Local political drama in the village of Palmetto Bay is costing residents thousands of dollars in legal fees — and there's still no clear final act Palmetto Bay Council Member Steve Cody has sued the village and 25-year-old Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer over the latter’s qualifications as an elected official The village must pay for its own legal representation as well as Merwitzer’s defense while the village's public records show Cody has worked with a lobbyist the city fired last year The battle started the way many conflicts unfold in South Florida: A dispute over vacant land Miami-Dade County last year wanted to sell a tract of green space near Palmetto Bay, just south of SW 140th Street. The land has FPL power lines running through it, and no county department had a use for the vacant property Some homeowners who live next to the land wanted to buy it for themselves but so did the Village of Palmetto Bay — where the administration wanted to make a linear park they referred to as “Tanglewood park.” The Village hired government affairs attorney Jorge Luis Lopez last April to lobby the county on their behalf for the Tanglewood project Things were moving along — until a new member joined the council after the November election READ MORE: Coconut Creek election marked by feud and defamation lawsuits I put on the agenda an item to rescind that contract and I secured the votes to get rid of that contract altogether for this issue,” said Merwitzer Merwitzer joined the council late last year and undid the town’s application for the Tanglewood land as one of his first actions in office Merwitzer took issue with the fact that the village was paying Lopez up to $45,000 a month in taxpayer funds while no public vote was taken to hire him Merwitzer supported the neighboring residents who wanted to buy the property themselves this is one of those issues where it's about government versus the people and about how we bypassed every single proper procedure and process meant to protect our own residents,” he told WLRN Palmetto Bay paid Lopez about $200,000 for a combination of legal and lobbying activities Village Attorney John Dellagloria said Lopez performed only a “modicum” of legal services and the majority of his work for the village involved lobbying council member Cody began an effort to discredit the vice mayor by questioning whether he’s really a council member at all thanks to a wrinkle with his swearing-in Merwitzer was sworn into office by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins Merwitzer’s oath of office did not meet the statutory requirements to be legitimate Merwitzer later retook the oath in front of the Palmetto Bay Clerk and then signed the oath on a separate day Because of that gap between recitation and signing Cody argues Merwitzer’s swearing-in did not count and he is not an actual member of the town council “We had our meeting in January and I objected to the minutes because it reflected that he was the vice mayor at our December meeting and he hadn't been properly sworn in So we got in a bit of a tussle,” Cody told WLRN Cody contends the issue comes down to legal liability if someone sues the village over Merwitzer’s votes “If we pass the budget three to two and he is on the winning side then we didn't pass a budget because nothing passes on a two to two tie That can impose great liability upon everybody on the council,” Cody said The village council hired an outside law firm to investigate Cody’s claim to the tune of about $6,000 The firm concluded Merwitzer was properly sworn in also insists that Merwitzer’s swearing in was legitimate stopped Cody from maintaining his argument online and in the courts He has sent email blasts to village residents and made Facebook posts about Merwitzer that include cartoon depictions of the vice mayor that Cody creates himself “If only we had a Vice Mayor … But, since Mark Merwitzer, who won the election in November as Vice Mayor, refuses to take the oath of office legally, we don't. (He's as stubborn as he is young and inexperienced.) Or maybe, his mommy wouldn't give him a ride to any of these events!” Cody wrote on Facebook on March 23 Cody has been sending his draft email blasts and legal strategies to the very same lobbyist whose contract Merwitzer rescinded: Jorge Luis Lopez Public records from the Village of Palmetto Bay show emails and texts going back and forth between Cody and Lopez after Lopez’s contract was rescinded in December Cody texted Lopez a video he created with a cartoon image of Merwitzer Lopez replied to the February 21 text that he was reviewing the video Cody emailed Lopez about a possible legal action “It looks like an action under Chapter 86 is the only avenue,” Cody wrote Two months later, on April 10th, Cody sued Merwitzer and the Village of Palmetto Bay under Florida Statutes Chapter 86 — which asks a judge to define the legal relationship between two parties in a declaratory judgment “That costs the taxpayer money and now we're paying two separate attorneys at once to address something that has already been addressed multiple times,” Merwitzer told WLRN Cody would not answer questions about his texts and emails with Lopez about Tanglewood or Merwitzer He said Lopez is handling a legal matter for him but would not explain the nature of that work Lopez's law firm donated $1,000 to Cody's 2024 village council campaign though Cody said he refunded the money to fall in line with the village's rules against council members doing business with vendors who have made political contributions to them Lopez did not respond to requests for comment from WLRN via phone call Cody’s lawsuit against the village is pending in Miami-Dade County Court after passing a resolution sponsored by Cody is re-upping its application to buy the Tanglewood property from Miami-Dade County Michael Miller Speaks with Karyn Cunningham Promote your business to the localized audience you want to reach with Miami's Community Newspapers. 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By on March 29, 20255 Comments Village leaders and worried residents in Palmetto Bay sounded the alarm last year when Miami-Dade County chose Magnum Construction Management to build the controversial bridge that crosses over a canal that breaks up 87th Avenue at 164th Street MCM (former Munilla Construction Management) was one of the contractors involved in the awful Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse over Southwest 8th Street in 2018 which killed six and left an indelible mark on the rest of us forever “This is a direct threat to the safety of our families and our community,” wrote Mayor Karyn Cunningham in a mass text to residents, informing them of a special meeting she had called. “As your mayor, I’m fighting to stop this dangerous project,” Cunningham’s text read Lots of people thought she was exaggerating and playing politics as a fierce critic of the bridge Read related: Miami-Dade picks FIU bridge builder for 87th Avenue bridge project But this week, a man was found dead under the 66-foot expanse under construction at connecting 164th Street and 87th, the victim of what authorities say was an “industrial accident.” No foul play is expected. NBC6 Local News reported that the man was found in a pool of water with his shirt off on the construction site Cunningham issued a statement Friday that doubled down on her position and asks the county to halt the project in mid construction “I’m writing to express concern over the incident that occurred on March 25 at the location where the SW 87th Avenue Bridge is being built over the C-100 canal, here in Palmetto Bay,” she wrote on a message posted on the village website “As we previously reported on our social media a fatality occurred that day at the construction site we have learned that deputies from the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene shortly after 1 pm to find an unresponsive adult male beneath the bridge area The person was pronounced deceased on scene An investigation ensued and is currently underway preliminary findings point to an industrial accident and no foul play is suspected A final determination on the manner and cause of death will be made by the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner  The purpose of the public meeting was to discuss safety concerns and issues surrounding the project which were then voiced in a comprehensive letter sent to the Inspector General and county officials That