Registration open for Miami-Dade Parks’ summer camp programs

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April 13, 2024

Summer is almost here. That means it’s time to find fun and engaging out-of-school activities for children.

Treat the kids to fresh air and the opportunity to make new friends by enrolling them in one of the great summer camps offered by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department.

Miami-Dade Parks offers General Program Camps, as well as Children’s Trust and Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion (TRI) camps from June 10 through Aug. 2 at 30 conveniently located parks throughout the county. Camps will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and offer 7:30 a.m. early drop-off and 6 p.m. late pickup options.

Camps not only will thrill and challenge children, but are fully supervised, offering parents peace of mind, while their child enjoys a full recreational schedule with fitness activities, sports, arts and crafts, nature encounters, quiet games, and field trips.

In addition, children will learn about the benefits of going green, as they discover that a healthy planet is essential for a healthy life by learning the basics of recycling, water conservation and other eco-friendly behaviors that are beneficial for the environment.
Campers also will enjoy the annual end-of-summer bash, which includes games, sports competitions, and lunch.

Registration is underway for all the camps listed below. Click on the web page at https://www.miamidade.gov/global/service.page?Mduid_service=ser1540496326545854.
Miami-Dade Parks’ General Program Camps are for children ages 6-14. The total cost for these camps is $90 plus a one-time non-refundable $15 registration fee.

The Children’s Trust Camp is free after paying a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $15 per child.

People with disabilities may join any Miami-Dade Parks’ camp, however, Parks’ Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion (TRI) Camp was designed specifically for them. The TRI camp also is funded by the Children’s Trust, and it too is free after a $15 non-refundable registration fee per child.

Miami-Dade Parks also has specialized camps for specific interests. These include EcoAdventures, Junior Golf, GEM (Girl Empowerment and Mentoring) Arts Experiences, Deering Estate, and Zoo Miami camps, among others.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Join Piano Lovers on May 7 to mark Brahms’ birthday

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

Join Piano Lovers on May 7 for a special program celebrating Brahms’ birthday, the week of the American premiere of the composer’s epic Piano Quintet arranged for piano four hands.

The 7:30 p.m. program at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, 3010 De Soto Blvd., Coral Gables, features pianists Lindsay Garritson and Anastasiya Naplekova. Tickets are $25.

The program includes Schubert Lebensstürme – Allegro in A Minor, D 947; Brahms Piano Quintet in F, op. 34, and more.

About the artists
Dr. Lindsay Garritson has performed throughout the United States and abroad since the age of 4. She has appeared on stages such as Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, and Place des Arts (Montreal), and has been featured as soloist with the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra, Charleston Symphony Orchestra, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, Keweenaw Symphony (Michigan), Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra (Texas), Orchestre Métropolitain (Montreal), Atlantic Classical Orchestra (Florida), Orquestra Sinfônica Barra Mansa (Brazil), the Yale Philharmonic Orchestra, and the European Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.

An award-winning performer, Garritson has received top prizes at the Montreal International Piano Competition, USASU Bösendorfer International Piano Competition, and the Mozarteum International Chopin Competition (Salzburg). She was selected as a participant in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition as well as a finalist for the German Piano Award in Frankfurt, Germany.

Garritson holds degrees from Principia College (BA in Music), Yale School of Music (MM and Artist Diploma), and the University of Miami (DMA). Her piano teachers include Santiago Rodriguez, Boris Berman, Luiz de Moura Castro, Choong-Mo Kang, Zena Ilyashov, Emilio Del Rosario, the late Jane Allen, and Jennifer Lim Judd. Garritson currently resides in Jensen Beach.

Critics have hailed Ukrainian-born pianist Anastasiya Naplekova for her “stunning washes of color” (Cincinnati Enquirer), and “powerful pianistic thunder strokes” (The Miami Herald).

Winner of the Rudolf Firkusny International Piano Competition in Prague, Naplekova has performed on concert stages across the globe and appeared in recitals in Italy, Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Morocco, Ukraine, Poland, and the United States.

