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Over the holidays and New Year, we were coming out of COVID. It was the beginning of the “endemic” phase. Tons of traveling took place, and I think people understood the importance of being vaccinated, getting booster shots, and wearing masks.
Community Projects
In December, I hosted the annual two-day Miami Gardens Science Fair at St. Thomas University; an initiative I took over from my predecessor, former Councilman David Williams Jr. On day one, students from Miami Gardens presented their projects from the school year. We had Ph.D. students from St. Thomas University who judged the projects, and the next day the awards ceremony was held at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex amphitheater.
Protecting our residents is very important. It was brought to my attention that some folks were at risk of losing their homes, so I spearheaded the Estate Planning 101, Lunch n Learn. In partnership with an attorney, I hosted the first session in March, and there will be a follow-up Dinner n Learn in July for our seniors and homeowners.
I also had our first quarterly community cleanup in February. Additional cleanup activities will take place in April, July, and October. We go out to various parts of the City with a team of volunteers, the Police Department, and City staff, and we work. I believe that when you lead by example, people will follow.
We’re getting ready to pick up my small business grant initiatives again this year. I partnered with a grant-writing consultant who conducted a three-part workshop series. One particular business owner wrote a few grants, was well prepared, and received a significant grant award from a federal agency. She credited the workshop for showing her the way and now believes she has the skills to teach her team how to write grants as well.
To Our Success
Everything was amazing at Jazz in the Gardens. It was the first time Rick Ross came back to perform in his home City since his career took off, and we made March 13th the “Rick Ross, The Biggest Boss” day.
We are looking forward to all the major events coming up. I can’t wait to get some hotels built so that folks can start lodging in our City, walking distance from the Hard Rock Stadium and other venues they are patronizing.
I want to thank my constituents. Know that I try, every day, to acknowledge everyone’s concerns because they are valid. To the constituents who send letters and emails of love and support, it really makes a difference. We are in this together. We are here to serve you, and together we will take Miami Gardens to the next level of prosperity.
