Special events mark 9/11

Special events were scheduled around the Tampa Bay area this week to mark the 7th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Here is a list of ceremonies and events that are open to the public.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

- Service of Remembrance, 8 a.m. Thursday, Serenity Meadows cemetery and funeral home, 6919 Providence Rd., Riverview. Guest speaker and color guard. Refreshments will be served.

- Freedom Walk, 9 a.m. Saturday at Fred Ball Park on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa. The 2-mile walk is part of a national event sponsored by "America Supports You." The local portion was organized by Operation Homefront, a group that provides financial help and other assistance to troops and their families. Go to the Operation Homefront Website for more information.

PINELLAS COUNTY

- Patriot Day ceremony hosted by Tarpon Springs police and fire departments, 9:45 a.m. Thursday at the Tarpon Springs Public Safety Facility, 444 S Huey Ave. Moment of silence, flag-raising and prayers. Light refreshments will be offered.

- The Worldwide sing-along of "Let it Be" and September 11 Memorial Concert joins communities around the world in "filling the skies with music." Sponsored by the City of Clearwater, Clearwater Arts Foundation and Clearwater Sister Cities Inc. 6 p.m. Thursday on the steps of Clearwater City Hall, 112 S. Osceola Ave. 

HERNANDO COUNTY

- Hernando County Family YMCA’s annual Run to Remember, 6:30 a.m. Thursday, 1300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. 5K memorial run (or 1-mile walk), followed by a prayer service and continental breakfast. The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office will lead the runners into the Seven Hills community, and Spring Hill Fire Rescue will follow all racers to the finish line. Participants in the event will receive a Run to Remember T-shirt. For information or a registration form, visit online at www.ymcasuncoast.org.

- American Legion Post 186 Color Guard ceremony, 10 a.m., 12091 Cortez Blvd., Spring Hill. For information, call (352) 597-9995.

- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9236 and Ladies Auxiliary ceremony, 11 a.m., 3435 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. A light lunch will follow in the canteen. For information, call (352) 596-9236.

- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8713 and Ladies Auxiliary will host the Brooksville Patriot's Day Ceremony at 11 a.m. at 1686 E Jefferson St., Brooksville. The ceremony will be led by Commander Jim Simonetti and post officers. For information, call (352) 796-4449.

-  "Heap the Hummer'' extravaganza to collect supplies for troops serving overseas, 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and again from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Glen Lakes Publix, 9595 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee. Donations will be accepted and stuffed into a Hummer on site. The event, sponsored by the local Publix, will include entertainment and children's activities. Various local agencies will also be on hand. There will be fire trucks, an ambulance, the sheriff's DARE car and military vehicles on display. For information, call (352) 596-5189.

PASCO COUNTY

- Sign the 9/11 banner at Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point in the Shoreline Cafeteria, 14000 Fivay Road, Hudson. The banner is on display through Friday for individuals to sign.

Comments

[AL ROSE]

ST PETE TIMES SEPTEMBER 11, 2008 FRONT PAGE HEADLINE
SOMETHING MISSING FOR SURE DO THEY NOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED IN NYC AT THE TWIN TOWERS ON THIS DAY SEVEN YEARS AGO SAD NEWSPAPER WORK

[Surfvet11]

After 9-11 Surfside held a wonderful event it called RALLY FOR AMERICA. Surfside was different then. Today it is mired in a disgrace over town officials pushing to give a away a veterans memorial display, then trying to cover up their plan with pandering and deception.

Surfside has a long and strong history in matters relating to the defense of our nation and those who serve on the front lines of protecting freedom and democracy. In WWII, Surfside was a place for training of soldiers who would fight - and some who would die - in service to America. There are photographs and documents that still exist to show the Town of Surfside's role in homeland security long before those words had common familiarity. Certain leaders of the Town in subsequent decades did great honor to Town and Nation through an expansive demonstration of sincere, continuous patriotism and support for veterans and for America itself.


Surfside representatives respectfully sought a display piece to help honor American veterans and American history. Town officials worked for three years for the Town to be granted that memorial display 1998 - 2001. Personnel from the Town, including the Town Commission and administrators, veterans, reservists, and active duty men and women from virtually all branches of the military were involved in the effort. The Town made formal requests in accordance with all proper procedures. The Town's sincere and demonstrated appreciation of all veterans through many programs, projects, events, and other efforts was recognized at all levels. The howitzer was made available in 2001 and conditionally donated and provided to the Town by the US Army and the United States of America on the agreed condition that it be displayed where it now is at Surfside Veterans Park as a memorial and tribute to those who serve and those who have served. Prior to the arrival of the display, the Town renovated Veterans Park, installed new landscaping, irrigation, pavers and flagpoles and made vast upgrades to the site. Surfside proudly accepted the howitzer and brought it from a distant depot to South Florida and installed it properly, with a community ceremony and visitors from near and far, and the Surfside Veterans Park Cannon remains on display today. It is a symbol of our community's respect, admiration and appreciation for those who have served and sacrificed to protect and defend our nation and the freedom that our citizens enjoy.

