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
Marine veteran Edwin Rivera contrasts the outdated method of veterans carrying their medical images on CDs with the modern digital solution provided by the 3Dicom app. Thanks to a partnership between Singular Health and South Florida-based non-profit TW4G Innovation, South Florida veterans can now securely store their medical images digitally at no cost.
Singular Health, an Australian medical technology leader, is partnering with South Florida’s TW4G Innovation to launch the Veterans Portability Passport, an initiative that enables veterans to digitally transfer and securely store medical images.
According to U.S. Census Bureau data from 2018-2022, approximately 46,602 veterans live in Miami-Dade County. Statewide, Florida is home to about 1,322,675 veterans as of 2022, representing a significant portion of its population.
The initial funding for the initiative was done by TW4G Innovation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The first 5,000 qualifying Veterans and their families in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are being given free access to Singular’s 3Dicom app for one year, a technology that typically costs $29.95 annually.
Veterans will benefit from Singular Health’s state-of-the-art 3Dicom technology, powered by its HIPAA-compliant Medical File Transfer Protocol (MFTP). This advanced system allows veterans to securely store and share their medical images, including MRI, CT, and PET scans, via their smartphones, tablets, or web platforms. By facilitating seamless and secure image sharing, MFTP ensures that physicians can efficiently access and analyze detailed diagnostic information, enhancing collaboration and care for veterans.
“Thirty years ago, when I was discharged, my military medical images were handed to me as physical x-ray films,” said Edwin Rivera, Managing Partner of Coral Gables-based CG1 Solutions, Singular Health’s Master Distributor and a Marine veteran who served in Desert Storm. “It’s hard to believe that even in 2024 we’re still giving newly designated veterans their medical images on CDs. It’s time for veterans’ medical documentation to align with modern technology.”
According to TW4G Innovation, which is seeking sponsors to expand the initiative to additional U.S. cities, there are 5.3 million individuals with service-connected disabilities.
Veterans and their families can claim their free one-year subscription to the Veterans Portability Passport by visiting TW4GInnovation.org/veterans3dicom/. On the site, they will be guided to authenticate their service through ID.me, a widely used verification service within the veteran community, to confirm military status and receive a special code for the first-year free offer. 3Dicom is accessible as a mobile application on iOS and Android, as well as through the web.
“This program addresses that last critical step—the ‘last mile’ challenge—for veterans by providing them with a secure and reliable way to store and share their medical images,” said
TW4G Innovation’s Founder and President, Roz Gatewood. “Teaming with Singular Health and veterans is a perfect fit for our mission. We embrace technology for more than the bottom line. Technology can improve lives and provide opportunities, which everyone deserves, especially the veterans.
“We are proud to partner with organizations like Mission United of Miami, West Kendall Baptist Hospital’s Healthy West Kendall initiative, FAVOB (Florida Association of Veteran-Owned Businesses), and others. Our goal is to serve more veterans and eventually expand the initiative across Florida and nationwide.”
To become a sponsor or donate to support TW4G Innovation’s veterans initiatives, email: sponsor@tw4ginnovation.org or call (888) 426-4430. For more information on the Veterans Portability Passport initiative, email the TW4G Innovation team at info@tw4ginnovation.org.
The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) continues to break Capital Improvement Program (CIP) construction records surpassing the milestone $600 million mark for the first time during fiscal year 2023-24 by executing $622 million worth of essential infrastructure upgrades in just 12 months.
For the past three years, the department has broken the previous year’s historic record and has cumulatively invested approximately $1.77 billion during the 36-month period to ensure the delivery of safe and reliable water and wastewater services, which provide foundational support for a thriving Miami-Dade County.
“Uninterrupted access to water is critical to not only support the public’s health but also promote a future thriving economy for our County,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Through these crucial infrastructure investments, our Water and Sewer Department can mitigate the effects of climate change while continuing to provide our customers with uninterrupted high-quality water and sewer services.”
WASD’s $8.79 billion multi-year CIP will result in both water and wastewater system-wide enhancements to overcome a vast range of challenges, from addressing aging infrastructure to building capacity and reliability throughout our systems. Under the leadership of Mayor Levine Cava, the Water and Sewer Department has successfully accelerated many critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
In order to build resilient infrastructure, WASD is planning for sufficient capacity in its systems to support economic projects and population growth, as well as mitigating the risk of damage to wastewater and drinking water infrastructure by upgrading facilities to include the adoption of resilient and climate-ready designs to maintain high-quality, safe, and reliable services in the future.
