This Week in South Florida Full Episode: January 29, 2023
On the latest episode of This Week in South Florida, host Glenna Milberg welcomes State Sen. Shevrin Jones, Miami-Dade Administrative Judge Nushin Sayfie, Pompano Beach High School students Ally Vagelos, Krystal Felix and Zoey Katz, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Companies already inquiring with Miami-Dade County, Miami Heat regarding arena naming rights deal
Miami-Dade County commissioners discussed the newly-named Miami-Dade Arena for the first time Tuesday since a federal judge terminated its naming rights agreement with the bankrupt cyber trading platform FTX.
This Week in South Florida Full Episode: January 1, 2023
On the first episode of This Week in South Florida of 2023, host Glenna Milberg welcomes Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher, Monroe County Mayor Craig Cates and Broward Schools Superintendent Vickie Cartwright.
County establishes awards to recognize seniors for outstanding volunteer service Miami's Community News
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the County Commission recently celebrated the Seniors Who Serve volunteer award ceremony to honor senior residents for exceptional community service. “It is important that we recognize the length of community service provided by our senior citizens,” said Commissioner Sosa. “We are excited to recognize senior residents who continue to serve and contribute to our community,” said Mayor Levine Cava. The only requirements to be nominated are to be a resident of Miami-Dade County, 60 years or older, and to volunteer in Miami-Dade County. Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) is the largest provider of comprehensive social services in Miami-Dade County.
communitynewspapers.comMiami Heat looks to rename arena following FTX bankruptcy
On Saturday, Nov. 12, the Miami Heat posted a joint statement with Miami-Dade County on Instagram announcing their decision to “terminate” their partnership with FTX following the cryptocurrency company’s file for bankruptcy. The collaboration between the former American Airlines Arena and FTX was just shy of its two-year anniversary. Ideas included the Café Bustelo Arena, El Palacio de los Jugos Arena and Versailles Arena, each one a reflection of the 305’s culture. “I wasn’t too surprised by the name change,” Farr said. In the meantime, I’ll be over here counting the days until my next Heat game at the ______ Arena.
themiamihurricane.comMayor vetoes Urban Development Boundary expansion, halting development project plans
Standing against the majority of the Board of County Commissioners, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced her veto of a more than 370 acre expansion of the Urban Development Boundary (UDB) on Thursday, Nov. 10. Established in 1983 to prevent urban sprawl and limit development in environmentally sensitive areas, the UDB has not been adjusted since 2013. Levine Cava though was still unable to overlook the potential environmental risks, resulting in her veto. They have reported that the development would create 7,000 jobs and clear up traffic congestion in the south of MDC. The Board of County Commissioners have the opportunity to overturn the veto with a two-thirds majority vote, requiring eight of the twelve commissioners to vote in favor of the expansion.
themiamihurricane.comCounty updating the speed limit along Rickenbacker Causeway
“This speed limit adjustment on the Rickenbacker will provide a safer environment for community members, cyclists, and safety advocates,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Ongoing safety improvements are the result of working together with community members, and transportation advocates. Traffic field data collected during this pilot program, indicated that the speed limit needed to be updated. “I want to thank the mayor and her staff for listening to our request to reconsider raising the speed limit along the Rickenbacker Causeway, studying the issue in depth and coming to the conclusion that a uniform 40 mph speed limit along the entire roadway is a safe and reasonable speed,” said Mike Davey, Village of Key Biscayne mayor. The cumulative impact of these short-term improvements and long-term planning for the corridor, in coordination with stakeholders, will lead to a safer Rickenbacker Causeway to protect cyclists, pedestrians and everyone who uses the causeway.
communitynewspapers.comWASD executes record investment as part of Capital Improvement Program
While the book has just closed on Fiscal Year 2021-22, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) can claim a year for the record books due to the landmark investment of more than $550 million in critical projects in one fiscal year as part of its multi-year, $7.8 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Under the leadership of Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, WASD has successfully accelerated many critical water infrastructure projects. That is why more than 20 WASD water professionals have been in Fort Myers Beach aiding the local water utility recover from the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. “We know that we are facing a range of climate-related impacts, including rising seas and storm surge that damage wastewater treatment facilities and drinking water infrastructure,” said WASD director Roy Coley. “WASD is operationalizing flood design guidelines that incorporate climate change information for its wastewater treatment plants as part of a Capital Improvement Program.
communitynewspapers.comMiami-Dade mayor demands more oversight of Miami Seaquarium after fallout of USDA inspection report
A July 6 report that the U.S. Department of Agriculture made public on Friday details how inspectors said the Miami Seaquarium drastically cut the diets of nine dolphins to get them to perform better — but instead this resulted in angry dolphins fighting back.
