Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins and Lt. Governor Jeanette Nuñez to Honor Pastor Rick Blackwood with Street Naming Ceremony in Palmetto Bay

MIAMI-DADE – The Office of Commissioner Cohen Higgins in collaboration with the Office of Florida's Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez will host a street naming ceremony to honor the late Pastor Rick Blackwood for his lifelong contributions to the Miami-Dade community. The ceremony will take place on September 20, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Christ Fellowship Church, 8900 SW 168th St., Palmetto Bay, FL 33157.

The event will commemorate the official renaming of a portion of Southwest 168th Street between U.S. 1 and Southwest 89th Avenue as “Pastor Rick Blackwood Street.” Pastor Blackwood, who led Christ Fellowship Church for over two decades, was known for his dedication to fostering a multicultural, faith-driven community and expanding the church to multiple campuses across South Florida. His legacy of spiritual leadership continues to resonate with residents throughout the county.

“Pastor Rick Blackwood was a towering figure in our community, whose work impacted countless lives. This street naming is a recognition of our appreciation for his years of service, leadership, and love for the members of his congregation and his community.” said Commissioner Cohen Higgins. “His dedication to spreading faith and unity in our district will forever be remembered.”

“My family and I joined Christ Fellowship Miami many years ago and we were instantly drawn to Pastor Rick Blackwood. It’s been a year since his passing and he has left an unimaginable void for so many in our community,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Pastor Rick dedicated his life to ministry and his legacy and commitment made South Florida a better place for all of us. It’s a fitting tribute to honor him and his impact on countless lives with this street naming designation today. Thank you to his family for sharing him with CF Miami for so many years.”

The Florida Legislature passed HB 389 during the 2024 legislative session, which officially designated this portion of Southwest 168th Street as "Pastor Rick Blackwood Street." A resolution from the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners was also passed to codify the renaming of the road in honor of Pastor Blackwood.

All members of the community are invited to attend the ceremony and join in celebrating the lasting legacy of Pastor Rick Blackwood.