Was over at CasaCuba the other day and ran into newly elected District 114 State Representative Daisy Baez. She’s gonna make us proud, as she represents among other areas, the city of South Miami. I tip my hat to her for running a really good campaign which endeared her not only to fellow Democrats, but to some Republicans, as well.
Also seen was perennial candidate Horace Feliu, who is talking like he’s getting ready to give it a go one more time. Horace, who has lost a whole bunch of times, did serve two years as a commissioner two years as vice-mayor and five and a half years as mayor.
Horace injected himself in the last election by passing out simple black and white flyers in the neighborhood (which he took right out of the Vice Mayor Playbook) and asked voters to vote “No” on the four initiatives that were on the upcoming ballot. The flyer had Horace’s name and phone number on it, as well, as a handful of other “civic activists.”
And how did it turn out? Well, Horace wanted NO on all the four items and the voters said NO on just two of them and YES on the remaining two. Ok, for folks that are mathematically challenged he and his team got 50%. (Not too bad) Just think if he was running for office that would just about get him elected.
Two of the items were zoning questions, which both failed and therefore the status quo remained. One item that was approved will allow the city to make some relatively minor changes on the city charger and the big one which passed overwhelming was to sell city hall. Gee that’s a big deal and quite a surprise. Can’t wait to see the next step that the city takes as it heads to the future. And BTW folks,the city hall item is a feather in the cap of he city commission, which took a huge gamble be bringing it forward.
Vice-Mayor Bob “Bicycle Bob” Welsh must be losing his grip on the voters of South Miami given the fact that two out of the four ballot questions he worked hard to pass, failed. Golly folks, not even his “tree for votes” tactic worked this time. Bob, who you may recall used an anti-development platform to get elected and even campaigned to pass the 5/5 Charter Change several years ago has now undergone a metamorphosis. The change must be purely intellectual because he is still sporting the same country bumpkin look. There is even talk of several “naysayers” wanting to contribute to the “Buy Bob a New T-shirt Fund.”
Though the straw ballot question to “Finance” and build a new city hall passed, the “naysayers” say that the question posed to the South Miami electorate was deceptive. Talk of another lawsuit is already underway if the straw ballot is carried out. The rumor mill is abuzz saying that a certain developer has even been identified and in line way before the request for proposal has been advertised. Folks, tell us that it looks like the “fix is in.” Time, however will tell.
Ok, next item. Now that 71 percent of Florida voters said that they wanted access to marijuana for medical reasons. So it’s time for the city to move forward and put together a plan as to where the dispensaries (AKA pot shops) are gonna go and of course create all the local regulations. Should be lots of fun as this unfolds.
If you haven’t been to a ChamberSOUTH’s breakfast lately, it really is the place to be — and to be seen. As you may know, Chamber offices are located right here in South Miami, but they hold their monthly General Membership Meetings down at the Miami Marriott Dadeland, every third Friday of the month.
True to the spirit of Halloween, the October meeting featured a guest speaker who scared the heck out of members by revealing secrets behind trans-national cyber crimes. Former Secret Service Agent Robert Villanueva of a local firm called Q6 Cyber also talked about access device fraud, network intrusions, and identity theft. If there was one take-away – don’t go on the internet in public places – PERIOD. It’s not a matter if, but when some tech-savvy crook nearby will delve into your entire on-line life, bank accounts and all.
Just last week, ChamberSOUTH was treated to the always fun and often zany antics of Ron Magill, Communications Director of the Miami-Dade Zoological Park & Gardens. He always delivers with energy, fun, and his own scratchy brand of candor. For information about the Chamber visit www.chambersouth.com or call 305-662-1621.
What about the UM pedestrian bridge being built across U.S.1, and a one year delay?
The pedestrian bridge is said to be open a year late after an elevator shafts orientation was wrong and is being watched closely by the community since a number of UM students were killed crossing streets and the County took the project on and began it just after Carlos Gimenez announced he was running for reelection again. And I mentioned the delay to assistant mayor Alena Hudack and she noted there had been “problems with the contractor,” she believed.
County Parks to get signs warning of “wildlife in parks, using emogies for bears, alligators, and foxes are seen at “Amelia Earhart Park,” at night, says County Commissioner Estephen Bovo.
Sen. Javier Souto sponsored the legislation to have new signs to try to warn people that there is a lot of “wildlife,” in Miami-Dade and when they come to the parks to be aware they might see a “bear,” panther and foxes are frequently seen at night at Amelia Earhart Park noted Bovo. And given the “20 languages spoken in the county. Souto once he learned what a mojoie was said to use these renderings and the tragedy in Disney World may have prompted this discussion. Further county attorney’s said there would not likely be any liability to the County since it is not providing a safe Harbour for the wildlife that exists in Florida.
Pets for Vets and Teaching
Responsible Pet Ownership to Kids:
County Commissioners have unanimously adopted two initiatives, sponsored by Commissioner Sosa, to better the lives of Miami-Dade County’s pets. In a move to help connect veterans with pets, Commissioner Sosa advanced legislation that waives adoption and spay/neuter fees for qualifying individuals. This new initiative is meant to give Miami-Dade County’s over 60,000 veterans of war greater access to the health benefits of pet ownership. Recent evidence suggests that bonding with animals greatly reduces stress and the effects associated with PTSD, a condition identified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as afflicting the veteran population.
“I truly believe that our veterans are this community’s greatest source of pride, and I know that they will give our pets warm and loving homes,” said Commissioner Sosa. “We are forever indebted to them for their service and protection of our freedoms,” Commissioner Sosa continued, “In 2013 when I sponsored the initiative to teach our children the importance of responsible pet ownership I could never have imagined just how great the program would have turned out. It is my hope that we can grow the program to our older students, who can play a larger role in saving animals.”
Additionally, Commissioner Sosa filed legislation to expand the Responsible Pet Ownership Curriculum. The incredibly successful program, an initiative sponsored by Commissioner Sosa in 2013, now teaches over 89,000 elementary school students the principles of responsible pet ownership. This new measure seeks additional funding to bring the program to our community’s junior high and high school students.
(The last several items were provided by <watchdogreport.net>).
Got any tips? Contact me at 305-669-7355, ext. 249, or send emails to <Michael@communitynewspapers.com>.
