Miami-Dade County Office of Community Advocacy

 

Message from Commissioner Micky Steinberg District 4 Commissioner Micky Steinberg sponsored legislation that will serve as an essential tool for law enforcement to manage and mitigate noise disturbances effectively. The legislation was unanimously approved at the Oct. 3 Board of County Commissioners meeting. This amendment to the County’s noise ordinance clarifies the legal mechanism by which unreasonably loud, excessive, unnecessary, or unusual noise emanating from a vessel or floating structure is determined. This item aligns the enforcement for loud noise emanating from vessels or floating structures with those used for noise ordinance issues on land.  This ordinance will permit law enforcement to protect the quality of life of our residents that live along our waters who are negatively impacted by the continual noise these floating structures and vessels are emitting.  This change to the County’s noise ordinance took effect on Oct. 13, 2023.  Upcoming Veterans Day events Veterans Day is Saturday, November 11. Check out the following events: Jazz in the Heights Veteran’s Day Edition sponsored by Commissioner McGhee (D9) 11/11/23 - 5 pm Click Here Miami Dade County (CAHSD) Veterans Appreciation Dinner 11/3/23 - 6 pm Click Here City of Miami Beach 15th Annual Veterans Day Parade 11/11/23 - 11:11 am Click Here City of Homestead 11/11/23 - 5 pm Click Here City of Doral 11/11/23 - 9 am Click Here City of Sunny Isles 11/11/23 - 5 pm Click Here Village of Pinecrest 11/11/23 - 11 am Click Here Zoo Miami 11/10/23 Click Here Go Run Honor Our Veterans 5K 11/11/23 - 7:30 am Click Here Wounded Veterans Day Fundraiser & Relay Challenge 11/4/23 - 9 am Click Here Honor Our Veterans 5K 11/11/23 - 7:30 am Click Here Domestic Violence Oversight Board participates in annual awareness walk The Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight Board participated in the Miami Gardens Police Department’s 3rd Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 21.  Turnout was impressive as survivors, residents, law enforcement agencies, and organizations walked united in solidarity. The event raised awareness about domestic violence and highlighted the collective commitment needed to address this critical issue. Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with agencies and organizations to learn about available services such as legal aid, counseling, and other critical resources. Miami-Dade County has an array of services for survivors of domestic violence.   Learn More Community Relations Board honored on its 60th Anniversary The Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board (CRB) received a proclamation in recognition of its 60th Anniversary at the Board of County Commissioners’ meeting of October 3. Law enforcement agencies and community partners joined the CRB members and staff to celebrate this milestone. Since 1963, the CRB has worked to intervene and contain community tensions, identify and relieve intergroup conflicts before crises arise, foster better intergroup relations, and build bridges of understanding between the diverse groups in the Miami-Dade community. Community Relations Board at Teach Florida Legislative Breakfast Members of the Miami-Dade Community Relations Board's Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee attended the Teach Florida annual Legislative Breakfast on October 29, where Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner addressed the issues of improved community police relations and school safety and security. Black Affairs Advisory Board holds 2023 State of Black Miami forum Miami-Dade County’s Black Affairs Advisory Board held its “2023 State of Black Miami” forum on September 30 at the Joseph Caleb Center in Brownsville to address topics affecting the Black community, including mental health, generational wealth and the state of education. Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III and other elected officials participated in the annual event.   New Black World Guide now available The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board has just published its new 2023-2024 Black World Guide. The Guide lists the organizations, programs, and businesses that represent the Black World Community in Miami-Dade County. Elected officials, consulates, and media are listed too. Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board hosts Hispanic Heritage Month events On Friday, September 22, the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board celebrated the Kick-off of Hispanic Heritage Month at the Stephen P. Clark Center, featuring the launch of the mural titled “Emigrating”.” On Saturday, October 7, the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board participated in the annual Hispanic Heritage Month festival hosted by Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, at Country Village Park in District 1. On Saturday, October 2, the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board co-sponsored a Citizenship Drive together with Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera, the City of West Miami, and the Cuban American Bar Association Pro Bono Project. Tribute to local college football star at South Dade Black History Center The South Dade Black History Center Advisory Board (SDBHCAB) paid tribute to the late South Florida football star D’Sean Perry, who tragically lost his life in a shooting at the University of Virginia last year. Perry's memory was honored through the “Love-Art-Football” exhibit during an opening night reception on Oct. 27, held at the South Dade Black History Center located at the Larcenia J. Bullard Plaza, 14508 Lincoln Blvd in Richmond Heights. This event was organized to showcase Perry's two passions, as his family approaches the one-year anniversary of his passing. Former County Commissioner Dennis C. Moss, who serves as the Chair of SDBHCAB, and the board's program director, Diara Zeigler, curated the exhibit to pay homage to Perry's parents, relatives, teammates, friends, and the wider community. District Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee and former Commissioner Barbara J. Jordan were in attendance.  Nov. 13 will mark one year since his untimely death. The exhibit will remain open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays until Nov. 14.  Miami-Dade CERT provides Hurricane Idalia relief Hurricane Idalia made landfall on Florida’s Nature Coast on August 30, devastating towns in the Big Bend area of the State. Miami-Dade County quickly deployed its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to assist with hurricane relief in Dixie County, to support the town of Horseshoe Beach. Comprised of several County employees, the CERT included the Office of Community Advocacy’s own Yvans Morisseau, a seasoned emergency management and crises response professional. The Team completed needs assessments throughout the town, distributed supplies, cleaned up debris, and otherwise provided emotional support for residents. We are grateful for Yvans’ service! Making Strides of Miami Campaign Our Office of Community Advocacy continues its fundraising efforts towards our annual Making Strides of Miami campaign. Please help us fight breast cancer with your tax-deductible donation below.

