Palmetto Bay’s home grown game of “Where’s the Big Red MEGA Shed?” Palmetto Bay’s own live version of "Where's Waldo?”

Just like the book series,  "Where's Waldo?” the rules of Palmetto Bay’s home grown game of “Where’s the Big Red MEGA Shed?” are simple enough: comb through the acres and acres of Village property  to find Palmetto Bay’s Big Red MEGA Shed, with its its Waldo-esque red and white decor.

The MEGA shed was first spotted at Village Hall in December 2018. (CLICK HERE to view an updated post of March 8, 2019, Update on the wild MEGA red shed placed at Village Hall.) Then once enough people found it, it moved on to its new location in early March, 2019 (WARNING – spoiler alert – do not read on from here if you have yet to located it yourself) to . . .

Palmetto Bay Park!

Photo credit - FOSDU 3-12-2019

Where it will move next? And has this location been permitted and inspected?

Palmetto Bay’s Manager has upped this game as the shed has now been outfitted with wheels (see Pic #2 below) to up this game into a real moving “whack a shed” game. It could get as frustrating as the old PC game, Minesweeper. I’ve heard rumor of side bets going on between evening park goers, betting on whether this shed used its landing gear to roll the shed from out from Village Hall to Palmetto Bay Park, down US1 under the cover of darkness. (Oh, please, someone must have pictures to send to me!)

This game is not the first of its kind. Some may remember the North Dade “outhouse gang” – and the City of Hallandale in Broward once had its own version, see: South Florida Sun Sentinel online, archives from November 18, 2011: Outhouse Gang gets away with Hallandale Halloween prank — again by Sergy Odiduro, Forum Publishing Group

Pic #2 note the fold up wheels that can be deployed for a quick getaway!

Hallandale’s game may have been the work of insiders, much like Palmetto Bay’s. It was reported in this 2011 article that “The Outhouse Gang got away with their Halloween shenanigans — again.” 2011 marked the 82nd consecutive year where a masked crew known for potty-related antics eluded the Hallandale Beach Police Department despite its best "efforts."

1929 marked the start of Hallandale’s annual game of cat and mouse with police. Palmetto Bay's game has started 89 years later.

Hallandale's perennial prank led to the annual Outhouse Festival, which caters to children with costume contests, bounce houses and more.

Could the recent antics in Palmetto Bay be foreshadowing the start of an annual Palmetto Bay Big Red MEGA Shed Festival catering to our children with costume contests, bounce houses and more? Time will tell, but for now, the Manager is not giving away any secrets!  

I will say, Palmetto Bay’s game of Where’s the Big Red MEGA Shed is a new twist and provides residents with distractions from the mundane as well as the controversial. This is a family-friendly game. We have yet to hear the prize, but perhaps that will be revealed at the next State of the Village Address.

Until then, Play On! Keep me apprised of the location of the Palmetto Bay Big Red MEGA Shed, an item of Palmetto Bay folklore as mythical as the Palmetto Bay Freebee, only there are those who have actually seen the Palmetto Bay Big Red MEGA Shed within the municipal boundaries of the Village of Palmetto Bay.

                                    (Above Left) Palmetto Bay's Red MEGA Shed as previously seen at village hall, 
                                    then *poof* only some slight discoloration remains (above right) as it has left the
                                     building during the evening of March 12, 2019.

Update: FPL is working with Miami-Dade County DERM and has pulled a NFC Permit (photos and copy of permit provided)

Work is ongoing as of Wednesday, March 13, 2019.  FPL sought and received a NFC Removal Permit issued 2-05-2019 (CLICK HERE to download and view).

Why is this important to me? See a guest post of October 18, 2018, What’s So Special about a 22 Acre Forest on Old Cutler Road, by Eduardo Varona.

This strand of Pine Rockland is part of the less than 2% of Pine Rockland habitat remaining in Miami-Dade County. It is of the utmost importance that we should be working to preserve and protect what little is left of it. We need everyone to join the fight to protect the remaining Pine Rocklands. 

I am providing some photos of the FPL work.  My understanding is that these new poles will reduce the foot print of the power poles within the Ludlum Pineland Preserve (actually part of FPL property as indicated on some of the signs that are posted throughout this area).

Also see prior post of Tuesday, March 12, 2019, Update on power pole work in Palmetto Bay. Pole replacement continues in the area of the FPL "easement"area that runs east to west from Old Cutler Road to Southwest 74 Avenue between Southwest 148 Street and Southwest 146 Terrace in Palmetto Bay.

