Watchdog Report Vol.16 No. 41 February 21, 2016 EST.05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – 17 years of weekly publishing

>>> The Watchdog Report publisher would like to thank the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation www.knightfoundation.org for funding by the Knight Foundation with technical support from the Knight Center www.knightfoundation.org   to maintain my webpage. The Watchdog Report webpage is free, has no pops-up and is just the news in a mainstream reporting manner.

>>>> The Watchdog Report publisher for 16 years now, has reported back weekly on how your billions of public dollars in local government are being spent. And how to help support me providing this service is at the end of the WDR. And I hope you will consider keeping an independent news service out in our community, where what is going on with all our government entities is of critical benefit for both the public institutions but voters as well. Thank You. And to my Supporters I pledge to keep ‘going when you cannot.’ And in the past I have broken the story on Cuban refugees coming in droves and also the Oriental fruit fly quarantine and its huge economic impact to name just a few of the more recent stories in past WDR’s.

>>> And may you and youth family Have a safe and reflective President’s Day and we should all remember the role all the presidents have played in the nation’s evolution.

>>>CORRECTION: >>> I incorrectly reported that South Miami Mayor Philip Stoddard, Ph.D., ran stop signs on his bicycle. In fact it was not the mayor but someone that looks just like him and I apologize for the error. And I had a technical issue this week and a regular WDR will return next week. Thank You. And you can now easily support the Watchdog Report by going to my new PayPal Button account at www.watchdogreport.net Thank you for the past support over the last 16 years. And to read a national story and profile of the WDR publisher in the early years back in 2003 go to: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog

ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the street

>>> Bush suspends campaign after poor showing in S.C., Rubio gets a bump Cruz and Kasich trail with Super Tuesday only two weeks away, Hillary edges out Sanders in Nevada, but she is weak with young voters, stronger with older woman voters, trust still an issue

The political Twilight Zone called the 2016 presidential political primary continues to deviate from past races and now has an exchange between Pope Francis and Donald Trump still riding high in the polls but the equation has changed dramatically after the South Carolina Primary where Jeb Bush’s poor showing had the Florida governor suspending his campaign and that leaves Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX trying to get the elusive break out win and Sen. Marco Rubio, R- Fla. trailed Trump but established his GOP establishment candidate creed and the local Miami congressional delegation, including U,S, Rep, Ileana Ros Lehtinen,R-Miami who was supporting Jeb said on “This Week in South Florida,” with Michael Putney. And to see the program where Ros-Lehtinen discusses Bush and the presidential race go to http://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/this-week-in-south-florida-feb-14 And also President Obama going to Cuba, a first since the 1920s and the congress woman has been a harsh critic of Obamas Cuban initiative since there have been no real human rights concessions from the dictatorial regime.

Ros-Lehtinen Leads Bipartisan Letter To Secretaries Kerry and Lew Asking Why OFAC Granted Havana Club Trademark License To Castro Regime-Owned Cubaexport

Press release: Congress woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL) and nearly two dozen other Members on both sides of the aisle sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and Secretary of State John Kerry standing up for American intellectual property rights and asking why the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has departed from its previous positions and granted a license for the Havana Club trademark to Castro-regime owned Cubaexport.

Statement by Ros-Lehtinen: “I’m pleased to lead this bipartisan letter to voice my opposition to the decision of State and Treasury to allow Cubaexport, an entity owned by the Castro regime, to renew an expired trademark registration for Havana Club rum in contravention of U.S. law. Let me be clear: this original family’s factories and trademarks were confiscated by the Castro regime and the U.S. government should not take any action which would embolden any foreign entity that could confiscate U.S. trademarks and intellectual property. This politically motivated decision could unfortunately serve as a negative precedent regarding the expropriation of U.S. based intellectual property by foreign governments.”

Statement by Wasserman Schultz: “I’ve been firmly committed to protecting the intellectual property rights of American companies, and I was pleased to join this letter with Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and many of my Florida colleagues. We must ensure American companies’ trademarks are protected against confiscation by any foreign government. I’ve cosponsored legislation in the past two congresses to work on this issue, and I’ve worked on intellectual property matters extensively in my role as Ranking Member on the Legislative Branch Appropriations subcommittee.”

NOTE:  To view the letter please click here. Members of Congress joining Ros-Lehtinen and Wasserman Schultz in signing the bipartisan letter were: Ed Royce (R-CA), Eliot Engel (D-NY), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Ted Deutch (D-FL), Carlos Curbelo (R-FL), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Darrell Issa (R-CA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Bill Posey (R-FL), Alan Grayson (D-FL), Ted Yoho (R-FL), Frederica Wilson (D-FL), Ander Crenshaw (R-FL), Patrick Murphy (D-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR), Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Corrine Brown (D-FL), Peter Roskam (R-IL), Jeff Miller (R-FL), and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).

And Gov. John Kasich came in fourth beating out Bush who had committed significant resources in the state that historically has been good to the Bush family and the poor showing pushed him over the line and he is suspending his once inevitable launch to the presidency but was blunted with the solid showing for Trump and with the big states coming March 15 in Florida wins there are suspected to be a springboard for Rubio.

And while the GOP has been battling it out Hillary Clinton edged out Bernie Sanders in the Nevada primary in a close race but Democrats have many more primaries before the party’s champion is decided.

What about Jeb?

Former Gov. Jeb Bush came out of the gate rusty and his policy wonk style never caught on with the electorate and as one pundit said. Bush looked like a television show spin off that did not catch fire and he did not look like he wanted to be president and why Trump’s remark about Jeb “being low energy,” stuck to Bush and was like a cloud over his head when he spoke, and had him now taking off his glasses.

FLORIDA

Florida had a record tourist season with 105 million visitors in 2015 and tourists sales taxes are the reason the state does not have an income tax and these record numbers cut across a wide swath of the state’s economies and the economic engine is a critical part of the states almost $78.9 billion budget and this record is good news for the residents of Florida. And for more go to

>>> Florida Leaders Celebrate Record 105 Million Tourists in 2015~ Gov. Rick Scott announces Fifth Consecutive Record Year for Tourism

~

Gov. Scott press release: Today, Florida business leaders applauded Governor Scott’s announcement that Florida set another record in tourism by welcoming 105 million visitors in 2015, according to VISIT FLORIDA. This is the fifth consecutive record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 98.5 million in 2014 by 6.6 percent.  The average number of direct travel-related jobs in 2015 was also a record high, with 1,199,200 Floridians employed in the tourism industry – up 53,400 or 4.7 percent over the same period last year. To read the full announcement, click HERE.

Bob Chapek, chairman, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, said, “As home of the most popular theme park in the world, we’re thrilled to contribute to the record number of visitors to Florida — and the jobs and economic opportunities that tourism helps to create.”
George Aguel, President and CEO of Visit Orlando, said, “Visit Orlando is delighted that Governor Scott and VISIT FLORIDA have chosen Orlando to share this milestone tourism accomplishment for our state.  This news aligns nicely with Orlando’s record visitation last year of over 62 million visitors and a prediction of another record year for 2015, ensuring our unique position as the most visited destination in the nation.

