Blogging Black Miami

Must read from the Miami Herald on City of Miami finances

Posted on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2010

Miami leaders fear a financial meltdown

By CHARLES RABIN AND MICHAEL SALLAH

Facing a widening financial crisis, Miami leaders are already projecting a $45 million budget shortfall this year that could force the city to deplete its reserves and sell key assets to stay afloat.

Rising costs, slumping property tax collections and ever-growing pension obligations are feeding a meltdown that's now forcing administrators to look for drastic new sources of income not needed since the state took over Miami's books 14 years ago.

``We understand the gravity of the situation,'' said Miami Mayor Tomás Regalado.

Read More...

 

Author's nite: Wondering why article fails to mention Marlins Stadium project?

United Way: Program provides thousands in savings on prescription drugs

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

In Miami-Dade County, three in 10 residents under the age of 65 are without health insurance; that's approximately 600,000 people.

This rate is expected to rise as the rate of unemployment continues in the double-digits, causing even more families to lose jobs and as a result, their health insurance.

In order to bring relief to these families, United Way of Miami-Dade has partnered with FamilyWize, a nationwide community service partnership that works with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to make prescription drug discount cards available to uninsured and underinsured people.

United Way is distributing FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Cards, making it possible for individuals and families who use the cards to potentially save up to 40 percent on the cost of their prescription medicines.  To look up discount amounts of specific medications, visit the FamilyWize website.  The cards can be used as often as needed, for any prescription and for anyone in the family, with no income limit, age requirement, eligibility or registration required.

"Forty percent of adults don’t buy the medicines they need, have difficulty affording them or reduce the required dosage because of high costs. The FamilyWize prescription drug discount cards will help those who otherwise could not afford to buy the medicines they need,” Harve A. Mogul, president and CEO, United Way of Miami-Dade, said.

The cards are free-of-charge, in both English and Spanish, and are accepted at more than 500 pharmacies countywide, including COSTCO, Walgreens, Publix, Target, Wal-Mart, Winn Dixie and Navarro Discount Pharmacy, which recently partnered with United Way to both distribute and accept the card at all its 28 Miami-Dade locations.   A card can also be printed directly from our website: FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card.  To find a list of participating pharmacies near you, click here.

No one should have to choose between their bills and their health.  If you or someone you know is without health insurance or has insufficient coverage, inform them about FamilyWize.  Print the card today and start saving. 

For more information, please contact Jeff Hawley at (305) 646-7086 or hawleyj@unitedwaymiami.org

City commission vote in best interest of the people?

 

Check out this Miami New Times article on the City of Miami Commission's vote to use vacant land on 61^st street and NW 14^th avenue for residential units in rejection of the planning board's recommendation of expansion of African Square Park: New Miami City Commission Fails First Green Test.

This vote is a perfect example of why that district needs effective representation and not someone beholden to developers.

In a city where there are already far too many vacant residential units, building more is questionable at best. District 5 residents need to be vigilant and express their opinion about their area or they will awake one day to find it's no longer theirs.

Development should also be a question asked of the latest crop of candidates seeking the District 5 seat on the City Commission.

 

 

Miami Herald: Lemon City cemetery gets historic designation

Posted on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009

 

By NADEGE CHARLES

A quest to secure historic designation for a long-forgotten cemetery uncovered on a warehouse and auto repair shop in the Lemon City area unveiled a historical trail of black Miami and lost familial bonds.

When construction workers digging up a parcel of land on 71st Street near Northwest Third Avenue discovered human remains in April, it was unclear at the time what they found.

Led by Enid Pinkney, chairwoman of the African-American committee of Dade Heritage Trust, along with historians, archaeologists and community members; what started as an elusive search to identify unknown bodies turned into a successful mission to preserve history.

Read More...

Heavenly Angels gospel concert in the heart of Liberty City [VIDEO]

Last Sunday I stopped by Blessed Catering in Liberty City to get a couple of dinners for my parents. Chef Denise had planned a special day of entertainment. Little did I know I would be treated to a gospel concert and church. Help me somebody!

A group called the Heavenly Angels performed. Their front man, Johnny Taylor --- yes, that's really his name --- put on quite a show. They'll be back on the fourth Sunday in January. If you're a fan of old school gospel, you'll love them.

10 Holiday Shopping Tips by Lisa Rogers-Cherry

 

1. Make a list for who and what you're buying and set a budget for each.

 

2. Be sure to take the advertisement to the store with you for the items that you want to purchase.

 

3. Pay close attention to your purse and/or wallet. Pickpockets are extra busy during this season.

 

4. Keep all of your receipts in an envelope and ask for gift receipts when making purchases for others.

 

5. Give gifts that you can make.

 

6. If you have to mail gifts, don't wait to the last minute. Send them early, if possible.

 

7. Avoid the crowds and shop online. Be sure to google online promotion codes and coupons for the stores that you are purchasing from.

