Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has incorporated a new tobacco-free policy at over 40 park locations and near all playgrounds and youth ball fields.
The new policy ensures a healthy environment for people participating in sports and other recreational activities within a park setting where they are not exposed to toxic secondhand smoke.
The policy formalizes a practice already in place by youth leagues, prohibiting smoking around the playing fields so young athletes can perform in a healthy, safe environment. The new policy extends the ban beyond youth ball fields and includes tobacco-free zones at all community parks where children participate in the department’s Fit-to- Play after-school program and at all playgrounds in all county parks.
“In addition to reducing second-hand smoke exposure, tobacco-free policies encourage young people to make healthy choices,” said Jack Kardys, director of Miami-Dade Parks. “The more tobaccofree environments a community provides, the fewer opportunities for youth to start using tobacco.”
There also are environmental benefits for instituting a tobacco-free policy. Litter caused by discarded cigarette butts diminishes the beauty of park facilities and cause additional maintenance expenses. Cigarette butts are not biodegradable.
Tobacco-free parks include: African Heritage, Arcola, Arcola Lakes, Bird Lakes, Cinco de Mayo Park, Colonial Drive, Continental, Country Village, Deerwood, Devon Aire, Eureka, Eureka Villas, Goulds, Gwen Cherry (YET), Hammocks, Highland Oaks, Jefferson Reaves, Kendale Lakes, Leisure Lakes Park, Little River, Martin Luther King, McMillian, Miller’s Pond, Modello, Naranja Park, Norman & Jean Reach, North Glade, North Trail, Oak Grove, Ojus, Olinda, Ron Ehmann, Ruben Dario, Sgt. Delancy, Soar, South Dade, Southridge, Tropical Estates, West Little River, West Perrine, Westwind Lakes, and Wildlime.
Coral Gables residents can watch select UM women’s basketball games for free.
Free tickets, this time for upcoming Canes Women’s Basketball games, are being made available to Coral Gables residents, courtesy of a 20-year Development Agreement between the city and the University of Miami.
Residents of Coral Gables can receive up to four free tickets per household for the following women’s basketball games:
Sunday, Feb. 5, 2 p.m. — University of Miami vs. Clemson. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Friday, Jan. 27, at 8 a.m.
Sunday, Feb. 19, 3:30 p.m. — University of Miami vs. Florida State. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 8 a.m.
Sunday, Feb. 26, 1 p.m. — University of Miami vs. Boston College. Only 250 tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning Friday, Feb. 17, at 8 a.m.
The games will be played at the BankUnited Center on the University of Miami campus. Tickets will be distributed in person at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Dr., no earlier than the designated distribution date. Residents must show proof of residential address. Tickets are limited to four per household.
For additional information, contact the City of Coral Gables Parks and Recreation Division at 305-460-5600.
The long dormant Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key soon may be given a new lease on life, thanks to the efforts of a group of concerned and very active citizens.
Marine Stadium on Virginia Key is a striking Miami landmark.
The City of Miami closed the stadium after Hurricane Andrew swept across south Miami-Dade County in 1992, although the storm did little damage to the concrete structure. It has lay unused and neglected for almost two decades, open to vandals, thieves and graffiti. Now, the not-for-profit Friends of Miami Marine Stadium (FMMS) is set to offer a plan to restore the bayside facility and operate it independently as an entertainment venue, at no cost to the city.
“We are the first group to come along with a serious proposal to restore and operate the stadium,” said Donald Worth, cofounder of FMMS. “The Orange Bowl, Bobby Maduro (Miami) Stadium and Miami Arena all were demolished and lost because no one could come up with a feasible plan to restore, operate and maintain those facilities.”
Worth said his organization will restore and operate the stadium without receiving any funding from the city. He explained that the estimated $30 million restoration cost will be funded through the sale of historic tax credits, a $3 million grant from a county historic preservation bond fund and a capital campaign.
“The Miami Marine Stadium will be an asset to all of South Florida and an economic generator capable of hosting one-of-akind events,” he said. “Visitors and Miami residents alike will once again have access to one of the best outdoor entertainment venues in the United States.”
