Eye On Palmetto Bay » Events

Important County Charter Reform Questions on January 31st Ballot

admin — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:27:11 +0000

Residents of Palmetto Bay Have A Voice in Reforming Both County And Village Charters in January

With so much media attention focused on the Presidential debates and primaries, it’s easy to lose focus on issues that hit closer to home.

Critically important Miami Dade County charter reform questions will appear on the local ballot on January 31st – issues that Palmetto Bay and all county residents must decide.

Additionally, the Village of Palmetto Bay will conduct a public workshop on January 25th to garner public input as to future revisions to its own village Charter.

Here are the actual charter reform questions that will appear on the Miami-Dade County ballot
on January 31st:

A HOME RULE CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO SALARIES, SERVICE, AND TERM LIMITS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: SHALL THE CHARTER BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE THAT, AS OF JANUARY 31, 2012, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SHALL: * DEVOTE FULL-TIME SERVICE TO
THE OFFICE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND HOLD NO OTHER EMPLOYMENT; * NO LONGER
RECEIVE THE $6,000 ANNUAL SALARY ESTABLISHED IN 1957, BUT RECEIVE INSTEAD
THE SALARY PROVIDED BY STATE FORMULA, ADJUSTED ANNUALLY (CURRENTLY
APPROXIMATELY $92,097); AND * SERVE NO MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE FOUR-YEAR
TERMS IN OFFICE EXCLUDING TERMS OF SERVICE PRIOR TO 2012?

CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO INITIATIVE PETITIONS AND ELECTIONS ON CHARTER
AMENDMENTS SHALL THE CHARTER BE AMENDED TO INCREASE FROM 60 TO 120 DAYS THE
TIME ALLOWED TO CIRCULATE INITIATORY PETITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT
ELECTIONS TO AMEND THE CHARTER, EITHER THROUGH INITIATORY PETITIONS OR BY
BOARD ACTION, BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEXT SCHEDULED GENERAL
ELECTION RATHER THAN WITHIN 60 TO 120 DAYS, AS CURRENTLY REQUIRED?

Early voting has already begun in Miami-Dade County. The closest early
voting location for Palmetto Bay is the Coral Reef Library, located at 9211
SW 152nd Street. For your convenience, here is a (clickable) link from the Miami-Dade
Elections Department listing all of the early voting sites that are open
throughout the County:

http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/wait-times.asp

January is also the first opportunity for many village residents to comment on their own city’s constitution. The Village of Palmetto Bay is currently reviewing the city’s Charter. An appointed committee of residents (the Charter Review Commission) will hold a public workshop on January 25, at 7PM to garner resident input concerning items contained in the Charter that may require modification. This is an important meeting that can help shape the future of this Village.

The items discussed will be presented to the Village Council at an upcoming Council meeting for review and possible approval, prior to being placed on the ballot for the November, 2012, election.

The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL.

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What is your opinion regarding the county and village charters? We encourage you to speak your mind and share your thoughts with your neighbors and fellow residents.

Advocacy Group Hosts Seminar to Organize Palmetto Bay Crime Watch

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:12:57 +0000

County Crime Watch Director to Address Palmetto Bay Residents at Free Seminar

The Palmetto Bay Village Voice will host a town hall meeting and seminar on the formation and importance of neighborhood Crime Watch groups in the Village. The event will be held at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Road, in the 3rd Floor Palm Room at 7 PM on Thursday, January 19th. There is no charge, and all Palmetto Bay residents are encouraged to attend.

McGruff the Crime Dog - "Take a Bite out of Crime," Palmetto Bay

With recent reports of burglary and property crime on the rise in Palmetto Bay, this should be a topic of great interest to every home and business owner.

The featured speaker is Ms. Carmen Caldwell, the Executive Director of Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County since 2000. Caldwell oversees hundreds of neighborhood crime watch groups, and will address the basics of organizing a neighborhood Citizen’s Crime Watch. After her presentation, Ms. Caldwell will be on hand to answer any questions.

