During the next few weeks, village residents may be surprised to come across some Palmetto Bay signs reading “Dolphin Crossing.”
Don’t be alarmed, as there are no real dolphins on the streets — unless of course you spot the mascot of Coral Reef Elementary School. On Apr. 12, the Palmetto Bay Village Council approved a co-designation of the portion of SW 152nd Street that lies in front of the school in honor of the “Home of the Dolphins” and the school’s reputation for excellence.
In addition, street signs along a portion of SW 168th Street (from Old Cutler Road east to SW 72nd Avenue) will be co-designated as Deering Estate Way in recognition of the historic landmark. Officials at the Deering Estate at Cutler were thrilled with the move, as it literally puts the name of this local attraction in the visible pathway of thousands of daily commuters along Old Cutler, many of whom are unaware of the estate’s location.
In other street-related news, the village council unanimously voted to name the traffic circle at SW 160th Street and SW 82nd Avenue after Paul Neidhart, Palmetto Bay’s first elected village official and former two-term councilmember, in recognition of his significant contributions to roadway and traffic improvements within the village. Other actions at the meeting included:
• Contract approved with Edward Reese Holdings Inc. to provide concession facilities at village parks for at least three years;
• Thalatta Park Improvement Fund to be established to designate revenues received from Thalatta Park rental income (derived from weddings and other social functions) for the renovation of the park’s main house;
• Overall project budget approved on the Palmetto Bay Village Hall and Municipal Complex (to provide for remaining items such as landscaping, furnishings, etc.);
• Village Council approved a resolution urging Florida Gov. Charlie Crist to veto Senate Bill 6, which affects public school teachers’ salaries;
• The village acted to partner with the neighboring municipalities of Pinecrest and Cutler Bay to support the Seventh Annual Community Fireworks Display at Black Point Park on Independence Day.
