Seasonal joys and things to take note of in the village

Ho ho ho! Palmetto Bay just had its firstever Holiday Celebration in Downtown Palmetto Bay on Saturday, December 5, with giant light displays, food and craft vendors, carolers and a DJ, an ice skating rink and pictures with Santa, but there are still more holiday events scheduled. On December 12th there’s the Holiday-by-the-Bay Event and the Boat Parade & Canned Food Drive. On December 13th there’s a Chanukah Celebration and on December 19th is the annual Mangowood Festival. The events are all free and open to the public, and it’s a great time of year to get together with family, friends, and neighbors. For info call 305- 259-1234 or visit the official village website at www.palmettobay-fl.gov.

Bike Ride. Mayor Eugene Flinn and Commissioner Daniella Levine-Cava jointly sponsored a family bike ride in Palmetto Bay on Sunday, November 22nd. Riders enjoyed the natural sites located along the Old Cutler Bike Trail and throughout our beautiful Village. At the conclusion, participants were invited to an appetizing breakfast at the Perrine Fire Rescue Station 50 which also houses Station 62, soon to have its own home on Old Cutler Road at 142 Street, serving South Pinecrest/East Palmetto Bay. “Look forward to more bike rides in the future.”

Be careful! Every year we hear reports on the news about people’s shopping purchases being stolen out of cars and muggings in parking lots, as well as increased burglaries at homes. Unfortunately, the season that brings out the best in people also tends to bring out the crooks as well. And each year, the county police department issues Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers, with recommendations we’d all be wise to take heed of. “Be aware of your surroundings, be alert to suspicious people and vehicles and avoid dangerous situations,” they tell us. Also, when shopping at the malls and other places, don’t leave packages in your vehicles where they’re in plain sight and a temptation to thieves. Ladies, keep your purses zippered or closed and hang onto them, don’t leave them unattended in shopping carts.

Don’t use ATM’s in secluded areas, especially after dark. If a suspicious vehicle has followed you home after shopping, don’t pull in and get out of the car, go to the nearest safe location or an area where there are people and call the police. Municipal and county websites have additional tips to help you avoid being a victim of crime.

Miami Children’s Chorus is having their annual holiday concert, called “Voices of Angels,” on Saturday December 12th at 7:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, located at 536 Coral Way in Coral Gables. General Admission cost for this popular yearly event is $25, $10 for children (age 5 to 18) MCC Alumni and Senior Citizens (available through the Golden Ticket Program). For additional information call 305-662-7494 or visit their website at miamichildrenschorus.org.

Zoning hearing…the Village of Palmetto Bay will have one on Monday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. Discussion and public input are welcome and the item is an application by Westminster Christian School, requesting a modification of an approved site plan of an educational facility as previously granted by Resolution 2013-14, to include an additional 5 acres of land at the northwest corner of SW 152 Street and SW 67 Avenue.

Thought of the Day:

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.
— Sir James M. Barrie

Gary Alan Ruse contributed to this column.

Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669- 7355, ext. 249, or send emails to Michael@communitynewspapers.com.


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