WASD Director Roy Coley credits both Mayor Levine Cava’s support and the department’s water professionals for the continuous success and progress the department has made future-proofing the system, which will support the on-going delivery of high-quality services that will benefit the public’s health and economic and environmental well-being for decades to come.
“Mayor Cava’s unwavering support is an intangible asset that cannot be lauded enough,” Coley said. “In fact, since she took office in November 2020, the department has executed nearly $2.2 billion in vital system upgrades due to her understanding that to support this critical resource – water – that investment is needed.
“We are proud of our achievements – and this one was a substantial accomplishment – but our essential water professionals continue to look ahead with a goal to continue to surpass our past successes as we make plans to deliver high-quality services to our customers for the future,” he added.
It is the priority of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to provide safe, reliable service to its customers. For additional information about department services and programs, visit the WASD website www.miamidade.gov/global/water/home.page.
Terra, one of South Florida’s most active residential and commercial development firms, is preparing to break ground on Upland Park, a $1 billion mixed-use community that will transform West Miami-Dade County’s Dolphin Park-and-Ride/Transit Terminal Facility into a 47-acre multimodal transit hub with residential, retail and commercial uses.
The $1 billion transit-oriented community will rise across from Miami-Dade County’s SMART Plan Dolphin rapid transit station as part of a public-private partnership.
The development will be made possible by a $170 million construction loan, led by SCALE Lending, Slate Property Group’s debt financing arm. The funds will be utilized for the construction of the project’s first phase, encompassing 578 multifamily apartments.
As the largest public-private transit-oriented development in Miami-Dade County’s history, Upland Park is designed to increase public transit ridership while anchoring the new East-West Corridor of the County’s SMART public transportation plan. Construction of Upland Park’s first phase is expected to get underway in early 2025 and be commemorated with a formal groundbreaking ceremony.
Designed by PPK Architects, in collaboration with master plan architect Arquitectonica and urban planner Plusurbia Design, Upland Park will satisfy growing demand for commercial and residential real estate in West Miami-Dade. All told, the master planned transit-oriented development will include more than 2,000 new mid-rise and garden-style multifamily apartments, about 282,000 square feet of retail, and approximately 414,000 square feet of commercial space.
“Securing this financing marks a major milestone in bringing Upland Park to life and allows us to move forward with the first phase of a transformative project that will reshape the West Miami-Dade area,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra. “We are grateful to Miami-Dade County for their support and partnership, which highlights what can be achieved through effective public and private collaboration.
“As an example of the growing demand for mixed-use, transit-connected communities, Upland Park will not only create jobs and generate new tax revenues, but it will also help drive economic growth and mobility solutions in the county for decades to come,” Martin added.
“We are proud to partner with Terra to bring such an innovative project to life,” said Martin Nussbaum, co-founder and principal at Slate Property Group. “SCALE has provided over $2.5 billion in loan originations for multifamily projects since its inception, and Upland Park adds to our core portfolio of loans. We are excited to continue with our Florida expansion plans and will be closing on over $250 million in loans in Florida in the next 90 days.”
Upland Park will enhance mobility and support multimodal modes of transportation while offering a viable commute alternative for potential transit riders from surrounding residential areas of West Miami-Dade to major employment areas such as Miami International Airport, Health District, Downtown and Brickell. The development will generate thousands of jobs and create millions of dollars in new rent and tax revenues for Miami-Dade County on land that was producing zero public revenues previously.
Terra’s portfolio of newly completed multifamily developments across South Florida includes Grove Central, a transit-oriented mixed-use development with residential and retail uses in Coconut Grove. Terra also currently is developing CentroCity, which will include up to 1,200 apartments as part of a larger 38-acre mixed use development in central Miami-Dade County, just west of Little Havana.
The loan continues SCALE’s momentum in 2024, announcing $1 billion of closings in the past year. The lender’s other recent multifamily financings include a $135 million construction loan in the Bronx, NY; a $75 million bridge in Little Ferry, NJ, and two cross-collateralized loans totaling $243 million in Jersey City’s Journal Square Neighborhood.
Looking for a one-stop shop for drivers who prefer their vehicles clean, cool and looking good?
Pictured are Fabio Barreto (left) and Aaron Greenberg of Top Tints.
Supershine is the gold-standard provider of car washes and detailing. It is owned and operated by Craig Greenberg for more than 30 years at the corner of S. Dixie Highway (US1) and SW 98th Street. Adjacent to Supershine, Greenberg’s son, Aaron, runs Top Tints, which specializes in the installation of standard and ceramic window tint on coupes, sedans and SUVs.
