Young, Dumb, & Full of Comeuppance: Joe Garcia’s Chief of Staff Implicated in Absentee Ballot Fraud

Jeffrey Garcia, 40, Chief of Staff of Congressman Joe Garcia took responsibility for the plot to perpetrate Absentee Ballot Fraud.  Basically he is toast along with Communications Director Giancarlo Sopo, 30, and Campaign Manager John Estes, 26.  One would ask:  What were these relatively young professionals thinking?   Not much apparently or too much depending on who you ask.  HUBRIS tends to get the best of people since it's the result of  EGOTISM+ARROGANCE.  It appears little oversight was happening during the campaign but it's too early to tell how deep the ballot fraud goes.  So far Joe Garcia is not implicated.

For Homestead officials,  Mayor Steven Bateman and Councilman Elvis Maldonado featured in this photo at this year's Rodeo, it behooves them to stay clear from this investigation because nothing good can come of it. Same goes for Councilman Jimmy Williams who's featured on Joe Garcia's Instagram account.

However, this unfortunate event should not come as a surprise since the 2012 campaigns for Florida's 26th US Congressional District were riddled with ethical and legal violations from the get go.  David Rivera the incumbent that lost the seat to Joe Garcia is still under investigation by the FBI for campaign improprieties and for allegedly funding the campaign of Justin Lamar Sternad to run in the Democratic Primary against Joe Garcia.  The web of deceit is so convoluted one needs an Ishikawa Diagram to figure out this mess.

Of course let's not forget the true victims of these scandals: The citizens of Florida's 26th US Congressional district. This distraction may surely cripple Congressman Joe Garcia's ability to effectively represent his constituency.  It's hard to imagine the Congressman coming out of this unscathed.  Never mind there are Republican candidates, such as Carlos Curbelo already lining up to challenge the incumbent in the fall of 2014.  This can only add fuel to the fire though they shouldn't be gloating too much, Republicans are just as susceptible to Absentee Ballot Fraud as it appears to be standard fare of politicking lately. We'll soon know more as the investigation continues to shed light into another shady dealing of Absentee Ballot Fraud in South Florida.

Reference Articles:
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Congressman-Joe-Garcias-Chief-of-Staff-Resigns-Over-Probe-209756721.html
Congressman Joe Garcia’s chief of staff implicated in phantom absentee-ballot requests scheme - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/02/21/3246700/suspect-in-congressman-david-rivera.html
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2013/05/heavy-hitters-line-back-school-boards-carlos-curbelo-to-unseat-us-rep-joe-garcia.html
A little background:

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Homestead and Florida City 2013 Property Values Decreased Again

HIH POV:

Homestead's property values decreased 2.2% and Florida City decreased 7.5% while the county overall property values increased.  The true impact to individual homeowners won't be known until the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners (BCC) set the maximum millage rate in mid-August as they've historically done.  The early release of this information is a "nice to have" for municipalities planning purposes but for the average citizens it's much-a-do-about-nothing.  One may also look up individual property assessments online at the Property Appraiser's website using the New Search.

Mind you the Miami Herald's headline states "Good News" but this qualification should really be left to the readers' interpretation. It's good news for government entities who will now increase property owners' tax bills for services provided.  Also, it's good news for those selling their property but for the majority of citizens staying in their homes, it's not good news.  This just means higher tax bills come November.  Tack on higher windstorm insurance bills to boot and you have a perfect storm brewing once more.

In Homestead and Florida City the impact will be less apparent since the overall values continued to decrease though not as much.  It appears property values may begin their turn into positive territory. Lets just hope that come November the new Homestead City Council of 2013 allocates the new found monies wisely into sustainable projects that spur growth in the city.

Miami Herald Excerpt:

Property values in Miami-Dade County rose for the second year in a row – welcome news for South Florida municipalities, which derive much of their revenue from property taxes.

“It’s a good thing for anybody in government,” Miami City Manager Johnny Martinez said.

