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Confronting Anti Semitism in today’s world with Rabbi Robyn Fishero of Beth Or and Pastor Steve Alessi

Host Fara Sax addresses Antisemitism with Rabbi Robyn Fisher, Beth Or and Pastor Steve Alessi on THE COMMUNITY VOICE
For more news, be sure to go to https://www.communitynewspapers.com

 

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 AventuraSunny Isles BeachMiami BeachCoral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, PinecrestSouth MiamiKendallPalmetto BayCutler 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

EdFed’s Money Tips: Buying a Home in Miami’s Tough Housing Market

Buying a home is one of life’s biggest decisions, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of belonging, stability, and freedom. According to CNN Business, in 2023, around 4.5 million people achieved that dream of buying a home. However, if you live in South Florida, you know that buying a house can be an overwhelming and expensive journey. 

While mortgage rates remain at a two-decade high, Miami-Dade County has continued to lead the U.S. in home price appreciation, according to a December 2023 report from the Miami Association of Realtors. Another report from Rocket Homes disclosed that in March 2024 the median home price in Miami was $540,091, up 6.9% over last year. So with higher mortgage rates and increased prices, is it any wonder why it is so difficult to achieve the American Dream of becoming a homeowner?

Economists are forecasting mortgage rates will decline during the final two quarters of 2024, but uncertainty persists. Rather than sitting on the sidelines, many successful buyers are choosing to navigate the housing market by setting priorities and investigating financing alternatives to help maximize their buying power. Miami-based Educational Federal Credit Union has seen a recent uptick in interest from buyers looking for an alternative to a traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage who want to increase their buying power and keep payments as low as possible.   

“Some homebuyers are getting priced out of the market because of the higher rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages,” said Mayelin Carbajales, Director of Home Loans for Educational Federal Credit Union (EdFed). “That is why many individuals are looking at alternative loan types that offer lower payments that fit within their budget.”

 Another factor that successful buyers often have in common is choosing a realtor that understands the complexities of financing a home in South Florida, where cash buyers can dominate some segments of the real estate market and inventory remains constrained. The MIAMI Association of Realtors reports that cash sales represented 42.6% of Miami’s closed sales in January 2024 as compared to 32% of home sales made in cash nationally, according to the latest National Association of Realtors (NAR) statistics. 

“You have to make certain you have your financing secured before you begin working with a realtor. We focus on getting individuals pre-approved first and can match them with an experienced agent in our preferred realtor network that really knows the local market and helps give them an edge in negotiating against cash buyers,” added EdFed’s Carbajales.

While 2024 may still yield unexpected challenges in the housing market, the dream of home ownership remains top of mind for many in South Florida. Doing your homework, setting priorities, and finding the right financing will help you move from the sidelines to the finish line in purchasing your new home.

Join EdFed’s free Home Buying webinar on Saturday, May 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to learn about the home buying process, financing solutions, and how EdFed can help you save money when financing your new home. Register today at:  www.edfed.org/webinar

U.S. Century Bank Announces Two New Hires

U.S. Century Bank announced that Jorge L. Alvarez has joined as senior vice president, business banking lender, and Anazalia (Ana) Gonzalez has joined as vice president, private client banker.

“We are very pleased to be welcoming Jorge and Ana to our team,” stated Martha Guerra-Kattou, executive vice president, director of sales and marketing at U.S. Century Bank. “They both have deep roots in our community, and their industry experience and knowledge will add much value as we continue to grow.”

Alvarez, who has 40 years in banking, will be responsible for developing new business as well as strengthening existing relationships. Before joining U.S. Century Bank, he served as senior vice president, commercial real estate at Seacoast Bank where he was responsible for business development and loan origination. Previously, he was vice president, senior loan officer in commercial real estate at TD Bank; held various senior lending and management positions at Florida Community Bank; and served as senior vice president, commercial lending at Ocean Bank.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Florida International University.

Gonzalez has more than 40 years of experience in banking. In her new role, she will be responsible for offering an array of financial products and the Bank’s private client services to high-net-worth individuals, professionals, entrepreneurs, professional associations, and commercial clients. Most recently, she was vice president and branch manager at Intercredit Bank. Prior to that, Gonzalez was a senior relationship banker at Great Florida Bank where she helped strengthen relationships with clients in the private banking sector, and she was a private banker at Bank United.

She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Los Angeles City College.

