MIAMI BEACH

April 12, 2013

Celebrate Gay Pride Miami Beach Weekend Ocean Drive | Lummus Park

HONOR MOTHER NATURE DURING EARTH MONTH Plant Your Flags at Earth & Arbor Day Event Saturday, April 27, 2013 | Lummus Park, 10 - 9 Street Beach, Noon - 4PM Participate in the Native Flag Eco-Art Project in celebration of Earth Day. This project, designed by Xavier Cortado (FIU Artist-in-Residence), gives participants an opportunity to create a flag that pledges an eco-action. The participant will then plant their flag in a parade line on the shoreline. If you are interested in participating and/or sponsoring, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 305.673.7730. Event Facebook page >

Hazardous Waste Collection & Paper Shredding Event Sunday, April 14, 8AM - 3PM Parking Lot at 40 Street & Chase Avenue Bring your corrosive household products for proper disposal. These products include paint, batteries, cleaners, motor oil, pool chemicals, fertizers and pesticides. These products contain hazardous ingredients that can harm our environment. Also, bring your paper documents. A shredder vehicle will be on site at 8AM to accept, destroy and shred paper. Come early as the shredder has a limited capacity. The next collection will be held in the fall.

Recycle, It's Easy & It's the Law  www.miamibeachfl.gov/recycle    All residential buildings and businesses must have recycling programs. It is required by City Code. Contact your waste hauler or other recycling company to initiate a recycling program for your building or business.   Single-bin Recycling: Residents living in multi-family buildings that do not currently offer recycling can take their recyclable trash (no sorting necessary) to 75 ST + Dickens Ave (which also recycles electronics) and 210 Second Street.

Free Entertainment at Arts in the Parks Free Rock Concert - STOKESWOOD Sunday, April 21, 3PM, Lummus Park (10 - 11 Sts) Atlanta-based rock band brings its infectious energy, irrestible, unpredictable firece electronic edge to Miami Beach. Free Musical Theater Production Saturday, May 11, 7PM | North Shore Bandshell The Miami Children's Theater presnts "Songs for a New World", a stunning production of musical theater featuring great songs of pop, gospel, jazz, and classical music. A stellar cast from all over South Florida will perform this moving set of Jason Robert Brown songs. www.mbculture.org for calendar of other free and ticketed events.

Learn the Plans for Memorial Day Weekend Weekly Monday Night Community Presentations at City Hall Thousands of visitors are again expected for the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Plans on how to mitigate traffic and the large crowds are ready. Come learn more about what to expect at weekly meetings at City Hall, Monday nights at 6:00 p.m.    For more on the plan & maps, www.miamibeachfl.gov

Police Gun Buy-Back Program a Success Miami Beach Police held a gun buy-back program on March 30 that resulted in the exchange of 25 firearms, including an SKS rifle, for Visa gift cards. Re-Accreditation with Excellence The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) approved MBPD for re-accreditation with the prestigious recognition of Accreditation with Excellence. MBPD is dedicated to adhering to policies and committed to providing the community with excellence. Congratulations!

Continue to Help Shape the Convention Center Development May 13, 6PM, is the Next Public Community Meeting View videos of the meetings and the presentations from the two developers vying for the project. Email us your comments at mbconventioncenter@miamibeachfl.gov Miami Beach is in the process of developing the Miami Beach Convention Center District. Two top qualified teams have been short-listed to development preliminary plans with your input. Click here for additional upcoming meetings, videos, information and more.

Free Credit Counseling for Financial Literacy City Hall Workshops: April 23, June 12, August 29, November 13 City of Miami Beach's Office of Community Services has partnered with Clearpoint Credi COunseling to provide free financial literacy workshops to residents. The bilingual workshops will address topics such as budgeting, fundamentals of banking, wise use of credit, buying a home, family financial stability, how to open a small business and how credit works in your small business. The workshops will be held at City Hall, first floor conference room. For more information, www.clearpointCCS.org.