The FMMS was formed in January 2008 under the umbrella of the Dade Heritage Trust. It recently incorporated as a standalone non-profit entity with an impressive six-member board of directors that includes Hilario Candela, co-founder of the group and the original architect for the stadium; Jorge Hernandez, University of Miami professor of architecture and vice chair of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Charles Urstadt, real estate veteran and chair of the Miami Design Preservation League; Jose Mendana Jr., a CPAand champion boat racer, and Worth, a retired businessman and champion of a variety of local preservation issues.
The Marine Stadium has a colorful history. Candela was a 28-year-old Cuban with a degree from Georgia Tech when he was commissioned to design the Marine Stadium in the early 1960s. The 6,500-seat grandstand and adjoining basin were built and dredged in 1963 at a cost of $2 million. The iconic stadium was an instant landmark and the basin became a paradise for powerboat racers and fans alike. The stadium’s origami- like folded plate roof was then the largest span of cantilevered concrete in the world.
During its years of operation from 1963 to 1992, the Marine Stadium was a popular venue and hosted many events, including powerboat races, symphonies and rock concerts, Easter sunrise services, presidential appearances, talk shows and countless community events.
Performers played on a floating stage anchored just a few feet from the grandstand and oftentimes hundreds of boats would surround the stage, creating a unique entertainment environment. The roster of stars that appeared at the stadium included Jimmy Buffett, The Who, Ray Charles, America, Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops, and many others.
Over the years, a great deal of work has been done to save the stadium from the wrecker’s ball. In October 2008, the Marine Stadium was designated historic by the Miami Historic Preservation Board. Then, in July 2010, the city’s Master Plan for Virginia Key was approved with the Marine Stadium designated as a key component. At the same time, Mayor Tomas Regalado made restoring the stadium a key priority of his administration.
Meanwhile, the plight of the stadium generated national interest and it was named to the “11 Most Endangered List” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (2009) and placed on the “Watch List” by the World Monuments Fund (2010). Jimmy Buffett also made a video endorsing preservation of the stadium and the Miami Herald printed six editorials supporting restoration. The next step is approval of the FMMS plan by the Miami City Commission.
Then follow the journey of our US Armed Forces “wounded warriors…” those severely injured in the war on terror as they rode their specially-adapted equipment to cycle from Aventura to Key West. Dubbed the “Soldier Ride,” this year’s group of 30 men and women were riding their bikes to raise public awareness and funds for the Wounded Warrior Project services and programs.
The Wounded Warrior Project began when several individuals took small, inspired actions to help others in need. One night while watching the evening news, veterans and brothers were moved by stories of the first wounded service members returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. Their goal was to provide tangible support for the severely wounded, helping them on the road to physical and mental health.
The Soldier Ride was created to provide rehabilitative cycling events for severely injured service members. For many of these combat-wounded veterans, the program offers a way to return to an active lifestyle. The program also offers wounded warriors a chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, “I can still do this.’’
For the fifth consecutive year, one of Turnberry Associates’ flagship properties, the Residence Inn by Marriott at the Aventura Mall, hosted the group while the Aventura Marketing Council rallied community leaders to welcome them and wish them well on their journey.
Aventura Mayor Susan Gottlieb and Vice Mayor Billy Joel were there to extend the city’s best wishes and to recognize these American heroes for their service to our country. And students from the city’s school, ACES (Aventura City of Excellence Schools), were there with school team leaders, distributing homemade cookies and sweets while Ojus leaders brought in goody bags for each and every rider, filled with water and snacks as did Aventura Marketing Council members.
Greg Presnol, General Manager for the Residence Inn noted, “On behalf of the Residence Inn by Marriott – Aventura Mall, it was once again our honor and pleasure to host the Wounded Warriors for the fifth straight year. We proudly support this annual event and greatly appreciate the servicemen and women of our US military who protect this country and our freedoms. It is our pleasure to give back by supporting this event each year for those veterans who have served the country on our behalf.”
Front Desk Manager Michelle Belton added, “Residence Inn’s support of our Wounded Veterans is part of Turnberry’s continued commitment to serving our community, and these soldiers have a very special place in our hearts.”
