|
|
 |
News / Media Center - Division of Public Information
|
 |
 |
Public Info - Quick Links:
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Public Information Officer
Bill Kress
With a Journalism degree in one hand and $41 in the other, Bill Kress was determined to escape the brutal winters of his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. He bought a one-way ticket as far as he could down the East Coast – all the way to Miami, where he launched what was to become a successful, 25-year career in communications.
Ultimately, he took the long way around to land his current – and most rewarding – job as Public Information Officer with the Village of Palmetto Bay, but he says it was an exciting and often exotic journey not worth trading. First stop out of college was South Florida Aviation News, where he served as editor of this mom-and-pop news operation. The son of a World War II pilot and air traffic controller, Kress covered the aviation beat in South Florida and the Caribbean. In the process, he got to cover the Paris Air Show, survived an inverted 360-degree loop in a glider, and even shook the hand of Baby Doc on the inaugural flight of the now-deposed-dictator’s family airline, Haiti Air.
Bitten by the travel bug, Kress decided to switch from covering aviation as a journalist to promoting it as a public-relations practitioner. Thus, he embarked on a new career in corporate communications with the commercial airlines, starting first in a rather dubious locale: “corrosion corner” at Miami International Airport, home to Southern Air Transport. Armed only with a pen, camera, and supply of Pepto Bismol, Kress literally traveled the globe in military-type freighters promoting this company’s operations: relief missions in Ecuador, aircraft engine deliveries in New Guinea, and other cargo to places that don’t typically produce post cards, such as Angola and the Marshal Islands.
By the late 80s, he was offered an opportunity to trade this wild ride for the stability of the scheduled passenger airlines. Kress was recruited by Piedmont Airlines in Winston-Salem, N.C., which soon merged with USAir in D.C. He then headed west to America West Airlines in Phoenix, and was ultimately tapped to work as Divisional Communicator for Flight Operations with one of the world’s largest carriers, Delta Air Lines. All the while, he served as a spokesperson, publications manager, and crisis communications professional.
Now into the new millennium, the once glamorous airline industry was suddenly anything but. Kress decided to try his hand at consulting, and moved back to Rochester to begin his own business in his hometown after 20 years on the road. While specializing in PR for non-profits, he also passionately worked in the substance-abuse and community health care industries, and volunteered to serve on the Board of Directors of at least three such organizations. Characterized by low pay and high personal reward, this was his so-called “give back” period. But after nearly five years, the austere life in cloudy, cold Rochester lost its allure. Once again, he set his sights on South Florida -- this time arriving with about $45 dollars!
Palmetto Bay Post
Today, Kress proudly serves as Palmetto Bay’s PIO, reporting to the Office of the Village Manager. He serves as the communications liaison between the Village and the news media, private and public organizations, and community groups. He is also responsible for researching, writing, and producing publications and other material concerning Village operations and programs.
Significant accomplishments during in his first two years with Palmetto Bay include the introduction of a cost-saving electronic-news program (“e-Currents” and “Seniors On-the-Go”), management of major Village events (i.e. Earth Week and the annual State of the Village), management of the Village website, production of promotional videos, and forging healthy relations with the local news media whereby enhancing the overall image and economic viability of this dynamic community.
Village Map Project
One area of recent emphasis is the development of a Village map, which will be distributed in Palmetto Bay and elsewhere throughout South-Dade, promoting businesses and attractions here. More than 75,000 maps will be produced and updated annually by a firm called Miami Maps, partly in a “green” attempt to encourage residents to buy locally (whereby reducing their carbon footprint), but also to set the stage for the wave of anticipated development in Palmetto Bay’s emerging downtown district. The Village is literally putting Palmetto Bay on the map with this program, which allows local businesses and service providers to advertise in exchange for preferential placement. The colorful fold-out map also will highlight schools, parks, and other amenities in our community. Merchants and business owners wishing to participate should contact Marshall Steingold, president of Miami Maps, at 305-710-2720, via e-mail, or visit Miami Maps on the web.
After all these years, Kress still carries a pen and camera – and a Blackberry – and is right at home at Village Hall, representing one of the best products of his career with the support and camaraderie of some of the brightest, hard working, and dedicated team players: the Mayor, Council, and administration of the Village of Palmetto Bay.
Kress earned his BA degree from the State University of New York College at New Paltz. He presently serves as treasurer of the Miami Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), is an active member of the Florida Government Communicators Association, and is co-chair of a fundraising committee with SAVE Dade, a human rights organization based in Miami.
