Miami Gardens Community News Dec 2012 - Jan 2013

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Community Newspapers Phone: 305-669-7355

DECEMBER 2012 - JANUARY 2013

INSIDE THIS

ISSUE ••••••••• 2ND ANNUAL HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS

••••••••• MICHAEL BAISDEN

•••••••••

CONNECTING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1958

Miami Gardens

All-star lineup of talent to perform at ‘Jazz in the Gardens’ in March iami Gardens’ 8th annual two-day Jazz in the Gardens music festival at Sun Life Stadium is proud to announce its first round of artists. Earth Wind & Fire, Charlie Wilson, New Edition, Najee, Mary Mary and Rachelle Ferrell will take the stage for the March 16 and 17.. The City of Miami Gardens is thrilled to announce UPTOWN Magazine as its presenting sponsor for the festival, a perfect partnership as this popular national brand is known for celebrating the luxury lifestyle of professional and influential urban consumers. Nationally syndicated radio personality Michael Baisden, known for his love of great entertainment, has joined the line up as the festival’s host. Tickets on sale now at www.jazzinthegardens.com, the Sun Life Stadium Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com and at Ticketmaster locations. Jazz in the Gardens success is attributed to the list of legends that grace the stage each year along with its incredible food, affordable tickets and Miami Gardens’ amazing March weather. For the past seven years, the festival has enjoyed unprecedented growth and has consistently delivered increases in attendance. More than 40,000 music lovers from the

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NEW EDITION

Caribbean, United States and all over Florida attended the 2012 festival. “This is the 8th year of Jazz in the Gardens and we’re hitting our stride. We want to make this the best entertainment experience anyone could ever attend in the U.S. It’s gonna be an all the way live weekend,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert.. “And with our first round of performers, I’m very thrilled with this show already and there are more acts to announce! Once the full lineup is revealed, this will be the best festival we’ve ever had.” The 2012 Jazz in EARTH WIND & FIRE

the Gardens featured performances from legendary artists including Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, KEM, Kenny G, Doug E Fresh, Kevin Eubanks, Ramsey Lewis and Nicole Henry.. Previous years have included celebrated artists such as Erykah Badu, John Legend, Robin Thicke, the late Teena Marie, Wyclef, Babyface, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Common, Anthony Hamilton, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, The Isley Brothers, EnVogue, Lalah Hathaway, Branford Marsalis and Roy Ayers.. For more information about the 8th Annual Jazz in the Gardens, please call the general hotline at (877) 640-5299 or visit www.jazzinthegardens.com. Like at www.facebook.com/jazzinthegardens, follow @jazzgardens and use the Twitter/Instagram hashtag #JIG8. Sponsorship requests should be directed to Roane Consulting Group at (804) 506-4020 or sponsorships@jazzinthegardens.com.

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December 2012/January 2013

December 2012/January 2013

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Michael Baisden, Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality, Signs on as Host of the 8th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival Miami Gardens’ 8th annual two-day Jazz in the Gardens music festival at Sun Life Stadium is proud to announce as the festival host, nationally syndicated radio personality, Michael Baisden. Michael Baisden is undeniably one of the most influential and engaging personalities in radio history. His meteoric rise to No. 1 is redefining radio with the numbers to back it up. The show is nationally syndicated and is heard in over 78 markets nationwide with over eight million loyal listeners daily. His career began when he took a leap of faith to leave his job driving trains in Chicago to self-publish his book and began touring the country selling books out of the trunk of his car. Baisden, who now has four best-selling books to his credit, has hosted two national television shows, and has recently produced three feature films. “I’m excited to be hosting the 8th Annual Jazz in the Gardens music Festival. I had the pleasure of hosting the 2011 festival and it was an awesome experience. Each year the event gets bigger and better,” stated Michael Baisden. “I’m looking forward to inviting my listeners from around the country and the world to join me for two days of food, fun, and incredible music. My goal is to make this the most successful Jazz in the Gardens festival ever!” Jazz in the Gardens success is attributed to the list of legends that grace the stage each year along with its incredible food, affordable tickets and Miami Gardens’ amazing March weather. For the past seven years, the festival has enjoyed unprecedented growth and has consistently delivered increases in attendance. Nearly 50,000 music lovers from the Caribbean, United States and all over Florida attended the 2012 festival. Tickets on sale now at www.jazzinthegardens.com, the Sun Life Stadium Box Office, www.ticketmaster.com and at Ticketmaster locations. “Baisden is of the premiere radio personalities in the U.S. and a connoisseur of good music and great entertainment. It’s always good to have someone with his reputation, credibility, popularity and love for a really good show on our team,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert. The 2012 “Jazz in the Gardens” featured performances from legendary artists including Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Patti LaBelle, KEM, Kenny G, Doug E Fresh, Kevin Eubanks, Ramsey Lewis and