About U.S. Century Bank

Established in 2002, U.S. Century Bank is one of the largest community banks headquartered in Miami, and one of the largest community banks in the state of Florida. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of USCB Financial Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: USCB) and rated 5-Stars by BauerFinancial, the nation’s leading independent bank rating firm. U.S. Century Bank offers customers a wide range of financial products and services and supports numerous community organizations, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and ChamberSouth. For more information or to find a banking center near you, please call (305) 715-5200 or visit www.uscentury.com.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools | Parent Choice Expo

Miami-Dade County Public Schools will be hosting 2 very large Expos:
One is slated for May 11th at Miami-Dade College’s North Campus,
One is slated for May 18th at Miami-Dade College’s Kendall campus,
During these Expos we will showcase over 200 different schools at each location as well as the hundreds of the different types of services and programs available through Miami-Dade County Public Schools.
A showcase this large has never been done before.
The events are totally free and open to the public.  They will run from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Attached are the Flyers and English and Spanish and below is a link to our media kit which has social media images, website banners, Flyers, and logo files.
Please feel free to reach out to me should you have any questions.  I appreciate anything that you could do in order to share this information with the community at large.
EXPO WEBSITE

Emprende305 con Danilo Vargas, Yasnay Montalvo, y Enrique Hernandez hablar sobre todo lo relacionado con el emprendimiento


Emprende305 con Danilo Vargas, Yasnay Montalvo, y Enrique Hernandez hablar sobre todo lo relacionado con el emprendimiento

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 AventuraSunny Isles BeachMiami BeachCoral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, PinecrestSouth MiamiKendallPalmetto BayCutler 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

Grant Miller Joins Chamber South for their Construction & Real Estate: ‘What’s New In Miami’ Event


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Dive into the latest developments in Miami’s construction and real estate scene as Grant Miller joins Chamber South for their insightful event, Construction & Real Estate: ‘What’s New In Miami’. Featuring speakers Tobin Cobb, Patrick O’Connell, and Alberto Milo Jr., get ready to explore trends, innovations, and opportunities shaping the city’s future! 🌆🏗️

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Title: Dancing In Paris
Artist: Giulio Cercato
Link: https://www.facebook.com/sound/collection/?sound_collection_tab=sound_tracks&asset_id=721432639834754&reference=artist_attr
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#GrantMiller #ChamberSouth #WhatsNewInMiami #ConstructionEvent #RealEstateEvent #MiamiDevelopment #Innovations #NetworkingOpportunity #MiamiBusiness #EventHighlights #GrantMillerHere #CommunityNewspapers #MiamiCommunityNews

BeStrong Intl. Host Michelle Shirley welcomes Rosa Santiago of The Kirk Foundation

BeStrong International Host Michelle Shirley welcomes Rosa Santiago, President of the Kirk Foundation
For more news, be sure to go to https://www.communitynewspapers.com

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 AventuraSunny Isles BeachMiami BeachCoral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, PinecrestSouth MiamiKendallPalmetto BayCutler 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

Columbus Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Guidance Building Funded by TV Personality and Philanthropist Marcus Lemonis

Jim Desmond, Pat Call, Thomas Kruczek (CCHS President), David Pugh (CCHS Principal), Amy Mallafre (Daughter of the late Irene Culmo/CCHS Teacher), Nick Ramos (CCHS Vice President of Advancement)

On April 17, 2024, Christopher Columbus High School held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new guidance building which will serve as a valuable resource to students and their families. Generously funded by Columbus alumnus, entrepreneur, philanthropist and TV personality, Marcus Lemonis, the building will house two remarkable centers; the Pat Call and Irene Culmo Center for College & Career Guidance named after two Columbus teachers who made a huge impact on Lemonis as a student and the Desmond Family Success Center named after a family who supported him greatly during high school and which will be dedicated to serve as a cross-area initiative to meet the needs of a diverse student body. The success center offers all-inclusive wraparound services which cater to the whole student, equipping them with the necessary skills, resources, and support to become young men of character in the classroom and the community.

Members of the Call, Culmo, and Desmond families were all in attendance. Pat Call, Jim Desmond and Amy Mallafre, the daughter of the late Irene Culmo, all spoke at the event, expressing their gratitude for Marcus Lemonis.

Lemonis had announced the funding for this building during a surprise event on campus in December 2021 when he also announced that he would give $18,000 to every Columbus faculty and staff member in time for Christmas. After two and half years of planning, the school is ready to commence construction on the project which is part of a master plan that the school is working on in partnership with Zyscovich Architects and which will encompass projects totaling $100 million over the next 30 years. This guidance building, a 4,685 square foot project, will include offices for guidance staff, a learning specialist, large conference room, testing center, and over 1500 square feet of collaboration and gathering spaces with direct access to courtyard and outdoor seating.