The growth – about 3.1 percent countywide – was slightly less than Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez was expecting. Last month, Gimenez predicted property values would rise 3.5 percent, creating in an additional $33.3 million in new revenue for county coffers.

But on Friday, Gimenez said the revised figures were “something we can work with.”

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/31/3427173/good-news-for-miami-dade-property.html#storylink=cpy

Good news for Miami-Dade: Property values are increasing - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com

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Redland resident challenges lawmaker for South Dade/Keys House District

Miami Herald Excerpt

Redland area community activist Pamela Gray is challenging incumbent state Rep. Holly Raschein for the right to represent Monroe County and parts of South Miami-Dade in the state House of Representatives.

Best known as a community leader of campaigns to protect agricultural, environmental and historical resources, Gray filed on May 21 as a Democrat to run against Raschein, a Republican from Key Largo.

At stake is House District 120, which is split roughly 37 percent Democrats to 34 percent Republicans. The election is more than a year away — Nov. 4, 2014.

Full Article on link below:

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/31/3426288/redland-resident-challenges-lawmaker.html#storylink=cpy

Redland resident challenges lawmaker for South Dade/Keys district - Homestead / South Dade - MiamiHerald.com

HIH POV:

None at this time besides to let readers know that Pamela is wearing black and Holly red.

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OPT OUT: Citizens Insurance under Depopulation in Preparation for Active Hurricane Season

It's been seven years since we've been hit with a major hurricane.  In preparation for our luck to run out Citizens Insurance is being dismantled by Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature via a Depopulation effort of policies from the insurer.  They have set in motion a Rube Goldberg machine that will effectively boot everyone out of Citizens and into the hands of fly-by-night private insurance companies.  Companies that were created with seed money from the profits of guess who?  Citizens Insurance of course; Corporate Welfare of the worst kind!  Profits that were unnecessarily generated by ever increasing rates with the false premise that the company was not sufficiently funded.  Lies and smoke screens by a Governor and State Legislature that's disturbingly obsessed with finding all solutions in the private insurance market. We were here when Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida and the private insurers cancelled policies and/or went bankrupt as a result.

 If you're thinking Depopulation of Citizens and over to private insurers such as Allstate, State Farm, Nationwide, USAA, Farmers, Prudential and other big firms, think again. Those companies wont come to Florida bearing their name.  They know that they cannot withstand the loses of a major storm keeping their good name intact.  The insurance market in Florida is kryptonite to viable insurance companies hence why Citizens Insurance exists. It's the only way for the citizens of our state to maintain affordable homeowners insurance.  Notwithstanding the shenanigans concocted by our Governor and State Legislature to make it appear that Citizens is not viable.  

The companies being offered are listed below to gladly take your money and increase your rates at their whim, because if you're thinking they'll be any cheaper than Citizens, think again.  They are "for-profit" entities that stay afloat with customer premiums plus the subsidies Citizens Insurance is doling out. Fortunately there is an Opt Out Form available so people that know better can stay away from these companies.  The choice is your but you have to act upon receiving an assumption letter.  You only have 30 days from the date in the letter to contact their agent, submit the form and have the company process the opt out letter.  They didn't make it an easy process on purpose so it's up to you, the clock is ticking. 

07/09/2013 Assumption

• Southern Oak Opt Out Form

6/28/2013 Assumption

• Heritage Property & Casualty Opt Out Form

06/04/2013 Assumption

• Tower Hill Select Insurance Company Opt Out Form

05/31/2013 Assumption

• Weston Insurance Company Residential Opt Out Form

05/17/2013 Assumption

• Weston Insurance Company Opt Out Form

05/16/2013 Assumption

• Weston Insurance Company Commercial Residential Opt Out Form
• Weston Insurance Company Commercial Non-Residential Notification

05/07/2013 Assumption

• Southern Oak Opt Out Form

05/02/2013 Assumption

• Weston Insurance Company Commercial Residential Opt Out Form
• Weston Insurance Company Commercial Non-Residential Notification

04/09/2013 Assumption

• Heritage Property & Casualty Opt Out Form

03/22/2013 Assumption

• Weston Insurance Company Opt Out Form

03/05/2013 Assumption

• Safe Harbor Opt Out Form
• Southern Oak Opt Out Form

Miami Herald Excerpt:

There were 19 named storms last year and experts are predicting another busy season in 2013, continuing what has been an active cycle over last decade.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center, which issues the government’s annual pre-season forecasts, warns there could be from 13 to 20 named storms this year compared to the average of 12. Seven to 11 could become hurricanes, with up to six becoming major hurricanes with wind speeds topping 111 mph.

