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Councilman Reggie Leon
Photography: AJ Shorter II
Remembering The Honorable Shirley Gibson
The passing of Mayor Gibson was a tremendous loss to our community. We recognize the work that she did and the impact that she had on Black Miami as a whole. The elected officials previously on our Council who went on to be County Commissioners, State Representatives, and Senators — their progression came from the birth of Miami Gardens through her vision.
Community Engagement and Programs
During the past quarter, we relaunched the legal aid services to assist residents in our community. This program was initially initiated about three years ago. In the Infill Housing Program, we continue to break ground on new workforce houses, helping to promote affordable homeownership right here in Miami Gardens.
We partnered with This Black Girl Fit, welcoming about 250 women to participate in a fitness program at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex. We had a special October Karaoke in the Gardens, where we honored Dr. Michelle Powell, a breast cancer survivor who came out and spoke to the residents. Over 7,000 people attended that event, and we got about 600 people registered to vote. We donated feminine hygiene products to the young ladies at Miami Norland and Carol City Senior High Schools, and I’ll continue to work with these schools in the future. We also hosted our quarterly food distribution alongside Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and FarmShare to ensure that the residents who need groceries can obtain them.
We’re very excited that every park in the Seat 2 area has been renovated and reopened. We have completed 100 percent of the General Obligation Bond (GOB) projects in my area.
In partnership with Hard Rock Stadium, I created a Year-Round Local Access Pass. The stadium has multiple events throughout the year, sometimes causing street closures that affect the residents. Now, residents can come to the front desk at City Hall and pick up their local traffic tag every year. This pass will allow access to those closed streets, making it more convenient for residents to get around. This is another measure that will improve the quality of life as we continue to work together.
Looking ahead, I host quarterly Community Connection meetings that help residents keep in touch with what’s happening across the City. The next one will be in January 2024, after the holiday break.
We’re also very excited about working with Calder Casino on the new road that is currently going through the permitting process. This new, additional entrance and exit through the area will go down 22nd Avenue from 207th Street to 216th Street, giving access to nearby residents who, for a long time, had no other way in and out. Later on, in 2024, I’m planning a women’s panel about the importance of women-owned businesses, new AI technology, and how to prepare for it.
Holiday Wishes
Happy Holidays! Please stay safe and know that we hear you. We understand your needs, and we’re continuing to work on your behalf to make Miami Gardens the best place to live