DT Minich, President and CEO of Experience Kissimmee, said, “These record numbers are a direct result of the dedicated efforts of VISIT FLORIDA and fellow tourism leaders throughout the state. We’re proud to be a part of the engine attracting visitors to Florida and applaud Governor Scott’s unwavering support of the industry.”

Bill Talbert, Vice Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, said, “Florida’s tourism continues to achieve records upon records thanks to the extraordinary efforts of VISIT FLORIDA and our tourism industry partners who work tirelessly to attract visitors to our beautiful diverse state. New and established tourism-related businesses are fueling growth, generating new jobs and paving the way for new milestones. We are fortunate to have a Governor and Legislature that support our industry and VISIT FLORIDA in reaching and surpassing goals for Florida’s tourism today and into the future.”

Andrew Hertz, Immediate Past Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & General Manager of Miami Seaquarium, said, “We know that Florida is the best vacation destination in the world, but it takes an incredible team effort to let the world know all we have to offer. VISIT FLORIDA has been the perfect model of how a public-private partnership works on behalf of the tourism industry and the people of the State of Florida.  Five years of record year-over-year growth shows that the Governor and the Legislature are wise to continue to invest in Florida’s future by their funding of VISIT FLORIDA.”

Carol Dover, Chair of the VISIT FLORIDA Public Affairs Committee and President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, said, “The success seen here in the Sunshine State is off the charts! We are very proud that 105 million visitors took the opportunity to experience our incredible restaurants, hotels and attractions that offer world-class service, provided by 1.2 million dedicated Floridians. We are grateful to Governor Scott and Florida lawmakers for recognizing the industry’s achievements and ensuring that our state’s economy will continue to thrive.  With their support, VISIT FLORIDA’s marketing strategies are continuing to work wonders and we look forward to a sixth consecutive year of record-breaking numbers.”

Bill Lupfer, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of the Florida Attractions Association, said, “As a vital part of Florida’s tourism industry, Florida attractions celebrate five consecutive years of record breaking visitation. Florida’s world-renowned attractions and diverse destinations continue to set the industry standard, and we applaud our partners and the support of Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Legislature.”

Mark Wilson, President & CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said, “Congratulations to VISIT FLORIDA and Florida’s tourism industry for achieving a historic 105 million visitors to Florida in 2015.  When visitors travel to Florida, they learn about our top ten school rankings, low crime rate, zero personal income tax, business-friendly climate and family-friendly brand, and often return to open a business and create jobs for Floridians. The Florida Chamber is proud to celebrate this milestone, and looks forward to making Florida even more competitive in the future.”

Malinda Horton, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Florida Association of Museums, said, “The Florida tourism industry continues to drive the positive statewide economic outlook with the leadership of Governor Scott and the Florida Legislature’s support of VISIT FLORIDA, the public-private partnership for tourism marketing.  This fifth consecutive year of record breaking tourism growth could only have been achieved with high-quality visitor valued offerings statewide. The diverse range of world-class activities from sporting events to museums, a happening culinary scene, and great Florida weather have been harmoniously combined into a win-win vacation for travelers and Florida residents who benefit from robust job growth, a booming tourism expansion construction effort, and increased sales tax revenues that fuel our economy.”

Samantha Padgett, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and Vice President & General Counsel for the Florida Retail Federation, said, “We want to applaud the tremendous coordinated efforts of Governor Scott, our legislative leaders and VISIT FLORIDA in attracting more than 105 million tourists to our state. Record tourism means great news for Florida’s 270,000 retailers who depend on Sunshine State travelers to purchase gifts and memories from their visit.”

Dan Rowe, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President & CEO of Visit Panama City Beach, said, “We have had a run of record-breaking years in terms of visitation, and 2015 was no exception.  VISIT FLORIDA has been a great partner as Panama City Beach continues to grow, becoming a year-round destination and more than just a beautiful beach.  As we strive to offer guests additional reasons to spend their vacation days with us, Panama City Beach has seen our fall visitation nearly double in just 5 years, and in 2015 tourism brought more than $1.4 billion in direct spending.  For Panama City Beach, and for the entire state of Florida, tourism is a key economic driver that Governor Scott and leaders in the Florida Legislature have done a terrific job supporting.”

Virginia Haley, Member of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors and President of Visit Sarasota County, said, “VISIT FLORIDA’s leadership has given our industry the marketing platforms that have driven this success.  Here at Visit Sarasota County, we can see the results of our partnership with VISIT FLORIDA in our tourism records.”

Joe Lopano, CEO of the Tampa International Airport, said “This is great news! Governor Scott set a goal of serving 100 million visitors in 2015 and thanks to VISIT FLORIDA’s outstanding marketing programs, we surpassed that goal.  Every part of the state benefits from that commitment to growing our tourism economy.  At Tampa International Airport, we’re on pace to serve a record number of passengers in 2016, which means more people enjoying our beaches, great restaurants, museums and attractions. That wouldn’t be possible without the support of all of our partners in Tallahassee.”

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> New Court house discussion surreal since 793 page report not released yet to commissioners, after they review “major major issue,” will be addressed again says Chair Monestime

A multi Hour discussion took place last week on what a Court Building Task Force & P3 study recommended, and was pushed by Commissioner Rebeca Sosa for a new civil and criminal courthouse. And Commissioner Sally Heyman seemed to be running the discussion that had jurists talking about the limitation of the current Historical Court House in need of major renovations but funding is short. The “793 page,” report however had yet to be released and a further discussion will take place after the 13 commissioners actually had time to read and then discuss the study that had a host of judges speaking about health issues and crowded courtrooms and “Justice delayed is justice denied,” was a frequent refrain and the question of what the courts should like in the decades ahead is still up in the air as is the number of courtrooms that might be needed for a regional court system that has facilities in Coral Gables, Miami Beach and North Dade and a vote last year to fund the historic court house downtown was shot down by voters after school board Member and mayoral candidate Raquel Regalado ran a campaign opposing the referendum and she will likely make the court house and the Frost Science Museum debacle (where millions more in funding are needed to complete the complex project) an issue in the mayoral election. And for more on the courthouse go to http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/article53007525.html .

>>> Frost Museum board removed, new board and greater public participation by county to right and finish pared down Science Museum that ran out of money and bridge financing gamble by CEO Thomas major mistake, will there be any consequences?

When it comes to the new impressive $325 million Phillip and Patricia Frost Science Museum the organizations CEO Gillian Thomas seems to have had a What me Worry attitude when it came to the funding of the massive project that will likely open a year later in 2016. Then planned and has had the past board removed and the bad news just keeps on coming and someone needs to bring Thomas back to earth and her entitlement attitude when it comes to public funding that was seen at past internal budget hearings where she argued for more public funding despite the $165 million in GOB funding already given to the Museum and her attitude of entitlement of these public dollars has been a persistent problem ( And the museum is said to have turned down a $10 million donation for the aquarium but the money was turned down, because they wanted to use the money for more immediate costs, says a knowledgeable source) and the secrecy of how decisions have been made has been dark and deep and the GOB oversight board must also have been kept in the dark and accountability seems to have been missing since only recently was it revealed the organization had run out of money and has put the museum’s very generous benefactors Phillip and Patricia Frost in a Public relations nightmare. Since it is a front page story in The Miami Herald and I am been told the Frosts are not happy about the situation and how it has been handled and many are wondering if Thomas will have to fall on her sword and Cultural Affairs director Michael Spring was the county’s Watchdog on the project that also recently has a member from the County’s Inspector General’s office looking into the project that would not allow the press or IG to attend past board meetings in the past even though they got this large slug of public money to kick off the project and it remains to be seen if the projected attendance numbers will actually pan out though the museum’s staff says these numbers are ‘conservative,’ states The Miami herald. http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article60132651.html And to see all the listed $2.9 billion GOB projects and their projects go to http://www.miamidade.gov/bondprogram/gob-projects.asp and The frost Museum is not included on the GOB webpage and there is no info on construction issues and financing which is surprising since the citizen based oversight board is made up of citizens and chaired by former County Commissioner Katy Sorenson.

