Miami-Dade County increases environmental violation fines
Miami-Dade County has significantly increased fines for environmental violations with the potential to pollute the county’s ground and surface waters, including Biscayne Bay. “We take very seriously the protection of our bay and our water,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. For example, the fine for discharging prohibited substances into county waters was increased from $200 to $2,500. The Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, through its Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM), oversees environmental regulations throughout the county. Ensuring compliance with these provisions helps to protect and preserve county resources, including air, ground and surface waters, soil, property, and natural resources, all of which are valued resources to the county’s residents, visitors, and economy.
communitynewspapers.comMiami-Dade County Mayor announces updates to public safety leadership
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently announced updates to the public safety leadership overseeing the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR), Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) and Medical Examiner. Since February 2022, Ramirez has served as interim Chief Public Safety Officer overseeing MDPD, MDFR and the Medical Examiner. Since February, Patterson has served on special assignment overseeing MDCR, bringing his extensive experience in public safety to advance critical reforms to the county’s correctional facilities. George A. Perez, who has served since February as the interim director of Miami-Dade Police Department, will take on a special assignment as assistant director, overseeing police operations in the Corrections Department. He will work closely with Chief Patterson to ensure transparency and accountability within corrections.
communitynewspapers.comProperty tax cuts and critical housing investments in proposed county budget
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently presented her proposed county budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23, which provides the first property tax break in 10 years – a 1 percent reduction that will apply to all four taxing districts: countywide, UMSA, library and fire rescue. In the second budget of her administration, Mayor Levine Cava is taking a broad-picture approach — balancing short and long-term challenges by both providing immediate relief to residents struggling with rising costs and investing critical funds in solutions to the housing crisis. “As we look to the budget year ahead, we owe it to residents struggling with the rising costs of living to provide immediate relief. In total, the proposed budget invests over $500 million towards the retention and expansion of affordable housing — a historic number for Miami-Dade County. The proposed budget and more information about Mayor Levine Cava’s Budget Town Halls can be found online at miamidade.gov/budget.
communitynewspapers.comThis Week in South Florida Podcast: July 17, 2022
On the latest episode of the This Week in South Florida podcast, hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg are joined by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Parkland parent and activist Manuel Oliver, State Rep. Jim Mooney, and Farmshare President and CEO Stephen Shelley.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: July 17, 2022
On the latest episode of This Week in South Florida, hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg are joined by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Parkland parent and activist Manuel Oliver, State Rep. Jim Mooney, and Farmshare President and CEO Stephen Shelley.
Spurred by cyclist deaths, new safety measures coming to Rickenbacker Causeway
In a memo sent to commissioners Tuesday, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava outlined new safety measures coming to the Rickenbacker Causeway spurred by the deaths of two cyclists struck and killed by a vehicle on the causeway in May.
Solar Co-op selects Cutler Bay Solar Solutions to serve group
The Miami-Dade 2022 Solar Co-op has selected Cutler Bay Solar Solutions to install solar panels for the 149-member group. Co-op members selected Cutler Bay Solar Solutions through a competitive bidding process over five other firms. Solar United Neighbors expands access to solar by educating Miami-Dade County residents about the benefits of distributed solar energy, helping them organize group solar installations, and strengthening Miami-Dade County solar policies and its community of solar supporters. Co-op members selected Cutler Bay Solar Solutions based on pricing, equipment, warranty and experience. Solar United Neighbors holds events and education programs to help people become informed solar consumers, maximize the value of their solar investment, and advocate for fair solar policies.
communitynewspapers.comMercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay hosts ‘Ladies Of Legacy’ event
Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay hosted a special event of the South Dade Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Women in Construction. The “Ladies of Legacy” leadership luncheon welcomed more than 130 people in attendance, including Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and other government officials. “What an amazing event,” said Luis Gutierrez, general manager of Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay. “We truly enjoyed hosting the South Dade Chamber’s ‘Ladies of Legacy’ luncheon. Ussery Automotive Group companies include Mercedes-Benz of Coral Gables, Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay, and the Bill Ussery Motors Collision Center.
communitynewspapers.comMiami-Dade mayor joins Wynwood protest in support of abortion protections
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava joined a protest on Friday in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood. It was her way of showing that she stands against the Supreme Court’s ruling that got rid of the constitutional protections for abortion.
