What else is on the itinerary?
Thursday, 15 November 2012
After reports to the contrary, Homestead may be home to a sprawling Donald Trump movie studio after all.
By Christina Veiga
cveiga@MiamiHerald.com
Donald Trump is once again looking toward Homestead to build a futuristic movie studio complex.
In fact, he had never written off the site in deep South Miami-Dade County — despite comments to the contrary made by a Trump representative just a month ago.
Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez on Tuesday sent commissioners a letter signed by
The Donald himself in which the real estate tycoon wrote that he “steadfastly” stands by the project.
“I want to confirm my interest in the pursuit of creating this new industry in South Florida and I know it will be a spectacular success,” Trump wrote.
Martinez has championed the idea of building a sprawling movie complex on hundreds of acres abutting the Homestead Air Reserve Base — an idea that the chairman said he sold to Trump over dinner one night soon after Trump had bought a golf course in Doral.
“It’s about bringing a new industry, thousands of jobs and at the same time it will kick start construction, because people will buy homes there,” Martinez said Wednesday.
Plummeting home values have left a glut of empty houses in the Homestead area, which was the hardest hit by the real estate bust.
But after a county review of the proposed 800-acre site revealed that most of the land is restricted by deeds and leases, as well as endangered plant and snake habitat, Michael Cohen of the Trump empire told The Miami Herald in October that his boss was no longer interested.
“I just think it was a little bit of confusion, a misunderstanding,” said Ed Russo, who works for Trump as the movie studio project manager. “ But you saw the letter from Mr. Trump to the chairman, and we’re moving forward.”
Russo added: “Donald Trump has basically told me in very clear terms, ‘Get it done.’ ”
Despite the directive from The Donald, there are environmental and other issues to be addressed.
The area could be home to an endangered snake and plant. Other parcels are leased long-term by the federal government and another 200 acres are restricted for use as a park, among other restrictions. And the Homestead Air Reserve Base could try to stand in the way.
Russo said the Trump organization has begun a feasibility study to look into the issues. He’s even given the project a new name: Trump World Studios.
“So far, I have seen nothing that will get in the way of a Trump World Studio in Homestead,” Russo said.
In fact, he had never written off the site in deep South Miami-Dade County — despite comments to the contrary made by a Trump representative just a month ago.
Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez on Tuesday sent commissioners a letter signed by
The Donald himself in which the real estate tycoon wrote that he “steadfastly” stands by the project.
“I want to confirm my interest in the pursuit of creating this new industry in South Florida and I know it will be a spectacular success,” Trump wrote.
Martinez has championed the idea of building a sprawling movie complex on hundreds of acres abutting the Homestead Air Reserve Base — an idea that the chairman said he sold to Trump over dinner one night soon after Trump had bought a golf course in Doral.
“It’s about bringing a new industry, thousands of jobs and at the same time it will kick start construction, because people will buy homes there,” Martinez said Wednesday.
Plummeting home values have left a glut of empty houses in the Homestead area, which was the hardest hit by the real estate bust.
But after a county review of the proposed 800-acre site revealed that most of the land is restricted by deeds and leases, as well as endangered plant and snake habitat, Michael Cohen of the Trump empire told The Miami Herald in October that his boss was no longer interested.
“I just think it was a little bit of confusion, a misunderstanding,” said Ed Russo, who works for Trump as the movie studio project manager. “ But you saw the letter from Mr. Trump to the chairman, and we’re moving forward.”
Russo added: “Donald Trump has basically told me in very clear terms, ‘Get it done.’ ”
Despite the directive from The Donald, there are environmental and other issues to be addressed.
The area could be home to an endangered snake and plant. Other parcels are leased long-term by the federal government and another 200 acres are restricted for use as a park, among other restrictions. And the Homestead Air Reserve Base could try to stand in the way.
Russo said the Trump organization has begun a feasibility study to look into the issues. He’s even given the project a new name: Trump World Studios.