And for Mayor Carlos Gimenez this is a reelection nightmare though he insists it is not a county project and not under his portfolio but there was a significant slug of public money to the museum and this sudden fiscal demise should not have caught leaders by surprise and people question whether Spring’s Cultural Affairs department should have overseen such a large and complicated project. And Thomas educated in chemistry is often seen walking her dogs in South Coconut Grove and tools around town in a tony SUV. And she joined the Museum in 2003 and first made a public splash when at a County Commission meetings she demanded commissioners put a bond for the facility on the county ballot. And had Commissioner Dennis Moss asking “who are you?” given the threatening tone of her request and her fishing for more county funding was apparent during the County’s Resource Allocation Meetings (RAM). And at these meetings she was always asking for a greater share of convention development taxes and Tourist Development Taxes and back in 2013-2014 $2.5 million of these funds were allocated to the science museum and Thomas insisted once construction started the donations would come in which has not happened and the organization fell willfully short and this ‘aggressive gamble [did not allow for a funding plan that failed,’ states the Miami Herald headline on the matter. And Gillian in photos looks like she has no worry in the world. And any contrition on the foul-up seems to be elusive but that may change when Gimenez asks the County Commission to approve a bridge loan funding coming in at $45 million to pay the venders who at one point stopped work until they were paid. And the facility will likely open a couple of years late and not in 2016 as had been predicted. Editor’s note: when the Museum was just about break ground Thomas was asked at a Bayfront Park Trust meeting that oversees Museum and Bicentennial Park, if the organization had enough money already raised to finish the project. And she told Trust members that “there was enough money to build the shell,” of the complex structure and that money was the $175 million GOB money the Museum received from the County.

Thomas

>> Museum’s webpage on trustees being removed: The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science today announced that a new Board of Trustees has been appointed to replace the existing Board. The change in the Board’s composition was requested by its primary pledged donors, Patricia and Phillip Frost, in connection with their agreeing to provide the Museum a bridge loan to continue the construction and operation of the new science museum project in Museum Park until the funding of a presently contemplated Miami-Dade County grant and a private bank loan secured by the capital pledges received by the Museum to date. Also, the Board elected Trish and Dan Bell, Co-Chairs of the Board for the past eleven and a half years, as permanent Chairs Emeriti, honorary positions reflecting their extraordinary efforts, leadership and financial commitments in helping to bring this marvelous new museum to reality.

The Frosts explained that they recognize and are most appreciative of the outgoing Board’s passion, dedication and leadership to date, but desire a change in the Board of Trustees to enable them to appoint members with professional skills and expertise highly aligned with their vision for the future of the Museum. The replacement Board of Trustees will consist initially of Cesar L. Alvarez, Senior Chairman of Greenberg Traurig LLP, Dr. and Mrs. Frost, and Richard Pfenniger. The Frosts also indicated that they intend to expand the new Board of Trustees and for the new Board to create two advisory boards: a Scientific Advisory Board and a Community Leadership Board, which they will invite many of the outgoing Trustees to join. The development and construction of the $305 million project is ongoing, with completion of construction scheduled to occur in late 2016. Because of the efforts of the management team and the outgoing Board, the construction of the project is expected to be completed at an aggregate cost within its original budget, including contingencies, despite significant design, engineering and construction challenges arising from the development of the world-class facility – including a change in its project administrator and its construction manager during the last 18 months. The outgoing Board was also responsible for securing $104 million in pledges (more than the level of capital initially expected to be required of private donors), but was not successful in either financing its existing pledges to cash or securing the additional pledges necessary to otherwise yield sufficient cash to meet its scheduled and ongoing construction costs. To date, the pledges secured by the Museum have yielded approximately $49 million in cash contributed to the project, with the balance of $55 million in pledges received to date either in bequests or scheduled for payment in installments over the coming decade.

Speaking on behalf of the outgoing Board, the Bells stated, “All of us at the Museum, staff and Board alike are thrilled that this magnificent project in which we have invested so much time, energy, passion and financial support will continue uninterrupted to a wonderfully successful completion, and we all wish nothing but the best for the Museum as it enters this new phase.” Tags: Board of Trustees, Patricia and Phillip Frost, Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science

 

What happened to commissioners returning to MIA from Tallahassee?

County Commissioners were upset when their private flight from Tallahassee and their bags were lost at MIA because of a glitch and made commissioners and municipal leaders walk long distances wait to get their bags and Commissioner Audrey Edmonson was upset. And Commissioner Dennis Moss during a transportation and tourist committee said when he listened to flyers complaints he was “embarrassed to be a commissioner,” because of the difficulty of getting around the $6.4 billion updated terminal that was completed a few years ago.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article59807216.html

>>> County Commission has to approve any cultural or art exhibits in lobby of Stephen P. Clark Government Center

 

The Miami-Dade County Commission will have to approve any cultural or art exhibitions in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark government Center and “we have had a number of surprises,” said Commissioner Javier Souto during a committee meeting and we “don’t want any surprises,” he insisted and Commissioner Daniel Levine Cava.

>>> And Commissioner Xavier Suarez was on a roll last week from the dais and he said to himself, “get your act together Suarez,” as the former Miami Mayor observed regarding some of his comments and someone might cut his coffee intake back.

What about CRAs?

The Commission’s Prosperity Committee heard an extensive discussion on CRA’s after a controversial grand jury report that suggests the organization “flirts” with being a slush fund for local elected leaders and assistant state attorney Don Horn attended the meeting and Commissioner Xavier Suarez said he had known Horn for a long time and the man heads up the public corruption detail at the state attorney’s office and Suarez joked when he asked the man to put his name on the record, that we want to know who you are so we would know “who might be under investigation,” he joked.

And a staffer of Miami Commissioner Ken Russell told committee members that reforming how CRA’s operate and spend their money fighting slum and blight is one of his primary missions. And Suarez said “in the past there was a “Lack of communication,” with the past Commissioner [Marc Sarnoff].” And Suarez welcoming South Miami Mayor Phillip Stoddard, Ph.D. said the city’s CRA was working well because “of his watchful eye,” since the city is in his district an” the mayor [Stoddard] has taken on the CRA,” and the mayor said he saw the CRA as a ”political football,’ land deals and “I put an end to that and stuck to the CRA plan,” and the CRA has done a decent job with infrastructure some of the “Best streets and sidewalks in the city[are in the CRA district],” said the six term mayor to Suarez. And Affordable housing is another focus of the CRA. And Commissioner Audrey Edmonson wants better identification of County CRA projects that she believes are not giving the commission the proper credit and she wants more signs on what are County projects. And Russell the Omni CRA board chair believes around the area where the railroad tracks are located could be a “prime area for affordable housing,” something Miami needs to address to keep the workforce here despite the ever escalating cost of living in Miami.

