Florida’s Landlord-Tenant Act is harsh and strictly applied

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December 29, 2025

Florida’s Landlord-Tenant Act is harsh and strictly applied

Everyone deserves a safe and steady home, but rising rents in Miami are forcing many families out. Long-time tenants are losing their homes when buildings are sold and replaced with newer and more expensive units. Low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and single parents—who already struggle to afford rent—are being pushed out. Even middle-class families now face eviction.

Eviction is scary and stressful. When a family loses their home, they may also lose their belongings, damage their credit, and have trouble finding another place to live. Children may fall behind in school, and the emotional harm can last for years. Even though eviction can change a family’s entire life, eviction cases in Florida move very quickly, and many tenants lose their homes without ever talking to a judge.

Because of the “Summary Procedure” process under Florida Statute 51.011, a tenant has only five days to respond after the landlord files an eviction lawsuit. This deadline is strict. Many tenants—especially those who are elderly, disabled, or dealing with emergencies—miss the deadline and get evicted right away.

Even tenants who do respond within five days can still lose automatically. Florida Statute 83.60(2) says that when tenants file an answer, they must also deposit the rent the landlord claims is owed into the court registry or file a motion explaining why they disagree with the amount. If they do not do this correctly, the judge can order an eviction immediately, even if the tenant has a strong and valid defense.

Tenants who respond on time and deposit the rent may still lose at trial because they do not know their rights. Some important protections can help tenants stay in their homes. Under Florida Statute 83.56(5), if a landlord accepts rent after giving an eviction notice, after filing the eviction, or even after the judge signs the eviction judgment, the case may be dismissed and the tenant may stay in the home.

Tenants in federally subsidized housing also have extra protections. For example, if the landlord waits more than 45 days to file an eviction for a lease violation that is not about unpaid rent, the case may be dismissed. But many tenants do not know these protections exist, so they cannot use them to defend themselves.

Legal Services of Greater Miami Can Help
Legal Services of Greater Miami is the leading nonprofit law firm that helps low-income tenants. Our attorneys know the rules and can give tenants legal advice so they can fight unfair evictions. Tenants we represent in court have much better results than those who must go alone. In many of our eviction defense cases, we help clients stay in their home or get more time to move safely.

Our help is free. If you get an eviction notice or an eviction lawsuit, please contact us right away. If you wait too long, it may be too late for us to help. Call 305-576-0090 or visit legalservicesmiami.org/contact-us to apply and see if you qualify.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Holiday traditions, the arts and a Jingle Bells spirit inspire generous giving

By

Gloria Burns

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December 29, 2025

Holiday traditions, the arts and a Jingle Bells spirit inspire generous giving

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Tis the season and there is so much to report this month. To begin, December 6th was a great day for historic preservationists, and particularly The Villagers. The organization’s Annual Holiday House Tour, Stroll in the Grove, was a sellout with a record 1,000 tickets sold. Attendees enjoyed the tour that highlighted early and contemporary homes and some historic site with a boutique at Plymouth Congregational Church across from check-in at Carrollton School. Leading up to the big day, Villagers President Gina Guilford and Past President Kelly Schild (Gina’s sister) joined Gloria’s Gab LIVE to highlight the event and the extraordinary impact The Villagers has made in historic preservation. Kelly, who co-chaired this year’s tour with Merlin Ebbert, shared that the group has awarded $2 million in grants to 200 organizations, an astonishing achievement for an all-volunteer nonprofit. With record attendance this year, 2026 promises to be even more impactful for preservation projects.

The historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club, itself a past Villagers grantee, recently showcased both history and artistry by hosting Her Art Basel on December 3. Curated by Arts & Culture Chair Alex Guillen, the exhibition featured works by women artists, including her mother, Celia Guillen. While one ballroom became an elegant gallery, the other hosted the club’s annual Holiday Dinner Party catered by celebrity chef Chris Valdes. Guests enjoyed cocktails, admired the art, then returned for dinner and beautiful performances by Margarita Parsamyan, an operatic soprano and the founder of MP Miami Music School, with one of her students, Elizabeth Rojas.

In other news, the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run on December 6th was a smashing—and hilarious—success. Held at Tropical Park, there were costumed holiday characters everywhere you turned. The morning run drew a great crowd including a strong team from HCA Mercy Hospital, whose orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas, was the event honoree. On hand to cheer on participants were Mercy CEO, Allyssa Tobitt; Mercy COO Jessica Miller (in a standout costume); Mercy Director of Communications; Annabel Beyra; and Arely Ruiz, President of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club—just a few among the hundreds who took part in the lively morning run.

