Blogging Black Miami

Rush to beat fees increase causes long lines and system overload

Today is the last day to renew motor vehicles before fees increase on September 1. The rush to renew has DMV offices overflowing with clients and lines out the door at some offices.

I spoke to a friend in line at the Countyline office at about 12:30 PM. She had a 10 o'clock appointment.

Going online doesn't appear to be an option since the DMV online services website is down. Here's the message:

PLEASE NOTE: Our Virtual Office online services are experiencing intermittent outages at this time due to extraordinary demand. We apologize for the temporary inconvenience. If you would like to complete your transaction today, please visit

http://www.flhsmv.gov/officesfor office locations closest to you.

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles values our customers. Providing you excellent customer service is our top priority. Please give us feedback regarding your recent experience with the Department via our new online customer service survey at

http://www.flhsmv.gov/

.

Our Mission: Providing Highway Safety and Security through Excellence in Service, Education and Enforcement

 

So, those of us who wanted to renew online are just out-of-gas because the system is down? 

Health Care Vigil in Miami

Miami can't afford to wait for health care! Join our vigil MoveOn members have organized candlelight vigils for people suffering under our broken health care system. Host: America S. and your local MoveOn Council Where: 28 St NW & 17 Ave. Miami FL. (in Miami) When: Wednesday at 7:30 PM What: We'll open with moving words from Senator Ted Kennedy, who called this fight "the cause of my life." Then we'll read the names and hear the stories of people struggling with the current health care system. Can you make it to this vigil? Click here for more details and to RSVP: I can come. Sorry, I can't make it this time. For more info and to find other vigils in your area, click here. And don't worry, this email was sent through the MoveOn system, so your personal contact info is kept private.

Top local high school football picks

The South Florida High School football season is on. Here is a video on the top picks from the folks at the Miami Herald. Do you agree with their picks?

 

South Florida Caribbean News: Fundraiser For Slain Reggae Singer's Daughter

FT. LAUDERDALE - A fundraiser for slain 15 year old Nekitta Hamilton, daughter of Reggae singer Thriller U of the group LUST will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 12 noon to 6 pm at Top Hop Gardens, located at 4340 North State Rd. 7 (441 South of Commercial Bl.) Ft Lauderdale. Nekitta was killed last week at a home... Read More...

Over 1,600 Twitter followers and growing!

Hi, everyone. I am so excited that my Twitter following is at more than 1,600 and growing. Yes, I'm still trying to overtake Ashton Kutcher as the top Twitterer and I appreciate your help.

I'm now moving my goal to 2,000 and I hope to reach that by the end of the year. Some of my friends still don't undestand Twitter but I've given up on them yet.

Anyhoo, if you're a follower, thanks much and if you're not, you're just a click away. Follow me and let's keep in touch. Smooches...

2010 White House Spring Internship

Pleased to announce that the application for the 2010 Spring Internship is now available. Applications are due September 20, 2009.  The application includes two essays, three letters of recommendation and a resume. Each applicant will be evaluated on three basic qualities: a commitment to public service, demonstration of leadership in the community and dedication to the mission of this Administration. The applicant’s communication, writing and office skills will also be reviewed and considered.  An applicant’s GPA is not figured into the final score, and each application is reviewed on a semi-blind basis. 

Constituents should go to http://whitehouse.gov/about/internships for more information and to apply.

 

EAR 2010 Town Hall Meetings - Update the Comprehensive Development Master Plan

Every seven years Miami-Dade County updates its Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP). The first step to this process is the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR). This report identifies the County's major growth management issues (land use, development, transportation, etc.) and considers new related issues such as sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions.

Here is the schedule of town hall meetings on EAR 2010:

Monday, August 24, 2009: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
MLK Center
2525 NW 62 Street, 2^nd Floor. Miami, FL 33147

Tuesday, August 25, 2009: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
West Kendall Regional Library
10201 Hammocks Blvd, Miami, FL 33196

Wednesday, August 26, 2009: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Miami Lakes Library
6699 Windmill Gate Road, Miami, FL 33014

Thursday, August 27, 2009: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
South Dade Government Center
10710 SW 211 Street, Miami, FL 33189

Monday, August 31^st, 2009: 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.
West Dade Regional Library
9445 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33165

For more information contact:

Miami-Dade County, Planning & Zoning Department
Metropolitan Planning
111 NW 1st Street Suite 1220

Miami, Florida 33128-1974
Phone: (305) 375-2835

New friends

On Friday, I met a great family, or at least part of them --- The Longs. I hope to share more about Skip, Andrea and the rest of their family very soon.

It's amazing how God places people in your path or you in theirs. These folks are doing and have done some awesome things. I love to associate with people who are about the business of helping other people; the positivity (Is that a word?) is inspirational and  motivational. That's all I'm going to write about them until later.

Peace and Blessings, old friends, new friends and friends I have yet to meet.

Money-Saving Alert: Mickey D’s back to school on a budget

On TUESDAY, AUG. 25^TH, participating McDonald's are offering a second Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese for 25¢ with the purchase of one at the regular price. Check restaurant for details.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING SPREE FOR HONEY SHINE'S HONEY BUGS

 

Target Stores and the Honey Shine Mentoring Program Teach Young Girls How to Shop Wisely and Prepare for Going Back to School

 

MIAMI, FL (August 18, 2009) - Eighty "Honey Bugs" from the Honey Shine Mentoring Program, a program of Alonzo Mourning Charities, will learn the ins and outs of shopping for deals this Saturday, August 22^nd, 2009 as they explore the aisles of Target for back-to-school necessities for the 2009-2010 school year. The selected young girls from the Honey Shine Mentoring Program have been chosen based upon their attendance and participation in the program.   They will learn to shop for deals and manage finances with the help of Target team leaders and Honey Shine mentors at the Target store located at 7795 SW 40^th Street (Bird Road) Miami, FL 33155.