What about the sky train at MIA that went off the tracks?

MIA management is not talking or explaining what happened when the Sky Train at MIA jumped its tracks and while running now it has forced passengers to walk the long way from the gate to baggage claim and is one of the major complaints of passengers and recently had my brother flying into Ft. Lauderdale because of the ease of that airport. And he always carps about MIA when he flies into MIA.

$5 million summer job funding from Children’s Trust hoped to help quell youth violence, with shootings almost daily countywide

County Commissioners had an extensive discussion of the recommendations in a Joint Round Table on Youth Safety committee Action Plan, on all the gun violence in the county (Where 60 kids have been shot and 20 have died says District Supt. Alberto Carvalho) and students are being killed almost daily. And the creation of best practices policies on how to focus on this small ultra-violent youth. And the County will be getting some money ($5 million) for a summer jobs program from the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County and months ago County Commissioner Xavier Suarez made a presentation to the Trust board showing the data that summer jobs are a great vehicle to increase local people’s security and families That has some homes in parts of the county having bullet holes created by AK 17 bullets said Moss and the “easy access to guns,” is contributing to the violence. And such summer jobs funding was seriously cut back during the Great Recession and the youth programs are missed. And Commissioner Dennis Moss also pointed out how this community violence is destroying the fabric of our societies in South Florida. And thee Watchdogreport writes about this only because the county has a long history of taping into the numerous Trust’s that we have including back in 2000 when county commissioners shifted some $ 70 million in unfunded mandates to the Public Health Trust. And Moss also wants to urge the state to put in more funding for summer jobs and not just the $20 million Scott is recommending statewide but Moss notes is too little to do the job effectively.

>>> Mayor Gimenez should insist water and sewer repairs on roads should end with a smooth roadway, and be part of a repairs final inspection.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez could get a huge number of votes if county contractors doing the $10 to $20 billion in water and sewer repairs on the streets after they dug up the road asphalt that the new asphalt be done so there is a smooth road and not the rough uneven surface the road usually becomes and this is a big deal given the mammoth scope of the upcoming work and any final inspection should include a suitable final road surface for currently the streets are getting badly torn up and is a major complaint that I hear all the time.

>>> County MPO with bike advocates are working to make tourism biking a new industry with Crandon Park Initiative, being a signature ride

The MPO Transit solution committee had a major discussion on biking opportunities such as Key Biscayne and “tourism biking,” is becoming a hot sport event for tourists and given the coming Underline a significant bikeway is slowly being created through-out Miami-Dade. And Maurice Ferre noted there is resistance to people giving up their cars since the focus was finding workable transit solutions, he noted in a discussion that included Miami Commissioner Francis Suarez, just back from Copenhagen and both men are on the Metropolitan Planning Organization and Suarez is the MPO vice chair. Ferre also believes companies like Hyundai might be interested in building a running a mag like transit system.

TOP STORY – TOP 25 MARKETS: JANUARY 2016 DEMAND FOR TRAVEL TO GREATER MIAMI & THE BEACHES DURING JANUARY 2016 REMAINED STRONG WITH #1 RANKING IN AVERAGE DAILY ROOM RATE (ADR), #1 RANKING IN REVENUE PER AVAILABLE ROOM (REVPAR), AND #2 IN HOTEL ROOM OCCUPANCY AMONG THE TOP 25 U.S. MARKETS AS DEFINED BY SMITH TRAVEL RESEARCH. HOTEL ROOM OCCUPANCY IN GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES IN JANUARY 2016 REACHED 81.0%, ONE OF THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION. HOTEL ROOMS SOLD FOR THE FIRST MONTH OF 2016 WAS UP +1.2% FROM LAST YEAR, PARTIALLY ABSORBING THE +3.5% INCREASE IN HOTEL ROOM INVENTORY YEAR ON YEAR.  January 2016 Average Daily Room Rate (ADR) – Miami #1 January 2016 January 2015 % Change vs. 2015 $238.06 $237.68 +0.2% Revenue Per Available Room (RevPar) – Miami #1 January 2016 January 2015 % Change vs. 2015 $192.84 $196.94 -2.1% Average Daily Occupancy – Miami #2 January 2016 January 2015 % Change vs. 2015 81.0% 82.9% -2.2% Monthly Room Supply January 2016 January 2015 % Change vs. 2015 51,866 50,095 +3.5% Monthly Rooms Sold January 2016 January 2015 % Change vs. 2015 1,302,405  $1,286,782 +1.2%

MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER HEADQUARTER HOTEL GMCVB Board of Directors unanimously approved support of the March 15, 2016 City of Miami Beach Referendum Item #60 approving the city’s lease of city property for a convention headquarter hotel adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center on Monday, January 25, 2016. The proposed 100 percent privately funded 800-room headquarter hotel adjacent to the convention center is crucial to the success of the renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center in attracting business and especially highly coveted citywide conventions. The GMCVB encourages voters on Miami Beach to VOTE ‘YES’ #60. Miami Herald Public Insight Network Convention Center Hotel Survey The Miami Herald’s Public Insight Network is currently running a survey on the Convention Center Hotel. This is a wonderful opportunity for community and industry leaders to weigh in on the matter and share specific, individual thoughts on the issue. The Network provides a way for the Herald to gauge public sentiment on the issue. Please take a few moments to provide the Herald with your thoughts – and also consider sharing this survey with your networks of supportive friends, neighbors and associates. Click here to take the survey.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Letter from child advocate David Lawrence, Jr.

Be patient with me, please. This is a tad longer than usual, but takes a little explanation.

We know that Floridians love their pre-K. How much? We invest almost $400 million a year, and 77 percent of all 4 year olds are enrolled. That’s the good news. But here, in the words of the late Paul Harvey, is “the rest of the story.” High enrollment is not enough; Floridians deserve to know about the return on their massive investment. That is, are children learning? (We know for a fact that only high quality brings real results.)

To measure learning gains, a kindergarten screening is given to kindergarten students early in the school year. What is learned leads to a “readiness rate” for pre-K providers. Those providers who do not meet the minimum rate set by the State Board of Education are placed on probation.

Last year there was no assessment of the simply vital early literacy skills. No readiness rate was calculated. This year readiness rates are headed toward being calculated with very incomplete data. Should those rates become final, most of the 1,200 low-performing providers will be removed from probation. That means no accountability tied to early reading skills or for the public investment of hundreds of millions of dollars. That’s lousy public policy. Do not let this happen. Please contact your legislators and Governor Scott and tell them:1. Do not calculate a readiness rate without information on VPK students’ early literacy skills.2. Require the Department of Education to include a measure of early literacy skills in kindergarten. Thanks. Dave Lawrence
Chair.

