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District 06 Newsletter
Commissioner Rebeca Sosa District 6 e-Newsletter

Dear Resident,

It’s been a busy few months, and as your Miami-Dade County Commissioner, I want to take this opportunity to update you on what is going on in District 6. 

As always, I invite you to visit the District 6 Miami-Dade County webpage for updated information and to subscribe to our mailing list at www.miamidade.gov/district06.  Your comments, ideas, and suggestions are important. Please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or call 305-267-6377.

I want to hear from you and be informed on how we may serve you better.

Best regards,

Rebeca Sosa
Miami-Dade County Commissioner
District 6

Winter 2011
Miami-Dade County needs YOU!

I am currently seeking applications from citizens who are interested in volunteering to serve on various Miami-Dade County Advisory Boards. Your invaluable service to Miami-Dade County and your ideas and dedication are necessary to help shape the community in which we live and work. If you are interested in serving as a board member, please contact Purita Martin in my Office at 305-267-6377.  We need your assistance, become a volunteer!

Legislation sponsored by Commissioner Sosa

I want to know your thoughts and opinions on these legislative letters; your feedback is important to me.

Harsher penalties for absentee ballot violations
The Miami-Dade County Commission approved an ordinance advocating for stricter penalties for persons caught committing voter fraud with absentee ballots.

Future of County Commissioners on the January 31, 2012 ballot
Voters will have the opportunity to decide whether each County Commissioner shall devote: full-time service to the office of County Commissioner and hold no other employment; receive a salary provided by state statuary formula; and serve no more than two consecutive four-year terms in office.

Committed to creating more jobs
Various projects have been approved that will bring to the County an additional 482 full-time jobs between December 2013 and December 2016, with average salaries ranging from $67,000 - $88,000.

Tolls to access Port of Miami
In order to keep the Port of Miami competitive for the cargo and tourism industries, a resolution was passed opposing the imposition of tolls to access the Port.

FPL urged to place transmission lines underground in residential neighborhoods
In an effort to protect the beauty and character of residential areas, a resolution was presented opposing any decision by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection that would authorize FPL to the placement of above-ground transmission lines in residential areas. 

Opposes action by Congress to limit free TV and local news channels
The Congress and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have been urged not disrupt airwaves currently allocated for free broadcast television, an important means to access local news and information for those who don't have cable or satellite television.

Free trade zone
The County has been authorized to execute an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce Foreign Trade Zones Board that will lead to the establishment of a Foreign Trade Zone to help serve the needs of Miami-Dade County’s international trade community.

Bicycle lanes
Concerned for the wellbeing of our residents, the Florida Department of Transportation has been asked to revisit and reconsider the planned construction of bicycle lanes along S.W. 57 Avenue/Red Road between S.W. 8 Street and S.W. 40 Street.

Job creation, a top priority
Job creation is a top priority for Commissioner Sosa which is why she is in support of the Urban Job Creation Investment Act that would authorize the creation of economic development zones within the State of Florida. 

A new multi-purpose facility in the District 6 City of Miami
$1.5 million from the Building Better Communities General Obligation Bond Program (GOB) have been allocated for the development of a multi-purpose facility in the District 6 area of Antonio Maceo Park at 5135 NW 7th Street in the City of Miami.

Safer travel measurements
As our country observed the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Florida Legislature has been urged to pass legislation imposing enhanced penalties for assault and battery of airline pilots and crew and vessel captains and crew.

Medical coverage for cancer patients
As a cancer survivor, Commissioner Sosa understands the importance of continued medical coverage which is why she presented a resolution supporting legislation at both the federal and state levels that would require insurance companies to provide equivalent coverage of oral and intravenous cancer drugs.

Securing the quality of life of our elderly
In response to a Miami Herald series entitled, “Neglected to Death” where the newspaper reviewed the current state of various Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), support has been given to state legislative efforts, as well as increased enforcement of laws governing ALFS, to provide increased protection for vulnerable residents of ALFs.