“So far, I have seen nothing that will get in the way of a Trump World Studio in Homestead,” Russo said.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/14/3097558/trump-not-giving-up-on-movie-studio.html#storylink=cpy
Councilwoman Judy Waldman put this effort together. Rob and Adrienne Griffits of Homestead Transfer and Storage are providing a trailer and drivers to deliver relief supplies.
Want to help?
Where: Homestead City Hall, 790 N. Homestead Blvd.
When: Donations will be accepted noon to 6 p.m. on weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays until the trailer is full.
For more information: Call 305-224-4454
By Christina Veiga
cveiga@MiamiHerald.com
The news coverage of the devastation left by Superstorm Sandy brings back painful memories for Homestead residents.
August marked 20 years since Hurricane Andrew swept through Homestead, leveling homes, blowing away livelihoods and claiming dozens of lives. After the storm, the city was flooded with volunteers offering peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, shoes, tetanus shots and anything else residents needed.
Now, it’s Homestead’s turn to offer help — a truckload of it.
Homestead Councilwoman Judy Waldman hopes residents will fill a 53-foot semi-trailer parked at City Hall with warm sweaters, dog food, diapers, disinfecting wipes, non-perishable food and other necessities that will be shipped up to Breezy Point, N.Y. The neighborhood was swamped by flood water and scorched by a massive fire after Sandy pummeled the Northeast in late October.
August marked 20 years since Hurricane Andrew swept through Homestead, leveling homes, blowing away livelihoods and claiming dozens of lives. After the storm, the city was flooded with volunteers offering peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, shoes, tetanus shots and anything else residents needed.
Now, it’s Homestead’s turn to offer help — a truckload of it.
Homestead Councilwoman Judy Waldman hopes residents will fill a 53-foot semi-trailer parked at City Hall with warm sweaters, dog food, diapers, disinfecting wipes, non-perishable food and other necessities that will be shipped up to Breezy Point, N.Y. The neighborhood was swamped by flood water and scorched by a massive fire after Sandy pummeled the Northeast in late October.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/13/3095435/homestead-gathering-goods-to-help.html#storylink=cpy
https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod10002µsiteId=1200001
Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Where are the Homestead Events?
That $248,000,000 that the NASCAR race allegedly brings to Homestead every year is becoming more fictional every year. This year as in past years NASCAR race events are taking place in Fort Lauderdale and South Beach but what is happening in Homestead? The host city seems to be on the sidelines as local businesses struggle to capture the $248 million promise.
http://nascarchampionshipdrive.com/home/
#1.) NASCAR’s three premier series will crown their champions November 16th-18th during the Ford Championship Weekend at the 1.5 mile, 18-20-degree variably-banked oval of Homestead-Miami Speedway. The fan festivities begin with the Ford FanFest on Las Olas Boulevard in Ft. Lauderdale, a street party with driver appearances, food, and music.
#2.)
The day may be ending, but the party is just beginning as NASCAR Championship Drive™ keeps the fun going long into the night with a free concert on the beach, featuring musical guests DAUGHTRY and featured guest Frankie J. There's no better way to prepare yourself for the electric atmosphere at Homestead-Miami Speedway and the final three races of the season!
- THURSDAYNOVEMBER 15TH 2012Concert Begins - 6:00pm
- LUMMUS PARKMIAMI BEACHOcean Drive at 8th Street
- 7th & Collins (Garage)10th & Collins (Garage)
- 11th & Collins (Flat Lot)13th & Collins (Garage)
Tuesday, 13 November 2012
Mayor Bell opened the public hearing on August 25, 2008.
Business Incubator Executive Director Hilda Hall Dennis stated they have been funded by the CRA for
two years. She gave an overview of how the funding has had a major economic impact on the community
that exceeded $25 million. The Business Incubator has created 49 full time jobs and provided assistance to
750 businesses. She stated because of the funding three major technologies and four patents have been
created Ms. Hall Dennis mentioned the Business Incubator was an important facility to have in the
community and requested to continue to receive funding.