letter addressed potential misconduct and violations of state and county law that we felt constituted genuine safety concerns for our residents and our community We asked county officials to consider pausing the project until these concerns were addressed construction of the bridge was allowed to proceed “After the death of the worker at the construction site we feel that our concerns for public safety were justly warranted Our Village Council and staff join the community in mourning the worker who lost his life and we offer our deepest condolences to his family as the investigation into his death continues we once again urge the county to consider a comprehensive assessment of the project evaluating all associated safety concerns that pose a potential risk not only to other workers on the site “Given the magnitude of this project we feel that no amount of oversight is too great to ensure the public wellbeing.” Cunningham never wanted the bridge to begin with Read related: Danielle Cohen Higgins earns distrust with surprise revisit to 87th Ave bridge The construction of the bridge was approved by a majority of the county commissioners against the village’s official wishes after hearing from more than 130 people at a county TPO meeting Mostly those north of the bridge were against it and those who live south were in favor The county’s Department of Transportation and Public works began the process last year But residents have continued to protest along the way Ladra reached out to the office of Miami-Dade District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins who started championing the bridge soon after her appointment to the board but Political Cortadito has not been able to connect with her staff at the time of this late Friday posting   , Man found dead under controversial Palmetto Bay bridge under construction added by on March 29, 2025View all posts by Ladra → PALMETTO BAY, Fla. – Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies were investigating a death at a bridge construction site in Palmetto Bay Tuesday afternoon, according to an alert sent out by the village Leer en español It happened at the site for the Southwest 87th Avenue bridge over the Cutler Drain Canal officers responded to reports of an unresponsive man and first responders pronounced the man dead at the scene Officials asked residents to avoid the area as investigators worked the scene Police said their preliminary investigation indicated that the death was an industrial accident and that there is no foul play suspected Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved Chris Gothner joined the Local 10 News team in 2022 as a Digital Journalist TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Closed Captioning / Audio Description Contact Us Careers at WPLG Terms of Use Privacy Policy Public File FCC Applications EEO Report Do Not Sell My Info 1.0 Host Exhibit Copyright © 2025 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC. 24-year-old lifelong resident Mark Merwitzer has made history as the youngest Vice Mayor ever elected in Palmetto Bay With a strong connection to the community and a commitment to fresh leadership Mark’s victory represents a new era for Palmetto Bay “I am truly humbled and deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me,” Mark said “This victory is a testament to every resident who believes in a brighter Mark’s campaign was considered a long shot He faced an incumbent vice mayor supported by influential figures like the county mayor and current and former Palmetto Bay and Pinecrest councilmembers Despite these odds and running against an opponent funded by political action committees his grassroots campaign resonated with voters eager for change connecting directly with residents and listening to their concerns “I couldn’t have done this without my incredible volunteers,” he shared “We walked every neighborhood because your voice matters Palmetto Bay deserves leaders who listen to residents a former member of the Neighborhood Protection Committee expressed her enthusiasm for Mark’s election “Mark is a passionate advocate for our residents,” she said “His energy and commitment are what Palmetto Bay needs and he’s ready to fight for our community.“ Mark understands the heartbeat of the community His deep roots and personal connection to the village have shaped his vision for its future “This village shaped who I am,” he said I’m ready to serve the community that raised me.“ Mark graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in political science and a minor in urban planning He is the Associate Director at Transit Alliance Miami a local nonprofit focused on creating more walkable streets His community involvement includes serving on the Palmetto Bay Education Advisory Committee and chairing the Youth Community Involvement Board look no further than Miami Community Newspapers This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed With topics ranging from local news to community events Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area and local initiatives within its respective community Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com It’s time for the Village of Palmetto Bay’s fourth annual Culinary Crawl event involving top local eateries via a guided tour Foodies won’t want to miss this event which attracted 25 attendees last year Taste and sip your way through Palmetto Bay’s finest restaurants where we will transport you for some delicious tastings Tickets for this special event are $60 each The cost includes sample bites of the various restaurant foods Note that this only is for ages 21 and older so staff is advising that those interested make reservations soon “I can’t wait,” said Village Mayor Karyn Cunningham This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com Join us for a special Tu B’Shvat celebration as we savor the fruits and flavors of Israel is a time to appreciate the beauty of nature and the blessings of the Land of Israel It’s a holiday filled with delicious fruits and inspiring experience featuring acai bowls ________________________________________________________________________ Miami Community Newspapers is your go-to source for Miami community news and lifestyle features across Miami-Dade County our family-owned media company publishes a variety of neighborhood publications both online and in print Explore Miami’s culture through our exclusive community podcasts #thatscommunitynews #communitynewspapers #miamidade #miamidadecounty #thatscommunity #miamicommunitynews #coralgables #palmettobay #southmiami #doral #aventura #pinecrest #kendall #brickell PALMETTO BAY – Deputies investigated a deadly crash in a residential neighborhood of Palmetto Bay Wednesday morning Leer en español According to a post by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office on social media platform X the wreck involved “a single vehicle and a bicyclist.” It happened along Southwest 160th Street between 81st and 82nd Avenues Deputies haven’t publicly identified those involved nor said whether any criminal charges are expected Investigators closed the residential street while they probed the wreck ⚠️TRAFFIC NEWS: The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Palmetto Bay Municipal District is investigating a fatal traffic crash involving a single vehicle and a bicyclist at SW 160 Street between SW 81 and SW 82 Avenues Mayor Cunningham of Palmetto Bay shares updates about Palmetto Bay parks with Michael Miller A new era of youth athletics in Palmetto Bay was recently ushered in when Baurball, Miami’s award-winning soccer school, and RAE Lacrosse collaborated to offer two well-attended sports camps The camps brought players from both sports together for a clinic that entailed a series of calisthenics stretches and running along with inspirational messaging from Baurball Camp Director Hart Baur and RAE Lacrosse’s Matt Ogelsby The primary focus of the collaboration was to bring these two sports together and send a strong message that positive thoughts and energy are vital to a player’s success both on and off the field “Sports are a microcosm of life and many young players are being taught that winning is everything and that’s simply not true,” says Hart “Many other important things matter such as hard work good sportsmanship and the value of teamwork and we set out to share that meaningful message.”  