Watchdog Report Vol.19 No.52 August 26, 2018 – EST: 05.05.00 – I go when you cannot – Celebrating 18 years of weekly publishing

>>> I want to apologize to the one reader I have been unable to delete. Here is my philosophy on why I do this? >>> This national story ran in all the Tribune papers around the nation and covers the early years of the WDR: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190045_1_ricker-miami-watchdog and here is a different versionhttp://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american Further, if this works the WDR will go back to my original schedule over the last 18 years. bailed me out of this IT nightmare that coincided with my 18^th anniversary of weekly publishing since May 5, 2000.

And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account http://paypal.me/WatchdogReport

Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3109 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133. Thank you, Dan

I am using a back-up list and any one that asked to be removed may get another one and I apologize for the inconvenience.

>>>And having a member of the press at public meetings gives teeth to the Florida Sunshine Law (and why you get a Flu Shot) and open meetings tape recorded keeps good governance in place and reduces waste fraud and abuse, and public corruption, and is why you don’t speed in front of a state trooper for example. And hope you can support the WDR efforts to have informed residents to public institutions issues, in our community.

>>> Further the www.watchdogreport.net  in South Florida is an established news service presence, because most people are too busy to go to these important meetings., and all the information comes through me as a central point allowing me to see things at a 100-mile altitude and being an early warning system when projects have overruns or other issues. But my job is to sound the alarm and I have done so many times over the past years in a host of ways.

CONTENTS

ARGUS REPORT: The environmental community got some good news after a federal judge in South Carolina U.S. District Judge David C. Norton in the Charleston Division ruled Aug.16 2018 in favor of a host of environmental groups on the EPA ignoring the Clean Water Act after President Trump issued executive order 13778. The judge granted a “nationwide injunction,” of the order that protected wetlands around the nation. Gov. Scott ad goes for the jugular, with phony tax payroll ad, people were consultants but devastating political ad against Nelson — Strong mayor legislation brings out past ethnic demons, “Maduro, dictator,” referenced in Miami commission discussion, includes four people dressed as gorilla fighters in Monday’s audience —

OBITUARY: A void in political world with war hero McCain passing at 81, a gentleman classy man, spoke candidly with the bark on

STATE of FLORIDA: Democratic Party candidates get closer in the polls, toxic algae and closed beaches could swing the race- Democratic Party candidates for governor how low will the candidate’s ads go, and debates get rougher with pack of five candidates, Russian pollution in one Greene ad false –Candidate Levine cries foul after Jeff Greene runs a campaign ad stating Levine when he was Miami Beach mayor pushed through pumps that were making Biscayne Bay look like a city sewer and was a devastating campaign ad but the bay and pollution in question was from a Russian photo. https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article216513555.html — GOP candidate Putnam has awkward rally in Hialeah, overshadowed by Trump endorsement of DeSantis, ‘hasta la Vista baby,’ quote falls flat — Candidates Greene & Levine battling it out on airwaves, is Gwen Graham a dark horse, In the competitive race, congresswoman, has Graham legacy dogged by American Dream development in Miami-Dade >>> – “Police will be police,” said Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina to Miami commissioners Thursday when discussing putting Miami police in the Miami schools. He noted a school environment is different from the streets and the WDR in an extended conversation with Miami-Dade Schools police. They all said in the schools it is “all about conflict resolution,” and I started to gain an understanding of the different environment dealing. Children’s Trust gets new trustees, Gimenez, Collins, Diaz, Dr. Callaghan

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY: Pepe Diaz and Gimenez and Suarez trade barbs, trying to revive Mayor Loco moniker — County’s Office on of Budget and Management signs off on County’s homeless trust $68 million budget, food and beverage tax expected to bring in $22.7 million (95 % of projection) for coming year starting Oct.1, $7.1 million in reserve fund– Long serving commissioner Sosa gets challenger in Vargas, becoming a partisan race– The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust held their televised monthly meeting Friday, costs will continue even after 3 percent homeless rate hit, “elderly in Miami huge problem,” looming says Book, “historic” community event Aug. 2 at Fire memorial in Doral, HUD Sec. Dr. Carson attending, all hush hush says Chair Book — Commission after charter review task force focuses on upping salary to state formula of $90,000, shot down nine times before, critical to limit outside income that has caused problems with some past commissioners – Fla. SPCA and animal abuse & cruelty needs help, cares for 77 malnourished horses, county hot bed for butchered animals, needs more funding to do mission.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools: Supt. Carvalho since a “decade ago,” has replaced some “85 percent, of all principals asst. principals “tenure,” shorter he says

