Time for eminent domain in the EAA: if your state legislator says he or she is proud of this session, ask why the legislature completely ignores the will of the people ... by gimleteye

Strongly agree with Tampa Bay Times Bill Maxwell: Florida needs a constitutional amendment along the following line: "One result should be the option of eminent domain. Floridians should have the right, for example, to take Big Sugar land at a fair price to restore the Everglades."

With a bought-and-paid-for state legislature, Everglades restoration is a series of half-steps, eventually heading to never arrive at the destination. Look what the legislature has done with Amendment 1: last November more than 75 percent of voters approved a constitutional amendment to purchase environmentally sensitive lands. The state legislature took no time at all to ignore the will of the people.

Florida needs new amendment to protect environment
Bill Maxwell, Opinion Columnist - Tampa Bay Times

In its familiar dissembling way, the Republican-led Florida Legislature is contravening the official will of the people.

Last November, a supermajority of voters approved Amendment 1. It was supposed to strengthen Florida Forever, substantially protect natural habitats and enable the purchase of vital land statewide. Most notably, Amendment 1 money would position the state to purchase 46,000 acres owned by U.S. Sugar Corp. that would be used to help restore the Everglades. The option to buy the land expires in October.

Republican conservatives and cowed Democrats in Tallahassee have no intention of using a fair share of the millions of dollars from the amendment's documentary stamp tax proceeds to buy land. They intend to spend a lot of it on wastewater projects and to clean up agriculture's pollution.

The Eye on Miami Saturday Editorial Page. By Geniusofdespair

We report when the Miami Herald doesn't bother: Saturday

RUMORS AND TRUTH

Jose Luis Castillo is said to be suing Edward MacDougall, Art Nanni and the Town of Cutler Bay. He was campaign manager to Peggy Bell,  Current Mayor of Cutler Bay. He is suing for Libel and Slander according to the docket.  Also according to court records the Town of Cutler Bay was dropped from the suit. Will have to go read it. I wonder if Jose Luis Castillo counts as a 'public figure', I guess you could consider him a 'business leader.' Ick.

Jorge Luis Lopez bff of the Mayor, is sending out emails telling friends that he has begun collaborating with the Miami Innovation District and Tower. We have previously reported on this tower asking if 600 feet is too tall.  I did not see him registered as a county lobbyist for this project. Maybe the name is different even though he used it about 10 times in his email??

PICTORIAL: The Historic Hampton House Reopens Restored, Over 1,000 Attend...except Keon Hardemon the City of Miami Commissioner.

Malcolm X takes a photo of Muhammad Ali at the Hampton House in 1964. You can't get to Douglas Hanks article without signing in to the Herald. But there is a back door, through the Historical Photos. He does a very good job on reporting the history of the Hampton House. I get the newspaper but I can't even sign in. They keep asking for my email and then don't allow it, even though they SEND me a digital Herald everyday to that same email.

Enid Pinkey Lead the Charge, Working on The Hampton House Project for 15 years. Enid was also the president of Dade Heritage Trust and on the Board of the Virginia Key Trust.

Frequent visitors to the Hampton House were Joe Louis, Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson, Roy Campanella, Ray Charles, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Lena Horne, Milton Berle, Sam Cook, Berry Gordy, Frank Sinatra, Flip Wilson, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Nat King Cole, Nina Simone, LaVern Baker, and many others.

It was the place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. first said his “I have a Dream Speech” before saying it in Washington, D. C. It was where Mohamed Ali had his victory party February 25, 1964, when he beat Sonny Liston. It was where Malcolm x proselytized Cassius Clay to the Islam Faith.

County Commissioner Audrey Edmonson Speaks to the Crowd.

Retired Principal Maud Neubold, Member of Virginia Key Trust.

Raquel Regalado, School Board Member and Candidate for Miami Dade County Mayor.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez (In step with Rubio on water) and County Clerk Harvey Ruvin

Property Appraiser Pedro Garcia

IN MEMORIAM:

Chairman emeritus of Miami's Waterfront Advisory Board

I ran into John's son yesterday and it brought back memories of lovable John Brennan. What a great man he was. Everyone respected him. He died in 2004. I was at his memorial service and so was most of Coconut Grove.

LETTER TO HITLER:

Note the signature on the letter...

LETTER TO AN EDITOR (OF THE NEWS LEADER) OR NEWS FROM HUDSTEAD:

 (I previously reported on this subject on March 26th)

While we can differ in our opinion of whether the term limits imposed on the Mayor and Council are good policy and in the best interest of the City, the decision whether to support or oppose a proposed amendment to the Homestead Charter must be based upon a mature knowledge and understanding of the truth . It is important to know how the Charter has been crafted by the people resulting in the first elected official being faced with the prospect of leaving office due to term limits.

Almost immediately after my election to Council in 2001, Mayor Warren appointed me to chair the Charter Review Committee. Two of the most significant items recommended by the committee and approved by Council to go before the voters as Charter amendments were the issues of term limits and the designation of Council seats based upon residential area rather than the at large "horse race" system of election then in place. These and many other items were placed on the ballot only after months of deliberation by the committee, followed by preliminary approval by Council for the charter amendments to be publicly presented through numerous presentations throughout the city. Only then were the amendments approved by the vote of Council, including that of Councilwoman Waldman, to go before the voters for approval in 2002. The people of this community turned out in large numbers and by wide margins, approved all of the initiatives submitted to them for consideration.

The difficulty in crafting any Charter amendment is that adjustment for one issue usually creates another or requires a compensating amendment elsewhere so that conflict, uncertainty or ambiguity does not exist in the Charter. This was most evident in crafting the residential area system of election as it related to term limits and the phasing in of residential seat designations. The system of seat election placed on the ballot by Council and approved by the voters initially provided for four residential seats; Keys Gate, the Villages, Southwest and Northwest and two at large seats commencing with the election of 2003. At that time, Mr. Sincore and I both resided in the Northwest area and Sincore was given the designation of the "at large" seat holder with the expectation that the phasing out of that seat in 2007 to provide for a residential seat for the Waterstone area would not impact him due to his expected retirement from public office after service of more than 30 years. Mr. Porter, who at that time had served on Council since 1995, lived in the Villages as did the newly elected Judy Waldman. Mr. Porter was designated as the holder of the Villages seat and the seat then held by Ms. Waldman was designated as the second at large position. In order to delay any potential conflict between Porter and Waldman, the phasing out of that at large designation to provide for a seat for the Oasis area was delayed until 2011. Further, to provide for the then existing method of electing four Council seats and the Mayor every two years, the initial Waterstone seat in 2007 and later, the Waldman at large seat in 2009, were expressly limited to a two year term for that particular election cycle.

