Bailey Jan 29, 2015 - Driveway to front door delivery

It is nice to see such excitement on a Thursday morning in Palmetto Bay. Bailey enjoys starting her day bringing in the paper.

Wolf Moon Star Party event in Palmetto Bay Friday, Feb 6, 7-10 PM - Family event hosted by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society

Recommended family celestial events scheduled by the Southern Cross Astronomical Society. Events are often on Saturday evening, so note that the Wolf Moon Star Party is set for a Friday: don’t be a day late to the party!

WOLF MOON STAR PARTY

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6th, 7-10 p.m. It's a Family Fun Night! Southern Cross Astros will show you the blazing winter skies in their hi-tech equipment arranged in the dark outback of the Fruit & Spice Park, 24801 SW 187 Ave., Homestead 33031(GPS) Spectacular views of brilliant Venus, Evening Star in the southwest (sets early) telescopic views of blue-green Uranus, Comet Lovejoy, star clusters overhead and bright Jupiter, surrounded by its four closest satellite moons, rising in the east by mid-evening and the past-full Wolf Moon.

Free admission includes tram rides in the Park, a big white Arctic Wolf to pet, refreshments at low cost, and campfire for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. 305-247-5727. 

COMET WATCH

Southern Cross Astros invite you to peaceful Bill Sadowski Park & Nature Center, SW 176 /st./SW 79 Ave. 8-10:30 p.m. Saturdays to view Comet Lovejoy, the Great Orion Nebula, brilliant Venus early evening and bright Jupiter rising in the east mid-evening, star clusters and more in SCAS hi-tech equipment. Bring chairs, binoculars, telescopes. NO lights, alcohol, pets allowed in the Nature Preserve.

Note no parking areas: Parking tickets will be issued to cars parked on private property on SW 79 Ave.

Weather updates on SCAS Hotline: 305-661-1375 by 6:45 p.m. Saturdays.

Southern Cross safe solar viewing Saturdays 10:30 -Noon ticket entrance to Zoo Miami 12400 SW 152 St. See the powerful explosions leap off the solar surface 93 million miles distant.  305-661-1375x3.

Preparing to update the Palmetto Bay plans - partial list of materials available online. Some reference materials for following the Palmetto Bay Strategic Plan process

Much of Palmetto Bay's early successes are due to proper planning.  I am posting links to some of these early plans for you, the readers and concerned residents, to follow and monitor the progress of the 2015 Strategic Plan process. There is much more material, and I will update this reference post as material comes to my attention or becomes available online. I will keep these materials indexed under the label of "Strategic Plan."

PALMETTO BAY STORMWATER MASTER PLAN: Soon after Village incorporation in 2002, Palmetto Bay enlisted the expertise of engineers, surveyors, and contractors for the purpose of establishing a “Stormwater Master Plan.”

This plan was developed to identify low-lying areas within our municipal boundaries, in order to systematically pursue appropriate opportunities to protect surface-water quality and to reduce flooding. The Master Plan continues to be used as a blueprint that ensures proper repairs are being made, and that storm drains are being installed and maintained as needed.
Palmetto Bay Stormwater Management (web page and materials)

Traffic Data Collection and Analysis (158 pages) June 2003

PALMETTO BAY TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN (2004)

PALMETTO BAY TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (8 pages)

BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN (August 2009)

VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM STUDY (2009) 

VPB - SOUTHWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL TRAFFIC STUDY (Aug. 2004) (29 pages)

PALMETTO BAY RESOLUTION NO. 2013-42, 2013 Village Council expressing support for the design and construction of a traffic circle at the intersection of Howard Drive/SW 136 Street and Old Cutler Road.

The Franjo Triangle Commercial Island Charrette Report - “A Citizens’ Vision Plan” Nov 2004
A partnership with Palmetto Bay and the Miami-Dade County Department of Planning and Zoning, Community Planning Section. 
 (Note that this is an 84 page document and is a slow download)

PALMETTO BAY VILLAGE CENTER CHARRETTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT (Sept. 2004)

Palmetto Bay's Valentine's Day Movie-Night survey - your choice!

Movie night - date night under the stars! I have posted a link to the Palmetto Bay e-currents survey. If you wish to take a closer look at the six movie choices before voting, follow this link to view the Movie Night Selections & Film Summaries.

Vote - and don't worry, there will be no knocks at your door, no mailers or robocalls.

Village staff will announce the top pick by Jan. 29.

Take this survey if you would like to have input on the movie you would like to see.  We value your input. Thank you participating in our survey. ~Village of Palmetto Bay

Please note the change in location for this Valentine's Movie Night - Ludovici Park. 17642 Old Cutler Road.

