Chairman Gilbert and Vice Chairman Rodriguez installed in ceremony at Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 15

 
(Photos by: Ryan Holloway/Miami-Dade County)

MIAMI-DADE – Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 1, and Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, who represents District 10, were installed as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. at Hard Rock Stadium, 347 Don Shula Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33056.

Chairman Gilbert was joined onstage by his son, mother, and other loved ones. He was installed by the Honorable Judge Marcus Bach Armas, Eleventh Circuit Court Judge. In his remarks, he spoke about the American Dream he has lived, from growing up as a kid of Miami Gardens to Mayor of Miami Gardens and now, Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. His speech also focused on the type of leaders the Board must become and the task ahead.

“We were not elected to be stewards of a status quo. We were meant to be greater. We were elected and took Oaths to be architects, engineers, contractors, and purveyors of the Miami-Dade that is to be. This is Miami-Dade County, and we truly are magical but the Magic in the City is all of us. We took an Oath to make this County better and more beautiful. I don’t stand before you naive – I know that this cannot be done overnight – but that’s no reason not to start. It’s not easy. It wasn’t easy for Henry Flagler, D.A. Dorsey, Carrie Meek, Jorge Mas Canosa, or Mary Brickell – our forefathers and foremothers built this community by doing things that were thought to be impossible, and if they can do that, then we can do this,” said Chairman Gilbert.

For the installation, the Commissioners recited the Oath of Office for their elected roles. Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman, President, and CEO, Tom Garfinkel, and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava gave remarks to the new Chairman and Vice Chairman.

“When I think of Oliver, the first words that come to mind are; intelligence, service, and vision. Oliver Gilbert is a visionary in a world of polarization that we live in today. He is also a juxtaposition in some ways. We live in a world where things are either this or that, and yet Oliver is someone who is pragmatic, yet creative; flexible, yet unwavering; convicted, yet diplomatic. Simply said, Oliver gets things done. In a world of rhetoric, he is a doer and he delivers,” said Tom Garfinkel.

“You are two outstanding public servants. You’ve dedicated your careers to serving the people of Miami-Dade County, I could not think of two more qualified individuals to lead this Board. Between them, their experience and their expertise spans local cities and municipalities, to the County to the Tallahassee and State legislature – they truly can lead us through these times. They are here today in these critically important roles because they have shown throughout their careers that they are public servants who will deliver their promises to their residents,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

Vice Chairman Rodriguez was joined onstage by his wife and installed by Representative Daniel Perez, member of the Florida House of Representatives.

“I believe in our collective presence and commitment to this Commission, and I believe in working together for forward progress. We really do live in the best County in the state, and I believe in the Country, but we have areas we need to focus on to improve - that can only happen if we all lead together. Today, I am honored to officially be sworn in as Vice Chairman of this Commission and I stand here next to Chairman Gilbert, extending my hand in friendship and looking forward to working with all for this County that we love so much,” said Vice Chairman Rodriguez.

In attendance was legendary hip-hop artist, Luther Roderick Campbell (Uncle Luke), entertainment and technology mogul, Ted Lucas, Miami Dolphins executives, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) executives, the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County directors and employees, Miami Gardens elected officials, and other municipal dignitaries, faith leaders, and the public.