City Manager Shehadeh stated originally the TRDA was to fund the project completely and they have walked away from the program and left a deficit. He felt the program is beneficial to the City but they would have to find another source of funding. He stated he could not propose to Council to continue to fund this program knowing the City of Homestead is not the only beneficiary. He questioned how the citizens of Homestead benefited from this program because the only successful business he was aware of was the
dressmaker and she moved to Hialeah. His recommendation as a manager was not continue to fund the program.
Councilwoman Waldman stated she recalled the college joined in to apply for the grant from NASA with
the City.
Acting Executive Director Wick replied that information was correct.
Councilwoman Waldman provided her recollection of the terms of reuse.
City Manager Shehadeh stated they were not proposing to change the use he proposed not to fund the City share.
Councilwoman Waldman questioned how the program would exist. She mentioned the dressmaker did not leave the city. She stated she had concerns the City would be liable for the property and what would happen to the program after the funding was cut.
City Manager Shehadeh stated they have taken everything into consideration and the Business Incubator
could continue to operate if they find their own funding.
Ms Dennis stated the feasibility study stated a full technology incubator would not make it in this
community and it had to be a multiuse facility. She provided an overview of the benefits of their facility. She
stated she understood if the City decided not to fund the program and asked if they would review the
reports and visit the site before making a decision
City Manager Shehadeh stated his recommendation was to not continue to fund the program He
mentioned he did not like the way the program was funded and he was going to stick to his
recommendation.
Mayor Bell stated she had not received any reports from the Incubator.
Ms. Dennis stated all of the reports are sent monthly to CRA and her understanding is the CRA sends them to the City Manager.*
Mayor Bell stated there are many not for profits in the area and the City cannot financially support them all.
She stated the idea is to initiate funding and then wean them down She supported the Manager's
recommendation and offered to assist with obtaining grants. She mentioned this has to take place. They are seeing the funding come from the City of Homestead and making an impact outside of Homestead. She encouraged her to continue to do what she is doing and work hard for grants
Ms. Dennis thanked the Council and stated she would have liked advance notice to prepare for alternative
funding.
*City Manager Shehadeh stated for the record he did not receive any reports.
Kemetra Driver Executive Director of We Care stated the money received from the City helps the
Homestead citizens with their utilities not We Care. She thanked the Council for their past support and
hoped to continue the partnership.
City Manager Shehadeh stated this was CRA budget and We Care is funded with the General Funds.
Councilwoman Lobos stated she supported the City Manager's decision to discontinue funding because the City was left holding a $75,000 tab when the federal funding from TRDA stopped.
This tab was not fair to the City of Homestead and in previous years the CRA could absorb that amount. She stated the CRA has a lot of cleaning up to do and she would like to see them repay the money owed to the General Funds. She believed the Business Incubator should continue to exist and offered suggestions to Ms Dennis to look into the Carrie P Meek Foundation for funding. She felt in the future the City of Homestead might be in a better position to partner with other entities.
Mayor Bell closed the public hearing
Vice Mayor Burgess Yes
Mr Nelson Yes
Ms Lobos Yes
Ms Sierra Yes
Mr McCormick Yes
Mayor Bell Yes
Ms Waldman No
Monday, 12 November 2012
Report Public Corruption, Contact Information Provided
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/12/3093928/crime-watch-public-corruption.html#storylink=cpy
One of the highest priorities of the FBI is investigating public corruption. This type of crime is a breach of the public’s trust by government officials and/or private individuals who use their public office for personal gain. Without this trust, our belief in a democratic society wanes and the fabric of our community begins to break down.
Our society entrusts government agencies to perform many vital functions, such as securing our borders, protecting our neighborhoods and handing down verdicts in court cases. During fiscal year 2012, FBI Miami’s public corruption task forces arrested 50 individuals, indicted 42, and assisted with the conviction of 45 people on public corruption charges. Many of these cases were brought to the attention of the FBI by tips from the public.