1992 - 2006

(Mayor Paul Novack 1992 - 2004)

(Mayor Tim Will 2004 - 2006)

Surfside created, presented, supported, and participated in many, many efforts to honor veterans and to sincerely thank them for their service. Examples include:

Memorial Day Ceremonies

Veterans Day Ceremonies

Pearl Harbor Remembrances

Surfside Military Discount Program Honoring all active duty and veteran personnel

Honoring the Fleet Week, USS Bataan, Avon Park Bombing Range, Richmond Naval Air Station, FTL Naval

Air Station, and South Florida Military History projects

Support for local JROTC programs at public schools

Renovation of Surfside Veterans Park

Recipient of Howitzer Display Piece from US Army

Cooperative projects with the US Coast Guard and CGAux.

Visited by Vice Commander, USSOUTHCOM

Visited by Admirals, Generals, and Senior Officers of All Branches

Cooperative International Relief Projects - Town and Military efforts

Participation in local military ceremonies and tributes

----(((((())))))-----

2006 - 2008
(Mayor Charles Burkett, Vice Mayor Howard Weinberg, 2006 - 2008)

Then in 2006 a new group of people got elected to office with a whole different perspective on virtually everything. They knew everything, no one else knew anything. That began two years of financial, management, facilities, and tax rate disasters. They spun their way to reelection in 2008, demolished the Town's historic and beautiful Community Center, and set their sights on getting rid of Surfside Veterans Park. At the same time, the true extent of the Town's financial crisis has begun to leak out. Diversionary issue or just plain ignorance and disrespect for veterans and taxpayers both?

Sadly in the summer of 2008 the current group of Town officials decided to tell the Town's Beautification Committee that the howitzer memorial display at Surfside Veterans park should be given away ("gotten rid of") and that the Park should be renamed and that the cannon and veterans memorial were "symbols of violence" and "inappropriate for the entrance to a community" and more nonsense. Town officials of 2008 think only of themselves, and do not represent the sentiment of most Surfside residents, but town officials keep town residents in the dark about many things that are going on. So, Surfside Veterans Park and its Howitzer - Veterans Memorial Display are threatened by the poor judgment of local politicians. But people are standing up against the denigration of Surfside Veterans Park and everyone can weigh in on the issue.

[Harvey A Lisker]

You received bad information. The idea is not to "do away with the military honor at Veteran's Park" On the contrary, the idea is that weaponry is an inappropriate entry feature for those driving into our Community from the South.

The cannon may be moved or donated to military historians who will display it all around the area including in Surfside every Memorial Day and Veterans Day when they bring in their other vintage equipment. We can then create a more meaningful and appropriate Memorial to those who have served our Country. I have visited War Memorials all over the Country and particularly in New England where local military service dates back to the Revolutionary War and in virtually every town green Veteran's Memorial, the display does NOT include weaponry.

Vice Mayor Howard S. Weinberg

[Harvey Lisker]

Please voice your opinion by writing to them at the following email addresses.

mayor@townofsurfsidefl.gov,
hweinberg@townofsurfsidefl.gov,
mimberman@townofsurfsidefl.gov,
slevine@townofsurfsidefl.gov,
ecalderon@townofsurfsidefl.gov

[Leona Robbins]

"at the Korean War Memorial "It is a Monument of peace, the goal of all who served in Korea. There are no weapons or symbols of war depicted".
In any event, regardless of personal preference, the Beautification Committee has recommended that a change be made and that a piece of artillery as an entry feature sends the wrong message about a peaceful oceanfront hamlet.

Vice Mayor Howard S. Weinberg

[lauderdalesgtmaj]

Amazing how when caught, bad politicians spin like a top. When their scheme is exposed, they jump under the nearest rock and pretend to be against what they had been pushing so hard.

Word is out about Surfside city officials wanting to bit by bit change a Veterans Park into a Dog Park. They want to throw away or at least move out of the way a historic howitzer than is just yards away from a veterans memorial monument, both surrounded by tall flag poles flying national, state and local flags. The gall, the outrageous disrespect, that Surfside officials have revealed about themselves through this scheme. Now that they are exposed they are hiding under phony retorts and spins but at town meetings on the record on tape an in their emails they showed what they were really up to and they should be accountable for this irresponsibility.

[Harvey Lisker]

What really stupid elected officials we have in the Town of Surfside. Above you read that Howard Weinberg wants to donate the Cannon and now that he and the rest of the administration got caught in their own crap they are trying a spin to disprove my protest.
I have the advantage of serving my country faithfully and I know how to win a battle.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Vice Mayor Howard S. Weinberg"
To: 10@aol.com>, "Charles W. Burkett" , "Marc Imberman" , "Steve Levine" , "Elizabeth Calderon"
Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:16:51 -0400
Subject: Re: Removal of Veteran's Memorial

Sandy: You have been provided with false information, possibly by persons with their own political agenda. Removing the Veterans Day Memorial in Surfside's Veterans Park has NEVER been considered. Surfside is a very Veteran friendly community with a beautiful ceremony in the park each Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The discussion that has been ongoing revolves around a cannon that sits alone in the park NOT the Memorial. Currently the cannon is a disservice to all who sevrved our country. It has no signage, no plaque, no significance to the vast majority of people who view it. The current options are to move the cannon elsewhere in the same park and provide it with proper context and identification, or to donate it to a Veterans group that restores vintage military equipment and tours it around as part of an educational program. Either option is far more sensitive to the men and woman who wore the uniform than the way the cannon has been neglected since being donated to the people of Surfside. I am sorry that you did not receive accurate information from your source.

