Palmetto High School baseball head coach Danny Smith believes the game is about more than winning or losing, it is about being a part of the community and preparing players for a possible future in the sport.
The annual Blue and White intra-squad scrimmage between the varsity, junior varsity and under-16 players will take place at Coral Reef Park, Palmetto’s home field, on Feb. 3 at 11a.m.
“We want people to come out and really feel like they are part of the program,” said Smith. “Stop by the dugout and meet the players and bring the little ones. We will show the kids around and sign autographs.We never turn anyone away.”
The Blue and White game is the official launch of baseball season for Palmetto and, according to parent and volunteer Martha Levey, it is an event that the Village, the team and the school look forward to.
“It is the inauguration of baseball season for the community and everyone really looks forward to the event,” said Levey. “The players are all introduced on the field in full uniform with parents, dignitaries and school officials present. It is a wonderful tradition and a great way to kick off the season.”
In addition to promising young athletes ready for friendly competition on the field, classic barbeque dishes will be available, with entertainment provided by the Palmetto Marching Band, the color guard, the dancing Shatonettes, and of course the school’s cheerleading squad.
Coach Smith says players to watch this season include senior pitcher Brandon Kacer, one of the top players in Miami-Dade County; junior second baseman Michael Wall, who is already being scouted by college recruiters; and shortstop Riley Delgado, who started playing baseball when he was in the eighth grade and could be an all county player this year.
“These are great kids to coach because they come from very engaged families and are motivated; very teachable,” said Smith. “I tell them ‘I want you to come out here and think baseball, baseball, baseball’ and if that doesn’t work out for your professional future, ok, go on to medical school.”
The Blue and White game is free and open to the public. Barbeque tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for kids.
Palmetto Bay residents who made New Year’s resolutions relating to health and fitness issues will have a chance to turn those words into positive actions at the village’s first annual Health & Fitness Fair at Coral Reef Park.
A variety of information providers will participate in the free event that runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, according to Mary Shie Fernandez, village program and events coordinator, who says it’s for the whole family.
“This is an event for grandparents down to young children,” Fernandez said. “There’s something for everybody.” She said that the notion of putting on an all-encompassing event for fitness and health topics was a natural development after many separate programs.
“Throughout the year we hear from different health organizations, non-profit groups and others about various health and fitness issues,” Fernandez said. “We thought it would be a really neat idea to pull all those components together and provide a platform for them so the organizations could get their word out, and at the same time provide a real nice service to our residents.
“I don’t see a lot of people doing that. So we wanted to have all these groups come and set up at Coral Reef Park, and we said let’s make it free for anybody who’s interested.”
And she adds, what better way to do this than right after New Year’s, knowing that all of us go through the same thing with New Year’s resolutions.
“We all think about the positive changes we want to make in the coming year and start the year out with a very optimistic outlook,” Fernandez said. “I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody that getting in shape is always at the top of people’s list.”
Besides those who want to exercise more to get in better shape, find out their blood pressure or get their blood sugar checked, there are smokers who want to make an effort to quit or people who drink who want to quit.
“In general, people who want to enjoy life more and spend quality time with their family,” Fernandez explained. “I have been reaching out to different organizations and we have received very positive responses so far. Baptist Health provides a lot of the health and fitness programs at our parks — Trim and Fit After 55, Aerobics, Yoga and Tai-Chi. Jackson South Community Hospital definitely wants to be a part of it. We have private companies like boot camps and karate schools that we want to give an opportunity as well.”
Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center wants to provide a free skin cancer screening for Palmetto Bay residents, which perhaps could save a life.
“It’s all about empowering people and giving them knowledge in a comfortable environment,” Fernandez said. “And fitness related sports programs like soccer and baseball can give people information about what they do. We are still looking for organizations to participate.”
Coral Reef Park is located at 7895 SW 152 St.
For more information, contact Mary Fernandez at mfernandez@palmettobayfl.gov or call her office at 305-234-6383.
Celine Dion holds up a crystal pineapple she received after performing a benefit concert Friday, Dec. 16, in Miami Beach. Dion entertained a sellout crowd in gratitude to the Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute, whose physicians led by Dr. Barry Katzen saved the life of her husband, René Angélil (left).