Port of Miami and Panama Canal Port Authority partner to promote new business

As Chair of the County’s Economic Development & Social Services Committee, Commissioner Sosa was honored to join Mr. Alberto Aleman Zubieta, President & CEO of the Panama Canal Port Authority and Port Director Bill Johnson when the Port of Miami and the Panama Canal Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities that will promote new business growth via the all water route between Asia and North America’s East Coast via the expanded Panama Canal.

Miami Central Station on the move
District 6 will soon be home to the Miami Central Station that will connect Miami International Airport with a new AMTRAK station and Greyhound Bus Services. The Miami Central Station is a major structure of the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) Program that will serve as Miami-Dade County's first ground transportation hub.
Commissioner Sosa visits Head Start centers
Commissioner Sosa, Chair of the County’s Economic Development and Social Services Committee under whose jurisdiction the Head Start Program falls, visited two independently-operated Head Start facilities: O'Farrill Learning Center and Centro Mater Child Care Center.
GMCVB celebrates 25th anniversary

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) celebrated their 25th anniversary.  Commissioner Sosa, as Commission liaison with the GMCVB, was there to congratulate Bill Talbert, President and CEO.

The GMCVB is the official sales and marketing organization for Greater Miami and the Beaches. For more information, visit www.miamiandbeaches.com.

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

Residents were invited to take part in the American Cancer Society’s annual 2011 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk that helps patients who are undergoing treatment. Commissioner Sosa, a cancer survivor, took part to raise funds for the organization. To learn more about how you can help battle cancer and help patients, visit www.cancer.org.

City of Miami Springs turns 85
Commissioner Sosa congratulated the City of Miami Springs on their 85th anniversary. The municipality is part of the commissioner's district. 'I am honored and proud to be a part of such a wonderful community,' said Commissioner Sosa.
Miami Dolphins support breast cancer survivors
Miami Dolphins CEO Mike Dee, at the request of Commissioner Sosa, presented the American Cancer Society with a check in the amount of $5,000 that will go towards purchasing mastectomy bras for breast cancer survivors.
Commissioner Sosa combats voter fraud
After reading Mrs. Thompson’s personal account on Eye On Miami, Commissioner Sosa decided to introduce an ordinance adding penalties for violating limits on picking up and/or returning absentee ballots and urging the Florida Legislature to make it a third degree felony to those who violate any local election law. The commissioner is proposing that violators be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or by imprisonment in County jail for no more than 60 days.
Flu vaccine event keeps residents healthy
The Miami-Dade County Health Department took part in the Annual Commissioner Sosa District 6 Flu Vaccine Drive for Miami-Dade County residents. Residents are urged to attend this clinic every year to prevent contracting influenza.
Dinner with Santa at Zoo Miami
Eat a delicious dinner with the family at Zoo Miami's Zoo Lights this December 17! Children receive a holiday plush gift and will get to make their own holiday ornaments! Don’t forget to bring your camera to take lots of pictures with Santa. Admission for members is $36.95 per adult, $30.95 per child ages 3-12, children age 2 and under are free (does not include holiday plush gift or arts and crafts session). Non-member admission is $39.95 per adult, $33.95 per child ages 3-12, children age 2 and under are free. Join the fun from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.!
FPL's new Office of Economic Development
FPL's new Office of Economic Development is creating a suite of professional services intended to assist businesses with strategic planning, project coordination, site selection, rate options, sustainability and energy efficiency. An experienced staff will provide a single point of contact with the technical expertise and knowledge to help businesses thrive in this region. For more information, please contact us at [email protected] or visit www.poweringflorida.com.
Miami-Dade Police Department is looking to hire
The Miami-Dade Police Department is currently looking to hire skilled, 911 Police Complaint Officers and Police Dispatchers who enjoy a career in public service. For more information, please view the job openings and apply online.
Contact us
 

District Office
1000 SW 57th Avenue, Suite 201
Miami, Florida 33144
Phone: 305-267-6377
Fax: 305-267-6366

Downtown Office
Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1st Street, Suite 220
Miami, Florida 33128
Phone: 305-375-5696
Fax: 305-372-6090

[email protected]

Visit my Miami-Dade County Web Page for update news and join our mailing list at http://www.miamidade.gov/district06/

Delivering Excellence Every Day