Motivated by You. Delivering for You. Committed to You.
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Dear Friends of District 8,
The rainy season is upon us and that means the time to deal with the inevitable: mosquitoes and hurricanes. But we are here to help. The
County Mosquito Control remains vigilant and prepared for the annual increase in mosquito activity. You can “Fight the Bite” by using these
tips & resources.
Hurricane season starts next week. Are you ready? You should have already received your
2018 Official Hurricane Readiness Guide in the mail. Please use it and be prepared. While we were spared the worst of Hurricane Irma last year, the disruption it caused our community highlighted the need to redouble our collective efforts to create a more resilient County.
We are especially excited to share the new emergency preparedness mobile app, “Ready Miami-Dade,” which will be available before June 1. This free app was one of the recommendations in my
Hurricane Irma Report & Recommendations
, and prepared as a result of my resolution to the Commission. We are also working closely with the
Office of Emergency Management
to improve coordination with our community and faith-based groups, as I proposed.
Despite the stormy weather, there are so many bright moments and achievements to celebrate. From community rebuilding and park cleanups, to young talent and commitments to safety and economic development, we are thriving in South Dade. Please keep reading to learn about how, together, we are keeping it #Greatin8!
Yours for a great District 8,
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I partnered with Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade to sponsor National Rebuilding Day 2018 in South Dade on Saturday, April 28. Nearly 200 volunteers answered the call to service and joined forces to make
critical repairs to 17 homes of veterans and seniors
, and to help revitalize the Leisure City neighborhood.
Read more
.
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Rebirth of Redland Farm Life School
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On May 1 the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners unanimously supported my legislation allocating $1.6 million for the rebirth of the Redland Farm Life School. The 102-year-old building will now be transformed into the
Redland Farm Life Center
, bringing more economic development to South Dade. I’m thrilled that this historic treasure will now be put to good use as a job-creation center and culinary incubator.
Read more
.
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Dead Serious about Safety
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In an effort to raise awareness about cycling safety and to
reduce the number of cycling and pedestrian accidents
, I convened the “Dead Serious” Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee on Friday, May 18. The group collaborated to create an action plan that focuses on more public education about pedestrian and cyclist laws, better infrastructure to support cycling, and more uniformity in enforcing cyclist and motorist laws.
Read more
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Many of my legislative proposals recently received unanimous support by the Board of County Commissioners. Here are some highlights:
- Amending penalties for the theft of produce from agricultural areas as requested by our growers and law enforcement;
- Directing the County to partner with the School Board to promote School Pool, a carpooling incentive program and recommendation from our Traffic Solutions Summit;
- Directing the County to implement an annual Biscayne Bay Report Card that reports on the health of the Bay, a key recommendation from our Biscayne Bay Marine Summit;
- Directing the County to develop a "fire house dogs program" so our fire stations can foster dogs from the County's animal shelter and help them find permanent homes;
- Recommending prioritizing any revenues from the litigation over the sale of the Marlins for the Transit expansion “SMART Plan”;
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Supporting Our Seniors and Fire Department
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I am pleased to support our seniors and the men and women of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. On May 22 we worked together to
educate our community on fire safety and other issues during the Active Adult Resource Fair
hosted by Cutler Bay, a designated AARP Age Friendly Community.
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I met with a great group of inquisitive young men of
Boy Scout Troop 457
on May 19. I was very impressed with their thoughtful questions as they prepared for their badge in civics. Thank you
Lots of Lox for the delicious lunch.
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Working Together for Traffic Solutions
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On May 15 a group of well-versed
students from Kendall Christian School
gave amazing
presentations
to the Board of County Commissioners in support of my proposal to review allowing school buses on the Transitway. While the County has not yet adopted the concept, we will continue to work together to pursue this and other ideas for reducing traffic congestion.
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A group of nearly 40 volunteers from The Mission Continues – a nonprofit association that helps veterans find purpose through community impact and new missions in their communities - joined Team 8 in
“adopting”
Seminole Wayside Park
. On Saturday, May 12, volunteers spent the day cleaning both the park and the natural area. This was the first phase of a multi-phase effort to restore this beautiful green space.
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We had some “straight talk” about transit, development and housing needs with the
Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce Leadership Miami on May 5, hosted by the Town of Cutler Bay. Joining me left to right: South Miami Community Redevelopment Agency Executive Director Evan Fancher, Miami-Dade County Transportation and Public Works Director Alice Bravo, AT&T Regional Director Cristal Cole, Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell, Senior Government Relations Consultant Mario J. Bailey.
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#SouthDade #MoretoExplore
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The
All Kids Included Family Arts Festival
at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center on May 5 featured many talented children and teens. The event is designed to ensure that all of our youth, whether living with a disability or not, can participate.
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Great in 8 Profile: Christian Roldan
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While Cristian Roldan is a modest young man, he deserves much recognition for his
heroic performance to help save a life
of a County employee. I was proud to present Cristian with a commendation his brave and selfless act at the Board of County Commissioners on May 1.
Learn more.
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Highlighting Our Nonprofits
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There’s no better time than Older Americans Month to highlight one of our Nonprofit Academy graduates that is using the vast talent of our 55+ residents.
ReServe is deploying the expertise of older professionals
to help fill the gaps in our workplaces.
Learn more.
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Meet Whisky (A1941834)! He’s a 3 year old
neutered male Terrier Mix
. He loves to be walked and enjoys the outdoors. He also has a smile that our visitors love. All he needs is someone to take him on more adventures! If you’re interested in adopting Panda or another furry friend, visit the
Pet Adoption and Protection Center
. #AdoptDontShop
Save the Date:
Our Dogs of Summer Adoption & Training Expo
,
Coral Reef Park, Palmetto Bay, June 23, 10am-2pm.
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May 26, Losner Park
June 2, Cutler Ridge Park
June 3, Coral Reef Park
June 5, Cutler Bay General Bond Obligation Referendum
June 8, Cutler Ridge Park
June 11-August 10
June 17, Deering Estate
June 23-24, Fruit and Spice Park
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Recycling Tip of the Month
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Extra Extra!
Advisors Wanted:
District 8 has
two vacancies on the Small Business Advisory Board
. Participation will broaden your knowledge of the County’s role in promoting small businesses and what small businesses are doing to succeed in Miami-Dade County. If you’re interested in giving back, networking and growing, please send a letter and resume to
district8@miamidade.gov
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