HOMESTEAD IS HOME

Mayor Bateman Leads By Example, Again

2012-02-15T10:52:00.009-05:00

Mayor Steve Bateman’s Actions Speak Louder Than His Words

According to Bateman, "A beautiful city is a proud city." The City started major landscaping and aesthetic improvements in highly-traveled areas of the City, mainly on Campbell Drive.

As a lifelong resident he's also been focused on beautifying the city, expanding parks and improving landscaping to give residents pride.

So is the Mayor setting the example with this property owned by him and his wife? Property is for sale with a sign carrying the Mayor’s cellphone number is far from beautiful. How about losing $76,000 in value in one year? 44% is well above the Homestead average for the same period.

Beautiful window treatments, beautiful lush landscaping, beautiful wires, a beautiful fence and of course beautiful trash. Thanks for the Mayor’s definition of leadership and his interpretation of beautiful and what pride means to him.

Mayor Bateman has a clear view of Homestead's future. He states, "I envision Homestead as a thriving, active and diverse City with lower taxes and a quality of life second to none."

The photos tell a very different story of the thriving, active quality of life at 56 NW Ninth Street Mayor. We could all have lower taxes if our home values dropped the way the Mayor’s property did from 2010 to 2011, must be the pride factor.

Steven Bateman
3150 Fairways Drive, 33035
(305) 219-6419

Summary Details:
Folio No.:	10-7812-003-0620
Property:	56 NW 9 ST
Mailing Address:	STEVEN C BATEMAN &W DONNA J 56 NW 9 ST HOMESTEAD FL 33030-4420

Taxable Value Information:
Year:	2011	2010
Taxing Authority:	Applied Exemption/ Taxable Value:	Applied Exemption/ Taxable Value:
Regional:	$0/$97,909	$0/$173,793
County:	$0/$97,909	$0/$173,793
City:	$0/$97,909	$0/$173,793
School Board:	$0/$97,909	$0/$173,793

Saturday @ Green Grass and High Tides Park

2012-02-15T10:33:00.008-05:00

Saturday at the park after two or three inches of rain the previous three days. Looks like there may be a new strategy underway to lessen the impact of stormwater at the park. Even porous sand at the volleyball court had issues.

Don't cut the grass for weeks!!!

High grass makes the flooding look minimal.

Decisions like this makes the Parks Director's future look bright. Look for a sawgrass bid soon, the St. Augustine experiment is DOA come rainy season.

HARB Exercise 2/23-2/26, Sirens, Loudspeakers, Explosions and Gunshots Will Be Heard

2012-02-15T01:09:00.001-05:00

Homestead Air Reserve Base (HARB) will be undergoing military exercises from February 23-26.

The local area may hear sirens and loudspeaker system during this time; however, each message will verbally announce “EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE” before each message to assure all those whom may hear understand that this is a drill. In addition, the local community may hear faint sounds of gun shots and explosions in the distant and may call 911 centers; however, they’re all simulations.

Exercise Schedule:

February 23-24 will be setup days for the exercise. HARB will only test sirens and loudspeaker system during these two days.

On February 25-26 HARB will conduct military exercises (24 hour operations). During these two days sounds of gun shots and explosives may be heard periodically any time of the day.

Outlook for future HARB exercises will be as follows: April 21^st,April 22^nd,May 3rd through 7^th.

Please note these sirens and loudspeakers are NOT related to the Turkey Point warning sirens that are tested the first Friday of March, June, September, and December.

Mayor Bateman Trying Hard To Please Dade Medical College by Making Campbell Drive an Absolute Nightmare

2012-02-14T00:16:00.009-05:00

8th Street Just Got A Reprieve, It Will Not Be A Cable TV Reality Show

It's not a secret that Dade Medical College is a huge backer of Mayor Bateman, when you back someone in Homestead it usually means you want something and that means they will be served by the local elected officials. Redland Company, Homestead Concrete and Drainage, Prime Home Builders/Portofino and Wayne Rosen come to mind in the two most recent election cycles.

It is also not a secret that DMC wants trucks off Krome as do the few surviving downtown businesses, DMC also wants a parking lot and the "new" city hall site on Washington Avenue has been discussed. However, when the city used eminent domain to purchase the lots that make up the site, certain rules have to be followed. Plus DERM does not allow empty lots to be used as permanent daily parking unless they are paved and runoff has a place to go safely.

Back to the bypass plan.
It seems that an absolutely horrendous and dangerous idea had been presented to the Florida DOT to rid Krome Avenue of truck traffic at, wait for it.... wait..wait, if you said the corner of Krome Avenue and Campbell, an 18 foot wide roadway you would be correct. Most two lane roads are 22 feet wide, not Campbell and the hare-brained scheme to put pedestrians, students, four wheel vehicles, cyclists and shoppers directly in harm's way appears to have failed at the beginning stages. These are the desperate attempts that occur when money is involved. Thankfully whoever stopped this short-sighted treachery to endanger the public by the Mayor in currying favor from a donor needs to take a bow.

