The Florida Supreme Court unaminously supported the petition drive to have voters approve or reject any change to county comprehensive land use plans in June 2006.

This proposed constitutional amendment lets voters decide whether their city or county comprehensive land use plan will be changed or adopted. Currently, city and county commissions make those decisions. Haven't we been engaged in this "discussion" with county leaders over "HOLD THE LINE?"

One goal of Florida?s 1985 Growth Management Act is to encourage citizen participation. Some citizens are active in local planning; many more do not participate in the current process. The current process has failed Florida repeatedly.

Florida?s Hometown Democracy Amendment will guarantee local ?ownership? of community plans at the ballot box. Because Floridians are stuck with the consequences of comprehensive plan changes, it makes sense that they should have the final say over proposed changes that can determine the destiny of their communities for generations to come.

In its ruling, The Supreme Court said:

1) Hometown Democracy does not violate the rule that all proposed amendments must stick to a "single subject." 2) The ballot language of Hometown Democracy is clear and not misleading. The second part of the ruling was especially important, because the court had thrown an earlier version of Hometown Democracy off the ballot in 2005 on those grounds.

The amendment was opposed by the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Association of Counties and the Florida School Boards Association.

Now only 500,000 petitions to go.... DO you want to help? Contact them at their website http://www.floridahometowndemocracy.com/ .

DOWNLOAD THE PETITION

Sierra Club Press Release

Cities across the country once competed to see who could build the tallest high rises. Now they're scrapping over who's the greenest.

This year Chicago, San Francisco, New York City, Portland and Seattle were noted for setting the bar for sustainability.

A truly green city integrates environmental sustainability into everything from its sidewalks to its skyscrapers. Its public transportation is affordable and extensive, its streets safe and pleasant for bikers and walkers. It invests in renewables and energy efficiency, protects open space, reduces waste, and provides clean air and water and access to healthy food for residents of all economic classes.

As the example of Portland, Oregon, shows, being greener saves money, attracts businesses, and improves residents' quality of life. These benefits can provide a boost to economically struggling cities- -and a counterpoint to sprawl nationwide.

By making life in our cities more appealing, we keep the natural world outside them greener too.

The Southern Energy & Environment Expo, being held at the The Western N.C. Agricultural Center in Fletcher NC, is an annual event designed to showcase renewable energy and sustainable economics in a context of responsible environmental stewardship. By working together in a cooperative spirit, we CAN make a difference for the future of our children and our planet. Admission only $8 a Day! Admission price includes all one hour presentations!

2006 S.E.E. Expo Dates & Scheduled Events

Friday, August 25, 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm DATES & TIMES of Exhibitor Booth and Display Setup: Thursday, August 24, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm Friday, August 25, 8:00 am to 11:45 am All Exhibitors must check-in with Exhibitor Registration prior to set-up!

Saturday, August 26, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Sunday, August 27, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Daily admission: $8 adults, ages 13-18 $4, 12 and under free.

The Urban Environment League (UEL) Invites you to meet the 2006 County Commission Candidates at our Forums for the September 5th Election.

Please attend your district commissioner's forum. This is an excellent way to get to know the candidates! YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!

July 19th, Wednesday 7PM District 2 and District 4 (Candidates District 2: Rolle(I) & Brutus, 4: Heyman (I) & Beskin) Gwen Margolis Center, 1590 NE 123rd Street, North Miami Co-sponsors: Keystone Point, San Souci, Arch Creek East, Alhambra Heights And Central Homeowners Associations

July 25th, Tuesday 6PM District 3 (Candidates Edmonson(I) & McElroy) Shorecrest Homeowners Association Candidates Forum Co-sponsors: Upper Eastside Miami Council, Inc. & Urban Environment League Legion Park Community Center, 6447 NE 7th Avenue, Miami

July 25th, Tuesday 7PM District 4 (Candidates Heyman(I) & Beskin) Co-sponsor: North Beach Development Corporation North Shore Park & Youth Center, 501 72nd Street, Miami Beach Moderator: Rebecca Wakefield of the Sun Post

July 26th, Wednesday 7PM District 6 (Candidates: Sosa(I) & Pazos) West Miami Community Center, 901 SW 62nd Avenue Moderator: Andres Viglucci

August 7th, Monday 7PM District 8 (Candidates Sorenson(I), Bao & Sapp) Evelyn Greer Park Community Room, 8200 SW 124th Street, Pinecrest Moderator: Kenneth Goodman, Co-Director of University of Miami Ethics Programs

August 7th, Monday 7PM Representative and Legislative Candidates (Only) Co-Sponsor: Kendall Federation of Homeowners Associations Kendall Village Center, 8625 SW 124th Avenue Moderator: To be announced.

