SoMi INSIDER

Volume 2 | Issue 14 - Aug 3, 2021

Official newsletter from the

City of South Miami

Exclusive news on South Miami from South Miami

TOP STORY

SoMi & County reinstate mask rules

Due to the current rise in COVID-19 cases in our area, both the City and Miami-Dade County have reinstated mask requirements in their buildings.

You are once again required to have a properly worn mask before entering City Hall, and all other SoMi government buildings. THIS APPLIES TO EVERYONE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU HAVE RECEIVED A VACCINATION. These new requirements are in line with the new CDC guidance that calls for masking regardless of vaccination status.

Miami-Dade County has also reinstated its own mask requirements for county facilities. This means you will be required to have a mask if you enter any county government offices or buildings.

Several other local cities are also bringing back mask requirements in their own buildings. Therefore, if you are heading into any government building (regardless of where), it's a good idea to have a mask. While the current rules only apply to government buildings and offices, it's also a good idea to have a mask for private businesses as well.

Honored and remembered

It's official. To honor former South Miami Vice Mayor Bob Welsh, the city has now renamed a portion of SW 64th Court as "Bicycle Bob Welsh Court"

County approves $400k for pedestrian bridge

A major piece of the funding for the new U.S. 1 pedestrian bridge has been approved. The Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization has allocated $400,000 toward the project.

The bridge will create a walkable crossing over U.S. 1 at SW 71st street, thus increasing access to SoMi's downtown businesses. The chosen design creates an iconic, signature placemaking piece of architecture for the city. Like other iconic structures in various cities, the bridge will have the ability to shift color schemes to reflect upcoming events or holidays.

This project is the latest effort by the city to improve placemaking and create a SoMi public identity. Previous efforts include the creation of the new city logo, the construction of the new entrance monument on U.S. 1 and SW 65th avenue, and upcoming welcome signs at key gateways to the city.

First budget hearing set for Aug 10

The first City of South Miami budget workshop will be held on August 10 at 10:00am at City Hall. This will be your first chance to learn about the proposed 2022 budget.

The city has already approved a maximum possible property tax rate for next year. If the anticipated rate is approved as the final rate, the proposed rate of 4.3000 mills would represent the eleventh year in a row the city has not raised the tax rate. It would also maintain the lowest rate the city has had in its most recent (or recorded) history.

Commissioners express support for Cuban people

The Mayor and City Commission are urging President Biden to condemn the Cuban government’s handling of recent protests and to support the Cuban people in their struggle for freedom and basic needs including food and access to life-saving healthcare.

The city passed a resolution urging President Biden to maintain and strengthen economic sanctions, publicly denounce the Cuban dictatorship for its violence against the Cuban people, and recognize the pro-democracy movement’s efforts on behalf of democracy

New placemaking signs now being installed

If you want a city to stand apart from its surroundings, a strategic step is implementing prominent gateway signage at major entry points.

The city has begun installing new placemaking signs designed to announce to visitors that they are entering a growing city with ever-growing state-of-the-art amenities. This visual rebranding inspires new residents and businesses to take part in that growth.

The signs are being installed at key entry points along major roadways.

IT IS OUT AND READY FOR YOUR READING PLEASURE!

Check out the new Annual South Miami Twelve Month Activity Report

The new City of South Miami Twelve Month Activity Report has been released.

This year, the city renewed its commitment to communication and transparency by taking several bold steps forward. The report is one element of that campaign. It is a summary of the city's progress over the past year in fiscal management, green initiatives, parks and recreation improvements, capital projects, private development, and more.

The past 12 months have been challenging for everyone. Despite the unprecedented times, the vision and leadership of the Mayor and City Commission provided the guidance for our city to not only persevere but succeed.

The report can be viewed online at:

SouthMiamiActivityReport.com

For the best viewing, click on the "full screen" button on the center of the pages

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