>>> OIG report on Charter Schools and Dual enrollment: http://www.miamidadeig.org/2016MDCPS/SB1314.1008Report.pdf

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Four trustee’s applicants accepted, but two more applicants are needed, application deadline extended

PHT webpage Overview: The Public Health Trust (PHT) was created in 1973 by the Board of County Commissioners as an independent governing body concerned with the county’s most vital healthcare resource: Jackson Memorial Hospital. The Trust is comprised of concerned volunteer citizens who set policies that assure that Jackson Health System is responsive to community needs. This “citizen body” provides leadership for joint planning between Jackson Health System, the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine, Miami-Dade County and other private and community organizations.

In 2003, the Board of County Commissioners amended Chapter 25A of the Miami-Dade County Code that governs the Public Health Trust. Notably, these changes altered the composition and size of the Public Health Trust as well as the responsibilities for countywide health care. A new Office of Countywide Health Care Planning was created under the Office of the County Manager and Jackson’s role was redefined to focus solely on the planning of facilities within the system. To read the Public Health Trust Bylaws, click here. View the Public Health Trust meeting calendar by clicking here.

>>> Press release: As of the February 9, 2016 deadline for Public Health Trust (PHT) Board of Trustee applications, the following four (4) applications were received:

William Heffernan,

Irene Lipoff,

Albert Dotson, and

Ralph Patino.

Per the County Attorney’s Office, in order to bring an item forth to the Board of County Commissioners, the Nominating Council must put forth six (6) names, at a minimum.  Therefore, Chairman Arriola has extended the PHT Board of Trustees application deadline until March 2, 2016 (3 weeks) at 4:00 pm.

As a result, the Chairman has requested that the February 24, 2016 meeting be rescheduled so the Nominating Council can review all the applicants after the extended deadline and decide finalists to interview.  The date of the next Nominating Council meeting and a revised timeline will be forthcoming. I have included the 2016 PHT Board of Trustees application in case you would like to share with any candidates.

>>> Past WDR: health trust will be looking for trustees in near future, only the best of the best need apply to be on seven member oversight board, $830 million GOB oversight board looking for trustees as well

The Public HealthTrust Nominating Council is meeting and is expected to be running an ad soon asking for residents to apply to be on the seven member oversight board that looks after the health trust system and is currently a much more nimble board then when it was 18 members years ago, but County Commissioners reduced the board’s size and under the leadership of Carlos Migoya alongside with the unions and major concessions from them the trust has operate the organization in the black the last three years after years of hemorrhaging red ink to the tune of a $84 million loss back in 20003.

>>> And the $830 million GOB bond oversight board is looking for trustees as well and if you have skills in construction consider applying here http://www.jacksonhealth.org/jackson-bond-program-CAC.asp#2

CITY OF MIAMI

>>> Commissioner Russell participates in Farm Share event, at Miami Elizabeth Virrick Park, politicians doing free food give away need to not make sure it is not a campaign event, says M-DC Ethics and Public trust Commission, Russell “thinks Farm Share, is a good organization.”

Miami commissioner Ken Russell participated in a Farm Share event where he and County Commissioner Xavier Suarez gave Out food to local residents at Elizabeth Virrick Park in Coconut grove and politicians participating in these food give away programs have been warned by the Miami-Dade Ethics and Public Trust Commission to not participate in such programs close to local elections and here is more on that issue.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/west-miami-dade/article28319638.html and over the years I have tried to help Farm Share for it collects and distributes millions of pounds of food to the needy.

And the Watchdog Report only has a problem when the act of food distribution is a way to get votes from the needy residents in the neighborhoods and I contacted Russell about being involved in the distribution Saturday and by text he replied. “I think Farm Share is a good organization. I was invited to attend the event. And was glad to lend a hand,” wrote the newly minted commissioner elected back in November and still learning some of the ropes and this food distribution activity has become a political mainstay for many politicians and was why the ethics commission started to monitor and sound the alarm of politicians doing this extensively and the food giveaway has been done by host of Miami and County Commissioners for decades and also includes toy drives at Christmas. But the Farm Share events are the most popular and have to be done carefully if the commissioner is not to be seen as pandering to the poor and is something Russell has not done since he was just elected. But Suarez has other political aspirations and his motives are usually less pure, since he has a long history of controversy, that he periodically gives the public a flash of his old self and had the Harvard trained attorney at a Sunshine Meeting with Commissioner Sally Heyman to discuss the reorganization of the County’s some 46 departments, And at this meeting Suarez reflected that “God only had Ten Commandants,” and he thought that number might be right for Miami-Dade County’s departments. he suggested in the conference room filled with staffers and the Watchdog Report.

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH

>>> Beach voters coming around regarding new convention center and March 15 vote, community and tourism leaders all behind the new design and deal that will jump start big time convention tourism

Beach voters are going to the polls March 15 and are being asked to approve a long sought new convention Center and hotel and tourism leaders want to jump start major conventions coming back to the beach like The American Heart Association or the College of Cardiology both gigantic events that used to come regularly to Miami back in the 1980s but have gone elsewhere and the convention design in the past has caused controversy but this current plan is moving forward and is expected to pass.

Press release: GMCVB Board of Directors unanimously approved support of the March 15, 2016 City of Miami Beach Referendum Item #60 approving the city’s lease of city property for a convention headquarter hotel adjacent to the Miami Beach Convention Center on Monday, January 25, 2016. The proposed 800-room headquarter hotel adjacent to the convention center is crucial to the success of the renovation of the Miami Beach Convention Center in attracting business and especially the highly coveted citywide conventions. The GMCVB encourages Miami Beach residents to VOTE ‘YES’ #60.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Press release: The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County Presents -THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES

MASTER QUEST Multimedia symphonic concert returns with new music and scenes from “Tri Force Heroes,” the latest The Legend of Zelda video game. The Legend of Zelda franchise celebrates its 30^th anniversary in 2016!

“An utterly flawless presentation!” – WIRED Part of the 2015-2016 Live at Knight Series

April 16, 2016 at 8 p.m. Tickets: $35-$125* VIP Package: $150*John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall

MIAMI, FL January 15, 2016 – Now celebrating its 10^th Anniversary Season, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is proud to present the return of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES and its new highly-anticipated multimedia symphonic concert MASTER QUEST. This latest edition of The Legend of Zelda symphony will feature brand-new music and visuals from the new The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes video game released in October 2015. As part of the Center’s Live at Knight Series, MASTER QUEST will delight video game and orchestral music fans alike on April 16 in the John S. and James L. Knight Concert Hall.

Tickets to MASTER QUEST are on sale now and range from $35 to $125*. A VIP Package for $150* includes premium seating, meet and greet with executive producer Jason Michael Paul and principal conductor Amy Andersson, official tour VIP lanyard, limited edition poster and a VIP Fast Pass to the merchandise booth. Tickets may be purchased at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at www.arshtcenter.org.

Making its South Florida premiere, MASTER QUEST is a never before seen or heard multimedia concert experience featuring a live 56-piece orchestra, 20-person choir and a larger-than-life video presentation of gameplay imagery. The concert also boasts live orchestral performances of theme music from Nintendo’s beloved The Legend of Zelda franchise – now celebrating its 30^th anniversary. Guests will enjoy their favorite game moments from the series, carefully and beautifully timed with a gorgeous orchestral score approved by Nintendo sound director and The Legend of Zelda composer Koji Kondo.

