As you may recall reading in my previous column there was a real live “whodunit” drama unfolding at the last commission meeting in August. South Miami activist Denise Covington came forward during Public Remarks and accused someone on the dais of giving her a police officer’s personal records which as you can well imagine is a no-no.
Several non-lawyer cronies say that doling out personal records, especially a police officer’s files that may have been expunged or sealed, might certainly get the attention of the State Attorney’s Office and/or the County Ethics Commission. Rumor has it there has been a lot of finger pointing – in all directions – that the “someone up there” as Denise put it, is actually the “one who dunnit.” Should be interesting to see how this one plays out.
The brouhaha over the now proposed selling of South Miami Park to developers is reaching a fever pitch as many in the David Fairchild Elementary area , which is next to the park, are running around trying to do something about this latest proposed sell out. The park, located at 4300 SW 58 Ave., is often referred to as the old YMCA property and actually really never turned into the park as proposed eight years ago during former Mayor Horace Feliu’s administration. The story is that Feliu’s plan included both football and soccer fields along with a jogging track around the perimeter.
Some good folks in South Miami tell us that they are exhausted dealing with city hall and all the stories and rumors that keep us at the newspaper, chuckling and smiling as we gleefully share what we know with the citizens of the City of Pleasant Living.
Anyhow, speaking of mixed messages, the future of the much-maligned Madison Square project proposed for SW 64 St. is about as clear as Donald Trump’s position on mass deportation. One day it’s “YES” and the next day “NO…” well folks, which one is it? And so it is with Madison Square, in the heart of the most economically depressed part of South Miami. Come on guys at city hall, get off your butts and get it done already. Take a position — the right decision — and stick with it.
In another development, it appears a new pharmacy is coming to South Miami. My real-estate sources tell me that a well known retailer mat be looking for a place to build a smaller store, maybe 6,000 to 8,500 sq.ft. The really good news is it may be in the proximity of city hall, perhaps even north of Sunset Drive. That would go nicely with the senior center right there on Sunset, which will be ready for occupancy before too long.
Over at CasaCuba Restaurant, I ran into Al Lorenzo, the political public-relations guy, as well as Police Chief Rene Landa and a posse of officer “friendlies.” And let’s see who else was spotted there, in the house recently: Dr Jorge Blanco, Obdulio Piedra, and David Singer, who is running for Palmetto Bay Village Council District 2… and son of a gun, Councilmen Tim Schaffer was there as well. Coincidently, David is running for the seat currently occupied by Tim. And NO, they were not sitting together.
On the topic of Casas, when’s the last time you visited the stunning old house with a whimsical name. The Barnacle in Coconut Grove is just a quick drive from South Miami and features the original 1891 home of Miami pioneer Ralph Middleton Munroe. But the historic state park also features a whole sloop (pun intended) of attractions such as replicas of two sailboats he designed, and a boatload of monthly events, too. Get free admission, lunch, and a tour of the home on National Public Lands Day, Sept. 24 (9 a.m. – noon) – just by kicking in with a coastal cleanup and landscape beautification. Pre-register by calling 305-442-6866 for details. The Barnacle is at 3485 Main Highway.
And from our neighbors to the south
Yum! We hear that the Village of Palmetto Bay will be hosting the first “Taste of Palmetto Bay” event at Village Hall On Saturday, Oct. 1 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Planners tell us that the “Taste of Palmetto Bay” will provide a glimpse into Palmetto Bay’s potential downtown, giving guests the opportunity to savor new foods, enjoy music and explore new works of art in the company of friends and neighbors, within an environment simulating a typical downtown Main Street.
The idea is to expose the community to the benefits of a walkable-livable downtown and share information about the future plan. With the Downtown Redevelopment Task Force, Palmetto Bay has initiated the planning of its future downtown to create a live, work, play downtown area in the village, with restaurants, retail, office and residential developments.
Village staff organizing the event also hope that more interested restaurant owners will join those taking part in the “Taste of Palmetto Bay” as a way of introducing their food and restaurants to potential new customers to increase their exposure and customer base in this area. Participating restaurants will be acknowledged in all marketing materials for the event and showcased in future editions of its e-news, which currently circulates to more than 1,500 subscribers. To obtain the registration form, please email <events@palmettobay-fl.gov> and return it to staff no later than Tuesday, Sept. 20. The completed form and documents may be sent via fax to 305-259-1290 or via email to <events@palmettobay-fl.gov>. Sounds like a great, fun event! Who doesn’t like to eat?
“Super Fair…” HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami will host a Super Community Fair in Cutler Bay on Saturday September 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Billed as a great event for the whole family, the fair will feature healthy activities like chair massages, magnet therapy for weight loss; kids activities such as superhero appearances, bounce house, face painting, arts & crafts workshops, popcorn and cotton candy; screenings for glucose, cholesterol, bone density, balance, blood pressure and fat analysis; informational booths, demonstrations and more. There’ll be live music and local school performances, food trucks, raffles and many giveaways. The fair will take place at 20601 Old Cutler Road. Got questions? Call 305-259-6494.
Construction Delay… We’re told that construction for the entrance to Palmer Trinity School located on SW 184 Street has been delayed and it will not be in use until January 2017. In the meantime, everyone is advised to continue using the entrance on SW 176 Street.
Private screening of documentary film “Gleason” to benefit Miami’s ALS recovery fund. We’re told that the Miami-based ALS Recovery Fund will have a private screening of Gleason, the inspirational documentary chronicling the life of Steve Gleason, a former NFL star who was diagnosed with ALS at age 34 and given a life expectancy of two to five years. Weeks later, Gleason found out his wife, Michel, was expecting their first child. A video journal that began as a gift for his unborn son expanded to chronicle Steve’s determination to get his relationships in order, build a foundation to provide other ALS patients with purpose, and adapt to his declining physical condition. Proceeds benefit the ALS Recovery Fund, a charitable 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization built on volunteers who are committed to creating public awareness, promoting research and education, and raising funds for patient care and research in order to find a cure for this life threatening disease. It’s at the AMC Sunset Place 24, 5701 Sunset Drive, on Tuesday, September 27, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door. Limited seating.