Celine Dion donated a private concert on Friday, Dec. 16, to a sellout audience to benefit the expansion of Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute in Miami.
Dion gave her performance in gratitude to the Institute for the lifesaving procedure carried out on her husband, René Angélil, under the leadership of Dr. Barry Katzen, the Institute’s founder and medical director.
Dion gave details in a video presented with her husband at the event.
“It started a little over two and a half years ago. We had quite a scare,” she said. “Our family doctors discovered that René had a critical narrowing of the artery to his brain, the carotid artery, putting him at a high risk for stroke.”
Angélil said he wasn’t a candidate for surgery so his doctors looked for a less invasive approach.
“They had heard about [Dr. Katzen’s] work with non-invasive treatments and they basically told me he was the best person to take care of me,” Angélil said.
The audience of 1,700 enjoyed a reception before the 8 p.m. concert at The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater. The presenting sponsor for the event, Audemars Piguet, official timekeeper of Baptist Hospital, hosted an exclusive dinner after the show.
The expansion will include the development of a national Center for Aneurysm Therapy, Center for Advanced Endovascular and Structural Heart Therapy and other specialty centers. The concert raised $6 million, including campaign-related contributions.
Event benefactor Victor E. Clarke, an honorary board member of the Baptist Health Foundation, will match all contributions up to $5 million for the capital campaign.
“Baptist Cardiac & Vascular Institute has been ahead of its time for the past 25 years, and this expansion will allow its leadership team to take the Institute to the next level in cardiovascular excellence,” said Brian Keeley, CEO and president of Baptist Health South Florida.
The event’s chairs were Armando and Margarita Codina and James and Susan Carr, and co-chairs were Micky and Madeleine Arison. Honorary chairs were Dr. Barry and Judith Katzen.
West Avenue Cafe was awarded a recognition given by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) as the best restaurant in all Miami Beach in the category Jewish & Kosher.
“Best of Local Business” 2011 is the title of the honored award received by this organization headquartered in New York, program that identifies, encourages and promotes the exceptional work carried out by different companies throughout the country. At the same time, this program emphasizes the merit obtained by the commercial success that manage these businesses, in this case West Avenue Cafe celebrates his great contribution to not only Jewish & Kosher, but also to all the local and foreign audiences warmly received throughout South Florida.
West Avenue Cafe has managed to position itself in just two years, as a different, innovative and sober restaurant with a very eclectic culinary option, a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The USCA 2011 Awards is a program that focuses in qualifying the quality not quantity, West Avenue Cafe emphasize not only on providing a good service, but a different dining experience accompanied by a very pleasant and comfortable atmosphere.
The basic concept of West Avenue Cafe is perfect, a combination of healthy food, to a public that demands a good diet under a fresh and dynamic atmosphere. Original salads with homemade dressings, 9oz burgers, Pastas, the best selection of seafood, Ceviche, Juicy Rib eye steaks and wide variety of chicken such as: Chicken Francaise, Portobello Chicken and Oriental Chicken; all this is accompanied with the best selection of wines, smoothies and juices. It is a culinary success that convinces the taste of the most reluctant client and simultaneously unifies an entire community of locals and international visitors daily at West Avenue Cafe.
West Avenue Cafe and its General Manager Pablo Lucero celebrates this achievement with its public and large staff of professionals, a decent work integrated in a large family of workers that make this restaurant a winner place and seriously committed to the culinary interests of the Jewish and local community.
Multiple sources of information have been gathered and analyzed to choose the winner in each category. West Avenue Cafe obtained the perfect combo: good food, good atmosphere and good service. This is recognition deserved for a restaurant that projects a different proposal in its field Kosher & Jewish, that makes a huge difference with others. West Avenue Cafe located in 959 West Avenue suite 3, Miami Beach, FL. Tel: 305-534-4211.