Reference Link:

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/30/v-fullstory/3424627/florida-braces-for-another-active.html#storylink=cpy

Florida braces for another active hurricane season - Hurricanes - MiamiHerald.com

 Citizens Insurance Depopulation Update - Watch Out For Assumption Notice and Opt Out Form 

Citizens Windstorm Insurance - Depopulation Effort Underway

http://www.childresslawyers.com/2012/10/15/opinions-re-citizens-property-insurances-proposed-depopulationsurplus-loan-program/

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FL Gov. hammers Citizens Insurance after signing bill - Depopulation Continues

Miami Herald Excerpt:

Scott on Wednesday signed a bill that includes modest steps to shrink the size of the state-created Citizens Property Insurance Corp. The bill (SB 1770) creates a new "clearinghouse" designed to steer homeowners into private insurers instead of obtaining coverage through Citizens. The legislation also phases in over three years a $700,000 cap on the value of homes that can be insured by Citizens.

HIH POV:
See previous blog articles:
 Citizens Insurance Depopulation Update - Watch Out For Assumption Notice and Opt Out Form 

Citizens Windstorm Insurance - Depopulation Effort Underway

Reference Link

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/29/3422690/fla-gov-criticizes-insurer-after.html#storylink=cpy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: Fla. Gov. criticizes insurer after signing bill - Florida Wires - MiamiHerald.com

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/mayo/blog/2012/10/fun_facts_about_citizens_insur.html

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NRC holding Turkey Point safety meeting at Keys Gate Golf Club

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) will hold a Question & Answer (Q&A) session at the Keys Gate Golf Club,  2300 Palm Dr 1:00PM Thursday, 05/30/13 Homestead, FL.  This public meeting provides the public an opportunity to discuss their concerns with the operators and regulators of Florida Power & Light's Turkey Point Facility.

Reference Link
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/29/3422650/nrc-to-hold-meeting-on-turkey.html

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Effect on Homestead? - South Florida Case-Shiller index Property Valuesup 11%

Don't get too overly excited. The index is a reflection of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale Metro area.  While it signifies a positive trend it doesn't mean Homestead has experienced a significant rate of growth considering various factors affecting home valuations in the local area. 

First our home prices hit rock bottom and then started digging, so a small increase in valuation reflects a higher percentage.  However, In real dollars its meaningless since most probably the house is still under water, one is still drowning in debt, just not as much.  

Second, our location, being 30+ miles from major work centers in the county, places us at a disadvantage due to high transportation costs.  Public transport is inefficient and the Turnpike is expensive on its own never mind fuel. While Homestead has some jobs they tend to be lower wage service sector jobs.  This leaves a significant many to head north every morning to work and south in the afternoon.  Not efficient by any means so costs rise and our city's value proposition  diminishes.

So lets be optimistic while keeping our expectations realistic to avoid financial exuberance that's unsustainable in the long run for our families and community.

