TITLE
RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE MAYOR OR DESIGNEE TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A PROGRAM TO PROMOTE AND WELCOME MILITARY, COAST GUARD, AND FOREIGN MILITARY VESSELS TO THE PORT OF MIAMI

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WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County is a military-friendly community and a long-time host to military and Coast Guard installations; and
WHEREAS, The Beacon Council formed the Miami-Dade Defense Alliance to enhance, expand, and retain existing military installations in Miami-Dade County, to support local reuse efforts as a result of base/mission closures or realignments and to retain and enhance the defense-related industries that contribute significant economic benefit to the local economy; and
WHEREAS, Miami-Dade County�s Military Liaison has worked with the Miami-Dade Defense Alliance, the Military Affairs Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce, Chamber South, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as other military and veteran support organizations to enhance the community�s relationship with the military; and
WHEREAS, according to the Beacon Council, the Military, through direct and indirect employment, brings over 25,000 jobs to South Florida; and
WHEREAS, attracting military vessels to the Port of Miami can create a mutually beneficial relationship between the military and business communities as well as provide a desirable and friendly shore leave for the ships� crews; and
WHEREAS, the public in other parts of the state and country has shown an interest in viewing and touring military vessels; and
WHEREAS, there are many great natural, historic, cultural, and entertainment attractions in Miami-Dade County that can provide a well-deserved diversion for soldiers and sailors on liberty; and
WHEREAS, a plan with the purpose of promoting economic development, education, and opportunity through a program designed to invite and welcome military ships to the Port of Miami could be beneficial to the County�s business community, to its residents, and to the military and its service members,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are incorporated in this resolution.
Section 2. This Board directs the Mayor or designee to develop and implement a County program, in cooperation with the Beacon Council and the Miami-Dade Defense Alliance, and other appropriate organizations, to promote and welcome military and Coast Guard vessels to the Port of Miami as a port of call. The program shall address plans for bringing the vessels to the Port, welcoming visiting soldiers and sailors, informing the public of visiting vessels, as well as a protocol for timely informing this Board, through the County�s Military Liaison, of any such scheduled incoming vessels.