It’s January and by now most people have made their New Year’s Resolutions. The most popular resolutions are: eating healthier, weight loss, and getting into shape. Alina Nunez from Heal with Angels and Holisitic Health and Wellness Corporation has teamed up with West Avenue Café to present: Healthy & Nutritious Dining. This event will take place on Monday, January 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at West Avenue Cafe. It will encompass a 3 course meal including one drink, a thorough explanation of the nutritional value of the foods, and why these specific foods have been chosen. An explanation of the Kosher process and its importance all for $ 75.00 including taxes and gratuities. Seating is limited, so please rsvp by calling 305-534- 4211 or email dawn@profitproducers.biz.
County Crime Watch Director to Address Palmetto Bay Residents at Free Seminar
The Palmetto Bay Village Voice will host a town hall meeting and seminar on the formation and importance of neighborhood Crime Watch groups in the Village. The event will be held at the Palmetto Bay Village Center, 18001 Old Cutler Road, in the 3rd Floor Palm Room at 7 PM on Thursday, January 19th. There is no charge, and all Palmetto Bay residents are encouraged to attend.
McGruff the Crime Dog - "Take a Bite out of Crime," Palmetto Bay
With recent reports of burglary and property crime on the rise in Palmetto Bay, this should be a topic of great interest to every home and business owner.
The featured speaker is Ms. Carmen Caldwell, the Executive Director of Citizens’ Crime Watch of Miami-Dade County since 2000. Caldwell oversees hundreds of neighborhood crime watch groups, and will address the basics of organizing a neighborhood Citizen’s Crime Watch. After her presentation, Ms. Caldwell will be on hand to answer any questions.
She will be introduced by Miami-Dade Police Commander Greg Truitt, who oversees the policing unit of the Village of Palmetto Bay. Palmetto Bay Village Voice (PBVV) is a non-partisan, objective source for community news. PBVV is a not-for-profit Florida corporation with the specific purpose to increase local government transparency and accountability through education and communication, and to promote active resident participation in the Village.
While at a formal dinner party over the holidays, a good friend approached me wondering if I had noticed something wrong with the table settings. I had not; I had only noticed that the tables were beautifully decorated with a Christmas motif. Yet her question still intrigued me, since we both knew our hostess is a perfectionist who would not stand for “something wrong with the table settings”.
When I asked my friend to expand, she said “we know our hostess pays attention to every little detail, yet she has allowed servers to place the cutlery in the wrong places. Everyone knows that proper etiquette calls for the salad fork to be the first fork to the left, the farthest from the serving plate since it is going to be the first one used, yet in its place they have the fish fork. I also noticed the salad fork is next to the serving plate in the position that belongs to the dinner fork. Something is obviously wrong”.
Her concerns could have been appropriate if our hostess had been adhering to the strict American dining style of a few years back, but today, so many of the rules have changed that even some of the “white glove etiquette school teachers” no longer know what is going on. As we progress to a more relaxed dining atmosphere with the American and European dining styles continuing to merge, more changes to the dining rules of etiquette can be expected as they have over so many years.
Although the Egyptians had rules for behavior over 5,000 years ago, the term etiquette was first used by the French in the 17th century when small signs and labels called “Etiquettes” were placed around the palaces and gardens telling guests what to do. Etiquette is now defined as “the customs or rules governing behavior regarded as correct or acceptable in social or official life”.
The most interesting juxtaposition is that while most people are intimidated by the concept of etiquette, its purpose is to make us feel comfortable. It levels the playing field by letting everyone know the expected behavior. When you know how to behave “appropriately” by adhering to certain socially accepted rules, your level of confidence should increase exponentially. Few things in life could be simpler.
Occasionally, we get confused and disoriented with the execution of the details, such as when we get to the table and forget something as simple as which is our bread plate and drinking glasses. Luckily, there is an easy way for us to recall and answer this frustrating question. If we hold our hands in front of us with the palms facing each other and make a circle or OK sign with our thumbs and forefingers while the remaining 3 fingers in each hand point upwards, we make a “b” and a “d” in the left and right hands respectively. This means that your bread plate is the one to your left and your drinking glasses are to the right no matter how close or far the servers placed them.
