of the I-Bus for the historic preservation committee’s tours, which were started under Palmetto Bay’s first Planning Director, Arlene Weintraub and the committee. We all enjoy watching the school children performing and of course, the staff of the Planning and Parks Department as well as our police work well to continue to make this event a success. I was proud to work with Palmetto High School to start the annual Mayor’s Cup game (can you name the winner and score from that historic first game?)

The yearly events have seen helicopters land in the field and firefighters come in their trucks, the start of the student safety and fingerprinting programs. The Voice of the Heat served in past years as emcee. Past years has seen well over 5,000 people for a picnic. We came in from year one with significant corporate donations from corporate neighbors including Starbucks, Home Depot, Dade Paper, local banks and Publix, we have had breaks on the food and coverage of costs through donations!

The efforts and impact that you and the Special Events Committee have been successful and has left an outstanding celebration legacy that continues through this day.  Thank you all who served at any time in the past on the Special Events Committee.

20 year celebration. Time is flying. It takes a village! Photo memories.

For me, watching this village is like having children. You do your best to raise them right. Sometimes you enjoy sitting back and watching the success and then there are times you know you need to get involved (with your children as well as with the village).  A parent's job is never complete.

I am repeating a post from the 15 year celebration series. Does anyone recognize these the village children in the post?

Photos of the Day - Village History photos

In the spirit of the Palmetto Bay 15 year celebration - Palmetto Bay Village History. Remember the days through our youth.

Time flies - Eliza Rose Berse & Dhilini Amelung at our 2003 village picnic

 Recognizing Cub Scouts on February 7, 2005 - 

several of these scouts earned their Eagle Scout in 2016

Happy 177th Birthday Florida!

Florida was the 27^th State to be admitted to the Union – officially admitted on:

March 3, 1845.

Take a moment and celebrate this admission day in your own way.

State Animal                                  Florida Panther
State Beverage                              Orange Juice
State Bird                                       Mockingbird
State Butterfly                                Zebra Longwing
State Flower                                  Orange Blossom
State Wildflower                            Coreopsis
State Freshwater Fish                    Largemouth Bass
State Saltwater Fish                      Sailfish
State Gem                                      Moonstone
State Marine Mammal                   Manatee
State Saltwater Mammal               Porpoise
State Reptile                                  Alligator
State Shell                                     Horse Conch
State Soil                                       Myakka Fine Sand
State Song                                     "The Swanee River" (Old Folks at Home)
State Stone                                     Agatized Coral
State Tree                                      Sabal Palm

Today is Ash Wednesday. “Remember that you are dust, and to dust, you shall return."

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian Church, marked by services of penitence. 

Ash Wednesday is a solemn reminder of human mortality and the need for reconciliation with God and marks the beginning of the penitential Lenten season. It is commonly observed with ashes and fasting.

We have the 40 days of Lent to consider what we have done. It is your choice whether to make good use of this time or simply as “How much longer?” or “How many days to Easter?”

Western Easter is observed on Sunday, April 17, 2022.

Greek Easter is observed a week later on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

Orthodox Easter will usually fall later in the year than Western Christian Easter because Orthodox Easter uses the Julian calendar and the later uses the Gregorian calendar.

Earth Bunny, is that you? A bunny sighting in the neighborhood.

Came home from dinner last night to spot a pair of bunnies running amok in the neighborhood.

Were they temporarily lost or are they part of a feral colony of rabbits? Caught one, the other would not be caught.

More on this later (SPOILER ALERT: a happy ending).

Wild (non-native) bunnies are actually an occasional find here in Palmetto Bay.

Challenge accepted. Palmetto Bay’s canal bank erosion: Another glaring example of mayor and council bluster at council meetings – for optics – but without follow up as soon as the meeting ends and the cameras go off.

I received significant inquiries (and challenges) relating to the post of Feb 23, 2022: Palmetto Bay: Indecisiveness. Once again, what's old is now new again, at least in regard to annexation. Once again, history repeats itself. Loss of interest and follow through, failure to keep commitments made, is a habit that the Palmetto Bay government has slipped into since December 2018.