Free Outdoor Movies  SoundScape on Wednesdays 8PM, North Shore Bandshell on Fridays 8PM TEXT MBFilm to 91011 to Subscribe for SoundScape Film Updates. Share event invitation. More details: www.mbculture.com and www.miamibeachparks.com

Miami Beach Food Truck & Music Fest  Every Fourth Wednesday of the Month in 2013 5PM - 10PM, North Shore Bandshell, 73 St & Collins Av Wednesday, April 24 Food Trucks: 5PM - 10PM Live music: 6PM - 9PM Share the event with your Facebook friends & family More >

It's WasteFULL Weekends Keep It Clean the First Weekend of Every Month |  May 4 & 5  | 8AM - 8PM During WasteFull Weekends, take your bulk trash to the two dumpster locations:  75 St + Dickens Avenue (North Beach) < RECYCLE HERE 541 Jefferson Avenue (South Beach)   Remember to recycle, it's the law!

Download New Free App Report It, 24/7 Ask and Receive Answers, Report Problems, Request Services, Track and More   Frequently asked questions, request services and even express concerns on this online center. There is an extensive knowledge base of the most common questions asked. If the question is not listed, you can submit it for inclusion.  Learn more about Report It. |  Report It Online  Just download Miami Beach Report It from any phone app store. It's free. How to Download to your Phone

Project Cat Snip Miami Beach Call for an Appointment & Volunteer The Meow Mobile comes to Miami Beach twice a month to spay and neuter community cats at North Shore Open Space Park. This program is made possible by a grant from PetSmart Charities, Inc. Upcoming dates: April 20, May 4 & 18, June 1 & 15. For an appointment: meowmobile@thecatnetwork.org 305.233.9958

Stop Government Corruption  Report Suspected Wrongdoing to FBI Your cooperation is needed to root out corruption. If you suspect any wrongdoing of a government employee, please report it anonymously to the FBI hotline at 305.944.9101.

Free Pediatric Mobile Clinic By Appointment University of Miami Pediatric Mobile Clinic & the City of Miami Beach FREE health care services to youth with no access or limited access to health care / medical insurance. To make an appointment, please call 305.243.6407. APRIL 26 & JUNE 19 Flamingo Park, 11 Street & Jefferson (PAL) JUNE 5 North Shore Park and Youth Center, 501 72 Street More info: www.miamibeachfl.gov, click on the Education tab.

Caring for Animals Keep Public Areas Clean & Follow the Code Volunteer: Miami Beach has partnered with the Cat Network to spay, neuter and vaccinate our free-roaming cat population through humane catch and release program. To volunteer to assist with this program, contact the Cat Network atmiamibeachcats@hotmail.com. Feed Them, Don't LitterBe aware of littering laws. If you are feeding stray animals, food cannot be placed directly on the ground including plants or leaves and sand dunes. Also when using plates, cans or other containers, these objects must be removed immediately. Do not trespass in sand dunes. Report Contact Code Compliance at 305.673.7555 if you see any dogs off leash; any dogs owners failing to clean after the animal; and littering; or any trespassing in sand dunes.

Free Condominium Workshops for Residents & Boards 3PM - 7PM June 7: Meetings & Legislative Updates September 17: Elections, Rules & Official Records December 13: Budgeting and Financial Reporting Miami Beach City Hall, Commission Chamber, third floor 1700 Convention Center Drive The State of Florida Condominium Ombudsman's Office offers a series of courses on a quarterly basis in partnership with the City of Miami Beach. Miami Beach also has a condo ombudsman to assist condo dwellers.More info and assistance: barbarahawayek@miamibeachfl.gov

Traffic Alert: Road Construction Projects Alton Road Improvements Plan Travel Accordingly | Lane Closures Monday - Friday between 9AM - 3:30PM Contact for Alton Rd project info: Heather Leslie, 305.905.5876 or heather@hmlpublicoutreach.com www.fdotmiamidade.com For real-time traffic reports, call 511 or go to www.fl511.com. Check out the city's online GIS Traffic report. Call 511 for up-to-the-minute traffic reports throughout South Florida. Also listen to MB Radio 1670AM for weekly updates in Miami Beach. Miami Beach Weekly Radio Traffic Reports > Miami Beach Traffic Map > Construction Alerts > Subscribe to Receive Traffic Advisory via E-mail > Also, subscribe to weekly Traffic Advisories via email. Click update profile on the bottom of this email and then add yourself to the list. Construction information & updates>

SIGUE LAS ELECCIONES EN VENEZUELA MANANA 4 DE ABRIL DESDE NUESTRA PAGINA ESPECIAL

Elecciones en Venezuela Abril 4, 2013

Mantente informado a traves de todos nuestros corresponsales desde Venezuela, CNE, Mesa de la Unidad, distintos centros electorales en Venezuela, Miami, Doral, Weston y New Orleans en USA, Francia, Espana, Colombia, Australia, Argentina y otros mas.