This transitional limitation was instituted in 2002 upon approval of Council with overwhelming confirmation by the voters. Contrary to the protests of Ms. Waldman, nothing was suspiciously or secretly done to create the term limit issue now facing her. She in fact seconded the motion and voted to place the 2002 Charter amendments on the ballot. She was free to run for the Villages seat in 2011 and was successful in that effort. At no time was she faced with the prospect of not having a Council seat to pursue, contrary to the situation faced by Ms. Bell in 2007. Under the system then in place which provided for two and four year terms, the two year term won by Ms. Waldman in 2009 when she also happened to be awarded the title of Vice Mayor has no bearing on the term limit issue at hand. That is to say, holding the title of Vice Mayor has no current relation to calculation of term limits. Unfortunately, the Charter petition now being circulated falsely creates the perception that those who held the title of Vice Mayor should not be penalized with the imposition of term limits.

The adoption of four year terms for all Council members in 2008, during the Bell reign is the event creating the term limit issue exclusive to Judy Waldman. Interestingly, the minutes of the Council meeting of July 21, 2008 reflect that Ms. Waldman voted to place the four year term issue on the ballot without questioning the effect such would have on her calculation of future years allowed in office. Clearly, under the standards adopted in 2002, the Waldman term limit clock did not start to run until 2005 which means she would have been eligible to serve until 2017. As all Council terms are now for four year increments, her prospective election in 2015 would violate the term limits overwhelmingly adopted by the people.

Presumably, Ms. Waldman could have done the simple math on her fingers and determined as long ago as 2008 that her time in office subject to term limits in addition to the four years served before imposition of term limits, might be cut short. To my knowledge, despite her being a member of a reliable voting block majority since 2009, there has been no effort on her part to ask Council to place a true housekeeping item on the ballot for a one- time remedy that would not be to the benefit or detriment of any other present or future Council member and would not impact other Charter provisions.

The petition drive now underway seeks to gather enough signatures to require our Council to hold an expensive special election to adopt a Charter amendment represented as a housekeeping item, "to equalize all council members" but which will immediately allow Ms. Waldman to seek another four years in office. This will occur without public input, Council consideration or consideration being given to other Charter provisions being impacted. Contrary to the assertion of this group funded not by grass roots individuals but by entities tied to individuals who have typically gotten the much better end of the deal when doing business with Council, the proposal is not a house-keeping item nor does it address so-called inequalities about the amount of time permitted to be served. In reality, if adopted, the proposal would create inequality in that those who are fortunate enough to win the title of Vice Mayor would not have that two year period included in time served to be counted against term limits. This is an entirely new concept and would result in circumvention of term limits by only a select few Council members. This is not the result intended by the voters and I view the Petition drive as misleading and an attempt to misinform the voters and corrupt our local system of governance and election.

I urge all residents not only to reject any solicitation to sign the petition but also to contact the Mayor and all members of Council to let them know in no uncertain terms that you expect them to fight against this false and misleading effort.
Steve Losner
(Steve Losner was an elected official at the time of the charter changeover. He also served as the Chair of the charter review committee.)

Giving to finance the petition drive  in Homestead (besides -- Pinky Munz and Wayne Rosen -- some are subcontractors of Lennar): 

2015   M2       02/18/2015     5,000.00 REDLAND COMPANY                48 N.E. 15TH STREET                      HOMESTEAD, FL 33030                      CONSTRUCTION         CHE                       
2015   M2       02/24/2015    10,000.00 LAND BARON II LLC              29462 SW 167TH AVE                       HOMESTEAD, FL 33030                      REAL ESTATE          CHE                       
2015   M2       02/24/2015    10,000.00 KEYS GATE III LAND TRUST       888 KINGMAN ROAD                         HOMESTEAD, FL 33035                      REAL ESTATE          CHE                       
2015   M3       03/04/2015     3,500.00 CORWIL ARCHITECTS, INC.        4210 LAGUNA STREET                       CORAL GABLES, FL 33146                   ARCHITECTURE FIRM    CHE                       
2015   M3       03/04/2015     5,000.00 J & M UNDERGROUND ENGINEERING  PO BOX 163109                            MIAMI, FL 33116                          ENGINEERING FIRM     CHE                       
2015   M3       03/06/2015     2,000.00 PEREZ EDGARDO                  4300 N OCEAN BLVD APT 3G                 FT LAUDERALE, FL 33308                   ARCHITECT            CHE                       
2015   M3       03/11/2015     1,000.00 ALGERS FARMS, INC              950 NW 8TH ST                            HOMESTEAD, FL 33030                      AGRICULTURE          CHE                       
2015   M3       03/13/2015       500.00 BECKER & POLIAKOFF, P.A.       ONE EAST BROWARD BLVD. SUITE 1800        FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33301                 LAW FIRM             CHE                       
                           ------------
                              37,000.00

FLORIDA POWER AND LIGHT Wants to Steal Our Water and that of the Everglades For Out-of-Date Technology. By Geniusofdespair

FPL Water Hogs

Someday we will be desperate for water like California is now. You will remember this notice at that time: Florida Power and Light wants 14 million gallons per day ADDITIONAL from the 100,000,000 gallons per day of fresh water they already get now.  NOTE: They didn't put the location of the wells on the map and they put the EVERGLADES in the wrong place.

You might ask, where is all the used water going to go? What are they pumping in and out over there? If they pump the hypersaline water under ground and then suck up brakish water they will compromise the hypersaline water they are pumping under it and probably pull it up or dislodge it into the bay. They already get a gazillion gallons per day for these canals and the canals are near 104 degrees.  The cooling canals are making the surrounding area's water salty. This is a super bad idea added to the rest of their super bad ideas. If the technology doesn't work anymore, don't add a bandage.  If they add brakish water as they intend, it increases the salinity and becomes salty quicker and sinks more readily.  The water under the cooling canals has twice the saline of bay water already.  When 6 and 7 come along, they want to send all that salty water to the bay. A utility unwilling to make solar power an option, will be getting 10% of our water -- come on. Let's get real. Enough is enough. All I can say is: JAPAN.  Read the SFWMD PDF
When you see these in the newspaper READ THEM (hit to enlarge them)

The Tragic Incompetence of Florida's Rick Scott ... by gimleteye

I have one friend who knew Rick Scott on his way up in the business world, and my friend is a very, very smart guy. And he tells me that Rick Scott when he knew him in the health care industry was a very smart guy. He had a laser-like focus on making money, and he made a lot.

