Motivated by You. Delivering for You. Committed to You.
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Dear Friends of District 8,
While February may be the shortest month of the year, it is long on celebrations. Miami-Dade County began this month with a thoughtful and inspiring celebration of
Black History Month. One of the highlights was the Gospel Fest in our very own
South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. Check out many more
events and exhibits highlighting our African-American heritage.
Valentine season is a perfect time of year to reflect on the things I love most about serving as your County Commissioner. I love being a champion for the needs of South Dade while improving government accountability and expanding economic opportunity. I love working to improve our parks, being your “Water Warrior,” and advocating for a better Transit system. Also, I love working with our local mayors to make South Dade a great place to live, work and play. ((
Pictured Left to right: Mayor Karyn Cunningham, Palmetto Bay; Mayor Tim Meerbott, Cutler Bay; and Interim Mayor Stephen Shelley, Homestead.)
Yours for a more loving District 8,
Daniella
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Some key items reviewed and approved by the
Board of County Commissioners
on February 5 include:
- A detailed and disturbing presentation on the diseases impacting our Florida Coral Reef Tract. The diseases have affected 300 miles of coral reef from Martin County to Key West. More awareness in protecting our coral is critical to our economy, our tourism, and local way of life. We are partnering with the State and southeastern counties to accelerate research and hopefully find a cure.
- Seagrass Die Off Report – We’ve lost nearly 80% of the seagrass habitat in Biscayne Bay; that’s 25,000 acres gone! The likely culprits are nutrients from septic tanks, leaky sewer pipes and fertilizer runoff. I asked the administration to bring recommended solutions back to the board within six months.
- We are seeking $900 million in federal loans to finance water and sewer infrastructure projects. Good infrastructure is critical to building our community's resilience.
- Disaster Resilience – We accepted a report regarding emergency backup power on traffic signals, a key recommendation in my Hurricane Irma After Action Report.
- Supporting Venezuelans – We voted in support of the United States in recognizing Juan Guaido as interim president of Venezuela. Arriba Venezuela!
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I was honored to be selected to represent Miami-Dade County on the
Florida Association of Counties Water Policy Committee.
The committee will take the lead in working with the state and Governor Ron DeSantis to help protect Florida’s vulnerable coastline and natural resources. Water is the foundation of our communities and our economy; it must be protected and conserved.
Read more.
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It’s been one year since we convened the Traffic Solutions Summit to
develop a plan to help tackle the ever-increasing traffic congestion
in the Pinecrest through Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay to Palm Glades transportation corridor.
Our
Traffic Solutions Action Plan
is a work in progress
. Check out the progress we made thus far to improve our mobility and let us know additional ideas you may have.
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Expanding Economic Opportunity
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Online now!
The Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program
provides financial and technical assistance to qualified small businesses. Applications are available now through Feb. 28 at the District 8 Office or you can download the
application online
.
There will be a
mandatory workshop
explaining the requirements on Feb. 28, 5:30 pm, South Dade Regional Library.
Read more.
Local Vendor Outreach Exchange
– Join us in this new initiative for
sharing knowledge and ideas for doing business with the County
on Tuesday, February 26, 6-7 pm, South Dade Regional Library. You’ll learn the easy steps to become a registered vendor and discover the many bidding opportunities available.
Register for this free event.
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We had a productive morning collaborating with the South Dade Chamber of Commerce, the Miami Association of Realtors, business owners and civic leaders at the
Vision and Future of Economic Growth Opportunities
forum on January 30 in Homestead. Community stakeholders were given the opportunity to showcase and learn about initiatives for economic development in Deep South Dade.
Read more.
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In partnership with Solar United Neighbors, on January 23 we announced a
new solar co-op
with a special focus on County employees. More than 1200 homeowners in Miami-Dade have joined solar co-ops since they launched just 18 months ago. I am pleased to help solar advocates connect with thousands of County employees, and other residents, to share ways they can cut energy bills and protect our environment by going solar.
Read more.
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We celebrated the opening of a
new soccer play space in South Dade Park
with Target, U.S. Soccer Foundation and Miami-Dade Parks on January 28. I am delighted that District 8 is included in this partnership to make soccer more accessible to kids, and will continue to support the movement to build more safe and creative play spaces in our neighborhoods.
Read more.
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Improving Our Infrastructure
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I’m happy to report that
over 48 miles of roads have been resurfaced
in District 8 since I took office. Also we have added new amenities and improved 17 neighborhood and regional parks in District 8. Stay tuned for the grand opening of the South Dade Park Aquatic Facility, which is just around the corner.
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Pick up. Dispose. Repeat.
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This is how Team 8 spent Groundhog Day while
cleaning up Deering Estate
with many volunteers and staff from the
Environmentally Endangered Lands Program
. Learn how you and your friends can get involved in community projects through the
Let’s Clean Things Up
initiative. Together we can make our community shine even brighter!
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Celebrating Our Constituents
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Miami-Dade County proclaimed February 11 as
Don and Joyce Gann Day
in recognition of their many
years of dedication to preserving our natural areas.
I was humbled to honor such an extraordinary couple that tills the soil, our souls and shares their love for native plants in a way that has transformed our county
.
Read more.
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Team 8 is grateful for the hard work, skills, talent and joy that
our District 8 Interns bring to the team. Shawntris Jones (left), a junior at Southridge Senior High, and Janiia Williams (center), a junior at Robert Morgan Educational Center came to us through the
Miami-Dade Parks Foundation Internship Program. District 8 resident Marcela Parra (right), is a Miami Dade College sophomore and will soon be headed to FIU. Our future is bright!
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Small Biz Spotlight: Out of Box Weddings
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Create your own wedding style and plan the wedding of your dreams with
District 8
entrepreneur Cemone Glinton, owner of
Out of Box Weddings
. She is committed to creating seamless, punctual and well executed events. Learn more and book a consultation today!
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Buddy (A1633045) is a 5 year old Terrier Mix. He is a sweet boy that enjoys running around with his pals.
Buddy is searching for his perfect match that would be his cuddle buddy! Stop by and meet him today at the
Miami-Dade Pet Adoption and Protection Center. #AdoptDontShop
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Throughout February
Losner Park
Fruit & Spice Park
Deering Estate
Where a New Season Shines
Great Family Entertainment
Every Saturday, 11AM - 3:30PM
PetSmart across from Falls Mall
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Recycling
Tip of the Month
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Items you can recycle:
- Paper Products
- Cardboard
- Plastic Containers (narrow-necks only)
- Glass
- Metals
- Learn More
Receive Recycling Alerts: Sign up to receive an email reminder the night before your scheduled recycling pickup when you
subscribe to miamidade.gov.
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Attention homeowners:
To help as many Floridians as possible
repair and rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Irma
, the deadline to register for assistance from
Rebuild Florida
was
extended to March 29
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Calling all love birds! Did you find love while on public transit? Share your #transitlovestory on Instagram
@GoMiamiDade.
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