Conviertete tu tambien en nuestro corresponsal y envianos tus fotos, videos y comentarios desde el pais donde residas, tu centro electoral, tu viaje, experiencias, todas seran publicadas.

Indicanos tu nombre para darte el credito de este historico momento en la vida de Venezuela.

ELECCIONES PRESIDENCIALES DE VENEZUELA 2013: INVITACION AL PUEBLO VENEZOLANO

ELECCIONES PRESIDENCIALES DE VENEZUELA 2013: INVITACION AL PUEBLO VENEZOLANO: Se invita a  todos los Venezolanos que participan en este proceso electoral a enviar sus fotos y comentarios, sin importar su ideologia pol...

Latin People News/Latin People Voice

ELECCIONES PRESIDENCIALES DE VENEZUELA 2013: TSUNAMI LLEGARA A VENEZUELA - HAY UN CAMINO POR AR...

ELECCIONES PRESIDENCIALES DE VENEZUELA 2013: TSUNAMI LLEGARA A VENEZUELA - HAY UN CAMINO POR AR...: Enviado por: Noel Simonovis Date: Saturday, April 13, 2013, 10:46 AM Saludos...... TSUNAMI LLEGARÁ A VENEZUELA Hay un camino...

Latin People News/Latin People Voice

CARTA DEL SACERDOTE JOSE LUIS LOFRANO A LA COMUNIDAD VENEZOLANA

Hola!

Les reenvío carta que escribió el Padre José Luis Lofrano, párroco de la parroquia Don Bosco Altamira para todos los feligreses de la parroquia y aledaños.

En estos momentos que vive nuestro país es importante que reflexionemos sobre el aquí y el ahora, lo que esto significa, y las consecuencias que genera para nosotros y nuestros hijos ser INDIFERENTES.

Enviada por Reyna Arocha.

---

Subject: Carta a los Cristianos

Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2013 11:18:58 -0430k

Queridos hermanos: Los acontecimientos vividos en la Cuaresma de este año, tan importante y tan cuestionadora, me han hecho pensar en enviarles esta carta donde expresarles los sentimientos que como pastor de esta pequeña grey tengo en mi corazón.

Por momentos me siento como que la ola arrolladora del tiempo presente nos está consumiendo y no nos está permitiendo pensar y dedicar un momento a la toma de decisiones más importante en muchos años.

El santo Padre Francisco nos llama a salir de nuestras comodidades y enfrentar el reto de ir a las periferias de la vida a buscar al alejado y al que por sus decisiones ha hecho su camino en la dirección opuesta a nuestra practica de fe.

Este es además un año bien importante, un año de la fe, que nos cuestiona no solamente el tipo de fe que tenemos, su profundidad o su conexión con la vida, sino que nos pone de frente ante la necesidad de encontrar caminos para impregnar de esta fe todo nuestro derredor.

Nuestra vida no está haciendo mella en nuestro entorno y parece que otros valores, no evangélicos, son los que están a la orden del día. Este mundo que rodea nuestra vida no comulga con nuestros ideales.

Esto no solamente nos lleva a sentirnos como huesos fuera de puesto, sino que además nos cuestiona profundamente al punto de pensar que la fe que seguimos está muriendo o desaparecerá con nuestra generación...

Nuestra fe aparenta no tener nada que ver con nuestras decisiones políticas y creemos que ese es un campo en el que los cristianos no tenemos una palabra firme que expresar y por la que luchar.

El desprestigio que las generaciones anteriores aportaron y que en los últimos tiempos ha precipitado a sus niveles más degradantes, nos ha llevado a pensar que cualquier intervención en las decisiones de la "cosa pública" está íntimamente ligada con la corrupción y el pecado social. Y esto nos paraliza a la hora de levantar nuestra voz y luchar porque todo este entramado se ilumine con la luz de Cristo Resucitado!

Esta Pascua es un tiempo decisivo: lo que no hagamos por nuestro país y por su futuro cercano afectará irremediablemente todo el porvenir y nuestras condiciones para seguir "ejerciendo" nuestra fe de manera libre y objetiva.