Four-year funding referendum for teacher pay raise and new security costs after state’s unfunded mandate for more police presence at schools, once ramped-up significant ongoing cost for district, needs voter approval, about 75 cents on tax bill, with independent over sight board, past bond monies 50 percent expended, “projects on time no scandals,” says, Supt. Carvalho to BCC — After checkered history A&M charter school terminates District contract, conflict of interest highlighted in 352-page forensic audit: sent to IRS

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST: Surprise: PHT trustee applicant CITT executive dir. Javier Betancourt — Tuesday public budget hearing at 5:00 p.m. in county commission chamber’s — The PHT closed its 3^rd quarter $18 million in the black $55 million cash on hand and continues a six-month trend of operating in the black despite Jackson Health System (JHS) having a “lock on the charity care market,” quipped CEO Carlos Migoya at a joint BCC meeting and the PHT board.– Annual PHT joint board meeting smooth and an upbeat discussion after the county once thought of selling Jackson Health System to Boston investors, now while challenges is public community “jewel,” says chair, Bovo Chair of citizens GOB $830 million Making Miracles bond, says on track, low administrative costs, clinics popping up all over Miami-Dade, CEO Migoya gets rave reviews from BBC, though commissioner Jordan was “skeptical,” and gave the banker a “tough time,” that’s changed –

CITY OF MIAMI: Strong mayor legislation brings out past ethnic demons, Carollo throws in, “Maduro, dictator,” reference in Monday’s Miami commission discussion, includes four people dressed as guerilla fighters in Monday’s audience — Suarez’s strong mayor initiative runs into iceberg Carollo; language must ban outside employment, for mayor and manager- The Miami Exhibition and Sports Authority is in the news again after its staffer Lourdes Blanco was found to be getting two paychecks and the city employee is calling it a ‘witch hunt, ‘also $10,000 promotion check, given and then rescinded to wrong Jazz Festival, former mayor Regalado attended last MESA meeting June 31– Will MSL stadium on city golf course open floodgates on other developments on waterfront public properties Dist. 2 “in Harm’s way,” says one attorney, because of all the waterfront park land — Commissioners Carollo and Reyes wants commission auditor to audit BayFront Park Trust, where there is a “$1.5 million” variance said Carollo, brother Frank former chair and CPA headed the trust, Carollo has no trust in CFO and director, back in 2000 major scandal at entity with the director Ira Katz being arrested, case fell apart after federal, state and FDLE agencies lost the evidence, CFO tried to hide laptop in bathroom ceiling tile – Miami Mayor Suarez petition for strong mayor form of government getting close, but will voters trust all powerful mayor?

EDITORIALS: Mayor Suarez’s strong mayor proposal flawed should not allow outside income for either mayor or manager, not about him but future mayors – Where does Miami draw the line with Lt. Col. Colmenares, stealing $300,0000 in donations for veterans? –Politicians don’t realize voter’s frustration is they are such hypocrites, many times (like now when congress gets paid but no other federal departments with the shut-down) in their own actions Florida Constitutional commission should insist on transparency, not darkness as Sunshine law gets diluted — Most politicians hate the press- Florida needs Sunshine Amendment many municipalities out of control and get little press coverage or oversight, legislators are on wrong side of this one

>>> 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.

 
>>> 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      

>> 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 observe

Object: to be the Public Citizen for all those out there who can’t attend, and to connect and serve as an information bridge[electrolyte] among the special-interest-dominated Miami-Dade governmental institutions that seem newsletter, The Watchdog Report, celebrates its [18^h] 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 even though 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!”