Contact Bill Kress at Palmetto Bay Village Hall at 305-259-1234 or via email at bkress@palmettobay-fl.gov.
|
e-Currents Subscriptions & Archive
To stay informed of Village news and happenings, subscribe to Palmetto Bay e-Currents, the Village's e-mail based newsletter that launched in late 2008. See below for all back issues of the e-news:
- 2010-EC February (02-xx-10) - No. 22 - Safe Routes to School, Maps Project, Everglades Restoration, Homes Tour at Picnic
- 2010-EC January (01-21-10) - No. 21 - Haiti Relief; Arbor Day; Senior Program; Perrine Elementary
- 2009-EC December (12-10) - No. 20 - Swimmers honored; Holiday Shopping Tips; Food Drive; Garden Club at Deering
- 2009-EC Update (11/11) - No. 19 - Village Hall Ground Breaking; Warrior Way unveiling.
- 2009-EC November (11-05) - No. 18 -
Community Room Named; Members of Congress at Ground Breaking; State of the Village Review; " Warrior Way " Unveiling.
- 2009 -EC October (10-10) - No. 17 - State Texting Ban; Flinn Gets Service Award; State of the Village;"IGOR" at Movie Night.
- 2009-EC September (09-15) - No. 16 - Bike & Ped Plan; Millage Rate; Drug Discount; Fire Station; DARE; Airdrome; Flu Forum; Mayor’s Challenge; Film & Entertainment; Parking 101
- 2009-EC August (08-10) - No. 15 - New Village Hall, Land for Fire Rescue, Proposed Budget, Video TourBook, Historic Past
- 2009-EC July (07-13) - No. 14 - Max. Millage Rate, Welcome Signs, Hurricane Update, Deering Estate, Stormwater-101
- 2009-EC June (06/04) - No. 13 - Holcomb Ave. Closure, Special Election, Cat Killings, Flipse-O'Donnell (Part 2 )...
- 2009-Update (05/18) - No. 12 - Cat Mutilations Reported in the 'Bays'
- 2009-EC May - No. 11 - Red-Light Cameras; Design-Build Teams; Ludovici Park Event; Summer Camp; Historic Places...
- 2009-Update (4/30) - No. 10 - "Swine Flu Update from Village..."
- 2009-Update (4/15) - No. 9 - "Earth Week Launches with Big Splash..."
- 2009-EC April - No. 8 - Conservation, Crime Watch, Superstar Way; Earth Week Preview; "Historic Places..."
- 2009-Update CORRECTION (3/13) - No. 7 - Clarifications provided on previously release "Update" (below)...
- 2009-Update (3/13) - No. 6 - Protecting Against Unfair Insurance Tactics; New Village Hall Site...
- 2009-EC March - No. 5 - Shed Amnesty, New Village Hall Financing, Picnic Sponsors, Tree Board, "Historic Places..."
- 2009-EC February - No. 4 - Shed Amnesty, New Village Hall Financing, Picnic Sponsors, Tree Board, "Historic Places..."
- 2009-EC January - No. 3 - Council Meeting Update, Annual Picnic, Arbor Day, MLK Day, Market News, "Historic Places..."
- 2008/09-Holiday - No. 2 - Holiday Message, PB Pilots Visit Kids, Responsible Holidays, Safety, Movie Night ...
- 2008-EC December - No. 1 - New Vice Mayor, Councilman Sworn-In; Holiday Toy Drive; Holiday Shopping Safety ...
|
Photo Gallery
If you wish to view photographs shot during Village events, please visit our Photo Gallery page. Official portraits of Village Mayor and Council to come.
|
Film & Entertainment Fees / Information
If you are planning to shoot stills, film, or video within the boundaries of the Village of Palmetto Bay, please first contact the Miami-Dade Office of Film & Entertainment. Please note: if planning to shoot in a Palmetto Bay public park, you must also contact the Village's Parks & Recreation Department (305-259-1234) to pay applicable Parks fees -- over and above any Miami-Dade County requirements.
|
Press Releases
The following press releases are available for your reference:
|
Media Advisory - Archive
The following media advisories are available for your reference:
|
Biographies / Background Material
When completed, this area will provide links to biographies of the Village Mayor and Council Members, as well as general background information about the Village of Palmetto Bay.
|
Editorials / Open Letters / Speeches
Your Village Council remains committed to ensuring that all residents are aware and informed of issues that concern our community. To that end, please review any of the following editorials, open letters, and speeches offering the positions of our Mayor, Council, and staff on various topics:
|
'News in the Village' Archive (count' from home page)
FEBRUARY 2010
JANUARY 2010
Hearts and Prayers ... The Village expresses its deepest concern for the people of Haiti. Mayor Flinn encourages residents to follow the lead set forth by Miami-Dade County during this initial stage of relief and recovery. Also see the American Red Cross website. (Jan. 13, 2009)
Bldg Dept Survey ... The Building department must be doing something right -- ranking at the top of the scale in all customer service categories measured by a recent survey. Kudos!