Cosas tan simples como abstenerse de votar o no ir a hacerlo porque nuestro voto no cuenta, o el proceso "está contaminado" es hoy por hoy un pecado que clama a Dios. Quien se abstiene de hacerlo, sea cual sea la razón que aduzca no solo cae en el círculo de los que no están interesados en participar, sino que favorece con ello el que otros intereses llenos de mezquindad se apoderen de las decisiones que a futuro nos coloquen entre aquellas naciones donde "Cristo es un manipulador de conciencias con el opio de la religión".

No puedo quedarme tranquilo pensando cómo se ha endiosado últimamente el odio de clases y la pelea a como dé lugar, por apoderarse de los bienes de todos usando el escapulario ajeno de los pobres. La Iglesia no ha hecho otra cosa que trabajar por llevar la fe y el amor al hermano hasta las raíces profundas de nuestra sociedad. Por eso apelo a más de 2000 años de lucha sin cuartel por hacer verdad la palabra de Jesús: ámense como yo los amé. Y esto significa que no puedo dejar que gente sin conciencia se asuma el rol de destruirnos como nación cristiana, y esto usando a Cristo o comparando sus líderes inyectados de odio, al buen Maestro del amor que fue el Señor.

A ti, que lees esta carta, a ti que participas en nuestras celebraciones eucarísticas, te pido que tomes tiempo para acercarte a los que están en la periferia de tu vida y llevarles el mensaje de compromiso político, con los verdaderos valores del evangelio, con la hora actual. Que Dios no te pregunte por haber actuado como Caín, donde dejaste a tu hermano.

Concluyo mi mensaje como lo hiciera el emérito obispo Mons. Ovidio Pérez Morales. La Iglesia esta cuadrada con la Nación no con un partido ni una coalición o un candidato. Queremos sentir que como familia de Dios que somos es El quien debe dirigir los destinos de nuestra nación, es su inspiración la que debe tener quien maneje los destinos de nuestro país por los próximos años.

Reflexiona, acompaña convenciendo, a quien se lo ha tomado a la ligera, y ve a votar teniendo en tu mano la fuerza del Señor Resucitado.

Dios te bendiga.

Anoche cerro la campana presidencial de Capriles en Cafe Canela Weston

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2013

DEP AWARDED 14 PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL DAVIS PRODUCTIVITY AWARDS

~Awards recognize hard work and innovation of Department staff~

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection was recently awarded 14 Prudential Financial Davis Productivity Awards. The Florida Tax Watch’s Prudential Financial Davis Productivity Awards is a privately initiated program designed to recognize and reward state government employees whose work measurably increases productivity and promotes innovation in ways that improve service delivery and save money for Florida taxpayers.

The Department received one Distinguished Individual $1,000 Cash Award, three Notable Team $300 Cash Awards, four Plaque Awards and six Certificates of Commendation.

"The Department is proud to have so many dedicated men and women who continually strive to maintain Florida's environmental integrity, while finding innovative ways to reduce the burden on Florida's families," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr. "We are mindful of taxpayer dollars and continue to find ways to protect and restore our ecosystem in a fiscally responsible way."

The following is a list of awardees and achievement:

Individual Awards:

• Jason DePue, Distinguished Individual cash award for Improving the Resource Management Program in 12 Parks by Using State Funds to Complete the Great District 3 Tractor Swap, which fulfilled a $400,000 need for tractor equipment with approximately $100,000.
• Carly Swatek, awarded plaque for Increasing Number of Participating Volunteers and Hours in Order to Expand Research and Education Programming at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve.
• Erin Rasnake, awarded plaque for Developing Partnership with Local Vocational School to Significantly Reduce Costs of Vessel Maintenance and Enhance Training Opportunities for Future Marine Industry Employees.
• Jason Field, awarded certificate for Improving Gas Efficiency in Florida Park Service Wildland Engine Fleet

Team Awards:

• Division of Recreation and Parks awarded plaque for Increasing Value of the Citizen Support Organization and Volunteer Program
• Notable Team $300 cash award for Improving Burn Goals in District 3 Using A Backlog Abatement Team. Jesse Schmidt, Chris Clauson, Jessica Frey, Jeffrey Hausler, Joey Zimmerman and Joshua Johnson
• Notable Team $300 cash award for Increasing Estuarine Monitoring at Reduced Costs. Julie Espy, Paul Kurisko, Michele Reliford, Michael Blizzard, Nia Wallendorf, Kevin O'Donnell, Renee Gray, Dana Jones, Harold Moesch, Daisys Tomayo, Erin Rasnake and Jason Storrs
• Notable Team $300 cash award for Reducing Statewide Landfill Cost Initiative. Lee Martin, Mike Dunaway, Dawn Templin, Charlotte Cope, Morgan Ray, Alex Webster, Emerson Raulerson, Neil Hornick, Michael Bogin, Julia Boesch, Steve Morgan, John Morris, F. Thomas Lubozynski, Marjorie Heidorn, Laxasamee Levin, Gloria-Jean DePradine, Kim Rush, Bill Krumbholz, James Standiford, Paul Wierzbicki, Art Torvela, Amede Dimonnay and Robyn James
• Plaque for Developing a Habitat Restoration Partnership at Torreya State Park. Steven Cutshaw, Mark Ludlow, David Printiss, John Bente, Tova Spector, Robert Davis, Robert Crombie, Kevin Keene, Anna Chason, Samuel McGlockton, Kelli Flournoy, Jack Stites and Sam Ashbaugh
• Certificate for Reducing Costs and Increasing Public Participation via “Virtual” Statewide Environmental Resource Permitting Rulemaking Workshops. Andrew May, Alice Heathcock, Timothy Rach, Richard Musgrave and Jennifer Butler
• Certificate for Designing, Raising Funds for, and Completing Construction of the Shore Bird Aviary Team. Art Yerian, Susan Lowe and Heather Hahn
• Certificate for Improving Spring Protection and Visitor Program Access by Designing Funding and Constructing the Homosassa River Walk and Manatee Viewing Overlook. Art Yerian, Susan Lowe and Heather Hahn
• Certificate for Keeping History Alive (Ybor City Museum State Park) Brian Pinson, Alex Kinder, Patricia Cross, Zachary Phifer, Brian Snyder, Carolyn Gray, Chantel Hevia and Liz McCoy*
• Certificate for Improving the Nature Coast Environmental Systems at Crystal River Preserve State Park. Keith Morin, Jerry Smith, Stephanie Armstrong, Jonathan Pullen, Dustin McCullough, Joey Santiago, Jesse Natwick, Andy Natwick, Lauren Natwick, Hannah Macormick, Emma Lord, Elizabeth Guthrie, Bethany Welden and Janpiere Acevedo*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 11, 2013

SECRETARY VINYARD, PARK STAFF PARTICIPATE IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

~Law Enforcement Torch Run draws 300 in Tallahassee~

Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione carries the torch running with Governor Scott

TALLAHASSEE – Secretary Herschel Vinyard, Florida Park Service Director Donald Forgione and nine Florida Park Service employees participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics today with Governor Rick Scott and Attorney General Pam Bondi.

The Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run is the signature annual event of the criminal justice community’s year-round support of Special Olympics. Each year, more than 5,000 officers carry the “Flame of Hope” in a 1,500-mile relay through 66 counties in Florida.

"The Special Olympics is a terrific cause and I am excited to be participating in this event again," said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard, Jr. "It is a special treat for me because I am going to get to run with some of the staff of our award-winning state parks lead by Donald Forgione."

During the race, the torch was passed from Governor Rick Scott to various representatives from participating law enforcement agencies as well as Forgione. More than 300 participants ran in the Tallahassee segment of the interstate torch relay, which culminated with a ceremony at the Historic Old Capitol that brought together the Special Olympic athletes and the run participants.

"The Florida Park Service is so proud to be part of this event," said Forgione. "The Florida state parks are for all people, including the heroic and courageous athletes that the Special Olympians are."

Ceremony attendees heard from several local and state officials including Governor Scott, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Tallahasse Mayor John Marks, as well as the President of the Special Olympics Florida Sherry Wheelock, Leon County Sheriff Larry Campbell and Tallahassee Police Department Chief Dennis Jones.

“The Special Olympics is a wonderful organization that brings athletes, families and communities together to celebrate the annual competitive games for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” said Bondi. “I appreciate DEP Secretary Herschel Vinyard and Florida State Park staff for showing their community support by participating in today’s Law Enforcement Torch Run.”

This event is an example of the community involvement Florida Park Service staff takes part in across the state. Community involvement is a critical component of promoting Florida's award-winning state parks, greenways and trails, which is one of Secretary Vinyard's top priorities.