She will be introduced by Miami-Dade Police Commander Greg Truitt, who oversees the policing unit of the Village of Palmetto Bay. Palmetto Bay Village Voice (PBVV) is a non-partisan, objective source for community news. PBVV is a not-for-profit Florida corporation with the specific purpose to increase local government transparency and accountability through education and communication, and to promote active resident participation in the Village.

To learn more about PBVV, visit http://palmettobayvillagevoice.com/ or email info@PalmettoBayVillageVoice.org.

Commissioner Lynda Bell to Speak at Palmetto Bay Village Voice event

admin — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:36:58 +0000

Miami Dade Commissioner Lynda Bell to Visit Palmetto Bay and Discuss Transparency in Local Government

The Palmetto Bay Village Voice (PBVV) will host a public event featuring Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lynda Bell, Wednesday, September 7th at 6:00 PM at the Palmetto Bay Village Center located at Old Cutler Road and SW 184th Street.

Commissioner Bell will discuss transparency in municipal government. At the conclusion of her remarks, the audience may engage the Commissioner in an open question-and-answer session.

Elected in 2010, Bell is the commissioner for Miami Dade District 8, encompassing Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead, and unincorporated areas of South Dade.

This is the second in an upcoming series of public events hosted by the Palmetto Bay Village Voice, a non-partisan group incorporated with the state of Florida with the specific purpose of increasing local government transparency and accountability through education and communication, and promoting active resident participation in the Palmetto Bay community.

Admission is free and is open to the public.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Learn more about the Palmetto Bay Village Voice (PBVV), and get involved! Click HERE to read the Miami Herald article, or visit the PBVV website at http://palmettobayvillagevoice.org/

Palmetto Bay Village Voice To Host Mayoral Forum on June 16, 2011

admin — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 20:15:09 +0000

Palmetto Bay Village Voice is hosting a free mayoral forum between Carlos Gimenez and Julio Robaina on Thursday, June 16, 2011. All are welcome.

The Palmetto Bay Village Voice (pbvv) will host a mayoral forum between candidates Carlos Gimenez and Julio Robaina this coming Thursday, June 16th at 8:00 AM at the Palmetto Bay Village Center located at Old Cutler Road and SW 184th Street.

Both candidates have confirmed their attendance.

Admission is free, and coffee will be served. The forum will end promptly at 9:00 AM.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Learn more about the Palmetto Bay Village Voice and get involved! Click to read the Miami Herald article HERE

First Annual Taste of the Bay set for May 15, 2011

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 17:50:09 +0000

Family-oriented Festival to Take Place at Palmetto Bay Village Center

Residents of the Village of Palmetto Bay are invited to join their Town of Cutler Bay neighbors to the south at the first annual “Taste of the Bay” on Sunday, May 15, 2011, from 11am to 6pm, at the Palmetto Bay Village Center (18001 Old Cutler Road, Palmetto Bay, Florida). The festival will highlight local businesses and restaurants in the combined Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay communities.

Organized by the Cutler Bay Business Association, “Taste of the Bay” is a family-oriented festival to help build a profile for the local community. The event will feature a classic car show, pony rides, a petting zoo, live music, a children’s art contest, arts and crafts, and food from more than 15 local eateries.

Principal sponsors include Mercedes Benz of Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay Village Center, and the Southland Mall.

The car show will award prizes to the car club with the most participants, as well as a “People’s Choice” award, and an award for the best overall car. Two local bands, The Road Kings and the Mosquito Heads, will perform along with local DJ, Johnny 5. A bounce house by Jumparoo and playground equipment by My Gym will be open for the kids.

Tickets to the family-oriented event are free if picked up at participating restaurants: Stir Moon, Steve’s Pizza, Sal’s Italian Restaurant, Asian Fusion Café, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Applebee’s.

Click HERE for additional free ticket locations.

NOTE: Tickets at the gate will cost $5 each.

The Palmetto Bay Village Center is located at 18001 Old Cutler Road. For more information, visit Taste of the Bay.

Party City to Return to Palmetto Bay after Two Year Absence

admin — Fri, 06 May 2011 06:37:08 +0000

Former Palmetto Bay Retailer to Move into Colonial Palms Plaza in May

After shuttering their only retail outlet in Palmetto Bay, FL approximately two years ago, national retailer Party City is closing their Pinecrest, FL location and re-opening a store this month in the Colonial Palms Plaza shopping center. The party chain will take over the space formerly occupied by Boater’s World.

