One of Miami’s Community Newspapers _______________________________________ Supporting local businesses since 1958
Palmetto Bay JUNE 16 - 22, 2009
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Youth baseball legend Dave Azzarito leaving BY GARY ALAN RUSE ave Azzarito coached his first games at the Perrine Khoury League (PKL) in 1961. Now, 48 years later, after being actively involved in every aspect of the league’s operation, he is relocating to Orlando with his wife, Phyllis, to be closer to their grandchildren. The PKL is now called the Perrine Baseball and Softball Association (PBSA) and Azzarito had his last game on May 28 at Franjo Park, 20155 Franjo Road in Cutler Bay. Town council member Tim Meerbott presented Azzarito with a special proclamation in honor of his many years of service to the organi-
Three mayors out to end mitigation
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almetto Bay Mayor Eugene P. Flinn Jr. joined forces once again with Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi regarding the subject of mitigation fees paid by the three municipalities to Miami-Dade County. “We have to ask the residents for permission to remove from our village charter any wording that has to do with mitigation,” said Bill Kress, spokesperson for Palmetto Bay. “This is the county mitigation fee where we had to pay $1.7 million a year to the county as a condition allowing us to incorporate.” The county has finally, after years of efforts by the leaders of all three
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Dave Azzarito is pictured with his wife, Phyllis, at his final game on May 28. (Photo by Gina Sutton)
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LEGEND, page 4
BY SARAH AWAN WHELAN
ot many women in the world have a wine named for them, but Sunny Fraser does. Of course, it helps if you inspire the winemaker, and it really helps if you own the winery. Meet David Gordon and Sunny Fraser, two Palmetto Bay residents who literally have been wining and dining since they met. She has been a successful businesswoman for more Pictured are Sunny Fraser, owner, (left) than 15 and David K. Gordon, Chef Winemaker, years who at a recent charity wine event.
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Pictured at the Miami-Dade Elections Department Office are (l-r) Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez, Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene P. Flinn Jr. and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi.
BY GARY ALAN RUSE
Their lives are filled with wining, dining
cities, decided to end the mitigation fees. However, the fees are a part of the charters of the cities so the charters must be changed to make it official. Charter changes require the vote of the residents. “Once that happens, once and for all, then we’re free,” Kress said. The special election mail-in ballots must be returned by June 25, but to help get the ball rolling and to make a celebratory statement, the three mayors met at the Miami-Dade County Elections office downtown to turn in their ballots. “We urge everybody to fill out the mail-in ballots and vote,” Kress said. “After all, it’s your money.” More information about the special election can be found at the village website, <www.palmettobay-fl.gov/>.
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WINING, page 4
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