Watchdog Report Vol.17 No. 13 EST.05.05.00 September 11, 2016 A day that changed America – I go when you cannot — Celebrating 16 Years of Weekly reliable publishing
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CONTENTS
Argus Report: N. Korea detonates another nuclear bomb, rattles Japan and all of Asia, even China, since leader is unpredictable and young clinging to power through almost fascist military structure
Florida: Gov. Rick Scott is traveling to Washington D.C. Tuesday and Wednesday to plead for congress to pass funding for Zika Virus research that has put Miami-Dade in the spotlight, and state leaders are holding breath it does not spread to Mickey and Orlando
Miami-Dade County: Whopping $7.14 billion County budget, capital projects account for $2.27billion, key issues are “traffic and community, violence,” says commissioner Sosa
Miami-Dade County Public Schools: “More arrests are coming,” when it comes to Medicare fraud ring in public District with $400 million self-insured health insurance program, money stolen from students and teachers, and thieves will be caught, says Carvalho. — Pets for Vets and Teaching Responsible Pet Ownership to Kids – Children are learning how to properly take care of animal’s in massive education effort with District County and veterans
Public Health Trust: Commissioner Martinez back on dais, he pushed the smaller seven member board that turned around fiscally troubled JHS back in 2008, was a success from 17 member trust board
City of Miami: City Atty. Menendez’s job on life support, will she get recruited by high profile law firm, after she loses “trust,” of Commissioner Ken Russell on zoning matter in South Grove and closeness to lobbying attorney on deal, and what will the separation cost?
City of Miami Beach: Miami Beach Enforces All Prevention Measures – Miami Beach asking residents and businesses to do their part to reduce mosquitoes
Community Events: FFCR’s Claws for Kids Luncheon is an annual tradition! Whether you’re a regular or have never been before, don’t miss out. Mark your calendar and keep your claws ready to grab a ticket! In the meantime, check out these pics from last year’s event. 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 e celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2016! – Major new show a The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse – History Miami has 100th anniversary and Architect Alfred Browning Parker exhibition and event at History Miami
Editorial: Now what will you at least vote? “Reset & “Pivot” should be banned from campaign speeches, just be honest and tell the truth — Public institutions Collaboration must be our goal if South Florida to reach its greatness
Letters: — Pet trust founder on past WDR – advocate’s petition for FDOT to come up with alternative to yellow polls and injuries from pole divers
Sponsors – Publisher’s mission statement & Subscription information is at the bottom of this issue
>>> Just because you do not take an interest in politics does not mean politics will not take an interest in you. –Pericles (430 B.C.)
>>> If you wish to be deleted, just e-mail me with that message.
>>> 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 information 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 l. Thank You.
And to my Supporters I pledge to keep ‘going when you cannot.’ And we have about $9 billion in GOB funds being spent through a variety of public institutions and that is no small number 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 I also keep watch for the all-important tourism industry and with the Zika Virus people are starting to understand how vital these tourists are for a host of amenities like culture and the arts, Jackson health System and transportation dollars all entities that benefit from tourism.
>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account at www.watchdogreport.net
>>>And you can now easily support the Watchdog Report by going to my new PayPal Button account, you know you want to do it at www.watchdogreport.net for as media resources contract residents still need to know that someone is also watching out for their interests. Because government watched is a better governing experience for voters and their local quality of life?
However, because of fiscal issues I was barely able to publish this week as Miami continues to get more expensive. It is no easy task financially to do the WDR weekly. And years ago the county Ethics Commission did a report that suggested over the past decade some $50 million had been spent fighting waste fraud abuse and public corruption and having the press at public meetings (some very obscure) changes the tone of the meeting (and is why you don’t speed past a state trooper, if you’re smart) Further, I have tried to be an information electrolyte available to all free (and that is a problem) between these large public institutions when I first started back in 1997. And many public meetings back then were not being recorded except by me and that is no longer the case.
