Welcoming New Agricultural Patrol Officers

On Friday, June 24, I joined the UF/IFAS Extension and the Dade County Farm Bureau in welcoming six new patrol officers to the Agricultural Patrol Section of the Miami-Dade Police Department. The new officers will restore the force to its original strength after a four-year shortage, honoring one of my campaign promises. Read more here.

Delivering Policy Solutions

Here are some of the highlights from the last few weeks at the Board of County Commissioners (BCC):

• Ca-ching! The BCC approved a grant to Palmetto Bay for $7.5 million to develop the downtown area. This will spur economic development not only in Palmetto Bay, but throughout South Dade and along a major transit corridor.
• Save the guacamole: We passed my ordinance creating new enforcement tools to eradicate Laurel Wilt, a serious threat to our avocado crops. This was another step towards honoring my campaign promises.
• My resolution stipulating bus fares should not be higher than metrorail fares passed.
• The BCC approved an item I sponsored conveying county-owned land north of Black Point Marina to the National Park Serivce. The nearly 45 acres of land will be used to restore natural water flows to Biscayne Bay as part of the Everglades Restoration Plan.
• My resolution authorizing County employees to donate their leave time to the One Orlando Fund in response to the mass shooting passed.

Presenting a proclamation celebrating 100 years of National Parks

Tell us your suggestions by emailing [email protected] or calling 305-378-6677/305-375-5218.

Budget Hearings

Did you know that 31 cents of every dollar in our Miami-Dade County budget is spent on public safety? Or that 22 cents of that dollar are spent on transportation? Read the budget-in-brief to get a sense of how your tax dollars are spent.

In September, the County Commission will give our final approval to the budget proposed by the Mayor. You can give your input by attending one of the community budget hearings on August 8 at 6 pm. In South Dade there will be one hearing at the William F. Dickinson Community Center (1601 N Krome Ave, Homestead) and one at the South Dade Regional Library (10750 SW 211 St, Cutler Bay). District 8 staff will be on hand to support you. There will also be two social media sessions August 9. Get more details here.

Upcoming Policy Solutions

• Community Land Trusts--My item to create a Community Land Trust pilot project will have its final hearing on September 7. The Community Land Trusts are proven as a great tool to ensure that homes remain affordable for workers such as nurses, firefighters and police officers.
• The Economic Prosperity Initiatives Report, which I commissioned, will be on the September 7 Board of County Commissioners agenda. I asked FIU to prepare this report to help the County establish a plan to expand economic prosperity to all residents. Read the report here.

Marketing Effort Launched at South Dade Solutions Summit

On July 15 Commissioner Moss and I hosted the second annual South Dade Solutions Summit, featuring branding guru Bruce Turkel. More than 150 business and community leaders participated in the interactive workshop to brainstorm a brand for South Dade. We talked about the special outdoor attractions and tight-knit community we all cherish. I look forward to rolling out the new South Dade brand in early 2017.

Dogs of Summer

This summer my office has collaborated with Miami-Dade Animal Services and numerous other sponsors to host some fun Dogs of Summer events in Homestead, Palmetto Bay, The Crossings and the Falls. More than 20 pets have found loving homes and dozens received free microchips, baths and other services.

Meet the District 8 Interns

I am so thankful for our excellent summer interns who are helping us with everything from researching policies to organizing events. Get to know them better:

Ayssa DiPietro
In addition to being our intern, Ayssa currently works for a local environmental engineering firm, Adventure Environmental Inc. on restoration, conservation and development projects. Read more.

Cassandra Harding
Cassandra was raised in Cutler Bay and is excited to begin her first year of college at Davidson College in North Caroline this fall. Read more.

Mark Merwitzer
Ever since he attended his first teacher union protest at the age of 7 to push for higher wages and better benefits, Mark has been very active in standing up for the needs of his community. Read more.

Jessica Pradel
Jessica has lived in Miami her entire life and is currently studying at Cutler Bay Senior High in the iPrep program. Read more.

Nathan Randall
Nathan is an undergrad studying communications and media at Lynn University. Read more.