‘Scary and sobering’: Miami-Dade, Cutler Bay mayors tour area facing ‘catastrophic’ floods
The mayors of Miami-Dade County and Cutler Bay toured a neighborhood inundated with water Tuesday following a torrential rainstorm Monday that significantly added to flooding from a tropical system over the weekend.
Positive Mathematicians Near Pinecrest
Selected talented female high school students from Miami-Pelmotto Senior High School, Ransom Everglades School, and Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart have been jointly invited by their schools and the University of Miami’s Institute of the Mathematical Sciences of the Americas, to join the inaugural “Girls are for STEM” program, sponsored by UM. The courses are “Introduction to Abstract Algebra” and “Introduction to Probabilty Theory”, and on completion offer 6 college credits for participants. The program is led by Visiting Professor Mina Teicher, Chief Scienitst of Israel, and now the leader of the WIMSA (Women in Math) initiative. Wallen and Keedy Brown are each inducted members in Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School Mathematics Honor Society. Wallen and Keedy Brown are each inducted members in Mu Alpha Theta, the National High School Mathematics Honor Society.
communitynewspapers.com21st annual Mayor’s Ball raises over $1.3M to benefit United Way Miami
The 21st Annual Mayor’s Ball, hosted for the first time by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, brought together more than over 600 community leaders to raise over $1.3 million to support United Way Miami’s work in education, financial stability and health. 29, and celebrated the longstanding partnership between Miami-Dade County and United Way. During the event, Mayor Levine Cava took a moment to acknowledge them and honored a group of frontline heroes including doctors, nurses, firefighters, paramedics and police officers. “We are grateful to Mayor Levine Cava for her partnership in helping us build a stronger Miami,” said Joe Zubi, interim president and CEO at United Way Miami. Mayor’s Ball sponsors included: Amazon, Badia Spices, Kenneth C. Griffin, Nomi Health, Related Philanthropic Foundation as “The Great Gatsby” sponsors.
communitynewspapers.comSurfside families still want answers despite settlement of nearly $1 billion
Family members of some of the 98 people killed in a Florida condominium collapse last June say they are too deep in mourning to contemplate the nearly $1 billion settlement their attorneys negotiated on their behalf
sun-sentinel.comMiami-Dade Parks collaborates with O, Miami for Poetry Geocaching
Miami-Dade County’s Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department has collaborated with O, Miami poetry festival and artist Aileen Neri to engage the community with poem geocaching. Neri worked closely with Miami-Dade Parks to select 22 parks across the county to discreetly drop boxes containing original poems for park-goers to find. Users can interact with the geocache to find poems throughout Miami-Dade Parks during Miami Poetry Month. “Miami-Dade Parks are the perfect place for the community to come and get lost in nature with a good book, or poem,” said Miami-Dade Parks director Maria Nardi. Poetry boxes will be available to engage with through the end of May.
communitynewspapers.comDeering Estate improvements aimed at conservation and sustainability
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Deering Estate’s Stone House, being celebrated with new improvements aimed at conservation and sustainability of the historic grounds. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently led a ribbon cutting at Deering Estate, for the improved and expanded Stone House Courtyard. The mayor was joined by Miami-Dade County chief operations officer Jimmy Morales, representatives from the Office of Miami-Dade County District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, Village of Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor Leanne Tellam, Miami-Dade County Parks director Maria I. Nardi, and representatives from Deering Estate and Deering Estate Foundation, among others. Research and conservation initiatives at the Deering Estate include a field station that is increasing public understanding and engagement of South Florida ecology. “The Deering Estate is a cultural gem in our community, serving to preserve the legacy of Miami pioneer Charles Deering,” said Mayor Levine Cava.
communitynewspapers.comMiami-Dade County announces initiative to enhance transportation infrastructure
“Today is a great day for Miami-Dade County, the largest county in Florida’s 24th Congressional District, as we mark the most historic investment in our nation’s infrastructure to date: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” Rep. Wilson said. “Improving our public transit system is one of my top priorities,” Mayor Levine Cava said. As such, the Metromover System Improvement Project will replace and repair the system to improve reliability. Plan your trip on transit or track your bus or train in real time via the GO Miami-Dade Transit app. To purchase Miami-Dade Transit fare products, visit the Transit Store or download the GO Miami-Dade Transit app.
communitynewspapers.comMayor, governor candidate call for probe of voter ID changes after Local 10 reports
State and local leaders are calling for an investigation into possible election interference after Local 10 News reported this week that South Florida senior citizens learned their political party was unknowingly changed to Republican.