ARGUS REPORT: Heard Seen on the Street

>>> Gov. Scott ad goes for the jugular, with phony tax payroll ad, people were consultants but devastating political ad against Nelson

Republican Gov. Rick Scott is going for the jugular in his race to unseat U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida with a campaign ad proclaiming that he raises taxes but does not cover his contractor employees, used many times with an incumbent campaign and in another ad it suggests Nelson is feeble and the race is being seen as a bellwether of the influence Trump has in the sunshine state and the race is neck and neck

In the polls, but republicans have the edge given a slightly higher party registration than the democrats who have had a history of not turning out at these midterm elections. Nelson in office since 2000 when he defeated GOP congressman Bill McCullum in a lackluster race and Scott could be his first real challenger given how some voters are rejecting career politicians. Further, Scott using his own money is dominating the ad war on television and Nelson may be saving his campaign money for the general Election in November. https://www.tbo.com/news/politics/PolitiFact-Florida-Bill-Nelson-uses-campaign-consultants-he-doesn-t-steal-from-Medicare-or-Social-Security_170954184

>>> Strong mayor legislation brings out past ethnic demons, “Maduro, dictator,” referenced by Carrolo in Miami commission discussion, includes four people dressed as guerilla fighters in Monday’s audience

At the City of Miami special commission meeting Monday to have the body discuss the ballot language to allow voters to weigh in on a strong mayor form of government and is being pushed by sophomore mayor Francis Suarez and is a form of government pushed by his father Xavier Suarez but failed to get traction and commissioners are fighting back since it will “diminish,” and dilute the body’s powers and Suarez has raised an obscene amount of money some $962,000 for this consolidation of power campaign. I asked the mayor about this on Tuesday and he insists these donors believe in a strong mayor but on Spanish radio former mayor Tomas Regalado and others are calling this a power grab. Further, the issue is impacting the no bid MLS stadium at Melreese country club and while Suarez with such a war chest could be positioning himself for a run at county mayor. That his father Xavier may be eyeing. However, People question his velocity for more power and are stepping back as his administration faces one setback after another and he has yet to prove his petition drive was done on the up and up though his attorney says it was.

What about Manager Gonzalez’s outside job?

I asked Miami manager Emilio Gonzalez last week what his outside income was, and he responded he is “on a number of boards.” I requested his form 1 disclosure but did not get it by my deadline, but he did file one as required and the idea of no outside income for a strong mayor or manager could be the poison pill that kills this political maneuver.

Commissioner Joe Carollo continues to be a flashpoint and he is being accused of harassing a local business owner and stalking the Ball and Chain bar and tells people ‘he is the law,’ and the mercurial past mayor is also fighting the strong mayor form of governance. For more go to: https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/miami-commisioner-carollo-accused-of-stalking-ball-and-chain-owner-in-car-10632648 Editor’s note: I got Gonzalez’s financial disclosure form and it includes his military retirement and the disclosure is relatively benign.

What was odd at the commission meeting?

Two men and two women were dressed in gorilla military fatigues and was reminiscence of 2000 when after the young boy Elian Gonzalez was extracted and south Florida erupted into ethnic turmoil and tensions were high and these Miami residents are voicing their concerns about the mayor possible becoming a “dictator,” a term that inflames the exile Cuban community like few words and hopefully Carollo will not inflame these emotions further.

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/article212955234.html

>>>> The environmental community Aug.16,2018 got some good news after a federal judge in South Carolina U.S. District Judge David C. Norton in the Charleston Division ruled in favor of a host of environmental groups on the EPA ignoring the Clean Water Act. After President Trump issued executive order 13778. The judge granted a “nationwide injunction,” of the order that applied to wetlands around the nation.

>>> OBITUARY: A void in political world with war hero McCain passing at 81, a gentleman classy man, spoke with the bark

U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-AZ. Passes at 81, of cancer was a lion in the senate. And I had the honor to pepper him with questions for an hour on MLK’s birthday  at a Coral Gables real estate office along with the Diaz Balart brothers and his wife Cindy.