“Currently our counselors In these areas host their workshops and meetings while vying for space that Is In high demand by the entire school,” said Thomas Kruczek, Columbus president. “Having them all together in one building with ample space and top-notch facilities that are tailored to meet each of the center’s programming needs will transform how students access vital guidance services. With the college application process becoming more and more difficult over the years, the need for college and career guidance services has risen, this expansion was essential for Columbus,” added Kruczek.

The building is expected to be completed in 2025.

South Florida PBS Presents: An Evening at Savor Cinema with Reel South

South Florida PBS (WPBT, WXEL, & Health Channel) invites you to join us tomorrow evening for an unforgettable night dedicated to filmmakers and film enthusiasts at the iconic Savor Cinema! This unique event will open with a pre-screening reception where local filmmakers and guests can mingle over complimentary drinks, light bites, and live music provided by Cuban American country music singer Ricky Valido.

The highlight of the evening will be the screening of Veritas, the acclaimed Bay of Pigs documentary directed by Eliecer Jimenez Almeida and featured in season 9 of PBS’ Reel South. Sixty-three years after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, the surviving Cuban American dissidents tell the fuller story. In detailed interviews with the men who fled Cuba only to return alongside US military forces, they narrate the calamity of the US siege and the trauma they faced as prisoners.

Following the screening, Melissa Harmon, Principal Director of Content at South Florida PBS, will moderate a talk-back with the directors of Veritas, offering insights into the creation and impact of their film. The event will also include the exciting announcement of the winners of season 6 of film-maker, which is set to premiere in May on WPBT and WXEL.

Film-maker is brought to you by Friends of South Florida PBS, a project supporting local talent by providing them a platform to share their films with new audiences. Watch local filmmakers take center stage, with stories that define our community, challenge public opinion, and deepen our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors.

Join us tomorrow at Savor Cinema for a night that promises to enrich, entertain, and inspire.

For more information about the event and to reserve tickets, please visit: https://www.southfloridapbs.org/events/

WPBT Live streaming can be viewed here: www.wpbt2.org/live-tv/

WXEL Live streaming can be viewed here: www.wxel.org/live-tv/

About Reel South

REEL SOUTH is a curated series of documentary films from and about the American South. By a diversity of voices and perspectives, it reveals the South’s proud yet complicated heritage.

About South Florida PBS

South Florida PBS is Florida’s largest public media company, including Public Broadcasting stations WXEL-TV, serving the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast and WPBT2, serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and the Health Channel, the only 24/7 channel dedicated to health in the nation. South Florida PBS connects organizations and institutions across our region and preserves South Florida’s history. Leading the way in this global society, South Florida PBS is committed to creating and presenting award-winning programs focused on kids, education, arts and culture, health, environment, science, and civic engagement.

Florida’s First ‘Second Cycle Drop-off Donation Center’ in Miami-Dade to Benefit Vietnam Veterans of America

To coincide with Earth Day week, M&M Thrift Management will bring together the President of the Vietnam Veterans Association and members of the community to inaugurate Florida’s first and one-of-a-kind Second Cycle community drop-off donation center in Miami-Dade County. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. in front of Second Cycle’s Nascar-style trailer located at Pinecrest Place Shopping Center at 7930  SW 104th St. in Pinecrest (behind Target & BurgerFI). The event will help raise awareness about the critical need for recycling clothes and home goodsdiverting them from landfills and mitigating ground and surface water pollution.

Attending the ribbon cutting will be:

  • Justin Saracena, EVP of M&M Thrift Management / Second Cycle 
  • Jack McManus, President of Vietnam Veterans of America
  • Pinecrest Mayor Karyn Cunningham
  • Pinecrest Vice Mayor Shannon del Prado
  • Melissa Cancio, executive director of Chamber South 

Second Cycle collects donations for the Vietnam Veterans of America, raising funds to address crucial issues affecting Vietnam veterans. Some of VVA’s efforts include advocating for improved access to quality healthcare, pursuing full accountability for America’s POWs and MIAs, assisting the next generation of veterans, and contributing to community service initiatives. Through initiatives like Second Cycle’s drop-off locations, M&M raised over $1M for Vietnam Veterans of America in Florida alone.

Second Cycle offers state-of-the-art, white glove service alongside security cameras to ensure protection and safety. Trained, service-oriented Second Cycle ambassadors retrieve bags and boxes from residents’ vehicles and provide a tax-deductible receipt, all without the need for residents to exit their cars! Items accepted include clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, small household items, toys, and more. The location is open from 9 am to 5 pm seven days a week.

