February 2017 MBPD Newsletter

February 2017 MBPD Newsletter   CHIEF'S MESSAGE As your Deputy Chief, I have served this fine community with pride for over twenty-six years. During that time, I have had the opportunity to work in many positions within the Miami Beach Police Department, alongside many fine and committed professionals. I have seen a variety of changes over the years and witnessed tremendous growth, all of which have led to Miami Beach becoming a world class destination. Much like the City of Miami Beach, our Police Department has followed with its own redesign of goals and has improved on the way we address the challenges presented in today's world. We have introduced new tools of the trade, provided advanced training opportunities, and increased the awareness around the problems associated with this effort. In all,  I am proud of the strides that we have made and look forward to our future efforts to expand the delivery of services. As previously stated, the men and women of the Miami Beach Police Department strive to meet the demands of our community. In addition to our resident population, each year we are host to thousands of visitors. While sometimes the needs or concerns of specific individuals are different, the desire to have a safe environment is universal. Whether you are a resident or visitor, the Police Department is here to serve you. The men and women of the Miami Beach Police Department work year-round and around the clock with the goal of addressing issues as proactively as possible and reducing crime citywide.  But keeping a community safe is a big job and it requires active collaboration.  Understanding this integral relationship is paramount to our success. In the words of Sir Robert Peel, "The police at all times should maintain a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police..." This is a recipe for success today and, more than ever, we need each other to ensure that we address the community's needs from all angles.  So please do your part and help us help you. Report all suspicious incidents or public safety concerns by calling 911 for emergencies, and (305) 673-7900 for non-emergencies. If you are a resident, I encourage you to get involved in crime prevention groups (HOA's, Business Associations, Chamber of Commerce, etc.) and to take advantage of other related opportunities, like participating in our Citizen's Police Academy, to keep yourself well-informed.  We value our relationship with our community. Communities and cops, working together, makes us all safer! Deputy Chief Rick Clements CAPTAIN'S CORNER A law enforcement career can be filled with many opportunities to experience different facets of the profession. As a 25 year veteran, I have found that one of the most rewarding experiences is to lead the highly skilled and dedicated men and women of the Criminal Investigations Division. These law enforcement professionals investigate all sorts of crimes ranging from cyber-crimes to burglaries to homicide. Imagine a puzzle box filled with hundreds of pieces in which you have to skillfully connect each through careful thought and analysis. In the end, you have the final product which provides a complete picture of a scene. That is what detectives experience each time they are assigned a case. MBPD detectives find a sense of fulfillment when first presented with each case, and again when the case is adjudicated and justice is served for the victims.  In the coming weeks, the Criminal Investigations Division will be receiving some great technology that will assist us in solving crimes such as a new DNA collection tool called a M-VAC. This tool will assist our Crime Scene Technicians to collect DNA from the most difficult materials and surfaces, resulting in the generation of DNA profiles once considered impossible. We are excited about the results we will yield from this new investigative tool.   Building a law enforcement career of significance, and creating a legacy of real value, means being willing to get your hands dirty and investigate every angle and opportunity available when a crime is committed. Detectives believe in good ole’ justice and the protection of every resident and tourist that comes to Miami Beach. Detectives find value in this principle. Ultimately, as an organization we strive to prevent crime, but should you become a victim, have confidence that the men and women of the Criminal Investigations Division will work tirelessly to ensure justice for every resident, guestand tourist.  Captain Paul Acosta Yachts Miami Beach February 16-23, 2017 Due to the Yacht Show that began yesterday, there will be one southbound lane closed on Collins Avenue between 43 and 52 streets throughout the weekend. Please expect delays. Bascule Bridge Opening Schedule   From Tuesday, February 21 through Wednesday, February 22 the 63 Street Bridge will have the following open/close schedule:   Weekdays: Bridge will open between 10 AM until 4 PM.  The openings will be on the hour and not last more than 10 minutes. Sign up for Miami Beach traffic text alerts by texting MBTraffic to 91011.  