Child Tax Credit enrollment deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 15
The deadline to apply for the Advanced Child Tax Credit is Tuesday, Nov. 15. As the deadline looms, Miami-Dade County is working across departments to spread the word to all eligible members of the community and assist families with enrollment. “The 2022 Child Tax Credit can be a lifeline for so many families still struggling to recover from the pandemic. Eligible families will receive full credit up to $150,000 for two-parent households and up to $112,500 for single parent heads of household. For more information about the Child Tax Credit, contact CAHSD’s Family and Community Services Department at 786-469-4640.
communitynewspapers.comMiami-Dade County introduces its first electric-powered waste collection vehicle
Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) recently introduced its first electric-powered waste collection vehicle. U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins, DSWM director Michael Fernandez, and Darren Jane, district sales manager for Mack Trucks, were in attendance at the event. “Here in Miami-Dade, we’re kicking off National Clean Energy Week by making history as clean energy leaders with the unveiling of the county’s newest green vehicle,” Rep. Wilson said. “This will be the first automated side loader waste collection vehicle in the U.S. that will be powered by the very waste it collects. This will be a full-circle process.”The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management provides waste collection and disposal services to more than 340,000 households in unincorporated Miami-Dade County and 10 municipalities: Aventura, Cutler Bay, Doral, Miami Gardens, Miami Lakes, Opa-locka, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, Sunny Isles Beach and Sweetwater.
communitynewspapers.comMayor travels to Fort Myers to deliver supplies, coordinate county response
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently traveled to Fort Myers, in the wake of Hurricane Ian, to deliver critical supplies for the search and rescue team, assess damage, meet with local officials and determine how Miami-Dade County can best assist with recovery and rebuilding efforts. In times of need, I’m proud that our humanity shines bright,” said Mayor Levine Cava. She then met with Lee County Administrator Roger Desjarlais to review coordinating plans and determine areas of need Miami-Dade can fill. Mayor Levine Cava then went to the supply staging site managed by the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to assist in the organization and distribution of supplies, where the organizers reported a total of 24 trucks so far have delivered donations valued well over $1 million. To see more #Miaminews from #Aventura to #Coralgables to #SouthMiami, #Pinecrest, #Palmetto Bay and #Cutler Bay and all throughout #Miamidadecounty go to:www.communitynewspapers.com
communitynewspapers.comMiami-Dade County announces first round of ‘Safe in the 305’ grants
Miami-Dade County “Safe in the 305” grant program is designed to encourage residents, community leaders and local community groups to promote peace and prosperity. ONS recently launched the inaugural round of “Safe in the 305” grants. “Our office was impressed by the number of proposals received and the diversity of ideas to help make neighborhoods safer,” said Annika Holder, ONS director. “Residents, local groups, and the faith-based community are the heartbeat of our neighborhoods,” said Sonia Grice, director of CAHSD. The next round of “Safe in the 305” grant funds will be announced in January 2023.
communitynewspapers.comCounty awarded $19.8 million to purchase battery-powered buses
The State of Florida recently announced a $19.8 million investment in Miami-Dade County for the purchase of 63 electric buses. Through a settlement with Volkswagen, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded more than $68 million to purchase 227 electric transit buses in 13 counties statewide, including $19.8 for Miami-Dade County — the largest award recipient of the counties. DTPW has already received the first vehicles of a total of 75 40-foot battery-powered electric buses manufactured by Proterra. Upon the full delivery of the 75 vehicles, DTPW will run one of the largest fleets of 40-foot electric buses in the United States. Additionally, the department is working to procure 100 60-foot electric buses for the South Dade TransitWay and other bus routes.
communitynewspapers.comWASD reaches milestone investment for utility infrastructure upgrades
Reaching this financial milestone increases the department’s overall investment to more than $835 million in the past 20 months. “It has been a priority of my administration to accelerate these vital projects,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. The pipeline is of critical importance, ensuring continuous water service for north Miami-Dade County in the event of service impacts to the current primary pipeline. Among the eight projects, WASD is constructing a new electrical distribution building that will provide power backup and energy management systems. It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers.
communitynewspapers.comCounty reminds residents to stay safe from mosquito-borne illnesses
Miami-Dade County remains under a mosquito-borne illness alert due to local and travel-related cases of dengue. With an uptick in the number of dengue cases reported in Miami-Dade, Mosquito Control reminds residents to drain and cover. “All of us here in Miami-Dade County are very familiar with the discomfort and illness that mosquitoes can cause,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. These simple steps can significantly control mosquito infestations in our community.”The Mosquito Control Division is asking everyone to do their part in protecting against mosquito bites by draining any standing or rain irrigation water they find. Disease case protocol — intensive inspections and truck spray treatments in the areas surrounding where cases originate are first performed when suspected, and again when confirmed.
communitynewspapers.comMayor, commissioner launch new round of BizUp small business grant program
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Commissioner Jean Monestime have launched the newest round of BizUp – a $1 million Business Innovation Start-Up Grant – for local small businesses. Small businesses registered in Miami-Dade County, creating a positive community impact, and aligned with Mayor Levine Cava’s Four E’s: Equity, Engagement, Environment, and Economy should apply. Through this innovative grant program, we can help our local entrepreneurs thrive,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “I’m proud to have created this program with Commissioner Monestime, a small business champion. In total, BizUp will award $1 million to small businesses operating, hiring, and creating jobs right here in Miami-Dade County.”“My goal in authoring BizUp was to assist with the sustainability of small businesses in our community, with a special focus on innovation and equity,” said Commissioner Monestime.
communitynewspapers.comMiami-Dade County mayor announces new Miami-Dade Fire Rescue leadership
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently announced updates to leadership within Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR). The leadership changes are as follows, effective Aug. 1:Raied Jadallah, Deputy Fire Chief, became the new director of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department. Chief Jadallah is a 26-year fire service veteran and has had a distinguished career with MDFR for the past 22 years. I look forward to the critical role he will play in helping reform and streamline Miami-Dade County building safety standards. We do essential work not only in responding to disaster but ensuring the ongoing safety of buildings across Miami-Dade,” Chief Cominsky said.
communitynewspapers.comMiami-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.
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.comPositive 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
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