JULY 2009
$3.1 million award buys park land BY LEE STEPHENS
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he City of Doral has been awarded a $3,613,420 Grant from the Florida Community Trust’s “Florida Forever Program” as a reimbursement for the purchase of 15 acres of land in the northern part of the city. The area will be converted to a unique parkland site to include a nature trail, lake and wetland areas, fishing platform, picnic shelters, open play field, playground and a recreation center. The park will be 25 acres in total. “We are very honored by the State of Florida Community Trust for understanding and supporting our vision for this very unique park in our city, a park that residents will enjoy and for generations to come,” stated Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez. Ninety other applicants from local governments and non-profit environmental organizations submitted
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PARK LAND, page 6
DORAL DEALS
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City votes to end mitigation payments
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esidents of the City of Doral made their voices heard by voting “YES” on the issue to eliminate mitigation payments to Miami-Dade County, a requirement found in the city’s charter. The vote called for an amendment to the city’s charter to modify the formula for mitigation due to the county for the fiscal years 2006-2007 through 2009-2010 resulting in a reduction in the required payments and to eliminate mitigation payments due to the county after payment for fiscal year 2009-2010. As a result, the City of Doral will
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MITIGATION, page 4
MDC Campus Prexy appointed to Chamber BY LEE STEPHENS
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Pictured are (l-r) Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez, Mayor Eugene P. Flinn of Palmetto Bay and Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi celebrating at MDC Elections Department after hearing defeat of mitigation.
Mayor Bermudez meets President Uribe Free Trade Urged
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t the 77th annual United States Conference of Mayors’ meeting held in Providence, RI, Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez and a select group of mayors held a private meeting with the President of Colombia, Alvaro Uribe Velez, regarding the United States-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, also referred to as the Colombia FTA. “I feel it was a great meeting with very positive results," said Mayor Bermudez. "We were able to discuss the issues surrounding the proposed free
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe greeted by Mayor of Doral Juan Carlos Bermudez at Mayor’s Session. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See
TRADE, page 6
r. José A. Vicente, president of Miami Dade College North Campus has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Vicente has served MDC in various capacities since 1973, including as founding President of the InterAmerican Campus. He holds a doctorate in higher education administration from Nova Southeastern University and he has engaged in post-doctoral studies at H a r v a r d University. Dr. JOSÉ A. VICENTE “This is truly a great honor and highlights Miami Dade College’s important role in our region’s economy,” said Dr. Vicente. “It’s a great opportunity to be part of a major organization spearheading our region’s economic growth during challenging times.” Since inception in 1907 as the Miami Board of Trade, the Chamber has been recognized and respected for its impressive stature in the community. It is an activist chamber that seeks solutions to the problems that vex businesses and creates solutions when answers cannot be found. It is dedicated to building the best environment for business in the Americas.