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Cutler Bay Archives- 2015

December 2015

Pinecrest Gardens Nights of Lights

December 18th – January 2nd from 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Pinecrest Gardens transforms into a holiday wonderland with thousands of holiday lights and displays. Santa will be there on selected evening with music, story telling, pony rides and more. Visit their website for the schedule of events and more information.

Tracking Santa With NORAD

Visit this North Pole website where kids can play games and track Santa as he makes his rounds at noradsanta.org.

Adopt A Pet For The Holidays

Through December 31st. Adoption Fees are waived this holiday season for all pets over 4 months old through the end of the year. Find your perfect furry companion at one of many participating locations. Visit the County website for more information.

Zoo Lights

December 18th - 30th from 7-10 pm.(closed Dec. 24th and 25th) Dazzling tree lights, holiday music, carousel rides and more is all yours to enjoy during Zoo Lights at Zoo Miami. Admission is just $5.00. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website.

Polar Express Train Ride

November 27th – December 27th. The Gold Coast Railroad Museum will begin service to the North Pole with 60 minute train rides featuring hot chocolate and treats, Christmas carols, a read-along of the classic childrens book “The Polar Express” and more. Visit their website for ticket and other information.

Holiday Pops Concert

Saturday, December 19th, 8pm. Orchestra Miami will conduct their first Holiday Pops Concert with an evening of Christmas classics, Chanukkah songs, an old fashioned sing-along, and more. The concert takes place at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 SW 57th Ave. For ticket information visit orchestramiami.org.

Dinner With Santa At Zoo Miami – Reserve Now

December 19th, 7:30pm. Bring the kids to Zoo Miami for dinner with Santa himself. The event includes carousel rides, meet and greet Santa, and more. Reserve now because space is limited. For more information, menu and tickets, visit their website.

King Mango Strut

December 27th, 2:00 pm. This annual parade is a fun, satirical look on the news of the year. This years theme: “The Farce Awakens”. This years Grand Marshall is Kim Davis, the clerk from Kentucky who refused to grant marriage licenses. After the parade, there are after-party celebrations. The event takes place in Coconut Grove. For more information, visit kingmangostrut.org.

Palmetto Bay Holiday Celebration

December 10th, 4-8 pm. The Village of Palmetto Bay celebrates the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony, light display, food/craft vendors, DJ, Carolers, ice skating rink, pictures with Santa, and much more. The event takes place at the Palmetto Bay Municipal Center, located at 9705 East Hibiscus Street. For more information, visit their website.

Cutler Bay Academy Recruitment and Campus Tour

Thursday, December 10th, 7:00 pm. New student recruitment and campus tour night. Find out more about applying for admission to Cutler Bay's local Public High School, Cutler Bay Academy. Cutler Bay Academy offers innovative learning programs including the iPrep Academy, COAST, and the Liberal Arts Academy. Applications will be accepted until January 31st. For more information, visit their website at cutlerbayhigh.org.

Deering Estate Holiday Concert

December 11th 7:30 – 9:00pm. The Greater Miami Youth Symphony presents their holiday concert at the Stone House Ballroom at the Deering Estate. For more information, visit deeringestate.com.

Pinecrest Gardens presents the Movie “Elf”

Friday, December 11th, 8pm. Gates open at 6:30 pm, flashlight tours at 7:30 and 7:45. Fun for the whole family. Pinecrest Gardens presents a showing of the holiday movie “Elf”. General Admission is $5.00. For more information about this movie and upcoming movie events visit their website.

Palmetto Bay Holiday By The Bay

December 12th, 3pm – 7pm Palmetto Bay presents their Holiday by the Bay at Ludovici Park. Enjoy student performances, carnival foods, a mini midway, arts & crafts, story telling and of course Santa and a faux snowstorm sure to thrill the kids. The park is located at 17641 Old Cutler Road. For more information visit palmettobay-fl.gov.

Palmetto Bay 6th Annual Holiday Boat Parade & Food Drive

December 12th, Parade at 5:30pm, donations collected at 4:30. Help those in need by participating in Palmetto Bay's annual food drive. Bring donations to Coral Reef Park pedestrian bridge prior to the boat parade or to Palmetto Bay Municipal Hall. For more information, visit their website and see the list of requested donations.

Coastal Wetland/Pine Rockland Habitat Restoration Workdays

Saturday and Sunday, December 12th and 13th, from 9am – 1:30 pm. Bring your friends and your family and be a part of restoring a coastal wetland and pine Rockland right here in Cutler Bay. The event takes place at 184th Street just east of Old Cutler Road. Water, drinks and tools will be provided. Bring snacks, sunblock, and work gloves. To find out more about this project, visit facebook.com/livablecutler.

Story-Time with Santa

December 12th and 19th, 10am – noon. Santa Claus will take time out of his busy schedule to read to children at the Deering Estate. Kids can also enjoy participating in arts & crafts activities at this free event. For more information, visit deeringestate.com.

Community Chanukah Celebration in Palmetto Bay

Sunday, December 13th from 2-4 pm. The Chabad of Palmetto Bay will celebrate Chanukah with a free event including a bounce house, kids arts and crafts, music, raffles, and more. See the flyer for more information.

CANCELED Cutler Bay Holiday Movie Night CANCELED

CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER. Friday, December 4th at 6pm. The town of Cutler Bay will present its holiday movie night at Cutler Ridge Park, featuring the movie “The Muppets Christmas Carol”. Admission is free and food will be available for purchase. See the flyer for more information. This is the only town sponsored holiday-themed event taking place in Cutler Bay. See below for events taking place in nearby communities such as Holiday festivals, food drives, light displays, boat parades and more.

Tree Lighting at the Deering Estate

December 4th, 7 – 9pm. Kick off the holiday season with the lighting of the Deering Estate tree. Enjoy holiday music by yuletide carolers and a handbell group performance by members of Cutler Bay's Cornerstone Church. For more information, visit their website.

Pinecrest Gardens Holiday Festival

Saturday, December 5th, 11am - 6pm. The Village of Pinecrest presents their 6th annual Holiday Festival with music, ballet, letters to Santa, holiday treats, pony rides, face painting, arts and crafts, midway rides, trains and more. Admission is $5.00. For more information, visit their website.

39th Annual OCPC Christmas Concert – FREE

Saturday December 5th at 4:00pm (Children's Choir) and 7:30pm (Orchestra). This annual musical event features an array of musical performances for an evening filled with the sights and sounds of the Christmas season. The concert takes place at the Old Cutler Presbyterian Church, located at 14401 Old Cutler Rd. Call 305-238-8121 or visit ocpc.org for more information.

Concerned Citizens Potluck Social

Tuesday, December 1st at 7pm. Join the Concerned Citizens for their annual potluck social. The event takes place at Cornerstone Church at the corner of Old Cutler Road and Marlin Road.

Cutler Bay Annual State of The Town Addresses

Wednesday, December 2nd at 7pm. The town is required to present a state of the town address once a year. This years address takes place at Cutler Bay Town Hall, located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd.



November 2015

Open Enrollment Begins For Magnet Programs

Beginning in October parents who wish to enroll their children in a magnet school for the 2016/2017 school year may now apply. To find a magnet school near you, visit dadeschools.net, to apply visit yourchoicemiami.org Students entering 9th, 10th, or 11th grade who wish to attend Cutler Bay Senior High can find out more about the application process by visiting their website.

Dulce Vida Bakery Now Open

A new Bakery recently opened on Old Cutler Road offering pastries, breakfast, lunch and dinner and more. The bakery is located at 20226 Old Cutler Road. See the following for more information.

Miami Book Fair International

November 15 - 22th, Street Fair November 20 - 22nd. This week long event features an array of author discussing their latest books, book signings, and other events culminating in a two day street fair. For advanced ticket sales and more information, go to miamibookfair.com.

