This too shall pass… maybe

Executive Editor Michael Miller

Dr. Donna Shalala rocked the House or Casa at Casa Cuba last Tuesday. The event sponsored by your very own Community Newspaper’s was very well attended by many Republican and Democrat community leaders alike. Dr. Shalala, who was not only President of the University of Miami and United States Secretary of Health and Human Services spoke about many issues ranging from preserving and enhancing Medicare and  Social Security to working to create safer schools. The moderate Democrat with a proven successful track record in both community services, as well as, in creating jobs brings a wealth of experience to the 27th Congressional District. We wish Dr. and Madam Secretary Shalala much success in what is a highly contested seat.

On other news, South Miami taxpayers continue to pay for lawsuits after it was recently discovered that our illustrious city leaders approved the settlement of $500,000 dollars in the Michael Gavins vs City of South Miami case (Miami Dade Clerk No. 2016 R 671993). You may recall that South Miami resident, Michael Gavins was shot by a SMPD officer after being stopped in his car. The lawsuit which was filed on Nov. 21, 2016, was scheduled for a hearing by jury however the city opted to settle. And speaking of lawsuits, a brand new lawsuit was filed against the ever increasing and record breaking personal lawsuits against Mayor Stoddard (see Carlo Loro vs Phillip Stoddard-Miami Dade Clerk local case no.2018-032088-CA-01; State Case no. 132018CA032088000001). The lawsuit was filed as a result of an alleged incident which caused three minors to end up in the hospital after consuming alcohol and other substances at the home and under the supervision of Phil Stoddard. Should be interesting to see if South Miami taxpayers will also pay “halfsies”on this one. Ouch!

Seen here at Bedazzle Your Bra & Bow Tie Event from left to right: Angela Roberta, CEO of the Hope 4 L.Y.F.E. Foundation Angela, James McCants of the South Miami CRA, and his wife, guest speaker, and cancer survivor Pastor Joann McCants.

In other recent news, South Miami Hospital was gracious enough to host the Bedazzle Your Bra & Bowtie event in its Victor E Clark Center for the Hope 4 L.Y.F.E. Foundation. Guests enjoyed raffles, music, nail painting, custom gift bags, light bites, and a great time! There was also mention during the event about South Miami becoming the first United States city to be recognized as a Breast Cancer Awareness City.

The event served as a pep rally and a prelude for the SOMI 5K Breast Cancer Awareness Walk that just took place on Saturday, October 6th. It was South Miami’s second time hosting the walk. Last year’s walk was quite a success for its South Miami debut.

Did you ever notice, there are some strange and wonderful similarities between election season and hurricane season. And aside from the fact that there’s a lot of hot air involved with both, there’s several key things you have to do if you’re going to have a successful time of it.

Now, we all know there can be disastrous outcomes that cause serious damage, and sometimes these named storms go off course and it’s the best thing can happen. But the most important thing is really basic – keep an eye on the calendar and we’ll make it through together.

First and foremost, in the case of elections, it’s imperative you’re prepared and familiar with several key dates – like Oct. 9. Honestly, your plan should have started weeks ago by ensuring that you, your friends, family, and neighbors are all registered. But, depending on when you’re reading this, you’ve still got a day or two to go online and register – like now!

Another key date has to do with voter Absentee Ballots – also known as Vote-by-Mail Ballots. We’re in the middle of that part of the season right now. If you requested one already, start looking for it in your mailbox this week. If you still need to request one, the deadline to get one mailed out to you is 5 p.m. on the sixth day before the election. Look at your calendar!

Now, these ballots are self-explanatory, but you need to read the instructions carefully. And you have to remember to sign it, because failure to do so result in having your ballot rejected.

Then get it back ASAP, accounting for transit time back to the Election Board by the deadline: 7 p.m. on Election Day. Have you ever had postcards arrive weeks after you returned from vacation? Don’t let this happen with your mail-in-ballot.

So we’re almost through it! November is looming. And soon it all comes to a screeching halt, the storms have passed, or the lack thereof, and we all made it – until next time.

Photo cutlines
Bedazzle.jpg – Seen here at Bedazzle Your Bra & Bow Tie Event from left to right: Angela Roberta, CEO of the Hope 4 L.Y.F.E. Foundation Angela, James McCants of the South Miami CRA, and his wife, guest speaker, and cancer survivor Pastor Joann McCants.


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