Those new to THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: SYMPHONY OF THE GODDESSES will also have the opportunity to experience the beautifully orchestrated four-movement symphonic work from last season which chronicles fan-favorite moments from the video game’s rich and storied history, carefully and expertly timed with videos. The concert is a festive experience for all fans, many of which attend in “cosplay” as their favorite characters.

For more information, please visit: www.zelda-symphony.com. Support for the Live at Knight Series is provided by Wells Fargo. *All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Additional fees may apply. Visit www.arshtcenter.org for up-to-date information, details and performance.

Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.arshtcenter.org/press.

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is made possible by the public support of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners, the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Tourist Development Council and the City of Miami Omni Community Redevelopment Agency, as well as the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The Adrienne Arsht Center also receives generous support from individuals, corporations and local, state and national foundations. In its 10^th anniversary season, the Arsht Center thanks its institutional donors for their historic commitment to the performing arts and Greater Miami: Adrienne Arsht; Miami-Dade County; John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Dr. Sanford L. and Dolores Ziff & Family; The Arison Family/Carnival Corporation; Knight Ridder Inc. and The Miami Herald/El Nuevo Herald; Sears Roebuck and Co.; Arthur F. and Alice E. Adams Foundation; Bank of America; Joyce and M. Anthony Burns; Audre and Donald Carlin, Hedy Carlin and B. Pair Carlin; The Cejas Family Foundation; Gilbert S. Kahn and John J. Noffo Kahn; Haskell Company; Miami Salon Group Inc.; Odebrecht; Peacock Foundation Inc.; Ryder Charitable Foundation; Terra Group; Wells Fargo and Lynn Wolfson.

About the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

Set in the heart of downtown Miami and designed by world-renowned architect Cesar Pelli, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County is one of the world’s leading performing arts organizations and venues. Since opening in 2006, the Arsht Center, a 501C3 non-profit organization, has emerged as a leader in presenting innovative programming that mirrors South Florida’s diversity as well as a catalyst for billions of dollars in new development in the downtown area. Spotlighting legends and serving as a launch pad for local artists to make their mark on the international stage, the Center presents nearly 500 events each year across its eight flexible, state-of-the-art performance spaces. The Center programs 12 signature series, including the largest jazz series in South Florida, the biggest flamenco festival on the East Coast, and a robust program of new theatrical works as well as free programming for the community and an arts education program that serves nearly 30,000 children each year. As Miami’s new Town Square, the Arsht Center also houses Brava! A fine dining restaurant; the Café at Books & Books in the historic Carnival Tower and a weekly Farmers Market. Visit www.arshtcenter.org for more information.

>>> THE MARGULIES COLLECTION AT THE WAREHOUSE is proud to announce its new exhibitions Anselm Kiefer: Paintings, Sculpture and Installation -Susan Philips: Immersive Sound Installation -through April 30, 2016 – Anselm Kiefer: Paintings, Sculpture and Installation

Staged across 18,000 sq. ft. of space the new Kiefer exhibition at the Margulies Warehouse is the largest presentation of the artist work ever made in the United States. The show includes major sculptures, installation and paintings from 1986 to 2015. Four immense rooms within the Warehouse have been built specially to house the exhibition.

“Anselm Kiefer is one of the most important European artists of the past four decades,” says curator Katherine Hinds. “In our ongoing process of building the collection we recognized that Anselm Kiefer was critically important. This exhibition comes at a pivotal time. It is the most comprehensive project ever undertaken by the collection. We are honored to present this exhibition, which is the result of an ongoing collaboration between the collector Martin Z. Margulies and the artist. We see this exhibition as a fulfillment of our educational mission at the Warehouse to produce powerful exhibitions of seminal work by the greatest international artists of our times.”

The artist traveled to Miami to install his 17ft high work Die Erdzeitalter (Ages of the World), 2014 that was the centerpiece of his retrospective at the Royal Academy in London in 2014. The largest work in the show, Geheimnis der Farne (The Secret of the Ferns) is based on a work Kiefer created eight years ago for Monumenta 2007 Grand Palais exhibition. After meeting with the collector, Kiefer changed and rearranged elements of the work and made a site-specific installation for the Margulies collection. Included in the show is the 3-ton workSprache der Vögel, 1989, which was the first work by Anselm Kiefer acquired by the Margulies collection. It has been on exhibit at the Warehouse since 2013.

The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse is honored to join the exemplary collection exhibitions devoted to the art of Anselm Kiefer including the Hall Art Foundation at Mass MoCA, the Doris and Donald Fisher Collection, The Broad Art Foundation and HangarBicocca, Milan.

Anselm Kiefer was born in Donaueschingen, Germany in 1945 and has lived and worked in France since 1993. He has exhibited widely, including solo shows at MoMA, New York (1987); Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin (1991); The Metropolitan Museum, New York (1998); Fort Worth Museum of Art (2005); the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (2006); Mass MoCA, Massachusetts; Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao; the Grand Palais, Paris; Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Denmark (2010); the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (2011), Tel Aviv Museum of Art (2011) and The Royal Academy, London (2014). In 2007 Kiefer became the first artist to be commissioned to install a permanent work at the Louvre, Paris since Georges Braque some 50 years earlier. In 2009 he created an opera, Am Anfang, to mark the 20th anniversary of the Opéra National in Paris. The Centre Georges Pompidou and the Bibliothèque Nationale de France in Paris will stage major solo presentations of his work in 2015.

Susan Philipsz: Immersive Sound Installation

The Margulies Collection is also pleased to feature a large scale Immersive Sound Installation by the acclaimed European artist Susan Philipsz, winner of the prestigious Turner Prize in 2010, Tate Britain. Drawing from the histories of 1930’s emigrant artists who fled Germany for America only to experience McCarthy-era blacklist censorship, Susan Philipsz’ work evokes the emotions of alienation, loss and exile. The audience views the work by walking into a large room with abstract sound emanating from 12 speakers placed in a symmetrical pattern at eye level. On the walls of the room 12 large prints of musical compositional scores are layered over with redacted FBI documents. “The sound of the deconstructed music heard over 12 channels combined with the visual experience of the recognizable but evasive censored text in the prints is a stunning and evocative experience,” says Ms. Hinds. “This has been a very ambitious project for us, it is the very first sound art installation work here at the warehouse and we are excited about adding a new dimension to the Collection.”

Permanent exhibitions: Magdalena Abakanowicz, Ron Bladen, Pier Paolo Calzolari, Anthony Caro, John Chamberlain, Willem de Kooning, Olafur Eliasson, Dan Flavin, Michael Heizer, Jannis Kounellis, Sol LeWitt, Mario Merz, Joan Miró, Isamu Noguchi, Michelangelo Pistoletto, George Segal, Richard Serra, Tony Smith, and Franz West

New works: Meuser, Lawrence Carroll, Liat Yossifor, Mark Handforth and Martin Boyce. Click here for more information about this season’s exhibitions.