These inquiries/challenges were basically the same, but for the tone, the inquiries being of the nature of: Can you point to any other examples of failing to act after a definitive directive by Mayor Cunningham and Council? 

Challenged accepted!

The short answer is Yes, of course. Examples include the CANAL BANK EROSION issue. Another example of the failure to follow through. Promises made that have not been kept – far from it.

The current mayor and two councils passed not one, but two, nearly identical resolutions directing the Village Attorney to file a lawsuit against the South Florida Water Management District relating to canal bank erosion, trespass and the taking of village property though the erosion of the canals to the point where the easement had eroded and the canal was now running through village property.

So my questions, similar to the prior post relating to annexation, are as follows:

1. What/where was the follow through, where are the updated reports? (But this issue goes further as this is not an intellectual exercise it is one of a real, pressing need):
2. Why hasn’t the directed dispute resolution process been enacted on either of these resolutions?
3. Has the canal erosion ceased?
4. Have the damaged canal banks been restored?

And again, just like with the annexation process, Palmetto Bay Resolution 2020-80, enacted 9/14/2020, makes no reference to the first resolution (Reso 2019-82) enacted 15 months earlier. This council behavior is eerily similar to the annexation issue where this mayor acts like it is being considered for the first time, rather than owing up to the clear fact that nothing has been done in relation to the prior action.

The Delay Counter:

31 months (over 2 ½ years) have passed since Palmetto Bay Resolution 2019-82 (Enacted June 3, 2019)

17 months (nearly a year and a half) have passed since Palmetto Bay Resolution 2020-80 (Enacted September 14, 2020) 

The bottom line: Nothing. I repeat – NOTHING has happened to date, despite the two strongly worded resolutions were enacted promising and actually directing action by Council Charter Officers.

06/03/2019        Palmetto Bay Resolution 2019-82

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, REGARDING CANAL BANK EROSION, TRESPASS AND TAKINGS BY THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT; DIRECTING THE VILLAGE ATTORNEY TO FILE SUIT AGAINST THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT FOR ALL CAUSES OF ACTION RELATING TO CANAL BANK EROSION, TRESPASS AND TAKING OF PROPERTY BY THE CANAL C-100C PASSING THROUGH CORAL REEF PARK; INITIATING DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 164.1052(1); AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

(Sponsored by Mayor Karyn Cunningham and Co-Sponsored by Councilmember(s) Patrick Fiore, David Singer, and Marsha Matson) (Vote 4-0: Mayor Cunningham: Yes; Vice Mayor DuBois: Absent; Councilmember Fiore: Yes; Councilmember Singer: Yes; Councilmember Matson: Yes)

09/14/2020        Palmetto Bay Resolution 2020-80

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, REGARDING THE INTRUSION OF THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT'S C-100A CANAL ONTO CORAL REEF PARK AND THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT'S REMOVAL OF TREES FROM CORAL REEF PARK, RESULTING IN A TRESPASS AND TAKING BY THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT; DIRECTING THE VILLAGE ATTORNEY TO FILE SUIT AGAINST THE SOUTH FLORIDA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT FOR ALL CAUSES OF ACTION RELATING TO THE TRESPASS ON TO AND THE TAKING OF PROPERTY DUE TO THE CANAL ENCROACHMENT AND REMOVAL OF TREES; INITIATING DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO SECTION 164.1052(1), FLORIDA STATUTES, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

(Sponsored by Mayor Karyn Cunningham) (Vote 5-0): Mayor Cunningham: Yes; Vice Mayor DuBois: Yes; Councilmember Fiore: Yes; Councilmember Singer: Yes; Councilmember Matson: Yes)

 The specifics:

RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE  OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, THAT:
Section 1.
(1) Lawsuit Against South Florida Water Management District.
              (a) The Village Attorney, in coordination with the Village Manager, is hereby authorized and directed to file suit against the South Florida Water Management District for the canal bank erosion of canal C- 100C, which illegally intrudes upon, trespasses upon, and takes property within Coral Reef Park not owned by the District.
              (b) The Village Attorney is authorized to include in such lawsuit any and all legal claims, whether or not otherwise identifies herein.
(2) Dispute Resolution Procedures.
              (a) In so far as Florida law requires participation in dispute resolution procedures prior to the filing of a lawsuit by a Florida governmental entity against another Florida governmental entity (e.g., Fla. Statute 164.1041 to 164.1065), the Village Attorney, in coordination with the Village Manager, is authorized and directed to engage in such dispute resolution procedures prior to filing the lawsuit otherwise authorized herein.
              (b) Consistent with Village Charter section 2.1, the Village Attorney, in coordination with the Village Manager, may invite the attendance of the Village Mayor at any dispute resolution meetings with the District.
(3) Official Initiation of Dispute Resolution by the Village Council in Accordance with Fla. Statute 164.1052(1). This Resolution shall be considered the initiation of the dispute resolution process by the Village Council pursuant to Fla Statute 164.1052(1). As provided by the statute, the Village Council hereby states as follows: “It is the intention of the governing body to initiate the conflict resolution procedures provided by this act prior to initiating court proceedings”.
***   ***   ***
(Remainder omitted by available through reading a copy of the complete resolution CLICK HERE)

RESULT - Bold promises made, but not kept (nor have the issues been resolved through any alternative means.

Palmetto Bay: Indecisiveness. Once again, what's old is now new again, at least in regard to annexation.

Annexation: old news – once again repackaged as new. The Palmetto Bay Village Council discussed annexation of the area west of Palmetto Bay’s current boundaries- this time it was at a Committee of the Whole meeting (COW) held Tuesday, 2-22-2022. Let me jump ahead, does anyone remember that this is the exact same area submitted to the voters in 2016? Unfortunately I have been here since we first incorporation and I pay attention to what has happened as well as not happened in Palmetto Bay. So allow this blog post to serve as some institutional history on Annexation. 

But first, let’s provide some backstory: as they say in politics, they were against it, before they were for it.

 The annexation issue did not end with the election results in 2016. Nope. History repeats itself – watching council meetings have become far too similar to watching the movie Groundhog Day, but far less entertaining. I have to admit, the recycling of concepts is mind numbing, especially as new discussion is the exact same discussion from 2019, involving 3 of the same members of the current village council. It was on April 1 (how apropos) that Mayor Cunningham was one of 3 votes in favor of Palmetto Bay Resolution 2019-65, which provided for the following:

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE COUNCIL OF
THE VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY, FLORIDA, RELATING TO
POSSIBLE ANNEXATION; DIRECTING STAFF TO INVESTIGATE
THE IMPLICATIONS OF ANNEXATION BY THE VILLAGE OF THE
AREA WEST OF THE VILLAGE BOUNDARY ALONG HIGHWAY
US 1 AND EAST OF THE BUSWAY, BOUNDED ON THE NORTH
BY 168 STREET AND ON THE SOUTH BY 184 STREET; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. (Sponsored by Councilmember
David Singer) (Vote 3-2: Mayor Cunningham: Yes; Vice Mayor
DuBois: Yes; Councilmember Fiore: No; Councilmember Singer:
Yes; Councilmember Matson: No)

Resolution 2019-65 passed 3-2 on April 1, 2019. It sounded like action, but looks are very deceiving. Nothing happened. The resolution passed, but then the mayor, council and staff simply sat on it, which is commonplace for this mayor.  It sat forgotten and the resolution, prior pending action, was not even discussed at the COW almost 3 years later (34 ½ months) as a new item.  There was no staff report as to any action taken in response to this April 1 resolution directing action. Why? Because no action was taken. The April 1, 2019 action was for optics only. It was obviously killed behind the scenes as it is the only plausible reason for this matter being neglected for 34 months - nearly 3 full years without the current mayor or any member of the village council asking even once for an update on staff (in)action.

FAIR QUESTION: Why is the current village council starting over? Is there any update, any report, anything to demonstrate anything regarding staff investigating the implications of annexation of these very same annexation boundaries? Of course not!

Perhaps the directions as to Resolution 2019-65 were ignored simply to spite the sponsor – Village Council Member David Singer.