Among Naplekova’s other achievements came from her award-winning performances at the the Olga Kern International Piano Competition, 2014 Hilton Head International Piano Competition, Sixth International Ignacy Paderewski Piano Competition in Poland, International Piano Competition in memory of Vladimir Horowitz in Ukraine, Wideman Piano Competition, International Piano Competition Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Meryem in Morocco, among others.

Naplekova earned her doctoral degree in piano performance and pedagogy from the University of Miami, Frost School of Music, where she studied with world-renowned pianist Santiago Rodriguez.

Founded in March 2000, Piano Lovers, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to increasing interest in piano music, as well as to introducing people to outstanding pianists.
Visit www.PianoLovers.org.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Clerk of the Court reports positive results from extended office hours

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller, Juan Fernandez-Barquin, Esq., commenced a pilot program on Aug. 17, 2023, extending hours of operation at two county court locations to allow working residents the ability to address their court obligations without having to take time off from work.

The two locations are South Dade Justice Center, 10710 SW 211 St., Cutler Bay, FL 33189, and Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22 Ave., Miami, FL 33142, and their extended hours of operation are Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We are now six months into the extended hours pilot program, and it’s fantastic to see that this program has been so well-received and utilized by the residents of our community,” Fernandez-Barquin said.

During the past six months extended hours at both locations have yielded 1,945 transactions and have totaled $83,837.02 in payments, where most payments received have been for traffic fines.

“We are exploring the possibility of making this permanent. Extended hours offer numerous benefits to our community and greater flexibility for working individuals, and improved convenience for the overall community who are complying with their court obligations,” Fernandez-Barquin added.

All court-related financial obligations can be addressed during these extended hours. For more information, visit www.miamidadeclerk.gov.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Cutler Bay to host first Open Mic Night of year

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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April 13, 2024

Cutler Bay to host first Open Mic Night of year

The Town of Cutler Bay will host the first Open Mic Night of 2024 on Wednesday, Apr. 24.

The special event carries forward a tradition of previous years when residents have the opportunity to speak directly in a question-and-answer format to Town Manager Rafael G. Casals.

The session will take place at Cutler Bay Town Hall, located at 10720 Caribbean Blvd., at 6 p.m., in the council chambers. Casals said he is looking forward to it.

“The Open Mic Night is one of my favorite outreach events,” Casals said. “It allows me, as town manager, an opportunity to update our residents on town projects, developments and other hot topics. More importantly, it provides residents an informal relaxed atmosphere to speak directly to me either in person or virtually”

Information on how to participate virtually will be posted on the town’s event web page at www.cutlerbay-fl.gov/community/page/open-mic-night-1-0.

For information call 305-234-4262 or send an email to info@cutlerbay-fl.gov.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Ocaquatics Swim School offers water safety tips

By

Gary Alan Ruse

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April 13, 2024

Ocaquatics Swim School offers water safety tips

Ocaquatics Swim School is offering important water safety tips for the coming swim and outdoor season: How to keep yourself and your family safe around Florida’s waters.

“We want to emphasize to everyone in South Florida that water safety is as critical as wearing a seatbelt,” said Ocaquatics founder Miren Oca. “In addition to providing valuable drowning prevention information to families, Ocaquatics also provides a free water safety evaluation to anyone in the community who would like to stop by one of our five indoor, warm water locations to find out their family’s level of safety around the water.”

SAFER 3 guidelines:
1. Learn the risks associated with all bodies of water (from pools and rivers to bathtubs and toilets). Reduce those risks by installing the appropriate safety mechanisms, such as a fence, door sensors, a pool drain cover, and a toilet lock. Designate an adult water watcher to monitor the pool area at all times and make sure your child understands the importance of never swimming alone or without adult supervision.

2. Make sure your child learns the basic water safety skills of floating, treading water, and swimming as young as possible. Participating in formal swimming lessons reduces the risk of drowning in children ages 1 to 4 by 88 percent. Teach children to practice these additional precautions when in open water:
● Wear your life jacket.
● Enter unfamiliar water feet first.
● Only swim in designated swimming areas.
● Look for signs that indicate potential dangers.
● Enroll today.

