Palmetto Bay Pine area clean up - Coral Reef Park - look forward to a similar opportunity for the 22 acres at the PBVC

I continue in the fight to save imperiled Pine Rockland Habitat and assisting in taking care of what we have preserved.  I am posting some photos from a community effort here in our Village.
Coral Reef Park is home to 5 acres +/- of Pine Rocklands.  Some of the area is turning to oak/hardwood hammock.  Palmetto Bay hosted a pinelands clean up as park of the Saturday, 11/5/2016 events.  

Professions, enviro activists and students volunteered and worked together for the second consecutive year to clean up this precious Pine Rockland Preserve area located in Coral Reef Park. This clean-up included removal of debris, loose clippings and removal of invasive species of plants inside the park’s Pine Rockland Preserve area.  

Thank you to all who participated including students from BIOTECH, Riviera and Ferguson High Schools; The Miami Pine Rockland Coalition; members/enviro activists from Livable Cutler; local residents and park staff.  It was another outstanding community effort.  

I will add additional photos as received and as time permits to upload here.  CLICK HERE to view the photos that I have posted on my Facebook page.

 
Photo immediately above: Al Sunshine & Belen Valladares, both board members, 

representing The Miami Pine Rockland Coalition, Daniel Mateo, Principal, BIOTECH, 

Susan Windmiller, President, League of Women Voters, Miami-Dade County, and 

Orestes Mayo, PBay Educational Advisory Committee/BIOTECH school

Photos of the Day - Bike Stations -more going up in Palmetto Bay

Installation continue in Palmetto Bay - working to encourage biking throughout Palmetto Bay.  Working to become bike friendly. Let's "Get Fit Palmetto Bay" and have fun achieving this goal.

Our second Palmetto Bay Bike Service Station is operational - now ready to serve you at Ludovici Park / Palmetto Bay Neighborhood Branch Library at 17641 Old Cutler Road. The sites were chosen based on their proximity to established bike usage patterns, as well as the ease of ability to install them.

We are trying to resolve one of the biggest problems with being a bicycle rider; that is it can be difficult to ride if you don’t have the proper tools yourself and you're not adjacent to a bike shop.  These are very basic tools useful to fix a flat tire, or need to change out a tube or tighten up the spokes on your rims.  Not everyone carries a bike tool set on their bikes. 

We are trying to place the tools for riding out in areas where we are fortunate to have bicycle traffic; both to serve those who currently ride as well as to encourage an increased interest in riding.

CLICK HERE to view a Fix It Station Brochure.

Photos of the day - more promises kept - Bike Repair Station - Coral Reef Park - Thank you Palmer Trinity School

Just installed and has not gone without notice by the Everglades Bicycle Club members - Bike repair station at coral reef park Palmetto Bay!

(Photo Credit - Joe Deluca, EBC)

Thank you to Palmer Trinity School, who donated multiple bike repair stations.  Installations continue throughout the village #TheBikeDistrict #Biking #Cycling

Pictured in photo are (l-r) PTS Board of Trustees chair Michael Biamonte,

Mayor Eugene Flinn, and PTS head of school Patrick Roberts

From Community Newspapers: Palmer Trinity School (PTS) donated three new bike-repair stations on Sept. 7 that will be installed throughout the Village of Palmetto Bay for resident use. Palmer also gave the village $50,000 to construct a future dedicated bike lane where needed in the village.

A busy weekend - Saturday, November 5 - Two competing 5Ks and a Pine Rockland clean up

Alex and I are looking forward to once again Running 2 5K races in a single day  - and a Pine Rockland Clean up at Coral Reef Park - read all events listed below

CANCERFREE KIDS REASON TO RUN 5K

 
This Saturday (Nov 5) is the Cancerfree Kids Reason To Run which has traditionally been held the first Saturday after Halloween. Alex & I are fortunate to have been involved with the very first race and have run it often. You don't have to run it to enjoy the post run events or donate. This race is held at Deering Estate and runs from 8-10:30 with a run and events. See http://www.reasontorun.org/ for more info / to donate.

  

(Photos above taken at 2014, 2015 Reason to Run events)

CORAL REEF PINELANDS CLEAN UP - 9:30 - 12:30 pm

A Pineland cleanup is sandwiched between the two 5Ks.  I will be participating once again held at Coral Reef Park.  I am so pleased at the community effort - The Miami Pine Rocklands Coalition is joining Palmetto Bay in restoring the Pine Rocklands habitat at Coral Reef Park. Thank you Miami Pine Rockland Coalition and to our local Students who are participating.  Everyone is welcome to join.