Zillow Market Guide ExampleZillow predicts Homestead home values will increase 2.2% next year, compared to a 4.2% rise for Miami-Fort Lauderdale Metro as a whole. Among Homestead homes, homes in Keys Gate are approximately valued 70% more than the midpoint (median) home, and are valued about 19% more per square foot. 
Reference LinkCase-Shiller: Property values up 11 percent in South Florida - Business - MiamiHerald.com

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No Hurricanes in 7 years but Florida insurance rates keep rising

Miami Herald Excerpt:

The biggest expense remains the cost of "reinsurance" - which is the money an insurer spends with an out-of-state or foreign company to provide the company financial backing in case of major claims.
Other causes that have been cited include millions in other types of losses such as sinkholes. A Pulitizer Prize-winning series in 2010 by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune pointed out how insurers paid out millions in bonuses to company executives or had large overhead costs compared to the rest of the nation.
Plus, McCarty conceded all rate filings are allowed to include some percentage of profit for private insurers.
Sean Shaw, the former insurance consumer advocate for the state, put the blame on the Florida Legislature for siding too often with the insurance industry.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/27/3418973/7-years-without-storms-but-fla.html#storylink=cpy

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.: 7 years without storms but Fla. rates keep rising - Florida Wires - MiamiHerald.com

HIH POV:

The current Governor and State Legislature believe the private homeowners insurance market is viable if a storm should hit.  Fact is we've been here before and the moment a storm hits our shores bankruptcy is their best solution to avoid paying claims.  Citizens Insurance Corp is our only saving grace but the State government wants to dismantle the company as we know it.  Click on the pulitzer.org link below to gain an awareness of how we're being fleeced and the worst part, it's all legal.

Reference Link:
http://homesteadishome.blogspot.com/2013/05/citizen-insurance-depopulation-update.html

http://www.pulitzer.org/archives/9194

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Find Homestead is Home on Facebook & Twitter

Homestead is Home - Facebook
Homestead is Home - Twitter

HIH is evolving to incorporate social media platforms that will enable our audience to share the blog articles as they wish.  Find us on Facebook & Twitter for the latest blog posts providing relevant content to the community in support of ethical governance, government accountability and transparency.

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Miami-Dade County PAB Meeting: Proposed Annexation to Florida City

When: On Monday June 3rd 2013 at 3:30PM 
Where:  111 NW 1st Street 
               Miami FL 33128 
County Commission Chambers 

This notification is located in the Neighbors Section of the Miami Herald Page 19SW on Sunday May 26th 2013.

"An application to annex the area depicted below in the City of Florida City has been filed.  As required by Section 20-7 of the Miami-Dade Code, this letter is to notify you that a public hearing on a boundary change application filed by the city of Florida City is scheduled for June 3rd 2013, 3:30PM in front of the Miami-Dade county Planning Advisory Board (PAB) at the address shown above.  The Code requires notification to all property owners within the boundaries of the proposed annexation and 600 feet thereof.  you are welcome to attend and participate in the public hearing.  This area is approximately bounded on the North by SW 352nd Street, on the South by SW 384 Street on the west by SW 192nd Avenue and on the east by SW 180th Ave.  In general, the municipal type services currently provided by the County are local police, public works, code enforcement, and building services.  If annexation is approved, the City of Florida City will provide these services.

Municipal millage rate for the proposed annexation area is the FY 2012-13 unincorporated millage rate of 1.9283.  If the area were part of the City of Florida City the FY 2012-13 millage rate of 7.75 would be applied, and increase of 5.8217 mills, the average property owner would pay an additional $233 in municipal taxes."

HIH POV:

We believe this notification should have been made available online and not in an obscure section of the Miami Herald tucked away where no one reads it.  There is a significant impact to the residents in this area and they need to be notified directly and publicly with the widest dissemination possible.  A newspaper is not sufficient with advances in technology.  It would have cost less money to place the add online unless of course the motive was to not inform the residents. Then the objective may have been achieved if not for citizen volunteers that offer this information to this blog.

You may direct inquiries to:
@pzdirector@floridacityfl.com
@mayor@floridacityfl.com

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Bateman Fundraiser: A List of South Dade Movers and Shakers

The long list for the sitting Mayor's fundraiser is full of glad-handlers and sycophants lined up to eat at the trough of taxpayer handouts.  The "Baitster" as he is euphemistically called by some of his most ardent critics, is revving up the political machine.  He'd better launch an offensive quickly as Mark Bell, husband of County Commissioner Lynda Bell, is getting ready to mount a political assault on City Hall. Eye on Miami (EOM) has provided the list.