The Ludlum Pineland Preserved is a usual stop for the annual Palmetto Bay Earth Week family bike ride (3 photos from 2 past events posted below) where the ride group stops to gather, catch up and reflect upon the beauty / need to protect the few remaining strands of Pine Rocklands.

Update on power pole work in Palmetto Bay. Pole replacement continues in the area of the FPL "easement" area that runs east to west from Old Cutler Road to Southwest 74 Avenue between Southwest 148 Street and Southwest 146 Terrace in Palmetto Bay.

FPL has been hard at work on pole replacement in Palmetto Bay in 2019.  I am updating prior reports on this work, including a recent post of February 10, 2019, Report: The FPL Power Pole delivery trucks started rolling into the neighborhood at 8:20 on a quiet Sunday morning.  

This work continues in the area of the FPL "easement" area that runs east to west from Old Cutler Road to Southwest 74 Avenue between Southwest 148 Street and Southwest 146 Terrace in Palmetto Bay. 

FPL has advised that this work is expected to be completed by May 2019.

As posted on the official Palmetto Bay website. (CLICK HERE) to view the official source.

Posted on: March 12, 2019

FPL to Conduct Pole Repairs, Upgrades in Palmetto Bay:

Please see notice below for locations, dates and times from FPL's Area Project Manager: 

Dear Neighbor,

We understand how much you depend on reliable energy and we’re continuously working to make it better. In fact, we’re working on a project in your area that will help improve the reliability of the energy grid in good weather and bad.

This project will require transmission power line pole replacements and upgrades along the existing easement to enhance reliability in Miami-Dade County. The project begins along the easement east to west from Old Cutler Road to Southwest 74 Avenue between Southwest 148 Street and Southwest 146 Terrace in Palmetto Bay. Work is scheduled to begin this month and is expected to be completed by May 2019.

In order to perform the pole replacement and upgrade work, bucket trucks and large cranes will be necessary to access the power line pole structures. The majority of the work will take place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We will do everything possible to keep any power interruptions to a minimum while this work progresses. Should an outage of 15 minutes or more become necessary to complete the work, we’ll notify you at least five days in advance and provide details at that time.

We pledge to work safely and respectfully in your community, as well as make reasonable efforts to minimize construction-related noise and any other inconveniences to you or your neighbors. We plan to make interim repairs to restore grounds to ensure the safety of the area after the work is completed. We will make permanent repairs once construction is complete. 

Should you have any questions concerning this project, please call 1-800-693-3267, Monday through Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Please refer to Cutler-Galloway T19301 Pole Replacement & Upgrade project.

Sincerely, 

Carlos CandelariaArea Project Manager

I will continue to keep you up to date.

Eugene Flinn

Bottle Bill? An idea that is long overdue. Our local governments should get on board and support the legislature's efforts by formal action in support of HB 853 & SB 672 - companion bills known as the Beverage Container Deposits bills

HB 853 & SB 672: Beverage Container Deposits - Long overdue for enactment, and currently pending in the Florida Legislature. Now is the time to act!

Which municipalities will step forward and support and not worry about whether it was "their" idea? Protecting our environment is a collaborative effort; a responsibility that should be burdened by everyone as Florida is made up of many different local governments. There are 412 municipalities, distributed within 67 counties. Note that Jacksonville has a unique consolidated city–county government in the state, so there is no Duval County government. While some municipalities do, and some don't - our environment is more than a single locality. It is local, County, regional, State, National and global - well - you get the picture.

The local governments of Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, etc., et. al. as well as our County government should jump on board and support this pending State legislation to return Florida to the list of States that charge (and return) 

And note - The New York State Returnable Container Act, also known as the "Bottle Bill", has reported tremendous success. Here is a link (CLICK HERE) where the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reports that since its passage, the Bottle Bill has achieved significant impacts to create a cleaner and healthier New York. The Bottle Bill:

• reduces roadside container litter by 70 percent and

• in 2016 helped to recycle 5.1 billion plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers totaling more than 336,000 tons; at no cost to local governments.

Read on as there is a summary of the amendments is available on the 2013 Amendments to New York State's Bottle Bill webpage, and includes important information about new requirements for deposit initiators, dealers, redemption centers, and redeemers.

The Florida House and Senate bills represent a "one and done" Statewide law, no worries about whether your incorporated or unincorporated area is pro-recycling. Please support as well as work to improve the bills where you see a need for improvement. These bills may be subject to amendment, if they move forward at all. This is where we, the grassroots citizens, as well as our local governments, can all work together to make positive things happen for our environment.