Don't thank Representative Frank Artiles, he tried at the state level to get this horrible idea underway. Rumor is the county MPO stepped in to stop the madness. Did anybody bother to ask the Homestead Police Department what they thought or are they walking on eggshells like everyone else around the Mayor and Council?

Judge Andrew Napolitano Asks Some What Ifs and Gets Canceled by Fox Business Network

2012-02-13T23:56:00.008-05:00

The Libertarians will have to settle on John Stossel only in the future. Napolitano does raise some serious what ifs though, what if_____? Fill in the blank, but only after you watch the video, he does provoke thought.

In making the announcement Kevin Magee said, "Neil Cavuto, Lou Dobbs and Gerri Willis are the most trusted names in business news and this new lineup affords FOX Business viewers additional access to their no-nonsense take on the day's financial events. We look forward to Judge Napolitano, David and Eric continuing to make significant contributions to both FOX Business and FOX News. In addition to daily branded segments, each of them will be showcased throughout future programming on both networks."

Currently one of the leading judicial analysts on television, Judge Napolitano will continue his role on both FOX Business and FOX News, providing key legal insights surrounding the growing intersection between Washington and Wall Street. [...] Stossel, hosted by John Stossel, will continue Thursdays at 10PM/ET.

Future Automobiles; A Pictorial of Tiny Vehicles

2012-02-12T15:38:00.007-05:00

GM EN-V

Hiriko Folding Car

Toyota

Daimler

Copy and paste the link: http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2012/autos/1201/gallery.future-city-cars/2.html?hpt=hp_c3

Please Go See The Historic Town Hall Museum.....

2012-02-12T15:25:00.006-05:00

.....maybe then the political forces at the City of Homestead will stop renovating this building every decade and begin to use CRA funding wisely. Millions of dollars have been set aside and used over the years for "renovations."

In 2009 it was reported the "MUSEUM" had 340 visitors, yet the council poured hundreds of thousands into this money pit. Why? What are the goals of this effort?

If you go maybe they will stop the insanity.

Grand Opening of Historic Town Hall Museum, Feb. 11

After more than two years of extensive repairs and structural renovation, the City of Homestead is pleased to announce that the Homestead Historic Town Hall Museum and the offices of Homestead Main Street have re-opened. The public is invited to the formal ribbon cutting on Saturday, February 11 at 6:00 p.m. at 41 North Krome Avenue, Homestead, Florida 33030, Homestead Mayor and Council members will be presiding.

This historic structure was constructed in 1917 and is on both the local and the national registry of historic buildings. It served as the City of Homestead Council Chambers, Police Department and Fire House until the move to 790 N. Homestead Blvd in 1975, the present site of City Hall. Today, the downstairs serves as the home of the Historic Town Hall Museum and the upstairs contains the offices of the Homestead Main Street organization.

Under the direction of Mrs. Ruth Campbell, the museum houses one of the last surviving 1924 American LaFrance pump fire trucks, as well as an extensive collection of photos and memorabilia from early days in South Florida. The public may view the museum collection Tuesday through Saturday from noon until 5:00 p.m., and may call ahead for exhibition information at 305 242 4463. Visitors to the offices of Homestead Main Street may enter at 43 N. Krome Avenue and are requested to call 305 323 6564 for information on downtown programs and activities.

The public is invited to stay after the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Homestead Main Street food truck event, “Homestead Al Gusto”, one of many activities presented by this nonprofit organization whose volunteers are dedicated to economic revitalization and historic preservation of the downtown business district.

Hovercraft Tours in Key Largo

2012-02-08T12:34:00.007-05:00

Tours in the Florida Bay, starting at Key Largo

A completely different perspective of a familiar landscape…A tour full of opportunity to see and experience much of what others can only talk about – along with the promise of an exciting yet relaxing day on the water with friends and family in tow.

Utilizing several shallow-water routes along Key Largo, you’ll be able to see the Bay from a perspective not many have before, getting up close with forested mangroves, exotic birds, the occasional dolphin, and other mysterious marine life species including manatees and alligators.

Because really, a hover tour is not just another boat ride…

From 15 minute excursions to appease curiosities, to 2-hour tours involving beach picnics, water volleyball, snorkeling, pinball, and even badminton, we offer a variety of unique and exhilarating experiences to get your heart pumping just as quickly as we can bring you down to a state of bliss and contentment. We also offer special charters for groups and parties – all hosted in the shallows of the beautiful Florida Keys (please contact us for rates and availability).

http://hover-tour.com/

Harris Field Hosting 2012 South Dade Rock Festival

2012-02-08T12:30:00.003-05:00

The 2012 South Dade Food & Rock Festival will take place on Saturday February 11, 2012 at the Homestead Harris Field Pavilion. The second annual show will feature some of the finest bands and food in the area. Mr. Nice Guy, 3 Feet Closer and Head First headline this powerful must see food and rock extravaganza. Amazing delicious stone crabs, BBQ, pastas and a whole array of fine foods serve to whet the appetite next to the wet cash bar.

