April BCC Results

Naomi Ross and Cheryl Jacobs presented information about Jane’s Walk. The free, citizen-led walking tours welcome residents to tell stories about their communities, explore their cities, and connect with neighbors. Join this year’s global festival to be held May 5 – 7, 2017.

Mayor Gimenez presented a report on the US Fish and Wildlife Service's public comment period for a proposed Walmart shopping center and residences in the Richmond rock pineland next to Zoo Miami. USFWS is accepting public comment on the developer's proposed habitat management plan until May 22nd. Visit FWS.gov for more information.

My resolution calling for the protection of Federal emergency food aid programs for veterans, the elderly, children, and the poor from cuts proposed by the White House passed.

My resolution renaming Jackson South to “Jackson South Medical Center” passed.  The name change, requested by the Public Health Trust, will better align with system-wide branding and reflect the comprehensive health services offered at the County’s South Dade hospital. 

Accelerate South Dade Grand Opening

I am very proud of our newest economic development program, the Small Business and Nonprofit Incubator, Accelerate South Dade. We launched with an uplifting ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on April 7. The incubator will provide resident organizations with office space, vital training and resources not otherwise readily accessible to new and existing small businesses and nonprofits in South Miami-Dade County. Additional businesses not co-located may still receive coaching and technical assistance.

By investing in 10 of District 8's small business, we are creating a path to more economic prosperity in South Dade and helping small businesses and nonprofits overcome persistent barriers, such as access to capital and technical training. The businesses will prosper, the economy will grow, and the entire community will be strengthened.

This Program could not have been possible without our operating partner, Leroy Jones of Neighbors and Neighbors Association (NANA), and the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade, Inc. (EDC), our marketing partner and anchor tenant. Accelerate South Dade is a key component of our "South Dade: More to Explore" branding initiative.

More to Explore Welcome Center Grand Opening

Our South Dade Government Center is now home to our More to Explore campaign's welcome center and pop-up park!

The pop-up park will not only be a place for residents and county employees to congregate--but to pick up information on the many attractions we have to offer in South Dade.

Resolutions to be Considered in May

• I'm urging Congress to protect the Transit "New Starts" program from proposed budget cuts. The cuts proposed by the White House would also bar new applicants like Miami-Dade from participating in the Transit funding program. This program is critical to Miami-Dade in funding at least two or three of the six planned SMART Plan Transit Lines.
• I'm also urging Congress to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act and seeking Commission support for the 5-County Coastal Oceans Task Force recommendations that would put resources into our ailing coral reefs that support an amazing array of wildlife and supports many thousands of jobs in South Florida.
• My ordinance requiring a report on gender composition of County Boards will be heard during committee week.
• I will be presenting a resolution to help establish solar purchasing cooperatives throughout the County.
• I'm presenting a resolution expanding our Sustainable Building program to include sustainability targets for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, water and sewer, and transit.
  

Be sure to give us your suggestions and ideas. Email us at [email protected] or write us on Facebook and Twitter.

Leisure City Pride

I'm thrilled to sponsor National Rebuilding Day in South Dade. On April 29th, Rebuilding Together Miami Dade and the District 8 Team will be hosting Leisure City Pride for Rebuilding Month.

Hundreds of volunteers will be coming out in an effort to transform Leisure City by rehabilitating 17 homes, beautifying Live like Bella Park, and repairing other public spaces.

Earth Day Baynanza at Black Point Marina

The District 8 team at the 35th annual Baynanza event to celebrate Earth Day.

Thanks to the efforts of Miami-Dade's Regulatory and Economic Resources, and Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Departments, dozens of families turned out to answer the call for a cleaner Mother Earth.

South Dade Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Ceremony

Once a year the South Dade Chamber of Commerce recognizes the businesses that have done so much for the South Miami-Dade community.

Winners, Chefs on the Run, Schnebly Redland's Winery, Bonnie King-Moran, and Susan Newman, were recognized for their individual efforts as well as the contribution of their businesses. Many of these businesses and business owners reside within District 8 and are a large part of what is More to Explore, here, in South Dade.

Air Force Reserve Base Annual Awards Banquet

It was truly captivating to see so many service men and women who go above and beyond their service to our country being rewarded for their innovation, integrity; and determination.

 YES! Movement

The Youth Enlightenment System (YES) Movement plays a vital role in the lives of children of all ages. The YES! Movement brings music to over a million children globally--especially to those who may be disadvantaged by their geographical location, economic disparity, or race.

Since February of last year, the YES! Movement has been able to serve approximately 136 children in South Miami-Dade. They aim to bring out the best in children by teaching community values as well as music.

The YES! Movement has worked with the community to keep participating children civically engaged, volunteering, as well as providing opportunities for them to showcase their musical talent.

We were proud to support the YES! Movement's parent organization, Community Connexion, with a nonprofit capacity building grant for their service to District 8 residents who would otherwise have no access to quality arts education.

For more information on how a child can join, or on how you can help, call (305)234-9024.