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Homesteadishome Blog Notice - Disambiguation

As of March 14th 2013 the Homesteadishome.org domain name is no longer associated with this blog at homesteadishome.blogspot.com.  We discontinued the yearly subscription of the domain name since its purpose to redirect traffic to the blog was overcome by Google's website traffic and content monitoring service.

The blog is already being ranked at the top for "homesteadishome" searches and other methods of redirecting traffic to the blog are currently being implemented.  Homesteadishome (HIH) is being revamped to bring it in line with Google Blogger updates that allow sharing of content with other social media sites. These efforts will facilitate greater interaction with blog contributors and readers to provide a richer online experience.

It has come to our attention there are similar named blogs homesteadisourhome.blogspot.com and homesteadreal.blogspot.com. HIH is not associated with these similar sounding blogs.  We understand there are other citizens who share a different opinion and would like to align their look and feel to HIH with unclear motives. This notice's purpose is for your awareness and please know that we are not upset or angry by this occurrences as imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Please leave your comments and suggestions on this blog entry at your discretion.

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South Dade Community Job Fair @ MDC Homestead Campus

Miami Dade College (MDC) Homestead Campus is partnering with the Miami-Dade County Commissioner and MDC alumna Lynda Bell to host the First Annual South Dade Community Job Fair – complete with professional marketability workshops – at the campus on Wednesday, June 5, 2013. The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.in buildings D and G. It is free and open to the public.

The South Dade Community Job Fair, spearheaded by Commissioner Bell, is an opportunity to provide residents and students with access to employers in our area. It also allows companies to meet potential workforce talent for current and future positions.

 “This first community job fair is so important to the South Dade area. It will help businesses in our community and assist prospective applicants in making contact with potential employers,” said Dr. Jeanne Jacobs, MDC Homestead Campus president.

 “In this economic downturn, I am delighted to help bring employers eager to meet with prospective employees, as well as employment experts with the purpose of sharpening the professional skills of future job applicants and students alike,” said Commissioner Bell.

 Featured workshops include:

·        Renovate My Resume

·        The Ultimate Interview Review

·        Attire to Admire

South Dade Community Job Fair

• WHEN: Wednesday, Jun. 5, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• WHERE: MDC Homestead Campus (Buildings D and G) 500 College Terrace Homestead, FL 33030

For more information, call Lavinia Freeman at 305-237-5147, lfreeman@mdc.edu, or 
Charlene Collazo in the Office of Commissioner Lynda Bell 
305-378-667, collazo@miamidade.gov.

Juan Mendieta, 305-237-7611, jmendiet@mdc.edu
MDC communications director Tere Estorino, 305-237-3949, testorin@mdc.edu
MDC media relations director Kai Hill, 305-237-3359, khill1@mdc.edu
media specialist Sue Arrowsmith, 305-237-3710, sue.arrowsmith@mdc.edu
media specialist Roxana Romero, 305-237-3366, rromero3@mdc.edu
media specialist Alejandro Rios, 305-237-7482, arios1@mdc.edu

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Election 2013 : Lobbyist Registration List

A Day in the life of a Lobbyist

by The Princeton Review

Whether lobbyists work for a large organization, a private individual, or the general public, their goals and strategies are the same. First and foremost, lobbyists must be adept at the art of persuasion, which is the mainstay of their job. They must figure out how to sway politicians to vote on legislation in a way that favors the interest they represent. This means tailoring appeals to specific individuals as well as to group voting blocs, such as Southerners or pro-choicers. 

Lobbyists also occasionally lobby one another. When normally opposing groups find a common area of interest and can present a united front they are extremely effective. Lobbying can be direct or indirect. Direct lobbying means actually meeting with congressmen and providing them with information pertinent to a bill being voted on. The lobbyist imparts her information with the help of graphs, charts, polls, and reports that she has hunted up or created. Needless to say, this is usually information that the politician might not otherwise have access to, that casts the matter in a light favorable to the interest the lobbyist represents. Sometimes, lobbyists will even sit down and help a politician draft legislation that is advantageous for their interest. 

