Even with threatening skies, the 2nd Annual Palmetto Bay Twilight Color Run took place on November 5 with raucous spirit. Just after 4 p.m., registered runners slapped on their colors, braved the elements and were cheered on by friends and family as they circled Coral Reef Park in puffs of tint.
The goal was to raise money for Miami Palmetto Senior High School. PTA President Dina Lara explained how money raised here would go for additional projects at the school. Pinecrest Mayor-elect Joe Corradino said, “This is a great event for a good cause. I’m so glad to take part and so are my kids.”
Just as the runners rounded the mid-way point, the skies opened up and the rains poured. No one seemed to care. In fact, the fun seemed amplified. Puddles of green, red and yellow lined the race course.
Mayor Flinn added, “We are proud to have hosted. It was a great run, lots of fun and I hope that we’ve raised some good money for Palmetto High School today.”
Video of this event can be seen at youtu.be/yf3xjyje0qE (case sensitive).
Palmetto Senior High given High PTA Honor
Miami Palmetto Senior High School was recently named a National PTA School of Excellence for the 2016 -2018 school years. National PTA’s School of Excellence program supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools that work to improve the educational experience and school environment for every child. As a National PTA School of Excellence, at Miami Palmetto Senior High School, families feel welcomed and empowered to support student success, and PTA is a key partner for continuous school improvement.
Becoming a National PTA School of Excellence began with the joint commitment of PTA and our phenomenal administrative team to work together to welcome all families, communicate effectively, support student success, speak up for every child, share power and collaborate with the community. Our school has successfully mastered these commitments and we applaud everyone for doing so.
Congratulations to Anna Hochkammer, 2014-2016 PTSA President, for her leadership through the accreditation process and to the entire 2015-2016 PTSA Board.
Fire-Rescue Station Open?
Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Station 62 was supposed to go into active service mid-September at the southeast corner of Old Cutler Road and SW 142 Terrace. To passers-by, the temporary station facilities have looked completed for weeks, but still no trucks or personnel. The delays were caused by pending sewer and communication hook-ups, as well as final closure of permits.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials told me on 11/7/16 that active service should begin with three paramedics and one officer (also a paramedic) stationed there 24/7/365 by the time this newspaper hits stands. Further, I confirmed that the plans for the final Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Station 62 building are in review with Palmetto Bay. Faster response times are on their way for residents in the area.
Civility in a Social Age
No matter which side of the equation you are on, we can all give a sigh of relief that the Presidential election is behind us. Never before have so many said so much to so many and not say anything at all.
Even at the local level of government, it seemed that repetition and rhetoric trumped fact and reason. Our elections have become a social media event. Friends on Facebook, locked in mortal battle. Websites, newsletters and tweets that incite. Our newfound voice online leaving decorum behind.
Even as I shot an innocent video of families enjoying Halloween celebrations in Coral Reef Park or as one of the organizers of the Citizens-Led Town Hall for a Better Palmetto Bay, I experienced threats of lawsuit, wild accusations, defamation of character and other unsavory jabs that had no basis in reality. How could anyone threaten me for simply giving others voice?
Have we come so far as to truly believe our online avatars are strengthened simply by typing in ALL CAPS and repeating ourselves to the point of cacophony? We are at a dangerous crossroad when bullying enters into politics, community and the civic realm.
Each of us has a duty to stand up for ourselves and what we perceive right. It’s a sad state when real friends are de-friending each other on Facebook, when political signs are being destroyed and removed, and when human decency gives way to chest-beating and online lynch mobs.
Perhaps we need to remember that social is better than social media where we respect our fellow citizens enough to share space with them, exchange ideas face-to-face and remember that behavior matters. It’s time to get out and join a club, grab coffee with someone and generally put down the smartphone and pick up our lives with people in the flesh. We’d all be better for it.
Real Estate Update
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Hal Feldman (MiamiHal) is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. You can contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.