For an accurate public record is key and diminishes future legal action. For you either have an accurate public record or you don’t. And I hope you will consider helping me in this effort to keep the community informed and saving taxpayer monies in the process. For I need your help and Thank you for the past support over the last 17 years. And to read a national story and profile of the WDR publisher in the early years and background back in 2003 go to: http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american
>>> And here is the story done by Miami New Times when they named the publisher as the community’s Best of Miami and Best Citizen and to read the story go to: http://www.miaminewtimes.com/best-of/2003/people-and-places/best-citizen-6399517
And the credibility I have established over that time of news you can trust without an attitude. And to help me in this quest to keep the community informed can easily be done since I know have PayPal at www.watchdogreport.net and it accepts a host of credit cards and I hope you will consider supporting me allowing to have someone watch over how your public tax dollars are being spent. And few web blogs have the duration and community history as I have given in this effort and has people saying “you were blogging before we even knew what it was,” And I hope I get a decent response so I can get back to what I do best ‘go when you cannot,’ and the Watchdog Report will only return when my fiscal health is in better shape and to any of my past contributors. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. >>> May 5th was my 16th Anniversary, and I thank all my supporters and can’t believe it has been that long and hope you will help keep me in the field and reporting back how your public tax dollars are being spent.
>>> And here is the verbiage related to the award: Three years ago we said Ricker was our Best Gadfly. Given his dedication and perseverance, this new honor, Best Citizen, is well deserved. Ricker goes to 2500 mind-melting meetings annually, from the Public Health Trust’s purchasing subcommittee to the Efficiency and Competition Commission to the Alliance for Human Services’ nominating council to the school board’s audit committee. Sometimes he’s the only public observer. Object: to be the Public Citizen for all those out there who can’t attend, and to connect and serve as an information bridge among the special-interest-dominated Miami-Dade governmental institutions that seem so problematic and indifferent to the democratic process. This month his e-mail newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its fourth anniversary. In a former life Ricker made a handsome living as an international salesman of heart pacemakers. As the hard-working publisher of Watchdog, though, he’s struggling financially — this despite the fact that his weekly compendium of meeting summaries, analysis, interviews, and commentary has become essential reading for anyone involved in public affairs. What his written work may lack in polish, it more than makes up for in comprehensiveness. So raise a toast to the man whose official slogan says it all: “A community education resource — I go when you cannot!”
>>> And checkout the new Watchdog Report merchandising campaign featuring Knowledge is Bliss coffee cups and includes premium cotton super soft tee shirts.at http://store.inkcampaigns.com/watchdog_report_store . >>>
http://store.inkcampaigns.com/watchdg_report_store or go to
www.watchdogreport.net
>>>Clarification: Last week I ran a press release that indicated Jackson South Community Hospital had implanted the smallest new cardiac pacemaker in a patient and during the local clinical trials I have been informed that Baptist Health South Florida also participated in that device and lead system’s trial that would be included in any FDA clinical submission to get the device approved for widespread implantation.
>>> May we all reflect on this September 11 Anniversary of the tragic attack 15 years ago on the World Trade Center and mourn those thousands that died on this profound day that has some people and nation states still wanting to destroy America. Further, reminding us terrorism has been with us since the dawn of time but the digital age has been an accelerator and boon for the disaffected around the globe.
Further, a shout-out to the Canadians in sleepy Gander New Foundland who accepted over a dozen or so transatlantic Jumbo jets and made 7,000 passengers welcome though the large number of arrivals taxed their facilities that early morning back then When America closed its airspace. And had residents taking in the ‘plane people,’ and their hospitality was heartwarming, and to read more go to:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/gander-thanked-by-new-york-1.3755153 Further, one passenger set up a scholarship fund that has raised millions and has sent many of the local children in the small sleepy fishing village to college and WFOR CBS Investigative reporter Jim DeFede did a great book called ‘The Day The World Came To Gander’ on the event and I am told it is a great read and now is also in paperback.
ARGUS REPORT – Heard, Seen on the street
>>> N. Korea detonates another nuclear bomb, rattles Japan and all of Asia, even China, since leader is unpredictable and young clinging to power through almost fascist military structure
With North Korea testing another nuclear bomb last week Asian nations continue to be on edge when it comes to the unpredictable Hermit Kingdom and the rogue nation is only pressured through its longtime ally and neighbor China. But the PRC also does not need a possible immigration crisis that could occur if the country pressured the unstable regime run by a young slightly unstable descendent of the nation’s communist founder. And Koreans historically have fled to China in the face of famines and has caused internal issues for the Middle Kingdom that they don’t need now with the slower Chinese economy and it no longer growing at some eight percent and has allowed the country to hold
What did the mayor say about the County’s laid back Culture?
Back in 2011 when Gimenez was first elected mayor. The Watchdog Report asked him about the county’s laid back culture and how he would change it? He asked back “how do you eat an elephant?” “One bite at a time,” he surmised back then but for many residents the general perception is that County employees treat residents ‘like dogs,’ was one quote in The Miami Herald.