Pirates of Penzance At Pinecrest Gardens

November 19-22nd. The Miami Acting Company presents 'The Pirates of Penzance', a hilarious musical comedy. For more information, visit their website.

Annual Harvest Festival

November 21st and 22nd, 10am-5pm. This annual event features handmade arts and crafts, live entertainment, car show, kids activities, Santa and much more. The event takes place at the Miami-Dade Fair Expo, located at 10901 Coral Way. Visit miamiharvest.com for tickets,discount coupons,and other information.

Annual Miracle of 136th Street Parade

Saturday, November 21st at 4pm. This annual parade at The Falls Shopping Center features marching bands, costumed characters, stilt walkers, a Junkanoo band, bag pipers, Dixieland band, and Santa himself. This year's Grand Marshall is Raini Rodriquez from Disney's Austin & Ally. Visit the facebook event page for more information.

Give Miami Day

November 19th until midnight. Residents are encouraged to donate today to their favorite charity. Donations of $25.00 or more will receive bonus funds from the Miami Foundation. While there are hundreds of great charities to choose from, we hope you will consider making a donation to the Tropical Audubon Society. For more information, visit givemiamiday.org by midnight tonight. You can also search for a non-profit by name or by category.

Fall Garden Festival and 75th Annual Ramble at Fairchild

November 13th, 14th, and 15th, 9:30am – 4:30pm. - A not-to-be-missed festival featuring home gardening demonstrations, fall beer garden, art, antiques, a furniture design show, vendors, and the largest plant sale in South Florida. The event takes place at Fairchild Gardens. For more information visit their website.

Cornerstone Church Annual BBQ & Country Fair

Saturday, November 14th from 9am - 4pm. Cornerstone Church (formerly Cutler Ridge United Methodist) will hold their annual Country Fair and BBQ. Join the fun at this annual event including music, free rides for the kids, indoor craft displays, and vendors. Enjoy a chicken diner with baked beans, corn on the cob, and soda for just $6.00. There is also a hotdog lunch, homemade cinnamon buns, baked goods and more. The church is located at the corner of Marlin Road and Old Cutler Road. For information call Miriam Bigenho at 305-233-7457.

5th Annual DARE Arts and Crafts Fair

November 14th, 9am–5pm, at Coral Reef Park, located at 7895 SW 152nd St. in Palmetto Bay. Enjoy this annual event, featuring live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, kids rides, raffles and more. For more information, palmettobay-fl.gov.

4th Annual Palmetto Bay Food & Rock Festivals and After Party

Saturday, November 14th, 3pm – 11pm. Come to Ludovici Park for the 4th Annual Food & Rock Festival featuring Cutler Bay's own “Cutler Stew” along with “Limerock”, “The Regs” and “Mr. Nice Guy. The event benefits Parker-Haar Charities. Buy your tickets early. The park is located at 17641 Old Cutler Rd. See Florida Rock Stars Facebook page for more information. Not ready to go home? The official “After Party” takes place from 11am – 2pm at the Cutler Bay Sports Bar, located at 20405 Old Cutler Road.

Redland Fish Fry at Fruit and Spice Park

November 7th and 8th from 10am-6pm. Visit the Fruit and Spice Park for their Fish Fry and Seafood Festival. Enjoy live southern rock music and kid-oriented activities along with a variety of seafood both fried and grilled. Admission is $8.00 for adults, and free for children 11 and under. For more information, call 305-247-5727 or visit their website. The park is located at 24801 SW 187th Ave., in Homestead.

Palmetto Bay Twilight Color Run & Concert – Registration Now Open

November 7th, 3pm to 9pm. Registration is now open for Palmetto Bay's 5K run. Participants will be sprayed at color stations with colored powder creating a rainbow of colors at the finish line. Proceeds benefit Palmetto Senior High's weight room. The race begins and ends at the Palmetto Bay Village Hall. From 5 - 9:30pm, listen to live music by Cutler Stew. Food trucks will be onsite selling food and drinks. For more information visit the facebook page. To register, visit palmettohighptsa.org/.

Fall Fair at St. Thomas Lutheran Church

Saturday, November 7th 9:00am - 4:00pm. Featuring local craft vendors. St Thomas Lutheran Church is located at 17700 Old Cutler Rd.

White Elephant Bazaar and Fall Festivals

November 7th, 9am–5pm. Just in time for the holidays. Visit Christ the King Church where visitors will find Arts and Crafts vendors, music food trucks, and much more. The church is located at 11295 SW 57th Ave., in Pinecrest.

Plant Show and Sale at Fairchild Gardens

Saturday, November 7th and Sunday, November 8th. Visit Fairchild Garden for their plant show and sale presented by the South Florida Palm Society. A large selection of palms will be available for sale. Visit fairchildgarden.org for more information.



October 2015

Cutler Bay Town Budget Hearing

September, 24th 7pm. The second and final hearing will take place on September 24th. If you have a suggestion regarding the town's budget, please contact the town council and staff or attend the meeting. The meeting will takes place at Town Hall, located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd. Read the agenda of the meeting.

Howl-O-Ween At Fairchild Garden

October 30th, from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Bring your dog to Fairchild Garden for a day of four-legged fun, including a chance to show off their costumes, and a doggy tram ride. For more information, including rules for attending with your dog, visit their website.

Town of Cutler Bay Haunted House and "Track or Treat"

Friday, October 30th, from 6-9pm at Cutler Ridge Park. Experience the terror of the haunted house, the adventure of the spider egg hunt, along with a costume contest, food and "Track or Treat". It all takes place at Cutler Ridge Park, located 10100 SW 200th St. Call 305-284-4166 for more information, or read the flyer.

Zoo Miami's Spooky Zoo Nights

Friday, October 30th, and 31st from 7pm – 11pm. Visit Zoo Miami for a spooky night of fun including Dr. Wilde's Creepy House, Zombie-laden tram rides, ghoulish carousel rides, candy stations and more. For more information, visit zoomiami.org.

Campfire & Owl Walk

Friday, October 30th, 7:30 – 9:30pm. Visit Bill Sadowski Park for a presentation followed by a walk after dark to encounter owls, racoons and night spiders, then enjoy time around the campfire. Cost is $6.00 per person. The park is located at 17555 SW 79th Ave. For a list of items to bring and more information, visit.

Movie Night At Pinecrest Gardens

Saturday, October 30th starting at 8pm. Visit Pinecrest Gardens for a free screening of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show. Pinecrest Gardens is located at 11000 Red Road, Pinecrest. To find out more about this and other upcoming movies, visit their website at pinecrest-fl.gov.

2nd Annual FNGLA Plant Market

Saturday, October, 31st and Sunday, November 1st from 9:30am to 4:30pm. The Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) will host their second annual plant market at the Montgomery Botanical Center, located at 12595 Red Road, Coral Gables. The event will include plant sales and guided tours. Admission is $5.00. Visit their Facebook event page for more information.

Halloween Event at Southland Mall

Saturday, October 31st from 1-3pm, visit the fountain area by TJ Max for free goodie bags for the kids. Then from 4-6pm, come to Center Court for fun with Daisy the Witch, and a costume contest with prizes. Both events takes place at Southland Mall, located at 20505 South Dixie Hwy. For more information visit mysouthlandmall.com.

Monster Splash At Miami Seaquarium

October 30-31st, 10am-6pm. Visit the Seaquarium for trick or treating, kiddie rides, bounce houses,haunted walk, Flipper's dance party, and more. For more information visit their website.

Howl-O-Ween at Pinecrest Gardens

Sunday, October 25th, noon – 5pm. You and your four-legged friend can celebrate Howl-O-Ween together with a costume contest, doggie fun zone, food drinks, Kid's Zone, pumpkin patch and much more. For more information, visit paws4you.org/halloween. Tickets are $5.00.