Another issue many find confusing and the reason for our conversation on that grand night, was how the table should be set. A lot has changed over the years; yesterday’s rules are not totally applicable today. Formal dinners are not as they used to be, cuisines, flavors and textures have evolved. There are no set patterns as to how dishes should be served other than they should progressively complement each other. The norm is to go from lighter to heavier and the placement of the cutlery from the outside in should reflect it.
These are not necessarily bad changes and our rules of etiquette should reflect them as our hostess demonstrated with one of the best and most elaborate meals we had during the holiday season.
Red-Light Safety Cameras to bring lifesaving benefits to West Park
Red Light Camera Safety Program
Starting in January, 2012 West Park will join the more than 80 other Florida communities currently using red-light safety cameras to enhance road safety. West Park will work with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to deploy cameras at their most dangerous intersections. Florida was the third most deadly state in the nation for red-light running fatalities in 2009. Across the United States, red-light runners killed an average of 885 people and injured 165,000 each year for the past decade. Now, through its road safety camera agreement with American Traffic Solutions, West Park joins more than 500 communities across the nation using this lifesaving program.
“Although some have complaints with regard to red light cameras, I do believe that many lives have been saved because of the added awareness of being fined for running those lights,” said Mayor Eric Jones. “Those who stop when the light is red won’t be affected, only those who violate. It’s cheaper to pay a fine than to pay for a funeral.”
This year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found red-light safety cameras in 14 large U.S. cities saved 159 lives in a five-year period, and determined 815 more lives could have been saved if all 99 large cities had used these cameras.
“This program will free up deputies to focus on other crimes. Our resources are already stretched, any technology that allows us to do more with less is welcomed,” stated Broward County Sheriff’s West Park Chief Nichole Anderson.
For more information on the City’s red light camera safety program, please call 954.989.2688.
RED LIGHT CAMERA ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Example of Red Light Sign
Q: What is a red light running violation?
A: A violation has occurred if, when while facing a steady red traffic signal, your vehicle proceeded into such an intersection without stopping and standing until an indication to proceed was shown or your vehicle made a right hand turn, or a left hand turn from a one-way street onto another one-way street, while facing a steady red signal without first coming to a complete stop and not proceeding until it was safe to do so and yielding right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully in an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
Q: Why install red light cameras?
A: Traffic studies show that red-light running is a problem at many intersections throughout the County. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 20 percent of all drivers do not obey intersection traffic signals. Red light cameras help us to enforce traffic laws by automatically photographing vehicles whose drivers run red lights. The City of West Park is committed to the safety of its community and dedicated to reducing red light violations and their potential for crashes and injuries on our roadways.
Q: How do intersection safety cameras work?
A: First rear image: The “A” shot is captured from the rear approach showing: the scene of the violation including the back of the violating vehicle in front of the violation line; one or more visible red light signals; and a clear image of the license plate of the offending vehicle, all from the single, base image.
Second rear image: The “B” shot is also captured from the rear approach showing: the scene of the violation including the back of the violating vehicle after the rear axle has crossed the stop line and the vehicle has illegally entered the intersection; one or more visible red light signals; and a clear image of the license plate of the offending vehicle, all from the single, base image.
License plate crop: For the court and police department this is the most significant innovation in photo enforcement. The Axsis™ Violation Processing System will create a magnified “crop” of the license plate from one of the images for easy viewing. The cropped license plate close-up is not a separate image, but rather a close-up view of the original violation image. This image can be taken from either of the two images captured.
Q: Where will the red light cameras be located in West Park?
A: Cameras will be installed at the following intersections in the City. Each approach will be clearly marked with signs.
1. Pembroke Road / SH 824 @ SW 40th Avenue
2. W Hallandale Beach Blvd. @ SW 40th Avenue
3. Pembroke Road / SH 824 @ SW 56th Avenue
4. County Line Road / SW 41st Street @ US 441
5. W Hallandale Beach Blvd. @ US 441
6. US 441 @ Pembroke Road / SH 824
7. Hallandale Beach Blvd. @ SW 56th Avenue
8. County Line Road @ SW 56th Avenue
Q: What if the light was yellow?
A: The Automated Safety System only becomes active once the red light is showing. It will not capture a vehicle if the vehicle enters the intersection prior to the light changing to red. If you entered the intersection on yellow, it is legal to clear the intersection if the light turned red while you were still in the intersection.