For more information about supporting the Wounded Warrior Project, visit woundedwarriorproject.org. For more information about Turnberry
Just when you thought you had the latest gizmo or gadget, they come out with an upgrade! It’s hard to keep up with innovations and revelations like these:
High Speed Access: Just when you were getting used to the traffic on Ives Dairy leading to Biscayne, another right turn lane was added…Now all you have to do is get used to waiting a little longer to go north.
My-Pad: Just when you though skyping on your i-Pad was the greatest way to communicate, you realize it’s even cooler to have real face time with your significant other in the pad you share.
Why-Fi? Just when you were wondering why the Aventura Mall would offer free Wi-Fi, you find out the great new marketing strategy is getting everyone who’s not in a store to shop on-line.
High-Def: Just when you thought your new TV was picture perfect, you take a look at all the lush landscaping, golf course greenery and sparkling waterways around town and realize Aventura high-rises “def” have the most spectacular views!
Face-lift Book: Just when you thought you had the latest, greatest injectables, you find out there’s a new one that can make you look as young as your kids – only problem is you won’t be able to go to the mall anymore during curfew hours for minors.
Thin is In: Just when you thought there was no way you could keep your New Year’s resolution to lose weight, diet centers in Aventura are contemplating a winning incentive: “Lose at least 10 pounds and we’ll give you the thinnest new computer or phone!”
Bagel Blog: Just when you thought the bagel market was cornered, you read a blog about a new bagel place that just opened – proving Aventura doesn’t have Mo-nopolies and free enterprise really Works!
4G Redefined: Just when you thought 4G was as good as it gets, Aventura redefined 4G to stand for the city that’s “Gorgeous, Glamorous, Gifted and the Greatest!”
A balloon is a bonus in your life. It was probably given to you, the first time, when you were very young, as a reward or as something to delight you. A balloon brings joy. It is beautiful and fascinating to behold. It gives pleasure.
The first lesson you learn about a balloon is that you have to be responsible and hold on to it. If you let go, it will float away never to return to you. Frequently, a child will cry the first time they let go. They will experience some remorse and sadness. Hopefully, they make the mental connection that something beautiful and joyful needs to be appreciated and cherished.
Relationships can be like balloons. You have to hold on to them. As much as it hurts you to let go, it also hurts when someone else lets you go. It hurts to be let go of as a partner, spouse, friend or employee. It hurts when infidelity, divorce, and the loss of a job occurs. It hurts when someone moves away and lets you go. It is painful and disappointing when you move away and those left behind do not hold on to you or your relationship.
It is normal to wonder; “Why didn’t they hold on to me?” “How could they let me go out of their life so easily?” I thought I brought them joy just like the balloons. I thought I brought them something unique and special. I thought I was important to them.
It is normal to be confused and to grieve. Try to accept it even if you do not understand it. No matter what, do not blame yourself. Do not feel undesirable. Remind yourself that some things are not meant to last forever.
If you are fortunate to have many beautiful relationships and balloons in your life make an extra effort to keep them. Tie them down so they don’t get away. Anchor them in your heart.
Patricia Frank is a Licensed Psychotherapist. She can be reached at 305-788-4864.
When Josh Liebman was very young he volunteered at the South Miami based Youth Museum in the former Bakery Center at the behest of his parents. He considers this civic work at an early age part of the formative experiences that launched his community involvement. Liebman has declared his candidacy for Brian Beasley’s city commission seat.Beasley will not run for reelection.
“I have always been involved in the community but never had any aspirations to run for office, until now. I am a neighborhood guy with real world experience. I decided to get involved myself to try and make an impact,” said Liebman.
Although Liebman makes a living as a realtor he is also an entrepreneur and inventor who has traveled the globe running marathons.
“My first marathon was a life-changing experience. I was asked to train with a friend and it was for a good cause. It was a great combination of community involvement and athleticism.”
Today Liebman serves as the coordinator for Team Footworks’ half marathon training pro-gram. It is the second largest in the county with over 800 participants. He has been head coach for “Team and Training” (an arm of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that trains athletes to prepare for cancer fundraising races) for 10 seasons of eight month duration each.