Community Meeting with Commissioner Cava

Monday, October 26th, 6pm. District 8 County Commissioner Daniella Cava invites you to attend a community meeting to learn about county boards and how you can get involved in our community. The meeting takes place at the South Dade Government Center, located at 10710 SW 211th Street, Suite 104. See the flyer for more information.

Zoning Workshop - New CVS

Monday, October 26th, 6:30pm. The town of Cutler Bay will hold a zoning hearing to discuss plans for a new mixed use development that will include a CVS store and residential units on property located at the Northeast corner of the Old Cutler Road and 87th Ave. traffic circle. The hearing is divided into two halves, the first for residents to view the plans and ask questions, and the second for the council. The hearing takes place at Cutler Bay Town Hall, located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd.

Oktoberfest

October 23–25th. Fridays 6pm to midnight, Saturdays 2pm to 2am, and Sundays, noon to 9pm. Join in the fun as the German American Club celebrates their 58th annual Oktoberfest. Enjoy German food, beer, music, dance groups and more. The event takes place at 11919 SW 56th Street. For more information, including ticket prices, visit oktoberfestmiami.org.

Zoo Boo

Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th – Kids 12 and under are invited to enjoy lots of fun activities as Zoo Miami celebrates Halloween. There will be trick-or-treating, costume contests, special performances, and more. For more information visit zoomiami.org.

Falls Festival of The Arts

Saturday and Sunday, October 24th -25th, from 10am to 7pm. Visit The Falls for a festival featuring both visual and performing arts. Admission is free but registration is required. The Falls is located at 8888 SW 136th Street. Visit fallsartfestival.com for registration and additional information.

School Curriculum Fair

Thursday, October 22nd, 6:30–8pm. Students in the Miami Southridge, Homestead and South-Dade Feeder pattern are invited to attend a Curriculum Fair at Southland Mall (at the Sal's Pizza entrance). See the flyer for more information.

Family Movie Night At Pinecrest Gardens

Friday, October 23rd, 8pm. Gates open at 6:30 pm, Flashlight tours at 7:30 and 7:45. Pinecrest Gardens presents a showing of the movie “The Book of Life”. General Admission is $5.00. For more information about this movie and upcoming movie events visit pinecrest-fl.gov.

Monster Masquerade at Zoo Miami

Friday, October 16th, 8pm. Join the non-living for a night of music, great food and drinks, a zombie re-enactment of Michael Jackson's “Thriller” and a visit to the haunted house (if you dare). This adults-only event features an open bar, beer sampling, costume contest, raffle and more. It all takes place at Zoo Miami. For more information visit their website.

Ned Glen Pinelands Nature Walk

Saturday, October 17th, 10am – 11:30am. Located here in Cutler Bay, Ned Glenn Pineland Preserve is rarely open for exploration. Take this opportunity to explore this local treasure with a naturalist acting as your guide. Cost is $4.00 per person. The preserve is located at SW 189th Street and 87th Ave. See the event information.

Bike On The Bay

Saturday, October 17th, 7:30am (registration) – noon. Join your friends and neighbors for a bike ride around Palmetto Bay. This 1 hour ride begins and ends at the Deering Estate, and is followed by a BBQ. For more information and route, visit the Green Mobility Networks website.

Grovetoberfest

October 17th. Enjoy brews from around the word with more than 300 varieties of beer, cooking demonstrations, music, and more. The event takes place at Peacock Park, 2820 McFarlane Rd in Coconut grove. For tickets and more information, visit grovetoberfest.com.

Redland Grow Festival

October 17-18th, 9:30am–4:30pm. This two day event at the Redland Fruit And Spice Park celebrates “All things edible, green & growing”. For more information, visit fruitandspicepark.org.

Deering Estate Nite Hike & Campfire

October 14th, 7pm – 9:30pm. Visit the Deering estate for a view of the woods and wildlife after dark. Enjoy a crackling fire and complementary s'mores. For more information, visit their website at deeringestate.com.

"Dear Edwina" At Pinecrest Gardens

October 16 - 18th. Miami Children's Theater presents “Dear Edwina”, a heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up. The musical takes place at Pinecrest Gardens. For more information including performance times, and admission costs visit their website.

District 8 Newsletter

District 8 Commissioner, Daniella Cava keeps you up to date about local issues that may affect you. You can read her latest newsletter at miamidade.gov/newsletter_district08/2015-august.

Free Bike Helmets From Amscot

Saturday, October 10th, from 11am – 2pm. Amscot will be hosting their annual free bike helmet give-a-way for children. Helmets in sizes small, medium and large are available while supplies last so come early. Amscot is located at 19355 South Dixie Hwy. For additional information, visit their website.

Concerned Citizens Meeting

October 6th, 7pm. The Concered Citizens of Cutler Bay will host their monthly meeting featuring guest speaker, Eric Fliss, Managing Director of the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. There will be a presentation about the program offerings going on at the Center. The meeting takes place at the Cornerstone Church (formerly Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church), 20740 Old Cutler Road.

SMDCAC Backyard Bash

Saturday, October 10th, 7pm. The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center kicks off their 2015- 2016 season with a free concert. The event is free but tickets are required. To find out more visit their website at smdcac.org.

Cauley Square Antique & Classic Car Show

Sunday, September 27th, 10am – 3pm. Visit historic Cauley Square for the 21st semi-annual car show. See cars from 1980 and older. Cauley square is located at 22400 Old Dixie Highway. For more information, visit their website at cauleysquare.com.



September 2015

Cutler Bay Senior Games Deadline

September 29th is the deadline to register for the Cutler Bay Senior Games. The games take place from October 13th through October 24th. Adults 50 and over are invited to compete in a variety of fun events including archery, basketball, bowling, tennis, and pickle ball. Registration for the games is required. Competition winners may go on to participate in the state games. For more information, see the flyer and event schedule and the event Registration Form.

Fairchild Garden Bird Festival

Thursday, October 1st through Sunday, October 4th, 9:30am to 4:30pm. Visit Fairchild Tropical Garden for their Bird Festival and birding field trips to South Florida bird habitats. The Thursday and Friday events takes place off-site with birding tours around South Florida. Saturday and Sundays events at Fairchild include presentations by experts, bird walks, and a bird attracting plant sale. For more information including lecture dates and times, visit their website.

Town Budget Hearing

The town will hold it's first budget hearing on Thursday, September 10th at 7pm. The council is expected to approve keeping the current millage rate of 2.3907. See the agenda for more information. If you have a suggestion regarding the town's budget, please contact the town council and staff. Links can be found at cutlerbay.net/government. The second and final hearing will take place on September 24th at 7pm. The meetings will take place at Town Hall, located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd.

Old Cutler Road Building Update – Publix

A judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the town of Cutler Bay, Publix, and GCF Investments regarding the approval for a new shopping center on Old Cutler Road at Marlin Drive. An appeal is expected. Still to be determined is whether Publix supermarkets can vacate the existing store and leave it empty for the remainder of the lease.


Local Hurricane Information Guide

We have updated our Hurricane Information Guide for 2015. This guide provides phone numbers and links that can help you prepare for a storm. Our guide also includes a supply list, evacuation information, local stores and gas stations with generators, and much more. We suggest you use this guide as a starting point to your storm preparations and use the links provided to help you prepare.

For information provided by the town of Cutler Bay, visit. Residents of Palmetto Bay, please visit your town website for hurricane information and updates by Mayor Flynn.

Fee-Free P.L.A.Y Day at Deering

Saturday, September 19th, 10am to 4pm. The Deering Estate is offering free admission along with hands on science activities, a rain barrel workshop (pre-registration required), tropical fruit display, Zoo Squad, and more. For more information, visit their website at deeringestate.com.