Continuing with holiday events, the Merrick Festival’s Caroling Competition coordinated by Sally Baumgartner was another success and awarded to winning school choirs more than $17,000 this year. Among the schools in this area winning prizes were Coral Reef High and South Miami Middle School who both won grand prize for magnet schools; while New World School for the Arts and Southwood Middle Schools were runners up respectively. In addition, St. Thomas the Apostle won grand prize for small ensemble. For a complete list, visit carolingcompetition.org.

Check out these upcoming events and mark your calendar!

● Currently running through March 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January 2026).

● January 3 – 6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament – Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily.

● January 4, 2026 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade – Coconut Grove.

● January 10, 2026 – Voices for Children Gala- Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne.

● February 7, 2026 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Annual Children’s Festival – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. 1001-9 East Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Admission is free.

In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Design District picks Katie Stout’s Gargantua’s Thumb installation

By

Rayshel Brummage

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December 29, 2025

Design District picks Katie Stout’s Gargantua’s Thumb installation

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Marking a decade of transformative public art and design, the Miami Design District, in collaboration with Design Miami Curatorial Lab, has announced acclaimed artist Katie Stout as the recipient of the 2025 Annual Design Commission.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year’s Design Commission, titled Gargantua’s Thumb, debuted throughout the neighborhood during Miami Art Week, with additional displays featured at the 20th anniversary edition of Design Miami’s flagship fair. Gargantua’s Thumb will remain on view well into the new year and continue the Design Commission’s legacy of site-specific installations that reimagine the neighborhood and invite public engagement.

Born in Portland, ME and based in New York, Stout earned her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. Her multidisciplinary practice is driven by an impulse to subvert function – pushing familiar forms just past the point of comfort. Stout’s iconic ceramic girl lamps exemplify this approach, blending craft and commentary as they challenge conventional notions of beauty, luxury, and femininity, while drawing on deep references from the history of art and design.

“It’s an honor to create the 10th Annual Design Commission for the Miami Design District,” Stout said. “This project is about blurring the line between function and fantasy. By scaling up these sculpted creatures and amplifying their idiosyncrasies, I want to highlight the tension between intimacy and monumentality, precision and imperfection — celebrating the rawness of the handmade in a neighborhood synonymous with design excellence.

“This project honors the Miami Design District’s legacy of fostering creativity while offering a playful encounter and respite for the public,” she added.

Fabricated in collaboration with ALTBLD, Gargantua’s Thumb is a series of large-scale sculptural benches installed throughout the Miami Design District. Each piece begins as miniature clay animal figures – hand-sculpted by the artist and intentionally marked by the irregularities and playful distortions that arise when working at an intimate scale.

These whimsical forms are then digitally scanned, dramatically enlarged, and milled in perennial materials for durability and functionality. The resulting works are both familiar and fantastically distorted, offering the public a surreal, oversized collection of animal-like sculptures to sit on, lean against, and interact with.

Stout’s installation brings a fantastical cast of sculptural furniture to life, ranging from a dog-shaped bench to a whimsical whale-shaped fainting sofa, and a frog-inspired perch that invites playful engagement. At the heart of the Miami Design District, an interactive carousel offers an immersive centerpiece. Overhead, hundreds of colorful orbs, each embedded with flora- and fauna-inspired figures, will be suspended throughout the neighborhood’s trees, transforming the streetscape into a dreamlike environment of motion and wonder.

“Year after year, the Miami Design District commissions a beautiful public art project for all to enjoy,” said Grela Orihuela, senior vice president of Fairs, Design Miami. “This year is no exception. We are thrilled that Katie Stout was awarded the commission and look forward to seeing the project come to life in Miami this December.”

Each year, the Miami Design District invites a visionary artist or designer to reimagine its public spaces through a site-specific installation that transforms the neighborhood’s landscape. Woven seamlessly into the neighborhood’s architecture, trees, and pedestrian pathways, the commissioned work becomes an immersive part of the urban fabric, encouraging exploration, interaction, and discovery. Debuting during the high point of Miami Art Week and remaining on view well into the new year, the installation offers a dynamic cultural anchor at the heart of the city’s most celebrated season.

“Over the past decade, the Annual Design Commission has helped shape the Miami Design District into a global stage for bold, original ideas,” said Craig Robins, president and CEO of DACRA. “We’re proud to mark this 10th year anniversary with Katie Stout, whose playful and provocative work challenges the boundaries of design. This milestone is a celebration of the creative voices that continue to transform our public spaces and define the cultural spirit of the Miami Design District.”

