From the Manager's Desk
There's an old saying about the month of March: "In like a lion, out like a lamb." If you were out and about last week or at the big golf tournament at Doral, you certainly saw the "lion's" wrath -- in the form of damaging winds and very heavy rains. It's hard to imagine that even after a dousing of that magnitude we remain in the midst of the driest dry season in 80 years. But we are in a drought and in dire need of rain in South Florida. Which is why it is so important that we remain vigilant as a community, that we do our part to conserve water, and that we protect this most precious resource. Please take a moment to review the County's water restrictions schedule presently in place. And let's hope for a little less "lamb" in the weeks and months to come, so that our water supply may return to more desirable levels.
~ Ron E. Williams, Village Manager |
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Council meeting in review...
Mayor, Council Recommend State Action
The Village Council acknowledged the generous support by several members of our community at its March 7 Regular Council Meeting. Phil Ludovici (photo, at left) was publicly thanked for sponsoring the First-Annual "Good Vibrations" Talent Contest, an event that spotlighted local high-schoolers' skills in dance, music, and theatrical performance. Also at the meeting, three nurseries were honored for their support of the Village's Arbor Day Celebration by providing hundreds of free trees: Santa Barbara Nursery, Ramada Nursery, and Groundkeepers. In regular business, the Council adopted three important pieces of legislation for Palmetto Bay's State Legislative Packet:
- The first item concerns legal advertising, asking the State to allow cities to use the most effective and fiscally conservative method of advertising -- giving all the choice -- rather than forcing cities to be burdened by print advertising costs.
- The second item, of crucial importance to many homeowners in Palmetto Bay, addresses canal erosion. This Resolution urges the State to fund and undertake the restoration and permanent hardening of canal banks within our Village.
- Lastly, a Resolution to encourage the State to hold charter schools to the same standards as public schools when it comes to building structure, class size, transportation, and financial audits.
Palmetto Bay's State legislative packets often include not only local issues, but issues that are far-reaching.
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Village Celebrates Historic Milestones
February was a busy month as the Village celebrated two milestones: grand opening of our new Village Municipal Center on Feb. 22 and the grand re-opening of Thalatta Estate on Feb. 13, as a wedding and event venue. Hundreds of residents and guests were in attendance for both events, as were local, state, and federal dignitaries. We captured the moments at each historic event, so please enjoy.
THALATTA ESTATE:
 Slide Show Grand-Opening Video  Grand-Opening Photos
MUNICIPAL CENTER:
Slide Show Grand-Opening Video Grand-Opening Photos
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Village's Celebration Picnic Major Success 
If you gauge the success of a event by the food and beverage consumed by your guests -- then Palmetto Bay's 9th Annual Celebration Picnic was a huge success by all measures. Village residents and guests consumed some 3,200 hot dogs over the three-hour event last March 5, along with the 2,500 ears of corn, 4,000 sodas, 2,500 slices of pizza, and 3,000 donuts. Thanks for enjoying the day with us. Special thanks to our sponsors. Enjoy these photos and a wonderful video capturing the spirit of this day. |
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Three Advisory Boards Seeking Members
Residents who are inclined to "ask what YOU can do for your government" are encouraged to consider serving on any one of three advisory boards now seeking volunteer members:
Tree Advisory Board - Three seats on the Village's five-member Tree Advisory Board are presently open. If qualified and interested, please complete an application and contact the Vice Mayor, or Councilmembers of District 1 or 2 regarding these respective appointment opportunities. Please also contact Public Works staff for general info.
Art-in-Public Places Board - The Village is seeking qualified individuals to serve on the Art in Public Places Advisory Board, which reviews and suggests art pieces to be acquired by the Village. Please review the qualifications, complete the application, and contact Planning & Zoning staff at Village Hall soon.
Historic Preservation Board - If you believe you've got what it takes to serve on the Historic Preservation Advisory Board, please apply now to be a volunteer member of this key committee. Contact Planning & Zoning staff at Village Hall for info. |
MEETINGS & EVENTS
TOWN HALL MEETING - Wednesday, March 16
Sponsored by Vice Mayor Brian W. Pariser
EAF Community Room, Ludovici Park, 17641 Old Culter Road, 6: 30 pm
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING - Monday, April 4
Village Council Chambers, 9705 E. Hibiscus St., 7 pm
MARCH PARKS CALENDAR
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VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY
9705 E. Hibiscus St.
Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
305-259-1234
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26,000 Lady Bugs Help Celebrate Earth Day
Planning is underway to celebrate Earth Day in Palmetto Bay, April 19-20. Activities will include the ever-popular Lady Bug release at six area schools. 26,000 critters will be released into the environment this year -- that's one lady bug for every Village resident. An environmentally-themed movie will be screened at Coral Reef Park.
"Wall-E" Planned for April 15 Movie Night
The Village kicks off its Earth Day celebration by hosting movie night, April 15 at sundown, by the Coral Reef Park gazebo. "Wall-E" will be featured on the big (blow-up) screen. Arrive a half hour early to assist in setting free thousands of lady bugs at the nearby Ken Robinson Meditation Garden.
Road Closures for Seafood Festival
With the 7th Annual Deering Seafood Festival scheduled for March 27, be wary of traffic flow changes in the area. Or avoid the traffic altogether and pedal to the event -- take full advantage of Green Mobility Network's bike valet service.
DARE Arts & Crafts Fair Seeks Vendors
The Village is seeking vendors for the Police department's DARE Program Fundraiser at Ludovici Park, April 10. The Arts & Crafts Fair will feature up to 40 vendors. Proceeds go toward workbooks & diplomas. For vendor registration, contact Officer Glasko at 305-278-4016.
Annual Alarm Registration
It's not too late to register your home or business alarm. Download the form
Traffic Circle Dedicated to Paul Neidhart
Former Councilman Paul Neidhart was honored March 1 with a plaque dedicating the Village's first-ever traffic circle, in recognition for his community activism and support of Public Works projects over the years.
County Repairing Section-Line Roads
Residents are advised to expect temporary lane closures along SW 136 St. through March 31. This alert comes from MDC Public Works, also presently preparing the Old Cutler Rd. Bike Path.
Thalatta Featured as New Wedding Venue
Enjoy our recently re-opened park on the bay, Mondays & Tuesdays 10 am - 2 pm; Wednesdays & Thursdays 3 - 7 pm; and Sundays 9 am - 7 pm. Also, see this recent Miami Herald feature heralding our new wedding venue.
Village Posts Social Commentary Policy With the advent of 2-way social networking, such as Facebook and Twitter, the Village has posted a policy re public comment via these official Village channels. Basically suggests, "friends" should stay on topic, avoid commercialism, not engage in personal attacks, and use of foul language and four-letter words, etc. Police Help Fight
Rx Drug Abuse
The Palmetto Bay Policing Unit is aiding the fight against drug abuse among our youth by encouraging parents to consider using MedSafe to safely secure prescription drugs in the home.
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