WATCHDOG REPORT Vol.25 No. 20 September 21,2025: EST05.05.00 – A free community education resource for 25 weekly Years
WATCHDOG REPORT
Miami-Dade, Fla.
Vol. 25 No. 20, September 21, 2025, Celebrating May 5th, 2000: 25 -years of free weekly publishing! www.watchdogreport.net & Daniel A. Ricker: Editor-in Chief: Former Miami Herald featured, news reporter & free: 25-years weekly community education resource & news service, without the attitude, I will return next week, trying to raise money.
>>> An earthquake size ripple is surprising Miami voters with two past political dynasties facing off both with colorful nicknames “crazy Joe Carollo,” (net worth -$63 million) and “loco mayor Xavier Suarez,” (net worth $902,000 in 2020) clashing again after Carollo winning mayoral office after the courts in 1996 over turned the election against Suarez.
They both have a strong base in Little Havana but Suarez has come back before and failed with his son Francis, termed out trying to carry on the tradition, and if Carolo’s mother (because beloved by voters in the past is still alive), the edge joes to Carollo, I think since both are very self-absorbed and being in office is almost addictive for them. There are 13 candidates in total with Ken Russel, and Eileen Higgins, both past elected leaders, as well as Emilio Gonzalez, Alex Diaz de la Portilla, who beat a corruption case recently, but all say corruption in Miami has to end and there will be a runoff when the real battle will begin.
Carollo who has cost taxpayers some $22.5 million in legal fees, states a campaign piece sent by the Gonzalez campaign.
However, from early 2000, Miami led national news stoked by then mayor Carollo, and the return of the Cuban boy Elian Gonzalez, over Easter removed that had Homestead residents with confederate flags and blacks shouting F… the Cubans and was not a good look for Miami, and when I started the WDR.
>>> RFK, Jr. as Secretary of Health & Human services, is a bridge to far. He may have a point re color additives but, he is not a scientist, engineer, or physician, and America better not have another outbreak like Covid, and his lack of knowledge, could hamper generations in the future. A man who had a brain worm removed has benefited from medical advances. But he is not a scientist or physicians and his refusal to listen to the scientific community, is dangerous to public health.
>>> I emphasize this because it is such a tragedy for America and our children.
Americas medical advancements from stents to pacemakers, cutting edge, and his crusade on vaccines and incidents of smallpox rising a (highly contagious disease) once thought eradicated plus hepatitis B vaccination saving 20,000 patients said one US senator physician, in a hearing.
The attorney changing western medicine will go down in history as the destroyer of public health through acronyms. His role at the CDC with many scientists leaving after his odd wake-up call and shake-up. The man from a famous family has decided he’s a physician and God help the nation. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/covid-vaccine-costs-just-spiked-for-millions-thanks-to-rfk-jr/ar-AA1Lv007?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=0ddd9c0047a14bdd8dd4527847e5d628&ei=12
Further, having worked in the cardiac pacing world so advanced now knowing one of the driving forces Dr. Michel Mirowski, of the implantable defibrillator team at Johns Hopkins University, and driving a force in the team when other physicians laughed at the idea of shocking the heart, and the physician is a Holocaust survivor. Kennedy” questioning at the Senate makes him seem nuts, and disrespectable to the questioning senators.
When I came in 1975, to Miami with Cordis Corp, with 3,800 employees many Cuban workers. Pacemakers were the size of a hockey puck, with a three-year life, but kept patients’ hearts beating and pacemakers, were considered one of, the great medical inventions of the 20th Century, versus physicians telling patients “It’s your ticker, get your affairs in order,” and the patients would die in their sleep from a complete heart block, or bradycardia.
>>> I should be dead if it were not for the surgical skill of Dr. Jorge Rabaza and technology, at South Miami hospital to heal me after becoming septic having waited since no health insurance.
Kennedy’s role at the CDC is almost a Dark Ages, philosophy from the past heroin addict that claims faith God has filled the tragic family’s history void he felt when using the narcotic now in charge of the nation’s health.
However, medical advances like the COVID vaccination Operation Warp Speed, saved thousands of lives. Politics is one thing but science and medicine is based on validated research not wild rumors. And the CDC role globally cannot be underestimated. Having sold pacemakers in Japan because the Japanese medical industry wanted to take risk of Sony pacemaker killing a grandmother in a Japan, I am a Constitutionalist but this CDC issue is a disaster waiting to happen and physicians nationwide are calling for his resignation.
>>> Further, no help from my readers has come in. I know times are tough for all of us but if you can Thank you, I had to forgo a number of meals recently. Thankfully, I was able to transfer from my PayPal act. Another miracle keeps me going thank you readers Dan.
>>> Further Baptist Health is having a major fundraising event and the health system is part of the healthcare constellation available to Miami residents and Baptist saved my life so I have a special interest in helping Baptist and JHS: for more go to https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-foundation
>>> 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.)
>> To contribute to the WDR send and make it payable to Daniel A. Ricker, for some reason I can now transfer the PayPal money so a check would be better, please got corrected re PayPal.