Everglades Restoration ... Mayor Flinn and Councilman Tendrich attended groundbreaking of SFWMD's C-111 Spreader Canal project, part of a plan to restore freshwater flows to Florida Bay, preserve clean water for Everglades Nat”l Park, and maintain flood control. Read more.
2009 Moments & Milestones ... From the Annual Celebration Picnic (left) to the end of Mitigation to the Village Hall ground breaking, take a look back with us at the previous year's moments and milestones in our "2009 Year-in-Review." Also see the Mayor's New Year's message.
Area Schools Rank High ...Newsweek just released the top high schools in the nation. Coral Reef (ranked #26) and Palmetto (#208) Sr High Schools are on the list. Congrats to students, teachers, parents, administrators. (Jan. 22, 2010)
H1N1 Virus Vaccines ... It is not too late to vaccinate against H1N1 Influenza – and for free! Take everyday precautions to avoid the flu, including visiting the County's revised vaccine schedule. Call 305-324-2400 and see the County website for information. (Jan. 22, 2010)
Christmas Tree Mulch ... In late January, County Solid Waste Dept. service area residents can collect Christmas-tree mulch free of charge (Jan. 2010)
Arbor Day Celebration ... Local pre-schoolers helped us celebrate Arbor Day, Jan. 15, by planting several trees in our new butterfly garden. Local artist Xavier Cortado also introduced his eco-art project to the community. See the Photo Gallery. Also see The Miami Herald. (Jan. 15, 2010)
Drug Discounts Still Available ... Check out this prescription discount program for Palmetto Bay residents who either lack insurance or have limited coverage -- thanks to the NLC and Councilman Ed Feller (left). All you need is to download a card and visit a participating pharmacy today.
Community Meeting Slated ... Planning & Zoning Director Perez announces his team is joining with Parks & Rec to host a meeting Jan. 16, at 10:30 a.m. at Village Hall to discuss future park development in the area of South Motors. Questions? contact Village Hall via email or call 305-259-1260. (Jan. 2010).
Storm Water Project ... A major stormwater drainage project starts this week, Jan. 11. Flyers were delivered to affected residents. Questions? Concerns? Contact Village Hall or call 305-969-5011. Also see Sunday's (1/10/10) Miami Herald for a related article.
Help Improve Communications ... E-Currents subscribers have received a survey re: the Village's e-news. Village staff is considering ways to improve the design, content, and distribution of this popular communication tool. Thanks for your assistance. Not a subscriber yet?
Comp Plan Amendments . . . Planning & Zoning Director Perez announces that, after years of work in creating our Comprehensive Plan, involving countless meetings and hours of planning, the process of formally adopting several key amendments is nearly completed. See local coverage. (Jan. 2010)
Christmas Tree Disposal . . . Miami-Dade Department of Solid Waste Management is offering various options to service area residents for the collection, recycling, and disposal of Christmas trees. Questions? Contact the Village's Public Works staff via e-mail or call 305-969-5011. (Jan 2010)
DECEMBER 2009
Images in Village Video . . . View a video highlighting Palmetto Bay's remarkable programs and services, featuring several employees of the Village.
Alarm Registration . . . More than 2,000 Village residents have received their annual alarm registration/renewals. Please be sure to read your customized form -- and feel free to contact Village Hall with any questions/concerns -- or call 305-259-1234. (Dec. 21, 2009)
A Welcome Sight ... New signs have been installed in four locations, welcoming residents/visitors to Palmetto Bay. You may also notice nearby solar panels that power each sign's night-time (LED) illumination system. Visit the Photo Gallery for more. (Dec. 2009)
Food Drive Success ... Thanks for your phenomenal response to the Village Food Drive, as more than a dozen boxes were packaged up last week for delivery to community based organizations which shared the goods with local families in need. (Dec. 22, 2009)
Happy Holidays from MDFR ... Miami-Dade Fire Rescue reminds you that fires during and immediately after the holiday season claim more than 400 lives, injure 1,650, and cause $990 million in damage across the nation. Considering these life-saving steps to ensure a safe and happy holiday. (Dec. 24, 2009)
Free Senior Programming ... Enjoy any or all of the Village's new senior fitness classes: All-Around Fitness, Strength & Endurance, and Trim & Fit After 55, starting Jan. 18.. Also, enjoy "Introduction to Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction" class with a local Dance/Movement. (Dec. 15, 2009).