And the man gave you his thoughts with the bark on and his maverick status always shown through and he will be missed after being a prisoner at The Hanoi Hilton for years and this classy man and navel aviator will be missed on the world scene. For more on the remarkable man who by a hair could have been president until George W. Bush edged him out back in 2000 in the primary race where his underfunded campaign was overwhelmed by Bush’s. for more go to:

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article217290625.html

Further, I also want to thank all my teachers and mentors for taking the time to explain a host of issues over the past years. Especially my long-time sponsors who believed in my motto “I go when you cannot,” and helped fund me on what was considered a doomed effort to keep the community informed and I have tried to serve with honor and integrity. Further, in the beginning I also returned money. Since I did not want to be associated with the person. Something unheard of in Miami. So here we are 18 years later of weekly reports every Sunday since then unless. I was in the hospital and was saved twice for which I thank Baptist Health South Florida and South Miami Hospital for my survival.

What about the internet back in 2000?

Back then everyone was using e-mail and you would say to people at the time “my email is on the card,” very proudly and even then, there was a question if this would stay around but later exploded to what it is today. Further the community’s major public institutions were like giant ships in the night not knowing what each was doing in an aggregate way.

>>> I also pushed to have schoolboard committees taped. Since Ince I had the only tapes of these and contained what was said about a variety of land purchases sold by politically connected individuals with one piece needing some $49 million in demucking given the containments.

During the 1990s one trick in Miami was to sell contaminated land to a public entity which would in one deal involve some $44 million to demuck and clean up the site but the land was owned by a politically connected man. Now deceased school member Betsy Kaplan once said to me “Dan your trying to keep us out of jail,” she said. I responded no kidding. And to read the early years go to Maya Bell’s long profile in the Orlando Sentinel and she spent weeks with me in an old BMW without air and it captured my journey in this endeavor and to read the national story go to:http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2003-01-20/news/0301190341_1_ricker-school-board-president-miami-s-first-cuban-american

>>> Knight Foundation injects $2.5 million to fact check news

The John S. and James L. Knight foundation has committed $2.5 million to organizations fighting fake news and the idea of fake news. I believe started when Dan Rather of CBS ran a story on George Bush II that turned out to be wrong and after that mistake broke a republican candidate when I was interviewing him said “are you going to Rather me?” I joked back you want me to FOX you instead and that blunder on Rather’s part started the ball rolling and then Brian Williams (who still has a snarky attitude) added to the fire when he embellished his military coverage and saying he had been under fire which was not true.

https://knightfoundation.org/press/releases/knight-foundation-announces-major-trust-media-and-democracy-initiative-to-build-a-stronger-future-for-journalism

https://knightfoundation.org/press/releases/knight-foundation-announces-major-trust-media-and-democracy-initiative-to-build-a-stronger-future-for-journalism

https://knightfoundation.org/articles/where-you-can-meet-knight-at-nicar-2018

>>> Connect Miami is a new program trying to get residents to engage with their neighbors and friends to broaden community interaction something that at times may be difficult to do. And for more go to www.connectmiami.org And Many of the events are free.in the future.

STATE OF FLORIDA

>>> De Samtis having rally Monday at Versailles restaurant, closing in on Putnam in GOP rich Little Havana voters

Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Putnam is getting scrutinized in his close race against congressman Ron DeSantis a President Donald Trump favorite along with FOX News. Putnam since first being elected at 21 is being portrayed as a career politician after his years in office and he looks like a middle-aged Ron Howard and is being hammered by DeSantis who will be at Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana Monday and polls show the race is close between the two men.

>>> Democratic Party candidates get closer in the polls, toxic algae and closed beaches could swing the race

However, with five gubernatorial candidates, no front runner has emerged and on the Republican side in a recent debate congressman Ron DeSantis did a credible job in the closed GOP primary and is labeling Putnam as a “lap dog to big sugar,” and with the toxic algae bloom spreading along Florida’s beaches the all-important tourism industry is taking it on the chin with cancellations at many tony resorts especially since exposure can make some people sick.

Levine also leveled a tough ad of Gwen Graham being interview by WFOR investigative reporter Jim De Fede and when asked if she would not support the mega American Dream of the Americas. she faltered in her response and has the Sierra Club totally against it in north west Miami-Dade.