“I have coached over 10,000 novice runners to help them stay engaged in the sport. It is a way to impact others in a positive way.We raise money for a good cause and as a ‘Pace Leader’ I run slowly with the beginners, holding a sign while coaching them through the race to help maintain their pace and motivation.”
Mega-marathoner Liebman believes that running can change lives. So much so that he has begun a “Running ForYou” initiative seeking private funding for a track in the community redevelopment agency area (CRA) to encourage residents and especially youth to run to stay fit and focused. He is also working on a “Vote SoMi” project to increase voter turn-out on election day by partnering with area businesses who will offer special incentives to voters who show their “IVoted” sticker when they stop by their business.
“It is a nonpartisan grassroots effort to get residents out to vote and also engage local businesses. Voters can visit participating merchants to receive complimentary gifts like running socks, a slice of pizza, frozen yogurt and so forth just for voting. It is something I plan to do every two years,” said Liebman.
This University of Florida graduate with a master’s in business administration rattles off ideas as if he were reading a shopping list for groceries. In addition to a community running track and voter participation incentives, Liebman would like to see residents who take the time to speak during citizen comment at meetings publicly thanked for their time and immediate direction offered on how their concerns may be addressed.
Liebman also wants the entire city website revamped for clarity and easier access to important documents. Improved signage within city limits to help guide residents and visitors alike is another aim. He would also like to see strides made to encourage qualified candidates to run for office as well as efforts to improve representation to reflect the entire make up of South Miami. Increasing cultural events like Art Night is another goal with possible events like theatre in the park or frequent concerts at local churches.
“Community is about bringing people together and the greatest sense of community in South Florida is right here in South Miami. There is a certain dynamic here that makes our city the most neighborly. But when practically the entire sitting commission lives just a few blocks from each other how is that representative government? I am passionate about my hometown and I am not in this campaign to be passive but to make a difference in my community.”
The New Year will always bring promises of great things to come. New adventures, new opportunities, a fresh start! At the Gardens, we are hoping for all that and more, and the last two weeks in January offer up everything from great jazz to Shakespeare to a sumptuous brunch.
JAZZ AT PINECREST GARDENS
Rose Max and Ramatis
Saturday, Jan. 28, 8 p.m.
Join us in welcoming back Brazilian vocalist Rose Max, accompanied by her husband and renowned jazz guitarist, Ramatis. Spend some quality time with the “Girl from Ipanema” in an unforgettable evening of smooth and sultry Bossa Nova and the provocative beat of Samba. This dynamic duo and their backup group have delighted South Floridians since arriving from Rio de Janeiro in 1993. To quote the Miami Herald: “Rose always takes the audience on a trip to the beaches, streets and bars of Rio without ever leaving the room.” Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for cocktails and tapas by Thierry. For tickets call 877-496-8499 or visit <www.pinecrestgardens.org>.
SHAKESPEARE MIAMI
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Jan. 19 (VIP Preview), 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 22, at 4 p.m.
You’ve got to believe that Shakespeare conceived A Midsummer Night’s Dream to be staged in the Banyan Bowl amongst the natural backdrop of our magnificent Gardens’ greenery. Don’t miss one of Miami’s premiere theater companies performing Shakespeare’s best-known and most beloved comedy. Visit our admissions booth well in advance of performance day because these tickets are already in high demand, and there are only 500 seats available for each performance. Seating is “first-come, first-served” and all seats are available for a $5 handling charge only. Tapas, cocktails and other refreshments are provided by Thierry and served before curtain and during intermission.
FROM THE GROUND UP — A GARDEN RE-IMAGINED
Gardens Gallery, Hibiscus Room
Basic Bonsai Techniques is the topic of our upcoming lecture featuring Glenn Hilton, manager of Miami Tropical Bonsai. He will speak on the basics of Bonsai care, while revealing some of the history and exquisite, refined art of these miniature trees. The program is on Jan. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hibiscus Room, followed by the general meeting of the Miami Bonsai Society. You are invited to stay after the program to speak with experts in the field, see some great Bonsai and get a feel for the passion these members have for their craft. This lecture is free to the public.