Hart and his wife Elena founded Baurball in 2021 to develop local youth into competitive and versatile athletes Hart is a former standout soccer player who graduated from Palmer Trinity High School and played for four years at the College of William and Mary He was the head soccer coach of Christopher Columbus High School for more than 20 years “I met Matt at Coral Reef Park last year and noticed he was doing what I do with soccer but he did it with lacrosse,” explains Hart “Matt was teaching technique and game situational skills We started talking and learned that we both of us had attended Camp Tecumseh in New Hampshire as boys respect and effort are taught as core values Then it all made sense; we had the same vision for what we were doing.”  Matt is a three-time All American who played at Duke University and is a member of the Lacrosse Hall of Fame “Meeting Hart was serendipitous on all levels,” says Matt “Although Coral Reef Park is very far from Camp Tecumseh the fact that we shared that formative experience as youths where the sports field was our greatest teacher is amazing,” adds Matt Palmetto Bay resident Melanie Pendray’s nine year-old son Luke has been attending Baurball sessions for a year and a half positive impact on my son’s development and his enjoyment of the game,” she says “After the Thanksgiving clinic my son caught us up on his takeaways The Baurball-RAE collaborative camps have marked a new beginning in Palmetto Bay demonstrating that different sports can work together toward the common goal of making children good citizens but everyone can be a great citizen,” says Hart “Matt and I learned a lot of life lessons on those fields in New Hampshire RAE and Baurball are building good people who also happen to get really proficient in their respective sports.”  Please visit www.baurball.com and www.raeallday.com to learn more While Shining a Positive Light on Mental Health Wellness a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting kindness is thrilled to announce the unveiling of two new Buddy Benches The benches are designed to encourage connection create friendships and show support for one another by helping to build a culture of kindness in our local communities This impactful initiative was spearheaded by Village of Palmetto Bay’s Director of Parks & Recreation in collaboration with the Youth Community Involvement Task Force to bring Buddy Benches to local parks fostering inclusion and kindness across all ages We are also honored to celebrate this new milestone with Karyn Cunningham a steadfast supporter of the My Buddy Bench Project’s mission Her commitment to promoting kindness and community wellness has been invaluable to our efforts and to the broader community of Palmetto Bay The Buddy Benches’—vibrant additions to the parks—stand as beacons of kindness and enjoy benches beautifully designed by children Mental Health Coordinator for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and founder of Unique Therapy—will deliver a special talk on Bullying Prevention and Mental Health Wellness Rodriguez will discuss practical tools and insights to promote well-being we can create spaces where every child feels seen The Buddy Bench is more than just a seat; it symbolizes connection and the simple yet profound act of reaching out to one another By fostering an environment of empathy and support we can prevent bullying and empower our children to thrive mentally and emotionally.” Co-Founders Victoria and her mom Mary Portela shared “Our nonprofit was founded from our personal experiences with bullying and a deep understanding of the need for change We recognized a crucial opportunity to support schools and communities in a positive way by creating bully-free kindness-driven environments for every child.” The unveiling ceremonies will take place on Saturday with representatives from the Village of Palmetto Bay the Youth Community Involvement Task Force The events will highlight the importance of kindness and the My Buddy Bench Project’s ongoing mission to combat bullying through empathy and inclusion “Giving back to our community and promoting positive values is at the heart of what we do and we’re honored to be part of this meaningful initiative.” Sophia Davis and local residents to join us for this special occasion as we work together to foster a more inclusive Through our interactive buddy bench program and activities we teach kids how small acts of kindness can make a big difference fostering a culture of respect while building Mental Health awareness & support in school and communities is excited to announce the grand opening of a new Artisan and Farmers Market at Coral Reef Park and will be a vibrant hub where local artisans and community members can come together and celebrate the best of our local culture and produce We aim to foster a strong sense of community while providing a venue for local artisans and farmers to showcase their unique products Visitors can look forward to a diverse range of offerings including fresh locally sourced fruits and vegetables The market will be open every Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm “The new Artisan & Farmers Market is more than just a place to shop,” said Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham “It’s a place where our residents can connect with local businesses and with each other Bringing people together is what we enjoy most and this provides a great new avenue for that We’re excited to support our community’s farmers and artisans while offering residents and visitors easy access to locally made products and fresh Each week will be unique as we welcome returning vendors and invite new ones Our goal is to enhance the natural beauty of Coral Reef Park by bringing soft music making the market an enjoyable experience for people of all ages Special events and themed markets will be scheduled throughout the year adding variety and excitement to each visit – Deputies say a man walked into a Palmetto Bay massage parlor asked to use the bathroom and then tried to rape a 66-year-old woman working there Leer en español She was able to fight suspect Uzair Chowdhury off by biting him “really hard” and screaming for help According to a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office arrest report and statements in open court the incident happened on Friday at Best Asian Massage Therapy at 17891 S less than 500 feet away from MDSO’s Palmetto Bay station into custody soon after on an unrelated warrant He was formally arrested on an attempted sexual battery charge while in jail Tuesday Miami-Dade prosecutors redacted the name and location of the business from the arrest report provided to Local 10 News The MDSO report states that as the victim escorted Chowdhury to the bathroom he “grabbed her and attempted to pull her shorts down,” leading her to bite him on the shoulder “The victim then stated that she began yelling at which point her neighbor from the business next door entered the room and the victim yelled ‘help me,‘” the report states “The victim advised that (Chowdhury) then released her and walked out of the business.” Deputies said they found him at a nearby Dunkin’ Donuts claimed the victim’s lipstick on his shirt was from “mixing pickles,” but he later “recanted” that statement and made a confession “(Chowdhury) advised that he asked the victim permission to use the restroom then he left the business,” the report states “(He) later recanted his statement and advised (that) while he was using it the victim came inside the restroom with him (Chowdhury) then denied grabbing or holding the victim.” But authorities said he again “recanted” and made another confession Chowdhury also claimed that the victim asked him for $50 months ago for a massage “(He) advised he showed up at the victim’s business today for a massage (but) stated he did not have enough money with him to pay the (victim) and he was attempting to leave the business at which (time) the victim’s neighbor came over and he walked out of the business,” the report states Chowdhury was ordered held on a $20,000 bond after appearing in court Wednesday He was also ordered to stay away from the business the Bangladeshi national remained in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center Wednesday afternoon not only facing criminal charges – The village of Palmetto Bay confirmed that a special council meeting will be held this week after officials learned that one of the companies involved in the FIU pedestrian bridge collapse was awarded the 87th Avenue bridge contract the Village learned that