Vol. 3, No. 11 8 October 2022
IAN
Two South Miami Police Officers - Lt. Bukens and Officer Al Alvarez - went to help in the devastated areas left behind by Ian. They came back today and now Lt. Vijil and Detective Jose Alvarez are on their way. The Florida Division of Emergency Management is funding the cost of sending these officers. Here is their statement: "In response to the impacts from Hurricane Ian, FDEM has committed to fund 100% “mutual aid” for municipal and county functions including city manager, public works, IT and other specialized areas."
The four of them, and whoever else also goes, deserve and receive many heart-felt thanks.
South Miami placed boxes in the foyer of City Hall to collect items for the Ian relief efforts. From Wednesday through Friday three loads of tangible help were donated. They were taken west by police officers who were going to help. Many thanks to all who contributed!
TEAMMATES
A group of former Gray Ghost team players have joined together for the second year to raise money to donate to the Palmer Park/Grey Ghost organization. These grown and successful men are commemorating the fun they had , being thankful for the guidance and support from their coaches, and encouraging our current youngsters to follow in their footsteps. They contributed a total of $3,150 to Parks and Recreation for the Grey Ghost team.
VOTER REGISTRATION
There are three more days to register to vote. Registration ends on Tuesday, October 11. If you have not done so, you can register online to vote: click on: VOTE. That click goes to the Miami-Dade County page where information about deadlines and polling places can be found. South Miami has about six polling places. When planning to vote in person, it is important to show up at the right place.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October 4 - 6 was PINK WEEK. October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day in memory of all those who have died from this disease. You will note that the palms in the middle of Sunset in front of City Hall have all been wound in pink lights as a reminder of the need for research about and treatment for the ravages of this malignancy.
CAREPORTAL
On September 28, I attended a breakfast meeting of the Florida Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council (set up by the State legislature https://www.flgov.com/fbcb/). The main focus of the event was on the work and the people behind CarePortal. The best way to find out what I learned is to read their website: https://www.careportal.org/
I came away inspired. I am wondering if there might be enough interest in South Miami (its places of worship, its business, its residents) to join the effort to get help to local families with children as soon as their needs are assessed. The CarePortal is an internet connection between the assessors and possible donors who could help immediately.
If you are interested, please contact me by the email address at the bottom of this webpage.
DOC THOMAS HOUSE
One of the oldest historical sites near South Miami is the Doc Thomas House. Located a block east of Red Road on Sunset, the house is a special architectural style and the grounds have been maintain with native hammock plants.
SECOND CANDIDATE FORUM
It may be at some time between Oct. 12 and Nov. 4 that a second chance to see and hear the people who are running for Commission seats. If a time exists when all candidates can participate, further details will be sent immediately.
VINTAGE AUTOS
An item for calendars: on Nov. 11 the 10th Annual Vintage Auto Show is at Deering Estate. The details are here.
BEER FEST
Mark next year's calendar: on February 23 a fun late-afternoon event is coming to South Miami City Center. A block on 73rd Street will be closed off, and music, food and beverages will be available.
MOSQUITOES
ELECTRIC LAWN MACHINERY
On Feb. 1 this year the Commission adapted an ordinance about landscaping equipment. In particular, it stated that the use of fossil fuel leaf-blowers is no longer allowed. Until July 31, 2023, Code Enforcement will only be handing out courtesy warnings. Starting Aug. 1, they will be handing out citations. The citations will be the responsibility of the owner of the property where the fossil fuel leaf-blower is being used. Penalties start at $250 for the first offense. A summary of the ordinance is available in Spanish here.
One of the reasons for creating this rule is that fossil fuel leaf-blowers are big polluters. Here's a relevant quote; "...blowing one hour's worth of leaves with a gas-powered machine produces about as many smog-forming chemicals as driving 1,100 miles in a Toyota Camry." That quote is from a good article titled Lawn gear is going electric. The complete article is available in six pages: page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4, page 5, and page 6.
TAXES
Though South Miami may have lowered its percent of the property taxes that Miami-Dade County collects, the
city will be receiving more money than it did last year. That's because the assessed and market prices of dwellings, property and buildings have been and are rising steeply. One of the reasons our properties are so valuable is that our city is beautiful and well-run. A question to ask is: Is that share going to be able to cover all the rising costs of materials, fuel (including electricity) and labor? The professionals who have been responsible for writing the budget this year hope that they have included enough lee way to cover all necessary expenses.
SAD AND SADDER
South Miami is going to lose the beautiful look and feel of the quarterly hard copy of John Edward Smith (JES)'s SoMi Magazine. In my opinion that periodical could not be a better introduction to South Miami's events, history, merchants, and retail, restaurant and service offerings. Editions will continue to be posted on the Internet. JES has said that the online edition is going to get a facelift and continue to provide all the good information it has for 17 years. Here's that website: https://somimag.com/
A much, much greater loss to South Miami will be our City Manager. Sharareh Kamali has worked for nine years keeping the City running smoothly and within budget. At the last Commission meeting, she announced that she is retiring. [Here's a brief article.] She plans to stay long enough to help secure her replacement and - perhaps - have time to help him or her get acclimated.
Her announcement was both a shock and a good reason for tears. Beyond the expertise and experience that she brought to the job are her consistent energy, her obvious desire for things to run smoothly, her quick attention to problems, her readiness to fulfill requests, and her sincere warmth as a colleague. Even when not in the office, Shari has been available by phone, text and email. It is not going to be easy to find a professional who will own this City the way Shari has. Shari has driven herself to work hard so that she can be proud of the state of the City. And she has made us proud.
I owe her more and for more than can be expressed. I will miss her mentorship, her zeal, her judgement, and most of all her support.
WELCOME
The City has a new Director of Planning and Zooning. His name is Henry Flores, and it's said that he goes by "Hank." He brings to South Miami years of experience in several Miami-Dade cities. I hope he will feel welcome here and be a good resource for all.
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