Become Part of Accelerate South Dade

I'm proud to announce that my office is launching its own small business and nonprofit incubator - Accelerate South Dade. This innovative incubator will provide a leg-up to businesses in South Dade, providing free office space, hi-speed internet and technical assistance to qualifyinf businesses and nonprofit enterprises. There will also be opportunities to receive coaching, workshops and microgrants. The incubator will be opening in the heart of the Cutler Bay business district, walking distance from the Miami-Dade Transitway at 1700 Caribbean Blvd. Interested organizations may request an application by calling Rahel or Steff at 305-378-6677. The deadline to apply is January 31st. Please join us to celebreate our grand opening on February 17th at 10:00 a.m.

                                                                                                                           Deadline to apply is January 31st

New Routes for Seniors

Team 8 was able to arrange transportation, as requested, to Presidente Supermarket for South Dade seniors who live in Saga Bay and Lakeshore apartments. We also worked with Farm Share to bring fresh produce and items to these and other senior housing communities in District 8. Recently the Village of Palmetto Bay voted to become an Age-Friendly community, following Cutler Bay's lead. With guidnce from AARP, these cities will provide better support for older residents.

 National Mentoring Month

Thousands of Miami-Dade residents devote time and energy to mentoring young people. A broad array of nonprofit and faith-based organizations provide these services. To celebrate these civic contributions and raise awareness about mentoring opportunities, I sponsored a resolution recognizing every January as National Mentoring Month. Tune into the Commission meeting on January 24th around 9-10:30 am to see the recognition ceremony.

Upcoming Policy Solutions 

• I am proposing a resolution directing the Mayor to provide public notice before removing traffic control devices, such as a stop sign, from county roads.
• Coral reefs are the "rainforests of the sea" because of the extraordinary diversity they host. Disease has affected 80% of the corals outside of Biscayne National Park in the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Tract. I will present a resolution that would have our county join Broward, Palm Beach and Martin Counties to press for protection of these corals and for resources needed to investigate the causes and cures.

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

Submit Your Application for the Small Business Academy

For the second year in a row, my office will take applications for the District 8 Small Business Academy. This one of a kind program provides vital training and resources to existing small businesses. The Academy aims to give small business owners the tools and information they need to increase sales, hire more employees and thrive in South Dade. The Academy features innovative workshops which will be administered by a leading development agency, Partners for Self-Employment.

In order to apply, download our application form and type your answers in the open fields. Please email your completed, typewritten form to [email protected].  The deadline is February 7th.

                                                                                                                    Submit your application by February 7th

 Mom and Pop Grants

The 2017 Mom and Pop Grant application process will kick off soon. Applications for small grants will be available from March 1st through March 16th. Interested businesses may pick up applications at our District Office: 10710 SW 211th Street, Suite 103. You may also call Rahel at 305-378-6677 for more information.

All applicants must attend a mandatory workshop on March 16th at 5:45pm at the South Dade Regional Library: 10750 SW 211th Street, 2nd floor auditorium.

Join Us for the First Movie Night of 2017

Join Team 8 at Live Like Bella Park on Feb. 10th for a showing of Finding Dory. Bring you chairs, blankets and appetites for free popcorn and snow cones.

#SouthDade Profile: Mothers Fighting for Justice

Every month, our newsletter features an individual or organization in South Dade that is working to improve our community. This month, we are proud to feature Ms. Romania Dukes and her organization, Mothers Fighting For Justice. Mothers Fighting for Justice resulted from a community tragedy when Ms. Dukes lost her son, De-Michael Dukes, to gun violence. She began meeting with the Miami-Dade Police Department, local leaders and elected officials, determined to prevent another tragedy. She explained that Mothers Fighting For Justice became a support group for parents whose children were killed from gun violence: "There is no expiration date on our pain. We've lost a child."

Throughout her work in the community, Ms. Dukes emphasizes the importance of engaging the community and working with local law enforcement. Mothers Fighting for Justice has partnered with the Miami-Dade Police Department and encourages the community to speak out against gun violence: "We won't get justice if people won't speak. Get involved! This affects everybody."

Help stop youth violence and get involved with Mothers Fighting for Justice by emailing [email protected] or calling 786-366-2997.  

    Thank you to Ms. Dukes and all the Mothers Fighting for Justice for your tireless work

South Dade Hosts the State of the County

This year's State of the County address was held in one of our community's jewels: the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center. I was proud to introduce Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and I thanked him for his work and support for South Dade. This community is experiencing exciting new activity that makes us Miami-Dade's best kept secret. But secret no more. There is More to Explore in South Dade.

I look forward to working with Mayor Gimenez and my colleagues on the County Commission to find smart, sensible solutions that promote prosperity for all in South Dade and throughout the county.

Did you miss the State of the County? Watch it, and all Miami-Dade County meetings, here.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King taught us that the path towards progress never ends and that we must never stay silent in the face of injustice. I urge you to honor one of our nation's most inspiring heroes every day of the year by acting on his message of perseverance as we work towards a more just community.

The 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project held its 25th annual MLK breakfast to salute the young men and their mentors who make us all proud. Another national hero, Congressman John Lewis, was the guest speaker and left us with words of wisdom from Dr. King: "We may have come over on different boats, but we are in the same boat now".