It is important to note why Council Member Singer felt it was important to sponsor the resolution and to take control of the zoning along Palmetto Bay's western boundary.  Look to language of the resolution excerpted below: 

WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County has adopted Comprehensive Development Master Plan amendments which provide for extensive high-density development in areas within one-half (1/2) mile of any mass transit stop (including bus mass transit); and

 

WHEREAS, the area contiguous to the western boundary of the Village of Palmetto Bay and east of the busway is presently within Miami-Dade County unincorporated jurisdiction and is within one-half (1/2) mile of potential bus mass transit stop, so that this area is subject to possible high-density development;

 

WHEREAS, the Village might benefit significantly from having this area within the land use jurisdiction of the Village rather than Miami-Dade County (See document “A”).

(Highlighted emphasis added)

Vindication. The mayor and council in 2016 were right! Council Member Singer was right in April of 2019. We tried to get ahead of this very important issue of controlling density, but there was a very calculated misinformation campaign in opposition to the annexation back regarding the 2016 vote and now, once again, that same group has left the area residents holding the bag from probably higher density through their ill-conceived hysteria campaign.

The unfortunate irony is that if a "new" annexation effort commences, it will simply represent more time wasted as well as the fact that neither Mayor Cunningham, nor Charter Officers/Staff appear to have any follow up or institutional knowledge – and it is important to note that this delay will hurt, judging from recent action by Miami-Dade County on the Rapid Transit Zone.

Future post – Annexation takes years. What is the cost of the delay, both from 2016, then from April 1, 2019 to now.  Annexation will be much more difficult now then back then. The cost of indecisiveness as well as politicizing smart growth.

"Happy Presidents' Day to all who celebrate." ??? Whaaaaaat?

 Interesting buzz - 

Ken Jennings on Jeopardy (Monday, February 21, 2022):

"Happy Presidents' Day to all who celebrate."

What was that I just heard? Did he really say that? Quite a buzz. Thought provoking. Was this an awkward or perhaps a political statement made for an episode that was probably recorded at least 2 months in advance, set to air on a specific day.

At least this is a holiday where no politically correct method of observation is required. As I asked (in my official recognition post for Presidents Day) "Do you celebrate this federal holiday by reflecting upon legacies of past presidents, simply relaxing over a long weekend, taking in annual community events, taking advantage of sales or none of the above?"

But "Happy Presidents' Day to all who celebrate." - really? Let's not inflict this on anyone who may not celebrate. And I hope those who chose not to celebrate it went to work rather than spending it as a day at the beach.

Actually I did both - I celebrated Presidents' Day and went to work, someone has to earn money and pay those taxes, including local, State and Federal. Besides, It is one of those days I call a traffic holiday, when traffic is so light it would be a shame not to take advantage.

I could find no local parades for Presidents' Day. I did not find even a blood drive. Were there any public events where the names of the US Presidents were read aloud? As I have noted, Sadly, by some, it is better known commercially as the Presidents' Day Sale where we celebrate and save with great deals! Providing for an extra 15 - 20% off plus free shipping (online)!

So once again I ask if there are there people who actually "celebrate" President's Day? Like, how? By buying a mattress?

Things to consider. That is all.

Happy Presidents Day - 2022

What have you been doing over this weekend?  Do you celebrate this federal holiday by reflecting upon legacies of past presidents, simply relaxing over a long weekend, taking in annual community events, taking advantage of sales or none of the above? 

Presidents' Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February.  Sadly, by some, it is better known commercially as the Presidents' Day Sale where we celebrate and save with great deals! Providing for an extra 15 - 20% off plus free shipping (online)!

A short History of Presidents’ Day

Presidents’ Day was first celebrated in the 1880s, with the birthday of George Washington was first celebrated as a federal holiday.

Controversy: long weekends versus recognizing the actual date:

In 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Bill in 1968.  This moved federal holidays to Mondays. The intent was to provide for long weekends.  There was opposition to this move, by those who believe that those holidays should be celebrated on the dates they actually commemorate.