What about Zika and Mayor Gimenez trying to clean “5,000, storm drains a day countywide?”
Mayor Carlos Gimenez told county commissioners last week that when it comes to reducing standing bodies of water in streets. The county is trying to clean out some “5,000 drains a day,” he said, but he noted some are in the municipalities and since there are some “150,000, storm drains countywide,” this is no easy task and the county needs the cities help said Gimenez. And Regalado has been hammering the mayor that he should have been more proactive action when it came to Zika and he responds that he had taken earlier action.
What about the WDR publisher’s health and what about the second surgery (that was cancelled Wednesday) and I hope to be back soon?
I am slowly coming back after I heal from a major infection of my right index finger’s tendon and had me in a hospital for some 18 days getting antibiotics IV and impacted my kidney’s and to be in a hospital for that long of a period gives one time to reflect on this unique and colorful community.
And I thank all the readers wishing me well since then and continuing to support my efforts to keep the community informed while I have been on the sidelines but I continue to monitor our local public institutions via cable and other methods and should be back in full- form in a couple of months. If not sooner God willing. And I have another procedure and hope to be back in action soon.
STATE OF FLORIDA
>>>> Gov. Rick Scott is traveling to Washington D.C. Tuesday and Wednesday to plead for congress to pass funding for Zika virus research that has put Miami-Dade in the spotlight, state leaders holding breath it does not spread to Mickey and Orlando
Gov. Scott is being criticized for how the number of Zeka Virus cases are being counted and many are criticizing how the press is hyping the issue that did not become an issue at the Rio Olympics. But the state’s concern is the spreading of the virus and the state’s tourism jewel Disney World in Orlando has been spared the virus that causes microcephalus in a developing baby and women who are pregnant are concerned. And critical federal funding was derailed over party issues and the governor is expected to ask lawmakers to act and help fund research on the virus and develop a vaccine and the mosquito has put a damper on the state’s economy especially here in Wynwood and Miami Beach and the concerns it could spread to Disney World which pumps an outsized level of taxes into the state’s coffers. And here are some recent statistics for the tourism industry in Miami-Dade.
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Zika Update – Greater Miami and The Beaches
The safety and well-being of our 2.7 million residents and the 15.5 million visitors to Miami and the Beaches is a top priority for the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and all our travel and tourism partners. As such, the GMCVB is in close contact with the Florida Department of Health and Miami-Dade County to communicate updates and recommendations to our visitors concerning mosquito borne illnesses. Detailed information and updates for visitors are available on the GMCVB website at miamiandbeaches.com/travel-advisory-information.
Inaugural Tourism Business Enhancement Graduation to be Held at Lyric Theater on September 12, 2016
GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME will join the GMCVB Multicultural Tourism & Development Team at their inaugural Tourism Business Enhancement Graduation to honor business participants who successfully completed the program on September 12, 2016 at the historic Lyric Theater. Businesses who participated in the program were represented from the neighborhoods of Historic Overtown, Little Haiti, Little Havana and West Coconut Grove including some small businesses that served heritage communities.
GMCVB President & CEO to be Featured Guest on “Eat This, Drink That, Go” TV/Radio Show with Jimmy Cefalo Airing September 13, 2016
GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME will be a featured guest at a taping of the “Eat This, Drink That, Go” radio/TV Show with Jimmy Cefalo on September 13, 2016. The show airs on WIOD 610 AM, iHeartRadio and The Beach Channel from 8-10 a.m.GMCVB President & CEO will be Featured Guest on Pete de la Torre’s Radio Show “The Voice of Business Miami” Airing September 15, 2016
GMCVB President & CEO William D. Talbert, III, CDME will be a featured guest on Pete De La Torre’s “The Voice of Business Miami” show on September 15, 2016. Mr. Talbert will be promoting the newest happenings in Greater Miami and Beaches, including Miami Spice, signature attractions and events, the Miami Beach Convention Center renovation and the business of tourism.
GMCVB Associate Vice President of Cultural Tourism George Neary to Emcee “A Conversation with 15 Local Culture Leaders” at The Bass on September 13, 2016
GMCVB Associate Vice President of Cultural Tourism George Neary will serve as emcee and the evening’s moderator at “A Conversation with 15 Local Cultural Leaders” during Art Tuesdays at The Bass on September 13, 2016. Established in 2009, Art Tuesdays launches its new season with a conversation with the directors of 15 prominent museums and arts
Shoe Market of The Americas Returns to the Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC) September 11-13, 2016
The Shoe Market of the Americas (SMOTA) will return to the Miami Airport Convention Center (MACC) for its fall showcase September 11-13, 2016. SMOTA, which holds three (3) tradeshows annually, showcases the entire spectrum of footwear and accessories companies.