Q: Why did I receive this Notice of Violation?
A: Based upon images captured by the automated system, your vehicle was determined to have committed a red light violation. As the owner of the vehicle, the Notice of Violation is mailed to you.
Q: What if I am not the driver/owner of the vehicle at the time of the violation?
A: If your vehicle was stolen or sold at the time of violation, or was being test driven by another person, you may submit a sworn statement to that effect to the Court to rebut the presumption, that you were driving the vehicle at the time of the violation. A Declaration Of Non-Liability form may be downloaded from www.ViolationInfo.com or obtained from the Court. The form must be filled out, accurately and in its entirety. The form must be mailed or hand-delivered in-person to the Court prior to the Notice due date before any additional actions can be taken.
If you are a rental car company or you leased your vehicle, send your letter identifying the driver along with a copy of this Notice within 30 days after the date of the Notice of Violation is received to Violation Processing Center, PO Box 22091, Tempe, AZ 85285-2091.
Q: What happens if I ignore the Notice of Violation?
A: Failure to pay the civil penalty or to contest liability prior to the 45th day after receipt
of the notice is an admission of liability, and failure to appear at an administrative
adjudication hearing after having requested a hearing is an admission of liability and
constitutes a waiver of the right to appeal. Failure to pay the civil penalty within 45 days
after receipt of this Notice of Violation shall result in the imposition of a late-payment fee
of $25. If the second notice remains unpaid, collections proceedings and entry of judgment
against you may proceed, and a request will be made to the Florida Division of Motor
Vehicles to place a State hold on the registration renewal of the vehicle.
Q: Will I receive any points on my driving record for this violation?
A: No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to the Florida Division of Motor
Vehicles.
Q: Will my insurance rates be affected?
A: No, this is a civil infraction that is not reported to any insurance agencies.
Q: Is this only a revenue generating program?
A: No. This is a safety program. Red Light Camera Enforcement programs have been
shown to reduce red light violations and intersection crashes. Numerous studies from the
United States and worldwide, as well as the experience of many other cities, indicate
significant decreases in red light running violations and collisions after cameras were
installed. Other intersections not monitored by automated enforcement may also
experience a decrease in violations and accidents as a result of the presence of this
automated enforcement in other areas of the community.
Q: What if I was issued a Notice of Violation from an Officer for the exact same
offense?
A: The Traffic Ticket issued by the officer takes precedent over the Automated Safety
System Notice of Violation. You must appear in court with the traffic ticket and the Notice
of Violation and the Adjudicative Hearing Officer will take the appropriate actions.
At the last city commission meeting Parks and Recreation Board Chair Richard Ward went after Mayor Philip Stoddard for approving a re-election campaign event flyer sponsored by area Democratic party groups.
“Not since 1962 has anyone brought partisan politics into local elections,” said Ward. “If the Democrats or Republicans want to endorse somebody we cannot stop them. What you did was wrong. The ad was paid for and approved by your campaign. You have violated the election laws in Miami-Dade County that are supposed to be non-partisan. You should not have put out this flyer as a fundraiser for your campaign, asking people to attend. If you had not put it that way I would not have nailed your hide to the wall. You should be more consistent and follow the election laws while your buddy on the bike hands out flyers.” Stoddard did not respond to Ward’s comments. Florida Statute Chapter 2011-40 on page 77 reads: “A candidate for nonpartisan office is prohibited from campaigning based on party affiliation.”
Eight is Enough
Commissioner Velma Palmer announced her resignation from office at the last city commission meeting saying eight years is enough and it is time for her to step down to spend more time with the family. “I will always be there to articulate things that have not been said. I will continue to bring my voice to the commission; it will just be in a different way.” Thank you Commissioner Palmer for your service and enjoy the extra free time you will now have to spend with your five grandchildren.
Alein Cadalso (second from right) shares ideas with colleagues at a Red Sunset Merchant Association meeting.