Maintaining good relations with politicians who can be relied on to support the lobbyist’s interest is key. While lobbyists and their employers cannot themselves make large campaign donations to politicians, they can, and do, raise money from other sources for reelection campaigns. To be successful at all of this, the lobbyist must be well-informed, persuasive, and self-confident. Personal charm doesn’t hurt either, and lobbyists will often do social things like host cocktail parties, which allow them to interact with politicians-and opponents-in a less formal atmosphere. 

Indirect lobbying, sometimes referred to as grassroots organizing, is a bit less glamorous. Grassroots lobbyists enlist the help of the community to influence politicians by writing, calling, or demonstrating on the organization’s behalf. This means long hours spent on the phone and writing letters, trying to rouse the community to get involved. These lobbyists also report to politicians about the concerns and reactions they have gotten from community members. Indirect lobbying is also done through the media. Grassroots lobbyists write articles for newspapers and magazines and appear on talk shows to generate interest in and awareness of their issues. 

Lobbyists tend to work long hours-between forty and eighty hours per week is normal, and when a bill is up for vote they will usually work through at least one night. But the least attractive part of being a lobbyist may be the profession’s less-than-spotless reputation. While most are undoubtedly scrupulous, some lobbyists have been known to grease a palm or two where persuasion falls short, and the rest must suffer the public’s mistrust. These honest lobbyists, who represent every segment of society, take refuge in the knowledge that they are working to promote causes they believe in.

Reference Links

http://www.princetonreview.com/careers.aspx?cid=88

http://fl-homestead.civicplus.com/DocumentCenter/View/270

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Citizens Insurance Depopulation Update - Watch Out For Assumption Notice and Opt Out Form

As reported before on HIH the Citizens Depopulation effort is in full swing. Examples of what to watch out for in the mail are included.  You only have 30 days from the Assumption Notice date to OPT OUT so there's no time to waste once you receive the letter.  You must contact your insurance agent if an OPT OUT form is not included with the Assumption Notice.  Coincidentally we did not receive one.  It's not by chance but by design so you have to be proactive to assert your desires to through your insurance agent.

This shameless trickery by the Florida Legislature in cahoots with Governor Rick Scott is an attempt to turn Citizens Insurance into a less viable alternative for the citizens of Florida.  They seem to think we have forgotten what happened 21 years ago when Hurricane Andrew left Homestead in shambles almost erasing it off the map.  Private insurers at the time were going out of business in droves dropping policies on the doorsteps of the State Government because they could not sustain the losses of a major hurricane.

This is how Citizens Insurance came about once all the private insurers pulled out.  Private insurers are only back to take our money because the Governor and State Legislature have sweeten the deal by providing Citizen Insurance profits as seed money for their fly-by-night insurance start-ups. Experience has shown us that these companies will go belly up once a major hurricane hits South Florida.  They are unsustainable enterprises and are only in business first to take our hard earned money and second because of the mistaken philosophical belief that free market forces are  viable in the windstorm insurance industry.

Fact is folks, windstorm insurance is just like flood insurance, which is run by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) because no private insurance company will touch it.  Simply put the losses incurred during floods outstrip the premiums collected that would be viable in the marketplace.  If private insurance companies were issuing policies for flood, the rates would be so high most of coastal Florida would be depopulated since no one would be able to afford the premiums.  Never mind that no bank would finance real estate ventures without flood insurance.  Windstorm is no different and a national program should exist but political ideology currently trumps logical reasoning in the US Congress and the financial welfare of citizens is an afterthought.

Florida was a pioneer in creating a State run windstorm insurance company while Louisiana did the same after Hurricane Katrina.  Citizens Insurance company makes a profit, it's sustainable,  and it's our only saving grace if a major storm head our way.  You can do something about stopping the dismantling of Citizens by Opting Out and staying with Citizens Insurance.  Examples of the letters received by a Homestead family are provided to you for your awareness. Be on the look out; they are coming your way!