the 87th Avenue bridge contract has been awarded to the company responsible for the tragic FIU pedestrian bridge collapse that claimed six innocent lives,” the village posted to its website “Regardless of one’s position on the bridge this is a direct threat to the safety of our families and our community.” Mayor Karyn Cunningham called for the special council meeting “The Village needs your voice in demanding the County Mayor halt this project at once,” the village posted More information about the Special Council meeting will be provided on our website and our social media outlets The FIU bridge collapsed on March 15, 2018, as it was still under construction. A section splintered just outside Florida International University’s main campus in Miami-Dade The bridge crossed over Southwest Eighth Street which remained open during the construction and aimed to connect the southern area of the city of Sweetwater with University Park Federal investigators determined the probable cause of the deadly collapse was related to engineers’ calculation errors, according to a National Transportation Safety Board report The Louis Berger Group peer review failed to detect the load and capacity calculation errors by Tallahassee-based FIGG Bridge Engineers, according to the NTSB report Investigators also reported that FIGG failed to identify the significance of the structural cracking observed before the collapse and to obtain an independent peer review of the remedial plan to address the cracking Munilla Construction Management was another company involved with the construction of the bridge It has since been rebranded as Magnum Construction Management It responded to the mayor and councilmembers in a letter shared with Local 10 News: "Dear Mayor Cunningham and Members of the Village Council in response to the recent email sent by the Village of Palmetto Bay on August 4 We respectfully request that the Village of Palmetto Bay retract the erroneous statements made in its email The Village tried to stop the bridge when it was originally considered and while its position was carefully evaluated the County Commission decided this project was in the public’s best interest MCM won this project thru an open public bidding competition and it is presently under construction casting aspersions on MCM integrity and capabilities The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a thorough investigation into the unfortunate collapse of the FIU pedestrian bridge which lasted nearly two years and included the review of four different 24/7 video recordings of the project culminating in a comprehensive 140-page report The NTSB determined that the collapse was due to a design error At no point did the NTSB attribute responsibility for the collapse to MCM It is crucial to set the record straight and avoid spreading misinformation that could unjustly harm MCM’s standing and its employees MCM has successfully completed multiple projects for the Florida Department of Transportation and Miami-Dade County including the construction and/or refurbishment of 14 bridges We trust that the Village will take the necessary steps to correct its factually incorrect statements and going forward you will uphold the integrity of public communications." Copyright 2024 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com will share his remarkable story of survival and resilience in an event hosted by Chabad of Palmetto Bay at Venture X in Palmetto Bay Joseph endured imprisonment in Auschwitz and 11 other concentration camps during World War II Despite the profound loss of his entire immediate family his unwavering spirit and faith carried him through the darkest times Joseph is committed to educating future generations about the atrocities of the Holocaust and the importance of combating hate This event provides a unique opportunity to hear firsthand about his experiences and the lessons learned from a life shaped by unimaginable hardship The community is invited to attend and hear Joseph’s incredible journey of survival RSVP required. For more details and to reserve your spot, please visit https://jewishpalmettobay.org/holocaust Don’t miss this opportunity to witness history and be inspired by Joseph’s message of hope and perseverance Palmetto Bay is now home to a new aesthetics studio specializing in personalized corrective skincare treatment of acne the effects of aging and hyperpigmentation Hygge Skin Studio is owned and operated by licensed aesthetician and Palmetto Bay native Erin Song Fitzgerald who brings eight years of experience providing holistic skincare using organic ingredients “I became interested in my career path originally through efforts to deal with my own skin breakouts,” says Fitzgerald “After studying and becoming a licensed aesthetician I worked in established skincare studios and then launched my own solo aesthetics business in 2022 I’m thrilled to return to my hometown to do what I love.”  Fitzgerald’s clients range from teenagers to grandparents of both sexes Treatments range from 30 to 90 minutes and are by appointment only Fitzgerald asks each client questions about their lifestyle how much sleep they get and their aesthetics goals she develops a skincare treatment plan tailored to their needs “Erin has valuable knowledge of all skin types,” says Katie Fennel “Since I’ve been receiving facials and using Erin’s offered products my acne has been the most controlled it’s ever been in my life.” Hygge Skin Studio is well-known for offering a variety of holistic facials using organic products largely from South Korea “Our facials transform a client’s skin by providing deep cleansing helping to reduce acne and prevent further breakouts The Anti-Aging Facial is designed to build elastin fibers and plump wrinkles while exfoliating and moisturizing mature skin More in-depth facials include the Green Sea Peel an organic peel using spicules derived from sea sponges that help with collagen and sebum production and hyperpigmentation The Detox Facial is ideal for clients with oily or clogged skin and uses products derived from tangy fruits and healing herbs to exfoliate The 90-minute Korean Carboxy + Lift Facial enhances circulation reduces fine lines and revitalizes tired skin Also offered by Hygge Skin Studio is Microneedling a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine needles to stimulate collagen production and reduce fine lines and enlarged pores while enhancing skin texture Hygge Skin Studio also offers an array of curated skincare products ranging from gentle cleansers and hydrating serums to targeted solutions for acne and anti-aging All can be ordered online from the studio’s website “I’ve been going to Erin for almost a year and my skin has never looked better,” says Harley Ridgway “She genuinely cares about her clients and is just so great!” – A 20-year-old man accused of masturbating in front of two teenage students outside a middle school in Palmetto Bay was arrested Monday after leading police on a high-speed chase through an active school zone Leer en español According to an arrest report from the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department Aaron Mikaeel Sieunarine faces two counts of exhibition on a child and one count each of lewd and lascivious behavior The first reported incident occurred on Oct when police said two 13-year-old girls were waiting to be dismissed when they noticed a gray Honda Civic parked along the swale on the south side of Southwood Middle School authorities said they found Sieunarine masturbating with his genitals exposed while he was sitting in the driver’s seat Investigators confirmed that the students took a photo of the car and provided a detailed description of Sieunarine and the vehicle to a school resource officer Authorities said they began monitoring the area closely following the report school administrators contacted M-DSPD after spotting the same vehicle parked near Southwood Middle School’s bus loading area during dismissal Authorities said they approached the car and observed Sieunarine with his pants partially lowered and unzipped and creating chaos in the active school zone Students and staff were ordered to retreat to safety A “be-on-the-lookout” notice was then issued and Miami-Dade police officers joined the pursuit they apprehended Sieunarine at an intersection near U.S 1 and Southwest 136th Street in Palmetto Bay police said Sieunarine was transported to M-DSPD headquarters on Northwest 27th Avenue detectives said