I have been coming to Homestead since the 1960s, when my parents used to take me to the Homestead Rodeo. I have seen this city through decades of change, both good and bad. Seeing Homestead today, it is clear the city is moving forward.
That progress deserves recognition. Credit is due to Mayor Steven Losner for helping put the framework in place that allows this kind of leadership to succeed. Under his tenure, Homestead has become a place where people can live, work, play, worship, and learn, with a focus on long term stability and quality of life.
That leadership is visible both inside the Homestead Police Department and across City Hall.
Chief Knapp
Chief Knapp is a 27 year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department. When he took command of the Homestead Police Department, he made his priority clear from the start. Public service through public trust.
Rather than relying on internal assurances, the Chief ordered what he described as a three dimensional audit of the department, focusing on high liability areas. While many reviews were conducted internally, outside agencies were brought in to ensure transparency and credibility.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducted a full audit of the Property and Evidence Bureau, reviewing chain of custody, storage procedures, facility security, digital tracking, and compliance standards. External Internal Affairs Commanders reviewed investigative timelines, documentation standards, complaint handling, and legal compliance. The Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police reviewed the department’s victim advocacy program, focusing on coordination, follow up practices, and trauma informed response.
The goal was not to assign blame. The goal was to identify weaknesses and fix them permanently.
One of the first operational issues identified was staffing. A budgetary review revealed 17 funded vacancies that needed to be filled. In the midst of well documented national recruitment challenges, the department launched an aggressive recruitment effort. That effort generated hundreds of applications and resulted in every one of those positions being filled. This was a critical step in stabilizing operations and improving service delivery.
A lack of transparency in the vacancy process was also addressed. Positions had often been filled informally, creating perceptions of favoritism and limiting opportunity. A department wide Vacancy Announcement System was implemented so every sworn and civilian opening is publicly advertised, interviews are standardized, and advancement is based on merit.
The department was reorganized to correct a fragmented structure where employees reported to multiple supervisors. The agency was realigned into Police Services and Departmental Services, each with clearly defined divisions, supervision, and accountability.
A modern command structure followed. The colonel rank was eliminated. A Deputy Chief position was created. The rank of Major was reintroduced, with Captains managing divisions. This structure aligns with comparable Florida agencies and restores promotional pathways while strengthening accountability.
Training operations were elevated through the creation of a full time Training Sergeant position to oversee firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and required training standards. This provided consistency, oversight, and improved risk management.
Operational deployment was also reviewed. Investigations staffing exceeded case volume, while patrol lacked a proactive enforcement unit. A full time Crime Suppression Team was created without reducing patrol staffing, focusing on repeat offenders, high crime areas, nuisance crimes, and emerging trends.
The department also created the first full time HOA and Condo Fraud Unit in the State of Florida to address long standing complaints involving fraudulent elections, misuse of association funds, and exploitation of residents. The unit works closely with the State Attorney’s Office and serves as a resource for affected communities.
Transparency efforts expanded through a rebuilt social media presence, public safety alerts, and community outreach. A Therapy Dog Program, grant funded drone operations, a Force Avoidance Model, and a Staff Duty Officer Program were also implemented to modernize operations and strengthen public trust.
The results are measurable. In 2025, shootings declined by 54 percent. Contact shootings dropped by 71 percent. Non contact shootings declined by 30 percent. Homicides fell by 33 percent. Staffing stabilized, evidence controls were strengthened, and accreditation progress continues.
City Manager Ihekwaba
These reforms are supported by a broader approach to governance under City Manager Zerry Ihekwaba.
Since assuming the role, Ihekwaba has led the City of Homestead through a period of structural transformation focused on strategic planning, infrastructure modernization, fiscal responsibility, and quality of life improvements. His administration has emphasized transparency, efficiency, and long term planning.
Under his leadership, the City adopted its first professionally developed Strategic Plan, creating a five year roadmap aligned with community priorities. A City Manager’s Bi Monthly Report was introduced to improve transparency and communication with elected officials and residents.
The City adopted a balanced Fiscal Year 2026 budget totaling $348.7 million, including an $89.2 million General Fund. A critical consent agreement related to wastewater transmission operations was resolved with Miami-Dade County regulators, bringing seven facilities into compliance and removing barriers to future economic development.
Infrastructure and safety improvements advanced, including traffic signal upgrades and transportation planning aligned with smart growth and workforce mobility. A major digital transformation modernized permitting, inspections, licensing, payments, and internal communication systems.
Economic development efforts accelerated with the advancement of the $275 million Sports Performance Hub at Homestead Regional Park, a privately funded project that preserves the Homestead Rodeo, introduces professional soccer, and is expected to generate thousands of construction and permanent jobs.
Homestead was designated a Spaceport Territory, positioning the city as an emerging innovation center and already attracting new investment. Community programming expanded through city hosted summer camps, cultural events, Art in Public Spaces initiatives, and workforce development partnerships aimed at preparing the next generation.
Looking Ahead
The work is not finished. Priorities include completing technology upgrades, advancing accreditation, strengthening infrastructure, expanding workforce pipelines, and continuing to invest in public safety and quality of life.
The foundation is in place. The progress is visible. And for a city that has waited a long time for lasting reform, that matters.
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