Plan Ahead #SOBEWFF February 22-26, 2017 The Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival is a national, star-studded, five-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world’s most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities.The Festival now attracts more than 65,000 guests annually to its 85+ events throughout the five-day weekend, which take place at various locations throughout South Florida.The 16th annual Festival will take place February 22-26, 2017 and will once again feature internationally renowned talent and leaders of the hospitality industry at uniquely crafted events showcasing world-class wine, spirits, food, and fun. Plan Ahead Michelob Ultra 13.1 Miami Beach Marathon March 5, 2017 On Sunday, March 5, 2017 the 13.1 course starts out on the famous Ocean Drive and makes its way towards the Julia Tuttle Causeway past some magnificent residences on Miami Beach. After crossing the causeway into Miami, runners enter the Wynwood area.  Runners next leave the city of Miami and return to Miami Beach across the MacArthur Causeway where you’ll catch a glimpse of cruise ships at dock. Upon entering South Beach, the course will run on the South Point Park Baywalk along the waters of Biscayne Bay with spectacular views of Fisher Island. The MBPD will be working closely with this event to minimize the traffic impact. There will be roadway closures and reductions affecting Miami Beach and Miami on race day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. We recommend you plan out your morning commute ahead of time to avoid any traffic delays. See the course map below for more information.  DRIVER SAFETY TIPS Tired drivers, wildlife, and blinding high beams: how to stay safe on the roads after dark. Dark conditions are not ideal for human eyes. As we age, our ability to see clearly at night deteriorates. Fortunately, there are a few key things that can help improve your vision and keep you safe on the road:  Get your vision checked regularly. Try anti-glare lenses. Keep headlights clean and bright. Avert your eyes from oncoming traffic. Keep your windshield clean. Dim the lights on your dash. Peak evening traffic hours can be the most dangerous time to be on the road. Even during summer when it's not quite dark yet, driving during rush hour can be treacherous. Between the slow stop-and-go movement and frustrations of other drivers, this is not the time to let your mind wander. Try to focus on the following: Stay calm by listening to an audio-book or your favorite music. Reduce your speed. Don't tailgate. Use the three second rule.  Stay alert and use defensive driving techniques. Avoid using your phone or other distracting behavior. According to a recent study published by the National Sleep Foundation, sleep-deprived drivers are the cause of 6,400 deaths and 50,000 serious injuries annually on U.S. roads. Whether you're driving a long distance or just commuting home from work, use these tips to avoid drowsy driving: Get a good night's sleep before you hit the road. Carpool with others so you can take turns driving. Take breaks to divide up long drives. Pull over safely and take a nap. Avoid drivers who are swerving or drifting. Officer of the Month Congratulations to Sergeant Alfredo Amaya who was awarded Officer of the Month for January 2017. He is being recognized for the apprehension of a dangerous criminal wanted in North Beach.  Civilian of the Month Congratulations to Sonia Porter from MBPD's Property and Evidence Unit. Porter was awarded Civilian of the Month for January 2017. She is being recognized for her coordination efforts for the 40 officers who participated in this years presidential inauguration.  Detective of the Month Congratulations to Detective Luis Estopinan who was awarded Detective of the Month for January 2017. He is being recognized for his efforts in helping solve a cold case from 1990. Find out more from People Magazine's crime section.    MBPD Testing Your Knowledge Whats one way to avoid fraud? Wire money. Select Sign up for free trials. Select Hang up on robocalls. Select Give your credit card over the phone. Select Answer Hangup on robocalls: If you answer the phone and hear a recorded sales pitch, hang up and report it to the FTC. These calls are illegal, and often the products are bogus. Don’t press 1 to speak to a person or to be taken off the list. That could lead to more calls. Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine new technology with old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. Here are some practical tips to help you stay a step ahead. Spot impostors. Do online searches. Don't believe your caller ID. Don't pay upfront for a promise. Consider how you pay. Talk to someone. Be skeptical about free trials.  Don't deposit a check and wire money back. If you spot a scam, report it at ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports help the FTC and other law enforcement investigate scams and bring crooks to justice. For more information please click here. Crime Prevention Tip Tax-Related Identity Theft An identity thief may use your Social Security number to get a tax refund or a job. Contact the IRS if they send you a notice saying their records show: you were paid by an employer you don't know more than one tax return was filed using your Social Security number Then, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report and recover from identity theft. MBPD Womens Self Defense Course #SignUpNow Picture this: Its late at night and your walking along Miami Beach alone. What do you do if someone jumps out and grabs you? Let MBPD show you during one of our free self defense classes. To see what WPLG-Local 10 News had to say about our class, click here. Show us what you got! Sign up here If any problems should occur during your application, or if you have any further questions please send an email here.