Vice Mayor Howard S. Weinberg

Harvey Lisker
SGT 58th Sig Corps Korea age 76

[vetsquad@hotmail.com]

Vice Mayor Weinberg obviously is pursuing his political agenda of falsehood and fakery. He wants to get rid of the veterans howitzer display but unfortunately for him he got caught before pulling it off. Apparently he's been able to pull of other things in the dark and expected this to be another. Didn't turn out that way. Now he wants to move the howitzer, why? He says the monument and flags there are not a suitable tribute to veterans? I've seen the photos, and he's really out of it if he things no one will see his lies for what they are. Such a travesty - first the plan to give away the howitzer and rename the park, then the coverup. Getting worse, not better.

[fogllboth]

Incredible shifting sands, huh.
Surfside officals now say they don't want to wipe out veterans park and its cannon display. Problem: its on video tape. Can anyone put the video up here or on utube? Mayor Charles Burkett and Vice Mayor Howard Weinberg instructing Beautification Committee Chairman David Steinfeld to go back to his committee and figure out how to get the cannon out of veterans park. What will they say when they watch themselves say the opposite of what they say now, huh

Dear Mr. Lisker,
As a resident of the Town of Surfside for over fifty years, I am both embarrassed and saddened to know the hurt and disappointment you, and all Veterans - especially Surfsides own - must be unnecessarily experiencing.
In behalf of the great majority of residents, I apologize for the irresponsible, callous and ignorant action some Town officials are considering – especially those apparently proposed by COMMISSIONER Weinberg. (see previous entries)

If the “Howitzer” (cannon) is removed from Veteran’s Memorial Park, it will be a sad and dark day for Surfside. A day, that NEVER would have occurred in the Surfside my family moved to in 1956.

With Respect,
Joe Graubart

[jessica flax]

Instead of finishing old business, ie community center, these simple minded non patriotic commissioners, decided to pick on the veterans park. Brother you picked on the wrong group of people. Instead you should get on your hands and knees and thank every family that fought for you and this country. Wife of a Koran vet.

[James McDowell]

fogllboth:

If you have such a video of Mayor Charles Burkett addressing the Beautification Committee, please send either the video clip or the link to Mr. Lisker for the record. It would help his cause. Thank you
James McDowell

[standup]

Right at the Sept. town commission meeting on video and on cable broadcast Mr. Mayor Burkett did indeed tell the Beautification committee chairman that the cannon needed to go and he wanted the Beautification Committee to decide how to make that happen. Who has a video of the meeting? It will show the Mayor from his center seat telling the commitee chairman who was standing at a podium speaking with the commission.

[Patus]

Is Surfside Veterans Park destined to become Cat and Dog Park, is that what is underneath this sad situation, how shameful. Seems like those politicians care more about stray cats and dog pets than they do about America's veterans and the city's parks and land. Something is very wrong and the cover up try just does not cut it.

[revealSC]

If it were not all true it would be so easy for the Surfside politicians all they would do is put in writing right here and on public announcements that they will never move or remove the cannon and they will never move or remove the veterans monument memorial and they will never change the use of Veterans Park and they will never give it over to animals or to signs with their names on it and they will vow to just leave the whole place alone as the beautiful tribute that it is and always has been. But no, they will not because they have other plans afoot as we can see from the statements and emails they have been making.

[Another Surfside Florida Resident]

As if this town has no pressing issues other than to remove a dedication of our Vets' park only to replace it with a DOGGY PARK?? It is strikingly diametrically opposite in significance!What a twisted sense of priorities!?

But not a surprise coming from this useless lot of commissioners given their track record of ZERO accomplishments in 3 years other than to splurge the public coffers dry so town administration is left with minimal funds for town maintenance- Example: gypsy-blacktop paint of the Abbott Ave parking lot instead of properly milling (to rid of pot holes) and reasphalting the two lots! They have done nothing else in their years in office other than retrace and undo practical ordinance of former mayorships. I mean, what does a trust baby and bunch of lawyers know about money control?

I find it utterly unpatriotic, downright despicable for the current town commission to EVEN CONSIDER removal or relocation of the cannon and memorial;not even to an out of sight location, or to give our cannon away, even to rename the Veteran's Park! How disgusting of these ELECTED officials to even go there in thought, who incidentally, I hear, not one of whom ever served in ANY military capacity for our country. Oh yes, Commissioner Howard Weinberg, brings up two years he "worked" at the Pentagon... I wonder if like many of his other claims, this too could be an outright lie. Could his two years at the Pentagon been mere externships or internships required as part of his law degree? NOTE TO SHWEINBERG: That wouldn't count as "work".

A lot of thought had been put in to dedication of our Veteran's Park in Surfside, Florida as well as the cannon's current position by Mayor Paul Novack's administration in the 1990s as.

Considering the big picture, and prioritization, the Town of Surfside is very far behind in utility infrastructure but short on budget ever since March 2006 when this group of "Slate of Five" were voted in by the young and newer residents. May you smartass newcomers get what's coming to you now... I hear you whining high taxes -- and user fees to come for the NEW community center. Isn't that why you elected this bunch if idiots? Your just rewards are ahead.