Immigrant IDs to be issued in Florida's Miami-Dade County
Commissioners in Florida's Miami-Dade County have given a nonprofit the green light to issue IDs for immigrants who are in the country illegally and others who don’t have identification. The plan proposed by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava passed by a 7-2 vote Tuesday. Supporters note that immigrants often struggle to gain access to their children’s schools or to coronavirus tests and vaccines.
news.yahoo.comThis Week in South Florida Podcast: January 16, 2022
On the latest episode of the This Week in South Florida podcast, hosts Michael Putney and Glenna Milberg are joined by newly elected Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Miami T. Wilard Fair, Broward Teachers' Union President Anna Fusco and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantails.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Jenny Patrizia and Sabrina Cohen among winners in Miami Beach Chamber’s BWOTY (Badass Women of the Year) presented by City National Bank
The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council, the Loews Miami Beach and City National Bank recently honored seven exceptional women at its inaugural Badass Women of the Year Awards luncheon. Held at the Loews Miami Beach, over 270 professionals gathered to recognize exceptional women who are in traditionally male-dominated industries. Each winner received $1,000 to donate to a non-profit that focuses on improving the lives of women and girls in our community. The 2021 BWOTY winners and their categories were: Lynda V. Harris, REVA Development Corp. (Construction/Trades); Traci Sierra, Miami Beach Police Dept. “Seeing over 80 nominations of these (totally) Badass women in these seven male-dominated categories was very empowering and encouraging for everyone.”
communitynewspapers.comThis Week in South Florida Podcast: January 9, 2022
On the latest episode of the This Week in South Florida podcast, host Michael Putney is joined by Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, congressional candidate Jason Mariner, state Senator Jason Pizzo, state Rep. Tom Fabricio and gubernatorial candidate Charlie Crist.
This Week in South Florida Podcast: January 2, 2022
On the latest episode of the This Week in South Florida podcast, host Michael Putney is joined by Dr. Geeta Nayyar, Miami-Dade School Board Vice Chair Dr. Steve Gallon, Miami Herald editorial page editor Nancy Ancrum and Sun Sentinel editorial page editor Steve Bousquet.
Get wrapped up in Korean-inspired fabric with new MIA art exhibitiona
Bojagi, a traditional Korean wrapping cloth created by piecing scraps of fabric, artfully re-stitched into functional forms, provides the framework for this site-specific installation. Bojagi was established in Korean culture through folklore that suggested that to have something wrapped is equal to having good fortune. “The Earth Laughs in Flowers reflects the light and color of Sanchez’s immediate, tropical environment,” said Gendry Sherer, MIA Fine Arts and Cultural Affairs director. Sánchez has taught at Florida International University, the University of Miami, Nova University and Yale University. She also is a curator and writer, and formerly director of Fine Arts & Cultural Affairs at Miami International Airport, a position she held for 21 years.
communitynewspapers.comAnnual Mayor’s Ball to be first hosted by Mayor Levine Cava
The 21st annual Mayor’s Ball will be hosted for the first time by Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. As one of the largest and most effective human services organizations, United Way Miami actively supports more than 100 programs across 60 local agencies focused on empowering families throughout Miami-Dade’s most vulnerable communities, along with other important initiatives. Since 1998, Miami-Dade County and United Way Miami have collaborated on this event, joining forces to build a resilient and equitable community. “It is an honor to be hosting the Mayor’s Ball for the first time,” Mayor Levine Cava said. “After a two-year hiatus, we are thrilled to be coming together once again for the annual Mayor’s Ball,” said Joe Zubi, president and CEO of United Way Miami.
communitynewspapers.comWith omicron ‘spreading like wildfire,’ South Florida takes new steps to fight the surge
In Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, new testing sites are opening, testing sites hours are being extended, mobile vaccination trucks are being deployed and more monoclonal antibodies are en route.
sun-sentinel.comPublic Library System gets nearly $2M in grant funding to expand digital access
“Access to the internet and digital inclusion for all our residents are among my administration’s top priorities,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Internet access is crucial to applying for jobs, learning new skills, staying connected and succeeding in school and beyond. Our Miami-Dade Public Libraries provide free access to the internet, computers and technology. Miami-Dade Public Libraries will use the grant funds to expand its existing Drive-up Wi-Fi service from 23 to 35 library locations and increase the broadcast signal. Institute of Museum & Library Services (IMLS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) — $50,000The IMLS ARPA Grants Program supports museum and library services in addressing community needs created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and in assisting with recovery.
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