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Dear Friends of District 8,

Thank you for keeping up with the latest news from South Dade. This month we are preparing several pieces of legislation and gearing up for our Leisure City Pride Day on April 29th. Keep reading to find out how to get involved.

In February we celebrate the vast contributions that African-Americans have made to our American story. I invite you to celebrate the history and culture of the African-American community this month. The County's Office of Community Advocacy has prepared a calendar of events to enjoy during the month of February.

Be sure to also check out the What's Happening column for the latest events in South Dade. From nature walks to concerts by beloved national stars, there is #MoreToExplore in the South.

As always, we want your feedback! Reach out to us at [email protected], call us at 305-375-5218/305-378-6677 or chat with me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Yours for an inclusive Miami-Dade,

Daniella

Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava
February 2017
Daniella Delivers

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Immigration Policy

On February 17th the Board held a special meeting to discuss Mayor Gimenez's directive to comply with the White House's Executive Order on Sanctuary Cities. Despiten my questions on its Constitutionality, the Board ratified the Mayor's directive. The Board passed my resolution mandating that the County take legal action against any attempt to withhold federal funds. Thank you to all who attended the meeting and gave their testimony.


 

Delivering Policy Solutions 

  • My proposal to empanel a Charter Review Task Force was passed this week by the Government Operations Committee. The County Charter is our local constitution. On May 21st, 2017, we will celebrate the Charter's 60th anniversary.
  • requirement that the County notify the community affected before removing a traffic control device passed the board.
  • The Board passed an item presented by Vice-Chair Audrey Edmonson that I co-sponsored to streamline the "infill" affordable housing program to make it more effective.
  • The Board advanced a report I requested that puts us closer to our goal of stopping the purchase of Styrofoam in county parks and facilities.

Announcing the District 8 Capacity Building Grants Recipients

My office awarded $100,000 to ten South Dade nonprofits through a competitive application process. These organizations help provide vital services and information to our residents. The grantees are listed below. Click the link to learn more about this year's grantees.

South Florida Foster Care and Adoptive Parent Association 

Tropical Audubon Society

ReServe Elder Service, Inc.

Cornerstone Christian Center of Homestead, FL Inc. DBA Bridge to Hope

Genesis Hopeful Haven

Palmetto Raiders Youth Development Club

Trinity Empowerment Consortium

WeCount!

Community Connexion

Friends of the Everglades

 


What's Coming Up

Upcoming Policy Solutions 

  • My resolution directing the Mayor to identify a sustainable funding source for mosquito control passed committee and will go to the Board in March. A consistent funding source will help ensure that we are proactively working to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
  • I am sponsoring a resolution approved in committee that would notify county departments if a permit applicant or holder owes any fees. This item will also go to the Board in March.
  • I sponsored an item that would fund a new marine patrol boat to be stationed at Black Point marina. The item cleared committee review and will be heard by the Board in March.
  • We have a trio of animal protection bills moving forward in March reducing the age of volunteers in our shelters to 16, creating a registry to ensure animal abusers cannot adopt dogs from our shelter partners and ban the saleof dogs from puppy mills.

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


Updates: District 8 Small Business Academy

In our last issue we announced the start of the second District 8 Small Business Academy. The deadline for applications has been extended. Please submit your application as soon as possible to Rahel at [email protected]. Classes begin on March 7th.

The Small Business Academy provides vital training and resources to existing small businesses and aims to give small businesses the tools they need to increase sales, hire more employees and thrive in the community.

 

Small business academy

Classes begin on March 7th. Send your application to Rahel at [email protected]


Leisure City Pride

I am proud to sponsor National Rebuilding Day in Leisure City on April 29th. Home repair and beautification services will be provided to qualifying homeowners, including accessibility modifications, energy efficient upgrades, roofing, plumbing and landscaping.

We need volunteers to help us give Leisure City some love. Register here and be sure to wear comfortable clothing and sunblock. See you on the 29th!

 


Keep Up with District 8

Keeping South Dade Beautiful

Team 8 headed to the stunning Deering Estate for a volunteer clean-up day.

Team volunteer day 

Team 8 at Deering Estate

 

The Hats Have It

The farm ladies of District 8 rock!

Ladies in Ag

Ready to compete in the hat contest with Senator Anitere Flores and Representative Holly Raschein

 

Ladies in Ag

#LadiesInAg


 Shout Out to the District 8 County Board Members

This month we hosted a special meeting for our District 8 County board appointees, who advise on diverse topics such as Community Relations, Vizcaya and Animal Services.


 Planning the Future of our Parks

Dozens of residents from Arvida and The Falls attended our parks planning meetings.

parks planning meeting


Contact Daniella and Team 8

District 8 Office
South Dade Government Center
10710 SW 211th street, suite 103
Miami, FL 33189
305-378-6677 Phone

Downtown Office
Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1 Street, Suite 220
Miami, Florida 33128
305-375-5218 Phone
305-372-6073 Fax

E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.miamidade.gov/district08

Facebook: CommissionerCava   Twitter: @dlcava    IG: @dlcava

What's Happening?

Recycling Tip of the Month 

Miami-Dade County offers options for recycling electronics. Check out the Solid Waste Department's website for more information.


Enjoy an Evening of Discovery and Learning

Head to Castellow Hammock Park for a campfire and owl walk on February 24th. Learn more about these nocturnal birds and walk through the nature trails to see them up close and personal. This park is one of our South Dade gems. #MoreTo Explore


 Celebrate the Grand Opening of the New Homestead Police HQ

After voters approved the new station's bond referendum, the City of Homestead got to work building a state-of-the-art facility. Celebrate the grand opening on February 25th.


Check Out the Upright Citizen's Brigade at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center

Head to the SMDCAC to watch the acclaimed comedians from across the country on February 18th.


Catch Cornell Gunter's Coasters at the Seminole Theater

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductees will play at the new Seminole Theater in Homestead in March.


 

Delivering Excellence Every Day