Irresponsibible overexpenditure is now at the expense of all other upkeep and maintenance. This commission doesn't even have money to restore and maintain the cannon at Veterans' Park. That's what they say it needs... why don't they DO it instead of ridding our town of our cannon?

Still, like all neglect this commission is responsible for, Surfside is also in DESPERATE need of replacing the decades-broken Stormwater grid of pipes within our town (you'll be glad your home isn't under water in case of a 14 foot storm surge); how about the public Sewer grid of pipes with the broken pumps, light poles that are dangerously tilting due to past hurricanes, the mounting parking and traffic problems in the residential district, securing all public parking lots with fencing (mimimize liability for a kid not to run out into traffic or a wheel chair not to roll out),and so much more! We have so many other more important overdue projects, yet all this commission does is play trivial pursuit and blame on former mayors' accomplishments.

Surfside Florida's Veteran's Park must remain. Our Horwitz cannon must remain and be lovingly restored by Surfside! I say,budget for the money dear commissioners, instead of allowing such obscense spending in 1MILLION$ per annum on a law firm to be our town counsel and more money like that for the jack-of-all trades firm sucking us dry, Giordano and Assocs.

Show me a citizen who wants our Veterans' Park desecrated and I'll show you one Dave Steinfeld, a Weinberg lackey, appointed to the so-called Beautification Committee; the same Steinfeld who has a "FOR SELL" sign in front of his house.

[Diego H. Hurtado]

It appears to me that after a great spin and smart people re-thinking a bad idea, the problem is solved. The historical cannon will stay in its place and we veterans had our voices heard. Please note that any deviation of this situation will be challenged by the men and women that have done more than just talked about our freedom of speech and our way of life. We put our life in harm’s way for it all around the world. Likewise, we have seen our brothers and sisters die in front of us for the right to display the canon as it is and to preserve Surfside Veterans Park as it was intended to be.
With all due respect Vice Mayor Howard Weinberg, if you want to enjoy New England’s Veterans Memorial which don’t include any weapons you can move there. We are in the best country in the world,” The United States of America “and we want the cannon to stay!

Diego H. Hurtado
20 years US Army (82nd Airborne Division)
Airborne

[Dickens Ave Homeowner]

Maybe they're planning to use Surfside's tennis courts/Veterans Park property as the future site of our community center. As for the current site of the raized oceanfront community center, I bet these crooks already have plans to lease out the property to a private developer who will build a seven-story building of offices. That's why they overpriced the General Obligation Bond to 16.5 Million$ for which we will have to pay through our noses for the next THIRTY YEARS! What a group of failures this town commission has turned out to be.

They lost my vote!!!!!!!!

[beholder]

The officials scheming does continue. Notice how they have NOT posted a vow to never move or remove the cannon, never to change the name or use of the Veterans Park, never to proceed with the plan they hatched under the cover of their "beautification" committee.

[theyspinwildly]

At the last Surfside town meeting a lot of residents had a lot of questions but no one got any valid answers. There was a 14 million dollar surplus savings reserve account a couple of years ago but now its only got 7 million? They wanted to know where all that money went. Odd how Mr. Weinberg was silent and failed to suggest a forensic audit to find out where and how such a flow happens. And in the midst of national economic woes Surfside town officials pass the fattest town budget ever and raise property taxes by 11% water bills up 41%, sewer bills up 37%, garbage fee bills up 59%, and stormwater fees up 114%. They promised to cut budgets and reduce taxes and guess what -- they did the exact opposite. Wonder why they pull stunts to divert attention, dont wonder any longer.

[Walter Sampson]

Surfside Residents plead heed my word. This argument is about one subject and one subject only. That is the desecration of Veterans Memorial Park and the removal of the WW11, Korean and Vietnam era artillery piece that is in excellent condition facing the ocean. The U.S. Army gave it to Surfside under contract that it be placed exactly where it is and maintained/displayed properly. The town does not have to budget money except to cut the grass and do what ever regular maintance is needed on a two house plot of land. It's not a large piece of property. If they move it 50 feet what will that accomplish? There are enough willing Veterans who will volunteer their time and effort to keep the Cannon painted.

Drop the rest of the political crap from the blog because it only helps the administration's spin that this is political which is is not.

But do write to everyone you know...have them protest by sending emails to the addresses above.

Many kind thanks to all Veterans , active duty as well as those who stayed in the United States of America. We truly HONOR EVERYONE ONE OF YOU

[eyeshaveit]

Really what those Surfside politicians have done is to make the whole thing political and give everyone cause to look behind the curtain to see what they have done and WHY they have done it. Their abysmal performance and sell out mentality has opened the window for people to see in to city hall and how anyone could even think of removing a historic display that honors veterans. Their gall extends far beyond the cannon which has itself become a symbol of a deep situation. Let's save the cannon and help the pepole of Surfside to save their Veterans Park and their home community from the disrespect and dishonor and selfishness that the Veterans Park scheme is all about.

Yes a panoramic picture of what is going on there is better than a snapshot taken and altered by a bunch of politicians with their own plans and closely held cards -- we are entitled to facts not just the spin being fed us to try to make us keep quiet. Those who served will serve again to protect the Surfside veterans display it just cannot be messed with or moved or made to disappear. We stand against their plan.

[openist]

If anyone gets any more silly evasive responses from public officials hiding in their little political cacoons then let's post up for everyone to see.

