Watercraft speeds and bank erosion along the canals of Palmetto Bay were addressed at a well-attended Town Hall meeting Jan. 14. Residents on both sides of the issue debated the matter while the Village Council took note. (See local news coverage.) Earlier this month, at the January Village Council meeting, a shed-amnesty program was discussed that would allow residents to bring their backyard sheds up to code by simplifying some permitting rules (also see local news coverage). These issues will again be addressed -- and much more -- at the next Village Council Meeting, Feb. 2 (Meetings are held the first Monday of every month at the Deering Estate Visitor Center.)

The 7th Annual Celebration Picnic is happening Saturday, March 7, at Coral Reef Park (7895 SW 152 St.), 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come one, come all to the the Village's largest annual event for a day of family fun with rides, music, performances, delicious food, and much more. And the best part -- it's FREE! Consider riding your bike to the event this year. If you must drive, take advantage of convenient parking at St. Richard's Catholic Church just southeast of the park off 152 St. As an added attraction, the Village's own Historic Preservation Advisory Board is hosting a booth where you can learn about historic homes and other significant sites around our Village. (See more on the Board below.)

Palmetto Bay offers a "green" alternative to driving to the supermarket. This Sunday (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.), walk or ride your bike to the Village's own Open-Air & Collectibles Market in the Franjo Triangle/US-1 Commercial island area in the broad parking area along SW 174 St. and SW 97 Ave. Catch up with old neighbors while visiting booths that feature locally grown fruit, vegetables, plants, trees, orchids, cut flowers, and organic items. Vendors of arts, crafts, antiques, and collectibles will also are featured at the market.

Starting next month, e-Currents will introduce a new feature called "Historic Places." Each edition will spotlight a different historic home, site or structure in our Village, starting in February with the coral rock house at 900 Perrine Ave. (home of the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade). This special feature is intended to showcase the work being done by the Village's Historic Preservation Advisory Board to preserve our historic resources and to cultivate an appreciation for our architectural and cultural heritage. (See local news coverage.) The five-member group is presently gathering data, photos, and oral histories. If you have historic background or other related information to share, look for the Historic Presveration booth at the Annual Picnic, March 7.