For a few moments last night, it wasn’t clear if the Village of Key Biscayne would have a budget. Three Council members voted to reject manager Steve Williamson’s proposed budget, causing a 3-3 deadlock. Council members voted twice to pass a budget on first reading — and failed. “This is ridiculous to be pulling up […]
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Posted inLocal, Police, Politics
Two Candidates Remain for Key Biscayne Police Chief
It’s down to just two veteran law enforcement professionals in the search for Key Biscayne’s next chief of police, Village Manager Steve Williamson said late Tuesday. The two finalists are Thomas “Pat” Hanlon, an Assistant Director of Miami-Dade County’s police department and Frank Sousa, Fort Lauderdale’s interim police chief. Both men rose up from the […]
Posted inLocal, News, Politics
Village Softens Bite: Taxes Up 1.3% in Revised $35M Budget
Village Manager Steve Williamson released a scaled-down $35 million budget on Friday that would increase property taxes by 1.3%, on average. The tax increase is much less than the nearly five percent tax hike he projected in July, but the plan still includes many new positions the manager says are essential. The biggest change? An […]
Posted inEducation
COVID Concerns Mar MAST Academy’s 30th Year
“As you navigate throughout the building this year, please be aware that we are still in a pandemic.” This was the somber warning issued during Dr. Cadian Collman-Perez’s first day address as MAST Academy’s new principal, and as it turned out, a prescient one. Within the first five days, MAST has had 25 students on […]
Posted inCourts, Crime, Local
Causeway Murder Trial Set for Oct. 12
Kadel Piedrahita will stand trial for murder Oct. 12 for the shooting of a cyclist on the Rickenbacker Causeway, a judge ruled Friday, saying the evidnce of guilt was so strong, prosecutors would be warranted in upping the charges. Circuit Court Judge Alberto Milian denied a new application for bond. He said a review of […]
Posted inOpinion
On Rickenbacker, We’re Paying the Price of Poor Planning
OPINION A common axiom states “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” and, while that’s a bit harsh, it’s mostly true. Vision works much the same way. If you don’t establish, promote, and pursue a vision, you are likely to be subject to someone else’s — an audacious, unsolicited bid to privatize […]
Posted inIsland Life, Local, News
Feliz Steps Down at Crossbridge
Silver Feliz told congregants at Crossbridge Church that he is stepping down as campus pastor, a role he has filled for three years. Feliz, who preached a sermon Sunday on unity, said he will continue to serve as a ruling elder at the Presbyterian church. Rev. Felipe Assis remains the senior pastor at Crossbridge, a […]
Posted inEnvironment, Local, News, Politics
Regalado Tells Village: Don’t Go to War Over Causeway
In a plea for cooperation instead of conflict, County Commissioner Raquel Regalado defused –at least temporarily– growing Key Biscayne dissatisfaction over Miami-Dade County’s plan to privatize the Rickenbacker Causeway. Meanwhile, the project is already facing demands for major changes from other communities, and the first bidder’s conference –scheduled for today– was abruptly rescheduled. County Mayor […]
Posted inLocal, News, Police, Politics
Seven Finalists for Key Biscayne Police Chief
Village Manager Steve Williamson is down to a list of seven finalists for Key Bicayne’s top cop. Among them are commanders from Miami-Dade County, the City of Miami and the Fort Lauderdale police forces. Williamson said he expects to make a final decision by October to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief […]
Posted inLocal, News, Police, Politics
Police Added to Council Chambers After Safety Concerns Raised
Police officers were stationed at this week’s Village Council meeting to provide added security after more than one member of council expressed fears for their safety. Longtime residents said the sergeant-at-arms appeared to be a first for Key Biscayne. Village Manager Steve Williamson said council members’ concerns arose after some disruptive comments coming from the […]