Dear Residents,

Last year in February, I kicked off '14 Days of Neighborly Love-Inspiring Random Acts of Kindness' initiative, which inspired people to perform random acts of kindness to others, whether it’s buying someone a cup of coffee or a business providing free consultations – these gestures show the humanity in all of us. I understand we are all struggling financially but for this very reason, we must come together to lend someone a helping hand.

This year, I challenge all residents and business owners to do something to help others and to be part of my “14 Days of Neighborly Love” initiative, which is from February 14 through February 27. Let’s show others that through kindness, we can truly make someone’s day by doing something they might not expect but truly appreciate!

If you or your business would like to get involved, please contact me at www.facebook.com/14DNL

Sincerely,

Commissioner José “Pepe” Díaz

Ordinance providing that Miami-Dade County retains jurisdiction to modify or delete covenants pertaining to zoning applications approved by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).  
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Ordinance requires candidates running for a County or Municipal office to identify paid workers who take part in absentee ballot campaign activities.
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Ordinance grants an additional homestead exemption to low-income seniors for the amount of the assessed value of their property with a value of less than 250,000, who have maintained the property as a permanent residence for at least 25 years.  Other requirements must be at least 65 years old and not exceed the household income of $27,590.
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As a tradition, Commissioner Diaz attended the annual “Three Kings Parade” on January 20th. The commissioner greeted the people and walked with the men and women of the military who proudly serve our Country.

This year, Miami Heat’s very own Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh served as the grand marshals. The parade is a South Florida tradition, where hundreds of thousands of residents come and are able to see their favorite politicians, radio hosts and television personalities.

The parade is in their 43rd year and took place along SW 8th street between 4th and 17th Avenue in Little Havana.

Commissioner Diaz, a strong advocate for Autism awareness attended the annual Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism, where he presented a proclamation to Dan Marino for his foundation’s hard work and dedication to the event. Commissioner Diaz joined thousands of people walking to raise awareness and funds for the Dan Marino Foundation.

The Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism event guarantees that every dollar raised stays in South Florida and benefits our local autism community. The event took place on January 26 at Sun Life Stadium. 

On January 19th, Commissioner Diaz and his team caught a 10 foot Burmese python. The 2013 Python Challenge is to raise public awareness regarding the Burmese python and how this invasive species is threatening the Everglades.

The Python Challenge has over one thousand people competing to see who can harvest the longest and the most pythons. This event runs until February 10th.

For more information, please visit www.PythonChallenge.org

At the Public Safety & Healthcare Administration committee on January 15th, Commissioner Diaz presented a proclamation to Ray Haar Sr., Ray Haar Jr. and Ray Haar III, for their outstanding service in the Miami-Dade Police Department and which combined the three men have 70 years of public service.

84 year old Sergeant Haar Sr., retired 23 years ago after serving more than 35 years. During his career, he served in many capacities including Commander of Criminal Intelligence and Sergeant of the General Investigations Unit. He also implemented the Grid Patrol System for the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Detective Ray Haar II, age 53, has been with the Miami-Dade Police Department more than 30 years. Like his father, he has served in many different assignments. Currently, he is assigned to the Cutler Bay Crime Suppression Team.

Officer Ray Haar III, age 24, has been employed with the Miami-Dade Police Department for 5 years, and plans to continue the family legacy as a career police officer. Already, he has been named Officer of the Month, received recognition in a Unit of the Month presentation and is a recipient of numerous commendations for his dedication and job performance.

On January 14, Commissioner Diaz, who serves as Military liaison for Miami-Dade County and is the Chairman of the Military Affairs Board joined Consul General, Mr. Gael de Maisonneuve of the Consulate General of France in Miami to honor the “Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur” (Knight in the National Order of the Legion of Honor) to United States Veterans who fought alongside France during World War II.

The “Chevalier dans l’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur” was created to reward eminent military and civil merits in the service of France and the “Legion d’Honneur” (Legion of Honor) medal is the highest distinction that can be conferred in France on a French citizen as well as on a foreigner.

The event took place at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, which served as a hospital during World War II.

The Department of Property Appraisal will be mailing renewal applications for the Senior Homestead Exemption to those homeowners who qualified last year. You should receive this notice during the first week of January 2013.

This exemption is not automatically renewed, and you must submit an application every year in order to verify your income. Your application must be submitted to the Department of Property Appraiser by MARCH 1, 2013. In addition, seniors who have applied for and received Florida’s Homestead Exemption for Seniors as of calendar year 2012, you will receive a $100 check from the Miami Dade County “Save our Seniors Homeowners” relief fund. 

If you should have any questions regarding your application or refund, please contact the commissioner’s office at 305-599-1200 or visit the Property appraiser’s office’s website at  www.miamidade.gov/pa/home.asp.

The Miami-Dade Community Action Agency’s (CAA) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is currently assisting eligible residents with payment of their gas or electric bills.  The program assists individuals who are experiencing an increase in their energy bill due to the weather as well as individuals with final notices or those who have had their services disconnected. 

Applications for LIHEAP are available Monday through Friday at CAA Service Centers like the Hialeah Service Center, 300 E. First Avenue, or the Sweetwater Service Center, 250 SW 114 Avenue.

For a complete list of all the CAA Service Centers or to download the application, please visit the County’s website or contact the Miami-Dade Community Action Agency at 786-469-4600.

On November 30, 2009, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six in partnership with the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) began a reconstruction project of the State Road (S.R.) 826 (Palmetto Expressway) and S.R. 836 (Dolphin Expressway) Interchange.

Now that construction has begun, there will be many upcoming lane and ramp closures on the Dolphin Expressway. For more information about construction-related activities, please contact Oscar Gonzalez at 786-280-0983 or via e-mail at [email protected].

General information can be found at www.826-836.com. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive, or log on to www.fl511.com for real-time traffic and lane closure information.

The Miami-Dade Public Library System now offers library card holders the ability to download up to three songs a week for free!  The Library System has joined Library Ideas™’ which offers access to more than three million songs including Sony Music’s catalog of legendary artists.

The Freegal™ Music Service will allow the Miami-Dade Public Library System to increase the size and diversity of its collection by offering access to more than 10,000 music labels from 65 different countries. Registered card holders can download a select number of Freegal Music tracks in the MP3 format at no cost via www.mdpls.org. 

The Freegal Music Service offers free mobile apps for registered cardholders. Apps are available in the Apple® App Store and Google Play®.

To help Miami-Dade County residents, the Miami-Dade Public Library System is offering a wide assortment of vital information and valuable assistance for job seekers! From computer classes and access to the Internet, to help with resume writing, job interviewing skills and test preparation, the Library wants to help patrons prepare for and search for jobs.

Free classes are held throughout all 47 branch locations and are available in both English and Spanish. The Library’s website, www.mdpls.org, has created a “Job Search” section for individuals to access from any location 24/7.

For more information, contact 305-375-BOOK (2665) or visit http://www.mdpls.org/. You can also click here for places looking to hire.

February 24, 2013 at 8 a.m. - Commissioner Diaz will serve as the Grand Marshall at the 11^th Annual Tribute to the Military 5 K Run/Walk at City Hall Coral Gables.

April 6, 2013 at 11 a.m. - Commissioner Diaz invites the entire family to his annual “District 12 Spring Festival”, taking place at North Trail Park, 780 NW 127^th Avenue. This event is FREE. For more information, please call the office at 305-599-1200.

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