And then there was one national day for all presidents:

How many of us remember celebrating both Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays as separate events?  Presidents' Day became the officially celebrated holiday in 1971, to honor the birthdays of both Washington (February 22) and Abraham Lincoln (February12).  Note that Abraham Lincoln’s birthday was celebrated in many states, but was never an official national holiday (I wonder which states celebrated?  Extra points awarded for those who can answer)

UPDATE Tallahassee Legislative Agenda 2022 – current money listed in SB 2500 (updated 2-17-2022), now under HB 5001 - Appropriations: what local cities have money listed at the present time in the House/Senate versions.

IMPORTANT NOTE:     Everything is subject to change. Appropriations can and will change. And even money passed in the final budget are not final until after the Governor approves the budget. The governor can and does exercise line item vetoes - where individual appropriations are removed.

CLICK HERE to view the current SB 2500 -  Appropriations (you can search the document by name to see who has what listed to date) CLICK HERE to view HB 5001

SB 2500 (2022) Appropriations
    http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2022/02500
    SENATE - Substituted HB 5001
    SENATE - Laid on Table, refer to HB 5001

WHO HAS APPROPRIATIONS LISTED (Note that this is a very representative sample of neighboring municipalities as HB 5001 is currently 448 pages long):

Under HB 5001, there are some key differences from SB 2500:

           Coral Gables:
House Bill 5001:
975,000  Coral Gables Mobility Hub (HB 2637)
187,500  Coral Gables Citywide Septic to Sewer Conversion Assessment (HB 2639)
250,000  Coral Gables Stormwater Master Plan (HB 2641)
375,000  Coral Gables - Restoration of Historic Gondola Building  (HB 4173)

Senate Bill 2500:
375,000  Coral Gables Citywide Septic to Sewer Conversion  Assessment (Senate Form 1250)
500,000 Coral Gables Legacy Sewer System Repair and Replacement Project (Senate Form 2612)
500,000 Coral Gables Stormwater Master Plan (Senate Form 1251)

           Cutler Bay:
House Bill 5001:
(No items are currently listed as funded under HB 5001)

Senate Bill 2500:
520,000  Marlin Road Improvement Project - Cutler Bay (Senate Form  2608)
100,000  Town of Cutler Bay - Active Adults Services (Senate Form 2020) 

           Doral:
House Bill 5001:
125,000  Doral Stormwater Improvements Sub Basin D-3-1 (HB 3179)

Senate Bill 2500:
250,000  Doral Stormwater Improvements Sub Basin D-3-1 (Senate  Form 2496)

           Homestead:
House Bill 5001:
250,000  City of Homestead - Breast Cancer Screening (HB 3661)

Senate Bill 2500:
100,000  City of Homestead - Senior Citizen Programming (Senate Form 1446)

           Miami Lakes:
House Bill 5001:
500,000  Miami Lakes Canal Bank Stabilization Phase III Project  (HB 3507)

Senate Bill 2500:
750,000  Miami Lakes Canal Bank Stabilization Phase III Project (Senate Form 1328)

           North Bay Village:
House Bill 5001:
150,000  North Bay Village Stormwater Inlet Filter Installation (HB 4385)

Senate Bill 2500:
150,000  North Bay Village Stormwater Inlet Filter Installation (Senate Form 1757)
250,000  North Bay Village Wastewater Pump Station Improvements  (Senate Form 1758)

           North Miami:
House Bill 5001:
200,000  North Miami Pedestrian Bridge Over C-8 Canal (HB 4613)

Senate Bill 2500:
500,000  North Miami Septic Tank to Sanitary Sewer Conversion (Senate Form 1968)
400,000  North Miami Pedestrian Bridge Over Biscayne (C8) Canal  (Senate Form 2036)

           Palmetto Bay
House Bill 5001:
392,500  Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 43 Construction (HB 4027)
560,000  Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 57/96 Construction (HB 4029)

Senate Bill 2500:
(No items are currently listed as funded under SB 2500)

           Pinecrest:
House Bill 5001:
250,000  Pinecrest Stormwater Improvements (HB 4041)

Senate Bill 2500:
500,000  Pinecrest Stormwater Improvements (Senate Form 1321)
500,000  Pinecrest Water Line Extension Project (Senate Form 1560)

           South Miami:
House Bill 5001: 
(No items are currently listed as funded under HB 5001)