FAMILY FRIDAY AT THE GARDENS
Movie and Flashlight Tour
Friday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m.
It’s family night at the Garden! Leave the multiplexes behind and enjoy DreamWorks Animated hit Kung Fu Panda at our full-amenities theatre in the Banyan Bowl. Come early and bring a flashlight along with your sense of adventure because the evening starts at 7 p.m. with a Flashlight Tour through the Gardens. The film begins at 8 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. where hot dogs and popcorn and other tasty refreshments will be available. General admission is $5 and includes the tour and film.
SUNDAY BRUNCH ON LAKEVIEW TERRACE
Sunday, Jan. 22, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
You’ve been asking for it and now brunch at the Gardens is back, and better than ever. This is one amazing Sunday brunch that offers a departure from the ordinary. It’s an extraordinary culinary experience enhanced by endless mimosas and a sumptuous view of Swan Lake from Lakeview Terrace. Priced at $45 all-inclusive (tax, tip, mimosas and Gardens admission), it’s a pleasure to relax and enjoy a true Gardens culinary experience. Call 305-669-6990 for reservations Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Seating is limited for this once-a-month event, so make your reservations today. Check out the menu at pinecrestgardens.org.
FOOD TRUCK INVASION AT THE GARDENS
Saturday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Indulge your appetite for Food Truck Fare at the Gardens’ Food Truck Invasion. You’ll choose from 15 of South Florida’s very best food trucks on premise in our parking lot. We recommend taking your delicious meals and enjoying them inside the Gardens at one of our many comfortable, shaded picnic table areas. You’ll find that the view and comfort is worth the small price of admission.
If you can’t get enough of paradise in your own backyard, then become a member today and enjoy unlimited visits and the special amenities that a membership offers. If you are already a member of the Pinecrest Community Center, most Gardens membership levels are available with a 25 percent discount. Call 305-669-6990 for membership details.
Wrapping up SoBay Festival of the Arts on Sunday, Feb. 26, is the “South Florida One-Minute Play Festival” featuring local playwrights and actors in short-form performances, each less than 60 seconds.
A romantic moonlit Valentine’s Day concert begins a two-week celebration of literary, visual and performance art at the Deering Estate at Cutler.
Now in its sixth year, SoBay Festival of the Arts runs from Feb. 14 to 26, and has become a cultural windfall for the community with art exhibits, concerts, lectures and discussions, readings, and the performances of one-minute theater.
Many of the programs presented are the result of strong collaborations between the Deering Estate at Cutler and cultural organizations in the community.
SoBay highlights include:
Friday, Feb. 17, guest composers Orlando Garcia, professor of music at FIU and a Latin Grammy nominee, and Lansing D. McLoskey, associate professor of music at UM, join ensemble members — Dr. Jose R. Lopez, piano; Ross Harbaugh, cello; Scott Flavin, violin, and Laura Wilcox, viola — in the performance of “Rainbow of Composers.”
Saturday, Feb. 18, is a complete art and music “Emergination.” The day begins with Book Nook by the Bay with arts, crafts and readings for children. In the Carriage House art studios, Photographer-in-Residence Thomas Daniel leads an Art Take Away Workshop, where visitors are invited to use their cameras, tour the estate, and find inspiration to create their own masterpieces.
In the Stone House Ballroom, South Florida’s young virtuosi perform musical vignettes, from eternal classics by Beethoven, Mozart and Chopin to contemporary tunes by the Beatles and jazz. The musicians represent the Greater Miami Youth Symphony, UM Frost School of Music’s young string and woodwind ensembles, and FIU School of Music’s young and upcoming pianists.
Throughout the day and into the night, visual and performance art collaborations can be seen inside the historic buildings as curator Dominique Breard, program director of LegalArt, opens an exhibition of paintings, drawings, mixed media and sculpture by the artists-in-residence from each of the LegalArt and Deering Estate residency programs. Deering Estate artistists participating: Visual Arts — Lucas Blanco, Thomas Daniel, Bernadette Denoux, Lucinda Linderman, Aurora Molina and Christina Pettersson; Literary Arts — Deena Blazejack and C.M. Clark.
