Dear residents,

Once again, we are getting ready “14 Days of Neighborly Love-Inspiring Random Acts of Kindness” initiative, which inspires people to show love for their neighbors and their neighborhoods by performing random acts of kindness between February 14 and February 27.

Last year we saw businesses join in by giving discounted gas at the opening and closing events, others giving away goods and services like thousands of free Sunpass® transponders, flowers, books and school supplies, food and beverages and other gifts and giveaways to children, seniors  and adults.

Youth groups and organizations coming together to do free car washes, help the elderly or give goods to the poor. We have also seen professionals- lawyers, counselors, doctors and accountants- providing services for free and many members of the public and private sector actively serving their community in the most inspiring ways.

This year, I want more businesses and corporations to come together and be part of this initiative – that benefits our residents and our community!

For more information on this initiative visit us on Facebook and on Twitter. You can also call my office at 305-599-1200

I look forward to hearing from you and let’s pay it forward.

Sincerely,

Commissioner José “Pepe” Díaz

Resolution urging the Florida legislature to require transient sexual predators and offenders to provide a specific address on their driver’s license or identification card and register monthly with law enforcement or face third-degree felony charges.

Learn more about this legislation.

Ordinances call for a host of service and technology improvements for taxis in Miami-Dade County.

The first ordinance calls for all taxis operating in Miami-Dade to accept credit cards and feature global positioning dispatch systems, a SunPass, backseat digital security cameras, top lights and warning lights. The SunPass requirement must be met within the next six months, credit-card machines must be installed within two years, and the GPS system and camera requirements must be met within the next 30 months.

The second ordinance establishes the “Ambassador Cab” program, which sets higher service standards for all taxis that pick up passengers at Miami International Airport - including the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) and PortMiami. Drivers serving the two ports must wear a collared shirt, dark trousers or skirt and closed shoes; open doors for passengers; and load and unload luggage. Their vehicles must also display a special decal issued by the County.

Small business owners in District 12 are encouraged to apply for the annual Mom & Pop Small Business Grant Program. The application will be available starting January 27, 2014 until February 12, 2014. For more information, call 305-599-1200 or visit our website on January 27 to download the application. This program helps by providing financial and technical assistance to local small businesses.

On January 17, Commissioner Diaz received a plaque from the Asociacion de Bahia de Cochinos Brigada Asalto 2506 for his commitment to our military men and women and for his support for the Bay of Pig Museum and Library. The museum and library is located at the very site of the unsuccessful 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion. Over 100 people were killed during the invasion and the remainder was imprisoned. The Bay of Pigs Museum & Library is located at 1821 S.W. 9^th St. and admission is free. For more information on museum, please visit the website.

On January 14, Commissioner Diaz joined other elected officials in paying tribute to a radio legend – the great radio host known as “ Reina de la Noche” Martha Flores.  Martha Flores for 55 years has been committed to the residents of Miami-Dade County and especially to the elderly causes. Commissioner Diaz joined Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez and Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa and presented Martha with a proclamation, proclaiming January 14^th, Martha Flores Day in Miami-Dade County.

As a tradition, Commissioner Diaz attended the annual “Three Kings Parade” on January 12^th. The commissioner joined the men and women of the military and greeted the people.  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 44^rd year and took place along SW 8^th street between 4^th and 17^th Avenue in Little Havana.

Commissioner Diaz, a strong advocate for Autism awareness attended the annual Dan Marino Foundation WalkAbout Autism. 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 25 at Sun Life Stadium. For more information, please visit their website.

Commissioner Diaz and his staff would like to congratulate Anna Hernandez, Principal of M.A. Milam K-8 Center, located in District 12. Anna was recently listed as one of the best principals in Florida, along with six others by the non-profit Florida TaxWatch. Principals were evaluated based on student’s achievements.

Florida International University Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, along with the Miami Vet Center invites all veterans to the annual Veterans Career and Resource Fair on Friday, February 7th from 10am to 2pm. Taking place at FIU Football Stadium,  11200 SW 8th St. For more information, please visit the website.

IKEA is looking to hire 350 people for their store near Dolphin Mall in the City of Sweetwater, which will be opening this summer.  The job openings include cashiers, customer service and security among other positions. If you are interested in applying, please visit their website.

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 email Oscar Gonzalez or call 786-280-0983.

General information can be found at 826-826 website. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive, or log on to Florida's Statewide 511 website for real-time traffic and lane closure information.

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 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 the website. 

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.

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