Are you a student and in need of community service hours or just looking to volunteer in helping us restore a Pine Rockland Preserve area? This clean-up includes removal of debris, loose clippings and removal of any invasive species of plants inside the park’s Pine Rockland Preserve area.

To volunteer please register online at www.palmettobay-fl.gov or click on the registration link below: http://www.123contactform.com/form-1921843/Students-In-Action-Volunteer-Registration-Form

  

 (photos above taken at 2015 Coral Reef Park Pineland clean up)
 

PALMETTO BAY COLOR RUN - CORAL REEF PARK

We also have the Color Run this same Saturday, Nov 5 - the race/event starts at 4 PM this year from Coral Reef Park (it was held at Palmetto Bay Park last year). I am pleased to be one of the promoters for this race which benefits Palmetto High School. See: http://www.palmettobay-Fl.gov/node/1764  

(Photos above taken 2015 - First Annual Color Run)
 

3 events in your hometown in a single day.  It takes a Village!.

2016 - 2nd Freedom Ride - benefiting Wounded Military Veterans

It may be wet, but its for an outstanding cause. The EBC Second Freedom Ride is ready to roll, rain or shine Sunday, 10/30/16, 7:30 AM from Homestead Speedway.

Sitting around wondering what to do this Sunday? Here's a suggestion: Show your support for our Wounded Military Veterans. REGISTER NOW for Sunday's 2nd FREEDOM RIDE! 

I am looking for you to join us.

CLICK HERE for more information (Everglades Bike Club web site).

EBC'S 14TH ANNUAL HOMESTEAD SPEEDWAY EVENT

I hope to see you out there for this outstanding bicycling event benefiting such a great cause.  

 Checking in at Mack Cycle & Fitness on Saturday, 10/29/16 for the Sunday event.

Help the cause - Youth Board and Mark Merwitzer - working to ban Texting While Driving

Safe driving - no to distracted driving - save a life.

Please take 30 seconds to sign Mark Merwitzer's petition asking the Florida Legislature to ban texting while driving. Sharing the petition will go a long way in making Florida roads a safer place for everyone. Click on the link below:
Make Texting While Driving a Primary Offense in Florida.

Our Palmetto Bay Youth Board is hard at work to bring about positive change in our community.

Also see related post of September 17, 2016: The Village of Palmetto Bay Youth Community Involvement Board - Sat 9/17/16 update - Important discussion on safety legislation - combating distracted driving. The Youth Board met with State Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla and our County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. 

Palmetto Bay Elections : A Resident's View - supporting positive candidates in Palmetto Bay

Editor's note:  The following endorsements are those of the group Who have signed their names below.  Palmetto Bay Elections : A Resident's View

If you share our opinion that, once again, a Palmetto Bay election has been characterized by gutter politics and mud slinging of the worst kind, please read on. We, the undersigned, are attempting to offer some reason and logic to this election. We will not attack any candidate or position, our message is purely a positive one. For the office of Vice-Mayor, we are recommending Erica Watts. Ms. Watts campaign has been entirely positive, focusing on her accomplishments, and not denigrating her opponents. She has a law degree, but chooses to be a stay at home mom for her son, Hunter in the 5th grade. She has been a community activist in Palmetto Bay, recently concluding her term as President of the Coral Reef Elementary PTA. Erica is running a bare bones campaign, accepting no corporate or developer funding. Her issues are: Traffic Relief, development appropriate to our Village, and the restoration of ethics and respect on the Palmetto Bay Village Council. We support Erica Watts for Vice Mayor. In District Two, we are recommending the incumbent, Tim Schaffer. Once again we are pleased with the positive campaign he is running, focusing on his achievements, and not his opponents shortcomings. His four year term has allowed him to vote his conscience on a variety of major issues, including: Parks, Mass Transit, and controlled development. We are endorsing Tim Schaffer, for Palmetto Bay Council District 2. There are 5 referendum questions at the very end of the ballot. We are recommending a 'Yes' for on all, and this is why. The first four questions basically return the Charter to what was adopted in 2002. These issues appropriately call for the return to the Council/Manager form of government which the Village adopted when it incorporated. The Council's role is governance, and the Manager's role is that of the CEO of the Village. Any attempt to change that, undermines the balance between those roles. This was the recommendation by the Citizen's Charter Review Committee, and adopted by Council for the referendum. The final question pertains to a study of the annexation of some 60 acres of land between SW 160th St. and SW 184th St.. This essentially moves the western boundary of Palmetto Bay from the middle of the south bound lanes of US 1, and the middle of the Busway. It is imperative for the redevelopment of Downtown Palmetto Bay to have control of both sides of US 1, for planning and zoning purposes. We are recommending a 'Yes' vote on all 5 questions. Peter England-30+ year resident of Palmetto Bay; Chairman, Palmetto Bay PartnershipEric Haas- Palmetto Bay resident; CEO Sports Grills; member, Palmetto Bay PartnershipGeorge Hoffman- Palmetto Bay resident; CEO RSI; member, Charter Review CommitteeJose 'Pepe' Ceballos- Palmetto Bay resident; CEO Fast F.A. LogisticsMarvin Dunn-Palmetto Bay resident; retired FIU professor; author; African-American historian  SOUTH DADE UPDATES - EUGENE FLINN - DISCLAIMER: Please note that this e-mail and its comments, and opinions expressed therein are those of the signators listed above. I do happen to agree with positive endorsements and rejection of the gutter politics - I like the fact that the high road is being taken here, unlike those personal attacks and sensation misstatements that the current Vice Mayor and Mr. Schaffer's challenger appear to enjoy leveling at me.  .   .

