Here to serve in troubled times

Dear Friends of District 8, As our community takes steps to re-open, it's important that we all follow the critical health protocols of social distancing, wearing face coverings and washing hands. Coronavirus cases are rising in Miami-Dade and we all need to do our part to stay ahead of the curve. That's why I sent Mayor Gimenez a letter this week asking for an update on the county's efforts to contain and prevent the spread of the virus. This week I'm also asking the community for your input on the budget. Understanding your priorities is key to investing our county resources and CARES Act recovery dollars to have the greatest impact.

Take the survey by Sunday, June 21

Today, Friday June 19 is Juneteenth – a celebration of freedom and a call to action for all of us. Learn about Juneteenth events happening this weekend and ways you can get involved in the fight for racial justice. Yours in community, Daniella

Telephone Town Hall with Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Monday, 6/22

To share the results of our budget survey and engage the community in a conversation about priorities, I'm hosting a telephone town hall along with Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell on Monday, June 22 from 7 - 8 pm. Please register here.

COVID-19 Community Updates NEW TESTING SITES New COVID-19 testing sites are now open at the drive-through pharmacy window of certain Walmart Neighborhood Markets, including two locations in Miami-Dade: 1499 S. Dixie Highway, Homestead, FL 33033 3791 N.W. 167th St., Miami Gardens, FL 33055 Learn more about the new sites. SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF I've been proud to help spearhead County programs to make loans available to small businesses, via federal CARES Act funding. Apply for the Small Business Forgivable Loan Program and sign up to receive an update when applications open for the RISE Small Business Loan Program. GRANTS FOR ARTISTS The Jorge M. Pérez Family Foundation and Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs have teamed up for the Miami-Dade Artists Support! (MÁS!) Grants Program to provide financial support to artists impacted by COVID-19. Apply by Wednesday, June 24.

Celebrating Freedom on Juneteenth

Happy Juneteenth! The moment to declare June 19 a national holiday to foreground our country's true, complicated story of freedom is long past overdue. I'm proud that this week the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners passed my resolution urging the federal government to take this step. #FreedomDay

Family Corner

Free grab and go meals at the library On Fridays from June 12 to August 14, kids 18 and under can enjoy free, nutritious meals at participating Miami-Dade libraries. Breakfast and lunch for the week will be available for pick up on Fridays on a first-come, first served basis. Learn more .

Upcoming Food Distributions

Cutler Bay Food Distribution Tuesday, June 23 Along with Farm Share, Miami-Dade County and the Town of Cutler Bay, I'm hosting a free food distribution Tuesday, June 23 at 9 am. We are seeking additional volunteers: Please reply to this email if you are available to volunteer! Download the flyer.

Double Your Support for Miami-Dade Animals

Save Pet Lives Through June 30, all donations to Miami-Dade Animal Services will be matched up to $25,000 thanks to the Petco Foundation. Learn more .

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