2013 Polar Bear Plunge at Village of Lake George. A great community regional event.

After reviewing the Groundhog day event on TV Sunday AM, I thought of how a great annual event can ad value to a community. Alex and I may just head up to Punxsutawney, PA, to see Punxsutawney Phil.  Until then. I rely upon my past experience where I once again,  embarrassed my daughters by taking my second Lake George Polar Bear Plunge.  Take the plunge take home the tee shirt.  Jan 1, 20013 was a beautiful day on Lake George in upstate NY.  Weather was 25 degrees at the time of the plunge, water temp reportedly at 35 degrees.   Once again, I was not disappointed in a cold water in my face start to a new year. And yes, I went all they way, rushing and diving in and taking a total immersion of the cold Lake George water.  Click “Read more” at the bottom of this post to view additional personal photos of the day/event.

I have included a link to the local news article regarding this event: “Lake George's Polar Plunge lives up to its frigid name” in the online Post Star. A video and photo gallery is included with the article online.  Over 1,200 people registered and took the plunge from the snow covered Million Dollar Beach.

It is funny that I have now plunged twice (2007 and 2013) but have yet to step foot into Lake George during the summer. Shepard’s Park is the site of the Lake George Summer Festival hosting many family-friendly fun filled events. 

Event registration is held at Duffy’s Tavern, once of the primary sponsors of the event. The polar Bear plunge kicks off the Lake George Winter Carnival. The event is usually held at Shepard’s Park, located on the main street of Lake George Village, but the side story this year is that the Shepard’s Park beach was closed due to ongoing operations to eradicate the invasive Asian Claim (CLICK HERE to view the blog site “Lake George Asian Clam Eradication Project“ on the purpose for and progress of the eradication effort).

A great family vacation with an active outdoor start of this New Year.  We all wish everyone a very Happy and prosperous 2013!

Palmetto Bay Town Hall meetings in January - please save the dates and participate

There are two Town Hall Meetings scheduled in January, 2014.

These meetings are always posted on the PUBLIC MEETINGS page of the official Palmetto Bay government website.

Town Hall Meetings

January 21, 2015 - 6 pm
Special Events, Communication, and Participation

Mayor Eugene Flinn will be conducting a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 6 pm at Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street.  If there are items to be discussed at a Committee of the Whole Meeting, that meeting will follow (at 7 pm).  The topics are:  Special Events, Communication, and Participation.  All are invited.

January 27, 2015 - 6 pm
Safety Initiatives and Crime Watch

Councilwoman Karyn Cunningham will be conducting a Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at 6 pm at Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street.  The topics are:  Safety Initiatives and Crime Watch.  All are invited.
 
Your participation is requested!

You can e-mail me at eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov with any questions.  

Councilwoman Karyn Cunningham can be reached at  kcunningham@palmettobay-fl.gov

And, the entire council can be reached via a single e-mail: council@palmettobay-fl.gov

Photo with the leaders of the Palmetto Bay Canal Association.

Thank you Rainer and Noel Schael and members of the Palmetto Bay Canal Association for the fun of the Holiday Boat Parade and the service of collecting over 1,000 pounds of food for the needy.  Outstanding work!

Post by Village of Palmetto Bay.

One-Minute Play Festival at the Deering Estate - this Saturday and Sunday

Alexandra and I will be there Sunday evening.  Will we see you there?  CLICK HERE to view the official web site for full information and to order tickets (info below taken directly from the site).

ONE-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL

The Deering Estate at Cutler presents the Third South Florida One-Minute Play Festival on Saturday and Sunday, January 17 & 18, 2015. The One-Minute Play Festival (#1MPF), is America’s largest and longest running short form theatre company founded by Producing Artist Director, Dominic D’Andrea, and features one-minute plays by more than 30 established and emerging South Florida playwrights commissioned for this event. The work attempts to reflect the theatrical landscape of local artistic communities by creating a dialogue between the collective conscious and the individual voice through a performance of many moments and includes responses to local topics such as immigration, government and culture. Please note that the performances contain mature content.

Tickets are $20 per show and can be purchased online or by calling 305-235-1668 ext. 233. The Third South Florida One-Minute Play Festival donates part of the proceeds to benefit The Deering Estate’s Artist in Residence and educational program initiatives.

Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 8:00 pm - PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 3:00 pm - PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE
Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 7:30 pm - PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

EEL volunteer cleanup - north end of Deering, set for Jan 24, 9 AM to noon.

(Info taken from the MDC weekly e-blast):

You can get involved by participating in one of the workdays organized by the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program and helping to protect and restore natural areas in Miami-Dade County. The workdays are fun, hands-on activities throughout all kinds of interesting natural areas. Community hours are available through this volunteer program.

The 2014-15 season is underway. See the Volunteer Workdays schedule for all dates.

Upcoming EEL volunteer schedule (South Dade area only is listed below, go to the complete e-blast for countywide opportunities):

Workdays take place from 9 a.m. to noon unless otherwise noted.

Saturday, Jan. 24
Deering Estate at Cutler - North Addition Preserve
16701 SW 72nd Avenue, Miami
Work: Clean up

For more information, email eel@miamidade.gov or call 305-372-6611.

Note: Volunteers are required to fill out the Liability Waiver Form prior to participating.

Where is Santa now? NORAD Tracks Santa - 2014. This is for the young and young at heart.