Help support our friends, the PATCHES PPEC organization! Purchase your $15 advance tickets at the Music Depot locations in South Miami and Homestead as well as the South Dade News Leader office in Homestead and $5 per ticket will be donated to Patches. Tickets are also $15 at the gate.

Reserve your table (8 tickets) for $200 - call Richard 305.951.3156. Sponsorships are also available.

First Lady Michelle Obama @ Homestead YMCA Friday @ 1:30

2012-02-08T12:21:00.004-05:00

As part of a promotional event for Let's Move, First Lady Michelle Obama will attend an invitation only event at the Homestead Family YMCA this Friday at 1:30 p.m.

http://www.letsmove.gov/about

Political News: Items of interest about elections

2012-02-06T08:57:00.000-05:00

DEMOCRATIC PARTY:

ARE YOU IN? Relection of President Obama--join Deep South 4 Obama team and other supporters for "healthy eating" pot luck dinner and volunteer phone bank session.

Thursday, Feb. 9, from 6-8 p.m. at the Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, 1055 NW 6th Ave., Florida City. Pot luck begins at 6 p.m., phone bank at 7 p.m. There is ample parking in a fenced lot to the north of the church's driveway.

Last Name Initial: Item to bring:
A-F Main dish
G-K Salad
L-P Vegetables or bread
Q-Z Dessert

Please bring food that is ready to eat: do not plan to cook anything in the church's kitchen. Utensils, plates, cup and beverages will be provided.

Obama 2012 bumper stickers and pins will be for sale for $5 each, the same price as the Obama Store Catalog. All proceeds from sale will go toward buying more "stuff" to support Obama's re-election.

Questions and RSVP: Call Jeremy at 786-879-0175

La Ley Helps Waldman Campaign, Judy Helps La Ley

2012-02-05T09:45:00.002-05:00

Should City Contractors Host Political Events?

Should Politicians Sponsor Those Same Contractor's Requests?

What Happens Now?

Previously we reported that La LEY hosted a campaign event for councilwoman Waldman, two weeks later the councilwoman made a motion and voted approval for a special provision La LEY requested, the item was presented as a late add-on to a the Council's Agenda on September 21, 2011. This was the car sales event held in October at the City of Homestead owned Sports Complex.

It all just seems a bit too familiar and cozy. What do you think?

Watchcat Reports Shocking, Perverted and Racist Emails

2012-02-04T21:28:00.005-05:00

The HIH Watchcat reports that there are very shocking emails out there involving a City of Homestead employee, a councilmember and an advisory board member.

The Watchcat has access to these emails that are so disgusting we could not possibly print them. We have seen them and they are repulsive. More to come on this in the future.

La LEY Hosted A Judy Waldman Campaign Event @ The City Owned Sports Complex?

2012-02-04T13:31:00.003-05:00

There are no disbursements to La LEY or the City of Homestead for rental and interestingly enough there are no contributions on any reports for that date. Maybe the event never happened but on September 5, two days prior to the event Judy Abshire Waldman liked the La LEY Facebook ad @ 3:01. Could the contributions not have been recorded?

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=215516748504498&id=214237181920645

Florida Law
No person shall make and no person shall solicit or knowingly accept any political contribution in a building owned by a governmental entity. For purposes of this subsection, “accept” means to receive a contribution by personal hand delivery from a contributor or the contributor’s agent. This subsection shall not apply when a government-owned building or any portion thereof is rented for the specific purpose of holding a campaign fund raiser.

Any person violating the provisions of this section commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

See link: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=142804009145651&set=o.104735879582156&type=3&theater

How I Spent (Not Donate) Every Last Penny of My Judy Waldman For Vice-Mayor Campaign Account

2012-02-02T23:32:00.003-05:00

Judy Waldman Campaign Spent $8,725 on Food, Supplies, “Reimbursements” and “Close Outs” In December and January, Hmm…..

12/5/11 Clubhouse Supplies Reimbursement @ BJ’s $36.34
12/12/11 Clubhouse Supply Reimbursement @ BJ’s $194.60
12/12/11 Reimbursement Merv Waldman $1,131.93
12/30/11 Thank You Party @ Capri $3,633.64
12/30/11 Reimbursement Merv Waldman $1,280.89
1/18/12 Meeting 10/7/11 @ Substantial Subs $167.96
1/19/12 Close Out @ BJ’s $279.85
1/21/12 Close Out @ BJ’s $111.83

Items Below Added after 1/21/12
Late Add Ons Mailing from 10/28/11 $1,774.97
Late Add Ons Shirts from 10/28/11 $112.61

http://www.cityofhomestead.com/media/pdf/elections2011/election_campaign_treasurer_reports/TR/Councilwoman%20Judy%20Waldman%20Campaign%20Treasurer%20Report%20TR.pdf

How I Spent (Not Donate) Every Last Penny of My Steve Bateman 4 Mayor Campaign Account

2012-02-02T22:15:00.002-05:00

$5,009 Spent By Mayor Bateman on Food, “SAILFISH LANDING EVENTS” ; )wink-wink ; ) Supplies and Gas Since Election Day, Charged to Campaign, Election Day Was 11/1/11, UH-OH!!!