In addition, Ralph Provisero, special projects curator, has gathered this community’s notable artists including: Rene Barge, Bhakti Baxter, Felecia Chizuko Carlisle, Robert Chambers, Clifton Childree, William Cordova, Jason Hedges, Michael Loveland, Cheryl Pope, Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova, Frances Trombly and Wendy Wischer.
Along with the outdoor site-specific installations, the evening offers guests an opportunity to meet all of the artists and curators, and one-night-only art events on the main grounds of the estate. A special alternate cinema project by artist Dinorah De Jesus Rodriguez is planned.
For those who love to hear true accounts filled with cliff-hanging suspense, murder and intrigue, join Rocky McGiboney for “Icon of a Moment,” on Wednesday, Feb. 22, when he shares incredible stories from his newly released book, The International Safe Cracker. McGiboney is the estate’s own safe-cracker, because it is he who opened the Prohibition era wine cellar safe in the summer of 1985 after it had been sealed for decades. A book signing and a tour of the wine cellar follow the author’s presentation.
Thursday, Feb. 23, Jennifer Tisthammer, Deering Estate at Cutler assistant director, facilitates a Curator’s Tour with guest curator Dominique Breard and special projects curator Ralph Provisero.
In collaboration with the Greater Miami Youth Symphony (GMYS) and its executive director Dr. Melissa Lesniak, extraordinarily gifted youth musicians compete in symphony and concert orchestra pieces at the Instrumental Concerto Competition on Saturday, Feb. 25, in the Ballroom.
A winner and honorable mention are selected for each division — the Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra. The musicians are competing for the opportunity to perform a concerto with one of the orchestras at the GMYS Season Gala concert, at FIU Performing Arts Center in the spring of 2012.
Wrapping up SoBay Festival of the Arts on Sunday, Feb. 26, is the “South Florida One Minute Play Festival” featuring local playwrights and actors in short-form performances, each less than 60 seconds, by some of the most exciting emerging and established writers in American Theater. The One Minute Play Festival (OMPF) is an NYC-based theater company, founded by director Dominic D’Andrea.
For more information on SoBay Festival of the Art, a complete schedule of events, and event tickets call 305-235-1668, ext. 233, or visit <www.deeringestate.org>.
The Deering Estate at Cutler is a Miami-Dade County park, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. in Palmetto Bay. Proceeds from SoBay Festival of the Arts benefit the Deering Estate at Cutler for preservation, education and restoration of the historic estate.
Martha Backer is pictured next to a wall at SW 104th Street and 142nd Avenue that is the color of Neapolitan ice cream.
Shouldn’t graffiti paint-outs or aging Kendall walls keep a color consistency?
“The county commission should pass an ordinance to paint walls the same color on county roads, “declared Martha K. Backer, a West Kendall community activist.
“Paint and brushes could be provided from fines when people do community service from graffiti offenses or any other street crime,” she said, after quizzing county officials about improving areas of splotched and mismatched colors on SW 104th Street walls.
A Kendall resident for “over 50 years,” as she says with pride, Backer has been outspoken in community affairs, championing a civic center that has yet to be built, although budgeted as a future county capital bonding project.
She once vowed she would chain her son to royal palms on a SW 104th Street median before a planned road-widening in her area, while leading a citizen’s campaign that eventually blocked the $6.4 million project.
That’s why county commissioners and public works officials listen when Backer makes a point about finding a way to paint out community wall graffiti without creating a miss-match of color tones.
“A few years ago, Team Metro painted the wall along 104th Street along the Calusa boundaries,” she recalled. “That homeowner association was no longer viable, and it was a mess. For the past few years, it has been one color, but now one owner painted the beige wall red behind his home.
“Such inconsistencies go on along SW 147th Avenue where a wood fence in a one-block stretch is about five different colors, just opposite the Hammocks where the walls are kept immaculate,” she said.
“Why do the walls around town make me crazy? Almost 30 years ago, working for an HOA with a wall along Sunset, I got a call from a woman upset that the wall was in bad condition and needed painting and care.
“I thought: Doesn’t this woman have anything better to do? We were in a recession, newly built homes in Kendale Lakes were totally empty with no one buying and she’s worried about the wall,” Backer said.