AfrICANDO 2016 Trade & Investment Conference and Trade Show Returns September 24-28, 2016
Learn about U.S.-Africa tourism, trade and economic development issues during the 18th Annual AfrICANDO Trade and Investment Conference & Trade Show. The event is scheduled to take place September 24-28, 2016 at the Africa Trade Development Center and the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Viernes Culturales to Celebrate 16th Anniversary with Exclusive Event in Little Havana September 22, 2016
The 16th anniversary celebration of Little Havana’s Viernes Culturales (Cultural Friday’s) will take place on Thursday, September 22, 2016 at 6 p.m. at Futurama, a creative workspace housing multiple artist studios in the heart of Little Havana. The not-to-be-missed soiree will feature live music, exquisite food and drink, live (and silent) auction of extraordinary art to benefit Viernes Culturales’ year-round programs.
>>> With Zika fears, local tourism officials in interviews are saying, “Miami is open for business,” says GMCVB tourist maven Talbert who is, “in the good news business,” he likes to say
With Zika worries tourist mavens say “after 12 days we are open for business and doing well,” said William Talbert, III, the CEO of the Greater Miami Visitors and Tourism bureau (GMCVB) at a commission meeting concerning the Zika virus and he noted. Mayor Carlos Gimenez had been doing an outstanding job in interviews with the press trying to keep the issue in context and what Miami-Dade is doing to diminish the bugs impact on the critical tourism industry, whose taxes pay for a host of county facilities and organizations from the Homeless Trust to Jackson Health System to name a few and this revenue is critical to many of these organizations. As the County runs up to its public budget hearings in September.
>>> What about the popular Miami Spice restaurant program?
What does the Greater Miami Convention and Visitor’s Bureau do to gin up business and promoting businesses that includes the very popular Miami Spice program from Au.1 to Sept.30 and is a culinary bargain during the slow summer months and has become very popular with locals as well. Editor’s note: The GMCVB was an early sponsor of the WDR. And with these tourist challenges a program created years ago Miami Spice jump starts the slow summer months with 32 restaurants offering three course meals from a $23.00 lunch to a $39.00 dinner at a host of tony restaurants and to see the list of restaurants participating go to http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/special-offers/monthly-deals/miami-spice-month
And more on the GMCVB: go tohttp://planners.miamiandbeaches.com/meeting-venues/miami-beach-convention-center?&gclid=CPWQgZ2A9M4CFcMmhgodUYABbg
>>> Press release: 2016 Children’s Trust Expo -Saturday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center, 10901 SW 24 St, Miami
The Children’s Trust Family Expo is a daylong festival held at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center. The event features activities and entertainment for the entire family in an effort to provide parents with direct contact to health and social services as well as educational opportunities. Join Frost Science as we present interactive, STEM-themed programs that range from making comets out of dry ice to planting take-home gardens, and even building renewable energy circuit boards! Also, meet-and-greet with local scientists from our Science Communication Fellows program and learn about their innovative research. Admission is free and open to the public. For more2016 Children’s Trust Expo Saturday, September 10, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center, 10901 SW 24 St, Miami
The Children’s Trust Family Expo is a daylong festival held at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center. The event features activities and entertainment for the entire family in an effort to provide parents with direct contact to health and social services as well as educational opportunities. >>> Join Frost Science as we present interactive, STEM-themed programs that range from making comets out of dry ice to planting take-home gardens, and even building renewable energy circuit boards! Also, meet-and-greet with local scientists from our Science Communication Fellows program and learn about their innovative research. Admission is free and open to the public.
>>> Gov. Scott Encourages Floridians to Apply for the Florida Constitution Revision Commission
Gov.Scott press release: Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that the Governor’s Office will begin accepting applications for the Florida Constitution Revision Commission. The 37 member Commission convenes every 20 years to review Florida’s Constitution and propose potential changes to be approved by Florida voters.