Since its debut in 2015, the Miami Design District’s Annual Design Commission has introduced bold, transformative installations, turning the neighborhood into an open-air canvas for experimental design and immersive storytelling. The Design Commission has spotlighted a diverse roster of creative visionaries, including Nicole Nomsa Moyo (Pearl Jam, 2024); Lara Bohinc (Utopia, 2023); Germane Barnes (Rock | Roll, 2022); Studio Proba and Enjoy the Weather (Tomorrow Land, 2021); gt2P (Conscious Actions, 2020); Fernando Laposse (Pink Beasts, 2019); Dozie Kanu (Support System, 2018); Charlap Hyman & Herrero (White Rain, 2017); Philippe Malouin (The Speed of Light, 2016), and Snarkitecture (Holiday, 2015).

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Holiday festivities bring out the spirit of the season

By

Gloria Burns

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December 29, 2025

Holiday festivities bring out the spirit of the season

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If you are like me, the calendar of festive events is packed with amazing ways to celebrate the season.

The first week in December, the Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Gringo Bingo on Dec. 2 helped raise funds for The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bells Run. The run on Dec. 6 was a smashing — and hilarious — success. Held at Tropical Park, there were costumed holiday characters everywhere you turned.

The morning run drew a great crowd including a strong team from HCA Mercy Hospital, whose orthopedic surgeon Dr. Gilbert Beauperthuy-Rojas was the event honoree. On hand to cheer on participants were Mercy CEO Allyssa Tobitt; Mercy COO Jessica Miller (in a standout costume); Mercy director of Communications Annabel Beyra, and Arely Ruiz, president of the Coral Gables Woman’s Club — among the hundreds who took part in the lively morning run.

As for Gringo Bingo, kudos go to the club’s longtime volunteers, Steven Bradley, the much-loved “Gringo,” who calls the numbers each month, and Corey Tennyson, who provided deejay services that day. What began in 2019 as a one-time bingo fundraiser for veterans — created by Steven and this writer — quickly grew into a monthly tradition that has since raised well over $100,000 for dozens of nonprofits.

The club continues this success thanks in large part to Steven, who donates his time despite a demanding schedule as managing partner of Vivo Sports and Social at Dolphin Mall, and the support of Miami’s Community Newspapers to promote the events.

From the run, we move on that Dec. 6 to The Villagers Holiday House Tour, presented this year as a festive Stroll in the Grove. Before the event, Villagers president Gina Guilford and past president Kelly Schild (Gina’s sister) joined Gloria’s Gab LIVE to highlight the event and the extraordinary impact The Villagers has made in historic preservation. Kelly, who co-chaired this year’s tour with Merlin Ebbert, shared that the group has awarded $2 million in grants to 200 organizations, an astonishing achievement for an all-volunteer nonprofit.

With record attendance this year (1,000 tickets sold), 2026 promises to be even more impactful for preservation projects.

The historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club, itself a past Villagers grantee, recently showcased both history and artistry by hosting Her Art Basel on Dec. 3. Curated by Arts and Culture chair Alex Guillen, the exhibition featured works by women artists, including Alex’s mother, Celia Guillen. While one ballroom became an elegant gallery, the other hosted the club’s annual Holiday Dinner Party catered by celebrity chef Chris Valdes.

Guests enjoyed cocktails, admired the art, then returned for dinner and beautiful performances by Margarita Parsamyan, an operatic soprano and the founder of MP Miami Music School, with one of her students, Elizabeth Rojas.

Sime Realty’s annual holiday party is like few others as Scott and Belinda Sime open their impressive home to hundreds of friends and family to collect toys for children at Lighthouse for the Blind and other charities. The Ugly Sweater theme created lots of fun as guests enjoyed vising with old friends, enjoying festive music, food and drinks.

Best of all, this party with a purpose collected more than 500 toys and $1,300 in checks for the Lighthouse for the Blind from generous donors that night.

Coral Gables Community Foundation also held its annual holiday party on Dec. 9 for donors and board members, hosted once again by Bill Bonn and Ruben Ceballos at their beautiful home on Alhambra. During the evening, CGCF’s new CEO Mauricio Vivero presented CGCF 2024-25 chair Michael Walsh with a gift and thanks for his leadership and service.

Among the many enjoying the evening were Ron and Anita Shuffield, Bill and Lynn Kerdyk, David and Cristina Lama Evensky, Jeff Flanagan, John O’Rourke, Matthew Meehan, Roy Gonas, Don Slesnick, III and Cecilia Slesnick,

Coral Gables Bar Association also celebrated the season with a party hosted by Banesco in Coral Gables. Among the many guests enjoying the affair were Banesco’s community relations director Erbi Blanco-True, Coral Gables Bar president Danny Fors, president-elect Elina Magaly Santana, immediate past president Alberto Manrara, Bruce Bounds, Jerry Kavulich, Brian Barakat, and Vanessa Michaud.

