The Deering Estate Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 15, hosted Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez and other invited guests for a presentation of a State of Florida legislative appropriation of $200,000 to begin renovations of a 10,700-square-foot field study research center.
When completed, the facility will provide temporary living quarters for up to 14 researchers as well as house an archival library and a field staff office for the Deering Estate and Deering Estate Foundation.
For years, researchers have studied the unique ecological, geological, and archaeological features on the 450-acre Deering Estate property, which is a historic park and natural preserve owned by the state and operated by Miami Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces. These funds start the process of increasing the research capacity and retain a library of the findings.
State Rep. Vance Aloupis and State Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez championed a funding request which was approved in 2019 which will expand the reputation of the Deering Estate as a significant research site.
Special guests for the private tour included: Norman Mackey Jr., aide to the Miami-Dade mayor; Alex Ferro, chief of staff to Miami-Date mayor; Rep. Javier Fernandez; Jennifer Tisthammer, Deering Estate executive director; Rep. Vance Aloupis; Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez; David McDonald, DEF; Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez; Peter England, DEF; Becky Matkov, president, Deering Estate Foundation; Carole Wright, DEF; Miami-Dade Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava; Maria McDonald, president, 100 Ladies of Deering; Bonnie Barnes, executive director, Deering Estate Foundation; guest, and Cire Andino, Miami-Date Parks, Recreation and Outdoor Spaces.