International Coastal Cleanup Day

September 19th, 9am – 12 noon. Help clean-up our local coastline during this one day event. Local sites include the Deering Estate and Black Point Marina. For information about the event visit volunteercleanup.org/mdcc.

Fairchild Garden 38th Annual Aroid Plant Show and Sale

Saturday, September 19th, and Sunday, September 20th from 9:00am to 4:30pm. Add a touch of the tropics to your garden. The International Aroid Society will present some of the most beautiful plants for your South Florida garden. For more information, visit fairchildgarden.org.

Winn-Dixie Produce Concerns

On September 7th, A local resident witnessed a Cutler Bay Winn-Dixie store employee spraying produce with a can whose label had been concealed to hide it's contents. The resident reported the incident to a manager and posted the picture to Facebook, stating that he believed the can was “Raid” bug spray. (It is our understanding that the person holding the can is a manager and not the person who sprayed the produce). See the post.

On September 8th, Twenty four hours after the facebook post, the resident made an additional post showing the empty shelves in the produce department.

On, September 9th, after seeing the post the night before, we contacted the town council, Cutler Bay Town Manager Ralph Casals and County Commissioner Daniella Cava, who were unaware of the situation. They immediately contacted the store along with the health department and Department of Agriculture. See email.

On September 11th, Winn Dixie released the following statement:

“We take the issue of food safety very seriously and have vigorously investigated the customer complaint made about an isolated event in our store at 19167 South Dixie Highway. Out of an abundance of caution, we have discarded all of the produce from this store and replaced it with fresh produce. We have also thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the display cases in the produce department. The store has also undergone a thorough inspection by our Food Safety specialists and the Florida Department of Agriculture has visited the store. We’re confident that this store will deliver upon the high standards for food safety that our customers expect and that we demand of ourselves.” - Mayra Hernandez, Winn-Dixie South Florida Region PR Manager.

The Good Government Initiative - Community Conversation

Tuesday, September 15th, 11:30 am. The Good Government Initiative will be holding a community conversation titled: Decriminalization: Time to Rethink Criminal Justice? To find out more about this event, visit goodgov.net.

2015 Phil Peterson's 43rd Annual Key West Poker Run

September 12th – 13th Kick-off party, Sept. 17th – 20th Poker Run. Join the fun at this 43rd annual poker event. Proceeds benefit local charities. Online registration ends on August 31st. For more information, visit petersonsharley.com.

The Children's Trust Family Expo

Saturday, September 12th, 10am-5pm. The Children's Trust will hold a family fair featuring activities for the entire family. The event includes clowns, magicians, storytellers, face painters, bounce houses, climbing walls, music, and much more. For a full schedule of events, visit thechildrenstrust.org. The event takes place at the Miami Dade Fair & Expo Center on Coral Way at SW 109th and 112th Ave.

Cutler Bay Annual Golf Tournament

Saturday, August 29th, beginning at 8am registration. Join the fun as Cutler Bay golfers participate in this 7th annual Golf Tournament. The event takes place at the Palmetto Golf Course located at 9300 SW 152nd Street. For information on how to sign up see the flyer.

Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay Meeting

September 1st, 7pm at the Cornerstone Church (formerly Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church), 20740 Old Cutler Road. The September meeting of the Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay will feature Cutler Bay Town Manager Ralph Casals. Mr. Casals will discuss the town Budget. Mr. Eric Fliss, Managing Director of the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Cente, was scheduled to give a presentation about the Cultural Arts Center and their upcoming programs. His presentation has been rescheduled to October.

Murder Mystery at Thalatta Estate

Friday, September 4th starting at 7:30 pm. Enjoy a three course meal while you try to solve the murder mystery. The event takes place at Thalatta Estate in Palmetto Bay. Tickets are available for purchase at Coral Reef Park. Visit palmettobay-fl.gov for ticket prices and additional information.



August 2015

Council To Vote On 902 Student, K-10 Charter School On Caribbean Blvd.

August 19th, 7pm. The town council will decide whether to allow a new charter school to occupy the 4 story South-Dade Tower located at 10750 Caribbean Blvd by Southland Mall. The school would have up to 902 students, approximately 55 staff members and hold classes for K through 10th grade. The vote on this item was postponed in June and July. Because the item is a resolution, residents wanting to speak in support or opposition of the proposed school will need to attend the July 15th meeting and speak during the “public comments” portion of the agenda or send an email to the Council prior to the meeting. Email addresses can be found at cutlerbay.net/government.

Note: Mr. Tom David, chairman of the board of directors of Virtus Academy, gave Vice-Mayor Sochin a $100.00 donation to his 2012 campaign (donation #15).

Setting the record straight: All 5 members of the council voted in 2013 to change the regulations and allow educational facilities in the mall area. The August 2013 minutes of the vote can be found here (See tab 1 or Page 10 of the document).


Donations Requested For Sarah Stanczyk

Sarah Stanczyk, daughter of former Palmetto Bay Mayor Shelley Stanczyk, recently underwent a liver transplant in Wisconsin. Please keep Sarah and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Because of mounting medical bills, a gofundme page has been set up for anyone wishing to know more about Sarah's condition and/or donate.

Caribbean Boulevard Road Closures

Beginning August 17th, through March of 2016, the town will begin roadway improvements to Caribbean Blvd. between Coral Sea Road and Anchor Road. Traffic along this stretch of roadway will be detoured to Dominican Drive. See the flyer for detailed map.

Open Mic Night – A Town Hall Meeting For Residents

Wednesday, August 26th, from 7pm -9pm. Residents of Cutler Bay are encouraged to attend this informal meeting in which town staff are available to answer your questions and address your concerns. The meeting will take place at East Ridge Retirement village located at 19301 SW 87th Ave. For more information, see the flyer.

CERT Training

August 27th from 5pm to 9pm, August 29th and 30th from 8:30am to 5pm. Be a part of the Community Emergency Response Team. Training takes place at Cutler Bay Town Hall, located 10720 Caribbean Blvd. For more information, see the flyer

A Doggie Breakfast

August 22nd, 9 - 11am. Bring your dog to the Gold Coast Railroad museum. Owners will enjoy pastries and beverages while dogs will enjoy a goodie bag of treats. Admission is $5.00. Don't forget, enjoy free admission on the first Saturday of the month (Sept. 5th). Visit gcrm.org for more information.

Book Drive

Do you have any new or gently used children's books that are collecting dust? Drop them off at select Miami-Dade Police locations and put them back into circulation. See the flyer for the closest drop-off locations.

Free Online Courses Available

Miami-Dade library card holders can now access free technology training taught by experts. To find out more, visit mdpls.org.

After-School Program Lottery

Residents who want their children to attend the after school program at Cutler Ridge Park, please visit the park to add your child's name to the list of those eligible to participate in the after-school programs lottery. The program is for children from Kindergarten through 5th grade. For more information, call the town's parks department at 305-238-4166.

Free Summer Meals For Children

June 8th through August 21st. Kids and teens 18 years old or younger can receive a free meal this summer at participating locations throughout South Florida. For information about the program, visit summerfoodflorida.org. Be sure to click on the “Find a site near you” for an interactive map where you can locate and click on the link for the nearest site to get information about start dates, meal(s) served, times and address.

Local Libraries Offers Free Summer Meals For Children

Beginning June 8th through August 21st, children ages 18 and under can receive a free lunch at their local library on select days. Meals are served on a first come, first served basis. For more information including participating locations, and lunch schedules, visit their website. While viewing the free lunch schedule, click on the name of your local library branch to discover a list of fun and educational events taking place for both kids and adults.

Back-To-School Sales Tax Holiday

August 7 - 16th. Residents throughout Florida will have 10 days to shop “tax free” on school supplies including clothes, computer related items, along with notebooks, backpacks, etc. For a complete list of what is and is not tax exempt, see the flyer.