11/7/11 Campaign Event @ Wal-Mart $243.96
11/7/11 Sign Repair @ Home Depot $360.52
11/7/11 Campaign Event @ Sailfish Landing $463.93
11/7/11 Campaign Event @ Sailfish Landing $134.81
11/7/11 Meet and Greet @ Waterstone $150.00
11/10/11 Campaign Event @ Latin American Restaurant $12.29
11/14/11 Campaign Event @ Longhorn $99.04
11/14/11 Campaign Event @ Red Lobster $75.75
11/14/11 Campaign Supplies @ ATJ Corp. $190.50
11/15/11 Campaign Event @ Sonny’s Bar-B-Q $38.62
11/15/11 Campaign Event @ Sailfish Landing $1,017.45
11/15/11 Campaign Event @ Cracker Barrel $17.41
11/23/11 Gas @ Chevron $85.00
11/23/11 Gas @ Chevron $62.46
11/28/11 Campaign Event @ Portofino $19.24
11/28/11 Campaign Event @ Portofino $212.90
12/23/11 Campaign Event @ BJ’s $401.68
12/27/11 Campaign Event @ BJ’s $85.17
12/27/11 Campaign Event @ BJ’s $149.81
12/27/11 Campaign Event @ BJ’s $27.72
12/27/11 Campaign Materials @ Home Depot $149.66
12/27/11 Campaign Event @ Publix $101.63
12/27/11 Campaign Event @ Longhorn $99.29
12/28/11 Campaign Event @ Outback $130.06
1/5/12 Campaign Event @ Zoe Diaz $90.00
1/20/12 Campaign Event @ Capri $590.30

http://www.cityofhomestead.com/media/pdf/elections2011/election_campaign_treasurer_reports/TR/Mayor%20Steven%20C.%20Bateman%20Campaign%20Treasurer%20Report%20TR.pdf

Pssst...Hey Mayor Even Your Council Doesn't Think Homestead Is Good Enough

2012-02-02T20:01:00.003-05:00

Remember this quote from Steve Bateman directed at the City Manager; Quote: "People come up to me all the time and say Mayor when is George going to hire Homestead people, aren't we good enough."

Well it appears as if Councilman Stephen R. Shelley thinks Homestead's skyline is not worthy of inclusion on his advertisement so he uses a photo of Miami to promote his Homestead Law office.

http://stephenrshelleypllc.com/aboutus.html

Incidentally he does use his City of Homestead Council portrait as well, seems a bit unethical having taxpayers provide photos for a private business. Oh well, no worries, it's just how things are done in Homestead.

John "La Ley" Ruiz Loses His Boat And Owes Money To Contractors

2012-02-02T12:16:00.006-05:00

Banana Republican reports that John Ruiz of La LEY Sports is having financial issues.

Cigarette boat repossessed.

A politically connected Miami Lawyer who's gained fame dispensing advice to Hispanic folks who are losing their homes is in his own financial pickle. John H. Ruiz, who hosts La Ley TV, a popular financial advice program on Spanish-language GenTV, recently had his luxury cigarette boat repossessed. And he also owes more than $40,000 to two firms that did some of the renovations at the baseball complex in Homestead, which Ruiz took control of this past July in a deal with city officials.

But Ruiz insists his business ventures are financially stable and that he is paying back his debts. "There are no financial issues whatsoever," he says. "My companies are very strong."

Jumping off the success of his law firm and his television program, which he produces, Ruiz expanded into video production, thanks in part to his connections with prominent Miami politicians. Last February, Miami-Dade School Board Member Raquel Regalado championed a one-year pilot program to use Ruiz's company La Ley Sports to film and broadcast student athletic events. According to state incorporation records, Ruiz is business partners with Angel Zayon, Miami's communications director and a close friend of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado, in a company called La Ley Broadcasting School, which has produced segments featuring the mayor and his daughter.

In addition, Ruiz developed a relationship with Homestead Mayor Steve Bateman, who helped the attorney secure control over the baseball stadium, which has sat dormant for two decades ever since the Cleveland Indians reneged on making the facility the team's spring training home in 1992. The Homestead City Council agreed to turn over the 90-acre complex to La Ley Sports. In exchange, La Ley agreed to spend at least $1.7 million in renovations and $250,000 in naming rights. Ruiz is also required to pay for maintaining the facility and by the third year of the deal has to make annual rent payments of $275,000. At the end of the seven-year lease, Ruiz can buy the complex for $16 million.