The Merrick Festival Caroling Competition wrapped up with short programs by the winning choirs on Dec. 9, a rainy evening that forced the final performances inside. This year’s annual competition provided our community with a week of great choral performances by 30 choirs from all over the county vying for more than $17,000 in cash prizes.

Festival executive director Sally Baumgartner Goodman has been producing this event that showcases talented children from across the county for decades and appreciated the generous sponsors including Miami Dade County, City of Coral Gables, Holtz Children’s Hospital, Coral Gables Community Foundation, the Rotary Club of Coral Gables, and so many others. St. Theresa in Coral Gables came home with grand prize for the Middle School Full Choir, a choir that also won the Rotary Club of Coral Gables Award and performed at the Dec. 18, Rotary meeting at the Hyatt.

For a complete list of the prize winner, go to carolingcompetition.org.

Upcoming events for your calendar!
Now through March, 2026 – South Florida PBS Pharaoh Immersive Experience, at the Boynton Beach offices. For tickets, go to www.southfloridapbs.org pharaohs (Look for a new Titanic Experience coming in January)
Now through Dec. 31 – Festival of Trees at Miami International Mall Doral, free admission
Now through Dec. 30 – Junior Orange Bowl Basketball Tournament
Jan. 3-6, 2026 – Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Tournament, Biltmore Golf Course, 8 a.m. daily
Jan. 4 – Annual King Mango Strut Parade, Coconut Grove
Jan. 10 – Voices for Children Gala- Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne
Feb. 7, 2026 – Coral Gables Woman’s Club’s Annual Children’s Festival, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1001-9 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. Admission is free.

In closing, remember to count your blessings, share a kind word and a smile, and make a difference. Happy New Year!

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Putting Homeownership Within Reach Again

By

Miami Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis

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December 29, 2025

Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis

Families across Miami-Dade County are under real pressure. Rising property taxes, higher insurance premiums, and increasing mortgage costs are putting homeownership out of reach for too many. My focus is simple: We must deliver real relief for our residents, support property tax reforms that lower these costs, and help families stay in the homes and neighborhoods they love.

I hear these concerns at every town hall meeting. Seniors who spent a lifetime building stability tell me they can no longer carry the rising costs on their own.

Many feel forced to rent out efficiencies inside their homes just to keep up with taxes and insurance. Young couples tell me they want to stay in Miami-Dade, near their families and their work, but the math does not add up. We all have friends, family, and loved ones who have moved away, because they could not make homeownership work.

This is not only a local issue. It is a national trend with long-term consequences. New research shows that rising housing costs may have played a major role in America’s declining birth rate. One recent study found that without the rise in housing costs since 1990, the United States would have seen thirteen million more births. When families look at the cost of buying a home and raising children, many delay major life decisions or decide against them altogether.

A falling birth rate affects the entire country. It means fewer workers supporting our economy in the future. It puts pressure on programs like Social Security. It becomes a community concern when young families feel pushed out of the housing market and out of the places they love.

For many years, Florida voters approved important protections for homeowners. The homestead exemption, the Save Our Homes cap, and portability offered stability for a time.

But today’s conditions have outpaced those protections. Insurance costs, home prices, and interest rates have grown faster than the tools meant to keep them manageable.

That is why the work taking place in the Florida House of Representatives led by Speaker Danny Perez, along with Governor Ron DeSantis’ strong focus on property tax reform, matters so much. Their approach is rooted in fiscal discipline — not growing government, but lowering the burden on hardworking taxpayers. Together, their efforts reflect a shared commitment to easing the burden on Florida families.

State leaders, including Representative Juan Carlos Porras and Representative Demi Busatta, have brought forward a broad package of ideas that would allow voters to choose from several options to lower property taxes. Some proposals increase homestead exemptions. Others support seniors, first time homebuyers, and families facing high insurance costs. Some phase out non-school homestead taxes over time. Others allow residents to transfer their full Save Our Homes benefit when they move. Together, these ideas give Floridians the freedom to shape the solutions that fit their needs.

At the county level, my team and I are working on legislation that stands with this effort.

We are focused on providing real property tax relief while protecting the core services that families depend on every day like police and fire.

I support these efforts because families need relief now.

Homeownership is a cornerstone of the American Dream, a reflection of faith, freedom, and the responsibility we pass on to the next generation.

