Dear Friends:

I thought you might want to catch up on what's happening in Miami-Dade County and the activities available to our residents at our parks, libraries, museums, and attractions around town this summer. 

As always, I invite you to visit the District 6 website at miamidade.gov/district06 in order to find updated community news, or write me at [email protected]. 

We hope you are having a wonderful summer!
Rebeca Sosa

Governor  Scott signed a bill creating a 3-day tax free weekend for shoppers that provides a tax break on clothing and school supplies. The tax free weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. on August 12, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on August 14. 

The Adopt-a-Tree program is back in 2011 to help the residents of Miami-Dade County 'plant for the future.' If you are a Miami-Dade single-family or duplex homeowner, you may be eligible to receive 2 FREE trees in 2011, even if you have adopted trees in past years.  For more information, call 3-1-1. The next Adopt-a-Tree events will take place:

Saturday, August 13th
Harris Field Sports Complex
1034 NE 8th Street
Homestead, FL

Saturday, September 24
J.C. Bermudez Park
3100 NW 87 Avenue
City of Doral, FL

Atlantic Hurricane Season is until November 30. Are you ready for a major storm? Plan ahead, learn how to protect your home, and keep your family safe with the help of Miami-Dade County's Hurricane Readiness website.  

The Miami-Dade Park and Recreation Department announces the arrival of gourmet food trucks to Tropical Park and Tamiami Park.  There will be music and food choices galore, with a popular assortment of participating food vendors each week.  The food truck events will be a permanent feature taking place every Tuesday from 6-10 p.m. at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St. (Bird Road/79th Ave. entrance), and every Friday from 6-11 p.m. at Tamiami Park, 10901 SW 24 St. Event admission and parking are free.

It's a flashback to the '90s at a branch near you! The Miami-Dade Public Library System's continues to celebrate its 40th anniversary with a flashback to the books, movies and music of the 1990s! This is a way for MDPLS to commemorate the events and highlight the civic and cultural activities that have shaped its growth over the past 40 years. This summer, the Library System kicked off its look back at the 1990s, which will run through September.  All events are free and open to the public. For information call 305-375-BOOK (2665).

During August and September, Miami's top restaurants offer three-course meals (Lunch $22, Dinner $35) featuring signature dishes created by world-renowned chefs. An epicure's paradise awaits you in Greater Miami and the Beaches! For more information log on to www.ilovemiamispice.com.

Celebrate August as our best resorts and spas feature the fourth annual Miami Spa Month where you can enjoy special treatments for $99.  For information, visit www.miamispamonth.com.

The Adrienne Arsht Center's summer blockbuster Cirque Eloize iD is truly a marvel from beginning to end and is leaving Miami-Dade County audiences flabbergasted.  Cirque iD is an incredible show for families, for more information on this and all the fabulous performances at the Arsht Center visit www.arshtcenter.org.

Zoo Miami will be showing its appreciation during August to the honorable men and women who have served and are serving in our military.   During Zoo Miami's military appreciation month, any active-duty member or veteran presenting a valid military I.D. will be able to enter the zoo with a 'buy one, get one free' admission. This offer is valid for up to six people and expires August 31, 2011. You can also receive 15% off the Annual Pass to Zoo Miami valid for 365 days of  admission, and Zoo Miami provides a 25% off regular adult or child admission for all military members year-round. Identification is required at time of admission purchase.

Lion Country Safari, Miami Seaquarium, Museum of Discovery and Science and Zoo Miami will be offering a Summer Savings Pass for the third year in a row. The Summer Savings Pass will give its buyers unlimited admission to all four attractions throughout the summer!  The offer will be available for purchase at each of the participating parks until September 30, 2011.  Four  attractions... one price!

Miami-Dade and the Florida Division of Emergency Management are partnering to help flood prone property owners to find relief. Home owners in flood prone areas may be eligible for federal funds that would help them either elevate their homes or relocate. More than 3,000 homeowners may be eligible for the funding. For more information please visit www.fema.gov/business/nfip.

To learn more about FEMA's grant assistance programs, the following workshops have been scheduled:

Monday, August 15, 2011
6-8 p.m.
Town of Cutler Bay Council Chambers
10720 Caribbean Boulevard
Cutler Bay, FL 33189

Wednesday, August 17, 2011
6-8 p.m.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Auditorium
9300 NW 41st Street
Doral, FL 33178

Our doors are always open to you!

[email protected]