August 29, 2019

Friends and Neighbors,

As Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida, its landfall location, intensity and time frame remain uncertain. V irtually all of our state is in the cone of concern, and that of course includes us, so it's important that we all stay alert and prepared.

Governor DeSantis has declared a State of Emergency in Florida, and I want to assure you that Village Staff and I are ready should the storm impact our area. I hope you are completing your preparations as well.

So far, there have been no evacuations ordered, and unless otherwise noted, Miami-Dade County Schools WILL be open tomorrow. As of this writing, ALL Miami-Dade County and Village operations will be running normally tomorrow. Remember, it's important to stay up to date as conditions rapidly change. All Miami-Dade hurricane-related announcements, including public school closures , evacuation orders and shelter locations can be found at:


You can also download the County app at "Ready MDC."   

While many of us have experienced the threat of hurricanes in the past, it may benefit all of us to take a moment and review these helpful tips as we monitor Dorian:

  • Stay up to date by regularly checking weather reports via TV, radio or NHC.NOAA.GOV.
  • Again, there have been no evacuations ordered yet, but be sure your plan is in place. Know your zone: You can see if you live in one of the 5 storm surge planning zones with this online map: http://bit.ly/2ZGylIq 
  • If you already haven't done so, now is the time to stock up on hurricane supplies, (water, canned goods, medicine, pet and baby supplies, batteries.) Also, be sure to have cash on hand and fill up your tanks.
  • Photograph your belongings for insurance purposes, and protect important documents and photographs.

Many of you have asked about our waterways. In anticipation of Dorian, the South Florida Water Management District has lowered water levels in Florida's canal systems. They are asking all homeowners who live near waterways to check and pick up all debris in order to ensure unimpeded flow.

Be assured that Village staff is prepared for the storm. Our Public Services Department has cleared all road drains from debris, and we are ready with emergency vehicles if necessary. Crews at Coral Reef Park are clearing away materials from from the demolition site of the former Activity Building. Plans are also in place with Miami-Dade County for post-storm debris removal throughout the Village. Our Palmetto Bay Policing Unit is at full staff and ready for any eventuality.

Please refrain from trimming or pruning trees. This is extremely dangerous, as limbs and other debris can easily become projectiles in high wind conditions. The county has now suspended NEW orders for bulky waste pick-up. If you need to remove existing debris, and you don't have a scheduled pick-up, you may use the county's Trash and Recycling Centers. Residents are free to use any of the 13 Centers but the two closest to Palmetto Bay are:

Chapman Field Trash and Recycling Center
13600 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL 33158

Eureka Drive Trash and Recycling Center
9401 SW 184th St, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157

The Centers are open every day of the week, including most holidays and weekends, from 7 am to 5:30 pm. As a storm approaches, the Centers typically remain open until sustained winds reach 35 mph.

Sign-up for FREE Miami-Dade Emergency Alerts and receive notifications about public safety issues or tropical storm, hurricane and tornado warnings and more. In the event of an emergency, you will receive a text or email with details regarding the imminent threat and public protective actions. Follow these two simple steps:
  • First, you must register your mobile phone online 
  • Once registered, complete the registration by texting "Join MDSMS" to 34292.
To unsubscribe at any time, text "STOP" to short code 34292. Your phone and e-mail information will remain confidential.

Please continue to utilize our website, palmettobay-fl.gov for the latest Village bulletins on the storm. You can also directly link to our pages on Hurricane Preparedness, Facebook and Twitter.

Friends, please be safe as you make your preparations, and I will continue to be in touch as developments warrant.

Sincerely,
Karyn Cunningham
Mayor of Palmetto Bay
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