So why is Rick Scott not just a bad governor, but the worst governor in modern Florida history?

For one, Rick Scott epitomizes the problem of great wealth applied to the political realm. It can create the situation where an individual who may have started life in humble circumstances loses sight from the elevation and isolation that great wealth provides. The best contrast is the former mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg, who had plenty of critics for an authoritarian management style but clearly understood the difference between business and political life.

Within his own family, Rick Scott may show great empathy and compassion, but under the pressure of Florida Republican politics he has shown extraordinarily poor judgment about the nature of leadership. Instead of empathy, compassion and respect for Florida's history, he treats his job as if it were a corporate challenge.

Perhaps it is understandable, in a way, because Rick Scott was so proficient and successful mastering corporate challenges and so aware of the connection between navigating health care regulations in order to build net worth. A very different route by the way from Bloomberg whose vast fortune was based in information technologies, not the arbitrage between profit and health care rules meant to protect people and a system designed to serve them.

Voters had plenty of chances to question whether Scott's particular skill set was a good one. Prior to self-funding his governor's campaign, Rick Scott had no previous involvement in elections or any public policy arena other than the one where he made his money. Voters didn't question. Or, they did but in a narrower framework and one popular within conservative politics: there is nothing that government can do that business can't do better, and, the corollary along the lines that "if you are wealthy, you must be right."

The prosperity doctrine in western religions has many faithful. In a turbulent era when many families are stretched to the limit and elections are money traps for television revenue, inattention is extraordinarily costly. As for Rick Scott, he was very smart in business but in politics -- at least so far -- he gets a failing grade.

Like most high Republican officials, he is intolerant of diverse opinions within a very tight coterie of insiders. His vision is myopic, as though looking at the world through a pinprick in a sheet of paper or through the porthole window of a private yacht, afraid to come out in the sun.

In his insularity and immunity to outside views, the politician Rick Scott calls most to mind is Richard Nixon. But Nixon was quite effective -- if one looks past his paranoia -- at understanding how to undercut his political opposition. For example, Nixon was responsible for signing into the law the nation's most powerful environmental protections (yes, exactly the ones the Republican Congress is trying to eliminate today). Nixon was no environmentalist, but he needed some support from Democrats and liberals as the Watergate tornado gathered above him.

Rick Scott has nowhere to push back. Fortress Tallahassee and its high walls weren't built by Scott, but he is now virtually a prisoner there; captured by powerful special interests who are in a sense his last friends in political life. Given the sorry state of American elections, thanks to the Bush Supreme Court, those friends (like Big Sugar: cf my post, "Florida's Game of Thrones") may be the only ones he needs.

Right about now, if there are sentient Republicans in the state legislature (any?), they must privately be ruing Gov. Scott's victory last November. If Charlie Crist had won, they would have had somewhere to hide. Instead, the legislature is broken. Leadership is a fading dream and with Rick Scott high on his imaginary hobby-horse there is no dissent to push him off his convictions.

Voters, if there are discerning ones (any?), will recognize the ways in which Jeb Bush and an authoritarian management style laid the groundwork for a Rick Scott. Florida is so much the poorer. Republican legislators, if there are discerning ones (any?), must be wishing just a little bit for a resurgent Democratic Party in Florida.

Credit the Herald OPED page for opening daylight on FPL's crazy plan to build new nuclear reactors at Turkey Point ... by gimleteye

I'm impressed: the Miami Herald actually printed an OPED critical of FPL's outrageous plan to put $24 billion in new nuclear reactors at Turkey Point, co-written by four of Miami's outstanding public officials willing to stand up to the corporate leviathan. Impressed, because The Miami Herald has been welded to the hip to FPL since the beginning of time.

The one point that the OPED writers miss: FPL argues that its nuclear plant is elevated against the likelihood of sea level rise, but its ratepayer base is not.

Regulators are transfixed by the lower-end estimate of sea level rise, but the radar-image maps do not lie: during the service lifetime of the planned reactors, FPL's rate base will be severely eroded in South Florida. That could happen years before we are literally navigating streets in boats because insurance, mortgages and financing will have rolled up their welcome mats and moved away.

The point: the entire business model of FPL is subject to disruption by climate change. For the time being, it is government-sanctioned policies like "early cost recovery" that compensates FPL executives that are blocking any daylight on these issues -- although the Herald OPED is a new crack in the shield.

How utilities expect to meet the threats of sea level rise and climate change ought to be required reporting by the SEC; not just for FPL and all the nation's publicly owned utilities. (Not to mention, the impact of consumer-level energy storage like the battery planned by Tesla in its new $5 billion manufacturing facility.)

I recommend viewing online the week-long series on sea level rise and Florida, broadcast by MSNBC "The Ed Show" featuring some of Miami's leaders on climate change like Dr. Harold Wanless, chairman of the Department of Geological Sciences at the University of Miami. Begin, by clicking this link and start with "Rising sea levels threaten major cities".

Miami Herald: FPL’s nuclear-power plan regressive, harmful
By TOMÁS REGALADO, CINDY LERNER, PHILIP STODDARD AND JOSÉ JAVIER RODRÍGUEZ

To contact NRC with your comments (hit "comment now" on right side of page)
Florida Power &Light argues that its new nuclear project is environmentally friendly, that it will benefit us economically, and that its future plans at Turkey Point are safe. Unfortunately, none of these claims are accurate.

FPL is currently seeking approval from the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission for two new nuclear reactors at Turkey Point and miles of 10-story transmission lines in residential Miami-Dade County and downtown Miami.

FPL’s project would reduce the availability of fresh water for our communities, it would commit South Florida to antiquated and expensive nuclear technology from last century, and it would render our electric system vulnerable to storm surges from rising seas. FPL ignores these difficult facts.