Not a bad deal for a guy with no development or sports management experience.

Last week, federal marshals seized his vessel on behalf of Banco Popular. In a complaint against Ruiz filed in Miami federal court, the bank alleges Ruiz failed to make monthly payments in September and November of last year, and only made partial payments in August, October, and December. Banco Popular claims Ruiz owes $216,120. He says the repossession was a misunderstanding. "Back in September I spoke with a bank officer about only making interest payments for the next six months because we were putting money into these other ventures," Ruiz says. "It wasn't communicated internally. I think they jumped the gun."

http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2012/02/john_la_ley_ruiz_loses_his_boa.php

Mayor Bateman's Office Refuses To Pay "LOCAL" Small Business Owner For "Hollywood" Style State of the City Video Production

2012-01-28T21:09:00.011-05:00

Business owner claims city refuses to pay him

Homestead spokesman says businessman didn’t have contract

Author: Jeff Weinsier, Local 10 Reporter, jweinsier@Local10.com

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -

A small business owner in southern Miami-Dade County claims the city of Homestead is ripping him off, refusing to pay for his services.

Jorge Delgado said he did such a good job shooting and producing the mayor's State of the City Address in 2010, he was asked to do it again in October and make it even better. Now, Delgado said, he's owed thousands.

Delgado said that at Mayor Steven Bateman's request, he produced a 45-minute video to go along with the mayor's address at the Homestead Motor Speedway.

"Behind closed doors, the mayor decided, ‘I want to do video for my speech. I want to see images and fighter jets taking off," said Delgado.

Delgado said he was given a list of locations to shoot and spent a month on the project. His bill to the city was $14,000 dollars. The city has paid $6,000 and said it will pay no more.

"If they don't pay me right now, I'm out $8,200," said Deglado.

Delgado said he's had several conversations with the mayor's assistant, Lourdes Lanio, about his services.

"She said, ‘We went over budget. Can you cut this in half so we can pay you $6,000 now and send me the other invoice so we can get the money from somewhere else?’" said Delgado.

A city representative said the city is aware of the issue and is looking at documentation, but Local 10 has leaned there is no contract for the service.

"No, he didn't get a contract. He did quote the city for his project for his services, and then the project evolved into something bigger," said Homestead spokesman Begone Cazalis.

But Delgado said things only evolved and got bigger because Bateman requested all the video he had to go shoot.

"They could have stopped production at any time. They had full control of this and never did. They just let me go and go, thinking I was covered for my expenses," said Delgado.

Delgado said he will file suit against the city.

Local 10 left several messages for Bateman, and he has not returned the calls. Calls to Lanio were also not returned.

DELGADO, JORGE vs CITY HOMESTEAD

Case Number (LOCAL):

2012-564-SP-26

Dockets Retrieved:

Filing Date:

01/26/2012

Case Number (STATE):

13-2012-SC-000564-0000-26

Judicial Section:

Date	Book/Page	Docket Entry	Comments
01/26/2012		SP PRETRIAL NEW DATE	03/05/2012 09:30 AM
01/26/2012		STATEMENT OF CLAIM	$ 5000.00

Are Criminal Charges Possible For Releasing Text Messages and Publishing Former City Manager's Social Security Number?

2012-01-27T15:36:00.008-05:00

While Employers May Monitor Employee Communications and Records, Publishing Personal Communications and Personal Identity Information Is Strictly Prohibited Which Brings Us to the Homestead City Council, Will There Be Criminal Charges and Civil Penalties?

Electronic Communications

Introduction
"You have mail!" As electronic mail and voice mail become the standard means of personal and business communication, the danger that such communication will not remain confidential has increased. Unlike telephone conversations and letters, which are temporary transmissions or within the control of the sender and the receiver, e-mail and voice mail are stored transmissions, which can be recalled at a later time and monitored by those who control the storage system. Where a business provides its own e-mail or voice mail facilities, employees' electronic communications may be subject to inspection and monitoring by employers, raising concerns over employees' right to privacy. On the other hand, employers have a legitimate interest in assuring that facilities they have furnished for business purposes are used for those purposes, or at least not for improper purposes. Federal legislation has attempted to define what monitoring of electronic communications is and is not allowed by employers.