Through initiatives like Second Cycle’s drop-off locations, M&M effectively recycles and repurposes over 1,000 tons of donated clothing and household products weekly. This translates to approximately keeping 35,000 automobiles out of landfills each year by weight. Such efforts aid counties and municipalities in managing their limited waste-disposal capacity as they expand to accommodate new residents.

In addition, M&M offers a home pickup service (www.pickupplease.org) as another great way for residents to donate their unwanted goods to benefit the Vietnam Veterans of America.

To attend the event, RSVP by contacting Paola Iuspa-Abbott at  paola@topofmind-pr.com or call/text 305.726.5848

FSU COLLEGE OF NURSING CELEBRATES EXCELLENCE AT SECOND ANNUAL NOLE NURSE SHINING STARS GALA

Photo credit: (From left) Kristin Fadale, Diane Raines, Robyn Reaves, Linda Walton, Marilyn “MiMi” McKenna, FSU College of Nursing Dean Jing Wang, Julia Pallentino, Patricia Trevathan, Brittany Lord.

Florida State University’s College of Nursing held its second annual Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala on April 12 at the Dunlap Champions Club. The event bestowed prestigious awards, celebrated stewardship and community partners and honored the college’s best and brightest students.

“The gala is one of the highlights of the year for the College of Nursing,” said Jing Wang, dean of the College of Nursing. “It’s a chance to come together and celebrate the incredible achievements of our entire college community — students, faculty, alumni and dedicated partners who are truly making a difference. Their unwavering commitment to excellence inspires me every day.”

The Nole Nurse Shining Stars Gala provided a platform to celebrate the college’s accomplishments while fostering valued connections in the nursing community. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of individuals across various categories


Distinguished Graduate Awards
Recognizing exceptional alumni for their contributions to nursing. This year’s recipients include:  

  • Exemplary Leadership: Linda Walton, DNP, RN, CENP (BSN ’83)
  • Practitioner: Robyn Reaves, MSN, RN, FNP-C (BSN ’07)
  • Government and Community: Holly Faessel Bennett, MSN, RN, NE-BC (BSN ’84)
  • Educator: Patricia Trevathan, RN, CDCES (BSN ’96)
  • Recent Alumni: Brittany Herold Lord, BSN (BSN ’96)

Dean’s Awards
Honoring individuals who have made a lasting, sustained impact at the FSU College of Nursing. This year’s recipients include: 

  • Outstanding Service: Marilyn “Mimi” McKenna, MS, MSN, APRN (BSN ’74, MS ’85, MSN ’89)
  • Outstanding Service: Diane Raines, DNP, RN (BSN ’76)
  • Three T’s Time, Talent, Treasure: Julia Pallentino, MSN, JD, ARNP-BCN (BSN’80, JD ’83, MSN ’01)
  • Outstanding Contributions to FSU Nursing: Jorge Gonzales (BS ’87, MSP ’89)

DAISY Awards
Established by the DAISY Foundation, these recognize both national and international nurses for their accomplishments. This year’s recipients are: 

  • Advancing Health Equity: Eugenia Flores Millender, Ph.D. FAAN
  • Extraordinary Educator: Ryland J. Douthett, DNP, APRN
  • Lifetime Achievement: Denise A. Tucker, Ph.D., RN, CCRN-K (BSN ’82, MSN ’88)
  • Nurse Leader: Susan A. Baker, Ph.D., RN
  • Extraordinary Educator: Kristin Fadale, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, ENP-BC

The event was made possible by the generous support HCA Florida Capital Hospital and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare.

Nominations for the 2025 Nole Nurse Shining Star Gala open this summer. Visit CON Alumni & Friends Award Programs website for more information on award categories and the nomination process.

Florida Power & Light enhances energy grid with planned upgrades in Miami-Dade & Fort Lauderdale

How we’re upgrading your neighborhood:

FPL plans to make the following upgrades throughout 2024 in Coral Gables as part of its ongoing commitment to avoid outages and restore power faster following severe weather:

  • Strengthening 10 main power lines, including those that serve critical community services. 
  • Maintaining trees and vegetation – a common cause of power outages, particularly during hurricanes and extreme weather – along 110 miles of power lines.
  • Inspecting 1,626 power poles in Coral Gables as part of an eight-year inspection cycle, strengthening or replacing those that no longer meet FPL’s industry-leading standards. 

FPL plans to make the following upgrades throughout 2024 in Doral as part of its ongoing commitment to avoid outages and restore power faster following severe weather:

  • Strengthening two main power lines, including those that serve critical community services. 
  • Maintaining trees and vegetation – a common cause of power outages, particularly during hurricanes and extreme weather – along 61 miles of power lines.