The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse

591 NW 27th Street, Miami, FL 33127

p: 305.576.1051 / f: 305.576.4963

mcollection@bellsouth.net

www.margulieswarehouse.com

The Martin Z. Margulies Foundation, inc. is a not for profit institution dedicated to the presentation of exhibitions and educational programs. The Margulies Collection at the WAREhOUSE houses an extensive collection of contemporary and vintage photography, video, sculpture and installation art.

Curator, Katherine Hinds

MERCHANTS OF DOUBT

WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 17TH | 7 PM | FREE EVENT

Village of Pinecrest  | 11,000 SW 57th Ave |  Pinecrest  | Fl  |  33156

Join Village of Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner and the CLEO Institute for the screening of this incredibly revealing documentary about the MERCHANTS OF DOUBT: a disturbing conspiracy to instill doubt and fear on the US population. A DO NOT MISS DOCUMENTARY.

The troubling story of how a cadre of influential scientists have clouded public understanding of scientific facts regarding Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming to advance a political and economic agenda. It takes a look at looks at pundits-for-hire who present themselves as scientific authorities as they speak about topics like toxic chemicals, pharmaceuticals and climate change.

RAFFLE

4 Merchants of Doubt DVDs will be raffled so, you too,

Can spread the message!

CARPOOL IF YOU CAN

GROUNDSWELL RISING

Protecting our Children’s’ Water & Air

WEDNESDAY | FEBRUARY 24TH | 7:30 PM – RECEPTION | 8 PM – SCREENING

SUGGESTED DONATION OF $5

ECOMB’S New Location: mind warehouse | 111 NE 1st Street, 7th Floor  |  Miami | Fl | 33132

FRACKING IN FLORIDA? NO FRACKING WAY! 

Join the Green Party of Miami-Dade & ECOMB for the screening of this Emmy-Winning documentary about the human side of fracking!

SPECIAL Q&A GUEST

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniela Levine Cava

Groundswell Rising: the new documentary from Emmy Award-winning Resolution Pictures, captures the passion of people engaged in a David and Goliath confrontation. They stand together, challenging a system that promotes profit over health. We meet mothers, fathers, scientists, doctors, farmers and people from all sides of the political spectrum taking a hard look at energy extraction techniques not proven to be safe. With the Oil and Gas industry’s expansion of fracking seen as a moral issue, this provocative documentary tracks a people’s movement, a groundswell rising towards reason and sensitivity, to protect life, today and tomorrow.

COCKTAIL RECEPTION @ 7:30 PM

Join us for some pre-screening wine and socializing by

Rethink Energy of Florida

$3 GLASS OF WINE – IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN CUP

$5 GLASS OF WINE – IF YOU USE OUR RECYCLABLE ONES

(Suggested donation)

SPECIAL Q&A GUEST

Miami-Dade County Commissioner

Daniela Levine Cava

9:00 PM

SCREENING CO-HOSTS

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST SCREENING AT ECOMB’S NEW HOME: 

Come check out this incredible work-share space located in the heart of

Miami! Multiple rental options available and special rates for Non-profits!

Plus an incredible multiple-use event space for art and film exhibits, parties, fundraisers, meetings, etc.

PLEASE USE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION OR CAR POOL! 

MUST RSVP TOECOMB@ECOMB.ORG

For more info you may call Andrea Cuccaro @ 786.925.1151

or Luiz Rodrigues @ 786.853.1855

>>>> Press release: Thinking About Running for Office? 

The Good Government Initiative will offer a one-day workshop on Friday, April 1, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM to help you: Define your purpose in wanting to run for office Tap into your leadership strengths and core values: Plan your fundraising strategy: Connect with constituents and your community, Get ready to launch

Register Now! 
When
Friday April 1, 2016 from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EDT
Add to Calendar

Where

Bilzin Sumberg Law Offices
1450 Brickell Avenue, 23rd Floor
Miami, FL 33131

Driving Directions

Guest speakers include:

Mayra Peña Lindsay, Mayor, Village of Key Biscayne

Dan Gelber, Attorney and former State Senator

Katy Sorenson, former County Commissioner

Jean Monestime, Chair, Miami-Dade County Commission

Francis Suarez, Commissioner, City of Miami

Mark Samuelian, former candidate, City of Miami Beach

Shellie Levin & Christian Ulvert, Campaign Consultants

This workshop will take place at Bilzin Sumberg Law Firm and will be limited to the first 25 applicants. The fee is $95 and will include a continental breakfast, lunch, and parking.

YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR RESERVATION!

Register using the “register now” link above.

NO REFUNDS.

For more information email Jennifer@goodgov.net

Editorials

>>> Public institutions need to remember baby boomers not as nimble with technology as young folk’s small font a nightmare for some

There is not just a digital divide, but a widening technological gap as baby boomers get older and are expected to be more capable of their computer skills, despite having some medical issue like a stroke and public institutions are moving faster with this new technology leaving many people behind, who may or not have a smart phone that was first introduced Jan. 9^th 2007 by Steve Jobs and the Apple iPhone and while young people have no problem with all this technology that is likely not the case if you are in your sixties where reading small font requires a magnifying glass and public institutions as they rush to embrace this technology that they need to remember that for some people they may need some help navigating it and catching up to speed of this technological revolution.

>>> One of Watchdog Report’s main missions is to keep watch on all the host of Trust’s in Miami-Dade and these organizations involve some serious public money in the billions

Residents in Miami-Dade County periodically ask why I cover all the trust’s found in the county, from the Children’s Trust to the Public Health Trust to the County’s Homeless Trust and it is because elected county leaders are always looking for new funds and while the raids of these public dollars periodically occurs like in the case of the Citizens Independent Transit Trust where the county is slowly paying back the sales tax dollars absorbed by the county’s transit system in what was called “unification,” by county leaders but the Public Health Trust was also raided back in 20002 when county commissioners shifted some $ 70 million in unfunded mandates on to organization and that cost has risen over $100 million a year and was one of the reasons the Public health trust needed a $830 million GOB passed overwhelmingly by voters a few Years back to upgrade its infrastructure and ageing main campus

After this past money was diverted over a decade by the County commission that does provide some $250 million in public funds for a maintenance of effort contribution. But in Miami-Dade where everything is political. I keep watch so that these organizations are kept whole and politics is kept to a minimum and this oversight helps keep the organizations on the straight and narrow when it comes to public dollars and it is no small amount of money and helps explain why there have been so few scandals in the past that plagued the county back in the 1990’s and was a frequent topic in the media.

LETTERS

>>> A Reader on danger of yellow pole barriers on 195, and sign petition asking FDOT to modify polls https://www.change.org/p/florida-department-of-transportation-change-i95-plastic-poles-to-unable-movement-in-and-out-of-the-express-lanes

>>> Great story on the Pets’ Trust.  I’d love to speak with you and tell you more.  You are right…..it will be an issue in the Mayor’s race.  