Photos of the Day - Events of October 27. BSA Troop 711 Dinner & neighborhood meeting

Another rich and full evening.  First a great start with local Boy Scout Troop 711.  A great troop that meets at St. Andrews's Episcopal Church here in Palmetto Bay.  It was spaghetti dinner night. Alexandra and I always enjoy spending time with our future leaders and the dedicated scout leaders/parents.  I have fond memories of my time as a Boy Scout.

 

Then it was off to a neighborhood meeting where I joined Manager Ed Silva and Maria Levrant from Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava's office to discuss traffic modifications currently being installed in their neighborhood as well as upcoming phase 2. 

Thank you Palmetto Bay - examples of a great place to live, work, play and learn - and Participate! 

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor

Update on how voting No on Amendment 1 is actually PRO SOLAR

I am proud to have authored the resolution put before the Palmetto Bay Village Council recommending residents to vote NO on (State Constitutional) Amendment 1 - The resolution passed by a 3 - 2 vote.  Most if not every other municipality that has passed this resolution has passed it unanimously, but that is another story for another time. 

I represented Palmetto Bay at Pinecrest Gardens on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, where Village of Palmetto Bay resident and artist Xavier Cortada along with Cutler Bay Solar Solutions' Raul Vergara explained why voting NO on AMENDMENT 1 is actually pro-solar.

Art Presentation: Let the Sunshine in Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay & Cutler Bay

Teamed with Cutler Bay Solar Solutions, Xavier Cortada painted three solar panels with suns, each named Let The Sunshine In. The idea is to raise awareness of the right way to vote on the Amendment by temporarily placing these panels in public spaces within Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay.

Xavier Cortada has created a "friendly competition" that pits the three municipalities against each other to see which populous will have the highest percentage of NO VOTES on Amendment 1.(This is obviously another 'friendly competition amongst the sister cities where we all win.) The winner will get first choice of the art. Xavier Cortada will then award each of the art pieces for permanent installation, renaming them Let The Sunshine In Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Pinecrest.

Pictured below are three art pieces set as gifts for the three municipalities- art intended to help people understand and appreciate the sun and its renewable energy possibilities.

Click on the headline to read Hal Feldman's update: Attention Floridians: VOTE NO on Amendment 1

Mangowood Crosswalk - updates - potential modifications presented to area stakeholders

Update on the Mangowood 148 Drive / 82nd Avenue crosswalk.  Proposals presented to area stakeholders at a meeting held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, in Mangowood.  

See: October 19, 2016, Photo of the day - Mangowood Crosswalk - documenting another step in safety. Note that we are not yet complete. for prior updates - part of ongoing updates on events and projects going on within the village of Palmetto Bay.  

The prior photos were actual recent additions to the Mangowood crosswalk (82nd Avenue at 148th) that were taken October 19, 2016.  These photos demonstrate the next step in safety. 

These photos represent proposals and not the finished project. This meeting is one of many, not the sole, definitive meeting.  I am always available to meet and discuss issues such as these. You can reach me via e-mail: eflinn@palmettobay-fl.gov or cell: (305) 302-3713.  

Thank you, 

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay

Join us on Wed, Oct 26, 7 PM - Pinecrest Gardens. Vote NO on State Amendment One

Meeting to shed some light on State Const. Amendment No. 1

Join us on Wednesday Oct 26 at 7:00 pm at Pinecrest Gardens to highlight the importance of protecting and promoting Solar in Florida, by voting NO on Amendment 1 .