The Colonial Palms Plaza, 13617 S. Dixie Highway, is located at the northwest border of the Village of Palmetto Bay. Anchor tenants include Marshall’s, Old Navy, PetSmart, Panera Bread, and Miller’s Ale House.

Until 2009, Party City occupied a store front in Palmetto Bay along the US1 corridor, near SW 148th street. That franchise location was closed and the storefront, adjacent to Morris and Reynolds Insurance remains vacant.

Party City is America’s largest specialty party goods chain and the country’s premiere Halloween specialty retailer. The company operates more than 600 company-owned stores and franchises throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Party City is a division of Amscan Holdings, Inc. and has its headquarters in Rockaway, New Jersey.

Employees at the Pinecrest location are busy packing boxes of inventory and supplies and hope to be in their new store by the third week of May, 2011.

CBS4′s Jorge Estevez to Host Casino Night for Local Animal Rescue Group

admin — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 08:45:55 +0000

May 14 Redlands Event to Benefit Paws 4 You Rescue

Here’s your chance to help save an animal’s life and have some fun at the same time!

Residents of the Village of Palmetto Bay are invited to attend Casino Night in the Redlands, Saturday, May 14, with proceeds going to Paws 4 You Rescue.

Hosted by CBS4 reporter, Jorge Estevez, the event takes place at the home of Kathy and Paul Cowan, 19700 SW 264th St, Redlands, FL. Cocktail hour runs from 7-8pm, with gaming tables open from 8 to 11pm. Tickets are $100 per person and include open bar, dinner, and $25 in gaming chips.

For years, the volunteers at Paws 4 You Rescue have given their time, money, and energy to find
forever homes for lost and abandoned dogs and cats in South Florida. Hundreds of Miami-Dade residents have adopted pets from Paws 4 You at their weekend events held in locations such as PetSmart in the Village of Palmetto Bay, and PetSupermarket in neighboring Pinecrest.

PB-DOG, mascot of the Palmetto Bay Dog Owners Group (for the Palmetto Bay Dog Park) spends time with Paws4You Rescue at Fairchild Tropical Gardens

Funds raised at the annual Casino Night event help cover expenses for veterinary care, microchip ID’s, sterilization,
boarding facilities, and pet training.

For additional information and to RSVP, contact Rita at 305-491-5651 or email rita@paws4you.org

Paws 4 You Rescue - An INCREDIBLE, lifesaving organization. Learn about them at www.paws4you.org

5 Cheap and Easy Earth Day Projects

admin — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 00:52:34 +0000

Friday, April 22 is Earth Day, and Palmetto Bay residents are looking for unique, personal, and inexpensive ways to celebrate the environment and make a difference.

1) LADYBUG RELEASE — An easy and inexpensive way to celebrate is to do the overused “Ladybug Release.” Ladybugs are very inexpensive to purchase in bulk (less than $50 for 20,000), but there are concerns about purchasing them and properly releasing them in order to make their release truly productive for the environment. Don’t be wasteful with a “quick and easy fix” just because it’s Earth Day — always educate yourself, first, as to the proper way to care for insects, plants, and wildlife.

Some concerns about ladybugs releases are that:

a) Those purchased from a source outside of Florida are not used to the temperature in Florida and will not survive long after the release. (The secret? Purchase ladybugs locally – collected locally – to make sure they are used to the environment and temperature.)

b) Those purchased from outside of Florida are non-natives, and they can upset the balance of the ladybugs and beneficial insects that are born locally.

c) They need to be released in multiple groups of small releases, spread out in the area, over time — not in one bulk “dump of insects” (or sent up in the air, en masse).