August 17th, Thursday 7PM District 2 (Candidates Rolle(I) & Brutus) Co-Sponsor North Miami Beach Civic Association McDonald Center, 17051 NE 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach Moderator: Mike Vasquez of the Miami Herald

August 28th, Monday 7:00 PM District 8 and District 10 (Candidates District 8: Sorenson(I), Bao & Sapp, 10: Souto(I) & Herrera) Co-sponsor Kendall Federation of Homeowner Associations Kendall Village Center, 8625 SW 124th Avenue Moderator: Maurice Ferre, Former Mayor and Commissioner

Katy Sorenson

Thanks to so many of you concerned Miami-Dade citizens, we won an important victory at the April CDMP hearings as we held the line against nine applications to move the Urban Development Boundary. Our residents and our leaders have clearly begun to recognize that we can?t deal with growth simply by opening up more land for development. In this county, the land is finite and the barriers are real.

But we must be clear that it?s not enough to tell the developers what they can?t do. The flip side of saying no to sprawl is saying yes to smart growth. Smart growth is about creating the American dream of sustainable communities, and here in Miami-Dade there are many components of that dream. It includes a viable agricultural industry, safe drinking water, and the ability to evacuate in a disaster.

As the County seeks to promote smart growth, it?s important that we begin the process with community planning charrettes that allow citizens to envision the future of their neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods throughout Miami-Dade have already gone through this step, and in South Miami-Dade, we have led the way along the US1 corridor. What we?ve found is that people are saying yes to nodes of development that will allow our County to continue to grow, but not at the expense of our national parks or public open spaces.

They recognize that development makes sense along current and future transit corridors so that our traffic situation does not continue to get worse. They also acknowledge that while we should take our fair share of this development, we cannot build in such a way that existing neighborhoods are destroyed. smart growth is about planning for the future. It?s about preparing for growth so that it can happen in manageable ways that allow us to both maintain maintain and improve our quality of life.

Now that we?ve held the line and said no to moving the UDB, we need to say yes to positive, inclusive development strategies. That way we can create a community of lasting value for all our citizens.

Save the Manatee Club

Despite growing threats to the manatee?s long-term survival and overwhelming public opposition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) voted on June 7 to prematurely downlist manatees from Endangered to Threatened status. This decision plays right into the hands of those who want to exploit manatee habitat for development and high-speed recreation.

Even though the state found that the manatee population could be reduced by as much as 50% in the future and that manatees meet the federal and World Conservation Union?s (IUCN) definition for Endangered, manatees no longer qualify for state Endangered status because the FWC arbitrarily changed its listing/delisting rules by adopting the IUCN criteria for Endangered and then calling it Threatened.

The state claims the manatee population is growing. But a state report says only the two smallest subpopulations, comprising just 16% of the population, show clear growth. The Atlantic subpopulation has probably declined by about 3% per year over the last five years. The Southwest subpopulation is already in decline. And manatees continue to die from boat strikes in near-record numbers.

The FWC insists protections won?t change, but a review of Florida law shows Endangered species are afforded more protection than Threatened species.

The Commission claims their Management Plan will protect manatees. However, Florida?s Legislature will be pressured to reduce FWC?s authority and funding to protect manatees. This will undermine the implementation of the plan, and prevent real recovery.

If you want more information on this issue please click on the Manatee or web-link for more information.

Press Release

Saturday, July 8 @ 10:00 a.m. Starting at the Vizcaya Metro-Rail Station 3201 S.W. 1 Ave. Miami 33129

The group will cross U.S. 1 on the overpass and ride towards Coconut Grove on Bayshore Drive. This event is designed to highlight bicycle safety, alternative transportation & environmental awareness.

For more information, check out www.myspace.com/emergemiami or call 305-579-0069

The Sierra Club- Miami Group honored over a dozen teachers during last month's packed general meeting. Each month we will provide a short synopsis of the teacher and their accomplishments.

Jessica Loe and Carol Peckins- Kinloch Elementary

Jessica and Carol's 5th grade student created a Butterfly Garden. The creation of gardens is one of the most fulfilling and hands-on instructive tools which create lasting learning memories.

The Sierra Club- Miami group wants to congratulate Jessica and Carol for their efforts!

Press Release Florida International University

Florida International University, Florida Sea Grant, and the City of Miami Beach have joined together to launch a program to monitor local beach conditions as part of a statewide effort.

They need volunteers to help collect local beach conditions? Volunteers will measure the movement of sand, observe waves and currents, and record the directions and speed of the wind.

Contact Patricia Houle at patricia.houle@fi u.edu or 305-348-6304.

Press Release

Researchers at German's Fraunhofer Institute are working on a solar powered cell phone by using device-integrated, high-efficiency solar cells that offers a module efficiency rate of 20%.

This allows the cell phone to remain continuously powered up as long as it receives sufficient sunlight (about 2 hours per day), otherwise it can charged using conventional means.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is an alliance of more than 50 research institutions, mostly in Germany, that pool their research and collaborate on innovative technology. The Institute has demonstrated a working model of the phone.

