Delivering Policy Solutions

It was a productive month in the District 8 office. Check out some of the policy Team 8 put forth in March.

Join Us to Discuss Why Water Matters

On April 9th, Team 8 and the Everglades Foundation will co-host the "Why Water Matters Summit".

The District 8 Parks Plan Continues at New Debbie Curtin Park

I am very excited to announce that the County has officially broken ground on the project that I championed. Debbie Curtin Park will include a recreation center, playground, basketball court, pathways and pavilions for neighborhood gatherings. The design plan makes use of the area's natural foliage and environment to create a beautiful green space that can serve as a community hub, exercise center and a quiet respite from the daily grind.

Calling All Animal Lovers: New Spay/Neuter Clinic Opens in Homestead

The Animal Services Department, the Office of the Mayor, the City of Homestead and the Office of District 8 officially opened a new spay/neuter clinic in Homestead on March 1st.

With Homestead Mayor Jeff Porter and District 8 residents at the new clinic

#AdoptDontShop

Update on Political Committee Transparency Legislation

The ordinance I presented that would require elected officials to report fundraising solicitations for political committees. After a robust conversation at the February BCC meeting, the item will go to a workshop on March 28th at 2:00 p.m. at 111 N.W. 1st Street. The workshop will include an overview of the law, further discussion and an opportunity for the public to speak. I hope you will join the conversation on greater transparency in our political process. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact us at 305-375-5218 or at [email protected].

Talking Transit on March 23rd

Join me at the ChamberSOUTH general membership breakfast as we talk transit.

 Policy Solutions in the Works

• I reintroduced a resolution that offers improved standards for Community Redevelopment Agencies, with a special focus on accountability and transparency. The item will be discussed at the Economic Prosperity Committee on April 14th at 2:00 p.m.
• A resolution I've sponsored that directs the Mayor to review impacts to our local hospitals providing indigent health care in Miami-Dade County goes before the Board of County Commissioners in April.

I hope that you will engage with the BCC on these and other issues. Please contact us with any questions about the legislation and how to get involved: 305-375-5218, [email protected].

Great in 8 Profile: Maria Garza

This month we are highlighting María Garza, a South Dade community leader and public servant who has advocated tirelessly for our community.

Maria arrived in the United States from Mexico at the age of 10 and traveled around the country working in fields with her family. Her passion for community activism began at age 17 when she became involved with a labor strike addressing fair wages for field workers. Since then, Maria has led a life of service. María’s advocacy also took her to Washington D.C., where she implemented national literacy programs with The National Council of La Raza and worked at the White House as the Hispanic Affairs Assistant for the White House Office of Public Liaison. Lucky for us, Maria decided to return home to South Dade and joined the Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department. Maria recently retired from the county after serving for 33 years, with a special focus on farmworker communities in South Dade.

Currently, Maria is the President of the Mexican-American Council, a nonprofit organization that aims to improve the lives of farmworker children through education. Thank you to District 8 resident Maria Garza for her dedication and service to our community.

Thank you, Maria

Putting Out Fires with MDFR

For our winter County Work Day, I joined our fantastic Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue Department. County Work Days showcase the good work of Miami-Dade County departments and inform the public about vital county services supported with our tax dollars. On this work day, Team 8 visited Fire Station 34 in Cutler Bay.

I had the opportunity to accompany the fire fighters as they completed regular maintenance on fire trucks, checked fire hydrants for safety and readiness and went through morning briefings. Did you know? The fire department receives 300,000 calls per year, of which 80% are for medical services.

We were all ready to go when we got a call about a grass fire in South Dade. I joined our firemen and women as they quickly closed the street and stabilized the situation. I even got to help in putting out the fire! It's likely that the fire was linked to illegal dumping, an issue we are tackling in South Dade.

Stay tuned for our next County Work Day, coming soon.

MDFR quickly contained the fire in South Dade

Shout out to the Firestation 34 crew!

Food, Fun and Fashion at the 26th Annual Asian Cultural Festival

I always look forward to the Asian Cultural Festival, a special event held exclusively in South Dade at the Redland Fruit & Spice Park.

With the Asian-American Advisory Board

Strap on your Helmet and Get Pedaling for Bike305 Month

Biking is a favorite activity of Team 8 and we kicked off Bike305 month by biking to work.

Team 8 and Palmetto Bay bike to work

Homestead is a Must-Visit Tourist Destination

The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau produced some awesome videos all about South Dade. Last month we showed you their beautiful feature on the Everglades. Now, find out why Homestead should be on every tourists' itinerary.