What's to become of the Film Office?

It has come to our attention that our friend, Robert Parente, right, will be let go from the City's Office of Film and Cultural Affairs. Due to the budget crisis, he will be the last of his department to go on February 19, 2010.

At the Mayoral Debate at the Museum of Science, in September, I sat near Robert and he told me at that time that his whole department had been let go. It was only him left. We wondered how such an important department could be treated that way. The Film Office and Robert, particularly is responsible for Burn Notice being based in Miami, actually in Coconut Grove, he brought "Marley and Me" here, the Jennifer Anniston movie, and so many other projects.

His office would handle permits and woo film projects to the city, he was a liaison between the film companies and the city and county many times. I have joked with Robert that he was the one responsible for the closing of major causeways so that Martin Lawrence and Will Smith film car chases for "Bad Boys."

He was involved in all the arts and events that happened in town. I have been on committees with Robert. All films, movies and tv shows relied on Robert's office. Just a few weeks ago, Robert was presented the Golden Coconut Award from the Chamber of Commerce for all of his work. We were part of a last group to leave the luncheon that day, there were four of us who didn't know when to leave, we were having such a good time, they had to finally tell us the restaurant was closed.

Keep in mind that the film office is very important in that it brings movies, films, commercials, and such to the city, which in turn gives the city unimaginable amounts of free publicity when these productions are aired around the world.

I am wondering who is going to deal with the film companies now and who will "sell" Miami as a filming destination? What about Burn Notice?