SHIPWRECKEP (EL NAUFRAGO): Un Naufrago en una Ciudad

SHIPWRECKEP (EL NAUFRAGO): Un Naufrago en una Ciudad: Sueño Americano ..., si todos al llegar a este gran país tenemos un sueño, de progreso, seguridad, nuevas oportunidades y todo aquello que...

PTA Special Edition - Founders' Day 2017

Founders' Day.  Each year we celebrate this day by gathering with other volunteers from local units, county councils and special guests.  We celebrate our membership achievements and we encourage everyone to contribute to our scholarship program.  We welcome new members, recognize longtime leaders (one county actually calls them "Dinosaurs"!) and inspire folks to pay attention to upcoming news about our Legislative Conference and Leadership Convention.  Maybe your county does even more...maybe not.  But what is the true meaning of Founders' Day?  What are we celebrating?  We're celebrating the legacy that has inspired us to continue to advocate for children.  We're celebrating the lives and mission of three women who decided that enough was enough and wanted to not just talk about change, but become catalysts for change.  Do you think for one moment that Alice or Phoebe or Selena imagined that 120 years later, on the anniversary of the first meeting of parents, teachers, workers, and legislators, that there would be close to 5 million volunteers carrying a membership card that proudly bears the name PTA? Then what were they thinking about, if not about fame, glory, and their aging photos hanging in schools and offices around the country?  I can't say for certain, but I have a strong feeling that they were thinking about their community.  They were thinking about the families that were hurting and whose children were being injured or dying in factories.  They were thinking about kids who needed better health care and vaccinations against diseases.  They were thinking that every child should have proper nutrition and enough food so that they were not going hungry.  They were thinking that every single child deserved the best education our constitution guarantees.  They took on big government and big industries without wavering in their fight for what was right, and they persevered! So, here we are...120 years later and we're a part of a movement that has made great strides in all of these areas.  But, does it seem that the mission has been accomplished?  Does it feel like we have less work now that needs to be done?  Do you think that fundraisers and cookie bakes were destined to be our legacy?  I feel that most of you will agree that the answer is ABSOLUTELY NO!  Our work is most definitely not done.  This advocacy thing is not for the weak at heart, for the easily offended or for the armchair commentator.  This movement is for those who are not only focused on continuing a legacy but in leaving their own, by making lives better for OUR communities, for OUR hurting children, for OUR families in need. This Founders' Day, take a moment to remember why we meet.  Their voices should be in the room.  Their passion should be stirring around each table.  Their faces are sitting in each chair.  Look around, tap into that energy and let's make history, shall we? Cindy Gerhardt President, Florida PTA

Dr Michael White's New Orleans Jazz Quartet @ Arts Garage Saturday

Dr. Michael White has been instrumental in keeping alive the New Orleans jazz tradition of his ancestors, some of whom were among the earliest jazz musicians. A professor of Spanish and African American Music at Xavier University in New Orleans, White has become well known on the jazz scene. He performs, writes and lectures on jazz, and is among a very few current clarinetists to develop an original authentic interpretation of the exciting New Orleans style. White has performed and/or recorded with noted musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Lionel Hampton and Marcus Roberts. He has played on numerous highly acclaimed recordings, including his own critically acclaimed Crescent City Serenade and New Years at the Village Vanguard. Dr. White has been given numerous awards and recognition for his contributions, including the rank of Chevalier of Arts and Letters by the French Government in 1987 and a National Heritage Fellowship Award by the National Endowment of the Arts in 2008. Arts Garage is located at  94 NE Second Ave in Delray Beach. Tickets are $30, $40, and $45 at artsgarage.org        Click here for a video of the band. Dr. White appears courtesy of KCC Productions. Email us     (305) 332-2623