3. Be prepared for emergencies. Have a plan in place and always have a phone nearby to call for help if needed. If someone is struggling to stay afloat, it’s best to call for help and then Reach, Throw, Don’t Go!

● Reach with a pool noodle, broom, or paddle. Throw a ring buoy, ball, or kick board. You can also learn CPR and other lifesaving techniques.

● Don’t Go! A person who is struggling in the water may attempt to use you as a floatation device, ultimately putting you in danger.

“We’re happy to take our water safety education on the road,” Oca said. “Ocaquatics offers a 20-minute water safety introduction with handouts for classrooms throughout the Miami community. Contact us if you’re interested in spreading the water safety word with us.”

For water safety information or to see the schools’ locations visit: www.ocaquatics.com

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Santa Cruz XRT AWD is a sight for sore eyes

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Grant Miller, Publisher

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April 13, 2024

Santa Cruz XRT AWD is a sight for sore eyes

1 of 2

Starting at $26,900, the 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz XRT AWD delivers 281 horsepower in a nice, well-designed package. I really enjoyed driving this pickup, which is quick and fun to drive.

Starting outside, I like the open bed architecture with a multi-function tailgate and a lockable and retractable cover over the bed, which has 27 cubic feet of volume. That means you can throw in some drywall, some wood beams, groceries, sports equipment and more without a problem. There are bed tie downs with six points, rotatable “d” rings and adjustable c-channel utility rails along the walls and cleats.

There are additional accessories you can add to expand and enhance what you get out of your Santa Cruz XRT including a net, a protective bed rubber mat as well as your bed extender. I like the side storage bins because they are spacious and have an available 115-volt power inverter, an underfloor lockable storage bin with drain, which is great for creating your own cooler at your next tailgate.

There is an available tow-hitch kit and five stepping points. This is a very functional pickup truck.

I like the sporty look and design, which looks even better when you add in the roof rails, sidesteps and mudflaps.

The look is enhanced by 18- or 20-inch wheels and LED daytime running lights. Everything works together to give Santa Cruz a great look that is hard to match.

As for what’s under the hood, it has an available smartstream 2.5-liter turbo GDI and MPI engine that produces 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The towing capacity also shows its amazing versatility, with capacity for 5,000 pounds with the turbo engine and all-wheel drive equipped.

On the inside, the refined SUV interior includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch navigation touch screen. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, ambient lighting and heated and ventilated front seats.

The back seat area is spacious and comfortable, with storage underneath the seats. I like the rear air vents and USB outlets, which gives passengers plenty of legroom and comfort.

I really enjoyed driving the 2024 Santa Cruz XRT, which brings home a great package of features and options at a great price. Take it for a spin and tell me what you think.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Mayor names Caridad Moro-Gronlier Miami-Dade’s next Poet Laureate

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

Mayor names Caridad Moro-Gronlier Miami-Dade’s next Poet Laureate

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava recently announced that Caridad Moro-Gronlier will serve as Miami-Dade’s next Poet Laureate. Moro-Gronlier is an award-winning, community-driven poet who also is a career educator and published author.

“We are making history once again by appointing Caridad as Miami-Dade’s next poet laureate, the first woman in this role,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “As mayor, I have worked to increase access to the arts, as essential to a healthy community and a doorway for civic engagement, inclusion and positive social change. Together with our new poet laureate, we are leveraging the arts to continue to be the most accessible and culturally enriched county in the country. There’s no one better to continue carrying the torch through poetry than Caridad.”

The daughter of Cuban immigrants, Caridad Moro-Gronlier, moved to Miami at a young age and since has called South Florida home. She is the author of three books of poetry, the associate editor of SWWIM Every Day, an online daily poetry journal for women-identifying poets, and Poetry-Curator-At-Large for The Betsy’s Writer’s Room.