Public Meetings On County Budget

Wednesday, August 12th, 6pm. Residents wanting to weigh in on Miami Dade County's budget can attend one on several community meetings taking place throughout Miami-Dade County. The meeting closest to us takes place at The Village of Palmetto Bay's Village Hall located at 9705 East Hibiscus Street See the memorandum for more information and other meeting locations.

Back-To-School Fair

Saturday, August 15th from 10am to 4pm. Florida Technical College will be hosting a Back-to-School and Health Fair with 500 free backpacks to be given away while supplies last. The event includes health screenings and door prizes and takes place at Southland Mall. See the flyer for more information.

Southland Mall Going Green Event

Saturday, August 15th from 1pm to 3pm. Visit Center Court at Southland Mall for a Kids Club event featuring an animal show, going green trivia games, recycling games, planting activities, face painting and more. For more information visit their website.

1st Annual Splash in the Bay

August 1st from 10am - 2pm. A fun event for the whole family. This summer pool party features a DJ , free food and drinks. and lots of wet fun. The fun takes place at Cutler Ridge Pool, located at Cutler Ridge Park. See our parks page for maps and other park information. See the flyer for more event information.

Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay Meeting

August 4th, 7pm at the Cornerstone Church (formerly Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church), 20740 Old Cutler Road. The August meeting of the Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay will feature representatives from Dade County’s Department of Public Works and Waste Management. They will speak about the Landfill and Waste Treatment Plant adjacent to the southern border of Cutler Bay. Topics of interest will be purpose and operation of the facilities, history, technologies, future expansion and/or end-of-operations, and odor control.

Wetland Restoration Volunteers Needed

Saturday, August 8th from 9am to 1pm. Join your friends and neighbors to help in the efforts to restore wetlands right here in Cutler Bay. The restoration project is located just south of the Palmetto Bay Village Center on 184th Street off Old Cutler Road. For more information see the flyer.

July 2015

24th Annual Huntington's Disease Triathlon

Sunday, July 26th. Young and old are invited to participate in an event to help find a cure for Huntington's Disease. This early morning event takes place at Larry & Penny Thompson Park. Visit huntingtonsdiseasefl.org for more information.

2015 Preliminary Taxable Values

On June 1st of each year, the property appraisers office releases an estimate of how property values have increased or decreased from the previous year. This allows local governments the ability to estimate the amount of revenue they will have in the upcoming year so they can begin creating their budgets. It allows residents the opportunity to see if the value of their homes are increasing or decreasing and how we compare to our nearby neighbors. The first column takes into account the change in value of existing properties. The second column shows how new construction will add additional revenue. You can also view the complete list.

 PRELIMINARY PROPERTY TAX INCREASES FROM LAST YEAR
Name % of Change
From Last Year
% of Change
w/ New Construction
Cutler Bay 7.2% 8.3%
Homestead 6.9% 9.3%
Unincorporated 5.0% 6.1%
Pinecrest 4.5% 4.9%
South Miami 5.0% 5.6%
Palmetto Bay 3.3% 3.3%
Florida City 2.9% 4.1%

Hurricane Preparation

July 21st, 1pm - 3pm. Join your District 8 Commissioner Danella Levine Cava and Cutler Bay town staff for an important meeting on hurricane preparedness. The event takes place at Cutler Bay Town Hall located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd. See the flyer for more information. RSVP requested by July 7th.

p class="title">July 4th Celebration at Whispering Pines Park

The Whispering Pines Civic Association and the Whispering Pines Woman's Club, along with the Town of Cutler Bay will sponsor the 47th annual Fourth of July Celebration at Whispering Pines Park, located at SW 88th Court and Ridgeland Drive (map). A parade featuring decorated floats and bicycles begins at 9:00 am. This event is free and open to all residents of Cutler Bay. For more information, call 305- 238-4166 or see the flyer for more information.

Independence Day Fire Works at Black Point

July 4th, after dark. Celebrate our independence with a free fireworks show at Black Point Marina. Bring your lawn chairs, and picnic baskets or visit the Ocean Grill Restaurant on site. Don't forget the mosquito repellent. Come early as there will be no entering or exiting during the show and there is sure to be a crowd. The Marina is located at 24775 SW 87th Ave. See the press release for more information. For a map of the location and more information about the marina, visit our parks page.

America's Birthday Bash at Bayfront Park

Saturday, July 4th. Celebrate America's Birthday at Bayfront Park. This event features a beer garden, kids' zone and of course fireworks at 9pm. Visit the parks website for more information.

Race to the 4th � Homestead

July 4th from 6pm to 10pm. Visit Homestead-Miami Speedway for live music, food trucks, kids' activities and of course fireworks. The event is free, however VIP seats are available for a fee. See their website for more information.



June 2015

Clean-up / Rally For The Rocklands

June 27th starting at 9am. Larry & Penny Thompson Park has been the target of arsonist attacks recently which have destroyed dozens of acres of Pine Rocklands. This rally will begin at 9 am with a clean-up followed by a Picnic & Rally at 1pm. For more information, visit their facebook page. The park is located at 12451 SW 184th Street.

Summer Camp Equals Summer Fun

June 4th marks the end of the school year. The town of Cutler Bay's Summer Camp for kids is a fun way for your 6 - 12 year old to fill their summer with a variety of fun activities. For more information, see the camp flyer and download the registration form..

Pet Adoption Event

Saturday, June 20th from 1-5pm. Looking for love? Then visit the pet adoption event taking place this weekend at the Falls Shopping Center. See the flyer for more information.

Family Movie Night

June 5th, at 7:30pm. Join your friends and neighbors for a showing of the movie ""Finding Nemo"". The movie will take place at Cutler Ridge Park. Admission is free. See the flyer for more information.

Summer Fruit Festival

June 13th and 14th from 10am-5pm. Visit the Redland Fruit and Spice Park for this annual event showcasing local agriculture and wines, tropical fruits, and rare fruit samplings. The Park is located at 24801 SW 187 Ave. Admission is $8 for adults, and is free for children 11 and under. Phone 305-247-5727 for additional information, or visit their website at fruitandspicepark.org.

Summer Reading Program

June 6th through August 1st. Children, teens and adults are encouraged to spend the summer reading a great book, and with Miami-Dade's library's summer reading program, you can win great prizes just for reading. To find out more about the program, visit mdpls.org.



May 2015

Speaking Sustainably – Free Film & Lecture Series

Wednesday, May 27th, 7 – 9pm. This free lecture focuses on the important role sea-grasses and mangroves play in our ecosystem and their importance in our food chain. The event takes place at the Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72 Ave. To find out more visit their website at deeringestate.org.

Campfire & Owl Walk

May 29th, from 7:30 to 9:30. Owls are the star of this event, which includes a presentation about owls, a guided walk after dark that ends with a campfire. The event cost $6.00 and takes place at Bill Sadowski Park, located at 17555 SW 79th Ave. in Palmetto Bay. For details about the event, and information about what to bring and wear, visit.

Feel the Force: Hurricane and Other Hazards

Saturday, May 30th, 11am- 5pm. Get ready for hurricane season by attending this family friendly event. Admission is free. For information on all the activities taking place, visit the Miami Science Museum website at miamisci.org. The museum is located at 3280 South Miami Ave.

American Legion Memorial Day Program

May 25th, 10 am. The American Legion Post 133 will be observing Memorial Day with coffee and donuts at 10am, and at 11am they will have a memorial Service and Flag Burning Ceremony. At 1pm, join them for hot dogs and hamburgers. For more information, see their flyer. The American Legion Post is located at 16401 SW 90 Ave., in Palmetto Bay.

International Orchid Show

May 15th, 16th and 17th from 9am to 5pm. Visit the Redlands Fruit & Spice Park for one of the largest annual orchid shows in the U.S. The event features over 50 booths with educational exhibits and vendors, along with lectures, raffles and international food. Admission is $10. For more information, visit redlandorchidfestival.org.