The Most Fabulous Interview Ever! Don't Miss This One!! By Geniusofdespair

Top: County Commissioners Xavier Suarez, Daniella Levine Cava and Juan Zapata. End of top: Candidates Grace Solares for City of Miami Commissioner and Raquel Regalado (School Board Member) running for Miami Dade County Mayor. Bottom Row: Mayors Eugene Flinn, Palmetto Bay; Cindy Lerner, Pinecrest; Philip Stoddard, South Miami and Daniel Dietch of Surfside.

We have some of the best sports in the world here is Miami: They answered my interview questions. Some questions were silly but they answered anyway and I have to give all who participated a lot of credit for their sense of humor.  These are the things I WANTED TO KNOW about them, you know, the really important things. Now the lobbyists will know what ice cream to bring them! I asked the questions of County Commissioners, City Mayors and two candidates. I gave an opportunity to the Mayor to respond (because I asked his opponent Raquel Regalado) and I asked Theresa Sarnoff through her campaign (because I asked her opponent Grace Solares to respond). Anyway, this is what I got back and I enjoyed reading all their answers and I know a heck of lot more about them now.  Thank you candidates and sitting public servants. I used their first names for their answers.

And, we are not allowing any negative comments on this post but we welcome positive comments. This took so long to compile, it will be up for two days.

What is your favorite color?
Juan: Red
Daniella: My campaign colors: poppy red and teal blue (new Americana colors; Patriotic with Miami flair).
Xavier: Blue
Cindy: Anything in the purple/ magenta shades
Eugene: I say it’s Palmetto Bay blue, but many tell me I like Green.
Philip: Gray
Daniel: Green
Grace: For dressing: black - for oil painting: dark yellow/orange
Raquel Cobalt Blue

What is your favorite food?
Juan: Pizza
Daniella: Anything with fresh curry leaf. My wonderful husband got me a plant so we could use it in everything and anything. It loves Miami weather.
Xavier: Ball park hot dogs with tons of mustard and a cold beer.
Cindy: All Seafood.
Eugene: Far too many to list.
Philip: Pauillac
Daniel: Cheese
Grace: desserts
Raquel: Its a tie- Low country (Shrimp and grits) and Peruvian food (ceviche and tacu tacu)

What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Juan: Coconut
Daniella: Coffee. With pecans and homemade chocolate sauce.
Xavier: As a kid it was chocolate; now I go crazy for Haagen-Dazs "Dulce Leche."
Cindy: Chocolate
Eugene: Chocolate Trinity
Philip: Vanilla, with the little black specks
Daniel: Ginger
Grace: vanilla/hazelnut
Raquel: Two again; Caramel and sea salt gelato and vanilla ice cream with hot peanut butter 

What is your least favorite road to travel on because of traffic?
Juan: US 1
Daniella: Too many to name. I am riding Metrorail whenever I can. I arrive at my destination without stress.
Xavier: The intersection of the Palmetto and Dolphin expressways; the biggest waste of $560 million in toll monies that could have been used to fund 5.5 years of free Metrorail and Metrobus. 
Cindy: South Dixie Highway
Eugene: US1.  When I can, I jump on the Metrorail and ask myself, “What are they thinking?” when I see so many stuck in traffic, especially returning from court on Friday afternoons. The view from above is outstanding, especially when the Royal Poincianas are in full bloom.
Philip: Cross Bronx Expressway.  We have nothing in South Florida that comes close.
Daniel: I-95
Grace: US 1
Raquel: Alton Road

What is the password of your bank account?
Juan: I forgot
Daniella: Can't remember passwords.
Xavier: Genius2015
Cindy: Don't do online banking, I bank the old fashioned way.
Eugene: BOSCO
Philip: So long and complex that a supercomputer would take two years to figure it out.
Daniel: I could tell you, but then I’d have to _____ you.
Grace:
Raquel: Nice Try Genius!

If you didn't answer the previous question, answer this: what is your mother's maiden name? Pets name, first car/job?
Juan: Mom, Fido, big wheel and selling newspapers.
Daniella: My mom is the best, and her parents were a huge influence in my life. My maternal grandmother died two years ago at age 104 after winning her bridge game. Lots of cats and dogs over the years. My first car (used) required AAA road service so often they tried to kick me out of the program. I wrote a letter pleading for leniency since I was a struggling student unable to purchase a more reliable car. They reinstated me and almost 40 years later I'm still a member.
Xavier: Pets names I might use include "Fido" and "Lassie."
My mother's maiden name goes back many generations to a Viceroy of Spain who was also Governor of Cuba and despised by the island's residents. I would not want to bring it up at this time. My first job was delivering newspapers (Washington Post).
My first car was a glorious red-and-black Mustang with a 289 HP engine and three gears that could really kick up a storm. I sold it to go to law school, and then began my professional life by driving a $75 Buick station wagon with a hole in the floor on the driver's side that was covered by a piece of metal, so my feet would not protrude from the bottom. It burned more oil than gas and I had to retire it soon after I arrived in Miami from Boston.
Cindy:
Eugene: 
Philip:
Daniel: Buick Opel
Grace: Dog, Charlie
Raquel:

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Juan: Coach Soccer
Daniella: What's that? Actually I do spend wonderful time with family, friends, and outdoor adventure. I love to canoe in the Everglades and everywhere.
Xavier: Read and write books.
Cindy:  What's that?  If I can schedule a vacation, I love the Rockies and go hiking, exploring.
Eugene: Bike South Florida, time in the gym, spending time in Florida Keys or at any of the bayside lookout points in Palmetto Bay: Deering North, People’s Dock, Snowden’s Point, or  Thalatta Estate. Update and inform through my one and only blog: “South Dade Updates.” Posting “global warming” as anonymous responses to official Florida online surveys.
Philip: Watch birds and mess around in the garden
Daniel: Spend time with my family, go to the beach and bike in local parks.
Grace: Paint (oil/mixed media)
Raquel: Sleep

Did you ever fall asleep at a meeting? Did you ever want to?
Juan: No and Yes.
Daniella: I did not always stay awake at law school. At BCC meetings I am on high alert!
Xavier: I have fallen asleep at church but not at meetings of the BCC since we have cameras on us. Plead the Fifth on the second part of the question. 
Cindy: Never at my own meetings, but probably have come close at other s meetings.
Eugene: Never.  This is when we address the issues that have been percolating or when we can work on projects together.  Meetings are not always exciting, but it is the time we have to work together. 
Philip: Please tell me I wasn’t snoring or drooling.
Daniel: No. Yes
Grace: No. Though some meetings do require an extra coffee to get through.
Raquel: No actually after sitting still all day at a meeting I need to burn some energy so I usually go for a run while listening to an audio book after a session.