My commitment is simple. I will continue to stand with our residents, advocate for relief that makes a real difference, and work with state leaders to ensure that Miami-Dade County remains a place where families can grow and stay for generations to come.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Kia dealers and partners donate $400K to Feeding South Florida

By

Community News Releases

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December 29, 2025

Kia dealers and partners donate $400K to Feeding South Florida

South Florida Kia Dealers, in collaboration with the Miami Heat, Miami Dolphins, and JM Family Enterprises and JM&A Group, have announced a $400,000 collective donation to Feeding South Florida, the leading hunger-relief organization serving Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

The donation will support Feeding South Florida’s mission to end hunger in the community by providing immediate access to nutritious food, innovative programming, and advocacy efforts.

The South Florida Kia Dealers donation portion of $150,000 was made as part of Kia’s “Accelerate the Good” charitable initiative. Since 2019, Kia’s “Accelerate the Good” program has donated more than $40 million to support those in need, both through national campaigns and local partnerships like this one.

Additionally, JM Family Enterprises and subsidiary company JM&A Group donated $100,000.

The remaining $150,000 is thanks to the generosity of the Miami HEAT and Miami Dolphins.

To highlight the impact of this contribution, representatives from South Florida Kia Dealers, including Rita Case representing Rick Case Automotive Group; Percy Vaughn, director of Southern Regional Operations, Kia America; Miami HEAT; Miami Dolphins, and JM Family Enterprises and JM&A Group, presented Feeding South Florida president and CEO Paco Vélez with the donation during a check presentation ceremony at Feeding South Florida’s Pembroke Park warehouse on Dec. 16.

Feeding South Florida serves food-insecure individuals across its quad-county region, including children, seniors, veterans, and single parents. For every $1 donated, the organization provides four nutritious meals to those in need. This $400,000 contribution will help expand vital services such as food distribution, home delivery programs, and innovative initiatives like the Mobile FARMacy and culinary training programs.

“We are incredibly grateful to South Florida Kia Dealers and the Miami HEAT, Miami Dolphins, and JM Family Enterprises and JM&A Group for this generous donation,” Vélez said. “This contribution comes at a critical time. For those struggling to make ends meet, the holiday season can be one of the most difficult times of the year and can intensify and further challenge economic conditions.

“We are presently experiencing an unprecedented increase in the need for nutritious food for more than 1.2 million individuals in South Florida as inflation, supply chain strains, rising fuel and housing costs, and other factors continue to take a toll on families,” he continued. “Together, we are helping ease families’ financial burden and provide hope this holiday season.”

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Lace up for the Fifth Annual FitCrest 5K powered by Baptist Health

By

Rachel Pinzur

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December 29, 2025

Lace up for the Fifth Annual FitCrest 5K powered by Baptist Health

Celebrate five years of community wellness in Pinecrest at the milestone FitCrest 5K powered by Baptist Health, returning to Evelyn Greer Park on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

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 a.m. This timed 5K features race bibs with timing chips for accurate results.

Registration is $35. Tickets will also be available for purchase on race day, starting at 6:30 a.m. All pre-registered participants receive a commemorative event T-shirt while supplies last.

Every participant crosses the finish line as a champion, earning a well-deserved medal to commemorate their accomplishment and commitment to wellness.

Sign up today on Eventbrite. 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 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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Commission for Women announces newly elected officers for 2026

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Community News Releases

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December 29, 2025

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW) has announced the election of its 2026 officers, selected during the commission’s Nov. 19 meeting.

The newly elected leadership represents a dynamic group of women whose professional achievements, public service experience, and deep commitment to community advancement will guide the commission’s work in the year ahead.

Stephanie Daniels, chair (District 4)
Stephanie V. Daniels is a trailblazer whose 32-year career with the Miami-Dade Police Department reshaped leadership pathways for women in public safety. She made history as the first woman and first African-American woman to serve as director of MDPD, overseeing more than 5,000 employees. Daniels now leads Renewal Horizons and serves in multiple leadership and advisory roles, including the Florida Association of Women Law Enforcement Professionals and the Miami-Dade Charter Review Task Force.

Yama Paillere, first vice chair (District 12)
Yama Paillere currently serves as chief of staff for the City of North Miami, guiding strategic initiatives and supporting executive leadership. Her prior roles include deputy director in the Office of Protocol for the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners and deputy chief of staff to the chief operating officer in the Office of the Chair. Paillere brings extensive expertise in government operations, public affairs, and executive management.

Josephine Novo, second vice chair (District 13)
Josephine Novo serves as legislative chair of the Commission for Women, where she leads development of the commission’s annual policy recommendations and the Status of Women Report. She recently organized the Commission for Women’s first Disability Resource Fair, connecting 40 organizations with over 200 families. Novo is a former commission aide, holds a background in business and communications, and is currently pursuing her Juris Doctor at Florida International University.