 

8. Use cash only to make purchases.  Do not use your credit cards!

 

9. Steer clear of buying extended warranties.  Usually the manufacturers warranty covers the first year anyway.

 

10. If you have a large family, pull names and purchase one gift instead of purchasing for each family member.

 

 

 

Lisa Rogers-Cherry is the author of Lifting the Burdens of Debt:  A Helpful Guide to Getting Your Debts Paid and Your Life Back on Track (2005; $14.95). Lisa writes monthly financial tips for www.bloggingblackmiami.com and can be heard on www.wmbm.com  on the Let's Talk Money Show.  If you have a question or for more information go to www.redpenpress.com, e-mail her at Lisa@redpenpress.com, or write Lisa Rogers-Cherry, Red Pen Press, P. O. Box 1196, Dania Beach, FL 33004.

 

Word on the Street with Bunquisha Keylolo Brown

Happy Birthday to one of the treasures of Coconut Grove, Frankie Shannon Rolle. She’s celebrating 85 wonderful years of love and appreciation by her family and friends. Meanwhile friends and family are praying for the recovery of Rosalyn Jeter Bethel who fell ill on the way to the Florida Classic game in Orlando. Love to both of these ladies.

Speaking of football, the city is abuzz with several high school football games taking place this week. Some teams season will end and others will advance in the State championship bid. By far the most anticipated game is Central vs. Northwestern at FIU South Campus on Friday night. The trash-talking is real thick and the Bulls are favored to win by two points but you never know. The Rockets are confident they will be the spoilers this time so let’s just see how this turns out.

Rumor has it that a new group of community movers and shakers has formed and they are  developing long-range and short-range plans for major, sweeping change in Miami's black community. Some folks are tired of the lack of community progress, inadequate economic development, ineffective educational system and public corruption. Hmmm….Keep your eyes and ears open for more on that!

Words of wisdom for the week: Life is too short, fragile and fleeting to waste time and energy hating someone else. Enjoy each day as if it’s your last because it very well could be.

Don't eat too much, sleep too much or spend too much. Until next time..Happy Thanksgiving!

Bethune-Cookman fires head football coach Alvin Wyatt

As predicted, Bethune-Cookman wasted no time in firing head football coach Alvin Wyatt after the embarrassing 42-6 loss to Florida A&M at the Florida Classic in Orlando on Saturday.

Wyatt, a BCU alum, has coached the Wildcats football team for the last 13 years. His termination is really not just about the string of losses to FAMU but a less than stellar start to this season and three of the last four losing seasons. There have been complaints about depth in recruiting, lack of discipline and academic focus under his leadership but Wyatt produced players that made it to the professional football ranks.  

Coach Wyatt had become an entity in and of himself with his trash-talkin' and the highly anticipated good taste challenged outfits he wore. He kept the rivalry going even if you didn't like what he said; he understood showmanship even if you didn't like the show.

Remember that Kenny Rogers song, The Gambler? "You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away..." It was past time for Wyatt to exit stage left. For sure he can leave with his head up because he is the winningest coach in BCU history and he will be missed.

Meanwhile, Bethune-Cookman alumni and supporters should be prepared to pay more for a quality coach to enhance their football program.

© 2009, Blogging Black Miami, www.bloggingblackmiami.com

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“Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn.” ~ Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Judge Karen Mills Francis back in court

We knew it wouldn't be long before we'd hear her say "Stay in your lane!" Judge Karen is back on television. Yay!

'Karen' Back In Session

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/389059-_Karen_Back_In_Session.php?rssid=20065 'Karen' Back In Session Litton offers new version of syndie court show.

FYI: Temporary change in water treatment at regional water facilities

Received this message from a friend:

Miami-Dade has notified us that their water treatment procedures will change for the next two weeks.  The following is a summary of their notification.

November 9th thru November 22nd, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) will temporarily change its method of chlorination at each of its regional water treatment facilities.  The free chlorine treatment will be used to provide a stronger disinfection and bleaching process than the combined chlorine treatment which is normally used.  During this period a consumer may experience unusual chlorine taste or odor in the tap water.  These temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects.  This annual treatment will ensure adequate disinfection levels in the water.

The free chlorine residual produces trihalomethanes (TTHM’s).  The combined residual chlorine, as normally applied, greatly reduces the formation of TTHM’s.  Consuming water with elevated TTHM levels during this two-week treatment period will not result in any adverse health effects; however, consumers with tropical fish should contact their aquarium supplier or pet shop for specific guidance regarding water changes during this period.

Public Notices announcing the “Free Chlorine Treatment Period” was published in local newspapers.  All hospitals, kidney dialysis centers and pet shops were notified individually by certified mail.