NEWS FROM THE CITY OF WESTON

 

NEWS FROM THE CITY OF WESTON October 31, 2023 ‌ Next City Commission Meeting: Monday, November 6 All Treats. No Tricks. Tips for a Safe Halloween Stay safe and sound this spooky season. For parents new to trick-or-treating, remember to stay visible by incorporating reflective materials into costumes, carry a flashlight for extra visibility when the sun goes down, and always look both ways when crossing the street. Additionally, we encourage everyone to inspect treats thoroughly before consumption. Parents with young children should plan to trick-or-treat as early in the evening as they can.   As you stay safe this Halloween, let’s not forget our furry friends. Ensure your pet’s identification tags and microchip information are up to date. You might want to also consider keeping them in a secure and quiet area during peak trick-or-treating hours. When you get home. Be cautious of candy and treats that may be harmful for pets if ingested and discourage the use of costumes that might cause discomfort or stress for your pets.   Learn More » Fire Safety Can Be Fun Fire Prevention Month It’s been a busy month for Broward Sheriff's Office Life Safety Educator Melanie Brocato, and her colleagues at BSO Fire Rescue Station 81 as they hosted students from Weston schools for station tours and fire prevention education. Across the nation, Fire Prevention Week is observed in mid-October with events and educational activities surrounding an annual theme. In Weston, the entire month of October is dedicated to educating young residents about Fire Prevention.    What can you do at home to reinforce fire prevention? This year’s theme, “Cooking Safety Starts with YOU”, is a great way to start. Resources from the National Fire Protection Association are linked below to help you get started.   View Photos » Read More » Weston Foreign Film Series Tickets on Sale The popular Weston Foreign Film Series returns next month. Secure your season tickets today before they sell out. Enjoy five captivating international films, one per month from November to March, all presented in their native languages with English subtitles.   The series kicks off on Monday, November 13 with Utama, the story of an elderly Quechua couple and the dilemmas they face living through a long drought affecting their daily lives in the Bolivian highlands.   Series tickets make a great gift! Purchase online or in-person. A limited number of individual tickets will be available for purchase at the door for each film.  Learn More » Food Giveaway for the Community Saturday, November 4 | 10 a.m. Until Supplies Last In an effort to provide essential food items to those in need, Farm Share will return to Weston this Saturday with another Food Distribution Event brought to you by Commissioner Mary Molina-Macfie and the Bonaventure Town Center Club. The drive through will open at 10 a.m. and will operate until supplies last (event will conclude by 1 p.m.)  What to expect:  Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, canned goods, dairy, bread (varies weekly)  A warm and welcoming environment   Smiles and support for everyone!    This is a first-come, first-served drive through event. You do not need to get out of your vehicle.    Learn More » Harvest Drive Drop-Off Holiday Food Collection Saturday, November 4 | Noon to 7:30 p.m. Help us help those in need as we approach the season of giving and gratitude. If you have the means, donate non-perishable food items to our Holiday Food Collection drive-thru drop off in the park for Harvest Drive. This is an opportunity for all of us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most this Thanksgiving holiday. Donations will be accepted on Saturday, November 4 at the Community Center inside Weston Regional Park from noon until 7:30 p.m. Just drive up and our volunteers will unload your donations and you’ll be on your way.  Read More » Moonlight Movie in the Park Puss in Boots: The Last Wish The next Moonlight Movie in the Park features the family-fun, comedic adventure Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The event will be held this Saturday, November 4 at Regional Park at the event stage. The movie starts promptly at 7:30 p.m.    Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs or blankets and coolers are welcome, but no alcohol is permitted. Remember pets are not allowed in Regional Park. Please leave your furry friends at home.   Learn More » Time to Fall Back Daylight Saving Time Ends November 5 Daylight Saving Time comes to an end this Sunday, November 5. It's time to "fall back" and set your clocks one hour behind, gaining that precious extra hour of sleep as we transition to Standard Time. We recommend that you turn manual clocks back one hour on Saturday night before bed.   It is also a good habit to change the batteries in your smoke detectors/alarms. This ensures that the batteries are fresh every six months.  Chalk in the Park Day This Saturday The Great Outdoors The sidewalks of Library Park will transform into canvases of natural wonders at the Chalk in the Park Day hosted by the City and the Arts Council of Greater Weston this Saturday, November 4. Participants will be creating chalk art masterpieces to the theme The Great Outdoors.    Although registration is full, we encourage park visitors to head out to the park to view the creative designs in progress from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registered participants should check in at 10:15 a.m. Learn More » A Salute to Veterans Presented by the YMCA of South Florida, Weston YMCA Family Center and City of Weston Veterans and their families are invited to register to attend a special breakfast in their honor. Hosted by the YMCA of South Florida and the Weston YMCA Family Center in collaboration with the City of Weston, the 9th Annual Veterans Day Salute will take place on Friday, November 10 at 9 a.m. Attendees will be treated to a special breakfast and a keynote address by Captain Scott O’Grady, a decorated Air Force veteran who will share his survival story from when he was helping to enforce the NATO No-Fly Zone over Bosnia and his F-16 was struck by an anti-aircraft missile. He survived in hostile territory for six days prior to being rescued by US Marines.   Register Here» Community Center Classes Are you looking for an activity for your kids or even for yourself? The Weston Community Center offers classes for children, teens and adults. From robotics and coding to cake decorating there is a class for everyone. Click below to check out the wonderful classes at the Community Center.   The next session of the Smartphone Video Production class starts this week!If your child, ages 8 through 13 is interested in entertaining others or becoming a YouTuber, the Weston Community Center is offering classes for kids who want to learn to shoot videos, edit sound, and create their own personal brand. The session begins Thursday, November 2, so register today. Learn More »