Meredith Beattie

Sunday, April 29: the day's temperatures were slated to reach the high 90s, but the girls from Urgent Inc. were unfazed. Traveling from Miami's Edison Park Middle School, five ICO volunteers, Urgent program staff, and sixteen girls made their way to the Shark Valley park entrance and the beginning of a 15 mile bike ride. After taking a brief detour through the Miami International Airport, all arrived safely in time to rent bikes and get on the road. Some beginning bike riders opted for the tram ride.

The ride to the observation tower offered much in the way of alligators, birds and snakes to keep the girls on sharp lookout. ICO volunteers shared their knowledge of the Everglades and bird species in particular. Reaching the tower, the girls from Urgent, some of whom overcame their fear of heights to get to the observation deck, were rewarded by the number of alligators sunning themselves around the tower, and the birds who were fishing, drying their wings, or protecting their nests. The girls were quite taken with the sights and the vista of the Everglades spreading out to the horizon. Some of the girls were adventurous enough to want to climb up to the higher level, but that was unfortunately blocked.

During lunch, those that had taken the tram ride shared the knowledge of the Everglades ecosystem, and answered questions for those who had ridden their bikes to the spot. After a brief siesta, the girls pressed on, not without a few mishaps, however, given the heat and lack of shade on the trail?but they kept a positive attitude. Though the remainder of the bike path did not offer as much in the way of wildlife as the beginning, the girls were quick to see and identify the few alligators and birds that they saw beside the trail. Many of the girls outpaced volunteers! At the end of the trail, cheers went up from all the girls and we piled into the vans to re-hydrate and rehash all that was seen. For this volunteer, it was yet another rewarding experience in being able to enjoy the company of outstanding Miami youth in the wonderful natural surroundings of the South Florida region?in other words, a n o th er perfect ICO t r i p .

PHOTO- ALANA DIMMICK

July 15, 16?Looe Key Snorkel. Snorkel on beautiful Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys. Trip to Key West for dinner. Overnight stay at the Looe Key Resort. Visit Key Deer Refuge of Big Pine Key on Sunday. Leisure. Limit 14. Cost: $125 members, $135 non-members. Leader: Ed Zaret, 305-586-3564. Asst: TBA.

August 12 ? Canoeing 101. Learn the basics of handling the canoe in a safe manner. Fundamental paddling (bow and stern) and elementary rescue techniques taught in a one day short course. Lunch is included. Moderate. Limit 16. Cost $20 member, $25 nonmembers. Leader: Jim Gross, 305-665-2401 e- mail: JMGross3013@aol.com.Asst: TBA

October 14 -Noble Hammock Canoe. Paddle an interesting canoe loop trail in Everglades National Park located just north of West Lake. We will attempt to find the hidden canoe trail to West Lake. Join us in this adventure, observing lots of wildlife and gators as we go. Moderate. Limit: 16. Cost: $35 members, $40 non-members. Leader: Jim Gross, 305-665-2401, e-mail: JMGross3013@aol.com. Asst: TBA. (C)

If you are interested in a trip, call or e-mail the trip leader and ask for details or come to the signup table at the general meetings.

Our outings are listed as Leisure, Moderate, or Strenuous. Be realistic about your physical condition and the degree of challenge you enjoy. Come ready to paddle, bicycle or hike and share the work. There are no passengers on our outings, only participants. Family trips are open to everyone. Once you have made a reservation, we ask that you make a serious commitment to attend the trip. Cancellations are detrimental to our program. Our outings leaders are unpaid trained volunteers.

Please sign up early for planning purposes. All reservations must be accompanied by a non- refundable deposit. Make all checks payable to Sierra Club Outings. Please write the name and date of your trip on your check and include your phone number. Deposits are $10 on trip fees of up to $100 and $20 on trips over $100 Fees on trips of $15 or less are to be paid in full with your reservation. Full payment is due 30 days in advance of the trip. Please send all payments to the trip leader.

If you must cancel, call the leader or assistant leader as early as possible. If you cancel 30 days or more in advance, your deposit will be refunded. If you cancel less than 30 days in advance, you lose your deposit. If you cancel 7 days or less in advance, you will forfeit all fees.

July 2006 Serena Cruz Women's Health and the environment- Serena's talk was moved to this month.

August 2006 David Shorter From Virginia Key Beach Park

September 2006 FECC Transportation Corridor Study ---Scott P. Seeburger Planning and Environmental Mgmt Florida

Oct- December, 2006 open but filling up fast....Do you know someone who wants to speak?? Contact mike at miamisierra@gmail.com.

The Sierra Club Miami Group's monthly General Meeting has moved to the Coconut Grove Women's Club. The first meeting at the new location will be on June 12, 2006. The address is 2985 S. Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove.

The Coconut Grove Women?s Club Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Local architect Walter C. DeGarmo designed the building to take full advantage of its site overlooking Biscayne Bay. A twelvefoot- wide porch with broad arched openings wraps around three sides of building, which is constructed of native oolitic limestone. The building still serves as the headquarters for Woman's Club of Coconut Grove, one of Florida's oldest woman's clubs.