Thank you. Dan ALERT NEW POST OFFICE ADDRESS SINCE OLD ONE HAD TO MOVE:
Please make check out to me.
Daniel A. Ricker
3692 Grand Ave. #125
Miami, Fla. 33133
ARGUS REPORT HEARD & SEEN ON THE STREEET
The United Nations 80 years old, having its General Assembly soon and Americas Ambassador to the body is Mike Waltz, a former Beret national security adviser who got caught up in Single gate, scandal months earlier.
The firing of comedians after pressure from President Trump is staggering and is a direct threat on the First Amendment.
The killing of a young political provocateur Charlie Kirk, has stunned America and politicians are now questioning their own security, and all agree this a dark turn for the country. The controversial man with strong religious beliefs had a major following with young men. He was a lieutenant in the MAGA movement and helpful to reelecting President Trump, commentators say.
FLORIDA
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
Miami Dade County’s Thursday last budget meeting started late after a Special Commission meeting was called by the chair Anthony Gonzalez who sponsored the item regarding buying 9.6-acre property on the exclusive Fisher Island (where I went one time for a failed incorporation meeting and had a golfcart escort to the clubhouse.) The land valued at $180 million has the fuel farm bunker supplying fuel to ships, a feature all other ports have said Port Miami staff, with one saying he didn’t know earlier the land was for sale. He said “not my job,” to follow real estate sales and the county only now has to get it done.
“This looks bad [so late],” said Commissioner Gilbert III. Danielle Cohen Higgins, (net worth$2.72 million) said they could wait hours still her vote was no. The UF? FSU law grad wanted to hear from both sides it passed and will come back to the BCC, Oct.9.
What about the delayed budget meeting
https://www.wlrn.org/government-politics/2025-09-19/miami-dade-fare-increases
The County Charter Review Task Force met Wednesday, and during the discussion on increasing commissioners’ salaries like San Antonio Texas was able to do. One board member suggested “giving cover,” for the salary imitative with the public he suggested and is fine, just poor choice of words, in Miami, said Mike Redondo a task force member.
MIAMI-DADE COUNT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Wednesday’s budget meeting was a staid affair, since there were no layoffs, given the funding challenges and”1,000” less students that in years past were “7,000” to “20,000,” new arrivals. But this year of ICE raids is making families afraid of the public school district that deals with”85,000” ESOL students learning English in county schools no small challenge.
PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST
>>> Health insurance battle not just Miami-Dade but JHS as well $50 million contract passes 6 to 0
Unedited: REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PUBLIC TO BE HEARD AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 286.0114.STAT. (CHAPTER 2013-227, LAWS OF FLORIDA)
Ms. Giselle Cushing, Regional President for Aetna, addressed the Board. She expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend and emphasized that Jackson Health System is both a pillar of excellence in Miami-Dade County and a national model for innovation, compassion, and community service. She noted that Aetna’s vision aligns with Jackson’s commitment to world-class care and highlighted Aetna’s membership of more than 2 million Floridians and 27 million nationwide. Ms. Cushing thanked the Board for considering Aetna as a trusted partner.
Mr. Michael Llorente, Partner at LSN Law, on behalf of AvMed, addressed the Board to respectfully object to agenda item 5.d, a proposed nine-year, $1 billion bid waiver contract to Aetna. He stated that the recommendation is based on a flawed financial analysis, is unlawful, and violates Florida Statute 112.08, which requires a competitive process. He further noted that the matter is currently being litigated with Miami-Dade County and anticipated a ruling from the Third District Court of Appeal in the coming weeks. Mr. Llorente thanked Board for the its service to the community and to this great institution.
Unedited: RESOLUTION NO. PHT 08/2025 – 041 RESOLUTION REJECTING PROPOSALS RECEIVED IN RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) NO.: 25-24580-JM SELF-FUNDED MEDICAL PROGRAMS, WAIVING FORMAL COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TO NEGOTIATE, FINALIZE AND EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT OR TO ACCESS MIAMI-DADE COUNTY’S CONTRACT WITH AETNA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY FOR ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRUST’S SELF-FUNDED MEDICAL PROGRAMS AT AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000,000 OVER A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD WITH TWO RENEWEAL OPTIONS OF TWO YEARS EACH; AND AUTHORIZING THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OR HIS DESIGNEE TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO EFFECTUATE SAME AND TO EXERCISE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS CONFERRED THEREIN – Sponsored by Rosa Costanzo, Senior Vice President, Strategic Sourcing, Supply Chain Management and Chief Procurement Officer; and Michelle Kligman, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer 4 Page 3 of 3 SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEALTH TRUST BOARD OF TRUSTEES – August 27, 2025 5. RESOLUTION RECOMMENDED BE APPROVED (Continued) There being no questions or discussion regarding items 5.a – 5.d, Chairman Mr. Lopez-Castro stated that all members of the board were briefed individually, pursuant to the requirements of the law, on the four items being presented for approval, including the item on which the public spoke today. The Chairman further stated, the information provided, and the questions addressed were satisfactory and that the decision-making process is guided solely by what is in the best interest of Jackson Health System employees and the community served, particularly with respect to benefits and administrative services. The Chairman concluded by expressing confidence in the resolutions as presented, including all items, as a general statement. Having no further questions or comments, the Chairman requested a motion to approve items 5.a – 5.d. MOTION TO APPROVE ITEMS 5.a – 5.d Laurie Weiss Nuell, moved approval; seconded by Senator Alexis Calatayud, and carried without dissent. 6. CALL TO ADJOURN Amadeo Lopez-Castro III, Chairman, Public Health Trust Board of Trustees at 4:14 p.m.
