Message from the
Honorable Rebeca Sosa
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Our community is fortunate to have Biscayne Bay, one of the world's most precious natural resources, in our backyard. The bay is home to many species of native wildlife to South Florida, which contributes to its natural beauty. However, the bay is in critical need of our help. To address the critical issues impacting the bay, we must act to reduce the number of pollutants and contaminants in the water and develop solutions to avoid future environmental setbacks.
With that in mind, I sponsored legislation creating the Biscayne Bay Task Force. This task force was comprised of experts in the field who developed key recommendations designed to bring the bay back to health. For the past few years, I have worked diligently to advance their recommendations. One of the issues they highlighted was the threat posed by sea-level rise carrying run-off from aging septic tank systems into the bay. To that end, I am working on an initiative to help residents who qualify, with the costs of septic to sewer conversion. Doing so will incentivize the conversion from septic to sewer and speed up our County's transition to a more environmentally-friendly system.
For those who cannot connect to the County's sewer system, I am working on setting new standards for aging septic tanks that are due for replacement. Having modernized septic systems improves our quality of life and will also be a big factor in improving water quality in the bay. It is my sincere hope that these initiatives will have a lasting and positive impact for generations to come.
I would like to also take a moment to highlight another project I'm very proud of, the Ludlam Trail! My vision is for the Ludlam Trail to benefit residents and visitors of Miami-Dade County alike. The Ludlam Trail will connect children to schools, allow people who enjoy walking outdoors, jogging, and cycling to have a safe and green outdoor corridor, and provide much-needed green space in the center of our urban County. I am excited that the former railroad land is being put to great use and look forward to seeing our residents safely commuting and connecting with neighboring communities. Within the trail, there will be amenities such as wireless connectivity and beautifully landscaped and well-lit promenades for everyone to enjoy!
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Commissioner Raquel Regalado's 2022
Mom and Pop Small Business Grant Program
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Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado is launching the 2022 cycle of Mom & Pop grants for small businesses in District 7. Applications to apply for up to a $3,000 grant will be accepted from March 21st through April 8th.
Small business owners in Miami-Dade County in District 7 are invited to apply if they meet the following criteria:
- Business must be within District 7
- Business must have been in operation for at least 2 years
- It must be a for-profit business
- A physical address is required (no P.O. Box as mailing address allowed)
- Home-based businesses can apply
- Must not be part of a national chain
- Businesses that received Mom & Pop funding in the past two (2) years are not eligible
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Commission for Women's Kick-off celebration for Women's History Month - March 2 |
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"In the Company of Women" awards event - March 10 |
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County Commissioner Rene Garcia, Laura Morilla, Director of the Miami-Dade Office of Community Advocacy, John Quick, Esq., Chair of the Miami-Dade Community Relations Board (CRB), and Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham attended the "In the Company of Women" awards event in honor of Women’s History Month. |
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Mother of Miami, Julia Tuttle, honored with historical marker |
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On March 29, the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women and the City of Miami unveiled a historical marker in honor of Julia Tuttle. The marker is located on the Riverwalk behind Fort Dallas Park and the James L. Knight Center, the site of Julia Tuttle's home in the 1890s.
Miami is the only major American city founded by a woman. Watch this Miami-Dade Minute to learn more.
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Miami-Dade CRB teams up with Miami Beach Police Department for Spring Break |
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The Miami-Dade Community Relations Board (CRB) worked very closely with some of the most dedicated officers from the Miami Beach Police Department to ensure improved police relations with Spring Break visitors. |
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Miami-Dade Goodwill Ambassadors stay busy! |
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Our Miami-Dade GWAs, led by Program Director Yvans Morisseau, at briefing during #springbreak2022 assisting Miami-Dade Police and Miami Beach Police by greeting and offering guidance to our visitors/residents in Miami Beach. |
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Social and Economic Development Council monthly meeting |
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Dr. Antonio Jorge Social and Economic Development Council (SEDC) members discuss updates at their monthly meeting on March 25, 2022. |
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Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board welcomes the
Miami-Dade Police Department
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Members of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board welcome the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Interim Director, George Perez, to their monthly meeting on March 8 at the Westchester Regional Library. |
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Court Advocacy Services for Victims of
Intimate Partner Violence
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Victim advocacy services are the lifeline of interventions helping victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and often end the violence in their lives. Victim advocates are found in community-based organizations and in the criminal justice system. Certified victim advocates are protected by privilege and their work with and on behalf of victims is confidential and protected by statute from compelled disclosure. Victim advocacy is trauma-informed and victim-centered. It is based on learning, knowing, and acknowledging the victim’s lived experiences. A victim advocate is mindful of the victim’s individuality and safety concerns. Victim advocates help victims understand their role as they navigate through and negotiate with complex systems that include housing, physical and mental health needs, financial resources, and child matters.