Sieunarine told them he was not under the influence of drugs or narcotics and confirmed he was a high school graduate currently enrolled in college classes He also stated he was not receiving psychiatric care or mental health services Detectives said Sieunarine read and signed a Miranda rights waiver before making a confession that was redacted in his arrest report he remains at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center Police urged anyone with additional information or similar experiences involving the suspect to come forward as their investigation continues More Stories Like This In Our Email Newsletter Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG Years of legal battles between residents from the village of Florida’s Palmetto Bay and Miami-Dade County over bridge construction came one step closer to an end this week A judge with the Florida Third District Court of Appeal ruled that county leaders have the authority to build a bridge on Southwest 87th Avenue over the Cutler Canal the village council could still seek clarification or appeal the ruling to the Florida Supreme Court Vice-Mayor Elect Mark Merwitzer emphasized the need to focus on calming traffic what we need to do as a community is move beyond this issue and start rebuilding our relationships," Merwitzer said to CBS News Miami County engineers originally planned the SW 87th Avenue bridge years ago but the village fought the project in court until Wednesday's decision Opponents of the bridge project fear it will worsen congestion on already crowded roads with some expecting drivers to divert onto side streets to save time Addressing traffic issues in a municipality with a $23 million budget will require assistance from the county commission Woitke and other supporters believe the bridge will ease traffic and improve emergency response times for communities south of the canal The Village of Palmetto Bay council plans to discuss next steps during an executive session on December 16 For tickets or to register go to: form.123formbuilder.com/6800210/battle-of-the-buns-registration-2025 Nicklaus Children’s Outpatient and Urgent Care Center Panter Panter and Sampedro and Southstate Bank The Village of Palmetto Bay is repeating a popular annual event this year but with an added twist that dog owners will appreciate The Trees & Treats: Tree Giveaway Drive-Through will take place on Saturday Palmetto Bay residents can register to receive a free tree while supplies last Plus pick up your tree with your village pup and they’ll get a treat Those interested in getting free trees are urged to register by Monday, Apr. 14. To register go to https://form.123formbuilder.com/6807014/2025-palmetto-bay-trees-treats-giveaway-drive-thru first-served basis while supplies last to Palmetto Bay residents only Residents may get up to two distinct trees or plants per household Staff advise that fruit trees are not permitted to be planted in the right of way/swale areas which are close to the street as fruit dropping in the roadway could cause problems Planting in the interior of the yard is permitted The registration form will close by the deadline or once trees are no longer available residents will receive a confirmation e-mail about one week before the event indicating the selected tree Be ready to show this e-mail on your mobile device at the event Residents will not be able to change their tree species once registration is submitted Ludovici Park is located at 17641 Old Cutler Rd Christina Vazquez Officials with the village of Palmetto Bay have expressed their disagreement with one of the companies involved in the FIU pedestrian bridge collapse being awarded the 87th Avenue bridge contract however the Third District Court of Appeal ruled Wednesday that decisions related to the bridge project lie solely with the county residents have debated the proposed construction of a bridge over Cutler Drain Canal C-100 at Southwest 87th Avenue from Southwest 164th Street to 163rd Terrace (the “Bridge Project”),” the opinion stated “Proponents of the Bridge Project argue it will alleviate traffic congestion and allow for more efficient movement of vehicles from south to north Opponents contend construction will erode the quality of the neighborhoods abutting the project and divert some vehicles to another heavily traversed street Because 87th Avenue is a countycontrolled road Miami-Dade County possesses ultimate decision-making authority over the Bridge Project.” the village of Palmetto Bay posted on its website that awarding the project to a company involved in the FIU bridge collapse “is a direct threat to the safety of our families and our community.” That company is Magnum Construction Management which was rebranded after the collapse when it was known as Munilla Construction Management MCM responded to the Village of Palmetto Bay mayor and councilmembers in a letter shared with Local 10 News: “Dear Mayor Cunningham and Members of the Village Council Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor-Elect Mark Merwitzer emailed residents to say that while the ruling ends “the village’s challenge to the bridge I understand the very real concerns many residents have about traffic impacts on our neighborhoods “My focus now is on working proactively to protect our community’s quality of life I am fully committed to rebuilding productive relationships with Miami-Dade County and our neighboring municipalities to address traffic concerns comprehensively We need strong partnerships to implement effective traffic management solutions.” READ THE FULL ORDER FROM THE THIRD DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL BELOW: Christina returned to Local 10 in 2019 as a reporter after covering Hurricane Dorian for the station Murrow Award-winning journalist and previously earned an Emmy Award while at WPLG for her investigative consumer protection segment "Call Christina." The Village of Palmetto Bay’s planned new park honoring veterans is nearing completion of the first phase to be located at SW 164th Street and 93rd Avenue is close to the village’s American Legion Post 133 at 16401 SW 90 Ave. The park will be situated on land acquired from South Motors on June 17 Maria Elvira Salazar presented Mayor Karyn Cunningham with an appropriation check for $200,000 to support construction of Phase 1 of the park The park is an important addition to the village according to Mayor Cunningham “Veterans Park in Palmetto Bay stands as a tribute to courage sacrifice and the enduring spirit of those who served,” Mayor Cunningham said in comments on Feb “With the council’s recent approval of funding for a Gold Star Monument the community reaffirms its commitment to honoring the families of fallen heroes We are now heading out to RFP for the build-out of the first phase bringing this vision one step closer to reality.” Construction drawings are complete for all three phases of the project Phase 1 of the park will contain a rubberized walking path The most important feature will be the Gold Star Family Memorial which honors the families of those who died while protecting America’s freedom The Village of Palmetto Bay is working with the Woody Williams Foundation the creator of the Gold Star Family Memorial to create a monument that represents Palmetto Bay’s admiration and respect for the families of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation “This park has special significance to me,” Mayor Cunningham said “Both my father and stepfather served in the Marines and Navy and there are more than 700 veterans living in the village This will be a place of reflection and education Leanne Tellam has led the Palmetto Bay Council with smart  and steady  service  as  Vice Mayor Because of her skillful action and interactions the  Village  has  balanced  the  budget  and  reestablished  necessary  reserves  through fiscally conservative business management and  plan  out  previously  neglected  maintenance  of  our  vital  infrastructure local roads and drainage systems have been improved all while managing a tight budget and keeping your taxes low Our parks have improved through Leanne’s impact and influence too Coral Reef Park’s previously demolished recreational building fully funded  and  will  break  ground  this  Fall Veterans  Park  is  now  fully  designed  and  will  begin construction soon and our Parks Master Plan has been completed to provide further guidance and development of additional green spaces for our community to enjoy