Mall Moves
General Manager of the Shops at Sunset Place Alein Cadalso has been promoted to General Manager at Miami International Mall, congratulations Alein! His leadership will be sorely missed. South Miami Marketing Maven for Community Newspapers Amy Donner said “As far as helping the community he has been the best. Simon Malls has strict rules and budgets and yet he finds a way to help out any way he can. He worked as hard for the merchants on the street as he did for the merchants in his mall.” Cadalso will be managing both malls until a replacement for Shops at Sunset Place is hired.
Upcoming Local Events
Martin Luther King Jr Black History Month events are coming up soon. On Saturday January 21 the Gibson-Bethel Community Center will host a prayer breakfast at 11am. The next day, Sunday, will be a “Gospel Explosion” at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. TheKick-Off Celebration for the MLK Jr Parade is Friday January 27 from 6 to 9pm at the community center. Parade line up will start at 8:30am on Saturday January 28 on SW 71 Street and 59 Place (Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard) and end at 5800 SW 66 Street. Parade times are from 10am to 5pm. For more information contact MLK Jr Committee Chair Brock Chester at 786-227-2590.
The Edward Beiner Purveyor of Fine Eyewear Group invites all to join them for a trunk show at their South Miami flagship boutique on Saturday January 21from 11am to 4pm. “Come experience the brand that architecture gurus, design enthusiasts and Danish royalty cannot stop talking about,” said The Beiner Group. For more information or to RSVP call 305-661-1205.
Kemy Joseph of the not for profit organization “U R Awesome” whose mission it is to spread positivity and kindness in the world will be speaking at the University of Miami regarding his “awesomeness world tour” at the University Center International Lounge (I Lounge) on January 18 at 7pm. Call 305-707-7344 for more information.
To Annex or Not to Annex
Is the City of Pleasant Living trying to expand? It seems that some commissioners would like to fill gaps around the borders and fill some spots that make sense, like the “donut holes” that exist in a few areas around town. But somehow the present city manager brought forth the idea to even out the city by nearly doubling the population and going out to the Palmetto Expressway from Sunset Drive north to Bird Road. Hmm…. an expansion to perhaps match the personality of the manager? The commission did speak up to say slow down there Bronco however it may have fallen on deaf ears. I hear the city manager wants to continue on his cantering way, determined to put together an expansion plan that will be a real eye opener.
Farewell Alex
Studio LX Boutique owner Alex Abril passed away in December after a long battle with cancer. Alex was an accomplished local merchant and past president of the Red Sunset Merchants Association.
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.” -Kahlil Gibran
On December 9, 2011, West Park’s very own Patrick White received a letter of commendation for outstanding performance of duty while assigned to Coast Guard State Cape Cod Canal in Sandwich, Massachusetts. During this time, he was an integral part of the Deck Department and an invaluable assistant to the Executive Petty Officer. He was instrumental in the training of his fellow shipmates, specifically two Coast Guard Academy cadets.
His professionalism and maturity were also lauded following a tour that he provided to a Flotilla 6-4 member and their family. White also sought out additional responsibilities by assisting the XPO for a two-week period, reestablished the unit’s Personnel Security Program and built 45 active and reserve security files which led to a near perfect examination. Like he did here in West Park, White selflessly dedicated his time to give back to the community, volunteering as an assistant baseball coach at a local high school.
White’s dedication to the crew and to the unit’s many missions illustrated fine character thus emulating exemplary core values of honor, respect and devotion to duty.
Because of this meritorious service, it is with extreme pleasure that I ask all of West Park to join me in congratulating our very own SN Patrick S. White of the United States Coast Guard on receiving the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation Ribbon Bar! If you know of more “good news coming from West Park”, please send it to me. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 889-4164 or via email at: fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
I am proud to announce that the Village of Pinecrest recently has been awarded the highest ranking in South Florida for quality of life by The South Florida Business Journal. Our residents already know about the high quality of life enjoyed in the Village, but it is nice to be publicly recognized.
Our Village economy remains relatively strong, educational offerings are among the best, and public and private services available to residents are top drawer. The Village Council and staff are open and responsive to our residents and we labor to make the Village a great place to live. A strong citizen and business participation in our community and government, and our Village based charity foundations also contribute to our quality of life.