Both forms of tint provide driver protection from up to 99 percent of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and from shards of glass in case a window is broken in a crash. And both help keep the car interior cooler. Top Tints technician Fabio Barreto has been Aaron’s righthand man for 11 years.
Where ceramic tint differs, besides being more expensive, is in its nano-ceramic particles that reflect infrared radiation. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using ceramic tint as part of a sun protection program.
Aaron advises customers to choose a tint darkness that is right for them. Darker tints may provide more protection from ultraviolet light, but may also be harder to see through at night. Under Florida law, the front side windows must allow at least 28 percent visible light transmission and 15 percent for the rear windows.
“Supershine provides a great car wash followed by excellent detailing services, all for a reasonable price,” Aaron said. “Top Tints offers professional installation of high-quality vehicle window tinting. Our customers come back again and again because they know they’ll get treated right.”
Supershine and Top Tints are located at 9790 S. Dixie Hwy.
Scott Moss, CEO of top-ranked national construction firm, Moss, has been inducted into the prestigious M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management Hall of Fame at the University of Florida In Gainesville.
Pictured (l-r) are Robert F. Cox, director, M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management at the University of Florida; Scott Moss, CEO, Moss, and fellow inductee Beth Lowry.
This honor recognizes outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the construction industry and demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their careers.
Moss’ induction is a reflection of his decades of dedication to the industry and his commitment to building a company that lives by his core values of honoring relationships, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, and maintaining a contagious energy. He is especially honored to join his father, Bob Moss, a fellow Hall of Fame inductee and his greatest source of inspiration.
“Scott Moss exemplifies the excellence and leadership we seek in our Hall of Fame inductees,” said Robert F. Cox, director of the M.E. Rinker Sr. School of Construction Management. “His contributions to the industry, both in the quality of his work and his leadership, have earned him the respect of his peers. Scott’s dedication to the community and his ongoing support of the school make him a truly deserving recipient of this honor.”
Moss has construction in his DNA. From a young age, he was immersed in the industry, growing up around job sites and starting work in the field at 17 as a laborer on a concrete forming crew. This experience gave him a deep respect for the hard work and dedication required for success in construction. After earning a bachelor’s degree in construction management from the University of Florida, Moss rose through the ranks before co-founding Moss with his father in 2004.
Together, Scott, his brother Chad, and Bob launched the company’s first project, and under Scott’s leadership as CEO, the firm has grown to employ over 5,000 people across the U.S. with annual revenue exceeding $3 billion. Known for his approachable and collaborative leadership style, Scott fosters a culture at Moss that prioritizes learning, engagement, and continuous improvement.
“Being selected by industry leaders and Hall of Fame members to be on the wall with Florida’s construction legends is an incredible honor,” Moss said. “These individuals have shaped and advanced the industry into what it is today. To be recognized alongside them is both humbling and rewarding.”
For more information about Moss, visit www.moss.com.
The Office of Miami-Dade County School Board member Luisa Santos on Tuesday, Dec. 17, hosted the highly anticipated District 9 Winter Wonderland at Homestead Middle School, from 4 to 6 p.m.
The event brought together hundreds of families from across the community to celebrate the holiday season.
Attracting 1,500 attendees, the heartwarming event brought together hundreds of families from across the community to celebrate the holiday season, fostering a sense of unity and joy through free toys, books, food, games, and more. The Winter Wonderland was a vibrant celebration of community spirit, offering families a perfect blend of festive fun and valuable resources.
In collaboration with local organizations, School Board member Santos was thrilled to see the community come together for an afternoon of shared joy and goodwill. The event was more than just a celebration; it was an opportunity for families to connect, build relationships, and strengthen the bonds that make the community so special.
“I am so grateful to see our community come together for this wonderful event,” Luisa Santos said. “It is an honor for all of us to bring joy to so many families this holiday season, and to celebrate what makes us stronger when we unite.
For more information about the Office of School Board Member Luisa Santos and future events, visit www.luisasantos.com or reach out to Katherine Leiva, chief of staff, at 305-995-1334.
Thirteen Miami-Dade County public schools have earned the prestigious Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation for their extensive support of military families.
This marks the first time Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has participated in this process, and all 13 schools successfully met the rigorous requirements for this recognition. Once awarded, schools retain the designation for three school years.
