Each year we celebrate Veterans Day with a newfound respect for those who serve. On this Veterans Day, Palmer Trinity School in Palmetto Bay invited veterans and their families to a breakfast to honor our local vets.
Among others, on-hand were Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, County Commissioners Daniella Levine Cava and Pepe Diaz, Palmetto Bay’s Mayor Eugene Flinn, Vice Mayor John DuBois, Councilwoman Karyn Cunningham, Village Attorney Dexter Lehtinen (also a vet), Cutler Bay Vice Mayor Ernie Sochin (also a vet) and School Board Commissioner Dr. Larry Feldman.
About twenty veterans heard Palmer Trinity’s Head of Upper Schools Ashley Chapman lead a short program to honor their service. A quartet played music and student James Bailey (class of 2018) said, “You set such a good example for us to follow. We are trying hard, but often fail to reach the high standards you set.”
Cutler Bay Vietnam veteran George Cadman, III summed it up best, “All of these veterans here today supported and defended the United States Constitution. They took an oath and were willing to risk their lives to defend the people at home and keep the country free. I appreciate what Palmer Trinity has done here and appreciate the recognition.”
M-D Fire Rescue Station 62 Operational
At exactly 1900 hours (that’s 7 p.m. to you and me) on November 16, 2016 Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Station 62 went into active service at the southeast corner of Old Cutler Road and SW 142 Terrace.
The station runs with three paramedics and one officer (also a paramedic) stationed there 24/7/365. The temporary trailer has four sleeping quarters, a kitchen, an office and a lounge. The permanent station, which will be built on a lot just north of the temporary location should be in place in about a year. Those plans are already in review with the Village of Palmetto Bay.
Captain Rick Bond explained, “We have three platoon shifts that work 24-hour shifts every 3rd day. We’re thrilled and excited to be here. It’s been a long time coming for us to meet the needs and the call volume to the northeast section of the Village. County administration knows that us being here will allow us to better serve the community.” Mayor Eugene Flinn added, “Response time to our residents is paramount. Safety is our #1 concern and this station goes a long way to improving services and in saving lives. We are proud to have them here.”
Palmetto Baystock 2016
Once again, the music-loving marketing company Florida Rock Stars put on a spectacular music festival in Palmetto Bay. The eight-hour event featured four talented local cover bands and the internationally touring Dave Kerzner Band. Local gourmet food operators and a myriad of drink options accompanied the music.
“It’s all about the music and making sure we do our part to keep rock alive,” explained co-organizer Richard DiBenedetto. The company has been producing shows in Palmetto Bay since 2012.
As one of the people who has been instrumental in supporting this series of music festivals, I am proud to work with so many people in the community who stretch a little further and donate their time and resources to bringing quality entertainment to the Village of Palmetto Bay. This includes, Village Manager Ed Silva, Parks Director Fanny Carmona (and her entire wonderful staff!), Mayor Flinn and the rest of the Village Council.
One of the great joys of my life is providing musicians the ability to get out and express themselves in the best possible environment. The Ludovici Park Amphitheater is and incredible venue. As Dave Kerzner explained, “Playing where I grew up in South Florida has a special feeling unlike anything else. I thank the Village of Palmetto Bay for their hospitality.”
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Cutler Bay cover band Cutler Stew. Not only have they played several of the Florida Rock Star festivals, they are instrumental (pun intended) in the preparations for the festival.
If you haven’t been out to a show, you owe it to yourself. The next one should be coming in late February or early March. Also check out davekerzner.com for some great new progressive rock written, produced and performed by a South Florida native.
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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.