Katherine Leiva, member at large (District 3)
Katherine Leiva is a social innovator and champion for a stronger, more equitable education ecosystem. She serves as chief of staff to Miami-Dade School Board member Luisa Santos and has been an active member of the Commission for Women for the past year. Leiva holds a master’s degree in education from Johns Hopkins University and has led transformative initiatives that continue to shape Miami-Dade County’s future.

Dr. Gabrielle Carey-Johnson, member at large (District 1)
Dr. Gabrielle Carey-Johnson is a licensed mental health counselor and founder of Gabby Cares of South Florida, a culturally responsive group practice providing trauma-informed care, mentorship, and wellness programming for underserved communities. An Afro-Caribbean Miami native, she is active in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and The Links Inc. Dr. Carey-Johnson is committed to creating healing spaces that honor culture and uplift community voices.

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women works to improve the status of women and girls through research, policy recommendations, community engagement, and collaborative initiatives countywide. The newly elected officers will lead the commission’s efforts to strengthen women’s economic, social, and civic well-being in Miami-Dade.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Best of Miami 2025: According to ME

By

Carl Rachelson

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December 29, 2025

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Everyone has opinions; here are mine. These are a few of my favorite things and were the best of Miami in 2025, of course, according to me, and in no order with affordability on my mind.

Perfection
Leo Messi is extraterrestrial. #1 BEST IN MIAMI according to ME(ssi)
Es Devlin’s Library during Miami Art Week/Lucy Sparrow at Art Miami.
Orchids.

Arts, Music, Festivals
Miami Film Festival/UNTITLED Art Fair/Books & Books/PINTA/Miami Book Fair/Miami City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Arsht//iii points/SCOPE/DESIGN Miami/Sweat Records/NADA/The Littlest Art Fair/Asha Elias/Redlands/SOBE VIP CHEF SHOWDOWN/Musicians Discount Center’s vinyl collection.

Edible and Reasonably Affordable
Tinta y Cafe/Manantial Market/Zak the Baker/Casa Bake/NandoGrill/La Sandwicherie/Graziano’s Mercado/Su-Shin Izakaya/domaselo/Babe’s Meat & Counter/Galipán Bakehouse/Macondo Doral/Aoko/Narbona/Soriano Brothers/Las Olas Cafe/Gramp’s in Wynwood/El Carajo/El Nuevo Siglo/La Patrona/La Colina Comidas Rapidas/Mary’s/El Brazo Fuerte Bakery/Arbetter’s/Jama Benn Jama/Rocketeer Beer & Liquid Provisions/Sky Coffee/Caribbean Delight/Kimchi Mart/Lots of Lox/French Bakery/House of Bagels and Bialys/Titanic Brewery.

Courage
Billy Corben is incomparable. Marvin Dunn is priceless.

Sports
Eric Spoelstra is peerless. The U.

Special Recognition
Every time “Baile Inolvidable” plays when people are taking their 1st salsa lesson.
M & R Auto Repair.
No Kings protest.

Best Local Instagram Pages
Alexandra Martin.
Chef Reuben.
Infatuation Miami.

Workouts, Beautiful Places, Wonderful People
The Salsa Cooperative outdoors on Giralda/Salsa Vida at FIU/SalsaCraze at the U/Lifetime at the Falls/El Mani/Matheson Hammock/Old Cutler Road/Pinecrest Gardens/Coral Way/Giralda/The Grove.

Other Treasures
Fairchild/Galloway Farm Nursery/Google Maps/Facebook’s Let’s Eat, South Florida is comedy at its finest/Doris in Broward/Patel Brothers/Amazon.

Bad Things
Amazon.
Merciless Traffic.
Phone-arexia and Screen Disorder: Put it down/Get a therapist.
Turn signals: Use them.
Christmas lights: Wait till December.
Road construction: Cradle to grave road corruption.
Yellow Traffic Lights: Five more cars.
Tow trucks: Chill.
Lawn noise: Not Sunday mornings or before 8 a.m.
Silly busway barriers: the bus still waits for cars.
Overdevelopment AND Housing prices: Complicated.
Prices at Publix: Have mercy.
Ice cold inside businesses like Trader Joe’s: ECO please.
ICE cold outside businesses like Home Depot: Target criminals only.
Mega mansions and boxy houses: Unimaginative East Wing Ballroom wannabees.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Colucci, Orbis bring holiday cheer to Sylvania Heights ES

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Community News Releases

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December 29, 2025

1 of 4

Miami-Dade County School Board vice chair Monica Colucci, District 8, joined Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, District 6, along with students and school staff during the school day on Monday, Dec. 15, for a Christmas Toy Giveaway at Sylvania Heights Elementary School.