Governor Scott said, “Every 20 years, we are given the opportunity to review Florida’s Constitution to ensure that our laws are best serving the citizens of our state. The Constitution Revision Commission will serve on behalf of all Floridians, and appointees will learn firsthand what issues and potential changes are most important to our families in order to best make these impactful decisions. I encourage Floridians interested in serving on the Commission to apply today and I look forward to appointing qualified individuals who will represent our families and communities. “To view the appointment application from Governor Scott’s Office, click HERE. Of the 37 appointments to the Constitution Revision Commission, the Governor will appoint 15, the Florida Senate President will appoint nine, the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives will appoint nine, the Chief Justice of the Florida Supreme Court will appoint three, and the Florida Attorney General will be automatically appointed. Appointments will be made no later than March 6th, 2017.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> Whopping $7.140 billion Miami-Dade County budget, capital projects account for $2.27 billion, key issues are “traffic and community, violence,” says commissioner Sosa
The County’s budget hearing last week was a staid affair. Since property tax revenues have bounced back and while “taxes were kept low, services were increased,” said Commissioner Rebeca Sosa. At the first public budget hearing and Sosa who tries to look for compromise on the sometimes contentious 13 member board. Could possibly be voted again to be the incoming chair now that the primary elections are over and former chair Joe Martinez will be back on the dais after Commissioner Juan Carlos Zapata decided not to run again for another term and Martinez termed out who lost a bid for mayor back in 2011 against Gimenez.
Further, it was Martinez’s idea to streamline the Jackson Health System board from 17 to seven members five years ago and that change helped turn around the PHT fiscally with the unions help five years ago and little political interference
And his return to the dais will change the board’s dynamics and it was he who changed the size and makeup of the Public Health Trust Board that oversees Jackson Health System and back then was hemorrhaging red ink in the millions but since that change the trust has had some five years of running in the black. After major union concessions and PHT CEO Carlos Migoya taking the reins and is embarking on massive renovations and new clinics throughout Miami-Dade and Martinez’s gamble worked and the trust is stronger fiscally for that commission push.
Commissioner Xavier Suarez when he made his remarks that “I am going to keep it brief as I always do,” he said and Suarez an author and has just finished a fifth book but he was hesitant to say the title. Since he thought Commissioner Jose “Pepe,” Diaz would make fun of him he considered. However, commissioners rarely keep it brief and Suarez has his moments and his frequent reference to having gone to Harvard Law school has gotten old and the former Miami mayor was just reelected to commission District 7 unopposed and for years before. He was in the political weeds having lost numerous elections including one in 2004 against now mayor Carlos Gimenez for the commission seat.
And state attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle with schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho was on Michael Putney’s show This Week in South Florida, hosted by Putney and Glena MIlberg and they discussed the issue of community violence and a new program that targets the “2, 000,” identified at risk youth being instituted and Mayor Carlos Gimenez has said repeatedly when it come to this troubling problem that has children being killed sometimes daily. And he has stated that to end this, “It takes all of us to protect us,” he said at the budget hearing and he noted Chicago had “500,” murders and they have some “12, 000,” cops and here in Miami if he is being “generous,” there are some “13, 000,” sworn officers if you count the police in the municipalities, he told commissioners. And said it was clear that what the Windy City was trying to achieve was not working and he has no beef with the city, but certainly does not want to emulate their policing policies, he said. And to read the budget go to:
http://www.miamidade.gov/budget/FY2016-17/proposed/library/budget-in-brief.pdf and to see the WPLG show go to: http://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida
What about the IRP?
Many people at the budget hearing wanted the Independent review Panel (IRP) resurrected and the board was sun setted out of business during the budget crunch years ago and had its executive director Eduardo Diaz, Ph.D. being well paid and the panel was controversial with the County’s police union and its leader John Rivera.
Gimenez said he supported the IRP but believed. The IRP because of this new technology is expected to have less cases than in the past and the Watchdog Report was the only press that attended these IRP meetings of the panel made up of attorney’s and the panel worked closely with the Miami-Dade Community Relations Board (CRB) in trying to keep the community calm after police incidents especially shootings that many times are including young children caught in the crossfire.
>>> With surging demand from 6,100 homeless families, trust’s resources getting stretched thin countywide, wants revenues from Miami Beach, surfside and BAL Harbour to end homeless in Miami-Dade
PAST WDR: The Miami-Dade Homeless Trust is having trouble with taking in all the homeless families in Miami-Dade. Some 6,100 homeless families are attending the public schools said the rep from the school district at the monthly board meeting and ( a $400,000 special disbursement of funding is running dry, said the trust chair and “resources are stretched dramatically,” said long time trust chair Ron Book when it comes to finding beds for a family of four using hotels and a room at some of the facilities cost the trust $55 a day said staff and while Lotus House is a facility bargain at “$22.00 a day, “ that cost is way under what Lotus House spends. Since these families with children need a host of social services and continuum of care that Lotus has to fiscally eat but the]rising number of homeless families in Miami is challenging the available resources said Lotus CEO Constance Collins to other trust members at the monthly televised trust meeting.