Do you get cranky? How do you get out of that mode?
Juan: Yes. I eat sweets
Daniella: Yes, but then I remember how fortunate I am and how much I am learning from the experience.
Xavier: When I get cranky, "I simply remember my favorite things."  If that doesn't work, I pray.
Cindy: Not cranky, just bitchy. A visit with my grandbabies chills me out instantly.
Eugene: Anyone who says they don’t get cranky is not being truthful.  I best resolve through an aggressive workout at the gym or leaving it in the dust of a strong bike outing.
Philip: Yep.  A plate of latkes can end the funk.  So can a walk most times.
Daniel: Yes. I am still working on it…any tips?
Grace: Yes. I listen to music
Raquel:  I bake, have a latte or hot chocolate and watch reruns of the Lawrence Welk show . . . nothing puts life in perspective like 60/70's fashion and some polka! 

Do you have a relative that drives you crazy?
Juan: They all live in Columbia so the distance helps.
Daniella: No.
Xavier: Are you kidding me? I have thirteen brothers and sisters and more than 50 nephews and nieces, not counting my wife's side of the family. I ain't touching that! 
Cindy: Yes.
Eugene:  I can’t tell which one that is, so it must be me.
Philip: I did. Before she got Alzheimer’s disease, my loving aunt drove everyone crazy.  She once went into a department store and insisted they sell her a globe of Europe.  When a parking lot attendant became so frustrated with her that he shouted “Go f*** yourself lady!”  She retorted: “If I could I’d stay in bed all day!” 
Daniel: Who doesn’t?
Grace: No.
Raquel: Nope I drive them crazy.

What is your worst habit that you would like to change?
Juan: Procrastination.
Daniella: Better diet and more exercise would be good.
Xavier: Lack of patience - though that is not really a habit.
Cindy:  No time to worry about bad habits. If someone complained to me about one, I would address it in the order of complaints received.
Eugene: My worst habit is my too long list of favorite foods.  I wish that Pizza did not call me by name.
Philip: Telling people how to solve their problems.  People rarely want their problems solved, so much as they just want an empathetic listener.
Daniel: Procrastinating.  I’m still working on it…
Grace: Compulsive buying.
Raquel: It appears that I talk too fast . . .

Are you a dog or cat person?
Juan: Both
Daniella: Cat really. But some dogs have been my favorite companions.
Xavier: More dog than cat.
Cindy: Both, have 3 dogs and 2 cats
Eugene:  I am definitely a dog person, but don’t let my fav pet, Pumpkin (the cat) know.
Philip: I’m a cat person who has a dog who likes to think he’s a cat.  But we both know he’s a dog.
Daniel: Dog
Grace: Dog
Raquel: Generally a dog person but I have both a dog and a cat.

Who is your hero?
Juan: My father
Daniella: Shero: Elizabeth Warren
Xavier: Winston Churchill in politics, followed by any of the four presidents on Mt. Rushmore, depending on which is the latest book I have read on them. Recently it is Jefferson, after reading John Ferling's intertwined biographies of Jefferson and Hamilton. 
Cindy: I have many heroes -  guess they are all sheroes -   Carol Marbin Miller, Rachel Maddow, in the media. Angelina Joie in her role at UN and her personal women's health issues,  Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, taught me how to fight for what I believe in, and Anat Hoffman, fighting for women's rights in Israel
Eugene: President Theodore Roosevelt.  There are so many people who have answered the call for causes that far too few people care about.  Anyone that steps up and shows a commitment to principle is a hero in my book.
 Philip: My grandfather, Louis Kraft.  Grandpa Lou worked to help Jews get out of Europe before and during WWII.  Afterwards he founded the Jewish Welfare Board and worked to reconstruct Jewish society in Europe.  He also worked on the creation of Israel.  Israel named a library after him.  I’d like to do something worthy of having a library named after me.
Daniel: William Rathje (an American archaeologist)
Grace: My father/mother
Raquel:  I have childhood heroes that I have mentioned in the past but presently I don't have a hero. And while there are people that I admire for their strength, conviction and achievement I take issue with Cinderella complexes. At some point we all have to grow up and be our own heroes, we have to strive everyday to be the best version of ourselves and take ownership of our strengths and weakness.

What would you say is your best attribute?
Juan: Being honest
Daniella: My Children
Xavier: My wife would say that I wash dishes and generally pick up after both of us.
My kids would say that I am a great baby-whisperer, as I can put any of the six grandchildren to sleep.
My staff would (hopefully) say that I inspire them.
My constituents would say that I serve them well and listen to them.
My political adversaries would acknowledge that I never give up.
My g-d, assuming one exists, will hopefully say that I went about doing good.
Cindy: Speaking truth to power
Eugene:  My sense of humor.
Philip: No question, I married well.
Daniel: Patience
Grace: Good listener
Raquel: I am an out of the box problem solver, I believe that people can work things out if they are candid, open minded and not risk adverse. As far as I'm concerned its not a matter of if we can figure it out its just a matter of when we can make finding a solution a priority and figure it out.

Is Florida on the right or wrong road?
Juan: Right road.
Daniella: 78% voted for Amendment 1. That is a very promising sign.
Xavier: Judging from this legislative session, one would have to say the wrong road. However, as a state we have gone a long way from the way we were in the earlier eras described by Mike Grunwald in his mesmerizing book, "The Swamp: The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise."
Cindy: Been on the wrong road for two decades!
Eugene:  Road?  We are deep in the weeds! But I believe we have identified the issues and we are working through the issues.  We will get there.
Philip: Not exactly a road, we seem to be on one of those water slides at the theme park, only there’s no water waiting for us at the bottom.
Daniel: I am eternally optimistic.
Grace: Florida needs to refocus its priorities to better position itself for opportunities such as green energy and technology.
Raquel:  After this legislative session I doubt anyone could argue that we are going in the right direction, unless of course you consider the right direction being the punch line for late night TV jokes.