Miami Beach Cultural Arts Events February 16 - February 22, 2017

Cultural Arts Events February 16 - February 22, 2017 Click image for more information. TERROR @ Colony Theatre, 2040 Lincoln Road Weekly performances continue through February 19, 2017 Tony-Award winning Director Gregory Mosher joins Miami New Drama for the American premiere of Ferdinand Von Schirach's mind bending new play TERROR. A military pilot has shot down a hijacked commercial flight which was headed toward a crowded stadium, and now faces trial. This internationally acclaimed courtroom drama casts the audience as jurors, asking them to decide the pilot's fate. Each night the audience decides.    Tonight's SOUNDSCAPE CINEMA SERIES  PRESENTED BY Citi® Film has been CANCELLED due to road construction and the closure of 17th Street at Soundscape Park. Click image for more information. CONCERTO SHOWCASE @ New World Center, 500 17 Street Saturday, February 18, 7:30 p.m. (WALLCAST™ concert) FREE Sunday, February 19, 2:00 p.m. In a popular all-concerto program-a staple of the NWS program-select Fellows take the coveted spotlight as winners of this season's concerto competition, an intense contest where Fellows compete head-to-head with their favorite solo work. Celebrate the immeasurable talent and accomplishments of the young musicians who call the New World Symphony home.   Click image for more information. FREE CONCERT! @ Collins Park, 2100 Collins Avenue Saturday, February 19, 3:00 p.m.  Global Arts Project, Inc. opens their 2017 season with a celebration of Mardi Gras by Dr. Michael White's New Orleans Quartet. This is the first of five FREE concerts for the 2017 season in Collins Park! Dr. Michael White has been instrumental in keeping alive the New Orleans jazz tradition of his ancestors, some of whom were among the earliest jazz musicians.   THIS WEEK'S FEATURED FILMS! @ O-Cinema Miami Beach, 500 71 Street Multiple screenings February 17 - 22, 2016  Click image for more information. @ Miami Beach Cinematheque 1130 Washington Avenue Multiple screenings February 18 - February 22, 2017 Click image for more information.   Click image for more information. BIG MEAN SOUND MACHINE AT FOOD TRUCK & MUSIC NIGHT @ North Beach Band Shell, 7275 Collins Avenue Wednesday, February 22, 5:00 p.m. The Virginia Key Grassroots Music Festival kicks off a Grass Roots Live series.  Free! Food Trucks & Music Night, presented every 4th Wednesday with the City of Miami Beach - free! Dinner and a show, as the street is lined with your favorite food trucks, and great music inside the Bandshell. Big Mean Sound Machine is a polyrhythmic monster with a crisp, constant, unrelenting groove - a thunderous dance party that fuses Afrobeat, Jazz, Funk,and Psychedelia. Click image for more information. GROUND CONTROL @ Bass Museum of Art, 2100 Collins Avenue Continues through March 15, 2017 'Ground Control' is an exhibition of work by 11 international artists, in addition to two recent acquisitions by The Bass, whose genesis is the investigation of time and space. Comprised of outdoor and site-specific works that mediate between figuration and abstraction, 'Ground Control' curator Nicholas Baume brings together a selection of artists across generations and thematic interests who share a fascination with technological progress and human subjectivity.   Click image for more information. Mark Your Calendars! MIAMI BEACH YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL @ North Beach Band Shell, 7275 Collins Avenue Saturday, March 18, 2017, 4:00 p.m.   The City of Miami Beach and Rhythm Foundation are proud to announce that nine youth performers have been selected to perform as part of the inaugural Miami Beach Youth Music Festival!   "It was an honor to have music industry pros Steven Gibb, Gloria Gibb and Betsy Perez selecting the lineup for our Youth Music Festival," expressed Miami Beach Commissioner John Elizabeth Alemán. "The talent of the young artists is impressive, and their job wasn't easy."    Check out video of the performers