And Book said the only way the trust could end homeless a HUD directive in the coming years is by including the food and beverage tax revenues from the two municipalities excluded from the original state legislation and excludes Miami Beach, Surfside and BAL Harbour. But if the trust could get a resolution out of the county commission supporting these communities inclusion in the food and beverage tax revenues it would be a major benefit to the cause of ending homeless in Miami-Dade. Editor’s note: School Supt. Alberto Carvalho was once homeless and has said “no one should ever have to sleep on a sidewalk,” and “look at the stars,” at night.
And the trust is did its biannual census Aug.18. But this extra municipal funding is key too finishing the job of taking any homeless off the street and Miami has a host of organizations helping and getting funding for this effort from Camillus House, to The Chapman Community Partnership to end Homeless are just a few but Miami continues to draw this population and given the community’s diverse population people are coming from all over the world to the global gateway that South Florida has become.
>>> What about the Children’s Trust and Children’s Savings accounts program that Commissioner Levine-Cava wants to promote public schools on board?
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniela Levine Cava had a presentation done at the Prosperity committee meeting on a new program to teach children financial literacy and the opening of Children’s Savings accounts. She noted the public schools district, The Children’s Trust have all been involved in this important skill that results in many of the participants attending a four year College or university and starts the saving habit early.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
>>> PAST WDR: “More district’s arrests are coming,” when it comes to Medicare fraud ring in District with $400 million self-insured health insurance program, money stolen from students and teachers, and thieves will be caught, says Carvalho.
Alberto Carvalho the superintendent of the nation’s fourth largest public schools district said the busting of a Medicare fraud ring is just the beginning,” and “more arrests,” are coming since the self-insured district has a $400 million health insurance program. And he said this money stolen is coming from the classrooms, students and teachers he asserted at Wednesday’s school board meeting. And the man vowed to use a, variety of law enforcement resources to root out this South Florida scourge.
>>> Pets for Vets and Teaching Responsible Pet Ownership to Kids
Press release: County Commissioners have unanimously adopted two initiatives, sponsored by Commissioner Sosa, to better the lives of Miami-Dade County’s pets. In a move to help connect veterans with pets, Commissioner Sosa advanced legislation that waives adoption and spay/neuter fees for qualifying individuals. This new initiative is meant to give Miami-Dade County’s over 60,000 veterans of war greater access to the health benefits of pet ownership. Recent evidence suggests that bonding with animals greatly reduces stress and the effects associated with PTSD, a condition identified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as afflicting the veteran population.
Additionally, Commissioner Sosa filed legislation to expand the Responsible Pet Ownership Curriculum. The incredibly successful program, an initiative sponsored by Commissioner Sosa in 2013, now teaches over 89,000 elementary school students the principles of responsible pet ownership. This new measure seeks additional funding to bring the program to our community’s junior high and high school students.
“I truly believe that our veterans are this community’s greatest source of pride, and I know that they will give our pets warm and loving homes,” said Commissioner Sosa. “We are forever indebted to them for their service and protection of our freedoms.” Continued Commissioner Sosa, “In 2013 when I sponsored the initiative to teach our children the importance of responsible pet ownership I could never have imagined just how great the program would have turned out. It is my hope that we can grow the program to our older students, who can play a larger role in saving animals.”
Pets for Vets legislation: http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/legistarfiles/Matters/Y2016/160987.pdf
Responsible Pet Ownership Curriculum Expansion legislation:
http://www.miamidade.gov/govaction/legistarfiles/Matters/Y2016/160987.pdf
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>>Conflicts dislodge two PHT future trustees, Dotson, Jr., because his extensive governmental legal practice with County, Atty. Patino because in legal battle with county
A PHT Nominating council met Thursday morning and while the seven member health trust board needs new members a number of past selected candidates have withdrawn generally because of the stricter PHT conflict of interest ordinance that includes a host of conflicts not found at the County. And one high profile lobbyist and attorney Albert Dotson, Jr., was forced to withdraw his accepted appointment on the prestigious board overseeing the public medical jewel that JHS is and will become after a new $830 million GOB was passed to upgrade and modernize the facilities and has a separate oversight board watching how this new capital money is being spent also going to small and minority businesses and has a county commissioner Audrey Edmonson on the body and she is also on the Nominating Council as well.