Santa visits Mangowood 2014

NORAD Tracks Santa.  A recommended site.

Click on this link to Welcome to NORAD Tracks Santa to view where Santa is at the time.  


Or follow Santa on Google's Santa Tracker by CLICKING HERE

Always a family favorite, at least until the kids age out.

Merry Christmas from Eugene and Alexandra Flinn

Meeting up with Brian Tannebaum - author of "The Practice"

Home

I picked up my copy of The Practice at a Friday evening Holiday party directly from the source - Palmetto Bay resident and well-respected attorney Brian Tannebaum.

It is a highly recommended read (info from the official web site):

As its title suggests, The Practice delivers brutal truths about lawyers and lawyering in Tannebaum’s slightly snarky—but always honest—signature style. Whether the reader agrees with him or not, they can’t deny his opinions are provocative and provide plenty of food for thought and maybe a laugh or two along the way.   Reading this book, you can’t deny Brian Tannebaum tells it like it is. There is never a question about where he stands on any issues relating to the legal profession. In The Practice,Tannebaum riffs on everything from asking yourself what type of lawyer you want to be, to the most effective way to network and market yourself in an industry where lawyers increasingly over-rely on social media to prove their relevance.

Get your copy today!  Good luck Brian with all you do.

Event for Sunday - 12/21/2014 - Coral Reef Park - Chanukah celebration Grand Lighting of a chocolate coin menorah at 3 p.m

Chanukah will be celebrated at Coral Reef Park, 7895 SW 152 Street, on Sunday, December 21, 2-4 p.m. This free event, centered at the Gazebo/Bandshell off 77th Avenue, is being hosted by Chabad of Palmetto Bay. Please join with Rabbi Zalman Gansburg for the Grand Lighting of a chocolate coin menorah at 3 p.m. The entire community is encouraged to attend this event, which includes activities for all ages.

Reminder - Sat, 12-20 is here. It is Palmetto Bay Boat Parade day

Twisted Sister - I'll Be Home For Christmas

A little Christmas music - Blue Christmas (Live) 1968 - Elvis Presley

Wonder of Christmas light display and events at Christ the King Lutheran Church - Fri 12/19 - Mon 12/22

The fifth annual Wonder of Christmas light display and events at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Pinecrest will be held Friday, December 19 through Monday, December 22.

Each night the gorgeous campus along Snapper Creek is aglow with lights, with special events at 7pm:

Friday-live bluegrass music and decorate a gingerbread house;

Saturday-blessing of the pets (holiday attire encouraged for pets, too!) and children’s crafts;

Sunday-dramatic presentation complete with magical, miraculous special visitors; and

Monday-an old-fashioned carol sing.

Details can be found on the website at www.ctkmiami.org or by calling 305-665-5063.  The church is located at 11295 SW 57 Avenue in Pinecrest.

Christmas Eve Candlelight worship on December 24 is at 6pm (family), 8pm and 10pm.  It “snows” after each service!

A specific blanket request from Animal Services - Pet Blanket Drive - Miami-Dade County

Animal Services - Pet Blanket Drive - Miami-Dade County

Do you have a extra blanket? Miami-Dade County Animal Services can put it to good use. 

View the page: 'Tis the season when Miami-Dade gets those occasional chilly days.Let's make sure that shelter pets are as warm and cozy as we are at home by donating new or gently used clean blankets for them to keep snug during those sudden cold spells.

Animal Services' blanket drive has donation bins set up at its shelter, the Stephen P. Clark Center lobby and many County library branches. Be a blanket-caped hero and donate a blanket today. Thank mew!

The Animal Service page advises that Donation bins will also be available at the following library locations (partial list posted below). Here are a few close to us in Pinecrest/Palmetto Bay/Cutler Bay:

- CORAL REEF BRANCH - 9211 CORAL REEF DR., 305-233-8324
- KENDALL BRANCH - 9101 SW 97 AVE., 305-279-0520
- PINECREST BRANCH - 5835 SW 111 ST., 305-668-4571
- SOUTH DADE REGIONAL - 10750 SW 211 ST.,  305-233-8140

For more information, contact www.miamidade.gov/animals or call 3-1-1. To find a branch library near you, visit www.mdpls.org and click ‘Find a Library.’

Photo of the Day - Thalatta / C100 - a drone's eye view!

A friend forwarded me two photos of the C100 / Thalatta Estate Park taken from his drone .  Outstanding photos. Photo credit: Photos courtesy of “ESwakon@Photos-by-Drone.com”

Feeding South Florida - Holiday Food Drive opportunities within Palmetto Bay

Help fill the box - this one located at village hall.

The Village of Palmetto Bay is working with the members of the Palmetto Bay Canal Association in encouraging all to join together to support the Annual Holiday Food Drive. Working in conjunction with Feeding South Florida.

Please join in as together we can make a difference and assist with hunger relief efforts in our State.

CLICK HERE to view the official guidelines, include was can or cannot be accepted. A list of the top ten items needed is also included.