Blogging Black Miami

Property tax values nose-dived

It should be no surprise that property tax values have decreased significantly. This will result in necessary budgets and/or increases in revenues (Can you say taxes?) to balance the County's budget next year. Stay tuned.

Posted on Tuesday, Jun. 02, 2009

Miami-Dade property tax funds drop; cuts likely

By MATTHEW HAGGMAN AND CHARLES RABIN

Miami-Dade County property tax values nose-dived 9 percent during the past year, making it the worst year-over-year decline in at least 40 years, according to figures released Monday by the county property appraiser's office.

The steep decline will mean county and city leaders will be forced to raise property taxes, cut government services or a combination of the two to make up for a staggering drop in revenues.

''These losses in property tax roll values are unprecedented,'' County Manager George Burgess wrote in a memo to commissioners Monday, who pegged the estimated overall county budget shortfall between $350 million and $400 million for the coming fiscal year.

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BE A PRO WITH ZO & D. WADE PRESENTED BY PUBLIX CONTEST KICKS OFF

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In-Store Promotion Gives Fans the Chance at Fabulous Prizes and Memorabilia

 

WHO:              NBA Champs Alonzo Mourning (Founder of Alonzo Mourning Charities) and Dwyane Wade (Founder of Wade’s World Foundation), hosts of the 2009 RRA & Seminole Hard Rock Present The Summer Groove Hosted by Zo and D. Wade (ZSG); Publix Super Markets; and Publix Super Markets Charities.

 

WHAT:             To get South Floridians ready for The Summer Groove July, Mourning and Wade have teamed up with Publix Super Markets, Pepsi Bottling Company, Heineken USA, Colgate-Palmolive, Thomas’, Nature’s Own, and Pepperidge Farm Flavor Blasted Goldfish to offer consumers the opportunity to win and be a part of the ZSG weekend of fun. Kicking-off now through July 3^rd, 2009, this “Enter to Win” sweepstakes requires no purchase.  Check out the Be a Pro With Zo & D. Wade Publix promotion and participating partner products in-stores and log on to www.ZSG.com by July 3^rd to enter to win fabulous prizes and memorabilia including:

 

1^st PRIZE – ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE:

·         $500 Publix Gift Certificate

·         ZSG VIP Package for two including accommodations, tickets to the ZSG Comedy Show, Benefit Dinner, All-Star Basketball Game, VIP Functions, commemorative shirts, and an autographed basketball by Zo and D. Wade

·         Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino “Party Like a Rock Star” Basket including a Fender guitar autographed by Billy Joel, deluxe accommodations, $100 voucher to dine at Council Oak Steak House, and $100 in casino “free play”

·         Autographed basketball by Zo and D. Wade

2^nd PRIZE – TEN LUCKY WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE:

·         An autographed basketball by Zo and D. Wade, a pair of tickets to the ZSG All-Star Basketball Game, and two commemorative shirts

3^rd PRIZE – 100 LUCKY WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE:

·         Two tickets to the ZSG All-Star Basketball Game

*prize details listed on www.ZSG.com

 

Fans will also have the chance to meet and greet Mourning and Wade at Publix Super Market at The Harbour Shops in Ft. Lauderdale on June 13^th from 11:00 am-1:00 pm for an autograph session - the first 333 Publix guests get in!

 

WHEN:            Sweepstakes open now through July 3^rd, 2009.

                       

WHERE:            Check for details at Publix Super Markets (Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach) and online at www.ZSG.com.

Shaquille O'Neal & DL Hughley All-Star Comedy Jam June 26 at The Fillmore

Summer Feeding Programs Available For Communities

As the school year comes to a close, students and families who regularly benefit from school breakfast and lunch programs will no longer have this resource. The Summer Food Service Program, available through the United States Department of Agriculture, helps provide meals for school-aged children. Various summer programs, including parks and recreation, camps, and bible schools are just some examples of potentially eligible sponsors who may be able to offer these vital meals to our students.

The Florida Department of Education Food and Nutrition Management Staff are available to assist communities with the Summer Feeding Programs. Simply call 1-800-504-6609 to learn more about this wonderful opportunity to help the children in your communities this summer.

 

Source: FL Department of Education

 

Two Miami-Dade County students honored as presidential scholars

Congratulations to Priscilla Aleman of Design & Architecture HIgh school and Ernest F. Baker of Miami Carol City High who were honored as Presidential Scholars in the Arts.

The Presidential Scholars program was created in 1964 to honor academic achievement and was expanded in 1979 to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional talent in the visual, literary and performing arts. For the past 45 years, this prestigious program has honored more than 6,000 of the nation's top-performing students.

 

Source: FL Department of Education

 

Andre Pierre is North Miami Mayor

Congratulations to Andre Pierre, North Miami's next mayor. Also victorious were Michael Blynn and Jean Rodrigue Marcellus who won council seats.

Frank Wolland who lost to Pierre in the mayor's race, congratulated his opponent in the hard fought race. Potential drama may be defeated candidate Michelle Garcia's challenge to the eligibility of Marcellus. Garcia alleges Marcellus has not lived in North Miami for a year.

Do you know this man? Thief at CVS in Miramar

Surveillance camera catches thief at CVS Pharmacy in Miramar. It's a shame.

http://cbs4.com/local/burglar.thief.miramar.2.1029049.html

North Miami run-off election

The result of the City of North Miami mayoral race and two council seats may be decided today. Actually, it's already after the polls closed so we expect to hear something regarding results.

Unfortunately but not unexpectedly the election had its share of drama from vandalism, racism and accusations of illegal campaigning. Who knew there was such excitement in North Miami politics?

I surfed across this interesting website and video. Based on the coverage by the reporter, if Andre Pierre is victorious, there could be litigation before he is sworn in. Stay tuned.

Oh yeah, if you were eleigible to vote and didn't; don't complain.

$2.94 for a gallon of gasoline?

Almost $3 for a gallon of gasoline? How did we get back to this amount? :( Not cool.

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