CITY OF MIAMI
>>> City Atty. Menendez’s job on life support, will she get recruited by high profile law firm, after she loses “trust,” of Commissioner Ken Russell on zoning matter in South Grove and closeness to lobbying attorney on deal, and what will the separation cost?
City of Miami Attorney Victoria Menendez ` ran into a political buzz saw Thursday when newly elected commissioner Ken Russell said he had lost “confidence in his city’s attorney,’ after a records request brought two different sets of emails and suggested Menendez. Who joined the city as a newly minted assistant attorney years ago was too close and helpful with a zoning attorney seeking to change the zoning on a parcel in south Coconut Grove near where Russell lives and had neighbors up in arms given the proposed density of the project. She is claiming a ‘misunderstanding’ with the commissioner
What about past city Attorney’s firing Jorge Fernandez?
And the city may run into a surprise unless they help her get a new job and leave quietly though she has asked for an investigation by the Miami-Dade County Ethics and Public Trust commission. And if she got a new job that could limit the $250,000 the city had to pay to fire a past city attorney, Jorge Fernandez who had problems with his expense accounts and left under cloud. But the legal costs added up and at one point he was asking for $274,721 in payments that included salary, severance and vacation time ` the city spent some $250,000 in legal fees to get rid of the controversial attorney. One commissioner has told me in the past. And for more on the Fernandez case go to:
http://www.morelaw.com/verdicts/case.asp?n=3D11-2735&s=FL&d=69358
What about Russell’s chainsaw “Big Daddy?”
Russell who does woodworking and last week when a large tree branch blocked historic Main Highway. I texted the commissioner about the problem and he took it upon himself to cut up the branches and place them on the swale and the police officer had thought he might be there until nightfall. The officer said he was very grateful as were the Grove residents. And Big Daddy is a professional chain saw with a very long blade and the tool once fired up made short work of the wayward branch causing a major backup on Main going into Coconut Grove.
What about the Miami Children’s Museum?
The generally privately funded Miami Children’s Museum funded by the Potemkin Family and Jeffrey Berkowitz. The local kids jewel needs a new HVAC air conditioner said County Commissioner Bruno Barreiro during a budget hearing and he noted the indoor facility (was impacted when the county built the Port of Miami tunnel) and the museum is important to the county and should be considered for funding during the recent budget hearing Barreiro suggested Thursday. And the City of Miami in their budget is kicking in some $500,000 as well and the facility is community treasure and with fears of Zika. Children at the museum are playing inside as they interface with the numerous teaching exhibits which are a joy to kids and parents should take their children there for a true learning experiences. http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/index.php/education/early-childhood-classes?gclid=COb5oL6whc8CFYc6gQodB8YI1Q
>> As you can see, there are several units represented, but a lot may be missing. Please help to promote this project for its potential for interdisciplinary curricular integration, and feel free to contribute work to this collection, which can be as easy as emailing a PDF, URL, or other file (even if some things aren’t captured, they can help with that, too)! Contact Jamie Rogers (rogersj@fiu.edu) or Dr. Robert Gutsche Jr. (rgutsche@fiu.edu) for more information, or to add the work of your units or recommend others.
As always, you can visit our
Communications Coordinator
rancis-suarez-sworn-into-office-makes-case-for-new-miami.html an here is a video of Miami PD doing the running man challenge very funny especially the end and has 179,000 views as of last week.https://twitter.com/wsvn/status/731197152110616576
City of Sweetwater’s running man video totally different from the one in MIAMI and has certain City of Sweetwater edge to but it’s a must see it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t9M2zTxtfI
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
>>> Press release: Miami Beach Enforces All Prevention Measures – Miami Beach asking residents and businesses to do their part to reduce mosquitoes —
Miami Beach, FL – City officials continue taking all necessary steps to ensure effective and efficient elimination of mosquitoes in the Miami Beach area, including having Code Compliance Officers scour the city to determine and rectify potential risks.
“The city’s public works and sanitation crews have been on overdrive with addressing standing water on the public right-of-way, and we’re also doing our part to make sure the community is stepping up their game with the threat of Zika,” said Code Compliance Manager Sarah Saunders. “Our team is working tirelessly to ensure all business and property owners are complying with ensuring no standing water.”