Increased maintenance and repairs have been fully funded through budgeting and strategic planning prioritization Community safety has been a priority for Leanne and she has built a strong relationship with our top-notch Palmetto Bay Policing Unit Using her knowledge of boating and maritime law she pushed for our officers to be on the water The first Palmetto Bay Police boat is now operational and patrolling our waterways with the addition of an administrative assistant so that our officers can focus on servicing our residents’ needs Leanne continues to be a dedicated public servant devoting her time to roles beyond the basics of Vice  Mayor She  has  agreed  to  serve  as  Liaison  to  two  resident  volunteer  committees:  the Educational Advisory Committee and the Resiliency Committee She was selected by our Council to Chair the Palmetto Bay’s Community Foundation and appointed to the Board of Directors of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities she expands her impact on our community by improving our schools and collaborating with leaders throughout the county to bring best practices and the power of partnerships back to Palmetto Bay “I am truly excited to be running for re-election to serve as your Vice Mayor I want to continue to take the trust my neighbors have given me and keep moving forward in a positive direction I  am  committed  to  demonstrating  maturity  and  a  balanced  approach willing  to compromise when needed and fight with all of my skills and experience when necessary I have enjoyed working to address the challenges and opportunities facing our community I will continue to  lead  with  integrity  and  a  strong  sense  of  purpose  as  I  continue  to  protect  our  community and  promote  resident  interests  through  collaborative leadership I hope to earn your support for another term.” Vice Mayor Tellam has been a longstanding advocate for our community she was elected to serve on our Village Council in her current leadership role Leanne graduated cum laude from Florida State University with a degree in Multinational Business and a minor in Spanish She then moved back to Miami to attend Law School at the University of Miami She has served as a Florida Supreme  Court  Certified  Mediator  and  practiced  law defending  small  businesses  throughout South Florida She currently teaches 12th grade Government and Economics and serves as the Lead Teacher for the Legal & Public Affairs Academy at Coral Reef Senior High School she and her late husband Doug purchased their first home in Palmetto Bay where she currently lives and continues to raise their three children Community service has always been a top priority for her Leanne has taken leadership roles in many organizations Coral Reef Elementary and Palmetto Senior High Schools PTAs Her community  involvement  has  included  developing  a  54-unit  garden  apartment  complex  for survivors  of  domestic  abuse and  helping  The  Everglades  Foundation  launch  a  $10  million competition to foster scientific solutions to the green algae crisis she is passionate about honoring the great women who came before her and mentoring rising stars To learn more visit  leannetellam.com Ruth’s List Florida is offering endorsments in three local races in Alachua County The organization gave its support to Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor Leanne Tellam and Alachua County Commissioner Anna Prizzia as each female leader seeks re-election is dedicated to electing pro-life women to public office “All eyes are on the women of Florida right now,” said Christina Diamond “Ruth’s List is excited to keep our momentum going by continuing to endorse and support even more pro-choice women up and down the ballot ahead of the November election but there is so much more work to be done over these next two months to organize our communities and ensure that Floridians are ready to get out and vote.” Alpert first won election to the Sarasota City Commission in 2015 She’s now running for a third term representing District 2 “I’m thrilled to be endorsed for re-election by Ruth’s List,” Alpert said “Their mission of supporting pro-choice Democratic women resonates deeply with me and I look forward to advancing this important cause together.” Ruth’s List officials noted the organization just enjoyed victory in a high-profile School Board race, with endorsed challenger Liz Barker unseating incumbent School Board member Karen Rose, who was endorsed by Gov Tellam first won her spot on the Palmetto Bay Village Council four years ago the support of Ruth’s List was critical in preparing me to run and making it across the finish line,” Tellam said “Thank you for lifting me up once again with this endorsement for another term I look forward to working every day of my second term to support the work of Ruth’s List and grow our community for a better future.” Prizzia won her seat on the Alachua County Commission in 2020 as well winning 60% over a Republican challenger after winning a three-candidate Democratic Primary Diamond said Ruth’s List’s work will be important up and down the ballot this fall “Our local elected champions like Mayor Alpert and Commissioner Prizzia are doing the important and thankless work of managing our cities and counties all throughout Florida so we believe it is so important to ensure that our women leading locally are re-elected,” Diamond said and public safety – the everyday lives of women and families are dependent on strong and serious local leadership We’re going to do everything in our power to support our local champions.” The first reference to Ruth’s List says that it is dedicated to electing “pro-life” candidates I am certain that you meant “pro-choice” “Pro-life” really isn’t what it says anyway — but if a reader stops after the first part of the article This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL © Copyright by Extensive-Enterprises 2025. All rights reserved. STAFF LOGIN The controversial SW 87th Avenue Bridge Project in Palmetto Bay continues to stay in the news The purpose of the project is to construct a bridge over the C-100 canal connecting SW 87th Avenue from SW 164th Street to SW 163rd Terrace The project is expected to be completed by late 2025 Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen-Higgins who rapidly pushed the project through the commission during the COVID pandemic as “an emergency issue” at the request of Cutler Bay residents and officials as well as some District 3 Palmetto Bay residents 4 and 5 however indicated there are new developments The first email announced a Special Council Meeting scheduled for Aug “This Special Council Meeting is to discuss and take possible action regarding the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works Project No the village has serious safety concerns as the same contractor who was awarded this contract was the builder of the Florida International University (FIU) Bridge that collapsed on Mar The second email was issued by village attorney John Dellagloria “The Village has just received the welcome news that the Third District Court of Appeal has granted the village’s motion to hear oral argument in the matter of Village of Palmetto Bay (Case No.: 3D2024-0230.),” Dellagloria said “As the Third District does not automatically grant oral argument in each case that is filed in the court granting the village’s motion is significant The Village thanks the efforts of our counsel for their tireless representation on behalf of the Village and our resident Plaintiffs.” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a statement made to CBS News Miami regarding the development said “My top priority is the safety of all our residents and neighborhoods I have opposed the construction of a bridge on 87th Avenue since I was a commissioner in the district and worked hard to support and put in place different measures to address traffic congestion in the area Some of these measures include the construction of traffic circles at key intersections additional Bus Rapid Transit stations on US1 and extending smart traffic lights on US 1.” “The construction of the bridge was approved and authorized by a vote of the [Miami-Dade] Board of County Commissioners with an overwhelming majority in 2021 and Miami-Dade County’s Department of Transportation and Public Works proceeded with the process as required “I have been in touch with [Palmetto Bay] Mayor [Karyn] Cunningham over the last few days and requested an immediate review of the contract process in response to concerns from Palmetto Bay residents The department will be prepared to share all the facts at the upcoming council meeting on Thursday.” An email was sent promptly to residents by the Palmetto Bay Neighbors Alliance Inc State records list Pamela Gorman as the director of the Alliance She previously has run for office in the village “We wanted to share our thoughts on a significant issue currently unfolding in our community of Palmetto Bay it came to light that the contract for the construction of the 87th Avenue bridge has been awarded to a company involved in the tragic Florida International University pedestrian bridge collapse in 2018 This revelation has understandably sparked concern and controversy among our residents,” Gorman said “The timing of this controversy is particularly significant coinciding with the start of early voting for Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s re-election campaign has consistently followed established protocols in contractor selection MCM (Magnum Construction Management) has undergone significant restructuring since the FIU incident and continues to hold numerous contracts with Miami-Dade County including other bridge projects within our village.” Oral Arguments are scheduled to be heard by the Third District Court of Appeal on Oct The Village of Palmetto Bay conducted its formal groundbreaking ceremony for the new Coral Reef Park Recreation Center on Saturday Councilmembers Steve Cody and Marsha Matson The ceremony included a brief program with special remarks by Mayor Cunningham It was an opportunity to celebrate the village’s commitment to “Investing in our Future: Building a Legacy of Excellence through Park Innovation.” A special cake with an image of the new building was an added touch The new recreation center replaces the original county constructed building which had developed serious structural flaws over the years and had to be demolished The new building will be used for fitness classes as part of the village’s Summer Camp program “Thank you to everyone who came to Saturday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new Coral Reef Park Recreation Center,” staff posted after the event “We can’t wait for our residents to enjoy all the possibilities this exciting new addition will bring to our community.” The Village of Palmetto Bay will conduct a groundbreaking ceremony for the new recreation center building at Coral Reef Park on Saturday The cutting edge 5,000-square-foot facility will replace the original building constructed by the county which had developed serious structural flaws and had to be demolished The ceremony will take place at noon and last about an hour The ceremony will include a brief program with special remarks by Village Mayor Karyn Cunningham followed by the official groundbreaking ceremony It will be an opportunity to celebrate the village’s commitment to “Investing in our Future: Building a Legacy of Excellence through Park Innovation.” Parks and Recreation director Fanny Carmona is excited about the milestone event “The groundbreaking of our new recreation center marks a pivotal moment for Coral Reef Park,” Carmona said “This facility will not only enhance our community’s recreational opportunities but also serve as a hub for fostering connections and promoting healthy lifestyles We’re excited to see this vision come to life and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our residents for years to come,” Carmona added Mayor Cunningham said she was pleased that the project is about to begin and they will describe their relationships with family “The Recreation Center at Coral Reef Park truly symbolizes what I consider to be the heart of our village a place for our amazing residents and families to gather By on June 12, 20246 Comments A 100-year-old tree near the entrance to Coral Reef Park is safe After some backlash to a plan by the Village of Palmetto Bay to remove the giant oak to make way for a planned multipurpose room, and 754 people signed a petition in just five days the design was changed and a wall moved about 10 feet to accommodate the construction without having to uproot or cut down the stately “This win is an example of what happens when a people-powered campaign leads our community on an important issue like this,” said community activist Pam Gorman “When we as a community stand up for what we believe in together Mayor Karyn Cunningham told Political Cortadito that she had met Tuesday with Village Manager Nick Marano the chair of the village’s tree committee “When we heard about the beautiful majestic tree I went out with the engineer and city manager staff and the chair of tree board to determine if it’s possible to move the tree,” Cunningham said While the building design had been approved no permits had been pulled to remove the trees That is why we posted a number of public meetings relate to the parks master plan,” Cunningham added Cunningham thanked the people who had reached out to her about the tree “She certainly is a beauty,” she says She called them “folks that are solution oriented,” when she spoke with Ladra She does not name Gorman or Mark Merwitzer who had also promoted the petition and helped plan a protest at the park Thursday that is now cancelled “It’s no longer needed,” Merwitzer told Ladra Why weren’t the plans made around the tree to begin with Both Clifford and Woodard brought the tree up at the June 3 council meeting during public comments He said he had been at the park and saw the markings for the new building too close to the tree “Even though the trunk of the tree may be outside the building line northeast and northwest would clearly be destroyed,” Woodard said “The tree must remain for residents to enjoy Please correct this problem before it can’t be corrected,” Woodard said Said Clifford: “I’m actually a little distressed that somewhere in the process of getting this building built there wasn’t a town hall meeting or meeting with the tree board to talk about the trees that are going to have to go and why.” Read related: Palmetto Bay Village Council elections could get interesting this November Coucilwoman Marsha Matson asked if the building could be move to save the tree “I don’t think we can at this point in time,” he said “We have briefed for the past year that there are a number of trees that will have to be removed Marano did mention that they were trying to design around the tree to save it “Next question,” is all she said who campaigned for former Mayor Eugene Flinn said the pressure mounted in the last week with the petition and on social media helped force the change “This was a victory for all who shared this petition far and wide and for those who were courageous enough to speak up at village meetings,” he said in a statement that reads like a campaign press release But he also said that residents have to stay vigilant because the village has “an alarming pattern of disregarding the importance of mature trees to the park’s ecosystem and ambiance the Village cut down another of Coral Reef Park’s stately giants for a bridge project” at 136th street the village is having a contest to name the old oak at Coral Reef Park and there are five names nominated that all sound terrible Eternal Shade sounds like the name of a cemetery Lady Oak could be a Sesame Street character aren’t there copyright issues with the name of a book Elderwood sounds like either an old folks home or a gated community And The Whispering Giant could be a children’s book   , , Palmetto Bay residents urged village to save Coral Reef Park tree…so they did added by on June 12, 2024View all posts by Ladra → 2024 – The Town of Cutler Bay is delighted to announce the success of the Summer Restoration Event held on Saturday organized in collaboration with the South Florida Water Management District and Livablecutler brought together approximately 30 dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day to restore the local habitat Participants planted native species and removed invasive plants This joint effort highlights the community's commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability The Town of Cutler Bay extends its heartfelt thanks to the South Florida Water Management District and Livablecutler for their support and collaboration and we have encountered issues with individuals trespassing on this South Florida Water Management District wetland and our 8.5-acre restoration