Palmetto Bay Residents Can Learn CPR Via YouTube

This information comes to us from long-time Palmetto Bay resident,  Steve Kreisher.

Steve told us about a new CPR technique that is simple to perform and does not require breathing into the mouth of the victim – just a series of chest compressions.

The new CPR method does not require certification and can quickly be learned by anyone via a professional training video on YouTube.

We encourage all Palmetto Bay residents to take a few minutes, and watch this video.  After watching, please forward the link to your family and friends.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO AND LEARN THE TECHNIQUE: Continuous Chest Compression CPR

“You never know,” Steve says, “a life may be saved utilizing this new procedure.”

You’re right,  Steve – thanks for sharing!

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Petition to Disqualify Palmetto Bay Mayor from Commission Ballot is Denied

Circuit court judge Ronald Friedman has denied a petition to disqualify Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn from today’s Miami-Dade County Commission ballot.

Last week, Palmetto Bay resident Stephen M. Cody petitioned the court to remove Flinn from the ballot.  Cody stated Flinn failed to resign his position as Mayor of Palmetto Bay before running for county office.  Flinn countered by saying he was not required to resign because he is term-limited and his mayoral term would not overlap any possible commission term.

Judge Friedman agreed, and stated there is “…no overlapping of office and therefore no formal resignation would be required.”

Local ballot polls remain open today until 7 p.m.

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Palmetto Bay Mayor could be Disqualified from Commission Race

Miami-Dade County resident, Rolando Castillo, submitted the following letter regarding speculation that Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene P. Flinn Jr. failed to resign as required by state law, to run for a Miami-Dade Commission seat.

Subsequent to Mr. Castillo’s request of an examination by news media,  an investigation is now under way by CBS4’s I-Team:  http://cbs4.com/local/eugene.flinn.commission.2.1865056.html

According to CBS4 reporter David Sutta, “It appears the Mayor may have forgotten to follow the law and may be disqualified in his race for County commissioner.“

Here is Mr. Castillo’s letter:

——————–

Saturday, August 14, 2010

“Dear ‘Eye on Palmetto Bay:’

As a concerned citizen and informed voter, I am very disappointed that the news
media has failed to investigate the issue that Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn
DID NOT follow the law by resigning his term-limited mayoral post before he
officially entered the race for the Miami-Dade County Commission in District 8.

As you know, the “Resign to Run” law is designed to prevent a current office
holder from seeking another elected or appointed post while holding his/her
current position.

Mayor Flinn, who is a reputable attorney, knows the law well enough to know that
he should have followed the law and resigned his mayoral post 10 days before
qualifying for the County Commission race.

I have personally searched the Florida Department of State and the local
Election Department’s web sites and even checked with Palmetto Bay Village
Clerk, Meighan Alexander.  But to date, there is not a single piece of evidence
to indicate that Mayor Flinn complied with the required state law before he
entered the Commission race.

If Mr. Flinn is able to garner 50% + 1 of the total votes cast in the Primary
Election of August 24th, it is my understanding that there would be no need to
conduct a Run-Off Election in November.  Mr. Flinn, then, becomes County
Commissioner-Elect on August 24th and would be sworn-in at the next regular
County Commission meeting in September and not have to wait until November to
take office.  This is approximately 2 months before his current term as Mayor of
the Village of Palmetto Bay expires in November of 2010.

Given the aforementioned circumstances, I strongly believe that Mayor Flinn has
failed, either by neglect or design, to comply with the Florida “Resign to Run”
law and, therefore, must be disqualified from this election to the Miami-Dade
County Commission.

And as it turns out, Mayor Flinn has a history of ignoring the law. Just last
year, the editor of AMBIENTE Magazine took Mayor Flinn to task for using the
official Village of Palmetto Bay governmental Seal in his campaign materials
while he was running for the State House of Representatives.

In the case of Eugene Flinn, is his failure to follow the law simply ignorance
or plain arrogance?

We all demand transparency and accountability in our government and our
citizenry must be completely informed of all the facts and issues surrounding
their prospective elected officials before making an informed decision on
election day.

We also depend on the news media for keeping us informed on the issues of the
day and on the actions and/or lack of actions from our elected officials.

Can we expect this reputable news organization to do its renowned investigative
reporting on this case?

I would really appreciate a response to this letter.  Thank You.

Sincerely,

Rolando ‘Roly’ Castillo “

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Early Voting Has Begun for August 24th Primary Election

The opportunity for Palmetto Bay residents to cast their ballot in the August 24 primary election has arrived.

Miami-Dade county early voting began Monday, August 9.