The Village now enjoys an active Community Center, with programming for young and old, a library, parks and recreational facilities with programming, and sports programs and leagues. Our Pinecrest Gardens, which recently was designated by the National Park Service to the National Register of Historic Places, continues to be responsibly improved, offering a uniquely beautiful venue for personal relaxation and events. The Gardens has its own programming in horticulture, art and music. Those of us who have had an opportunity to attend a musical performance at the Banyan Bowl in the Gardens know just how wonderful the experience can be. If you have a chance, check it out!
Our vibrant community offers much more not mentioned here, so I urge you to visit our Village website for more information at <www.pinecrest-fl.gov>.
The new rankings come from a study of 1,146 cities, towns, villages, municipalities and unincorporated communities with populations greater than 10,000 in 13 southern states. The study looked for well-rounded areas with healthy economies, light traffic, moderate costs of living, impressive housing and strong educational systems by using a 20 part formula to rate each community’s quality of life. Other areas of South Florida in the top 10 “places to live” are Key Biscayne, Parkland, Coral Gables, and Weston.
Pinecrest was ranked second statewide by about one percentage point behind Central Florida’s Lake Butler. Pinecrest would have been number one, but, after all, Lake Butler has its own lake! Our Village was ranked 20th in the quality-of-life standings for all the southern United States.
The South Florida Business Journal’s publication of Pinecrest‘s quality of life ranking comes as no surprise to most Village residents. Nevertheless, such a lofty position is the result of the hard work and contribution of many, for many years. Quality of life will always be a work in progress, so we must all continue to seek the best for our community. In the meantime, it is okay to also enjoy the fruits of our success.
I will continue to do my best to keep you informed on Village of Pinecrest issues. Stay tuned. If you would like to be updated by email on any Pinecrest issue or have a question, please email me at JCutler@pinecrest-fl.gov.
Palmetto Bay’s elected officials need to understand that it is their duty to keep all residents informed on village-wide concerns. I previously covered the Jennings Rule (Palmetto Bay News, April 18 – May 2). The Jennings rule is limited to one specific circumstance: it prohibits private communication on pending zoning issues with officials outside of the public hearing.
In Palmetto Bay, you only need to say one word, “Palmer” and everyone stiffens for the controversy. However, as unpleasant as this discussion may be, it is time for a public discussion of the lawsuits to correct any misunderstandings circulating in public. Specifically, residents should be aware of the amount of money being spent on litigation and the scope of the issues actually being appealed, the expected results of continued court proceedings.
Founding Councilman Ed Feller and I addressed the council at the January meeting. We laid out a reasonable request to bring transparency to the process and have residents brought up to date on the status of the Palmer issue. Unbiased courts have ruled against Palmetto Bay on far too many occasions, most recently in February 2011 and then again in December, 2011. We asked for the court decisions be put on the village web site. Some opinions are 15 pages long and contain outstanding synopsis of the status of the cases, so anyone reading these decisions would better understand the status of the cases. Too few know how to access these decisions, which is why they should be posted on the web site. I was quite shocked at the statements of Mayor Stanczyk and Vice Mayor Pariser made after I left the meeting which made it clear that they either did not understand the context or intent of my statements or simply want you to believe that they cannot discuss Palmer. As an attorney, I know what is permitted by the law and legal ethics. Obviously I don’t want to discuss what was said at mediation. There is no transcript or record kept anyway, but it is important to disclose that many attempts have been made to mediate. There were no questions for clarification from either the mayor or vice mayor after I spoke and I left prior to their comments which they saved for the end of the meeting.
The council meets with the manager and attorneys in private to discuss legal strategy in what is known as “shade sessions.” These sessions are limited to cases pending in court. A court reporter is present who takes down a verbatim record of all discussions and all actions taken during the session. Obviously, council members would not want to make their strategies public until litigation is completed. For this reason, the discussions and details are protected by attorney / client privilege to a limited point; the transcripts are available for public viewing once the law suit is over. Of course, it can be argued that this creates an incentive to keep litigation pending. An elected official up for reelection may make irrational decisions on continuing the lawsuit solely to push back release of transcripts past election, or at least past qualification time, keeping irrational and unsound theories hidden from the voters for as long as possible.