Did you ever say the words "Global Warming"?
Juan: What is that? ;-)
Daniella: I can't stop thinking and talking about it.
Xavier: I said it a few times just in the last couple of days.
Cindy:  Yes, with great gusto!  I am proud to be a strong proponent and leader of an effort to better educate all elected officials  about the impacts of climate change, to incorporate the role as a steward of their own constituency to address  Climate change.
Eugene: Often - Three times fast, but simply saying it doesn’t help.
Philip: Yes, on March 10th, 2015, in the Capitol rotunda in Tallahassee.  Nobody tried to stop me, perhaps because Gov. Scott’s henchman had just forced out the head of FDLE.
Daniel: Yes, although I prefer the term “climate change.”
Grace: Yes
Raquel: Yep and also say "Sea Level Rise" with frequency

What are the last 4 digits of your social security number?
Juan: What are yours?
Daniella: If you are in financial distress I know many places that can assist. I am proud of my former nonprofit for its great work with the Prosperity Campaign and am sure they can steer you in the right direction.
Xavier: XXXX  Note: since "X-man" is my nickname, it is easy to remember....
Cindy: I have been advised to not disclose to prevent identity theft.
Eugene:  The same as yours, Genius.
Philip: 33143
Daniel: Whole numbers between 1 and 9.
Grace:
Raquel: 1234

Where would you like to retire?
Juan: Don't plan on retiring.
Daniella: Wherever my children and/or grandchildren (to come) will be, if they'll have me.
Xavier: Miami Beach. Really.
Cindy: Part time in Telluride , Colorado.
Eugene: Retirement is a state of mind.  I would like to have the flexibility and health to live in several different locations – Palmetto Bay, the Keys, New Mexico, and Upstate NY.
Philip: Above Sea Level.
Daniel: Surfside, Florida
Grace: right here in Miami, by the waterfront
Raquel: In the best place there is to live; Miami Dade County! But on a sailboat that has an espresso machine and WiFi

Brag about one thing in your community (that you didn't marry or give birth to).
Juan: We have Best Soccer talent in the Country.
Daniella: We have a gem: farmland in South Dade. Let's nourish and protect it.
Xavier: We are the most creative community in the world; in terms of architecture, technology, the arts and government, we are a cauldron of diverse experiences that if, forged correctly, can lead to greatness, despite our relative youth. 
Cindy:  Pinecrest Gardens has become a real community jewel, combining a beautiful Botanic,Garden, a cultural arts center and a play space for children and families
Eugene: Parks, parks and more parks!  Our original village council worked diligently together with the community to set aside green areas, purchase new park land and improve existing parks.
Philip: South Miami banned the spraying of nerve poisons (insecticides) in our public air spaces, with an exception for addressing a mosquito-borne disease outbreak.
Daniel: The intelligence and engagement of our residents
Grace: Some of the great people that make up the fiber of Miami.
Raquel: For all its issues Miami Dade County has amazing residents, people who have survived and overcome many challenges. People who believe in new beginnings, people who want a better life for their children and grandchildren. People who understand that personal and professional achievements require hard work. But we rarely apply this pioneer spirit beyond our friends and family. As a native miamian I am proud of the people that make up our unique miami dade communities and believe that we can make our collective home a great place if we hold government accountable and elect leaders who value our communities, believe in hard work and respect our residents.

What did I miss that I should have asked you?
Juan: How crazy are you for being in Politics?
Daniella: What is my assessment of my first six months in office? It has been exciting and eye-opening. I have a great team: we have been deeply engaged with the residents and businesses of the district, and have brought some important legislation forward. It is an honor and joy to serve.
Xavier: What is the single thing that drives me most in my political life? I would answer it is trying to provide jobs to the 70,000 or so county residents that are looking for work.
Followed by the single thing that I feel I can do to improve our county: "Make Transit Work."
Cindy:  were you in scouting?  What inspired you to run for office, what will you do next in life, who are you encouraging to run for office?
Eugene: How’s it feel to be back in office after serving as the first mayor? I am really grateful to once again lead Miami-Dade County’s best community!  I have such a supportive family which is both helpful and inspires me to put in all the hours required in order to ensure that Palmetto Bay is protected and moves forward in a positive way for generations to come.
Philip: If you could turn the clock back, what mistake would you remedy (other than failing to invest in Tesla when it went public)?
Daniel: Question: Why politics?  Answer: I learned from my parents that you make the community that you want to live in.
Grace: Why do you devote so much time to advocacy/activism?
Answer - I believe that our community can achieve its greatest potential when community members are engaged and pushing for more
Raquel: What do you eat straight out of the container when no one is around? Peanut butter
What would you not let your children borrow? My shoes
If you had to be an animal what animal would you be? A lioness
If you had extra time what would like to learn to do? Fly planes, would love to get my pilot's license.

Now lobbyists, you know what color to wear when visiting these people! Not such dumb questions after all.

PAC to benefit Mayor Carlos Gimenez's "Miami-Dade Residents First". By Geniusofdespair

Miami Dade Residents First has raised $879,952 to get Carlos Gimenez reelected as Mayor. He has not even opened a Campaign Account with elections. There is something wrong when you have almost $1,000,000 and no campaign account. Between March 1 and March 31st he raised $208,000.   I wonder what Manuel Grosskoph and Walter Fischer want - they are registered in Hallandale Beach. Alan Potamkin gave $10,000 and Patricia Bell of Coral Gables gave $10,000. Ed Easton gave $5,000 (owns land on wrong side of UDB). DiMare Farms gave $10,000. Ballard law firm in Tallahassee gave.  Look for yourself: http://www.miamidade.gov/elections/political-committees.asp.

Also see My February 11th report.  I did not report on February contributions of $171,750. Coastal Construction Group gave him $20,000 (Thomas P. Murphy) and Ed Easton is there again.  Resorts World (Genting) gave $15,000 for Carlos Gimenez.

A Game Of Thrones: the people of Miami and the populous South should support the civic uprisings in the North ... by gimleteye

Florida is not run from the state legislature or the governor's executive office. Those rights and responsibilities belong to the billionaires who occupy the real thrones in their respective Florida Kingdoms. In Miami and Fort Lauderdale and on the beaches, they would have it that people are too apathetic and disconnected to pay attention to the civic uprisings in the north over billions of gallons of toxic waste being dumped by the US Army Corps of Engineers into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers.

The HBO series Game of Thrones isn't popular because it is science fiction. It is popular because in the science fiction there exists an accurate, secular parable of political power.

In the staging of George RR Martin's novel, there are no bicameral legislatures. No democracies-in-name-only like ours. Just money and power that covets at the point of a sword.