Senate Bill 2500:
500,000  City of South Miami New Police Station (Senate Form 1254)

_______________________________________________________

WHAT IS CURRENTLY REQUESTED BY PALMETTO BAY, but is not currently listed within SB 2500?:

Some important money has been requested by Palmetto Bay officials. There are presently three items filed as House Bills, as listed below:

HB 4025 -  Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 11 Construction
$765,000 Appropriations Project request filed by State Rep. Aloupis
Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 11 Construction: Provides an appropriation for the Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 11 Construction.
Effective Date: July 1, 2022
Last Event: Now in Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 2:22 PM

HB 4027 - Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 43 Construction
$785,000 Appropriations Project request filed by State Rep. Aloupis
Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 43 Construction: Provides an appropriation for the Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 43 Construction.
Effective Date: July 1, 2022
Last Event: Now in Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 2:22 PM

and, finally:

HB 4029 - Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 57/96 Construction
$1,120,000 Appropriations Project request filed by State Rep. Aloupis
Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 57/96 Construction: Provides an appropriation for the Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 57/96 Construction.
Effective Date: July 1, 2022
Last Event: Now in Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 2:23 PM

The item of critical importance is that none of the three items above are currently listed as receiving funding within SB 2500 -  Appropriations

General Bill by Appropriations

Appropriations: Providing moneys for the annual period beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023, and supplemental appropriations for the period ending June 30, 2022, to pay salaries, and other expenses, capital outlay - buildings, and other improvements, and for other specified purposes of the various agencies of state government, etc.

Effective Date: Except as otherwise provided herein, this act shall take effect July 1, 2022, or upon becoming law, whichever occurs later; however, if this act becomes law after July 1, 2022, then it shall operate retroactively to July 1, 2022

Last Event: 02/10/22 S Placed on Special Order Calendar, 02/17/22 on Thursday, February 10, 2022 6:17 PM

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information above is accurate as of 2:00 PM, Friday, 2/11/2022. Information listed via link should be updated automatically by source.

It is important that Palmetto Bay officials get these items funded through the budget. There is significant work to be done.

Tallahassee Legislative Agenda 2022 – current money listed in SB 2500 - Appropriations: what local cities have money listed at the present time. Who doesn’t.

IMPORTANT NOTE:     Everything is subject to change. Appropriations can and will change. And even money passed in the final budget are not final until after the Governor approves the budget. The governor can and does exercise line item vetoes - where individual appropriations are removed.

CLICK HERE to view the current SB 2500 -  Appropriations (you can search the document by name to see who has what listed to date)

WHO HAS APPROPRIATIONS LISTED (Note that this is a very representative sample of neighboring municipalities as SB 2500 is currently 459 pages long):

Coral Gables:
375,000  Coral Gables Citywide Septic to Sewer Conversion  Assessment (Senate Form 1250)
500,000 Coral Gables Legacy Sewer System Repair and Replacement Project (Senate Form 2612)
500,000 Coral Gables Stormwater Master Plan (Senate Form 1251)

Cutler Bay:
520,000  Marlin Road Improvement Project - Cutler Bay (Senate Form  2608)
100,000  Town of Cutler Bay - Active Adults Services (Senate Form 2020) 

Doral:
250,000  Doral Stormwater Improvements Sub Basin D-3-1 (Senate  Form 2496)

Homestead:
100,000  City of Homestead - Senior Citizen Programming (Senate Form 1446)

Miami Lakes
750,000  Miami Lakes Canal Bank Stabilization Phase III Project (Senate Form 1328)

North Bay Village
150,000  North Bay Village Stormwater Inlet Filter Installation (Senate Form 1757)
250,000  North Bay Village Wastewater Pump Station Improvements  (Senate Form 1758)

North Miami
500,000  North Miami Septic Tank to Sanitary Sewer Conversion (Senate Form 1968)
400,000  North Miami Pedestrian Bridge Over Biscayne (C8) Canal  (Senate Form 2036)

Palmetto Bay
(No items are currently listed as funded under SB 2500)

Pinecrest:
500,000  Pinecrest Stormwater Improvements (Senate Form 1321)
500,000  Pinecrest Water Line Extension Project (Senate Form 1560)