Let’s get one thing straight; case status and expectations are not privileged strategy and should be discussed with the people who are funding it, meaning the taxpayers. Elected officials cannot stonewall a public discussion on Palmer by claiming “attorney/client privilege.” You also cannot take public information; transfer it to an attorney and now claim that the same information is now protected. That is disingenuous. People want to know what is really going on and they have the right to know. The lawsuits involve the whole of Palmetto Bay against Palmer, not Palmetto Bay Council versus Palmer. Unfortunately, I believe that the current Mayor and Vice Mayor have forgotten whom they represent and havemade this litigation against Palmer far too personal.
It is ridiculous to say that anyone asking for a public explanation on Palmer is asking the council, as Mayor Stanczyk claimed, to ‘break the law’ or that it would ‘put the village at risk’ as reported in the Miami Herald: Palmetto Bay to appeal court decision on school expansion, published 1/12/2012. Excuses and failure to discuss, I believe, are transparent maneuvers designed to frustrate the public’s understanding of Palmer. The public should be treated as the clients and not, in my opinion, as irrelevant subjects or pawns in this expensive and never ending litigation
Vice Mayor Pariser is a lawyer. I am sure he has been able to discuss a case without waiving privileged materials, otherwise how can he advocate the issue before a judge, or speak to the press? Likewise, he needs to keep residents informed about the progress of Palmer. He should discharge his duty as vice mayor as he would as their lawyer as defined by the Rules of Professional Conduct. These rules provide that lawyers should maintain communication with clients concerning the representation. And yes, the rules provide that a lawyer should keep in confidence information relating to representation of a client except so far as disclosure is required or permitted by the Rules or by law.
The goals pronounced by these Rules are especially important to the Palmer lawsuit. I hear far too many people attacking the court for the rulings. The Vice Mayor, especially, should see that the misinformation has potential for eroding public confidence in the courts and believe me, that is not where the problems lie in this case. These same Florida Bar rules providethat “…a lawyer should further the public’s understanding of and confidence in the rule of law and the justice system, because legal institutions in a constitutional democracy depend on popular participation and support to maintain their authority.”
The village is being put at risk, not through potential public discussions, but by the decisions made by the present Mayor and Vice Mayor. I believe the risk they are truly referring to is the risk to their own political careers if the present council ever really became transparent in this Palmer litigation.
Eugene Flinn is the founding Mayor of Palmetto Bay, having served from 2002 until term limited in 2010. Are you receiving the periodic e-newsletter featuring Eugene Flinn’s South Dade Updates? These e-news provide updates on activities, events and issues affecting our area. Visit Eugene Flinn’s blog at http://www.eugeneflinn.blogspot.com or e-mail him at EugeneFlinn@aol.com.
The 7th Annual “Taste of the Garden” a magical outdoor dining experience, will be held on Thursday, January 26, 2012 from 6:30 to 9PM at the newly renovated Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive. The event will showcase 20 of South Florida’s premiere chefs and restaurants presenting their signature dishes.
Tickets, priced at $75 per person in advance and $90 after January 20, include fine wines, live entertainment, and complimentary valet parking. A silent auction offers a fabulous selection of spa and pampering packages, a private air flight, hotel and travel adventures, consultation and services, and restaurant dining certificates. Tickets can be purchased online at www.mbgarden.org or telephone 305-673- 7256 ext 206.
Among the participating restaurants are Essensia in the Palms Hotel, Mercadito, the Café at Books & Books Lincoln Road, Grazie, Shula’s Steak House at the Alexander Hotel, Shake Shack, and Sushi Samba.
Limited to 320 guests, this exclusive Garden soiree raises funds for the Miami Beach Botanical Garden to preserve its urban greenspace, offer free admission, present arts and education programming, and support the Miami Beach Garden Club’s environmental education mission.
The annual Blue and White intra-squad scrimmage between the varsity, junior varsity and under-16 players will take place at Coral Reef Park, Palmetto’s home field, on Feb. 3 at 11a.m.