Reference Link
http://homesteadishome.blogspot.com/2013/05/citizen-windstorm-insurance.html

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Miami-Dade property assessments online next week

BY MARTHA BRANNIGAN

MBRANNIGAN@MIAMIHERALD.COM

The Miami-Dade Property Appraiser plans to post assessed values for 2013 on its website by June 1 as part of an effort to make it easier for residents to contest assessments..

In the past, the information hasn’t been available until TRIM notices get mailed in mid to late August.

Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who took office as property appraiser in January, said the goal is to provide additional time and opportunity for property owners to question valuations directly with the appraiser and seek changes outside the formal appeals process.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/05/24/3414585/miami-dade-property-assessments.html#storylink=cpy

Read full article on link below:

Miami-Dade property assessments online next week - Business - MiamiHerald.com

HIH POV:

This is a significant revamp to the system and potentially a defining moment in Carlos Lopez-Cantera's tenure as Miami-Dade Property Appraiser.  If this turns out to be his only improvement at least it's a good one.  This change will have a positive
lasting effect on the citizens of the county.

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Mayor's Top Priority 2013-2015: Turnpike Interchange at SE Lucy ST (SW 328th ST)

The Proposed Florida Turnpike Partial Interchange at SE Lucy ST (SW 328th ST) is a proposal on the radar screen of the current Mayor.  A little research has revealed a lot of local lip service and promises but little traction outside of the City of Homestead.

First came a resolution on April 16th 2007 approved by the City Council which supports the relocation of of the intersection of SE 12th Av (SW 167th Ave) and SE Lucy ST (SW 328th ST) to accommodate a partial Florida Turnpike Interchange.  Partial meaning an exit from Southbound and an entrance for Northbound Turnpike.  Second came Florida City supporting the interchange as detailed int their 2008 Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP).  Then came Realtors supporting the plan and advertising as if it's a forgone conclusion.

However, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) nor the Miami-Dade County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), which Homestead is a member of since it topped 50,000 residents,  fails to mention one word of this effort on their future projects websites.  The Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) created by MPO details the project that will be forthcoming between 2011-2015.  A review of the MPO map below reveals nothing will be completed at this location in this timeframe.

This intersection will allow both Homestead and Florida City to further grow their commercial and light industrial areas while easing traffic at the other exits.  Currently the immediate area around the intersection is mostly agricultural on the west side with the exception of BJs, Walmart, Office Depot and Home Depot.  The land currently owned by the Algers family is undeveloped and it's ripe for a big box store such as a Super Target  plus other related complementary stores.

South Dade has suffered long enough from the financial meltdown brought on by the real estate bubble and the subsequent downturn of the national economy.  Furthermore, Homestead and Florida City have been ground zero for the foreclosure market in Florida. These reasons should motivate the new candidates for City Council, especially the Mayoral Candidates to demand a redress of the MPO Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). South Dade is ready to speed up growth and this Florida Turnpike Interchange is paramount to making it happen  long before 2015.

Reference Links:

http://www.communitynewspapers.com/mayor-steven-bateman/fdot-approves-new-turnpike-interchange/

http://local.cityofhomestead.com/weblink8/0/doc/19428/Page1.aspx#

http://www.floridacityfl.us/CRPlanasmodified2-19-09.pdf

http://www.dot.state.fl.us/publicinformationoffice/moreDOT/majorprojects.shtm

http://www.sfrpc.com/dri/SEOvertownParkWest/Appendices/TransApp21-4ATIP.pdf

http://www.loopnet.com/Listing/17892250/SW-328-St-172-Ave-Homestead-FL/

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It's Official: Mark Bell Candidate for Mayor of Homestead

Reliable source confirms Mark Bell has picked up a Candidate Packet at City Hall effectively tossing his hat into the ring.  Now we can consider this election a true competition for the Mayorship of this city.









Reference Link:
 For Whom the Bell Tolls: Mark Bell Running for Mayor?