“Now I can see how bad a community can look with decaying walls, along with those painted different colors. Once again, we’re in a recession, and need to do the little aesthetic things to keep things looking a little better.”
David Cardenas, chief, Right-of-Way Aesthetics and Assets Management for Miami-Dade County Parks, the most recent county official to hear her suggestions, replied in an email: “Regarding the walls, they are the responsibilities of the individual homeowner associations, private communities or private homeowners, unless they are part of a special taxing district.”
Donald L. Tock Jr., Special Taxing District chief, subsequently sent Backer a “package” on how to begin a grassroots petition that requires 50 percent of resident property owner signatures to go before the county commission.
“There are many legal issues to be resolved over control of private property, in other words, the imposition of a common color scheme in the public domain,” he said.
Backer responded, “With policing being cut, no doubt the graffiti paint-outs may increase so splotched walls will also increase.
“That’s why I thought generic wall paint for different color tones could result in walls with one consistent color so graffiti cover-ups wouldn’t be as noticeable.”
Not about to begin drawing petitions for a taxing district in West Kendall, she reasons that “With commissioners who don’t want us to incorporate, it hardly makes sense to impose a tax district for an issue like this, especially during a recession with the foreclosures, and all.
“Even so, the county ought to come up with a reasonable and low-cost solution just for aesthetic reasons, especially at a time when keeping up property values is vital to all county homeowners whose homes are enclosed by a community wall,” Backer concluded.
Commissioner Lynda Bell delivers her State of the District address.
Miami-Dade County District 8 Commissioner Lynda Bell presented her first “State of the District Address” on Thursday, Jan. 12, in front of an audience of some 500 in the new South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) in Cutler Bay.
In attendance were city officials from Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead, as well as residents and student musicians. The 7:30 p.m. program was preceded by a reception at 6:30 p.m.
“It’s very providential having it here [SMDCAC] right after it opened up,” said Commissioner Bell. “It’s the perfect venue and a perfect fit since we’re a big supporter of the arts.”
CBS4 News anchor Eliott Rodriguez served as emcee introducing musical performances by the Greater Miami Youth Symphony Ensemble’s Sarah Busse, Esther Chae and Relyn Myrthil, and the Devon Aire K-8 Center Chorus. Presentation of Colors was provided by the Miami-Dade County Police Honor Guard, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by Tyler Maldonado, Bell’s grandson, and two other grandchildren. Pastor David Cleeland of Christian Fellowship Church gave the invocation.
Bell used the address to highlight her legislative accomplishments thus far, where the county stands today and the challenges ahead.
“Although much has been accomplished during this relatively short time, there are still many objectives to be met and much work needs to be done before they come to fruition,” Bell said. “My friends, we are on the heels of bold reform and change in our county.”
Bell spoke of citizen frustration with government officials at all levels and how people wanted more efficient government that was responsible, transparent, and responsive, all while living within its means.
“During my first two months, I set out to meet with every county department director, which was about 60 at the time, and learn about how the county does its business and how to improve on the principle that you, the residents, are the boss,” Bell told her audience.
“Being appointed chair of the commission’s Internal Management and Fiscal Responsibility Committee, that is the Budget Committee, positioned me to better serve my residents and bring about the bold reforms that they wanted. Spending every penny wisely and not wastefully has been on the top of my list.”
Bell described working with the board to create a line-item budget that is easy to read and accessible to all residents on the county’s website. She also spoke about creating an ethics reform package to restore the public’s trust in government, and tackling other problem areas.
“On your behalf, I voted in the minority to dramatically reduce county spending on lobbyist contracts, worked to shed light on the misclassification of environmentally sensitive lands, and stood with the mayor when I voted to not have a single police officer fired by imposing a 5 percent healthcare contribution,” Bell said. “By doing this I reaffirmed my commitment to keep your taxes low while providing you with the best service possible. We must choose to stand with courage and do what is right over what is easy.”
Bell mentioned working to assist specific residents in overcoming problems that had been previously unsolved, as well as helping to make things better for District 8 residents despite recent cutbacks in funding.