Federal Legislation
In 1968, Congress enacted Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act restricting the monitoring of wire and verbal communications by both governmental and private persons.1 The federal wiretapping act prohibits the interception of wire or verbal communications except in limited circumstances, such as where a court order allows the interception or where some party to the communication consents to the interception. The federal law allows an employer to record or monitor the telephone conversations of its employees if it is done on equipment provided by the employer and for a legitimate business reason. However, employers must limit monitoring and taping to business-related telephone conversations of employees and may violate the wiretapping act if personal calls are intercepted, especially where employees have been allowed to use business telephones to make and receive personal calls.
Nevertheless, the federal wiretapping law was enacted before the advent of email and voice mail and is not, by its terms, wholly applicable to electronic communications. Congress addressed this legal gap by passing the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 (ECPA)2, which extended the restriction on interception to electronic communications. The ECPA extended the privacy protections of Title III of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to both the transmission and storage of digitized textual information exemplified by electronic mail. The ECPA amended the definition of the term intercept to make it clear that it is illegal to intercept the non-voice portion of a wire communication such as the data or digitized portion of a voice communication. The non-voice portion includes electronic communication, which is defined as any transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sound, data, or intelligence of any nature transmitted in whole or in part by a wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectric or photo-optical system. The ECPA also established access and use restrictions of stored wire and electronic communications. E-mail and voice mail are both stored communications covered by the ECPA because the intended recipient transmits these communications to electronic memory for access at a later time.
Although the ECPA imposes some restrictions on access to electronic communications, it imposes few practical restrictions on employers desiring to monitor employee e-mail or voice mail where the employer provides the system that stores and receives the transmissions. The ECPA only prohibits access to an electronic communication facility if it is done "without authorization" or in a manner that exceeds the authorization given. While there is no specific prohibition in the ECPA for an employer to monitor the e-mail of employees, the ECPA does not specifically exempt employers. But, the prevailing view among lawyers is that an employer that provides internal e-mail and voice mail facilities for employee use can establish the policies for access to those systems and grant supervisors the authorization to inspect and monitor e-mail or voice mail, provided the employee forewarns employees that they should expect no privacy concerning those communications.
The ECPA provides two different standards governing when employers may monitor employees electronic communications. The ECPA permits the interception of email messages by an employers delegate if the interception is made in the normal course of that persons employment while engaged in any activity, which is a necessary incident to the rendition of his service or to the protection of the rights or property of the provider of that service. A supervisor who intercepts e-mails as part of the employers monitoring employee communications would not necessarily fall within this exception. Therefore, the supervisor could be held to civil and criminal liability for violation of Title III and the ECPA.3 But, courts have interpreted the "interception" of electronic communications narrowly as extending only to acquisition of the content of such communications during transmission. In order to engage in an improper interception, an employer/supervisor would have to acquire the content of the email during the split second it is being transmitted, or listen into the voice mail message as it is being left for the intended recipient. While this conduct is possible, it is unlikely because employers desiring to monitor e-mail or voice mail on systems they provide need only access the memory where it is stored, rather than the actual transmission itself.
On the other hand, the ECPA appears to impose no restriction on the employers retrieval of employees electronic communications when the employer, instead of intercepting the communication while it is en route to its destination, simply retrieves the message from computer storage, at least when the communications system is strictly internal and accessible only to employees.4 Employers should not have access to their employees' e-mail or voice mail that is not contained on an employer-provided system. The ECPA prohibits entities that provide electronic communication service to the public from divulging the content of any stored electronic communication except as authorized by the customer. Even if employees access their e-mail and voice mail through computer or telephone systems at work, employers should not seek access to those communications where they are stored in a system that the employer does not provide.
Of course, it is not unlawful for the employer to monitor the employees e-mail or voice mail when the employer has the employees consent. There are two methods for obtaining the employees consent. Express consent can be obtained by having the employ consent in writing to such monitoring. Consent can also be implied by notice to the employee that the employer is monitoring e-mail and voice mail. This notice should appear in the employers policy manual. Notices to this effect should also be placed on the system start-up screens as well.

Conclusion
As with the technology itself, the law governing electric communications technology and the privacy issues it implicates is emerging and developing. Although federal law imposes few restrictions on employer monitoring of employer provided e-mail and voice mail, recent statutes and laws may address employer policies of monitoring employee communications. Before embarking on a program that involves monitoring employees' electronic communications, employers would be wise to consider both the legal ramifications and the effect such a policy would have on labor relations. Employees also should be aware of their rights and responsibilities with respect to electronic communications in the workplace. The law is too complex for an employer to embark on a monitoring program without the advice of counsel concerning the circumstances under which the employer proposes to proceed.

It should be noted that one of the contributors to the hih blog was tipped off to the existence of the published SS# of a former City Manager and immediately contacted authorities in late March of 2010.

The information was published on a blogsite called HomesteadIsMyHome.org, this site was set up on February 20, 2009 on the Word Press Network. The site is currently parked at bluehost.com and was linked to Palmetto Bay and the District 8 Commission Election of 2010, won by former Homestead Mayor Lynda Bell, it is also linked to a City of Homestead Councilperson, despite being taken down as an active website. The site subscription runs out on February 20, 2012.

The cached links will not be posted to protect against identity theft. Those links are still viable. The form with the former City Manager's Social Security number was posted sometime after March 23, 2010. It should be noted that the form was first sent to the City of Homestead Human Resources Department.