Please watch this…      Pets’ Trust…the Story    password is     movie

 And read this……..  http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/op-ed/joe-cardona/article2087823.html

Michael Rosenberg

President Pets’ Trust

Rita Schwartz Cofounder

>>> And another reader sent the following the shocking truth about Miami-Dade Animal Services, http://www.animalliberationfront.com/ALFront/Actions-USA/MiamiAnimalServices.htm

DR

Coconut Grove

>>> The Watchdog Report is Celebrating 16 years of weekly publishing since May 5^th 2000 and when I started back then I never thought I would be doing this so

http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog. And while I have taken a licking over the years including some medical issues I have kept at the job thanks to my supporters who I thank so very much over the many years. And the community’s public institutions are better when it comes to them knowing what the other is doing and why I have tried to be an information electrolyte for these giant institution’s leaders and things and here is a national story done on why I started to watch government back in 2000 http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and to all the people along the way that have helped me I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible:  Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors

***** LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & Initial sponsors since 2000

>>> LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & INITIAL SPONSORS IN 2000

ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S

HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr

FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com .

THE MIAMI HERALD www.miamiherald.com (2000-2008)

ARTHUR HERTZ

WILLIAM HUGGETT, Seamen Attorney (Deceased)

ALFRED NOVAK

LINDA E. RICKER (Deceased)

JOHN S. and JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION www.knightfoundation.org

THE HONORABLE STANLEY G. TATE

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $2,000 a year

Mr. NORMAN BRAMAN http://www.bramanmotorcars.com/dealership/normanbraman.htm

BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com

RONALD HALL

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov

UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.unitedwaymiamidade.org

>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 to $5,000 a year

COLSON HICKS EIDSON, PA www.colson.com

BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com

JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST

RON BOOK

LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.

WILLIAM PALMER www.shutts.com

Rbb PUBLIC RELATIONS www.rbbpr.com

ROYAL MEDIA PARTNERS www.royalmp.com

SHUBIN & BASS www.shubinbass.com

WILLIAMSOM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP http://williamsonautomotivegroup.com/

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

CAMILLUS HOUSE, INC. www.camillushouse.org

CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA www.hfsf.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY ETHICS & PUBLIC TRUST COMMISSION

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less

CAMILLUS HOUSE, INC. www.camillushouse.org

CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.

CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com

CITY OF MIAMI BEACH www.miamibeachfl.gov

CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY www.fiu.edu

THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov

GREATER MIAMI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE www.miamichamber.com

GREATER MIAMI CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU www.miamiandbeaches.com

HEALTH FOUNDATION OF SOUTH FLORIDA www.hfsf.org

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COMMISSION OFFICE OF THE CHAIR www.miamidade.gov

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY HOMELESS TRUST: www.miamidade.gov/homeless/

MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE www.mdc.edu

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY COMMISSION ON ETHICS and PUBLIC TRUST www.ethics.miamidade.gov  

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY INSPECTOR GENERAL www.miamidade.gov/ig

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOARD www.dadeschools.net

MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPT. http://superintendent.dadeschools.net/

MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY www.miamidda.com

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST & JACKSON HEALTH SYSTEM www.jhsmiami.org

THE BEACON COUNCIL www.beaconcouncil.com

THE CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org

THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/

THE MIAMI-DADE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES www.mdclc.org

THE MIAMI FOUNDATION www.miamifoundation.org

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/

UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI www.miami.edu

>>> Publisher’s Statement on the mission of the Watchdog Report and the special people and organizations that make it possible:  Government Subscribers/Corporate Subscribers/Sustaining Sponsors/Supporting Sponsors the Watchdog Report covers a few of the meetings attended weekly. It remains my belief that an informed public will make better decisions. Therefore, I go to meetings, make the presence of an informed citizen known, and bring the information to you.   The Watchdog Report is in the fourth year of publication and it has been an honor to be able to send this information to you. It is sent to readers in Miami-Dade, Florida, the U.S. and the world. The Watchdog Report is sent to thousands free and while readers have been prodded to subscribe the results have been mixed. Over 250 reports and Extras have been sent since May 5, 2000 and over one million words have been written on our community’s governments and events.  The report is an original work based on information gathered at public meetings, interviews and from documents in the public domain. I welcome letters via e-mail. Letters may be edited for length or clarity and must refer to material published in the Watchdog Report.  Please see address and contact information. Please send any additions and corrections by e-mail, fax or snail mail. All corrections will be published in the next Watchdog Report. If you or your organization would like to publish the contents of this newsletter, please contact me. Please send your request to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net

Daniel A. Ricker

Publisher & Editor

Watchdog Report

Est. 05.05.00

Copyright © of original material, 2016, Daniel A. Ricker

>>> The Miami Herald and Orlando Sentinel & Sun-Sentinel articles on the Watchdog Report publisher over the years.

Published on September 9, 1999, Page 1EA, Miami Herald, the (FL)

CITIZEN ADVOCATE’ KEEPS TABS ON POLITICIANS

Published on January 3, 2000, Page 1B, Miami Herald, the (FL)

MIAMI-DADE WATCHDOG WILL BE MISSED

Published on January 20, 2003, Page 1E, Orlando Sentinel, PAPERWORK TIGER, Miami’s citizen watchdog piles up government files in his quest to keep the “little people” informed. http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog

>>>Watchdog Report publisher named ‘Best Citizen’ 2003 by the Miami New Times

The publisher would like to thank the weekly alternative paper Miami New Times for bestowing their 2003 Best of Miami, ‘Best Citizen’ award to me and I am honored.  Thank you. To read the full story go to http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517

From the spring of 2003:  U. North Carolina, Chapel Hill:  Southeast U.S. Media Report lists Watchdog Report publisher as leading Florida commentator >>> Selected excerpts from the report on Florida’s media sources-Those who do read the newspaper in Florida have a bevy of options for state government and political coverage. The dominant newspapers in the state are Knight-Ridder’s The Miami Herald (Acquired by the McClatchy Company in 2006) and the Poynter Institute’s St. Petersburg Times. Both papers endorsed Gore in 2000 but split on the 2002 gubernatorial race, with the Herald endorsing Republican incumbent Jeb Bush and the Times backing Democratic challenger Bill McBride. Daniel Ricker of The Miami Herald also writes an influential column as well as an email newsletter called the Watchdog Report that goes out to more than 100,000 subscribers. FEBRUARY 2004 – Florida: Columnists in Abundance —ERIC GAUTSCHI, graduate student, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, UNC-Chapel Hill – D) LEADING COMMENTATORS – Resource Commentator Organization Type Web site –Steve Bousquet St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/bousquet.shtml -“First Friday” WPBT TV (Miami) TV Show www.channel2.org/firstfriday/issues.html –Lucy Morgan St. Petersburg Times Column www.sptimes.com/columns/morgan.shtml  –Daniel Ricker Miami Herald/Watchdog Report Newsletter –www.miami.com/mld/MiamiHerald/news/columnists/dan_ricker/

>>> General subscriber’s names will not be published in the Report. To subscribe to the Watchdog Report please use the form below as a subscription invoice. ***************************************

Watchdog Report Supporters Invoice-Form Thank you

Supporting Sponsors $5,000

Sustaining Sponsors $2,000

Corporate Sponsors $1,000 (All levels above will be listed in the report with web-site link if desired)

Large Business Supporters $500

Small Business Supporters $250 

Individual Supporter $150

Name & Address Make checks payable to Daniel A. Ricker

Send to          

3109 Grand Avenue, #125

Miami, FL 33133

And to contact me go to watchdogreport1@earthlink.net OR TO USE PayPal go to www.watchdogreport.net

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