Motivated by You. Delivering for You. Committed to You.
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Dear Friends of District 8,
Last month I had the privilege to celebrate Martin Luther King’s legacy alongside many of our inspiring local leaders at the Homestead and Florida City MLK “Rise-Up” celebration, the MLK parades in Perrine and Homestead, the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust's Business Expo, and more.
Now as we observe
Black History Month
, I reflect on how our country has been shaped by the innumerable and invaluable contributions of African and Afro-Caribbean Americans. I hope you will join me and take part in
events
planned throughout February that celebrate historical and contemporary contributions of African American leaders in our communities. Together, let’s celebrate our diversity.
Yours for a diverse District 8,
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P.S.
Happy Valentines Day!
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On February 3 I convened a Traffic Solutions Summit to help tackle the ever-increasing traffic congestion in the Pinecrest through Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay to Palm Glades transportation corridor. The theme of the day:
we are the traffic, so we must be part of the solution
.
More than 150 local residents gathered to hear from traffic experts, examine transportation improvement plans underway, and offer input on future plans. Participants broke into small groups to brainstorm traffic solutions including their own personal commitments to
reduce the use of single person car rides
. As a result, we will produce a realistic action plan to reduce traffic, including commitments from multiple stakeholders, and provide regular updates to the public for accountability.
Watch the highlights.
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It was my privilege to represent my constituents in Tallahassee on January 30. I
advocated
for transit funding
, Everglades restoration, disaster preparedness, animal protection, affordable housing, bicycle trails, funding to fight avocado disease, energy costs and firefighters’ health coverage. I met with Rep. Kionne L. McGhee, Rep. Holly Merrill Raschein, Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez and Sen. Anitere Flores, among many others
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We have had a productive month at the Board of County Commissioners working on policies to
improve public transit
, support businesses, promote government transparency, and protect our water, residents, pets and more. Please read our most recent
legislative highlights and accomplishments.
On February 6 we were delighted to recognize
Jewish Community Services of South Florida
and
National 211 Day.
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Mom and Pop Grant Applications Available Soon
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The Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program provides financial and technical assistance to qualified small businesses. Applications will be available February 19 through March 8. There will be a mandatory workshop explaining requirements on March 8 at 6pm. This year’s grants will focus on the 3 Ps:
people, planet and profit
.
Read more.
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Redlands Community Clean-up
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I am pleased to report that the Department of Solid Waste is now deploying community service clean-up crews weekly in the Redlands to
pick-up debris
, at my request. Thank you for keeping our communities clean!
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Many park improvements are soon coming to District 8, ranging from additional lighting to new playgrounds, water fountains and basketball courts. Improvements are scheduled to begin at
Devonaire
Park on March 3,
Palmland
Park on March 24,
Princetonian
Park on March 31 and
Debbie Curtin
Park on April 7.
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It was another great rodeo weekend, January 19-21, in Homestead where we had a
heel-kicking good time
! There is so much to discover in Homestead and throughout South Dade.
#SouthDade #MoretoExplore
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We had a super fun day on January 27 in Cutler Bay tasting
chili, cornbread and salsa
and enjoying the friendly crowd! I was pleased to be part of the awards assembly for best in class.
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Palmetto Bay Fire Station Groundbreaking
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It has been a long journey for everyone involved in getting
Fire Station #62
to this groundbreaking moment on February 5. The new station is a "green" building and will enable reduced response times and life-saving services to area residents. Thank you to all who helped to make it possible.
Watch the event highlights.
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Miami-Dade Police Accolades
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I
was proud to help honor the
Hammocks District Citizen Advisory Committee’s
Officers of the Month Award to Detectives Alejandro Vazquez, Carl Sanabria, Lazaro Varona and Franz Vargas on January 31. Thank you for your dedication to keeping our community safe.
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Great in 8 Profile: Bonnie Daniels
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Kudos to local activist and Gray Panther member Bonnie Daniels for her time and dedication to gathering hundreds of thousands of signatures so that the
Voter Restoration Amendment
will get on the ballot in November. Bonnie strives to give those who have served their time the opportunity to contribute to society in a positive, productive way.
Read more.
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This is Chocolate (A1921067). He’s a 3 year old Weimaraner mix. He’s as sweet as his namesake with people, but he’s not fond of the competition, other dogs. Chocolate is best in a home where he is the only pet. If you’re interested in adopting Chocolate or another furry friend, visit the Pet Adoption and Protection Center at 3599 NW 79 Avenue in Doral.
#AdoptDontShop
Save the Date:
July 23, Dogs of Summer
, District 8 Pet Adoption and Training Expo
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Have you seen coyotes in your neighborhood?
Palmetto Bay, Feb 20
Lakes by the Bay Park, Feb 8
Deering Estate, throughout Feb
Check out the talent!
An amazing lineup!
Deering Estate, Feb 7
Florida Blue, Feb 12 to March 19
Cutler Bay, Feb 16
Fruit & Spice Park, Feb 23
Losner Park, Feb 24
Cutler Bay Town Center, Feb 22-25
Fruit & Spice Park, March 3 & 4
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Recycling Tip of the Month
Aluminum and steel cans: yes
Aluminum foil and food trays: no
The reason the County only accepts cans is because of the separation process. The cans are sorted using an Eddy current separator, which works in the opposite fashion of a magnet. Instead of attracting the aluminum, it repels the aluminum. Aluminum cans are a certain thickness and weight. The aluminum foil and containers are much thinner and lighter. Not only do they lose their shape, they usually are not clean.
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Extra Extra!
Let's Jazz Things Up a Bit
The Miami Jazz Cooperative, a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by 115 South Florida jazz musicians, educators, and broadcasters, is teaming up with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs to present South Dade
Jazz Wednesdays
in the Black Box theater of the
South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center.
This new series runs at 8 PM on alternate Wednesdays through April 4 and features a varied program of world-class jazz. The schedule of musicians and ticketing information is available at
www.miamijazz.org
.
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