>>> GOP candidate Putnam has awkward rally in Hialeah, overshadowed by Trump endorsement of DeSantis, ‘hasta la Vista baby,’ quote falls flat

A GOP rally in Hialeah for Adam Putnam running as the GOPs champion as Florida governor was awkward and had the non-Spanish speaking Putnam using a line out of a movie to leave the crowd split between Putnam and Trump favorite U.S. Rep Ron De Santos, who has a full throated support from Trump and the lack of enthusiasm for Putnam A 20 year politician is reflective in voters looking for fresh faces in this new political reality. For more on the race go to: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article2159u32785.html Further, Putnam’s lack of Spanish is such a contrast to former Gov. Jeb Bush whose Spanish was fluent and was loved by Hispanic voters. Putnam is coming off as a utility GOP candidate whose campaign has run no ads in the expensive South Florida market.

>>> Candidates Greene & Levine battling it out on airwaves, is Gwen Graham a dark horse, In the competitive race, congresswoman, has Graham legacy in state, but getting hammered on American Dream massive mall on Graham properties

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jeff Greene is going through his personal billionaire money running endless ads depicting his early life and how his dad’s textile company that went bankrupt, but the massive air campaigning is countering Miami Beach mayor Philp Levine’s that are featuring his mother and she touts his increase in pay for teachers without raising taxes. But the marathon campaign is not moving the needle for any of the pack of Democratic Party gubernatorial campaigns. However, while Greene and Levine are tight in the polls Gwen Graham is leading with Democratic Party voters and the two men are close in polls along with Andrew Gillum, the mayor of Jacksonville and a fresh political face in the race getting a bump. Further, both Levine and Greene are portraying themselves as the only one who would challenge Trump’s policies with Greene saying he is for women’s rights and cannot be bought.

https://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2018/07/27/governors-race-could-pit-trump-surrogate-vs-metoo-supporter-poll-shows-531234

What about the algae blooms fouling the state’s beaches?

The fouling of the state’s beaches with red tide and algae is becoming a flash point in the gubernatorial race and tourism officials and an industry that accounts for some 45 percent of the Florida budget are nervous as the fish kills rise.

> >> The Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade Annual Report is out and to see what the organization has done over the years go to; https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/ and is seen when children have to repeat a grade and results in a large community bubble and County Commissioner Dennis Moss noted when he was in school there was a “Truancy officer,” and they would pick you up take you to school and also “call your mama,” said Moss, but that oversite is hard since a parent may be taking care of multiple kids and not able to ensure her children are in school and the lack of literacy was brought home when the County’s Police Department Director Juan J. Perez told a committee when he was in school he spoke no English and was held back an d he said he learned to read ‘real fast after that,” wake up call. And at a county commission meeting the issue of literacy and the lack of it among certain parts of the community had Jean Monestime wondering how he can do more in his own community to foster literacy and the Children’s trust has a host of reading programs throughout the county including in the summer free books being sent to eligible students. Further since its creation in 2002 there have been no scandals and the entity fended off county commissioner Natacha Seijas who years ago wanted to tap in the trust’s reserves, but the large board rebuffed her attempt to raid the body.

What about Monestime’ s commission seat and his challenger Dorrin Rolle?

Monestime first won office by defeating long time county commissioner Dorrin Rolle who had a variety of controversies including his running of JESCA that went broke and a school district audit found the entity had some $350,000 in bank check charges one year.

Further Trust CEO Jim Haj told and updated county commissioners recently and Commissioner Sally Heyman suggested they put more articles in the Community newspapers that are free and cut a wide swath in communities explaining some of the upcoming programs and here is the latest children’s trust annual report:

What about the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County?

The county commission voted on new trustees for the children’s trust and they are Lourdes Gimenez, Constance Collins, Jose “Félix” Diaz, and Dr. Kate Callaghan our youth and the trust is a community treasure nurturing our youth to excel in life.

https://www.thechildrenstrust.org/sites/default/files/kcfinder/files/providers/analytics/reports/BOCC_2015-16_Statutory_Format_012317.pdf

Haj
 

What about the United Ways new program?

