Commissioner Diaz extends his condolences over the passing of Jorge Valdes, the first Cuban elected mayor and Hispanic Miami-Dade Commissioner

(MIAMI-DADE COUNTY) – Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of former Sweetwater Mayor and County Commissioner Jorge Valdes, the first Cuban elected mayor in the United States and the first Hispanic on the Miami-Dade County Commission. Valdes passed away on Oct. 20 at the age of 74.

Valdes, a native of Cuba, made history when he became mayor of Sweetwater in 1978. Three years later, he became the first Hispanic to serve on the County Commission when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He served on the Commission until 1990 and worked to bring unity to the community by being a commissioner for all the County’s diverse demographic groups.

“Jorge Valdes was a trailblazer who opened the door of opportunity in this community to all Hispanic elected leaders who came after him. His example was a source of pride and inspiration to many of us, and he leaves a very important legacy behind him,” Commissioner Diaz said. 

Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Valdes came to Florida with his family on a boat when he was 21. He joined the U.S. Army and then returned to Sweetwater, where he was elected to the Sweetwater City Council in 1977 before becoming mayor. 

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 6 p.m. to midnight at Vior Funeral Home, 291 NW 37th Ave., Miami FL 33125. A mass will take place on Thursday, Oct. 23 at noon at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 900 SW 26th Road, Miami, FL 33129.