[noway]

People say no to moving or selling or giving away a historic veterans honor and local politicians attack us for speaking up, how outrageous is that. Cannot believe the responses I get from these people with official titles.

[pleezze]

If anyone believes what comes out of the mouths of Charles Burkett and Howard Weinberg, there is a cannon for sale, and as a free add on, you also get the Golden Gate Bridge. Bargain basement price. Where our service to country has been straight their words are anything but. Don't anyone be naive. Check the background and know who you are dealing with. Someone should put a guard detail on that howitzer because it can just 'disappear' one night at this rate with those guys.

[didnotsupportwar]

Young people are asking why we support Veterans and their families.

Here is my answer especially concerning the Vietnam Heros, every single one who answered the call. We all owe them more gratitude than they got from the lousy politicans gave them.

These men and women answered the call of their country. They went when called and served with honor and bravery. They did not volunteer but also did not run away when they were drafted. They deserve Honor and earned it. No matter that it was an unpopular war. They did their duty and served their country. Over 54,000 paid with their young lives. The average age of the Viet Nam soldier was 19.

Many of these soldiers bravely served their country, and got a really raw deal when they came home. People actually spit on them in the street. Sometimes girls refused to date the "baby murders." Many of them were dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and in addition, they were afraid to admit that they had been in Vietnam. (Imagine if soldiers today coming home from Iraq were greeted at the airport by protesters splashing them with blood.)

Where were you Mayor Charles Burkett, Vice Mayor Howard Weinberg, Commissioner Marc Imberman (in jail?),Commissioner Steve Levine and Commissioner Caldron who remains silent in all of this discussion.
God Bless America and every single AMERICAN VETERAN.

[Examine]

"Currently the cannon is a disservice to all who sevrved our country."

Exactly precisely the words of Surfside Vice Mayor Howard Weinberg doing a spin that should win drama awards. Quoted from his email to vets who can't believe he wants to move or sell or give away a military veterans display. This blog has the information on Surfside Veterans Park in Surfside and what is happening is really unforunate. If city officials wanted to do an aboutface and leave the Veterans Park exactly as it is now, forever - they could all sign off on that to assure us all that the issue is over. Otherwise: !!!!

[Gustav99]

Has everyone demanded that guy's resignation? The audacity and poor judgment do not deserve to be adorned with a title and position of authority because it just breeds disrespect for the whole system.

[Iservedmycoutry]

Miami Beach runs from 1st Street to 88th Street. Surfside runs from 88th Street to 96th Street.

The Veterans Memorial Cannon is located at 88th Street and Collins Avenue. The politicans haven't either a clue or an interest in the amount of anger being stirred up by their actions, I am posting a quote from a web site that I hope everyone will read. It's the history of the U.S. Army during the second world war in Miami Beach. Photos included.

“... no other community with as small a population as Miami Beach has done so much for servicemen and in my opinion there is no city or resort deserving less criticism and more commendation than Miami Beach.”
http://www.historical-museum.org/collect/world_war/ww2-1.htm

[Stepup]

Surfside always did such a great job thanking veterans before this, just look at the history and information already posted on this site above. The gentlemen that were elected a couple of years ago have sent the honor of the town in a nose dive.

[3strikestheirout]

Right they should resign. Reaction of people demanding that is fair just look at their decision (coverup aside) to give away that cannon and its symbol as a tribute to veterans and to America. The behavior of the politicians is incredible good thing they got exposed before the park was no longer Veterans Park. It is beyond the pale.

[Harvey Lisker]

Apparently the Mayor and Commission are using the PR firm they hired for the bond issue to discredit my charge of removing the The Veterans Memorial Cannon. You will know from the letters sent to each of you by the administration.

As of 11:01AM Sunday Sept. 28,2008 there is no negotiation taking place, The mayor has not endorsed anything in writing or audio to me, Weinberg and Imberman are adamant about getting rid of the Cannon. Steve Levine wants to be on record of keeping it but moving it 50 feet (ie, hide it) and commissioner Calderon is silent.

[flybywire]

Every one of the city officials owe it to the public to make a clear statement it is so easy to write that they vow to maintain Surfside Veterans Park exactly as it is, don't throw anything away, don't give anything away, don't move anything, don't hide anything, don't put their own names and plaques and desecrations in, just walk away and make it official and formal. Or they just are telling us they refuse to do the right thing.

[howtrack442]

From the responses received from Mr. Weinberg (is he city vice mayor? is he commissioner? is he omnipositional?) we can see that 1) he and cohorts did intend to remove the howitzer from Veterans Park 2) they did intend to relocate the monument 3) they did plan to eliminate the whole veterans memorial display and even the name VETERANS PARK from the site 4) they did want to build a parking site for garbage trucks on the site. No one can explain why he would think any of that would pass muster.

[Harvey Lisker]

Your thoughts and comments have gotten to the right chain of command and WE VETERANS are grateful to each and every person who has and continues to support us.

Since I have no control to manage this blog, I have started one of my own to bring the history into proper order. This blog has really helped the cause and I hope you will continue to use it, as well as to read my blog: Restore Surfside's Honor

http://restoresurfsideshonor.blogspot.com/

I want to maintain control to place new information in the proper context as it is received. Most of you know my email address and I don't want spam so you can share it with each other if you wish to be heard.