United Way of Miami-Dade County has several programs for-not for-profits with good ideas fostering their growth for more go to: https://unitedwaymiami.org/contact-us/media-kit/

Maria Alonso the new CEO of the United Way of Miami-Dade County thanked the county commissioners for their fundraising efforts to the organization that also fills in with the county after natural disasters like Irma and county employees raised some $1 million and the mayor’s ball raised another $1 million.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

>>> Pepe Diaz and Gimenez and Suarez trade barbs, trying to revive Mayor Loco moniker

Further to watch the video of the odd press conference go to: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/election/article217211050.html

>>>  County’s Office on of Budget and Management signs off on County’s homeless trust $68 million budget, food and beverage tax expected to bring in $22.7 million (95 % of projection) for coming year starting Oct.1, $7.1 million in reserve fund

The Miami -Dade Homeless Trust budget for the coming year is some $68 million of which HUD kicks in $34 million and 95 percent of the food and beverage tax is estimated at $22.7 million in trust revenue and there is a $7.1 million in a “reserve fund,” state’s a trust administrator last week

>>>> Long serving commissioner Sosa gets challenger in Vargas, becoming a partisan race

While the county commissioners are supposed to be nonpartisan the landscape in the state’s largest county is changing in that regard after Eileen Higgins defeated Republican Zoraida Barreiro recently in a special election in June. Further, Rebeca Sosa has drawn a challenger Maryin Vargas for the District 6 seat and the challenger is aligned with the Democratic Party says an email from the party recently. Sosa a former mayor of West Miami is a republican and has helped campaign for many GOP candidates over r the years since her election in 2002 after her predecessor was indicted Pedro Reboredo. She has a history of following “the process,’ and demanding accountability from the administration and works at the school district and keeps accurate time records said superintendent Carvalho when I asked years ago. Editor’s note: Sosa told the WDR thus was the most vicious campaign she has ever faced since being elected and hard for her to take since her husband passed she told me at the county’s Coral Gables library on Saturday.

What about the county’s new $786 billion combined budget?

That includes $5.37 billion for its operating budget: To read the complete budget go to:

http://www.miamidade.gov/budget/library/fy2018-19/proposed/volume-1.pdf

>>> The Miami-Dade County Home less Trust held their televised monthly meeting percent Friday, costs will continue even after 3 percent homeless, “elderly in Miami huge problem,” looming says Book, historic community event Aug. 2 at Fire memorial in Doral, HUD Sec. Dr. Carson attending, all hush hush says Chair Book

And to review the task force recommendations: go to http://www.miamidade.gov/charter/library/2018-02-26-meeting-materials.pdf

>>>> Press release: Property Appraiser numbers press release: Miami-Dade

The following municipalities experienced a double-digit growth, primarily driven by new construction:

 Surfside (43.5%)

 Bay Harbor Islands (17.8%)

 West Miami (15.7%)

 North Miami Beach (15.6%)

 Florida City (13.4%)

 Biscayne Park (11.5%)

 Opa-Locka (10.4%)

 Hialeah Gardens (10.3%)

The 2018 Preliminary Certification: Individual property assessments are available online at the Property Appraiser’s website. Property owners

are encouraged to look up their 2018 assessments. If they have any questions or would like to review them assessment, they may visit our office in Downtown Miami (111 NW 1st Street, 7th Floor) or the South Dade Government Center (10710 SW 211th Street, 2nd Floor), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For their convenience, they can also schedule an appointment online or call us at 305-375-4712.The Notice of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM Notice) will be mailed by August 24th, which will provide property owners with their proposed property tax and exemption benefits information.

SPCA help, cares for 77 malnourished horses, county hot bed for butchered animals, needs more funding to do mission

The Florida SPCA has a contract with the county’s animal services and cruelty to animal’s department but sent a letter to Commissioner Sally Heyman and the organization did a heart wrenching video of abused and starving animals from 77 horses currently, but the funding is lagging after Hurricane Irma impacted the facility where the animals are fed and brought back to health. The SPCA complained of slow payments and the county budget for this service by the SPCA is $68,000 and is not keeping up with the volume of abandoned animals and are requesting bumping it to $175,000. More consistent with the cost of the SPCA providing these large animal services that is a chronic plaque in Miami-Dade with the butchering of horses being a persistent problem and involve the county’s PD. Th video was heart breaking and gruesome and everyone thanked Heyman for bringing it to the county’s attention. Heyman said. I am working on a new agreement with the SPCA that will be beneficial for all parties involved.