One can overlay that formula to describe Florida today and do perfectly well. Don't listen to Governor Rick Scott attempting to explain the rosy state of the state: just watch Game of Thrones and transpose it to Florida.

In Florida's Game of Thrones, there are also seven kingdoms.

The largest and most powerful -- our King's Landing -- are intertwined: Big Sugar and Big Cattle.

Then there are Kingdoms are Sprawl and Rock Mining. Both these Kingdoms flow from land use controlled by our King's Landing and their Lannisters: the Lykes, the Fanjul families and their ministers.

The Kingdom of Water works hand in hand with the two other Kingdoms: the Kingdom of Electricy and Kingdom of Finance. In reality, all their Kings hide behind public relations departments and corporate veils.

Florida's Seven Kingdoms plot to extract great wealth from the earth and minimize to every practical extent paying the costs. This is reality.

In the HBO series, the Kingdoms have identifiable family leaders: the Lannisters, the Starks, the Baratheans. It is so complicated, even George RR Martin needs an Excel spreadsheet to keep track.

In Florida, it is actually easier because all an observer has to do is to watch the outcome. The easiest outcome to observe of all is water pollution. The biggest problem with observing water pollution is that it is everywhere.

Big Cattle and Big Sugar billionaires dictate the water management system and operational standards that turned Lake Okeechobee into one of the world's largest irrigation systems and cesspools at the same time. Why, this morning in Fort Myers, the news reports of a man who touched fresh water contaminated by the Kingdoms and contracted a flesh eating bacteria. Tell me that's not a worthy punishment from our Game of Thrones?

Consider this subplot: how US Senator and GOP hopeful Marco Rubio was a Jeb Bush knight who proved his mettle in the state legislature, helping push through a diminished water quality standard in 2003 sought by the Kings of the West and the East and the South.

There are two other kingdoms that press in from all sides: the Kingdom of rock miners who extract phosphates and lime rock and the Kingdom of Sprawl whose armies consume wetlands with the same joy and purpose of feudal soldiers of Europe ransacking towns and villages centuries ago, claiming the spoils for their lords. The Kings of Water, Electricity and Finance serve their purposes with congeniality and feasts, throwing bones to the starving dogs who circle the table.

The common people and land owners are victimized by this Florida Game of Thrones just like the one watched by millions on HBO. But here in Florida, there is no Dragon or Army of Unsullied to a fictional rescue.

What unites the Kingdoms in this Game of Thrones is a single purpose: to externalize costs so that the Kings can continue to harvest massive profits and wealth. The only end game is to become more powerful and wealthier.

When too much attention is drawn on their pollution, for example, they blame septic tanks of the little people.

For the seasons of Florida's real life Game of Thrones, the people have been complacent, partly because they are persuaded that selfishness will be rewarded the same way as it does, the greed of Kings.

All that nonsense about culture wars is just chatter soaking up the weight of time. Strip it, and you come to money and power and the Seven Kingdoms of Florida: Big Sugar, Big Cattle, Sprawl, Rock Mining, Water, Electricity, and Finance.

Government of the people, by the people, and for the people is nothing compared to Florida's Game of Thrones. The state of Florida is a figment of the imagination. Whatever legitimacy our democracy once afforded citizens has been blown to pieces by corrupt campaign finance practices.

If you are inclined to agree that there is something rotten in the heart of Florida, pay attention to the civic uprisings in the north about water pollution; about the streaming of toxics from Lake Okeechobee to the east and west coasts of the Empire.

With all uprisings there is a tipping point, and with the Kings of the Seven Kingdoms of Florida there must be uneasy awareness that as slowly as Kingdoms rise, when they fall, they fall much faster.

How can you have 6 Steinway Piano's on one Stage? By Geniusofdespair

I went to the Adrienne Arsht Center last night because I never saw 6 piano players playing at once. I didn't take a video of the performance, just the guys putting the pianos on stage.

That was my piano bucket list.

Thanks Arsht Center for a great Concert. The Mehmari for two Pianos, the Mozart for 3 pianos and the Liszt for 6 pianos were the best. The one piano didn't cut it for me.  Now I am jaded. I won't be able to get to the Knight Concert Hall anymore once that stupid Miami Herald property is developed by Genting. I parked a block away. The $4 dollars cookies, they weren't so good, try the brownie. It has to be better. The funny thing: The first violinist came on and plays a piano key, he looked at the audience as if to say "Which piano should I use?"  Everyone chuckled, even me, who knows beans about classical music protocol.

Here is what 6 pianos looked like last night on stage. Before they started playing

The 6 pianists after they played. Christoper O'Riley, Andre Mehmari, Ciro Fodere, Roberto Berrocal, Marina Radiushina and Elisha Abas (none of them looked liked the photos in the program so I may be wrong).

Video of the Pianos being put on the stage.

Another year of rampant pollution: river activists and the Everglades are collateral damage of a political system organized to protect polluters and their massive wealth ... by gimleteye

In February Sunshine State News, partly funded by Big Sugar, quoted Florida Audubon's spokesperson Eric Draper in "Lake Okeechobee to Everglades Flowway Will Never Happen":

Sending water south from Lake Okeechobee to meander naturally through the Everglades -- the "flowway" endorsed by the Everglades Foundation as the only way -- "will never happen, it's pie in the sky," admitted one of Florida's leading voices on environmental policy.

Although Audubon is deeply involved in Everglades restoration, its role as the go-to political source for environmental compromise is controversial. Draper's statement landed with a dull thud especially among civic activists fighting the massive releases of toxic waters into the St. Lucie River and Caloosahatchee.

The abrupt cancellation of the state legislative session meant that barring a last minute intervention by Gov. Rick Scott -- as in, "Scott riding to rivers' rescue" -- there will be no let up in either toxic waters spewing into Florida waterways or the massing of protests by river activists that are setting state GOP leaders on edge.

Draper subsequently apologized to the river activists, but the damage was done. How? The legislative session is a fast-moving train. Audubon helped frame the debate over the use of Amendment 1 funds to purchase Big Sugar lands (ie. they would not be used) and set the stage for compromise: to bargain with polluters who control the legislature.