We will have a special presentation by artist, activist, & Palmetto Bay resident, Xavier Cortada. 

Special thanks to Cutler Bay Solar Solutions for all you are doing .

Opportunity to run the trails at Deerings Estate - Old Cutler Run Club 10/23 4:00 PM

Let's get fit Palmetto Bay! Old Cutler Run Club participants have an opportunity to explore the Deering Estate trails here in Palmetto Bay this Sunday, 4:00 PM.  Meet up at the Deering Estate Visitor's Center.

Trails, cooler weather, good friends, family time - it does not get much better than this. #GetFitPalmettoBay #WeRunMiami #WeRunOldCutler #BaptistHealth #PalmettoBay #CutlerBay #Pinecrest #running

2020 is less than 4 years away. Getting Palmetto Bay ready to deal with even more growth down south

2020 - Are we ready to live next door to a city of 55,000 or more in less than 4 years (2020)? This is going to cause additional stress to our traffic planning.
 

News from Cutler Bay – read: Town hosts first of traffic calming public workshops, by: Gary Alan Ruse, October 19, 2016.

I need my fellow council members to step up on this issue.  485?  We have provided the breakdown for the actual reduction of overall impact of density at the Palmetto Bay Village Center (PBVC).  We also have discussed how the Village council dramatically reduced the impact of downtown from a County max of 23-26,000 down to 5,500 (with the practical number closer to 3,000). 

But why are none of my fellow council members (including the vice mayor) talking about participating in managing the growth down south?  Growth is exploding down south and we will soon have a 55,000 resident municipal neighbor to the South, many (all at one point or another) wanting to drive north – adjacent to or even through Palmetto Bay.   

“The town’s population has grown by 27 percent since our incorporation and is estimated to be over 55,000 by 2020,” said Rafael Casals, town manager. “Our goal is to proactively implement roadway improvements and transportation options that will support our growth.”

According to staff, the main focus of the study is to identify residential areas with excessive speeding, cut-through streets, and restricting of commercial truck traffic. For planning purposes, the town will be divided into three corridors that will be studied independently and then collectively in the final master plan.

We have the same problems as Cutler Bay, though our population has remained essentially the same, if not slightly declines since our incorporation. 

I am working hard to get Palmetto Bay ready to deal as practically as possible with the tremendous growth down south.  I am looking forward to participation from the Vice Mayor and other council members, any/all of which can bring proposals forward rather than merely taking shots and misrepresenting all the results to date which has carefully managed our growth; which will prevent Palmetto Bay from ever becoming a 50,000 (or worse, a 55,000) resident municipality. 

Very truly yours,

Eugene Flinn, Mayor
Palmetto Bay

EYE ON MIAMI: Help Restore Pine Rockland and Coastal Wetlands - ...

EYE ON MIAMI: Help Restore Pine Rockland and Coastal Wetlands - ...: Need a break from the election? Do something to make a difference out enjoying nature. Date: October Saturday 22- Sunday 23 Time: 8:3...

From Eye On Miami -
Need a break from the election? Do something to make a difference out enjoying nature.

Date: October Saturday 22- Sunday 23
Time: 8:30 AM- 3:00 PM
Location: 18400 Old Cutler Rd, Cutler Bay, Fl 33157
*SE corner of Old Cutler Rd and SW 184 st. Park along curb on 184 st east side of Old Cutler Rd.

*Please bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent and work gloves. Water and snacks will be provided*

What is this effort about:

Florida's coastal communities and our Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands are increasingly threatened by rising sea levels and extreme weather events are being intensified by climate change. This is why local community restoration efforts of coastal habitats like in Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay are critical to reduce the impacts where rapid development is threatening neighborhoods and safety.

Please learn more and join these efforts by coming to our workdays 10/22 & 23. Come experience an ecosystem restoration hands on. Volunteers are wanted to continue to restore coastal wetlands, pine rocklands, and hammock habitat. Please, help create a natural buffer that will protect us and bring resiliency to our community. We will be planting native plants, mulching, and weeding.

You can also make a donation online The raised money will be used to buy hundreds of native plants and trees, and supplies.
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SDU Editor note: You never know who will be in attendance at this event - and perhaps, if there is interest, time and things fall into place, we can have a tour of the Park that 3 out of 5 Palmetto Bay council members voted to protect through TDRs - the 22 acre PBVC site - a site that currently has mature pines and needs some love, but certainty no to development.

 (Photos above - 22 acre pinelands at PBVC - left - the Old Cutler Run club using it as part of their run trail and to the right, members of the Miami Pine Rocklands Coalition touring the site.)