What about the animal shelter? That is not a no kill facility and advocates have a host of stories with a hold on the dog by one owner but is killed. I hear these stories on a Dailey basis and I think county commissioners may lose votes after the public overwhelmingly voted for a Pet Trust that was blown off by commissioners and the animal advocates are passionate and I expect will be reflected in some commission campaigns.

What about shot spotter technology 80% of shots residents hear do not call 9/11?

A presentation by a regional rep of shot spotter which employs sensors around the county and the facts show only a small number 80 percent of people who hear shots” will not call 9/11 when they hear shots and many families have a “protocol,” when they hear shots and the rep believes they are afraid of being known as a “snitch,” and residents why call after hearing shots and no police coming. Commissioner Dennis Moss suggested they think “the police just don’t care.” One thing the shot spotters is good at is recovering shell casings which helps law enforcement on who the shooter might be. Further county police will soon be equipped with “license plate readers’ already in use in a variety of municipalities. And for more on the technology go to: http://www.shotspotter.com/

>>> The county’s OIG issued its report on a P3 proposal leak by KPMG and concluded it was accidental. To read the report go to: http://www.miamidadeig.org/Reports2018/CourthouseDisclosureIncidentAssuranceReview7.3.18.pdf

 
>>> Further, last year’s IG annual report is out, and it is a fascinating read and the office has saved millions since its creation 20-year ago and to read the report go to:   http://www.miamidadeig.org/ANNUALREPORTS2.htm  

>>> New continuum of care center coming for homeless with mental issues, JHS involved one stop center

The Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust along with Jackson Health System is opening a one stop public facility for homeless who qualify for a new diversion program with a mental illness and includes many veterans on the streets and is an old facility previously used by the state, but it will offer a continuum of care and was briefly discussed at the trust board meeting Friday. The whole community has been seeking ways to resolve the mental health issues of the homeless now drawing in people with opioid addiction and a drop of fentanyl can kill and many times is cut with cheap yellow Mexican heroin that appeared years past and is causing thousands of overdoses and the city of Miami spent $150,000 in procuring the miracle drug Narcan that can revive a overdosed person almost immediately and these people cut across all ethnic lines and the issue was discussed Sunday on “This Week in South Florida,” and to see the show go to https://www.local10.com/this-week-in-south-florida/this-week-in-south-florida-oct-29

 
>>>GMCVB press release: During the first seven months of 2018, Greater Miami ranked at the top of STR’s Top 25 Hotel Markets in the U.S., ranking #4 in RevPAR (revenue per available room), #4 in ADR (average daily room rate) and #7 in Occupancy.

RevPAR in Greater Miami and The Beaches increased by +11.4%, ADR increased by +9.3% and Occupancy increased by +1.9%.

>>> And here is a broader explanation on the new facility Health System – Public Health Trust.

“Progress is being made to create a first of its kind mental health diversion and treatment facility which will centralize, coordinate, and provide a seamless continuum of care for individuals, including homeless individuals, who are frequent and high cost users of taxpayer funded services in the criminal justice and acute care treatment systems. South Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc., DCF’s Managing Entity for administering state substance abuse and mental health funding in Miami-Dade County, will lead the renovation of a former state forensic hospital in Miami which will bring together community-based treatment and social services providers under one roof.

The project will include an integrated crisis stabilization unit and addiction receiving facility, various levels of residential treatment, day treatment and day activities programs, intensive case management, peer support and mentoring services, outpatient behavioral health and primary care treatment services, and vocational rehabilitation/supportive employment services. All services will be designed to address the complex and co-occurring needs of the target population, including mental health, substance abuse, physical health, histories of physical and emotional trauma, and risk factors for future criminal justice involvement.

The facility will also include space for the courts and for social service agencies such housing providers, legal services, and immigration services that will address the comprehensive needs of individuals served.  By housing a full array of services and supports in one location, it is anticipated that many of the barriers and obstacles to navigating traditional community mental health, substance abuse, and social services will be removed; and individuals who are currently recycling through the justice system, crisis units, hospitals, and other deep end services will be more likely to engage in ongoing and sustainable treatment and recovery services. The Mental Health Diversion Facility is championed by Judge Steven Leifman, who chairs the Miami-Dade County Homeless Trust’s Finance & Audit Committee.  The project has been developed with input from the Department of Children and Families and the Agency for Health Care Administration, which will be responsible for designating and licensing service providers at the facility.  The Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation spearheaded efforts to occupy the building based on a 99-year lease at $1/year.  The facility is funded, in large part, with county General Obligation Bond funds, with additional funding provided by the Jackson Health and The Public Health Trust.