Sign The Petition For Solar Rights

Florida is one of only five states that do not allow residents to purchase electricity from companies that will install solar panels onto your home or business. Sign the petition to end this prohibition. Visit flsolarchoice.org.

Habitat For Humanity ReStore

Did you know that the Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells new and gently used furniture, appliances and other home improvement items? By patronizing their store shoppers get great deals and they help this worthwhile organization raise money for their mission of eliminating substandard housing. Whether you are looking for a bargain or have an unwanted item you wish to donate, consider the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, located at 20811 South Dixie Highway, in Cutler Bay. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Cutler Bay 16th Best Place To Invest In Real Estate

Cutler Bay ranked 16 in Nerdwallet's review of 227 Communities in Florida. The consumer based economic site based their ratings on the marketability of homes, affordability, growth and tax rates. To read the article and see what other communities made their list, visit their website.

Mangrove-Kayak Adventures

Various Dates. The town of Palmetto Bay offers a monthly 3-hour guided kayak tour where participants can learn more about mangroves and how they are an important part of our ecosystem. The tours launch from Thalatta Estate, 17301 Old Cutler Road. Space is limited and you must register in advance. For more information, read the flyer.

9th Annual "All Kids Included" Family Arts Festival

Saturday, May 2nd, 10am – 5pm at the South-Dade Cultural Arts Center, located at 10950 SW 211th Street. This kid friendly event features live performances by dancers and musicians, includes magic shows, art projects, free give-aways, face painting, and more. Visit smdac.org for more information.

Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay Meeting

Tuesday, May 5th, 7pm. The Concerned Citizens will host two(2) one hour seminars by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs – Fall Prevention, and Safe Homes. The Concerned Citizens meet at Old Cutler United Methodist Church, located at 20740 Old Cutler Road. Membership is not required to attend any meeting. For more information, visit CCofCB.org or call Steve Zarzecki at 305-255-4351.

Brew at the Zoo

Saturday, May 9th, from 8pm-11pm. Visit the zoo Miami for a chance to sample a variety of beers and listen to great music, while supporting Zoo Miami's Wildlife Conservation Fund. For tickets and more information, visit zoomiami.org.

Mothers Day Brunch At The Deering Estate

May 10th, 10:30am to 1:30pm. Visit the Deering Estate for their annual Mother's Day Brunch. Enjoy great food in a beautiful setting. For more information, visit deeringestate.org.



April 2015

Earth Week Celebrations in Palmetto Bay

Palmetto Bay is celebrating Earth Week with a variety of activities including tree give-aways, movie nights, contests, lady bug releases and much more. Visit palmettobaygreen.com for a full list of activities.

"Open Mic Night" at Town Hall

April 22nd, 7 - 9pm. The town council and staff will hold an open microphone town hall meeting to allow residents an opportunity to discuss issues of concern, ask questions, or suggest ideas to the town council and staff. This meeting is the residents opportunity to discuss issues in an informal setting. The meeting takes place at town hall located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd. See the flyer for more information.

Public Protest Against Over-Development on Old Cutler Road

Saturday, April 25th starting at 10:30am. A community protest against over-development is taking place at the corner of Old Cutler Rd. and 184th Street. The Cutler Bay town council will soon be asked by this property owner to up-zone the property to allow for a 4-story mixed use development. To find out more about the event and to join the growing number of residents and HOAs opposed to this project, visit facebook.com/livablecutler.

Citizens Academy

Saturday, April 25th, 8:30am - 3:30pm. The Good Government Initiative is offering a one day workshop for residents to learn how to best communicate with their local government and advocate effectively. The event takes place at Vizcaya, Village Garage, 3251 S. Miami Ave. Cost is $25.00 and is the event is limited to 35 participants. For information on speakers and registration information, visit goodgov.net.

Bike-B-Que & Rodeo

Saturday, April 25th, 11am - 3pm (registration begins at 10:30). The Town of Cutler Bay and the village of Palmetto Bay join together to celebrate Earth Week with a 5.5 mile bike ride from Lakes by the Bay Park, and stopping at Ludovici Park for a free barbecue and kids activities. Preregistration forms and helmets are required and must be turned in by April 23rd at 4pm. For more information, read the flyer.

Run Fur Fun- Dog Benefit, Dogs Welcome- WOOF

April 26th, 4pm (registration begins 2pm.). Put on your running shoes and get moving for a great cause. Participate in either a 5K run/walk or 1-mile walk run/walk benefiting Paws 4 You Rescue, saving dogs from being euthanized. While you're at it, have your dog join you in the fun or borrow one from their "Rent A Dog Booth". Participants will receive refreshments, a draw string backpack, T-shirts and bandannas while supplies last. Registered students can get 4 community service hours. The event takes place at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th Street. For advance registration, fees, and additional information visit their website at paws4you.org.

Cutler Bay Movie Night

April 17th, 7pm. Cutler Bay's recent movie night was rained out and has been rescheduled. Come enjoy "The Lego Movie" at Lakes by the Bay Park. See the flyer for more information.

Earth Day Festival At Pinecrest Gardens

Sunday, April 19th from noon to 4pm. Celebrate Earth Day at Pinecrest Gardens. Earth Day activities include workshops, healthy food demonstrations, plant sales, an eco-fashion show, green vendors, crafts and more. Admission is FREE. For more information, visit their website.

Blues and BBQ Festival at Fruit and Spice Park

April 11th and 12th from 10am - 6pm. Enjoy blues and country music, great BBQ food, and childrens activities including pony rides during the Redland Fruit and Spice Park's Blues & BBQ festival. Admission is $8.00, free for children 11 and under. The park is located at 24801 SW 187th Ave., in Homestead. For more information visit fruitandspicepark.org.

Fairchild Spring Garden Festival and Plant Sale

Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 12th from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. This annual event at Fairchild Garden features local foods and plants. Enjoy spring brews at the beer tasting garden or watch a cooking and gardening demonstration, and much more. Visit their website for more information.

Repairs to Black Point Marina Jetty Repairs Begin on March 16th

Repair work to the Black Point Marina jetty in Biscayne National Park is set to begin March 16, 2015. The end of the jetty and the Black Creek trail will be closed to entry for four weeks while construction work is completed. For more information, read the press release.

Family Movie Night at Pinecrest Gardens

April 10th, gates open at 6:30 pm, flashlight tour at 7:30 and 7:45, movie starting at 8:00pm. Parents and kids alike will have a great time watching "Frozen"(PG) at Pinecrest Gardens' family movie night. Admission is $5 per person. Fresh popcorn, soft drinks, hot dogs, and other snacks are available for purchase. For additional information, visit pinecrestgardens.com.

Jungle Island Mega Egga Hunt

April 3–5th, from 10:30am – 4pm. This event features continuous egg hunts with goodie bags for all children, bounce houses, arts and crafts, music and the Easter Bunny. The event takes place at Jungle Island, located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami. To purchase tickets or to find out more about this event and their Easter Brunch, visit their website.

Bunny Palooza At The Miami Seaquarium

April 3-5th. The Miami Seaquarium presents a day of continuous egg hunts, an Easter parade, rides, slides, bounce houses, dolphin shows, and of course, the Easter Bunny. Find out more by visiting miamiseaquarium.com.

Easter Egg Hunt at Cutler Ridge Park

Saturday, April 4th, 10am - noon. Kids 9 and under are invited join the fun of hunting for eggs, including special eggs for special prizes. There will be a bounce house, games for children, music with Ivan The DJ., and the Miami Balloon Guy. Bring your camera to take free pictures of your child with the Easter Bunny. Cutler Ridge park is located at 10100 SW 200th Street. For more information, read the flyer.