Here is the voting schedule:

10/23-10/27:  7am-3pm
10/28:  9am-1pm
10/29:  11am-3pm
10/30-11/3:  11am-7pm
11/4:  9am-1pm
11/5:  11am-3pm

For Palmetto Bay residents, the closest Miami-Dade County Early Voting Sites are Coral Reef Library (9211 Coral Reef Drive) and South Dade Regional Library (10750 SW 211 Street)

If you work downtown, you can vote at the Elections Department (SOE Main Office Building / 2700 NW 87 Avenue) or Stephen P. Clark Center (Lobby, SOE Branch Office /  111 NW 1 Street)

Remember – when voting at any voting location, whether at an early voting site or on Election Day, be sure to bring a current and valid identification that contains your name and photograph and signature.

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Construction Project on Old Cutler Road in Palmetto Bay Slated for July 26 - Aug 14, 2010.

Motorists who use Old Cutler Road for their daily commute through Palmetto Bay will need to seek alternate routes in late July.

The Deering Estate flow-way project is slated to get underway by July 26, and will result in temporary lane closures along Old Cutler Road in Palmetto Bay. The construction work is scheduled to last two weeks.

Work will occur at the portion of Old Cutler Road situated between 156th Street and SW 162nd Street. Detours are slated to begin no earlier than July 26 and conclude by August 14.

The Deering Estate flow-way is a vital element of the Biscayne Bay coastal wetlands restoration project, intended to improve freshwater flows into Biscayne Bay and enhance the surrounding coastal wetlands. The flow-way and the coastal wetlands restoration work is part of the state and federal governments’ Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

The first phase of CERP redistributes excess freshwater runoff by directing it away from existing canal discharges and spreading it into Biscayne Bay.

The project is headed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) and involves the installation of a pipe that is five feet in diameter, which will run under Old Cutler Road.  Palmetto Bay residents who use Old Cutler Road will incur a minor inconvenience as a tunnel for the pipe is installed beneath the historic roadway.

For those who drive, walk, or bike down Old Cutler Road, there will be detours once work begins.  Local traffic will be able to travel Old Cutler Road between SW 152nd Street and SW156th Street and between SW162nd Street and SW 168th Street.  All other motorists will be rerouted at the point where Old Cutler intersects with SW152nd Street and SW168th Street.  Utility services and the bike path may also be impacted.

For additional road closure information, contact the village public works department at (305) 969-5011.

Click here for pdf file of details.

Click here for more information on the SFWMD’s Everglades restoration efforts.

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Program to aid homeschool parents in Palmetto Bay and South Florida

Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate, located in Palmetto Bay are collaborating to offer enhanced learning opportunities to homeschool parents and other parent educators in South Florida.

ECO-ACADEMY, a 30-week science and environmental stewardship program, will draw on the rich resources of Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler.

The program, designed for parent educators and youth provides a rich, hands-on curriculum in the field of animal kingdom, animal adaptations, endangered species, marine biology, archaeology, and environmental sciences.  Weekly sessions of discovery include topics such as Zoology, Ecology, Endangered Species and Conservation, Natural Sciences,  South Florida Ecosystems, and Marine Biology.

The goal is to complement more formal educational programs (homeschool, public and private school curriculum) with the opportunity to apply Eco-Academy materials and lessons to real life situations.

All programs are correlated to the Florida Department of Education Standards. They engage participants in interactive, positive and balanced activities to foster understanding and appreciation, allowing participants to think critically about the world around them.

Both facilities will provide parent educators with fossils, artifacts and tools, preserved specimens, photographs and simple laboratory experiments to help illustrate the key points of a specific topic. The program will accommodate up to 30 people per class, per site and will be offered once a week for 30 weeks during the academic year for 2 hours each session.

This exciting science and environmental awareness program begins on August 30, 2010 at Zoo Miami (12400 SW 152 Street, Miami) and the Deering Estate (16701 SW 72nd Ave, Palmetto Bay).  Children must be at least 5 years of age, and pre-registration is required.

For more information visit www.zoomiami.org or call (305) 251-0400.

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Rainy Season is Here, along with the Mosquitoes

The annual rainy season is right around the corner in Palmetto Bay and all of South Florida. It’s an exciting time, as the grass in our yards grows thick and lush, and our summer flower gardens begin to bloom.
 
Of course, as we welcome the tropical explosion of plant life, we all dread the return of Palmetto Bay’s most notorious summer resident – the mosquito.
 
This season, before you reach for that can of chemical spray, why not try a nontoxic, natural bug repellent?
 
Natural sprays can protect both you and wildlife from the harmful effects of toxic insecticides.
 
There are many nontoxic, natural bug sprays available for sale. Products containing either a soap solution or a citrus oil-based solution are good choices.
 
For a list of natural bug spray products visit:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/natural-insect-repellents-460608.