The festive celebration took place in the school’s media center, where students received toys from Colucci and Orbis. Each student also had the opportunity to take a photo with

Santa, creating joyful and memorable moments throughout the event.
Colucci and Orbis personally distributed toys to students, helping spread holiday cheer and reinforcing the importance of supporting students within their school communities.

“The holiday season is about spreading joy and reminding our students how valued they are,” Colucci said. “I am grateful to Commissioner Milian Orbis for joining us, and to the dedicated administrators, teachers, and staff at Sylvania Heights Elementary School for their collaboration and commitment to making this celebration so meaningful for our students.”

The Christmas Toy Giveaway reflects Colucci’s continued dedication to fostering positive school environments, strengthening partnerships with community leaders, and ensuring students feel supported and celebrated throughout the school day.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

’26 Yukon Denali Ultimate shows how far luxury SUVs have come

By

Grant Miller, Publisher

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December 29, 2025

’26 Yukon Denali Ultimate shows how far luxury SUVs have come

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As a Miami newspaper publisher, I’ve watched this city grow from a sun-splashed getaway to a global hub of culture, business, and design. And as a lifelong car fan, I’ve watched something else evolve right alongside it – the American SUV.

Nowhere is that progress clearer than in the 2026 GMC Yukon 4WD Denali Ultimate – a vehicle that doesn’t just push the segment forward, it pulls the whole conversation of automotive luxury into a new era.

This is not your neighbor’s big-box SUV from years past. The Denali Ultimate is GMC’s top expression of craftsmanship and capability, and for 2026 it arrives with the refinements and intuitive tech Miami drivers crave. Out on the Dolphin Expressway, the Yukon’s standard 4WD makes quick work of Florida’s surprise rainstorms, and the available Air Ride Adaptive Suspension turns those patched-up causeways into smooth sailing. Miami may be flat, but our roads aren’t always friendly, and this SUV responds the way you would want.

What impresses me most is that GMC finally found the harmony between brawn and brains.

Under the hood sits the refined 6.2-liter V8, which is strong but surprisingly composed, or the available 3.0-liter Duramax diesel, which continues to earn its reputation for quiet strength. Both are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission that feels more polished this year, delivering power without hunting for gears. It’s one of the rare large SUVs that can tow your boat to Dinner Key Marina while still feeling elegant enough to valet outside the Four Seasons.

Inside, the $80,500 Denali Ultimate feels like it was designed by people who understand long days, tight schedules and the desire for a little calm in a chaotic world. The Alpine Umber interior surrounds you with soft-touch leather and other premium accents. It’s the kind of cabin where you could hold a board meeting, a family debate, or a moment of quiet reflection with the A/C set to a perfect 72. Miami heat disappears the moment you close the door.

And then there’s the technology – finally an example of innovation that feels purposeful instead of overwhelming. The 2026 Yukon adds a massive, 16.8-inch curved infotainment display with seamless Google integration, improved driver-assistance systems, and the continued availability of GM’s hands-free driving technology on compatible roads. For those of us who spend half our lives on I-95, safe autonomy isn’t just impressive, it’s a blessing.

But here’s the detail that sticks with me: the Denali Ultimate isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It embraces its size, its purpose, its audience. Miami families love space. Miami business owners love presence. Miami drivers love to enjoy the ride. This SUV was built for all three.

In an age when the automotive world is reinventing itself, it’s refreshing to see a flagship SUV that innovates without abandoning the traits that made it beloved in the first place.

The 2026 Yukon 4WD Denali Ultimate is proof that progress doesn’t always mean starting over. Sometimes it means perfecting what already works.

Give the 2026 Yukon 4WD Denali Ultimate a spin and tell me what you think.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

Black Affairs Advisory Board announces officers for 2026

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Community News Releases

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December 29, 2025

The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) has announced the election of its 2026 officers, selected during the board’s meeting held on Nov. 5.

Pierre E. Rutledge (chair)
Pierre E. Rutledge has earned a reputable standing as a consensus builder and an effective leader committed to the betterment of marginalized and underserved communities. With a 30-year history of deploying innovative strategies and leadership to foster sustainable opportunities, Rutledge’s work primarily focuses on community transformation.

As the chair of the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board, he oversees a team appointed by Miami-Dade County Commissioners to champion the socio-economic, political, and educational interests of the Black World Community in the region, striving to improve residents’ quality of life with dedication and responsiveness. He also is a valuable member of the Miami-Dade County Public Schools team.