What about the Homeless Trust’s Rent Connect program with landlords?

The trust has a new program where people with rental housing can register their rental with the county and for more on the program go to: http://www.homelesstrust.org/rentconnect.asp

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

>>> Supt. Carvalho since “decade ago,” has replaced some “85 percent, of all principals asst. principals “tenure,” shorter he says

At Wednesday’s school board meeting Supt. Alberto Carvalho discussed recent personnel changes and is one of the reasons the district has a A rating. Carvalho back in the great recession understood the depth of the fiscal issues early and he replaced some “85 percent of all principles,” since a “decade ago,” Further assistant principals “tenure is shorter these days, said Carvalho. He also pruned underperforming teachers during this crisis period and his gamble paid off. Because many principals over the years were d avoided protected and attempts to remove principals many times came with blowback but given the fiscal crisis the school board allowed Carvalho to do what he had to and avoided some of the problems found in the Broward County school district the second largest in Florida.

>>>BCC puts on ballot: Four-year funding referendum for teacher pay raise and new security costs after state’s unfunded mandate for more police presence at schools, once ramped-up significant ongoing cost for district, needs voter approval, about 75 cents on tax bill, with independent over sight board, past GOB bond 50 percent expended, “projects on time no scandals,” says, Supt. Carvalho to county commission

It’s a go Miami-Dade County approves putting a referendum to help fund teacher’s salaries increased police costs for school safety after the state passed legislation requiring districts to have police in every school after 17 people were killed at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

The unfunded mandate is just another reminder that the state legislature does not get the size of Miami-Dade’s public-school district (where school police can only cover only 90 schools), An A District but with 70,000 students English learners (and 5,300 students in the autism spectrum in the district) and the demographics of Miami-Dade are such “That the county has the smallest percent of Angelo’s in the nation,” said board member Marta Perez and why the A grade for the district is so special in comparison to other districts around the nation without such a high level of diversity.

>>> County press release from Barbara Jordan Commission votes to place school district tax on November ballot

MIAMI-DADE – The Miami-Dade County Commission on July 24 approved a resolution to place a proposed school district ad valorem tax increase on the Nov. 6, 2018 ballot.

If approved by the voters, Miami-Dade homeowners would pay an additional 75 cents per thousand dollars of their home’s taxable value to pay for higher teacher salaries and increased school safety. The special tax would be levied for four years from 2019 to 2023.

The ballot measure was requested by the school board and was placed on the County Commission agenda at the request of Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan.

“This will give Miami-Dade voters the opportunity to decide whether to tax themselves more to pay for teacher salary increases and increased safety,” Commissioner Jordan said.

The school board says it needs more money to attract and retain quality teachers and hire more School Resource Officers and security personnel in the wake of the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School shooting and a new state mandate for schools to beef up security. In addition to the school board’s plans to increase security through the proposed school district tax, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez’s proposed 2018-19 budget sets aside about $20 million to place a police officer at more than 100 schools across the county. His proposal also includes funding new response teams and additional training for officers.

>>> DASH school project tells peers with stickers and help # regarding mental health. “Don’t stall call,” for help it suggests.

A DASH school project had students come up with a way to remind students if they need mental health ‘don’t stall make the call,” a slogan that will be found on the sides of toilets and the issue of lonely aggrieved students lashing out has been brought home after the Parkland shooting.

PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST

>>> Surprise PHT trustee applicant CITT executive dir. Javier Betancourt

The PHT Nominating Council is interviewing new trustee candidates and one surprise applicant is Javier Betancourt, the executive director of the Citizens Independent Transit Trust (CITT) at a time when transit is a hot topic and the trust oversees how the $290 million in half cent sales tax revenues is being spent and is overseen by a trust board. However, if the council choses him he may have to resign since the application says you have to get off any other county boards.