“I am honored and grateful to have been appointed Poet Laureate of Miami-Dade County,” Moro-Gronlier said. “I’m excited to engage with our community at large because I believe there is a poem in everyone. Creativity lives within every zip code in Miami-Dade, and I can’t wait to get started.”

“This is an extra special day for Miami-Dade County as we kick off Poetry Month by naming our next Poet Laureate,” said Nicole Tallman, Poetry Ambassador for Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It’s a true pleasure to have a poet as talented as Caridad in this role, and I look forward to working alongside her to further connect our community through poetry and the literary arts, and to celebrate and elevate our local poets.”

Richard Blanco was appointed as the inaugural Poet Laureate in April 2022. Two years after, Blanco officially passed the baton to Moro-Gronlier at the press conference.

“I couldn’t be more excited about Caridad’s well-deserved appointment as Poet Laureate,” Blanco said. “Not only is she an incredibly talented poet, but also a gifted teacher and dedicated community leader. With these qualities I have no doubt she will do wonderous things to connect us all with the life-enriching power of poetry.”

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Miamian named ‘Sailor of the Year’ at NMFSC

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

Miamian named ‘Sailor of the Year’ at NMFSC

Hospital Corpsman First Class Bruce Binns, of Miami, assigned to Navy Medicine Operational Training Command (NMOTC), was recognized by Rear. Adm. Walter Brafford, commander, Naval Medical Forces Support Command (NMFSC), as the command’s selection for “Sailor of the Year” at NMFSC headquarters. Binns will compete to be the Navy’s Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) “Sailor of the Year.” NMFSC develops and delivers integrated education and training that produces operational medical experts to project Medical Power in support of Naval Superiority.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Taylor Curry, 502 Air Base Wing Public Affairs/Released)

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

MDEAT invests $100,000 into the county’s Black business community

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

Arming entrepreneurs with another capital source, the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) reaffirmed its dedication to cultivating economic growth within Miami-Dade County by announcing the successful conclusion of its third iteration of the Small Minority Black Business Capitalization Grant Program, a pivotal initiative in propelling economic empowerment and access to capital within Miami-Dade County.

“Our Small Minority Black Business Capitalization Grant Program serves as a dynamic initiative aimed at dismantling barriers to prosperity, heralding a new era of economic opportunity,” declared Bill Diggs, executive director of Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust. “We are steadfast in our commitment to foster and invest in the success of Black entrepreneurs.”

MDEAT magnified its support this year by awarding $10,000 grants to 10 exceptional businesses, marking a monumental step towards fostering inclusive economic growth in Miami-Dade County. The program, aimed at registered for-profit or not-for-profit enterprises operating within the county, garnered an overwhelming response from the community, reflecting the enthusiasm and determination among local entrepreneurs.

With a track record of distributing nearly $500,000 in grants to the Black business community during the past two years, MDEAT’s grant initiatives have emerged as a beacon of progress and access. This recent investment brings that total to nearly $600,000. The impact reverberates across the entrepreneurial landscape, empowering business owners to invest in critical areas such as business equipment, marketing, technology, and other tools essential for expansion and sustainability.

“The success of our grant program underscores the transformative power of strategic investment in Black-owned businesses,” Diggs said. “As we celebrate the achievements of this year’s recipients, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to driving equitable economic growth and prosperity throughout Miami-Dade County. We invite the greater community to join us in supporting these enterprises.”

The recipients of the Small Minority Black Business Capitalization Grant Program will be formally honored at an upcoming ceremony, symbolizing a collective triumph in pursuing economic empowerment and entrepreneurial success. MDEAT congratulates the winners and expresses gratitude to all applicants for their dedication to advancing economic vitality and resilience within our community.

The winners of the 2024 Small Minority Black Business Capitalization Grant Program:
Stanley Lloyd, Pixxels Inc.;
Fabiola Richardson, Lou Foundation Inc.;
Andrea Jones, Treats & Eatz LLC;
Qualice Ellington, Popo;s, LLC;
Ruth Smith, Focus Learning Academy Inc.;
Kenzie Leon Perry, Kenzie Leon Perry Inc.;
Dr. Amber Williams, Upright Spine Center LLC;
Neeko Veargis, Fade Away Miami, LLC;
Aria Austin, SluttyIcee’s Inc., and
Kamilah Moss, Tidy Pets, LLC.