Read More: Full info posted below:

See online article: 'Bottle Bill' could bring container deposits to Florida to encourage recycling: 'Bottle Bill' could bring container deposits to Florida to encourage recycling

House version:

HB 853: Beverage Container Deposits

GENERAL BILL by Stark

Beverage Container Deposits; Requires consumers & dealers to pay deposit fees for specified beverage containers; provides for redemption of beverage containers & refund of deposit fees; directs DEP to adopt rules; authorizes DEP to conduct certain audits; requires certain notice & provides civil penalties; prohibits local governments from imposing fees for same or similar purpose.

Effective Date: upon becoming a law 

Last Action: 3/5/2019 House - Introduced -HJ 89
Bill Text: PDF 

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/853/BillText/Filed/PDF

Senate Version:

SB 672: Beverage Container Deposits

GENERAL BILL by Rader

Effective Date: Upon becoming a law 

Beverage Container Deposits; Citing this act as the "Florida Beverage Container Deposit Act";
establishing a refund value for specified beverage containers; requiring dealers and consumers in
this state to pay a deposit fee for specified beverage containers; prohibiting the establishment or
operation of a redemption center unless it is registered with the Department of Environmental
Protection, etc.

Last Action: 3/5/2019 Senate - Introduced -SJ 82
Bill Text: Web Page | PDF 

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2019/853/BillText/Filed/PDF

Update on the wild MEGA red shed placed at Village Hall. Does it make the first impression we want visitors to have of our Palmetto Bay?

I personally viewed the MEGA red shed when I visited Village Hall on Thursday, March 7, 2019, for a bid opening. It is bigger than I remember it when it was used as "Santa's Workshop" for the December 2018 holiday event.  

Here are some updated closeup photos obtained on my 3/7/2019 visit for you to judge the example Palmetto Bay officials are setting for the neighborhood: 

The shed does appear to be securely locked via padlock.

But is this temporary building securely tied down per code?

I disagree with any village official who believes that this shed matches the general architectural style of our municipal center. Both the style (barn) as well as the red color  clash with both the design and color scheme of village hall.

RELEVANT QUESTIONS:

1. Does placement of this mega shed present a proper first impression regarding Palmetto Bay to visitors to our municipal center? 

ANSWER: No. Of course not. 

2. How quickly would the village cite a homeowner for a code violation if the homeowner similarly placed an unsecured mega shed in their front yard? 

ANSWER: My best guess: within hours after it is noticed.

So I ask again, "what gives, is this permanent as in storage for the village or is this shed a permanent structure to be opened and used for various holiday events." Is this (temporary?) building waiting for the Easter Bunny. Perhaps the building is currently home to a leprechaun using this shed to hide his gold! (I don't think the padlock will foil any leprechaun!).

RELEVANT PRIOR POST: This is in follow up to my prior post of March 5, 2019, Photo of the Day - cleaning up after the party. Is this shed permitted, inspected and placed properly on Village of Palmetto Bay property, pursuant to Village Code? Is Palmetto Bay holding this spot for the Easter Bunny?

I am still waiting to hear back on my records requests. Until then, who knows what if anything this mega red shed is being used for. 

The Village must set an example. It is a rule maker, therefore Village Officials should not be rule breakers.  

I, therefore, suggest that this Village operate (in the spirit of Government lite) under this golden rule for Palmetto Bay: 

“enforce unto others 
as you would have them enforce unto you”

Palmetto Bay downtown update. 2 bids received by deadline relating to Mixed-Use Downtown Development

Update on the unsolicited bid opening held Monday, March 7, 2019.

The bids were opened at 3:01 PM, after the 3:00 PM deadline expired for submission of bids.

Two bids were received and both opened in the presence of Village Officials (and one member of the public other than myself, the other member of the public having an ownership interest in one of the properties involved in this bid - note - she is not a bidder).

The bids were unsealed by Palmetto Bay Village Clerk Missy Arocha, Melissa Dodge, Administrative Assistant to our Village Clerk and Litsy Pittser, Palmetto Bay Procurement Specialist. 




One bid is submitted from NAI Miami. 

The second by I3 Investments, LLC.






Additional process remaining:

The bids are still technically not public. The bids are now in the hands of Litsy Pittser, Palmetto Bay Procurement Specialist, to confirm the responsiveness of the bids. The bids deemed responsive will be presented to a committee to review and be scored.  Once scored, the process moves onto the Village Manager.

The committee review may be performed in view of the public, but there will not be public comment regarding the bids.  

CONE OF SILENCE

The entire bid process remains under the "cone of silence" until such time as the manager renders his recommendation. In general, communication is prohibited between the bidder / vendor and members of the Village Council or Village staff. The cone is lifted when the Village Manager provides his written recommendation of selection to the Village Council.

I will continue to keep everyone up to date. 

POD - canal work ongoing. I am not sure what he is doing.