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City of Homestead Website Fail: E-Docs Laserfische Chokes on Citizens' Requests

City of Homestead's E-Docs Laserfische Weblink application could not accept any more logins.  Citizens have found how to perform research on their own and its time for the city to realize that it needs to provide more resources for this service.  Whether it requires more licenses for the application or throughput the fact is that going forward its a service that will be utilized more often.

Tip for the Webmaster: The folders should be listed in descending order versus the current ascending order.   While it's admirable that we can go back to 1913 and review City Council Agendas electronically, chances are our citizens are not reviewing those minutes.  Descending order is more efficient and intuitive.

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A Publix proposed for Venetia Groves

A new Publix has been on the drawing board for Venetia Groves for quite awhile.   Publix Supermarkets Inc. bought the land in April 2007 and in similar fashion to Walmart plans to build when market conditions make the venture worthwhile. These two indirect competitors have jockeyed for position to discourage direct competitors, such as Whole Foods and Target respectively, from setting up shop in the city. However, it will be their unique competitive advantage that will make the difference.  Publix with its superior customer service and higher-end product selection is in a singular market position allowing it to rightfully claim "where shopping is a pleasure." Conversely, Walmart with its "every day low prices" will continue to compete using that strategy though the claim is subject to debate given its recent bouts with inventory shortages and a 2011 Stanford University Research Study. According to a recent Bloomberg.com article customers are fleeing Walmart for Target and Costco in droves as shelves go empty.

The 39,000 square foot Publix store will be maller than other Publix stores in the city though it will feature a pharmacy with a drive-thru similar to the one at Oasis plaza. The site plan provided further below illustrates entrances and exit to the site from Palm Drive directly from the east bound lane, an entrance and exit from the Valencia Gardens Drive and an entrance and exit from Tennessee Rd (SW 167th Ave).  I don't see how the entrance and exit onto Palm Drive directly is going to work. The roundabout already makes that area a traffic challenge without having to add more complexity with this entrance/exit.  On the bright side, there's a traffic light on SW 167th Ave that will ease traffic congestion in and out of the Publix parking lot.

The future looks bright for these two companies as a renewed interest in residential construction in the city. This may soon prompt Publix to break ground at Venetia Groves and Walmart at the Airbase location.  We will keep you posted on any further development.

Historical Trivia: Venetia Groves used to be called Valencia Gardens during the platting process and it was renamed during the building phase, hence why the road still holds the previous namesake.

Reference Links:
http://keysgate.blogspot.com/2007/02/another-publix-on-palm-dr.html

http://egvsys.miamidade.gov:1608/wwwserv/ggvt/txcaw01.dia?folio=1079290010050

http://local.cityofhomestead.com/WebLink8/DocView.aspx?id=17635&dbid=0#

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Another Walmart is coming to South Dade near the Air Force Base

On April 26th 2012 the South Bay Community Council unanimously approved a zoning change on that will accommodate another Walmart superstore in South Dade. This approval made way for Walmart to build a new 152,000-square-foot store located on the southeast corner of the Southwest 288th Street and 137th Avenue intersection, near the Publix at Waterstone, Home Depot and Homestead Air Reserve Base.  The new store is currently located outside the city boundaries and Homestead Electrical Services area; however it's located within the Homestead Annexation Area Study.  

One would think that we may have enough of these stores in the immediate area but apparently the executives at Walmart think otherwise.  This appears to be a strategic move for future expansion as is the Publix at Venetia Groves.  Large companies tend to buy land years in advance to breaking ground to secure prime locations for their stores.  Homestead keeps growing and it appears to be moving at a faster clip than before.  Traveling around town one may observe that construction is on the upswing and more residents keep moving in to fill the new homes.  In no time we will be a city of over 100,000 people and then this Walmart's location will make all the sense in the world. 

Reference Link:
http://www.arki.com/articles/zoning-board-approves-new-walmart-in-south-dade-homestead-south-dade-miamiherald-com/

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