Sunshine State News, again:

"Participating with about 400 other Florida residents in a "clean water" rally at the base of the Old Capitol steps in Tallahassee, Draper said, "The sugar industry should see there's an additional need for land for reservoirs and they should agree to some of the land proposal," he said." (EOM, bold script)

What Draper was suggesting was that there was a fallback position from the 46,800 acre purchase. It is not clear who Audubon had consulted with, before making that point. Perhaps no one at all. Draper's suggestion to move away from the full purchase of the 46,8000 under option by the state from US Sugar fails to inform that the 46,800 acres was already a defeatist compromise from the 130,000 plus acres in the original deal struck between US Sugar and former Gov. Charlie Crist.

To understand the high stakes, watch a recent video by River Warriors upstream from Miami.


Why is the acquisition of US Sugar lands falling apart? Two answers.

From a cynical point of view, it is clear that all Big Sugar cares about is maximizing its profit for its shareholders. If that means destroying billions of dollars in real estate values and quality of life and forcing costly drinking water on millions of Floridians, so be it. Since the real estate markets rebounded from the Great Recession in 2008, Big Sugar is once again poised to create cities from exhausted farmland, where shareholders can make ten or one hundred times the return compared to growing sugarcane. That simply follows the Florida maxim that a farmer is just a real estate developer waiting for the right price.

An even more cynical view is that the US Sugar deal provided the grand opportunity for the top political players in the state to kick Gov. Charlie Crist out of office and to solidify their lock on a US Senate seat for Marco Rubio. Think that's an exaggeration? Both Jeb Bush and Rubio did Big Sugar's bidding in the early 2000's -- again, using the cover of Audubon of Florida -- to change state water law permitting pollution that violated earlier laws including the plan to restore the Everglades approved by Congress and the president only a few years earlier.

Back in February, Audubon could have made clear to Gov. Scott and legislators that there was no backing down on 1) buying ALL the 46,800 acres in the option to purchase US Sugar lands and 2) that whatever additional measures are necessary -- including eminent domain -- must be on the table in order to save Florida's rivers, estuaries and Everglades and 3) that the "take no money from sugar" pledge is a good place to start bringing equity back to Florida's Everglades.

Read the letter by scientists to Gov. Rick Scott sent last week, pleading the facts and the case for full purchase of the option to buy US Sugar lands that expires in early October. There is no time to lose. The floodgate for pollution are wide open by the US Army Corps of Engineers.


Palm Beach Post
Editor's note: Six scientists with expertise on the Indian River Lagoon and Everglades wrote this open letter to the governor. We are publishing this edited version with their permission.
May 1, 2015

Dear Governor Scott,

This eleventh-hour plea is to seek your leadership for the state of Florida to exercise the contract option to purchase 46,803 acres from U.S. Sugar south of Lake Okeechobee before October 12, 2015.

This is a time-limited opportunity, and the acquisition and subsequent utilization of this land to store and treat discharges from the lake will expand your legacy by providing benefits to roughly 50 percent of Florida residents.

Significant economic, environmental and water supply benefits include the following:

1. New jobs in restoration-project construction and management;

2. Creation of an emergency relief outlet to protect the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike during high lake stages, thereby increasing safety of residents and property adjacent to the lake;

3. Increased flow of lake water south into the remnant Everglades, and hence: more natural water flow into water-starved Everglades National Park and Florida Bay; recharge of drinking water aquifers of millions southeast Florida residents; and reduction of saltwater intrusion into wellfields.

4. Significant reduction of polluted lake discharges to the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers, estuaries and coastal waters, which would: restore ecological values to these ecosystems; restore jobs lost by lake discharges in the fishing (commercial and recreational), boating, and tourism industries; help rebuild lost real estate values for homes in the affected regions; and restoration of lost boating, fishing and swimming habitats.

Sufficient scientific and engineering justification exists for the acquisition and utilization to store and treat discharges from the lake.

The recent University of Florida Water institute report confirmed what every major evaluation has previously concluded: achieving substantial reduction in lake-triggered discharges to the estuaries and improvements for the dry-season Everglades will require upwards of 100,000 acres or more of additional land between the lake and the Everglades.

Funding is available. The State had the opportunity to purchase this land in October 2013 at $7,400 per acre, and the cost of delaying this acquisition is significant. South Florida Water Management District staff estimated the increase in cost to the public at between $150 million and $350 million.

The State has two available funding mechanisms: 1. direct cash purchase utilizing Amendment 1 funds, or 2. issuance of Certificate of Participation bonds. Either of these costs would fit well within your recently announced 20-year $5 billion Everglades initiative.

In summary, our request is for you to take a leadership role for the state of Florida to purchase the available option lands from U.S. Sugar before October 12, 2015.

The acquisition and subsequent utilization of this land to store and treat discharges from the lake will provide significant economic, environmental and water-supply benefits to millions of current and future Florida generations.

This action has scientific and engineering justification, and the state has available funding options. What is missing is leadership. For the sake of our people, economy and environment, please lead this effort to acquire the available land.

Respectfully,

Joseph L. Gilio (retired professional wetland scientist, founder and past president of Wetlands Management Inc.; 30 years experience)
Kenneth Ammons (president Ammon Water Resource Engineering, former deputy executive director of the South Florida Water Management District; 37 years experience)
Gary Goforth (founder and past president of Gary Goforth Inc., former chief consulting engineer for the South Florida Water Management District; 36 years experience)
Mark Perry (executive director of Florida Oceanographic Society, 36 years experience)
Thomas Van Lent (director of science and policy, The Everglades Foundation; 35 years Everglades experience)
Donald Wisdom (retired colonel, Army; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district engineer for Jacksonville District (1975-78), consulting environmental engineer; 40 years experience)

Homestead: People in Poverty. By Geniusofdespair

Look at the percentage of people living below the poverty level in Homestead: Almost 30%

From Census

Let's make a comparison to Pinecrest, right down the road....

Persons living below the poverty level: 6.1%

I don't think we want to look at Florida City...but we will.

Almost half the people live in poverty in Florida City. What is wrong with this picture?  Maybe the Mayor for Life can't do anything right for his community. They  certainly gave him enough time. How long has he been in office for 30 years (or close to it)?

Certainly you can't blame the politicians for this because the education levels of the residents are abysmal.  6% of Florida City residents have a Bachelor's degree. Only 55% have graduated high school.  In Pinecrest 64% have a Bachelor's degree and the high school graduate rate is at 95%. What you need in theses poverty stricken areas is training for jobs. GOVERNMENT should invest in training for the jobs available. Instead they spend money on housing and stuff that does not lift the people up.