Has local media ignored what is really going on, have they bought into the lies of the city administration on this and do they not care how outrageous the underlying maneuvers and deceit from Surfside City Hall is and its disgrace--

City officials say there are no files or papers about the cannon. Florida has rules about records being public. They just ignore them and say they have no papers to show and they say what that the howitzer just beamed down one day into the Veterans Park Display? Uncle Sam does not provide military equipment that way, sorry politician boys, you ain't being straight with the truth.

Gee whiz we looked through a lot of boxes and we can't find anything about that cannon

Shazam

A few questions:
1. How did the clerk "lose" the documents referencing the cannon?
What else has been "lost?"

2. Why is the clerk not reporting Weinberg for misrepresenting himself as "vice-mayor" when he hasn't been for months?

3. What other lies has the fraudulent ex-vice mayor done besides misrepresenting himself and claiming he worked in the Pentagon?

4. Why does the Surfside administration TARGET senior citizens, first by enacting a "chain link fence ordinance" specifically targeting residents who have been in town for years and secondly by forcing this issue about the cannon which is obviously intended to provoke the remaining Korean and WW II vets in town?

Is Vice Mayor (?) Weinberg really the professor of law at Barry University that he claims to be?

Someone in Surfside kept his campaign literature and it sure does claim that he's a law professor and he worked at the Pentagon and that he would lower taxes and reduce the city budget and cut lawyers fees but it seems that the promises were worse than hollow they were the opposite of what he did once elected and as to his background ...???

Is the "vice" mayor the same Howard Weinberg who ran/represented Sobonito, the famed internet spammer?

[boxer66]

Vets know his kind of politician well.
He tries not to lie, but whenever he opens his mouth, the lies flow out. For him its an involuntary thing - just the way his mind automatically works. Lie, doge and weave. Then cover up. Save Surfside Veterans Park.

Compare what those politicians have writen with what they told the Miami Herald. Compare what they have done and what they say. Size up their integrity and credibility. See their game.

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/beaches/story/715927.html

[resist-the-disgrace]

Can we should we trust the liars or should we all rise to defend the honor of everyone who served? Pretty obvious what we need to do and it aint nothing.

Mr. Imberman and Mr. Weinberg and Mr. Burkett all lied to the Miami Herald. Proof is in their emails to vets trying to explain their sneak attack on Surfside Veterans Memorial. They might fool a naive reporter who doesn't even look into what she is writing about but they don't fool us.

All emails to and from Surfside officials concerning the cannon should be sequestered and made available by a public records request.

Hopefully the clerk won't "accidentally" erase them.

Have they made officials' emails and memos and letters disappear, again? Have they given another false assurance that they dont exist? How do they get away with that, are people making records requests and getting the door slammed on them and they continue to operate an unamerican operation at Surfside City Hall?

Rumor has it the clerk "found" the cannon documents? Maybe she can "find" the enginering reports that prove the five commissioners lied about the condition of the old community center? Then she can "find" Weinbergs signature on checks he writes FOR HIMSELF! Sounds like Surfside is in need of a good "lost and found" department!

Can they also "find" the millions of dollars that are no longer in the town savings account?

[Sunshine Law]

Why is there a Sunshine Law in Florida? Not too many people abide by it's rules, do they.

Take the Town of Surfside for instance. They have a Beautification Committee Meeting on their Calendar for Monday Evening, Oct. 27th, 2008. There is no agenda published and a special notation that the "GUEST LIST HAS BEEN HIDDEN AT ORGANIZERS REQUEST".

What are they afraid of?
Who are the Organizers of this Secret Meeting?
Why is there no Agenda mentioned?
Why is there no investigation?
Why is there a Beautification Committee in the first place?

God Help Us All with the corrupt Surfside, Florida Administration.

[TotalCorruptioninSurfside,Florida]

The absolute and total corruption of Town Officials and it's Beautification Committee came to light last night when no one showed up to face off with Veterans in Surfside, Florida.

Vice Mayor Marc Imberman stumbled into the meeting and appeared to be caught by surprise when he saw Vets talking with a Miami Herald Reporter.

No one knew why he showed up but he is the liasion person between the Commission and the Beautification Committee which is determining the fate of the 105 mm Howitzer Cannon and the Veterans Park Memorial.

He actually told those present that the Beautification Committee held a (secret)meeting on Saturday and they were not likely to have another one last night even though it was on the Town Calendar of Events.

As Vets press forward, the town shows it's total corruption ever more and they just don't care who knows it.

God Bless America with that kind of (leadership)

The truth about the corrupt ways of the infamous five now in office in Surfside in 2008 has yet to be unearthed. The depth of their devious plots and the scheming ruination of Surfside for their own profit is going left alone by media and government alike. They laugh at veterans and mock their efforts to preserve Veterans Park's monument and cannon and they giggle at the taxpayers as the financial disaster spreads wealth to politicians and puts a city into a hole full of red ink.

[Takingnoticeofveterans]

Surfside is now aware of the power of Veterans. They came to Surfside, walked door to door handing out flyers and talked to residents about the Municipal Bond Issue. Veterans asked residents to vote against it and they did, by a sizeable number.

Let the Commission stick that feather where the sun don't shine.

