Motivated by You. Delivering for You. Committed to You.
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Dear Friends of District 8,
‘Tis the season to be jolly!
I hope that you and your loved ones are enjoying the many festive events throughout our community this month. I was thrilled to be a sponsor of the Winter Holiday celebration at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, where we joined hundreds of smiling residents and had a wonderful time reading stories to the children.
To help ensure that families will be able to feed and provide for their children, Farm Share and our District 8 team organized a
food collection drive
. Thanks to Vineland K-8 Center, Medical Academy for Science and Technology, Air Base K-8 Center for International Education, Southwood Middle School, Dr Henry E. Perrine Academy of the Cutler Bay Senior High, and Biotech at Richmond Heights 9-12, we were able to collect over 7,000 pounds of canned goods and shelf-secure food items. We congratulate and thank all participating schools, students and their families for all you have done to spread peace and joy this holiday season.
Yours for a joyful, peaceful and prosperous holiday season and new year,
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South Dade Solutions Summit
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I partnered with Commissioner Moss and the Economic Development Council to present the 3
rd
annual South Dade Solutions Summit on November 30 at Zoo Miami. More than 120 businesses and community leaders convened to create an
economic development strategy
that aggressively pursues new business growth and job development for our region. One of the outcomes was identifying the region’s best assets to attract new business: a capable workforce, available land, affordable living and diverse industries.
Read more.
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Miami Herald Supports Hurricane Recommendations
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The Miami Herald published an editorial supporting
my post-Irma recommendations.
Several of my initiatives, which provide
more emergency management tools
for better communications and back-up power solutions, have already been adopted, and we are pursuing the rest.
Read the full editorial.
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We have been starving our public transit system for decades, allowing our buses and trains to deteriorate without adequate maintenance, running them into the ground. I have focused my attention for the past three years on
building up ridership
in the communities I represent by seeking immediate improvements to the transit system serving South Dade.
Read more in my Eye on Miami guest blog.
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We have had a busy month at the Board of County Commissioners working on policies to
protect our taxpayers,
workers and animals, as well as honoring our nurse practitioners, nonprofits and more. Please read our most recent
legislative highlights and accomplishments.
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Arvida Park Groundbreaking
Neighbors of Arvida Park will soon enjoy many improvements at their neighborhood park including an
expansion of the playground
. To mark the occasion, we celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony on November 30. Thank you to the residents who helped select the park’s new features.
Read more.
Parks Improvement Plan
Many parks in District 8 suffered a great deal of damage from Hurricane Irma. The estimate for repairs totals just under $8 million. Here is the
preliminary list of damages in our district parks
that Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces (PROS) will be submitting to FEMA for reimbursement. Park improvement celebrations are being planned at
Charles Burr
Park in January, and at
Lincoln City
and
Live Like Bella
parks in February.
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Miami-Dade Police Accolades
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As a result of their stellar interviewing techniques and commitment to the community,
Detectives Linda Cowgill and Josh Klurman
were able to negotiate the peaceful surrender and confession of a crime suspect. I was proud to honor them along with Miami-Dade Police Department Major Carmen Castro and Barry White, chair of the Kendall Citizens’ Advisory Committee. We salute you!
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Table Talk in The Crossings
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A group of civic-minded residents joined me for a
Table Talk
gathering at the PS Green Café in The
Crossings Shopping Village
. We shared some delicious and healthy food while engaging in a lively discussion about how to improve our neighborhoods.
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To address
flooding complaints
, a drainage improvement project is underway in the vicinity of SW 127 Street from SW 115 Avenue to SW 116 Court, and SW 116 Court from SW 127 Street to SW 126 Terrace. Construction is anticipated to be completed in February 2018.
Read more.
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Miami-Dade TV Wins Emmy Award
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Miami-Dade TV's
"I Like Big Mutts"
television spot received an Emmy Award in the Community/Public Service Announcement category. The video celebrates big mutts and encourages people to adopt the often overlooked larger dogs at Miami-Dade County Animal Services' Pet Adoption and Protection Center.
Read more
and view the
creative video
.
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This sweet, beautiful girl is Fruitcup (#A1917309). She’s a four-year-old Terrier mix that was found by a Good Samaritan and brought to the Pet Adoption and Protection Center last month. Fruitcup is the
perfect furry best friend
! She will have you falling in love with her sweet, calm personality. She loves to cuddle, belly rubs and simply getting love and affection. Give her the loving forever home she deserves!
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Great in 8 Profile: Maria Garza, Chair Mexican American Council
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Congratulations to
Maria Garza
, District 8’s nominee for
2017 Hispanic Advocate
of the Year! I was proud to present this award to Maria, on behalf of the Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, for her many years of incredible and creative service that has helped thousands through her inspiring work at the Mexican American Council and throughout the farmworker community and beyond.
Read more.
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Deering Estate, Dec 16
Variety of Seasonal Performances
Throughout the holiday season
Deering Estate, Dec 15
Deering Estate, Dec 17
Dec 26-29 and Jan. 2-5
Deering Estate, Jan 9 – Feb 18
Fruit & Spice Park, Jan 13 & 14
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Recycling Tip of the Month
Keep plastic bags, food and liquids out of your recycling bin to prevent “contamination” from items that prevent the entire load from going through the recycling process.
Extra Extra!
How would you make Miami-Dade County more beautiful?
We invite all students to help promote environmental stewardship by designing a poster or video. Contest deadline: Feb 2.
Learn more.
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