District 11

About Commissioner Joe A. Martinez, District 11

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Joe A. Martinez was first elected to represent the residents of District 11 in October 2000 and was re-elected by a wide margin for his third term in August 2008. As commissioner for District 11, he represents West Dade's unincorporated areas, which includes Country Walk, Hammocks, Kendale Lakes, Bent Tree, and Lakes of the Meadows.

On November 16, 2010, the Board of County Commissioners selected Joe A. Martinez to serve as Chairman for a two-year term, which began January 1, 2011. As Chairman, Martinez will preside over County Commission meetings, Miami-Dade's legislative branch. In 2004, Commissioner Martinez was the first Hispanic in the 60 years of Miami-Dade County government to serve as a County Commission Chairman and he is also the first Commissioner to have been elected twice by his peers as the Chairman of the Board.

Under the previous leadership of Chairman Dennis C. Moss, Commissioner Martinez was appointed as Vice Chair of the Budget, Planning, and Sustainability Committee. This committee oversees the County's financial affairs, planning functions, and sustainability efforts, including smart growth and the proper utilization of our natural resources. He also serves as a member of other committees, including Government Operations, and Housing and Community Development.

During the tenure Chairman Bruno A. Barreiro, Commissioner Martinez was appointed to chair the Budget and Finance Committee and sat on the Governmental Operations and Environment, and the Airport and Tourism Committees.

In November 2002, when Commissioner Barbara Carey-Schuler was elected as the chairperson of the Board of County Commissioners, she appointed Commissioner Martinez as the chair of the Public Safety Committee and as a member of the Transportation Committee and Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee.

Beginning June 2001 through September 2002, Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas appointed him as the chair of the Health and Public Safety Committee and he also served as a member of the Recreation and Cultural Affairs Committee and the Unincorporated Municipal Services Area Committee.

Commissioner Martinez began his public service career in 1984 as an officer with the Miami-Dade Police Department.  He worked his way up through the ranks, serving as a detective with the General Investigations Unit from 1988 to 1992, and subsequently was promoted to Police Sergeant, Police Master Sergeant and Police Lieutenant.

Commissioner Martinez' 17-year career with the Miami-Dade Police Department was exemplary. He received more than 70 awards and commendations; including two prestigious Gold Medals of Valor, the Silver Medal of Valor, the Exceptional Service Award, and the Lifesaving Award. The Department also honored him with the Officer of the Year Award in 1992 and he was twice recognized as "Officer of the Year" by the Hispanic Police Officers Association. Additionally, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners honored Martinez by proclaiming July 27, 1993, "Detective Jose Martinez Day" for his bravery during an incident where he put himself in the line of fire to shield a fellow police officer during a narcotics sting operation.

A native of Miami, Commissioner Martinez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Studies in Public Administration from Barry University in Miami Shores. He is married to Ana Martinez and has 5 children.