Those town officials are hiding something very large. They refused to have the independent annual audits done since the day they were elected. Florida mandates annual independent comprehensive audits and Surfside has ignored it since Burkett Weinberg Imberman Levine and Calderon got into office. Meanwhile the town's money continues to get squandered in huge chunks. They had other reasons to find a big bond issue money infusion that had nothing to do with any community center building. Why do you think they demolished a good building then asked for bond debt to build a new one? Its an iceberg alright. Most of it is under the surface!

Surfside Cannon still in place. Officials want to "be rid of it" but they have gone underground and slowed the pace of their plan on the "cannon" until the heat goes away - so they think - that they can get it done quietely and then once its gone, it is too late for any protest or discussion or democracy, it is just gone and that is that.

Surfside Florida city officials yes exposed trying to underhandedly slap veterans and community and country. Brought a light to them. Under the light it shows intentions dishonorable. Questions about money, policy, respect. Officials who high five each other over lying about their own home town and its history and leadership and uniqueness? Shows just that the team now in elected office have an agenda that is not about Surfside and is not about the people who live there instead its about selfish private goals that have really damaged a great community.

[Skip Dreps]

Keep up the good fight my fellow veterans in Surfside, Florida and elsewhere, and call when you need us Northern brothers to lend a hand. New VA Secretary, Eric Shinseki, is an old Army paratrooper and I have a conection being the Interm National Legislative Director for the Veterans of Modern Warfare (VMW). More help is on the way when he stops by the cannon on his way from West Palm to Miami Beach VA Hospitals. I'm driving the group together in a van in May if all goes well. Keep punching!

[Veterans Compensation Benefits]

Great post and way to keep the community informed on the events. keep up the good work you have a blog that is a great resource for veterans and military supporters!

Cheers!
Veterans Compensation Benefits

Florida veterans
Everyone needed
Stand tall
Stop greed and resentment against country and community
http://restoresurfsideshonor.blogspot.com/

To hide what they plotted and how the lied, they have fired the town clerk? and imposed a silence order on town employees

Spreads like a disease.
Corrupt and incompetent.
Surfside
Indian Creek Village
Bay Harbor Islands
Bal Harbour Village

[Abbotttrailblazer]

Its all being swept under the Surfside Rug created by Mr. Burkett and Mr. Weinberg. Cover up city no doubt. Mud and lies cover their deeds. It all now takes second stage to the real deal the BOND ISSUE that will be the biggest cow the area has ever seen and will have plenty of milk to be drained away by those closest to the beast. Bond issue. Debt. Disaster. Economic meltdown. Florida. Budget fiasco. Complete public irresponsibility. Surfside Florida 2009 believe it or not its got a city oficial rot that smells far and wide.

[truthbtold]

Vital Facts Not Published ANYWHERE
Public Kept in the Dark
DEBT and TAXES: The Truth About Surfside Today

If a few years ago candidates running for Surfside office would have told the voters that their plan for the town was to:

- demolish the community center
- deplete the town of it’s reserve savings
- raise taxes and raise all garbage, sewer and water fees
- spend $3.5 million just for consultants and lawyers
- not accomplish a single project from their (wildly expensive and completely useless) “charette” (also known as their “charade”)

they would have been the laughing stock of Surfside. So they hid the truth. They made fools of us voters. It has been a very expensive lesson for us. The “breath of fresh air” we were promised was at best “hot air” and at worst a corrupt effort to take a clean and honest town and ruin it with no-bid contracts and cronyism and public debt. The hole in the sand we are left with is a glaring reminder of the utter incompetence and lies of the officials that have been in office since 2006.

The town’s finances are in shambles. Several town departments are running deep deficits right now, awash in red ink. Town savings and reserve accounts are being rapidly depleted. Millions are gone without explanation. Even without the bond issue for the community center, we are all going to pay more taxes next year. Pay more, get less. Bonds or loans would mean an ever deepening hole of red ink, causing a spiral of more tax hikes. The July 14 vote was ‘conveniently’ scheduled for before the commission discloses how much it will raise taxes for next year and to take advantage of low expected voter turnout. Current town officials are schemers not public servants. They pay themselves a minimum of 500/month plus expenses despite the town charter requiring pay of only $1 per year! They find money for themselves, but can’t even find money for fireworks on Independence Day! They refuse to have independent comprehensive audits. Why? They had millions in town reserve funds when they took office but they squandered it on no-bid contracts and cronyism, now the cover up is in full gear. They went wild with spending, and we have nothing at all to show for it.

How many times will they churn the loan or bond issue to spin off fees and commissions? What is the total cost to the taxpayers (many times the advertised amount!) and how fast will they waste it and siphon it off? The ‘plan’ will cause runaway tax increases to pay for one project. There is no credibility at town hall, no accountability for all the money squandered in the last three years. We just can’t afford to have any more of this. Calvin Giordano and town lawyers have become rich, and no “news” reports? Town finances and tax rates are being kept under wraps by town officials, but why does the media keep all these secrets or not take the chance to fully inform the people of all the facts?

[heisted]

It could easily and efficiently have been saved and renoated. Instead Surfside politicians have razed the jewel of this oceanfront community.

