New Village Exels Beyond Expectation
Village celebrates in style during Anniversary Gala, Sept. 14, 2012
After successfully litigating the right to incorporate, on Feb. 5, 2002, Miami-Dade County conducted a special election to consider whether the “Palmetto Bay Area” wished to incorporate. The registered voters overwhelmingly voted yes – 5,192 to 1,179. Later that same month, the Miami-Dade County Commission appointed five dedicated residents to serve as the Palmetto Bay Charter Commission in order to draft the constitution for this young city. Special thanks to the following individuals for their determination and leadership: Mary T. Cagle, Edward P. Ludovici, Thomas Ringel, Paul J. Schwiep, and Stephen Yenzer.
In September of 2002, an election was held and the votes were counted and over 80 percent of the electorate approved the drafted Charter. Not only was our Village born, but also given a name – the Village of Palmetto Bay was chosen (4,545 votes) over another name that was proposed, Village of Old Cutler (2,542). The first election of Council was scheduled for Oct. 1.
And, what an election it was… Paul Neidhart (District 1) became the very first council person by virtue of not drawing any opposition. Eugene Flinn, Jr., was victorious in the election and became the first Mayor (66.7% of the votes) and Ed Feller, MD, was overwhelmingly elected to Council Seat 1 (74.41%). The two remaining seats on the Council went to run-off election. Linda Robinson winning the Vice Mayor position (58.6%) and John Breder narrowly entering Council Seat 3 (50.2%).
So, following the special run-off election of Nov. 5, Palmetto Bay recognized its first governing body and the Village hit the ground running.
Please view the names of all those involved with the incorporation effort, and whom were honored at the Village's 10th Anniversary Party, Sept. 14, 2012.
In our 10 years, the Village of Palmetto Bay has excelled beyond expectation, receiving numerous awards and honors throughout the years, such as, Tree City USA, Playful City USA, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Additionally, we enjoy beautiful parks, well-maintained roads and sidewalks, and have low crime rate due to the dedication of the Miami-Dade County Policing Unit, assigned to Palmetto Bay.