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Appetizing Dishes Await Moms and Families at Annual Mothers Day Brunch

Delectable Mother’s Day Brunch Menu

Tropical Fruit Salad
Assorted Bagels with Cream Cheese, Jams and Jellies
Freshly Baked Mini Danish Pastries to Include: Coconut, Apple, Cheese, Chocolate, Raspberry
Scrambled Eggs with Chives and Cheddar Cheese
Cinnamon- and Grand Marnier-Infused French Toast with Maple Syrup
Buttermilk Pancakes with Whipped Cream, Maple Syrup and Strawberry Compote
Smoked Bacon Turkey Sausage Links
Bill’s Delicious Omelets (Station)
***Includes fresh eggs for Sunny side up, scrambled, or just egg whites**
Made to Order with Choices of the Following: Cheddar Cheese, Chives, Mushrooms, Ham (nitrate free), Onions, Peppers, Tomatoes, Spinach
Bill’s Famous Caesar salad
Pasta Primavera salad
Sliced Roast Beef
Sliced Southwestern Turkey Breast
Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables
Roasted New Potatoes
Candy’s Rice -This Family Recipe Courtesy of Candy Wayne, Son’s Mother in-Law (It combines Rice, Mushrooms, Peppers, Celery, Beef Broth, Almonds and Golden Raisins)

Dessert
Lemon Bites, Pecan Squares, Chocolate Brownies, Mini Deconstructed Tiramisu

Beverages
Sodas & Wine International Espresso Cart

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We Can Preserve a Quality of Life Offered Nowhere Else on Earth

In a budget agreement hammered out late Monday night, the Florida legislature committed $50 million dollars for Everglades restoration.
 
Does the protection of the Everglades directly impact our lives in Palmetto Bay? Should our residents care about saving what to many might seem a large, useless swamp?
 
If we care about our health, quality of life, and the economic future of South Florida, the answer is a resounding, “YES.”
 
The Jim Araiza for Mayor, Palmetto Bay campaign envisions a small-town community in which our village government protects residents’ health, safety, and well-being, and safeguards the environment.
 
A long-term supply of clean, safe drinking water must remain a priority for municipalities like Palmetto Bay, as well as Miami-Dade county.
 
Many people are unaware that our water supply comes directly from the Everglades – a supply that sustains millions of people in South Florida. Failure to protect this supply will mean higher costs to consumers for clean water in the future, and it will put the health of Palmetto Bay residents in jeopardy.
 
The flow of clean water from the Everglades also impacts the environmental health of Biscayne Bay, the large body of water that borders Palmetto Bay to the east. A clean Biscayne Bay draws tourists to South Florida to enjoy boating, fishing, and watersports. In turn, these recreational activities sustain local jobs — from tour boats and fishing charters, to hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists.
 
“Boaters, fishermen, small business owners, conservationists, tourism officials and many others who enjoy the recreational and economic benefits of the Everglades are enormously grateful to legislative leaders for their commitment to protecting one of our state’s most valuable natural resources,” said Kirk Fordham, CEO of the Everglades Foundation, based here in Palmetto Bay.
 
Yes, Palmetto Bay residents and all South Floridians should care about saving our Everglades:
 
a. To protect water quality
b. To preserve a quality of life offered nowhere else on earth
c. To save a water supply that sustains millions of people
d. To create and sustain jobs in tourism, commercial fishing, agriculture and recreation
e. To ensure the survival of 67 endangered species and one of the world’s last great places
f. To encourage and plan for future growth of the economy
 
See this similar story:
Saving Florida Bay

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April Events Promote a Cleaner and Greener Community

Thousands of enviro-friendly volunteers are expected to turn out this month, and residents of Palmetto Bay and neighboring communities are invited to join the effort to make South Florida a cleaner and greener home.

In celebration of Earth Month, local and national conservation groups will sponsor projects throughout Miami Dade – from beach cleanups, to the removal of invasive plant species.

Miami Dade Metrozoo and the Institute for Regional Conservation are hosting a work day, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will be removing invasive exotic plants from the Richmond pine rocklands, Miami-Dade County’s largest remnant of pineland habitat outside of Everglades National Park.  For further details and to volunteer, go to http://ow.ly/1uIU2

Baynanza 2010 will take place April 17 from 9 a.m. to noon. Each year, hundreds of volunteers from Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Pinecrest and other municipalities participate in beach cleanup events across Miami Dade county. Be sure to check out the full calendar of events for concerts, workshops and volunteer opportunities at http://ow.ly/1uJ0k

Biscayne National Park and National Geographic are teaming up for the 2010 BioBlitz, on April 30 and May 1. This event will connect students and the community with scientists in order to count species of every shape, color, and size in Biscayne National Park. The event hopes to promote science education, provide students with access to scientists and celebrate biodiversity.  For more information, go to http://ow.ly/1uJ3b

Let’s pitch in, Palmetto Bay, and help keep South Florida clean and green!

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