The Times

Police moral problems, taxes, library head the news in S. Miami

By EDWIN KNIGHT Staff Writer A city election . . . a morale problem in the city's police department . . . a sharp increase in taxes . . . plans for a new branch library on Sunset Drive. These are but a few of the stories which captured the headlines during 1976 in the City of South Miami. Certainly the continuing story during 1976 which garnered the largest number of headlines was the conflict between the former South Miami police officers and the police department administration. These are the headlines in chronological order which tell the story of the City of South Miami during 1976. January City embarks on major upgrading of South Miami Field . . . General Waterworks agrees to solve water problems in South Miami. . .Bert Barrer becomes new city recreation director. February South Miami faced with drastic reduction of funds to support budget; City Manager orders cutback of spending. March City rejects Metro offer for county's purchase of city acreage in West Dade for regional jail. . .Metro rushing plans for South Miami branch library to the east of city hall . April Councilwoman McCann calls postal service in South Miami "horrendous", calls for quicker mail service. . .City notified it faces charges of conducting unfair labor practices in dealing with union, representing 40 city workers. May Disgruntled former police officer, Ray Bullock, and Police Chief Sal Vizzini trade barbs over FOP activities. June City Manager Present introduces new budget calling for nearly twice as much in property taxes and 43 per cent more in sanitation fees. July Red-Sunset merchants want annual November art show upgraded . . . "Grandfather" clause gives merchants relief from tough sign ordinance. August South Miamians will pay 41 percent more in city taxes as budget is passed. September Officer Tony Lacks fired; He cites FOP activities as major reason; appeals to city personnel board for reinstatement. October Fired former police officer Lou Terminello files suit in federal court alleging violation of civil rights. November City Manager to request funds for evaluation of police department. December Metro needs zoning change for new South Miami branch library . . . City Manager chooses International Association of Police Chiefs to conduct evaluation of police department. . . Recreation Director Bert Barrer and city part company.

South Miami Police Chief Sal Vizzini at the Fraternal Order of Police entered a year long feud

A year battles and lawsuits in SD

By KAY SEVERINSEN Staff Writer It has been a year of battles and lawsuits for South Dade. Homeowners have struggled against rezoning, traffic, bad water and an elevated train that doesn't quite reach into South Dade. After years of drinking rusty water and hosing sewage off their driveways, over 2,000 South Dade citizens signed a petition to revoke the franchise of Florida Water and Utilities. While that lawsuit is pending, Miami Heights parents have resigned themselves to losing a battle against Metro to build a cul-de-sac in front of Miami Heights Elementary School. January South Dade School principals face the prospect of a million dollar budget for each school. . .Colonial Drive Citizen's Association takes Metro to court over high density housing development in their area. February The demolition of the Old Dixie Belle Inn and its replacement by a shopping complex is haggled by area home owners, engineers. . .Teenage pregnancy becomes a growing problem for South Dade Women's Medical center. . .South Daders face a 25 per cent water price increase. March Pine Acres residents seek a civic association to fight rezoning of their neighborhood . . . Motorcycle gang disturbs Snapper Creek Canal neighborhood residents. April Senior citizens rally to the cause of Sunrise School . . .Robbers find South Dade Farm stores a good source of easy cash. . .Perrine Shopping Center sold to Arthur Fastenburg. May Community schools face 25 per cent cutback but survive . . .Teacher quits, tired of baby-sitter role. June Winston Park families battle Metro over rezoning to permit smaller lots. . .Cul de sac in front of Miami Heights Elementary school demanded by Miami Heights Manor Homeowners Association. . .University of Miami youth mugged by gun-toting girls. July Sunrise School for the Retarded gets money after all, new school is planned. . .Miami Heights cul-de-sac shot down by Metro. August Suicides in South Dade could increase if the Mental Health Guidance Center is forced closed. . .Miaui Heights Parents demand Metro stage a second vote on cul-de-sac. September West Dade cattle rancher gets his revenge on rustlers . . .Shopping centers, like Dadeland, have become prime targets for purse snatchers, and vandals. . .School bus drivers angry over discipline problems with riders. October The cat burglar strikes again. . .School bus driver Laura Gibson faces suspension for letting two rowdy students off the bus on Tamiami Trail. . .South Dade residents circulate a petition to revoke the franchise of Florida Water and Utility. November Miami Heights cul-de-sac approved by Metro. . .FWU sues Metro, Walter Dartland . . .Businesses along Galloway road face hardship as construction dallies. . .Metro builds temporary cul-de-sac instead of a permanent one. December Walter Dartland sues FWU for damages to South Dade homes. . .Several South Dade residents sue Metro for promoting the one penny sales tax through a brochure.

Cul-de-sac

. . . in the news in South Dade

Bicentennial picnic highlights the year

From Page 1 was upheld in Circuit Court. Small was dismissed in 1975 for alleged sexual misconduct with another city employe. June Coral Way and Inghram Highway were declared historic roads and under a Dade County ordinance will be protected as such. Coral Way between LeJeune and Red Road and along Main Highway between Charles Street and Douglas Road; and Inghram between Douglas and LeJeune were two roadways named in the ordinance. July Dial-A-Crime was established in Coral Gables. . .Picnics, bands, fireworks and shows took place as part of the city's Bicentennial celebrations. . .Gables Boy Scout Troop 7 got its long See DOUGLAS, Page 7

Times | Guide

Florida's Best Suburban Newspaper Serving Coral Gables and South Dade Since 1926 Published Wednesday and Saturday Gables Publishing Co. 4627 Ponce de Leon Blvd. Coral Gables, Fla. 33146 (305) 666-7981 Price: 10 cents per issue, home delivered; $12.50 per year by mail anywhere in the United States. Controlled Circulation Postage Paid at Miami, Florida. Jim Storey General Manager Bea Moss Managing Editor