FPL plans to make the following upgrades throughout 2024 in Miami as part of its ongoing commitment to avoid outages and restore power faster following severe weather:

  • Planning 212 Secure Underground Program (SSUP) projects to replace overhead neighborhood power lines with more reliable underground lines. 
  • Strengthening 21 main power lines, including those that serve critical community services. 
  • Maintaining trees and vegetation – a common cause of power outages, particularly during hurricanes and extreme weather – along 368 miles of power lines.
  • Inspecting 8,083 power poles in Miami as part of an eight-year inspection cycle, strengthening or replacing those that no longer meet FPL’s industry-leading standards

FPL plans to make the following upgrades throughout 2024 in Pinecrest as part of its ongoing commitment to avoid outages and restore power faster following severe weather:

  • Strengthening seven main power lines, including those that serve critical community services. 
  • Maintaining trees and vegetation – a common cause of power outages, particularly during hurricanes and extreme weather – along 43 miles of power lines.
  • Inspecting 315 power poles in Pinecrest as part of an eight-year inspection cycle, strengthening or replacing those that no longer meet FPL’s industry-leading standards. 

FPL plans to make the following upgrades throughout 2024 in Fort Lauderdale as part of its ongoing commitment to avoid outages and restore power faster following severe weather:

  • Planning 54 Storm Secure Underground Program (SSUP) projects to replace overhead neighborhood power lines with more reliable underground lines. 
  • Strengthening 14 main power lines, including those that serve critical community services. 
  • Maintaining trees and vegetation – a common cause of power outages, particularly during hurricanes and extreme weather – along 358 miles of power lines.
  • Inspecting 5,170 power poles in Fort Lauderdale as part of an eight-year inspection cycle, strengthening or replacing those that no longer meet FPL’s industry-leading standards. 

New this year: FPL continuously leverages new and innovative technologies to improve reliability for its customers and is implementing the following innovations this year:

  • Piloting the installation of automated underground switches which will help detect and isolate outages, further enhancing reliability of underground lines.
  • Using “smart trimming” technology to identify and trim a leading cause of power outages: trees and other vegetation contacting power lines. Smart trimming also helps the company identify areas of concern and assign the work electronically, saving inspection time.

Cumulative improvements in the Coral Gables area: When the planned 2024 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements since 2006:

  • Strengthened 16 main power lines, including those that serve critical services.  
  • Inspected and maintained vegetation near 1,512 miles of power lines – an average of 84 miles per year.   
  • Inspected 16,689 power poles for strength.
  • Installed smart grid technology, including 1,041 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines.

Cumulative improvements in the Doral area: When the planned 2024 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements since 2006:

  • Strengthened 22 main power lines, including those that serve critical services.  
  • Inspected and maintained vegetation near 800 miles of power lines – an average of 44 miles per year.   
  • Inspected 4,992 power poles for strength.
  • Installed smart grid technology, including 253 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines  

Cumulative improvements in the Miami area: When the planned 2024 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements since 2006:

  • Completed 324 SSUP projects. 
  • Strengthened 59 main power lines, including those that serve critical services.  
  • Inspected and maintained vegetation near 3,811 miles of power lines – an average of 212 miles per year.   
  • Inspected 79,042 power poles for strength.
  • Installed smart grid technology, including 3,061 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines.  

Cumulative improvements in the Pinecrest area: When the planned 2024 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements since 2006:

  • Inspected and maintained vegetation near 593 miles of power lines – an average of 33 miles per year.   
  • Inspected 8,346 power poles for strength.
  • Installed smart grid technology, including 636 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines.

Cumulative improvements in the Fort Lauderdale area: When the planned 2024 work is completed, FPL will have made the following improvements since 2006:

  • Completed 76 SSUP projects. 
  • Strengthened 95 main power lines, including those that serve critical services.  
  • Inspected and maintained vegetation near 4,064 miles of power lines – an average of 226 miles per year.   
  • Inspected 55,393 power poles for strength.
  • Installed smart grid technology, including 3,239 automated switches on main and neighborhood power lines.

A word from Javier Palma, local area manager at FPL: “We are so pleased to be able to offer these system upgrades to our customers in the Miami-Dade and Fort Lauderdale area. Our dedicated team at FPL is committed to providing you with safe and reliable electric service. These upgrades, including the very latest grid technology, will help get the lights back on faster after storms.”

For perspective: An annual report filed March 1 with the Florida Public Service Commission details how FPL delivered the best service reliability in company history last year. In the most recent statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, FPL’s service reliability was nearly three times better than the national average.

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