CITY OF MIAMI
People wondering how the city’s tree canopy being destroyed just need to watch Miami’s Ticket Appellate Hearing board, on Wednesday when someone cutting down a tree only gets a $100. Fine after negotiating with city staff and small financial penalties, are the result. The lack of any fine to limit the tree cuttings around all the city even El Portal, under a development siege currently. Miami is a fiscal crack addict when it comes to development property tax always needing more money.
Saturday the Miami City commission had their first $1.2 billion public budget hearing and, the lack of knowledge re budgets at a variety of smaller public organizations was stunning. Staff have to lift their game when it comes to numbers. Was not a strong performance at the DDA, and BayFront Park Trust, though new director at job but Carollo said, months.
What about the Nov.4 election?
Here are the candidates and campaign reports and while all are talking ending corruption, but later pushing the limits like the current mayor struggling for another post within the trump administration. Something happens to people who win public office, and a sense of entitlement sets in and people should just be glad, they were elected.
Also go to www.coconutgrovespotlight.org for more and for the candidates for Nov.4 election here are candidates, https://www.voterfocus.com/CampaignFinance/candidate_pr.php?el=8&c=muncitymiami
COMMUNTY EVENT
New Exhibitions to Open at the Warehouse
November 12, 2025 – April 4, 2026
MIAMI–The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse opens to the public this season with three exhibitions highlighting key moments of 20th Century art and photography history.
Pop Art features sculpture and paintings from the 1960s through 1990s by Johns, Lichtenstein, Warhol, Wesselmann, Rosenquist, Chamberlain, and Segal. Records of the Past includes 60 photographs from the National Child Labor Committee by Lewis Hine. Additionally, this season we present an exhibition of Italian Art grounded in the 1960s movement Arte Povera where artists subverted traditional ways of making art by using ephemeral and “poor” materials. Our presentation of these art historically relevant exhibitions with contemporary art continues our founding mission to provide visitors with opportunities for active learning and direct engagement with the art.
SPONSERS/ Supporters, news articles:
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. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2003-01-20-0301190045-story.html
>>> 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
>>> And to support the WDR go to my Pay Pal account that is easy to use and right now would be a great time: http://paypal.me/WatchdogReport
Further, if you would rather send a check send it made out to Daniel Ricker and mail it to 3692 Grand Ave., #125 Miami, Fla. 33133. Thank you, Dan.
>>> 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 of 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.
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
Sponsors
***** LIFETIME FOUNDING MEMBERS & Initial sponsors since 2000
Mr. ANGEL ESPINOSA – (Deceased) owner COCONUT GROVE DRY CLEANER’S, Allowed a $1,000. Dry cleaning bill, go slow payment plan
HUGH CULVERHOUSE, Jr (The first contributor to the WDR)
FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT www.fpl.com .
THE MIAMI HERALD www.miamiherald.com (2000-2007)
ARTHUR HERTZ, deceased one of the first supporters
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
MARTIN MARGULIES margulieswarehouse.com
BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com
RONALD Hall
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY www.miamidade.gov
UNITED WAY OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY
>>> Watchdog Report supporters – $1,000 to $5,000 a year
BADIA SPICES www.badiaspices.com
BERKOWITZ POLLACK BRANT Advisors and Accountants www.bpbcpa.com
JEFFREY L. BERKOWITZ TRUST
BERCOW RADELL FERNANDEZ & LARKIN & Tapanes www.brzoninglaw.com
RON BOOK, Esq. https://rlbookpa.com/team/
BENEDICT P. KUEHNE, Esq. http://www.kuehnelaw.com/
LINDA MURPHY: Gave a new laptop in Oct. 2001 to keep me going.
Rbb www.rbbcommmunications.com
SHUBIN & BASS www.shubinbass.com
WILLIAMSOM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP http://williamsonautomotivegroup.com/
>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less
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 CHILDREN’S TRUST www.thechildrenstrust.org
THE GOOD GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE http://goodgov.net/
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA http://www.firstgov.gov/
>>> Public, Educational & Social institutions – subscribers at $1,000 or less
CITY OF MIAMI www.miamigov.com.
CITY OF CORAL GABLES www.coralgables.com
CHAPMAN PARTNERSHIP FOR HOMELESS www.chapmanpartnership.org
FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY www.fiu.edu
THE STATE OF FLORIDA www.myflorida.gov
To contribute to the WDR send and make it payable to Daniel A. Ricker
Daniel A. Ricker
3692 Grand Ave. #125
Miami, Fla. 33133