His leadership extends to several boards, including the Liberty City Optimist Club as a charter member, the Overtown Youth Center, and the 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc., where he serves as president. Furthermore, as the board chair of Banyan Health Systems Inc. and a past president of the Beta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Rutledge’s influence is widespread.

His dedication to community service also is evident in his role as a 33-degree Master Mason, a past Potentate of Kazah Temple #149 Prince Hall Shriners, as the National Treasurer. Rutledge’s latest recognition includes being named one of the 2024 Florida A&M University’s Distinguished Alumni and 2024 Florida A&M National Rattler “F” Club Honoree.

Rutledge’s educational background is as impressive as his career, holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Florida A&M University and a master’s degree in management from St. Thomas University.

Ronald A. Mumford (vice chair)
Ronald A. Mumford holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts Degree from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. While attending college he was a member of the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. After graduating, Mumford worked for the New York State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Counselor before relocating to Miami. Upon his arrival, Mumford secured employment with the State of Florida Department of Juvenile Justice as a Juvenile Probation Officer Supervisor.

Additionally, he served as the Regional Administrative Review Liaison for the Inspector General’s Office. Mumford was then hired by the CHARLEE Program where he served as Wendy’s Wonderful Kids Adoptions Recruiter for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoptions. He also served as a program manager with Affirming Youth Foundation of Miami-Dade County, which provides services and programs to meet the needs of children and families identified as at risk. He currently serves as the Youth Program Manager for CareerSource South Florida.

Mumford has been recognized by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoptions for his exemplary contributions to finding Forever Families for children in the Child Welfare System. Mumford’s deep commitment to helping others is evidenced by his involvement in the community.

Mumford has received numerous awards throughout his career. His relentless effort to help families is beyond the numbers. Mumford was awarded the Excellence in Child Welfare Award from the Miami-Dade Community Based Care Alliance and Employee of the Year from Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe.

Mumford also was nominated by the Jim Moran Foundation as African American of the year.

Mumford previously served as baseball coach for Palm Springs North Athletic Association, basketball coach for Don Shula Athletic Club, basketball coach for Miramar PAL and a volunteer for the State of Florida Safety and Career Day Committee. Mumford currently serves as a member of the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project and the Pembroke Pines Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. He also serves as an Ordained Deacon at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church of Miami Gardens.

Phyllis Simpkins (secretary)
Phyllis W. Simpkins has been a community advocate and volunteer for 25 plus years. She has served on various boards such as the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women, Miami-Dade CAA Advisory Boards in Liberty City and Opa-locka, the Opa-locka Youth Advisory and Beautification & Housing Board, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Post 8195 VFW Auxiliary Member, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.

A retired firefighter, Simpkins served as a public servant for 27 years. She has dedicated most of her life to advocating the youth, the elderly and her community. In her committed dedication to assisting youth, she developed Majestic’s Youth & Arts Academy a 501 (c)(3) organization. The program is designed to use the arts as a deterrent from gang activity and crime. She received her bachelor’s degree in public administration and her master’s degree in public administration from Barry University. Simpkins is a dedicated and faithful member of the 93rd Street Community Baptist Church.

J.S. Rashid (parliamentarian)
J.S. Rashid has an extensive background as an entrepreneur and administrator. He devises and implements business and economic development strategies, from working plans to master plans.

As president and CEO of SECTOR Public Private Partners Inc. (SPPP) Rashid currently is engaged and advising private developers and various levels of government on strategic plans and real estate development projects, business and economic development initiatives. He assists his clients in developing their project scope, defining goals and objectives, developing a public participation process, and developing implementation strategies. Identifying and resourcing public and private funding ensures that SPPP clients’ plans will be both feasible and implementable.

Rashid was educated at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in Business Administration.

He also is a graduate of the Bank of America Leadership Academy and Development Training Institute.

He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., 100 Black Men of South Florida Inc., vice president of Rebuilding Together Miami Dade. He has received numerous awards including: Community Champion Award from the Local Initiative Support Corporation; “Leadership” for Excellence” in Community Development from South Florida Community Development Coalition (SFCDC); Legacy Magazine’s “South Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Black Professionals in Business and Industry”; Apex Award for Distinguished Service, by Black Meetings & Tourism Magazine; and honored at Miami-Dade County Triumphant Spirits Exhibit of Notable Black men.

For more information or to request materials in accessible format, sign language interpreters, CART services, and/or any accommodation to participate in any county-sponsored program or meeting, email BAAB program officer Retha Boone-Fye or call 305-375-4606.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.

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Commission for Women announces newly elected officers for 2026

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Colucci, Orbis bring holiday cheer to Sylvania Heights ES

’26 Yukon Denali Ultimate shows how far luxury SUVs have come

Black Affairs Advisory Board announces officers for 2026

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