The first item posted on the website was this:

Incumbent Judy Waldman Files for Council Seat

On February 24th, Incumbent Councilwoman Judy Waldman filed documents with the Homestead City Clerk initiating her re-election campaign.

The United States Code covers the majority of violations but is cumbersome, this file from the State of Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi describes the violations covered under U.S. Code 1028 relating to identity theft. http://www.myfloridalegal.com/usc1028.pdf

SSA Links: http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0115.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0110.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0105.htm

http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/401/401-0030.htm

Homestead's Facebook Friend's Can Support Local VFW Post 4127 In Bid To Win Aprons In Action Facebook Contest

2012-01-25T13:55:00.005-05:00

VFW Post 4127 (Homestead, FL)

VFW Post 4127; The purpose of the VFW is fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable, and educational; to preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans.

Past Project : 60 Team Depot volunteers from six Home Depot stores in the Homestead, FL area came together to provide necessary updates to the exterior of the VFW Post 4127’s facility. Volunteers landscaped around the entire building, repaved the parking lot, built a wheelchair ramp, and installed a drop ceiling in the office and new flooring throughout the building.

Proposed Project : Team Depot and the VFW Post 4127 are ready to put the $25,000 in Home Depot gift cards to use by installing new, energy-efficient windows, updating the game room and banquet hall and installing additional flooring. The modifications will provide a comfortable setting for the group meetings and events.

To Vote You Must Be A Registered On Facebook, You Can Vote Every 24 Hours, Hit On Link & Vote

http://www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation?sk=app_136044879800951

By Sue Arrowsmith, Special to The Miami Herald

On Feb. 1, the Home Depot Foundation will award $25,000 to a non-profit organization through its monthly Aprons in Action Facebook Contest, which began in last spring. The winners then get to compete for a grand prize of $250,000 this March.

The Arrant-Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4127 in Homestead is among four organizations competing this month. If the post wins, officials said they plan to renovate their lodge, located at 601 NE Second Rd.

“Being selected for the Aprons in Action Program is an honor, and we are so thankful for the recognition,” said William A. Strickland, senior commander of Post 4127. “If we actually win the $25,000 Home Depot gift card, we will be able to decrease our operating expenses by replacing our faulty air conditioner, old windows and building’s deterring infrastructure.”

Senior Vice Commander Robert McConnachie, 65, would love to cast a vote for his team, but he hasn’t figured out the Facebook thing yet. And that’s precisely why he wants to win so badly. He’s hoping the renovation will attract younger vets returning from Afghanistan and Iraq to join.

“We need some new blood!” McConnachie said. “We’re fading. What we have to do is pass the baton.”

Post 4127, a chapter of a national organization that provides services for veterans, spouses and families, gathers in what used to be a house built in the 1940s.

The post serves as a central meeting place for veterans who served on foreign soil, offering resources for retirees, those seeking work when they return home and helping them adjust to civilian life.

They serve the community in other ways too. Each year, Post 4127 participates in the annual VFW’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions, which award students up to $30,000 in college scholarship money. They also award teachers and support police, firefighters, ROTC and Cub Scouts clubs.

The post’s Ladies Auxiliary, which raises money to award grants for cancer research and treatment, assist in other functions and events, such as the annual Freedom Walk down U.S. 1.

“We also get a lot of people who are not members, but come here for help. Sometimes it’s a spouse of a soldier who can’t afford to pay her light bill, for instance,” said Pete Hendrick, former post commander. “We’ve let the post go because we’re taking care of all these other things.”

Last year, Home Depot stepped in to help renovate the lodge through the Aprons in Action program. Post members and Home Depot volunteers worked together to paint and landscape the exterior, put down new flooring in the banquet hall and installed a wheel chair ramp, which was first used by a 101-year-old vet last year on Veteran’s Day.

McConnachie said a new central air-conditioning system, energy-efficient stove and windows would not just make the lodge look more modern but also reduce energy costs. He added that their current operating budget is about $12,000 per month.

“It costs money to make a building green today,” he said. “Our overhead is high.”

There are about 350 members in the post, and annual membership dues are currently $35 each year, or $190 to become a lifetime member. It’s not enough to fund operational costs, McConnachie said.

So they have come up with creative ways to raise money, from providing a venue for local bands to fish fry nights.

Thursdays from 6 – 8 p.m. they serve steak with baked potato and garlic bread for $10 per person and $1 for dessert. Jeff’s Famous Fish Fry is held on the last Saturday of the month, from 6 – 8 p.m., for $10 per person. There is also a Sunday brunch from 9 – 11 a.m. for $5 per person. Mimosas and bloody Marys are $1.25 each. All dining specials are open to the public.

