March BCC Results

My resolution directing the Mayor to find a sustainable funding source for the County's mosquito control program was unanimously adopted by the Board of County Commissioners. This resolution will ensure that the County is well-prepared to defend our health and economy against mosquito borne illnesses such as Zika.

In recognition of the 60th anniversary of County's Charter and Citizens' Bill of Rights, I sponsored a resolution creating a Charter Review Task Force to consider updates or revisions to our local government constitution. This resolution was unanimously approved by the BCC and appointments will be made shortly.

My resolution directing the Mayor to study using County facilities to generate solar power passed unanimously.

The Board adopted my resolution to use surplus County funds to purchase a new marine patrol boat which will be based at Black Point Marina. I am proud to stand with our law enforcement officers to ensure that our community and waterways are safe and protected.

Representing Miami-Dade in our State Capital

My meetings with most of the members of the Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation in Tallahassee were productive and stimulating experience. We have good prospects to receive funding for transit (through MDX), bicycle trails, hospital care for indigents, to fight Laurel Wilt disease threatening our avocado groves, and Zika. Also, we will hopefully see increased solar incentives thanks to the Constitutional Amendment which passed in August. We must keep the pressure up! We must fight cuts to basic services and efforts to "preempt" local jurisdictions' lawmaking authority.

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Resolutions to be Considered in April

• The Mayor's administration has assured the public that Miami-Dade County police officers will not perform the functions of immigration officers. I presented a resolution to request a report detailing the steps the County will take to implement this promise. This will help preserve the relationship between law enforcement and the community and clarify any doubts that exist among our residents.
• The Government Operations Committee advanced my resolution that directs the Mayor to inform Commissioners about the potential sale of all County land in their commission districts. Prior notice of land sales will increase transparency and ensure that County is put to its highest and best use.
• My resolution expanding volunteer opportunities to 16 and 17-year-olds at the County's new animal shelter was amended to include Felix Varela High School students and passed the Public Safety & Health Committee. Currently, only residents who are 18 and older may volunteer at the shelter.

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Accelerate South Dade Grand Opening

The District 8 team, in conjunction with the Economic Development Committee and the Neighbors And Neighbors Association (NANA), will be launching its small business and non-profit incubator. This project will give small businesses and organizations the incubator the opportunity to expand and learn. By providing a shared space and resources, we will be investing in the economic future of South Dade.

Leisure City Pride

I am proud to announce that Leisure City Pride is almost here! We couldn't do it alone, and thanks to Rebuilding Together Miami and Trinity Empowerment Consortium we have been able to help residents with much needed repairs to their homes. But we still need your help!

Register to volunteer and be part of strengthening the community. We look forward to the fun awaiting us, working hard and enjoying food and a special performance by Afro Beta.

For more information, contact Ashley Snow at Rebuilding Together Miami.

See you there!

Deering Estate's Annual Seafood Festival

Thanks to the hard work of Deering Estate staff we had another successful Seafood Festival. Hundreds of residents from all over the county attended for some of the best seafood Miami has to offer, and to listen to captivating live performances. Among these Festival goers was Wendy Aponte, a civil servant of the County for nearly 20 years. It was such a welcome experience to connect with her. It is an honor to serve residents like Wendy who are engaged in their communities.

Celebrating Asian Culture in South Dade

The Thai-American Association of South Florida once again brings the gift of diversity to the Fruit and Spice Park. Team 8 and countless Miami-Dade residents had the opportunity to see, taste, and listen to a wealth of cultures. From carved watermelons to intricately choreographed traditional dances, festival-goers were able to experience the cultures of over a dozen nations. I'd like to extend a personal thank you to the Thai-American Association and the Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation department for providing South Dade with so much more to explore.

Visit to Costa Farms

Agricultural innovation takes many forms in South Dade; pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, specialty crops, cutting edge agricultural techniques like drone surveillance, pest management research, farm-to-table market development, and so much more!

Costa Farms is on that cutting edge as a grower of ornamental plants. Employing over three thousand people directly and supporting thousands more through their work with smaller farms in South Dade.

Sky Diving at Homestead Air Force Reserve Base

The U.S. Army's Golden Knights invited me to a thrilling venture. After a brief safety training, I got suited up and driven to the Golden Knight's airplane. With guidance from a brave Golden Knight, I jumped and got to experience our stunning community from the sky. 

Cutler Bay's Transit and Safety News

Cutler Bay presented their new and improved circulator bus this month. The bus will help with connectivity within the town of Cutler Bay and hopefully lead more residents to choose transit. The grant for a Safety Awareness Campaign will help protect our cyclists and pedestrians.

Modello Wayside, Arvida, Briar Bay, and Briar Bay Linear Parks Public Workshops

At our most recent park planning meeting Homestead residents joined us to discuss potential improvements for Modello Wayside Park. Among the improvements discussed and being considered for funding are a small children's area, a walkway, and a bike station. Thank you to the residents who made this meeting a success and provided much needed input. Thank you also to residents of Kendall and the Falls for attending workshops earlier this year regarding Arvida and Briar Bay Parks. We look forward to bringing improvements to our District 8 neighborhoods.

South Florida Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (SFFAPA)

With the realization that little organized support and guidance was available to foster and adoptive families, a small group of foster and adoptive families came together in 2010 to found SFFAPA.

Over the years, these foster families have mepowered themselves to meet the ever changing demands of families who care for abused, abandoned and neglected children.

"No other factor is more important than a child being embraced by the safe and loving arms of a parent who is skilled in dealing with children exposed to trauma and abuse," says Denis Beeman-Sasiain, President of SFFAPA.

SFFAPA provides children's activies, support, and training programs. Thanks to the efforts of a dozen volunteers on their Board of Directors, most of whom are foster and adoptive parents themselves, SFFAPA has flourished in Miami-Dade County, with 67% of families residing in District 8.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about the services SFFAPA offers, contact Denise Beeman-Sasiain at [email protected] or call (786)281-7720.