The 2024 recipients include the following:
Air Base K-8 Center for International Education
American Senior High School
Holmes Braddock Senior High School
Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School
Homestead Senior High School
Hubert O. Sibley K-8 Academy
John I. Smith K-8 Center
Maritime & Science Technology (MAST) Academy
Miami Killian Senior High School
Miami Senior High School
Miami Southridge Senior High School
North Miami Beach Senior High School
Southwest Miami Senior High School
Established by the Florida Legislature in 2021, the Florida Purple Star School of Distinction Designation honors schools that excel in supporting the unique needs of military families, assisting military-connected students in overcoming critical challenges, and providing essential resources to help them transition smoothly to a new school environment.
For the most up-to-date information, download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device.
Students, parents, and staff at Palmer Trinity came together for their annual Holiday Toy Drive, collecting hundreds of toys for children in need throughout South Florida. The donated toys were distributed during a holiday party at Chapman Partnership in early December, where children received gifts and enjoyed a festive celebration. Additional toys filled an entire van and were donated to Branches and Lotus House, extending the spirit of giving to even more children in the community.
The South Florida Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the Miami Team Hope Walk & 5K on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, 11395 SW 79 St.
Registration starts at 8 a.m. and the event starts at 9 a.m. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families.
“Our first annual Team Hope Walk & 5K in Miami. Join us on Jan. 18 to run, walk or cheer, and help make a difference in the lives of those affected by Huntington’s Disease. Proceeds benefit the Huntington’s Disease Society of America and HD,” said Jaime Lattin.
Team Hope is HDSA’s largest national grassroots fundraising event, which takes place in over 100 cities across the U.S. and has raised more than $28 million for HD since its inception in 2007. Thousands of families, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and communities walk together each year to support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by HD and their families.
For more information about the event, contact Jaime Lattin at jaimeclattin@gmail.com.
HDSA’s Team Hope Walk Program is nationally sponsored by Neurocrine Biosciences and Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person’s physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the faulty gene.
Today, there are approximately 41,000 symptomatic Americans and more than 200,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. The symptoms of HD are described as having ALS, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s – simultaneously. The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the premier nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by HD. From community services and education to advocacy and research, HDSA is the world’s leader in providing help for today and hope for tomorrow for people with HD and their families.
HDSA was founded in 1967 by Marjorie Guthrie, the wife of legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie. Woody died from HD complications when he was only 55 years old, but the Guthrie family legacy lives on at HDSA to this day. To learn more about Huntington’s disease and the work of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, visit www.hdsa.org or call (800) 345-HDSA.
Grant Miller joins in the grand opening of Chick-fil-A Pinecrest
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.
Start your new year off on the right foot at Pinecrest’s fourth annual FitCrest 5K powered by Baptist Health, set to take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Evelyn Greer Park. This popular community event is open to all ages and abilities, welcoming runners, walkers, joggers, strollers, wheelchairs and even furry, four-legged friends.
Presented by Pinecrest’s Parks and Recreation Department, the FitCrest initiative encourages individuals to pursue personal health and wellness goals while on their fitness journey. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by a pre-race warm-up at 7:45 a.m., and the race officially kicks off at 8:00 a.m. Race bibs include timing chips for accurate results.
The registration fee is $35, and tickets will also be available for purchase on race day starting at 6:30 a.m. Pre-registered participants will receive an event T-shirt while supplies last. Please note that all sales are final, and the event takes place rain or shine.
Every participant receives a medal to celebrate their achievement after crossing the finish line.
Sign up today. Pre-registration for the FitCrest 5K is highly recommended.
For additional information, contact the Pinecrest Parks and Recreation Department or visit Pinecrest-fl.gov/FitCrest. Stay connected and share your FitCrest5K experience using hashtags #FitCrest and #Pinecrest and the Instagram handles @pinecrestfl and @pinecrestparks.
About the Village of Pinecrest
The Village of Pinecrest, a picturesque suburban community nestled in Miami-Dade County, is designated as a Tree City USA and is renowned for its low crime rate, comprehensive municipal services, exemplary schools, vibrant community center, extensive parks and recreation programs, and historic Pinecrest Gardens. Earning a proud position atop Niche’s list of the 25 best places to live in South Florida, Pinecrest is home to approximately 18,500 residents who enjoy a high-quality life amidst its lush, scenic neighborhoods. Since its incorporation in 1996, the Village, operating under the Council-Manager form of government, has displayed a steadfast commitment to fostering a thriving, dynamic community. For additional information, please visit www.pinecrest-fl.gov. #pinecresting