Ladybugs need to be released after a Florida summer rain or into a garden that has been misted, as they require water when first released

Ladybugs need to be released after a Florida summer rain or into a garden that’s been misted, as they require water when first released

d) They need to be released into a garden just after a summer rain or into one that’s recently been lightly watered, as ladybugs fly away in search of water when first released.

e) Releasing many ladybugs all at once is overwhelming for the ladybugs, as there are too many bugs and not enough food. They will fly away or will starve.

f) They should ideally be released in the early evening, as they will settle in overnight (and not fly away), then begin eating the next morning. (They need an extended “settling in period” before they eat, as they’ve been shipped and refrigerated prior to their release and are stressed, and they are not ready to immediately start eating. Think how you feel after a long trip…)

2) BEACH OR PARK CLEANUP — This is a very easy project that simply requires latex gloves for each participant and a few large trash bags (maybe 1 per person?). You can easily put them on the back of a bike and ride to a location and clean up the area. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes a huge difference. (Carry gloves and bags in your vehicle for impromptu cleanups that you see are needed. Be a role model for others!)

Simply fill a plastic trash bag with items found during your beach or park cleanup. Be sure to seal the bags to keep the trash from coming out of the bag once it is full.

3) SAVE A HOUSEPLANT — Dig a hole in your yard and plant that neglected potted plant you’ve had in a pot for months with every intention of planting it “when you have time ” into the ground! No time like Earth Day to get it planted! This act will benefit you, the plant, and the environment all at once!

Take the Earth Day opportunity to either repot that neglected houseplant or to plant it in the ground

4) RECYCLE CLOTHING OR DISHES, ETC. – Walk through your home with a laundry basket or paper bag. Fill it with any (folded) clean clothes that you haven’t worn, shoes that just don’t go with anything or are now out of style, dishes that you use very infrequently, pans of which you have multiples, books that you’ve read and are now just collecting dust, or the basket of soaps on the bathroom shelf that needs to be replaced with a new style, anyway. Once the basket (or bag) is full, take it directly to Salvation Army (located in The Falls parking lot, near Macy’s — northeast end of the shopping center) or to Goodwill. Have larger items to donate? Call the Salvation Army to pick them up!

Call for a Salvation Army truck pickup to come and get large donated items to help others!

5) RECYCLE USED TOWELS, SHEETS FOR PETS — Go through your closets and remove any clean towels or bedding that you just don’t use, have stains on them (so you don’t use them unless forced), have tears in them, are old designs that now don’t match your decor, or are just not used for whatever reason. The Miami-Dade Animal Services shelter is always in desperate need of donated towels and sheets (and washable dog toys, and pet treats, and flea/tick treatments, etc). Click here for directions to the shelter. Your linens that are just taking up room in the closet could be used to comfort a pet that’s lying on an uncomfortable, hard concrete floor and is just waiting to find a loving forever family. These pets deserve to be as comfortable as possible, and your unused linens truly make all the difference in the world to them.

Dogs in animal shelters need comforts of home to make them look and feel adoptable

FINALLY — IT TRULY IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE “EARTH DAY” FOR YOU TO DECIDE TO DO GOOD THINGS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR OTHERS!

Why not make “Earth Day” EVERY day?

Holiday Fun In And Around Palmetto Bay

admin — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 12:06:16 +0000

Local Parks Offer Holiday-themed Family Fun

From winter camps – to festive light displays – to reading a book with Santa, Palmetto Bay residents can enjoy and celebrate the holidays at several nearby public parks.

Need something to keep the kids busy during the school break? Send ‘em to camp!

Discovery Camp at the Deering Estate at Cutler in Palmetto Bay introduces children, ages 6-15, to South Florida’s rich history and habitats through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, outdoor treks and field trips to other locations. The program makes use of the archeological, natural and historic setting of this bayside estate, which was once home to Miami pioneer Charles Deering and the hunting and fishing grounds of ancient Tequesta Indians. For details, go to http://www.deeringestate.org/pages/KidsCampFieldTrips.aspx

The Deering Estate also welcomes guests of all ages for story time with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Mrs. Claus will be reading some classic holiday stories next to the enchanting Christmas Tree in the Stone House Ballroom. Children can have their picture professionally taken with Santa for an additional fee, or parents can bring their cameras and take their own photos for free. After story time, children will participate in an arts & crafts activity. “Story Time with Santa” takes place on Saturday, December 18, from 10am to noon. For more info, go to
http://deeringestate.org/articles/Featured-Events-and-Programs/Story-Time–Kids-Crafts-with-Santa-two.aspx
The Parks and Recreation Department of Palmetto Bay is planning their 1st annual, “Holiday by the Bay” at Ludovici Park, December 18, from 4 to 9pm. Look for fun rides, holiday music, and activities for the kids. For more info, call Palmetto Bay village office at 305-259-1234.