Advocates help make legal options more accessible for victims. Advocates support victims who have conflicting feelings about their abusive relationship and, at times , have lived experiences of abusive relationships and know how important it is for victims to be heard and understood. Finally, advocacy services include self-help groups that offer important support to victims in ending abuse in their relationships. For more information on services for domestic violence survivors, click button below.
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Asian Culture Festival - March 5 - 6 |
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Asian Culture Festival is back for the first time since the pandemic! It moved from its long time location at the Fruit and Spice Park to Tropical Park. Congratulations to the Asian American Advisory Board for organizing the wonderful event. |
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Don't Kit-Nap the Kittens |
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If you find kittens unattended and they are in a safe location, leave them alone because their mom is likely nearby. If she doesn't return in 24 hours you can step in and help. Click below for guidance from the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department for this kitten season. |
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Miami-Dade County monitoring COVID-19 |
Miami-Dade County officials continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic. |
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For more information and updates on COVID-19, visit the following sites:
Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Vaccine Information:
or call (305) 614 -2014
Miami-Dade County Updates Regarding Coronavirus:
Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Testing Locations and Information:
Miami-Dade County #WeCanWeWill public education campaign:
Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Relief and Assistance:
United Way of Miami-Dade COVID-19 Resource Center:
Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Updates:
CDC COVID-19 Information:
Get help paying your light bill:
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COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
BOARD MEETINGS UPDATES
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**There are several vacancies on the following Advisory Boards. If you are interested in serving on one of our boards, contact the respective board Program Director listed below. |
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Chairperson: Dr. Li Gurau
Tuesday, April 12, 2022, at 6 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
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Chairperson: Pierre Rutledge
Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Location: TBA
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Chairperson: Monica Interian
Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Location: TBA
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Chairperson: John Quick, Esq.
Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 2 p.m.
Location: TBA
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Chairperson: Miguel A. De Grandy, Esq.
TBA
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Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-500-1119 |
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Chairperson: Nercy Radcliffe
Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 10 a.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33128
Conference Room 18-2
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Miami-Dade County has the largest population in the State of Florida of individuals 60+ years old. With a County population that totals 2.7 million, more than 435,000 of the total population is made up of those 62+. On May 1, 2018 the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 18-49 creating the Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board.
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Report elder abuse at 1-800-962-2873 |
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Dr. Antonio Jorge Social and Economic Development Council (SEDC) |
Chairperson: Dr. Raul Moncarz
Friday, April 29, 2022 2:00 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 18-3
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Chairperson: Jose Diaz
Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Westchester Regional Library
9445 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33165
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Chairperson: Pastor Juan Barek
Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Location: Miami-Dade Public Main Library (Auditorium)
101 W Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33142
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Chairperson: Patricia Hernandez, Esq.
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 3 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, Florida 33128
County Commission Chambers
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South Dade Black History Center Advisory Board |
Welcoming our new advisory board to the Advocacy family! More information will be provided soon. Feel free to email Ms. Diara Zeigler if you have any questions regarding this board.
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Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1st Street Suite 1034
Miami, Florida 33128
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Sincerely,
Laura Morilla, Executive Director
Office of Community Advocacy
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Office of Community Advocacy
| 305.375.5730 | laura.morilla@miamidade.gov | www.miamidade.gov/advocacy/home.asp
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