Food and Country Music Festival

April 4th, from 3pm to 11pm at Ludovici Park, 17641 Old Cutler Rd, Palmetto Bay. Live bands play for a great cause, benefiting the Parker-Haar Charities. Find out more by visiting the Florida Rock Stars website. For a map of this park and other local parks, visit our parks page. (Editors note: Why doesn't the town of Cutler Bay have more events for adults?)

Dino Egg Safari at Zoo Miami

April 4th and 5th from 11am – 4pm. Kids 12 and under can take part in continuous dino egg hunts, the Easter Bunny, and more all taking place at Zoo Miami. Find out more at zoomiami.org.

Concerned Citizens Meeting: High Density Development Coming To Old Cutler and 184th Street?

Tuesday, April 7th, 7pm at Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church. The Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay have invited local HOAs to discuss a potential zoning change and development for a 9 acre parcel of land located on Old Cutler Rd. and 184th St. If granted the zoning change, the proposed development is expected to include 21,000 SF of office space, 19,000 SF of retail space, 4,000 SF of restaurant space, 125 residential units, a 12 room hotel, on street parking and 3 parking garages providing 220 parking spaces. The Concerned Citizens meeting takes place For more information about the meeting, see the flyer.



March 2015

Pollution Solutions Video Contest

Energy is sponsoring a video contest for students in grades 4–12. Your video could win $1000 for your school and $300 for yourself. To find out more, read the following flyer.

Town Website Unavailable

The Town of Cutler Bay's official website has been hacked repeatedly in the past few weeks making it difficult to access information. The town has temporarily shut it down. For the convenience of our readers, we are providing a flyer with some links and contact information

Miami-Dade Youth Fair

March 12th – April 5th. It's that time again for rides, exhibitions, concerts, rides, student exhibits, and lots of food. Don't miss the fun. Visit their website for more information or to order tickets online at thefair.me/thefair.

Earth Hour On March 28th

On Saturday, March 28th from 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Join millions of people across the world as they turn off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about creating a sustainable world. For more information, visit earthhour.org.

Annual Deering Estate Seafood Festival

Sunday, March 29th from 10am-6pm. Savor delectable fresh seafood at the Deering Estate's Seafood Festival on the Bay. This event features food, entertainment, scenic boat rides, celebrity cooking demonstrations, and an exciting Kids zone. Admission is $25 for adults ($15 if purchased in advance on-line) and $5.00 for Children ages 4-14. The event takes place at the Deering Estate, located at 16701 SW 72nd Ave. For more information or to purchase discount tickets in advance, call 305-235-1668 ext. 266, or visit deeringestate.org.

Baynanza Registration Is Now Open

Saturday, April 25th is clean up day when thousand of volunteers work to clean up our shoreline. You too can show your love of the environment by registering to help. Registration is now open. Visit the Baynanza website to register and for more information about the event. Nearby clean-up sites include the Deering Estate, Palmetto Bay Village Center, and Black Point Marina.

Cutler Ridge School To Get $12.6 Million Upgrade

Cutler Bay Academy (Cutler Ridge Campus) will be receiving a much needed upgrade to the school. Several buildings will be replaced and new technology put in place. The project is expected to cost $12.6 million and be completed at the end of 2017. Formerly known as Cutler Ridge Middle School, the school was built in 1958 and has long been in need of repairs. For more information about this project, read the press release.

Future Incorporation and Annexation Hearing

March 19th, 6pm at the South Dade Regional Library. In September of 2013, the Incorporation and Annexation Task force presented their final report to the County Commission which included a recommendation that the Commission hire a consultant to advise them on how to proceed. The March 19th public hearing will allow public comments regarding future incorporation and potential annexation areas, which may include Cutler Bay and surrounding areas. For more information, visit the annexation website and read the public notice.

Fairchild Gardens 13th Annual Orchid Festival

March 13th through March 15th. from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Over 10,000 orchids are on display during this annual event. Enjoy great food, handmade products, lectures, and Kids activities. Visit their website for more information.

A Day Out with Thomas

March 14th and 15th. Now is the time to buy your tickets for a day out with Thomas. Ride the trains; meet Sir Topham Hatt and enjoy “tons of other activities”. This event takes place at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum. Find out more at gcrm.org.

3rd Annual Vintage Auto Show

Sunday, March 15th from 10am to 3pm. Visit the Deering Estate for their Vintage Car Show featuring cars from 1954 and older. General Admission is $12 for adults and $7. for children 4 to 14. For more information, visit deeringestate.org.

Talent Competition At SDCAC

March 15th from noon to 6pm. Residents ages 8 through 17 are invited to show off their talents at the "Young Talent, Big Dreams" competition. Competition includes performances in music, dance, voice, original composition and spoken word. The auditions take place at the South Dade Cultural Arts Center on March 15th, however there are additional audition dates, times and locations. To find out more about the event visit actorsplayhouse.org.

District 8 Office Returns To Government Center

As promised during her campaign for office, our district 8 County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava has relocated the District 8 offices back to the South-Dade Government Center (Suite 103). Former Commissioner Lynda Bell had moved the offices to a private shopping center during her term in office. This move back is expected to save tax dollars.

21st Annual Antique Car Show at Cauley Square

Sunday, March 8th from 10am - 3pm. Car enthusiast are invited to attend this free event featuring cars from 1980 and older. The event also features music, games, raffles, arts & crafts, and more. The event takes place at Cauley Square on 22400 Old Dixie Highway, For more information see their flyer.

Go Solar Florida Workshop

March 11th, 10am – 11:30am, and 5:30pm – 7:20pm. Pinecrest Gardens will hold two workshops aimed at educating residents, contractors and HOA managers about solar access legislation and legal rights to install solar systems. Attendance is free but you must pre-register for the event. To find out more, visit this Miami-Dade website.

Concerned Citizens Meeting

Tuesday, March 3rd at 7pm. The Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay will host Representatives from Fairchild Gardens discussing their Million Orchid Project. The meeting takes place at the Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church, 20740 Old Cutler Road. For more information, contact Steve Zarzecki at 305-255-4351. To find out more about the Million Orchid Project visit their website.

Carnival At Holy Rosary

March 6th, 7th and 8th. Join the fun and excitement in Cutler Bay. Enjoy local performances and exhilarating rides at this annual carnival. The fun takes place at 18455 Franjo Rd. Find out more by visiting hrsrcarnival.com.

Zoo Miami's Exotic Pet Amnesty Day

Saturday, March 7th, 10am to 2pm. Surrender your exotic pet or talk to an expert about being a responsible pet owner. The event takes place in the Zoo Miami parking lot. For more information, visit zoomiami.org.

Asian Culture Festival at Fruit and Spice Park

March 7th and 8th from 10am-5pm. This annual festival features Asian crafts, art, exotic music and dance, as well as authentic Far Eastern cuisine. The Redland Fruit and Spice Park is located at 24801 SW 187th Ave., in Homestead. For more information, visit fruitandspicepark.org.

Buy it Back/ Shame on U (of M)

Friday, February 27th, 3pm – 6pm. Environmentalists will converge for a rally at the University of Miami's main entrance to protest the U of M sale of the Richmond Pine Rocklands, opening the door to commercial development on environmentally sensitive land. For more information, see the flyer. For more information about the pinelands, visit this Facebook page and read the Miami Herald article.



February 2015

Who Is Lobbying In Our Town

The Town of Cutler Bay has published the names of lobbyists registered with the town. See the list of registered lobbyists and the projects they are lobbying for.

Cutler Bay Residents Oppose Proposed Land Use Change

At the January 6th meeting of the Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay, A crowd of over 100 Cutler Bay residents showed their opposition to a proposed future land use amendment to the town’s growth management plan that would allow a high density mixed use development project on Old Cutler Road that would include residential, commercial and retail space. The proposed development would be adjacent to the coastal wetlands restoration project at Old Cutler Road and Southwest 184th Street. Opponents said the land should be reserved for use as a public park. For more information, read the Miami Herald article.

