The 83-year-old Democratic congresswoman, who represents Florida’s 24th Congressional District, made the announcement Friday morning during the ceremonial naming of a Miami Gardens street in recognition of her decades of service to South Florida, particularly her advocacy for education and youth development.
The ceremony officially designated Northwest 206th Terrace between 45th Avenue and 47th Avenue as Frederica S. Wilson Boulevard. The roadway is adjacent to Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary School, a campus that already bears the Democratic congresswoman’s name.
Wilson attended the event alongside local elected officials, educators, students, and community members.
City leaders say the street naming recognizes Wilson’s longstanding commitment to public service, education, and empowering young people throughout South Florida.
Wilson has built a reputation as a champion for education throughout her career, serving as an educator, school principal, state legislator, and member of Congress. Her advocacy has focused on expanding educational opportunities and supporting children and families across Miami-Dade County.
Wilson said she is “not going to retire” from public life.
“I’m going to travel the country expanding the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence project,” she said. “The people who call our office everyday asking, ‘How do we get a program in our school district?’ That is what I’m going to do.”
Colleagues on the other side of the aisle also took time to honor Wilson’s legacy.
Fellow Miami-Dade U.S. Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Republican, said “Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for the people of South Florida and a powerful voice on issues important to our community.”
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones (SD-34) and State Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-District 109) both released statements after Wilson’s announcement, with Gantt confirming that she would seek Jones’ seat in the Florida Senate as he seeks the seat vacated by Wilson.
