Celebrating One Year in Office

November 18th marked one year in office for Team 8 and to celebrate we launched the 8 Days of Engagement initiative. For 8 days we highlghted South Dade's diverse community, reflected on the past year and began laying out plans for year two. Check out our one year report and highlights from 8 Days of Engagement.

Cities for Citizenship Program Officially Kicks-Off

Miami-Dade is now officially the first Citizenship! On November 10th, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, CitiBank, the Florida Immigrant Coalition and Team 8 launched the national program in our county. There are nearly 500,000 legal permanent residents eligible for citizenship in Miami-Dade. Promoting citizenship is sound economic policy and will improve the quality of life for tens of thousands in our community.

Residents can seek guidance and assistance with their citizenship application through the newly established Office of New Americans. As a County for Citizenship, Miami-Dade will host citizenship clinics throughout the county. Visit the new citizenship page on the county website or call 311 to find the nearest clinic and other citizenship services.

District 8, Mayor Carlos Gimenez, Chairman Monestime and Representatives from Citi, FLIC and other community organizations launch Cities for Citizenship

Unveiling New Buses for the South Dade Busway

November was a kick-off month. I was proud to cut the ribbon for 43 new articulated buses that will run on the South Dade Busway and throughout the county. These new "bending" buses are an important step towards turning the busway into a true Bus Rapid Transit corridor. Transit is our "Achilles Heel" and I am committed to delivering true Bus Rapid Transit to the busway as a short and mid term solution to our transportation challenges. Many thanks to Mayor Gimenez and the Transit Department for their work in securing these buses.

Unveiling our new articulated buses!

Committees and Board of County Commission Meetings

Here are some of the items I am sponsoring that will come forth in January:

• An ordinance requiring all elected office holders and candidates to report funds solicited for a Political Committee or Electioneering Communications Organization. The ordinance passed first reading 8-3 and will be heard in committee on January 12th. I hope you will join us in support of this legislation that seeks to restore trust in government and empower voters with knowledge. Learn more about the ordinance by reading my op-ed in the Miami Herald or watching WPBT's Issues with Helen Ferré.
• A resolution  that supports the Floridians for Solar Choice Ballot Initiative. If the initiative is successful, voters will have the opportunity to decide if the Florida Consitution shouls be amended to allow non-utility companies to provide solar energy directly to customers.
• A resolution requiring that signs be posted at stores which contain information on how to report the sale of alcohol to minors. Small businesses will be able to access a state grant to pay for the new signs.

I am eager for your input! Email us your feedback at [email protected] or call 305-375-5218/305-378-6677. We also love Facebook and Twitter!

Demystifying Miami-Dade Cultural Grants

District 8 is proud to sponsor a workshop for artists, cultural and nonprofit organizations to explain the county's cultural grant programs. This workshop is ideal for those looking for funding opportunities for expansion. Check out the flyer below and be sure to RSVP by December 30th to Rahel Weldeyesus at [email protected].

Settle into 2016 with a District 8 Movie Night

Save the date! District 8 holds its first movie night of 2016 on January 29th at Devon Aire Park. Stay tuned for more details and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

Happy Birthday, National Parks System!

Our National Parks System turns 100 in 2016 and Team 8 joined the Parks Service at the Miami International Airport.Our community that the Homestead Trolley goes bet

Honoring our Veterans

I was honored to commemorate our veterans throughout South Dade. Events were held throughout the region to honor those who protect our freedom and way of life. Click here to learn more about how South Dade honored our vets.

Cinderella, Glitter Crowns and Popcorn

It was an evening of crafts, movies and treats at the last District 8 movie night. Team 8 had a blast and I loved my new crown! After making sure evryone had snacks, we settled in for the Disney's Cinderella. Save the date for our next movie night in Devon Aire Park on January 29th.

It isn't movie night without treats!

Making crowns to wear during Cinderella