site This is extremely discouraging as it undermines the hard work of our volunteers and causes significant damage to the area Town Manager Rafael Casals remarked on the community spirit "It was very encouraging to see the community coming together to work at our restoration site despite the hot and humid day we've seen individuals enter those restoration areas to poach blue land crabs This damages the good work done by our volunteers The Town is committed to enforcing regulations through our Police and Code Compliance departments and we will also provide information through social media and install message signs along Old Cutler Road to deter poachers." Important Reminder About Blue Land Crab Harvesting: Blue Land Crabs emerge from the Coastal Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay Habitat Restoration area next to 18445 Old Cutler Road These crabs can be seen traveling along Old Cutler Road between SW 184 Street to about SW 188 Street it is illegal to collect Blue Land Crabs under the following conditions Collecting Blue Land Crabs poses safety risks near roadways and destroys the habitat restoration area as harvesters trample over protected plant life Those engaged in this activity can typically be identified by their harvesting equipment Download more pictures from the Restoration Site event here Download more information about Blue Land Crabs For more information about upcoming events and initiatives in Cutler Bay, please sign up to receive our eNewsletter Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow Contact Us 2024PALMETTO — Standing on the balcony of Oyster River a posh restaurant serving Osetra caviar dip and Wagyu tomahawk steaks in the new Marriott Resort & Spa you can see the sleepy old Florida town of Palmetto changing in real time To the right is the sparkling blue water of the Manatee River the natural southern border of the small city that spans north Manatee County dirt and rubble surrounds the Bradenton Area Convention Center the makings of a $48 million renovation expected to wrap up in early 2025 brewery and coffee shop adjacent to the hotel’s parking lot upscale restaurants and more retail may pop up The city just south of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge is expanding rapidly with several new housing developments in progress in the northern-most areas The view from Oyster River, a posh restaurant in the new Marriott Resort & Spa. [ MICHELLE STARK | Times ]The new Marriott Resort & Spa in Palmetto is certainly one of the area’s splashiest harbingers of change. With 252 guest rooms, 10,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and multiple restaurants, it’s attempting to bring a different kind of energy to the town once best known for orange groves and boating. Nine years in the making, it’s the brainchild of managing partner Tony DeRusso, who came from northern California to create the new Marriott concept. The idea was to evoke the feel of a JW Marriott (the company’s high-end hotel concept) but more approachable and affordable. The hotel’s director of sales and marketing, Scott Selvaggi, said DeRusso was skeptical of the concept in a small town like this but was swayed quickly by Palmetto’s landscape and proximity to that sparkling blue water. Subscribe to our free Do & Dine newsletter You’re all signed up!Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. The hotel, which opened July 22, is Manatee County’s largest and will offer glitzy amenities. Those include the Marriott Beach Club, a facility that features an infinity-edge resort pool surrounded by 600,000 pounds of sand, a nine-hole putting course, a pickleball court and bocce ball. The club is one of several ideas planned for the property, said Selvaggi, all aiming to entice a local crowd that may be starved for nearby entertainment. Coming in the next year or two is the Yard, an amphitheater that can hold 5,000 people and will be used for everything from Christmas tree lightings to yoga to food truck rallies. Carrot cake at The Social in the new Marriott Resort & Spa. [ MICHELLE STARK | Times ]The hotel has partnered with Gamble Creek Farms, a Parrish farm and market that provides microgreens and artisanal lettuces for their restaurants. They also work with Cheesecake Cuties, a dessert spot on Anna Maria Island, and local brewery Big Top Brewing in Sarasota. There are local touches throughout the Marriott. Palmetto’s history as a boating community is reflected in the design of the hotel, which was built to look “like a ship on land,” with details that resemble sails on the exterior. It’s a nod to old Palmetto, permanently affixed to a major beacon of the new one. Michelle Stark is the culture editor overseeing the life and culture reporting team. Reach her at mstark@tampabay.com. By on May 23, 20246 Comments The sleepy little village of Palmetto Bay may be about to get an exciting election in November a little pajarito told Ladra that former and embattled Councilman David Singer – an allly of former Mayor Eugene Flinn and a critic of current Mayor Karyn Cunningham — picked up a candidate package on Wednesday for a rematch against Councilman Steve Cody in Seat 2 This could be a throw-down grudge match as the two men really haven’t stopped jabbing at each other for the past four years since Cody beat him by just about 500 votes Read related: Ex Palmetto Bay councilman compares controversial duck removal to Holocaust “David Singer proved that he was toxic in 2020 in the years since he’s become an EPA super fund clean up site,” Cody said adding that the former councilman was fired from his law firm after he compared the removal and euthanizing of muscovy ducks in the village to the Holocaust And apparently he is very litigious, suing everyone including Cody for $1 million in damages and former Mayor Shelley Stanczyk activist Gary Pastorella and the owner of a fireplace store “I’m not worried,” Cody said Another Flinn ally, Mark Merwitzer, the policy director at the Transit Alliance (love them) and a lifelong resident of the village announced Wednesday that he would run against Vice Mayor Leanne Tellam who solidly beat former Village Manager Ed Silva in 2020 on a campaign for “community driven change,” and to “restore accountability and ethical governance” to the council I have seen firsthand the challenges our community faces from traffic congestion and overdevelopment to a lack of government transparency and responsiveness to residents’ needs,” Merwitzer said in a statement “I am running for Vice Mayor to be a strong voice for the people of Palmetto Bay and ensure that our hometown values and interests always come first.” the University of Florida grad (with a minor in urban planning) also helped pass statewide legislation against texting and driving (he was 18) and served on the Palmetto Bay Education Advisory Committee He is currently is policy director at Transit Alliance a local non-profit that advocates for better public transit walkable and bike able streets and mobility options “I believe that our village government should foster the aspirations of our young people and make decisions based on the best interests of our community not special interests or politicians,” Merwitzer said in his statement I pledge to fight tirelessly for better transit solutions and a more resilient future for Palmetto Bay Read related: Leanne Tellam beats Ed Silva 2 to 1 for Vice Mayor in Palmetto Bay runoff an attorney and PTA mom who beat Silva 2-1 in a runoff hasn’t filed any paperwork indicating she will run for re-election She did not return calls and a text to her phone Wednesday But las malas lenguas say these two candidates could be backed by developer Oscar Barbara of Luxcom, who wants to build more than 100 homes with canal access, a marina and clubhouse on a 71-acre site at 6525 Southwest 152nd Street purchased from Florida Power & Light in 2018 for $33 million has been zoned for one-acre estate homes and Barbara may need a zoning change for his Yacht Club of Luxcom to be built The company sued the village in 2020 saying the zoning ordinance targeted the property to prevent their development plans And a dark money trail of PACs shows the company supported Flinn and two other candidates which is the number of votes he would need to get a zoning change Ladra expects Luxcom to be a presence during this election cycle   , , , , Palmetto Bay Village Council elections could get interesting this November added by on May 23, 2024View all posts by Ladra →