Want a unique and different Christmas break idea for the kids? How about Horseback Riding in Homestead? Coconut Palm Equestrian Center (located at 24650 Southwest 167 Avenue) is offering “Christmas Break with the Horses” for the kids! Camp is held daily from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Wednesday, December 20-22 and Monday through Wednesday, December 27-29. Price per day: $80. Price for 2 days: $150. Price for 3 days: $210. Price for ALL 6 days: Just $400. *Campers should bring their lunch each day, as well as sunscreen and lots of water to drink. Coconut Palm provides horse, all tack, arts and crafts, and information sheets. To sign up for “Christmas Break with the Horses,” contact Julie Grennan by email at julieagrennan@aol.com . A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your reservation. The deposit may be dropped off at Coconut Palm Equestrian Center (24650 SW 167 Avenue) or mailed to Coconut Palm Equestrian Center, PO Box 700912, Miami, FL 33170. Hurry! This unique experience fills up quickly!

Everyone’s favorite zoo, Zoo Miami (formerly Miami MetroZoo) gets into the holiday spirit with their annual “Zoo Lights” celebration, Dec 17 to 30. For 12 nights, come and enjoy animal-shaped lights, free 3D glasses to view them, holiday music, hot chocolate, cookies, and more. Want more? Bring the whole family for dinner with Santa and Diego! Get all details at http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/articles.asp?Id=567&categoryId=1

Active kids wanting to have fun? Jane Forman Tennis Academy offers camp over Christmas Break! Registration is open NOW! Winter Holiday Tennis, Sports, & Golf Camp….and Soccer and Flag Football camp now available, too! Coral Reef Park , Killian Green’s Golf Course, Alper JCC, December 20th-December31st (2 one week sessions). Full and Half Days, transportation and before and after care are available (Daily rates available), Boys and Girls 3-16 years. Register online at https://www.janeformantennis.net/holidaycamp.html

A Fright-Nite Food Drive

admin — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:31:38 +0000

Cutler Bay Resident Uses Halloween Display to Collect Food for Needy

It seems the word, “small,” just isn’t in Al Rapport’s dictionary…or his heart.

Every year on Halloween, the Cutler Bay resident, affectionately known as “Big Al,” turns his entire front yard into a massive display of scary creatures, eerie lights, and ghoulish sounds.

Beware! The spooky “graveyard” comes alive on Halloween night, as hundreds of parents from Cutler Bay and neighboring Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest drive by with their children to view one of South Florida’s largest Trick or Treat displays! Visitors delight in “live” ghouls and goblins frolicking in the “Whispering Pines Cemetery.” The first 125 children visiting the display receive glow necklaces for safe Trick or Treating.

Giving out candy and playfully scaring kids is only part of Big Al’s mission. His annual effort serves as a backdrop for a food drive for the needy.

Large bins are placed in the front of the display and visitors are encouraged to leave donations of canned foods and non perishable food items. All food collected is then donated to the “Feeding South Florida” food bank.

“There are more needy people in South Florida than ever before,” says Rapport. “I set up big Halloween display to entice local residents to bring their families out for a fun evening, while remembering to lend a hand to their less fortunate neighbors.“

Visitors who arrive without canned food can still support the food drive by writing a check payable to Feeding South Florida. “We accept food and money,” says Rapport. “If you have a check, just walk up to the porch and ring the bell, but be ready for a giant ‘Big Al’ bear hug!“

The most-needed food items are:
Canned fruits and vegetables
Peanut Butter (in PLASTIC jars)
Macaroni and Cheese (packaged)
Hot and Cold cereal (packaged, family-size)

You can see the incredible Halloween display “in action” tonight from dusk until 11pm. The Rapport house is located at 8740 SW 186 St, Cutler Bay, FL.

Eye On Palmetto Bay » Events

Important County Charter Reform Questions on January 31st Ballot

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