Work is ongoing in the C100 canal that runs through Palmetto Bay.

Thank you Friend of South Dade Updates blog (explaining what the frequent term "FOSDU" means) for the update and photo of the day.  

I have received several other reports today (March 7, 2019) personally and through social media witnessing a work boat on C-100a canal (including in the area near SW 168 St.) of an aluminum boat in the canal with two occupants, the boat sporting a large plastic tank. 

The question is whether they beginning the spraying today?

I will keep updating with relevant information, if and when received.

CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to the SFWMD and/or the canals that run through Palmetto Bay.

Today is the day 3:00 PM – unsolicited bids submissions relating to Mixed-Use Downtown Development for the Village of Palmetto Bay will be opened/unsealed today

Zero hour is 3:00 PM today, Thursday, 3/7/2019. 

We will see what various bidders envision for the Palmetto Bay Downtown area, including the adjacent Palmetto Bay Municipal Center parking lot (which is a targeted site for proposed multi-modal mixed use garages - phase II of the municipal center).  

This could be positive news as perhaps this was done at request of a qualified company that is serious about putting in a bid on UP No. 1819-00-002 for a project that will make Palmetto Bay proud. We will also be able to examine whether there were any negotiations that occurred behind the scenes that led to project plans are being modified and resubmitted or submitted by other bidders with additional information.

Personally, I look forward to the opening of the proposals. This process has generated significant rumors among current village insiders and the result has even triggered attempts to modify how Palmetto Bay manages unsolicited bids.  CLICK HERE to view prior posts relating to this Unsolicited Bid Proposal as well as background information relating to Unsolicited Bid procedure.

I have no further information other than what has been contained in this legal notice and updates  published by the Village of Palmetto Bay Clerk - all legal/official communication is per statute/village code and as specified by the village, including that information as provided by the Village Clerk, see generally www.palmettobay-fl.gov or CLICK HERE to view the pending proposals page.

The curtain is pulled back at 3:00 PM today for all to see. Will anyone be attending?

Bike on the Wild Side this Saturday, March 9th, at the Old Zoo at Crandon Park

March is Bike Month! There are many family friendly bike events ongoing. 

Here is another great family ride you should sign up for today, before it's too late. 

The Old Zoo at Crandon Park is an intriguing place in Miami history and docents will tell you all about it on this twilight bike ride. Also, feel the ocean breeze as you ride up the beach boardwalk to the Nature Overlook to see the twinkling lights of downtown Miami. Can't miss this one! Register soon! Registration has been open since 02/14/2019 and will remain upon until 03/09/2019.

(CLICK HERE to register) 
And note YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE. No walk-ups will be taken.

Note the important details:

Bike305 Bike the Wild Side: Crandon Park Zoo - 190309 - Children (limited to ages 5 and up): 
Bring your Own Bike/Helmet - helmets are mandatory. Limited amount of helmets will be available for those who don't have. 
The ride is 1 to 1.5 hours. 
Limited spots (and limited to those who registered in advance)
Bring your own bike or rent one of available.

Photo of the Day - cleaning up after the party. Is this shed permitted, inspected and placed properly on Village of Palmetto Bay property, pursuant to Village Code? Is Palmetto Bay holding this spot for the Easter Bunny?

Photo of the day - sent to me by a friend of this blog.

Waiting on the Easter Bunny?

You may not have occasion to travel to Village Hall or were even noticed it when you drive by, but some are taking notice of a red shed that has been sitting out front of the main / visitor entrance to Village Hall since December of last year. What is it and why has it still there in March of 2019? 

The pictures below tell part of the story. It was originally put in place for the Holiday celebration held in December of 2018 (see photo below). The questions arise due to the fact that this shed remains despite the fact that the other props; holiday displays, lighting, the stage and Christmas Tree have been removed.

So what gives, is this permanent as in storage for the village or is this shed a permanent structure to be opened and used for various holiday events. I have posted a photo a bit tongue in cheek (upper right), posing the question as to whether this building is waiting for the Easter Bunny. Perhaps the building is currently home to a leprechaun using this shed to hide his gold!

I do not have the answers, so I post these valid questions I received: Should the Village set a better example for the village? Is the village violating its own code by having a shed placed in the front of the building? Was this shed permitted and inspected? The shed was set up in December 2018, and it remains standing as of Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Can we expect that this structure will be removed by Easter or will the Easter Bunny be setting up shop, making an appearance in what was formerly Santa's Workshop?

Well?

 Above - Red shed used as Santa's Workshop, December 2018

Above - same shed as it remains in front of Village Hall as of March 5, 2019

I have made a public records request for the permit and inspection records relating to this shed. Look for an update that I will post when I receive the information.