“It is because of the willingness to work together that we have been able to collaborate on all types of projects — from parks, to road improvements, to bike paths, to community engagement. The public works department has been a great partner in success,” Bell said.
“Our office has been consistent in securing funding for numerous District 8 road improvements, beautification and capital projects within the district’s municipalities and unincorporated areas — all totaling $111,066,228 since November of 2010.”
This was in addition to $1.3 million for the development and improvements of local parks, she pointed out, adding that she has visited every park in her district and has seen first-hand the role they play in the community.
Bell acknowledged the late Paul. S. Barrow, Samantha “Jade” Trebbi and Roger Barretto for their contributions to the community, and concluded by saying that there is still much work ahead.
“By working together we will continue to make strides towards a better community, one that represents its people,” Bell said. The event was sponsored by Mercedes- Benz of Cutler Bay, South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, Peperoni, Cutler Bay Business Association, Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce, Chamber South and Palmetto Bay Business Association.
Residents of Palmetto Bay Have A Voice in Reforming Both County And Village Charters in January
With so much media attention focused on the Presidential debates and primaries, it’s easy to lose focus on issues that hit closer to home.
Critically important Miami Dade County charter reform questions will appear on the local ballot on January 31st – issues that Palmetto Bay and all county residents must decide.
Additionally, the Village of Palmetto Bay will conduct a public workshop on January 25th to garner public input as to future revisions to its own village Charter.
Here are the actual charter reform questions that will appear on the Miami–Dade County ballot on January 31st:
A HOME RULE CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO SALARIES, SERVICE, AND TERM LIMITSOF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS: SHALL THE CHARTER BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE THAT, AS OFJANUARY 31, 2012, COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SHALL: * DEVOTE FULL-TIME SERVICE TO THE OFFICE OF COUNTY COMMISSIONER AND HOLD NO OTHER EMPLOYMENT; * NO LONGER RECEIVE THE $6,000 ANNUAL SALARY ESTABLISHED IN 1957, BUT RECEIVE INSTEAD THE SALARY PROVIDED BY STATE FORMULA, ADJUSTED ANNUALLY (CURRENTLY APPROXIMATELY $92,097); AND * SERVE NO MORE THAN TWO CONSECUTIVE FOUR-YEAR TERMS IN OFFICE EXCLUDING TERMS OF SERVICE PRIOR TO 2012?
CHARTER AMENDMENT RELATING TO INITIATIVE PETITIONS AND ELECTIONS ON CHARTER AMENDMENTS SHALL THE CHARTER BE AMENDED TO INCREASE FROM 60 TO 120 DAYS THE TIME ALLOWED TO CIRCULATE INITIATORY PETITIONS, AND TO PROVIDE THAT ELECTIONS TO AMEND THE CHARTER, EITHER THROUGH INITIATORY PETITIONS OR BY BOARD ACTION, BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEXT SCHEDULED GENERAL ELECTION RATHER THAN WITHIN 60 TO 120 DAYS, AS CURRENTLY REQUIRED?
Early voting has already begun in Miami-Dade County. The closest early voting location for Palmetto Bay is the Coral Reef Library, located at 9211 SW 152nd Street. For your convenience, here is a (clickable) link from the Miami-Dade Elections Department listing all of the early voting sites that are open throughout the County:
January is also the first opportunity for many village residents to commenton their own city’s constitution. The Village of Palmetto Bay is currentlyreviewing the city’s Charter. An appointed committee of residents (theCharter Review Commission) will hold a public workshop on January 25, at7PM to garner resident input concerning items contained in the Charter thatmay require modification. This is an important meeting that can help shapethe future of this Village.
The items discussed will be presented to the Village Council at an upcomingCouncil meeting for review and possibleapproval, prior to being placed on the ballot for the November, 2012,election.
The meeting will be held at Village Hall, 9705 E. Hibiscus Street, Palmetto Bay, FL.
================ What is your opinion regarding the county and village charters? We encourage you to speak your mind and share your thoughts with your neighbors and fellow residents.
Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has incorporated a new tobacco-free policy at over 40 park locations and near all playgrounds and youth ball fields.
January is also the first opportunity for many village residents to comment