If code inspectors determine that visible conditions within private property are an immediate threat to healthy, safety or welfare of the public, he/she may order the immediate correction of the violation at the expense of the occupant, owner, or operator. This violation, known as forthwith, carries a fine of $1,000 for the first offense and $2,000 per each additional infraction.
Since the beginning of June, crews have dispersed standing water on streets if it has been stagnant for more than 24 hours. Where a significant volume of water is involved, it is being vacuumed out or treated with an environmentally-friendly larvicide. All showers along the beach walk have standing water removed on a daily basis in the early morning hours, and crews inspect alleyways on a daily basis to remove any litter or illegally dumped waste, which could be a potential breeding ground.
As of January, all catch basins in stormwater drains have been either pumped out to eliminate standing water, or using larvicide where standing water could not be removed or prevented.
At pump stations, the set points on the floats have been adjusted to circulate the water; in addition to having larvicide placed in the wet wells. This year, the City of Miami Beach has invested over one million dollars in vacuum trucks to improve cleanliness of the system.
City irrigation systems have also been adjusted to not activate if there has been a recent rain event, and broken irrigation line repairs have been prioritized. At city facilities, larvicide has been introduced into any dumpsters or containers holding water. All other items collecting rain water have been removed or eliminated.
“All City of Miami Beach employees, working indoors and outdoors, have been provided with mosquito repellent,” added Morales. “We strongly encourage all businesses on this urban-island to take the same precautions with their employees.”
COMMUNITY EVENTS
>>> Press release: FFCR’s Claws for Kids Luncheon is an annual tradition! Whether you’re a regular or have never been before, don’t miss out. Mark your calendar and keep your claws ready to grab a ticket! In the meantime, check out these pics from last year’s event.
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| Please contact Candice Maze at cmaze@fostercarereview.org
or 305.679.2735 for more information or to inquire about Sponsorship packages. |
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>> Press release: The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science and Miami Science Barge join together to bring the expression of art to a scientific experiment. Visitors will have the opportunity to create artworks on a drift card that will be deployed into the ocean. These drift cards will help scientists gain understanding of how the ocean currents distribute debris through the Biscayne Bay. Admission is free.
Miami Science Barge
1075 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami 305-434-9560 www.dwntwnartdays.com
EDITORIALS
>>> Now what? Will you at least vote? “Reset & “Pivot” should be banned from campaign speeches, just be honest and tell the truth
Public officials should banish the term “pivot,” and “reset,” and just tell voters the truth and be honest about their positions and this verbal fluff is not what voters want to hear. Instead honest and clear plans will get candidates what they want to be elected. And while I have been going by early polling sites from the West Dade regional Library site this past week candidate turnout at the polls is surprisingly low in comparison to past years where candidates stood in the rain talking to voters but that is a rare sight today. And that is a shame for this is a test of commitment to elected office and every candidate needs to experience this process. For it makes them a better person and voters now have their chance to help their community. And once again the Watchdog Report asks, NOW what? You did not run yourself, will you at least vote?
>>> Public institutions Collaboration must be our goal if South Florida to reach its greatness
Collaboration should be Miami-Dade’s watchword for we are too big with too many challenges and collaboration was one of the main topics at the Greater Miami Chamber’s Goal conference and with FIU President Mark Rosenberg, Ph.D. being chair of the Chamber. South Florida has never been a better position to leverage the academic excellence from the local public institution and not to go it alone and our other public institutions need to work together, like the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade did recently and helped create some over 3,000 summer jobs with the assistance of the county and public schools district but with the limited resources it is important every tax dollar is used effectively and tax payers are getting there, money worth of these precious and scarce money. And this working together includes the 34 municipalities that many times signore what tis the common good an generally just produces more traffic and chaos since from the homeless population to many other issues there are no boundaries and what happens in one part of Miami-Dade impacts somewhere else for our 1.6 million residents are essentially on a ship and we have to learn to for our public institutions to learn and work together. If we are to attain the greatness South Florida can be while maintaining our environment. >>> And is one of the recommendations on an economic prosperity report done by FIU and is at www.FIU.edu
>>> 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 to 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 http://www.examiner.com/article/questions-about-fatal-mauling-by-group-of-dogs-miami-dade-county
DR
Coconut Grove
>>> The Watchdog Report is Celebrating 17 years of weekly publishing since May 5th 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
Badia Spices www.badiaspices.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
>>> 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.
******************
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Make checks payable to Daniel A. Ricker
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