Week of January 13, 2011
FDOT
Work Program,
Public Hearing
MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Shortly after taking the podium at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce's trustee luncheon last week Dolphins CEO Mike Dee quipped about how he was greeted when first entering the room. "Congratulations, Gov. Scott," some attendees who welcomed him said, he laughed, noting similar hair styles. But with the governor looking to turn around the state's economy and Mr. Dee looking to secure tax money for a new stadium and field a winning team, it seems whoever he's mistaken for has a challenging road ahead. LIGHTING THE WAY: Good news for late-night park enthusiasts — Miami-Dade's Recreation, Culture and Tourism Committee has forwarded an item to the full commission directing Mayor Carlos Alvarez to identify all area parks that are highly frequented but not illuminated. He would be asked to estimate costs of lighting paths used by an average of 50 or more residents daily. If the full commission approves, he'd be given 60 days to report on general obligation bond funding that could be used to finance the project. BALLPARK BATTLES: Miami-Dade is seeking reimbursement for the nearly $50 million in general obligation bonds it has spent to finance the construction of the new Marlin's stadium, but while the county has given Mayor Carlos Alvarez 60 days to initiate dialogue, on Tuesday, two days before his deadline, negotiations hadn't begun. In order for terms to be addressed, the county, the City of Miami and the team would have to agree to open the contract. While county communications director Vicki Mallette said that there were no updates regarding negotiations at this time, county spokeswoman Suzy Trutie said the mayor plans to meet with the county attorney's office to discuss legal options but has yet to do so. COLLECTIONS UP: Two of Miami-Dade County tourist-related tax collections rose year over year in November. Collections for the convention development tax climbed 16.9% year over year to $3.816 million compared to $3.264 million in November 2009. Resort tax collections, which excludes Bal Harbour, Miami Beach and Surfside, also rose 4.1% in November to $1.306 million from November 2009's $1.255 million. Complete coverage, including The Insider and all information columns, is available in the e-edition. Sign up at www.miamitodaynews.com |
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