South Miami:
500,000  City of South Miami New Police Station (Senate Form 1254)

WHAT IS CURRENTLY REQUESTED BY PALMETTO BAY, but is not currently listed within SB 2500?:

Some important money has been requested by Palmetto Bay officials. There are presently three items filed as House Bills, as listed below:

HB 4025 -  Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 11 Construction
$765,000 Appropriations Project request filed by State Rep. Aloupis
Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 11 Construction: Provides an appropriation for the Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 11 Construction.
Effective Date: July 1, 2022
Last Event: Now in Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 2:22 PM

HB 4027 - Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 43 Construction
$785,000 Appropriations Project request filed by State Rep. Aloupis
Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 43 Construction: Provides an appropriation for the Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 43 Construction.
Effective Date: July 1, 2022
Last Event: Now in Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 2:22 PM

and, finally:

HB 4029 - Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 57/96 Construction
$1,120,000 Appropriations Project request filed by State Rep. Aloupis
Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 57/96 Construction: Provides an appropriation for the Palmetto Bay Sub-Basin 57/96 Construction.
Effective Date: July 1, 2022
Last Event: Now in Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 2:23 PM

The item of critical importance is that none of the three items above are currently listed as receiving funding within SB 2500 -  Appropriations

General Bill by Appropriations

Appropriations: Providing moneys for the annual period beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023, and supplemental appropriations for the period ending June 30, 2022, to pay salaries, and other expenses, capital outlay - buildings, and other improvements, and for other specified purposes of the various agencies of state government, etc.

Effective Date: Except as otherwise provided herein, this act shall take effect July 1, 2022, or upon becoming law, whichever occurs later; however, if this act becomes law after July 1, 2022, then it shall operate retroactively to July 1, 2022

Last Event: 02/10/22 S Placed on Special Order Calendar, 02/17/22 on Thursday, February 10, 2022 6:17 PM

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The information above is accurate as of 2:00 PM, Friday, 2/11/2022. Information listed via link should be updated automatically by source.

It is important that Palmetto Bay officials get these items funded through the budget. There is significant work to be done.

Mediation ended in an impasse – will the mayor and council file the lawsuit? Key local attorneys are ready to step in for residents in opposition to the bridge.

Update on the 87th Avenue Bridge dispute.  The mediation held February 3, 2002, ended in an impasse (no issues resolved). This is significant. This means that the dispute resolution requirements have been met and the Village of Palmetto Bay officials may now proceed with the long promised lawsuit.

Another lawsuit? Well, yes, but this case may be different for Palmetto Bay due to probable appearances by Palmetto Bay Resident Norman Waas and local attorney David Winker.

Both are excellent attorneys, well suited for this cause. Attorney David Winker has been retained by various residents in opposition to the bridge.  Attorney Winker has extensive experience protecting the rights of aggrieved residents in actions taken by local government. Winker has recently achieved a huge win in a case against the City of Coral Gables in what is known simply as the WAWA case; a victory for the residents in an action where they claimed Coral Gables officials approved the WAWA, through a process described as expedited and without proper notice (sound familiar?).

Attorney Norman Waas is a highly respected litigator. He has incentive as a resident who has opposed the bridging of 87 th avenue. Passion and extensive litigation experience. 

The team of attorneys Winker and Waas will drive this lawsuit and should work well for their respective interests / clients in this matter.

I assume this lawsuit will be discussed at the February Regular Village Council meeting, Monday, February 7, with the lawsuit possibly being filed by the end of this coming week. 

Update on the Multi-Use Trail & SMART Plan Connectivity Study

The Multi-trails study is not listed on the agenda for the February Regular Council meeting.

I was advised that there has been an extension provided in order to finalize the draft report and conceptual plan sheets due to the latest COVID wave of Dec/Jan. Additionally, it is believed that there will be updated drafts that will be submitted to the Village, TPO and County in the next week or so. I will try to obtain and provide these documents in advance.

Perhaps this matter will go before the Village Council sometime in March. 

I am hopeful to receive a date, which I will pass on upon receipt.

CLICK HERE to view prior posts related to the Multi-Use Trail & SMART Plan Connectivity Study.