Holiday Garage Sales ... Oh, the joy of re-gifting -- other people's stuff! This weekend there are about 20 garage sales scheduled in Palmetto Bay. Plot out your shopping trip around town by visiting our Garage Sale page. (Dec. 2009)
Bldg Dept New Hours ... Effective immediately, hours of operation in the Building & Capital Projects Department have been changed; Tuesdays and Thursdays the office will now close at 3 p.m., to allow a transition to a new software system that will improve customer service. (Dec. 1, 2009)
Shopping Safety Tips ... People can get careless and vulnerable to theft and other holiday crime, so... "Don't put your life at risk over material items" That's just one of many preventive tips to consider during these remaining shopping period. (Dec. 2009)
Council Honors Swimmers ... The Village Council expressed its appreciation for the Palmetto Senior High School ’s boys' swim team in a proclamation honoring them for taking home the state title from the 2009 FHSAA Class 3A swimming finals last month. See the Photo Gallery. (Dec. 8, 2009)
Visit Village Green ... Check out Palmetto Bay's new web page showcasing helpful resources and information on the Village's green initiatives. (Fall 2009)
Community Meeting ... Members of Village Hall staff hosted a public meeting today to discuss with residents plans for the proposed development by Donald Van Orsdel of a four-story office complex at 16475 S. Dixie Highway. (Dec. 8, 2009)
NOVEMBER 2009
'Tis Still Flu Season … ‘Tis the season – not just for gift giving – but for catching the flu. Please note these clinic schedules for the H1N1 vaccination sites, in Creole, in Spanish, and in English. For more information, contact the Miami-Dade County Health Department at 305-324-2400. (Dec. 3, 2009)
"Heralding" Green Buildings ... "Green is the new gold in South Florida..." so says the Miami Herald in an article featuring our new Village Hall and other nearby sustainable-construction projects. Read all about it. And see coverage of last month's ground-breaking. (Nov. 29, 2009)
Palmetto Bay Business Association ... Starting the season right, the Palmetto Bay Business Association's (PBBA) hosted its Holiday Social, Dec. 3, at Palmetto Bay Village Center. Not a member? Get connected now with other professionals -- and your civic leaders -- in your community. (Dec. 3, 2009)
Mayor Gives Thanks ... Mayor Flinn's annual Thanksgiving message appeared in The Herald, Nov. 22, calling for gratitude for family, first responders, teachers, and parents. A special call-out also went to residents who volunteer, Village staff, and military men and women. (Nov. 2, 2009)
Senior Survey ... Responses to our recent Senior Program Survey have been extremely useful. Whether you are a senior, believe you're a senior, answering on behalf of a senior, or will be a senior someday soon, take the survey now! (Nov. 2009)
Ground Breaking ... A Nov. 12 ceremony at the site of our new Village Hall drew well over 120 people, including members of Congress and County Commissioners. View the Photo Gallery for a selection of "PBV Ground Breaking" photographs taken at the event or watch the video. (Nov. 12, 2009)
Water & Sewer Open House ... Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Dept. is hosting an Open House, Dec. 9, to address issues related to construction of infrastructure in the Village's "Basin B," and the impact the project will have on US-1 traffic and nearby residences and businesses.
Warrior Way on the Map ... In recognition of Westminster Christian School 's legacy of outstanding athletics and academics, a stretch of 152 St. was renamed "Warrior Way" Nov. 12. See e-Currents, coverage in Palmetto Bay News, and pictures in the Photo Gallery.
New Hours for Bldg & Permitting ... The hours for this popular Village service have been adjusted to best meet the needs of our customers. The new hours are: Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please visit the Building and Capital Projects web page for more information.
Mayor's Challenge Winners ... In congratulating Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner on her third-place showing in the recent 'Living Green Mayors Challenge," Mayor Flinn noted that “competition can be healthy, especially when water conservation is the goal…" Four out of the top five winners are from Miami-Dade County, which Flinn said is encouraging. Lerner noted, "We all win by raising constituent awareness about the importance of conservation."
Community Room Dedicated ... In honor of Edward and Arlene Feller's dedication to the development of our new library, the Council agreed to name the Community Room & Amphitheater after the Councilman and his wife. Also, see Herald coverage of the meeting (Dr. Feller, left, at the May opening of Ludovici Park.
MDFR's Newsletter ... See Hotlines, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's latest installment of our department's e-news that promotes department services, initiatives, and accomplishments.
Village News ARCHIVE
|
Communications Standards/Guidelines
When completed, this area will provide information on communications standards and guidelines as they pertain to approved and proper use of the Village seal, and other graphic representations of the Village image (i.e., typeface, appropriate colors, etc.).
http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/pdfs/VoicesNewsletter2008.pdf
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