For more information about MDEAT and its initiatives, visit www.MiamiDade.gov/MDEAT.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Commission paves ways for bridges along Ludlam Trail

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

The Miami-Dade County Commission on Apr. 3 voted in favor of legislation proposed by Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, paving the way for constructing three new pedestrian bridges along the Ludlam Trail.

The bridges will enhance pedestrian safety by providing safe crossings over W. Flagler Street, SW Eighth Street, and Bird Road (SW 40th Street), ultimately improving connectivity along the Ludlam Trail for pedestrians and cyclists. It should be noted that a private developer is building a bridge over Coral Way (SW 24th Street) to have a continuous trail along this corridor.

Commissioner Cabrera emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “By having these elevated segments, folks using the Ludlam Trail can travel safely and uninterrupted from Robert King High Park by Flagler Street past A.D. Barnes Park to my alma mater, South Miami High.

“We’re significantly reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities on our busiest roads while improving connectivity and giving our community the linear park they have always wanted,” he added.

The resolution mandates the planning and design of these bridges within the current year to expedite their implementation. Miami-Dade County will be working with the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure the seamless execution of the project, bringing these essential safety measures to fruition for the benefit of county residents.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Not all condo board members are bad

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

Serving, as members of your community in the function of Spanish Trace Board of Directors, can often be a thankless job. Some of us have a sense of fulfillment and pride to appreciate the work we have accomplished for our community.

For over a decade, the former board of directors dedicated their time and knowledge for the betterment and safety of the community and to protect the investments of the owners.

The board worked diligently, showing integrity, transparency and accountability.

In September 2023, we started planning the upcoming 2024 elections. We sadly discovered that a group of residents/unit owners were spreading rumors of corruption, a smear campaign to remove the board of directors who were just carrying out their fiduciary duties by enforcing the rules and regulations of the community.

These individuals requested five years of financial reports, bank statements, udits and insurance policies, looking for something to attack the board. Even after not finding evidence to accuse the former board, they continued with their defamations.

This resulted in electing a new board, a group of individuals that the majority have no experience on how to run an association and at this crucial time, after the insurance increase that affected our budget drastically. They haven’t even attempted to reach out to the former board for guidance.

The former board was preparing to do several projects in 2024, like roof replacement, that are urgently needed; the tree trimming project; cracked walkways repairs, and other important upgrades, unfortunately through the need of a special assessment.

Hurricane season is around the corner. What is going to happen to our community with a board that is in a standstill? They have not yet taken any action to start the necessary projects. We wonder how many other communities are going through the same ordeal.

We urge all condo unit owners/residents to get involved and participate in their community by taking the time to attend the board meetings and request accountability, request official records that you are entitled to as unit owners.

We must try to prevent the same thing that happened with The Hammocks to happen to other communities. We also need to hold the Office of Insurance Regulations accountable and have them address the urgency of the property insurance crisis.

Leonor Sanchez
Former Board President
Spanish Trace Condominium

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For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Luisa Santos to host third annual ‘A Night in District 9’ on Apr. 20

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Community News Releases

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April 13, 2024

The Office of Miami-Dade County School Board Member Luisa Santos invites the community to join in at the third annual “A Night in District 9.”

Local schools, businesses, community-based organizations, and elected officials will be tabling and sharing information with attendees. There also will be plenty of performances, food, and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy. Additionally, Board Member Santos will be honoring students and teachers from all District 9 schools.

Everyone is invited to come and join the festivities taking place at Losner Park, 104 N Krome Ave. in Homestead, on Saturday, Apr. 20, from 3 to 6 p.m. To reserve your free ticket go to https://luisasantos.com/anightind9/.

An invitation only awards ceremony will take place 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Seminole Theatre, 18 N. Krome Ave.

ABOUT US:

For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.

This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.

Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

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