FYI - Here is the link to the online public records request form (CLICK HERE).

March is Florida Bike Month. It kicks off with Bike 305's "Bike To Work Day" which runs annually the first Friday in March. Know the rules of the road. Ride safe. Share the road.

March is "Florida Bike Month." Note that April is "National Bike Month"

Check out https://floridabicycle.org/  This site contains valuable information including:

Florida Bicycling FAQ   Info for Bicyclists     Info for Motorists

I have posted links to the local bike events listed to occur withing FDOT District 6:

District 6

Check out Bike 305 

and The Miami Bike Scene calendar!

March 1:  Bike 305 Bike to Work Day

March 2 : Homestead Community Bicycle Ride

March 3-4:  Bike MS – Breakaway to Key Largo – Miami  

March 3:  Coconut Grove Historic Bike Tour

March 10:  Get in Gear Community Ride – North Miami

March 10:  Bike Run Walk – Pinecrest

March 11:  Virginia Key 7th Anniversary (off road)

March 11:  Biscayne-Everglades Greenway ride

March 11:  Dade Heritage Trust: Miami Bike Tours

March 17:  Coconut Grove Historic Bike Tour

March 17:  Bike Nerds Miami Beach Grand Opening

March 17: EBC Miami Spice Ride – Miami

March 18:  3rd Annual Bike305 Ciclovia – North Miami Beach

March 25: 4G: Great Gator Gravel Grinder – Homestead (off road)

March 25:  Gables Bike Day – Coral Gables

March 25:  Speeding Wheels Series #4 – Doral

Listings for Florida Bicycle Month are provided as a service to Florida residents and visitors.  Please contact the program directly for information.  

I have posted links below detailing some of the past cycling events held here in Palmetto Bay.

September 15, 2015, Save the DATE - Family bike ride and event at Deering estate - sponsored by FDOT and partners - more information to follow

Saturday, October 17, 2015 - "Bike on The Bay" including a family bike ride from Black Point beginning at 8 AM to Miami-Dade County's Deering Estate where there will be a fun morning of activities scheduled up to noon. 

October 20, 2015, Bike By The Bay - 2015 event was a great start. Photos. Thank you to all who sponsored and participated.

A great start - the inaugural "Bike By The Bay" - Saturday, October 17, 2015 - The weekend of October 17 & 18 was a huge weekend for bike events with events going on in Coral Gables, Miami Beach, South Miami and south Miami-Dade.  Fear of projected poor weather fueled brief thoughts of cancellation, but sticking to the plan was rewarded with outstanding weather.  Hundreds got pumped up for the Oct. 17 road-sharing safety awareness event, "Bike on the Bay."  A fun morning of meeting up with friends and neighbors, riding along the Old Cutler Bike Trail, one of the most scenic places to ride a bike (or walk, job or simply take time to enjoy local nature).

November 15, 2015, Busy, rainy, event filled-weekend. WHEELS, DARE Art Festival pushed through the rain, Food & Rock cancelled

November 13, 14 & 15 was a very busy weekend impacted by rains all weekend.  The WHEELS Big Bash was forced to shut down early on Saturday due to torrential rain. A nice ride made very wet - the WHEEL Bike Train that stated/ended in South Miami, running down the South Dade Bike Trail, onto 168 Street, west through Larry & Penny Thompson Park, onto and south through the Black Creek Trail to Black Point then up through Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, and through Pinecrest on the Old Cutler Trail back to South Miami.  

November 20, 2015 - You are invited - Sunday, 11/22 Bike Ride - Palmetto Bay with District 8 County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava and Mayor Eugene Flinn of Palmetto Bay.

Let's ride.  Please consider this your invitation (or excuse) to ride Palmetto Bay via bicycle this Sunday.  The meet up is 8:00 AM (thank you Vanessa!) and we roll from the parking lot of the Deering Estate Vistior's Center.

April 23, 2017, Palmetto Bay Earth Day events - Family Bike Ride - April 22, 2017 - video & photos

A great Family Bike Ride - part of Palmetto Bay's Earth Week 2017.  (yes, I was late - coming from troop 457's Eagle Scout Court of Honor, but I did my best to race and catch up with the ride in progress.)  I took the embedded video and 29 of the 30 photographs posted below. Can you find yourself, family or friends in any of the pics?  If not, I hope to see you at our next ride. (Please take the time to view prior blog posts, photos and videos by clicking the "Bicycling" Label - labels posted in the right side column) 

Just a few of the many Palmetto Bay bike events are listed above. Have fun during Florida Bike Week. And don't forge,; April is National Bike Week.