Love is in the Park- Movie Night

Saturday, February 14th, 7pm. Looking for an inexpensive way to spend valentines day? The Village of Palmetto Bay is hosting a free movie night in the park for adults featuring the movie “The Proposal”. For more information, see the flyer.

Cutler Bay Wetlands Restoration Event

February 16th from 9am - 3pm. Join your neighbors, make new friends, or earn community service hours this Presidents Day by helping to restore local wetlands. Whether clearing out exotic plants or planting native plants, your help is appreciated. The event takes place at the property on 184th Street just East of Old Cutler Road. For more information about this event, see the flyer. For more information about this Cutler Bay wetland restoration, visit and like facebook.com/livablecutler.

Cutler Bay Founders Day

Saturday, February 21st, 11am to 3pm. Come celebrate the 10th anniversary of Cutler Bay's incorporation with music, rides, food, and games. The event takes place at Cutler Ridge Park, located at 10100 SW 200th Street. See the flyer for more information.

South Miami Rotary Art Festival

February 21st and 22nd. The Rotary Club of South Miami will hold their 32nd annual Art Festival featuring 150 artists, a food court, and beer garden along with live jazz. The event takes place at 5750 SW 72nd Street. Admission is free. For more information, visit southmiamiartfest.org.

List of Town Accomplishments

See the end of the year review of town related information and accomplishments from the recent State of the Town Address.

Cutler Bay Town Hall Change In Hours

Beginning January 1st 2015, Town Hall will be open from 8am Through 5pm.

Letter In Recognition of The Leader of The Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay

Read this soapbox letter in the January 11th edition of the Miami Herald.

Concerned Citizens Meeting

Tuesday, February 3rd at 7pm. The Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay will host featured speaker Joe Centorino, the Executive Director of the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and the Public Trust. The topic of conversation will include Florida's Sunshine Law, Cutler Bay's ex-parte ordinance, and the role of lobbyists in local elections. After the presentation there will be an open discussion on these and other topics. The meeting takes place at the Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church, 20740 Old Cutler Road. For more information contact Steve Zarzecki at 305-255-4351.

Chili Cook Off at Pinecrest Gardens

February 7th, from noon through 4pm. Cool weather and hot chili, country music, beer, line dancing, mechanical bull rides, and childrens activities all come together for a fun-filled family event. It all takes place at Pinecrest Gardens. General Admission is $5. Find out more at their website.



January 2015

Movie Nights at Pinecrest Gardens

Friday, January 30th. The weather's perfect for an outdoor movie and Pinecrest Gardens starts the new year off with a showing of “How to Train Your Dragon”. Gates open at 6:30 with flashlight tours at 7:30 and 7:45. Movie begin at 8. General Admission is $5.00. For more information, visit their website.

Moonlight Canoe Tour

Sunday, February 1st, 7pm – 10:30 pm. Enjoy a moonlight tour of Biscayne Bay, including a campfire and s'mores on Chicken Key. Experts from the Deering Estate share ecological facts as they accompany you. The event begins at the Deering Estate. Visit their website for more information.

New Detours on Caribbean Blvd.

Beginning the last week in January, new detours will begin on Caribbean Blvd. between 192nd Drive and 87th Ave. See the map for the new route.

A Midsummer Nights Dream

January 23rd, 24th and 25th, varying times. See Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream at Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl. $20.00 for adults. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit their website. To view other events taking place at Pinecrest Gardens, visit pinecrest-fl.gov.

Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo

January 23 - 25th. Join the fun as Homestead celebrates a rodeo tradition going back 66 years. For more information about the Rodeo and related events, visit their website at homesteadrodeo.com.

Chocolate Festival At Fairchild

Friday January 23rd through Sunday, January 25th, from 9:30am until 4:30pm. Visit Fairchild Garden for their 9th Annual International Chocolate Festival. This event will feature chocolate treats, cooking demonstrations, informative lectures, and more. The event takes place at Fairchild Tropical Garden, located at 10901 Old Cutler Rd. For more information, visit fairchildgarden.org or call 305-667-1651 ext. 3344.

Rally For The Rocklands

Saturday, January 17th, 2pm. Your help is needed to prevent an endangered Pine Rockland area from development. The Rally begins at the Zoo Miami parking lot. Then, participants will walk along the pine rocklands to the site of the proposed Walmart. See the map. Prior to the event, you are invited to a pre-rally picnic and sign-making event beginning at 11am at Larry and Penny Thompson Park, Pavilion 2. Bring a lunch, drinks will be provided. See map. For more information, visit this Facebook page.

Redland Riot Road Rallye

Saturday, January 17th. Starting time is between 10-11 am with the event ending at 5pm. An event for car enthusiasts, history buffs and those who enjoys a leisurely drive through rural South Miami-Dade County. Participants start at Cauley Square, located at US-1 and 224 Street. The event moves on to other Homestead destinations ending at Schnebly Redland's Winery. The cost is $10.00 per car at the event. For more information, visit redlandriot.com.

Free Entrance Days At The National Parks

January, 19th. Admission to both Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park is FREE on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To find out more, visit nps.gov.

New Community Theater Group

Wednesday, January 21st at 7pm. Interested in community theater? Then don't miss the inaugural meeting of the Cutler Bay Community Theater and Improv group. Their first meeting takes place at The Palmetto Bay Village Center Palm Room, located on the 3rd floor. Find out more by visiting meetup.com/CutlerBayTheater.

Annual Pinecrest Gardens Fine Arts Festival

January 10th and 11th, from 10am-5pm. Visit Pinecrest Gardens for their Fine Arts Festival. This juried art show features original art from national and international artists. There will be live music, great food, and other activities for the entire family. Admission is free. For more information, including overflow parking areas, visit pinecrest-fl.gov.

Heritage Festival at Fruit and Spice Park

January 10th and 11th, from 10am-5pm. Visit the Fruit and Spice Park for this annual festival featuring historic displays, arts and crafts, tropical plants, and food. Children's activities include pony rides, Everglades reptile show and a petting zoo. Admission is $8.00 for adults, children 11 and under are free. The Fruit and Spice Park is located at 24801 S.W. 187th Avenue, in Homestead. Phone 305-247-5727 or visit fruitandspicepark.org for more information.

Pool Closed For Maintenance

December 22nd through January 10th. The pool at Cutler Ridge park will be closed while undergoing renovations and maintenance.

Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Your Christmas tree can be recycled into mulch by bringing your tree to one of the county’s trash and recycling centers. For more information about tree disposal, see this flyer.

Meeting on Potential New Zoning and High Rise Buildings On Old Cutler Road

January 6th, 7pm. The Concerned Citizens of Cutler Bay will host a presentation about the ongoing wetlands restoration project taking place just off Old Cutler Road and SW 184th St. After the presentation, there will be a round table discussion concerning the attempt by the owners of the adjacent 9 acres to get the property rezoned to allow for buildings up to 4 stories high along Old Cutler Road from 184th Street to Cutler Cay. The meeting takes place at the Cutler Ridge United Methodist Church, located at 20740 Old Cutler Road. For more information about the meeting, see the flyer. For information about the rezoning see the application. Read more about the wetlands resoration and concerns about this rezoning at livablecutler.blogspot.com.

6th Annual Chili Day in Cutler Bay

Saturday, January 10th, at Cutler Ridge Park from 2-6pm. Cutler Bay will be holding their 6th Annual Chili cook-off with prizes awarded for the best chili, salsa and corn bread in Cutler Bay. Chili tastings and entertainment for the whole family. To participate in the contest or for more information, contact Fred Bobson at 305-238-4166 and read the flyer. Cutler Ridge Park is located at 10100 SW 200th Street (map).