Public corruption involves illegal activity conducted at all levels of government. It can include corruption within law enforcement, legislative bodies, city or town governments, the judicial system, with contracts or regulatory issues, or the prison system. These types of corruption typically involve the payment of bribes or kickbacks in exchange for official action or inaction.
The FBI also investigates election fraud and campaign finance fraud. Election fraud entails interfering with a citizen’s right to vote or ballot tampering. Campaign finance fraud involves individuals who attempt to circumvent the limits individuals can contribute to election campaigns.
The FBI is singularly situated to combat this corruption with the skills and capabilities to run complex undercover operations and surveillance. Further, FBI Miami has established several public corruption task forces in partnership with many state and local law-enforcement agencies.
It is a violation of federal law for any federal or state government official to ask for or receive anything of value for or because of any official act. Under federal law, the person who offers or pays a bribe is also guilty. Because of the secretive nature of bribes, such crimes are often difficult to detect and even more difficult to prove without the assistance of concerned citizens.
As a result, the FBI has set up a public corruption hotline for public tips at 877-628-2533. You also can contact the local FBI office by phone at 305-944-9101 or via email PublicCorruptionMiami@ic.fbi.gov.
By Carmen Gonzalez Caldwell
Special to The Miami Herald
Well, the elections are over and I want to thank all of those that participated in the most important process of our country. With that said, over the last couple of months I have received emails from many of you, regarding some of the articles that were printed regarding public corruption and what is being done about it.
Therefore, as in the past, I turned to our FBI partners to give us a synopsis of how they handle these situations, what is done and what you as a resident can do. This is not an easy task, but I hope after you read this you will have a better understanding.
I want to thank Supervisory Special Agent John Bernardo, a 13-year veteran of the FBI, who leads one of FBI Miami’s public corruption squads, for providing the information below.
Therefore, as in the past, I turned to our FBI partners to give us a synopsis of how they handle these situations, what is done and what you as a resident can do. This is not an easy task, but I hope after you read this you will have a better understanding.
I want to thank Supervisory Special Agent John Bernardo, a 13-year veteran of the FBI, who leads one of FBI Miami’s public corruption squads, for providing the information below.
Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/11/12/3093928/crime-watch-public-corruption.html#storylink=cpy
One of the highest priorities of the FBI is investigating public corruption. This type of crime is a breach of the public’s trust by government officials and/or private individuals who use their public office for personal gain. Without this trust, our belief in a democratic society wanes and the fabric of our community begins to break down.
Our society entrusts government agencies to perform many vital functions, such as securing our borders, protecting our neighborhoods and handing down verdicts in court cases. During fiscal year 2012, FBI Miami’s public corruption task forces arrested 50 individuals, indicted 42, and assisted with the conviction of 45 people on public corruption charges. Many of these cases were brought to the attention of the FBI by tips from the public.
Public corruption involves illegal activity conducted at all levels of government. It can include corruption within law enforcement, legislative bodies, city or town governments, the judicial system, with contracts or regulatory issues, or the prison system. These types of corruption typically involve the payment of bribes or kickbacks in exchange for official action or inaction.
The FBI also investigates election fraud and campaign finance fraud. Election fraud entails interfering with a citizen’s right to vote or ballot tampering. Campaign finance fraud involves individuals who attempt to circumvent the limits individuals can contribute to election campaigns.
The FBI is singularly situated to combat this corruption with the skills and capabilities to run complex undercover operations and surveillance. Further, FBI Miami has established several public corruption task forces in partnership with many state and local law-enforcement agencies.
It is a violation of federal law for any federal or state government official to ask for or receive anything of value for or because of any official act. Under federal law, the person who offers or pays a bribe is also guilty. Because of the secretive nature of bribes, such crimes are often difficult to detect and even more difficult to prove without the assistance of concerned citizens.
As a result, the FBI has set up a public corruption hotline for public tips at 877-628-2533. You also can contact the local FBI office by phone at 305-944-9101 or via email PublicCorruptionMiami@ic.fbi.gov.
Saturday, 10 November 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