The beautiful, functional, and invaluable Surfside Community Center has been demolished by politicians with no clue about public service. They destroyed the facilities despite an official, independent, expert engineering report on the inspection and condition of the Community Center - the report said the prior to demolition:

"It is worth mentioning that this building showcases very distinct characteristics of the Miami Modem (MIMO) architectural style prevalent in South Florida in the 1960's. This is evidenced by the tapering rhomboidal columns at the front of the building, the rhomboidal beams bracing these columns and supporting the front of the second floor structure, and the folded plates at the roof which are architecturally expressed.

The building overall is in remarkably good shape. We observed some cracking on the underside of the cast-in-place folded plates and some localized concrete cracking and spalling on the exposed waffle slab, but in general the integrity of the structure does not seemed compromised by these findings.

There were no obvious signs of foundation settlements, no excessive deflections or sagging of the structure, no bulging of the exterior load bearing walls, no evident signs of distress in the structural members."

[dontwanttobfooledagain]

The legacy of Burkett, Weinberg, Imberman, Levine, Calderon, Icabacci, Arnold, Tourgeman, Blumstein, Steinfeld, and an interested band of merrimen and cohorts, waste, greed, destruction, divisiveness, selfishness and failure. What a pity for Surfside.

[futur]

Agenda of projects for 2010 Mayor Burkett Vice Mayor Weinberg and Vice Mayor Imberman (yes they both use the title in demonstration of egomania) include "getting rid of the cannon from Veterans Park", privatizing garbage collection and firing long time and low paid town employees who get the job done for far less than the friendly give-and-take outside contractor, more millions for lawyers and engineers and consultants way more than ever before, diverting debt generated money away from published uses, cutting service and yes raising taxes again. Under cover now but bubbling to the surface very soon. Can already be verified by anyone, get the actual records, dont listen to the lies they are geting paid to tell.

[Surfroam]

They desperately want to change the town charter. For fun and profit.

[Center93]

The saga of Marc Imberman. In his mind he thinks he has made fools of Surfside people and that he has masked himself well. What a tale he can tell about himself, just ask. Want a gushing of egomania, just ask – ask him about his accomplishments. A spider can’t spin a web faster than ol’ Marc.

Marc Imberman uses the same tactics over and over again as if no one is on to his game. He misstates events in his zeal to criticize and blame others for the results of what he himself has done. As long as Marc and his colleagues continue with such nonsense they will lack credibility.

While it is true that the prior town commission members worked hard, were open and honest, and produced numerous positive results including several major projects and having all budgets balanced and building a prudent town savings reserve fund, Marc Imberman and his cohorts cannot cough out the truth because it shines in stark contract to their own performance. The Marc Imberman gang has destroyed the Community Center, depleted the town’s savings, run awash in red ink, chased off dozens of honorable town employees, filled jobs with political hacks and cronies, put the town into jeopardy of facing bankruptcy, and deceived the residents. Surfside went from outstanding government to hysterical, irresponsible government and that is the legacy of Marc Imberman, Charles Burkett, Howard Weinberg, Steve Levine, and Elizabeth Calderon, they plunged the town into a crash that will be harmful for generations to come.

Intellectual honesty, at least, would require Marc Imberman to acknowledge that his finger pointing and accusations are always far from accurate. Sadly, for the shabby cabal at Surfside Town Hall these days, this is nothing new. They misuse town resources, newsletters, mailings and money to spread their misinformation and lies.

For example, Marc Imberman claims that Commissioners were always paid. Not true. Public records show his lies. The Town Charter specifies ONE DOLLAR PER YEAR and until his group got into office that was all any official ever got. Now he gets a paid for cell phone, Internet, and plenty of other perks. Now the Commissioners get $500 per month without ever showing a receipt of any kind, its just a salary that is against the Charter. They don’t care. According to Marc Imberman town officials never had to submit receipts for reimbursement of expenses. Not true. Public records show his lie. Before his gang all expenses incurred by any town official had to be fully documented, reviewed, and audited.

Marc Imberman’s bunch do not like audits so they have not had a comprehensive independent audit done of town finances since they day they got into office three years ago. No audits, not receipts, no review, they literally sign their own checks. But Marc Imberman will claim that he exposes others — when he is so very exposed himself. Exposed for being seen as the ultimate hypocrite that he is.

Poor pathetic Marc he complains that he is defined by the actions of others … look in the mirror! Truth is that Imberman and Burkett and Weinberg and Calderon and Levine are surely defined by their own actions and decisions and at the bottom line by their amazing incompetence and immaturity and irresponsibility.

Mirror mirror on the wall who is the shadiest Marc of them all? After seeing you are town meetings and talking to you at town events it is obvious that you cannot see yourself through the maze of self congratulations that you heap upon yourself all the time.

Marc oh Marc yes you are such a lofy figure *** Enjoy the Internet and phones and gadgets and travel and meals Marc but the taxpayers, well we do not have to like paying your bills. And having such horrendous consequences to your “service” in office. You can spin and lie but you cannot change that the truth will bubble up through the mud you toss and heave as you say every dog may have its day but why must you be so canine minded about the whole thing no one knows.

[xenon5]

Waste
Incompetence
Arrogance
Corruption

what a mix Surfside is now

[Korean Veteran]

The Howitzer at Veterans Park in Surfside, Florida has not be maintained in three years because the corrupt administration wants it out of town. It is now rusting due to neglect and salt water corrosion. Several Veterans would volunteer to scrape and paint the Howitzer if allowed.

Read more about the Corruption at Restore Surfside's Honor