They even compete in the annual Chili Bowl Cook Off in Homestead, winning first place in the amateur category for the past three years in a row.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/24/2605757/homestead-vfw-needs-votes-in-contest.html#storylink=cpy

Homestead Rodeo Information

2012-01-25T13:11:00.008-05:00

63rd Annual Homestead Championship Rodeo

Doc’ DeMilly Rodeo Arena at Harris Field

At the corner of U.S. 1 and SW 312th Street in Homestead, Florida

Friday, January 27th, 2012 at 8 P.M.
Saturday, January 28th, 2012 at 2 P.M.
Sunday January 29th, 2012 at 2 P.M.

Gates open approximately 2 hours before performance.

Rodeo Parade in Downtown Homestead, Florida Saturday January 28th starting at 11:00 A.M.

Key Largo Seafood Festival This Weekend

2012-01-25T12:53:00.004-05:00

http://www.fkrm.com/crabandseafood/

When: Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 11am - 10pm,
and Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 11am - 6pm
Where: Rowell's, Marina Property, mm 104.5 Bayside Key Largo
Admission: $5 donation per person (over 12 years of age)
Proceeds to benefit Florida Keys Youth Sports

Family Fun Including:

• Little Mermaid Contest
• Kids Play Area
• Shrimp Eating Contest
• Key Lime Pie Eating Contest
• Arts & Craft Vendors
• Face Painters
• Boat Dealers

• Live Fish Aquarium / Touch Tank
• Kids Band
• Junkanoo Band
• Pirate Demonstrations
• Magic Shows
• Fireworks on Sat. Night at 7:30
and a Car show on Sunday!

KEYS GATE FARMER'S MARKET OPENING SATURDAY

2012-01-25T01:46:00.004-05:00

We are a local Farmer’s Market located directly behind the Keys Gate Sales Center in Homestead, FL. We specialize in organic and hydroponic produce that we either grow on-site or obtain from an organic profucer. We opened to the public for the first time last year and plan on re-opening Saturday January 28th. We welcome the public; however, if you are a Keys Gate resident, you will receive a special discount on top of our already reduced pricing. (CASH ONLY ON ALL PURCHASES)

We are located at 888 Kingman Road Homestead, FL 33035 (directly behund the Keys Gate Sales Center on the corner of Kingman Road and North Canal Drive.)

We will open on Saturday, January 28,2012 from 9 AM to 1 PM (unless we sell out early) and plan on being open every Saturday!

If you have any questions or would like to make a suggestion, please feel free to leave us a message! You can also contact us at 305-230-0000.

Hope to see you there!

Only In Homestead Part Three; Install Hampton Inn Road 2011, Redesign For Courtyard Marriott 2012, City Had Knowledge 2010

2012-01-24T18:58:00.019-05:00

Both Hotel Company logos are on submitted signage, City went ahead with project prematurely and revisions are being done by Abbo's contractors.

Plans appear to feature parking around and in front of Portico, if so median in roadway will have to be replaced or removed.

Change orders from Homestead Concrete and Drainage total about $95,000.

Median in front of Portico and curbing cutout area to the right.

Curbing from original road and the construction access road from Campbell.

This is one of the most bizarre tales of incompetence and waste of tax dollars yet. We all know the Hampton Inn Road contract was originally going to be awarded to the Redland Company. We all know the property owners (Abbo Family) are donors to Mayor Steve Bateman, Councilwoman Judy Waldman and the Little Angel's Foundation received several contributions. This past year the Mayor and Councilwoman shared $11,000. We know the City of Homestead advertised Portofino Coal Fired Pizza on it's website, that is a no-no.

It just so happens that pressure from reporter Laura Morales of the Miami Herald forced the City of Homestead to rethink awarding the Redland Company, who had a higher bid by >$50,000 over the eventual winner Homestead Concrete and Drainage. This occurred in summer 2010, in November of 2010 the City of Homestead Planning and Zoning Department received a request for a sign variance by the company fronting for the Abbo Family, Homestead Treasures, LLC. The sign contains both hotels.

The road was constructed, as in a couple prior cases, Homestead Concrete and Drainage submitted change orders totaling about $95,000, making the project go up to $490,000 from the bid of $385,000. The images were shot this week showing curbs removed, cutouts made in the roadway for traffic, landscaping pulled out, manholes sticking out yards above the roadway and a construction access road put in off of Campbell because large trucks can't make it around the grandfathered in PUBLIC ART, a fountain. Add to that the waiver of $114,000 the Abbos got for the code enforcement violations and Homestead has directed $604,000 to the project owners plus whatever a fountain as PUBLIC ART is valued at. The construction company at the behest of the Abbos appear to plan rerouting the roadway formerly known as the Hampton Inn Access Road as you can see in the second image above, it appears as if there will be parking around the entrance portico which may mean removal of the median directly in front of the same. Boondoggle defined. When will Homestead ever learn?

It's good to be the Abbos in Homestead. The City of Homestead serves campaign donors well.