Nicole Henry. Previous years have included celebrated artists such as Erykah Badu, John Legend, Robin Thicke, the late Teena Marie, Wyclef, Babyface, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Common, Anthony Hamilton, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Al Jarreau, Gladys Knight, The Isley Brothers, EnVogue, Lalah Hathaway, Branford Marsalis and Roy Ayers. For more information about the 8th Annual Jazz in the Gardens, please call the general hotline at (877) 640-5299 or visit www.jazzinthegardens.com. Like at facebook.com/jazzinthegardens, follow @jazzgardens and use the Twitter/Instagram hashtag #JIG8. Follow Michael Baisden @baisdenlive / #BaisdenLive and like at www.facebook.com/michaelbaisdenlive. Sponsorship requests should be directed to Roane Consulting Group at (804) 506-4020 or sponsorships@jazzinthegardens.com. Food and merchandise vendor requests should be sent to vendors@jazzinthegardens.com. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at (305) 576-3790. About City of Miami Gardens The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003 as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of approximately 110,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly AfricanAmerican municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean and Hispanic residents. The City hosted the 2010 FedEx Orange Bowl, the 2010 NFL Pro Bowl™ and Super Bowl XLIV™. This is the second time that the City has hosted the Super Bowl under Mayor Shirley Gibson’s Leadership. Recently the City of Miami Gardens dropped 5 places from 35th in crimes being committed in metropolitan areas to 40th in the nation according to CQ Press of Washington, D.C., who publishes the annual Crime in Metropolitan American report. The City attributes this achievement to its successful implementation of its own Police Department. To learn more about the City of Miami Gardens, go to www.miamigardens-fl.gov. About Michael Baisden Michael Baisden is a recognized best-selling author, nationally syndicated radio

Michael Baisden personality and TV talk show host. His high-octane energy and love for interacting with his listeners is just one reason for the popularity and success of his number one rated Michael Baisden Show, which is

broadcast to over seven million listeners in over 76 affiliate stations across the country. Baisden is known for spearheading the historic Jena Six March, The Michael Baisden Foundations 2010 One Million Mentors National Campaign to Save Our Kids where he spoke in over 72 cities signing up mentors and the recent Trayvon Martin awareness campaign. In March, Baisden along with Rev. Al Sharpton held a rally in Stanford, FL to protest the injustice over the lack of an arrest in the killing of Martin, a teenager who was just walking home from the store. Over 30,000 people attended the rally along with the teenager’s parents and other leaders. With nearly 2 million books in print, both hard and soft cover, his work blends the perfect combination of entertainment, humor and sexuality. Michael’s vibrant personality on and off the air has made him a people magnet He first began attracting attention with primarily female followers as an author and publisher of the highly successful best-selling books: “Men Cry in the Dark”, “The Maintenance Man,” “God’s Gift to Women” and a hot new book “Do Men Know What They Want.” Baisden has released the “Collectors Edition of Maintenance Man” followed by his sixth book “Maintenance Man II: Money, Politics & Sex...Everyone Has A Price” on e-book and hard cover.

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December 2012/January 2013

Lights on Afterschool Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration of afterschool programs designed to bring awareness about high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs for children, youth, families, in local communities. In recognition of the Lights On Afterschool, the City of Miami Gardens sponsored an event at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex on October 18th, 2012 to call attention to the importance of afterschool and summer programs in the City to increase awareness and support for all community based afterschool and summer mentoring and enrichment programs. Mayor Oliver Gilbert opened the celebration and stressed the need for the City Council and the community to continue to support such educational programs that will improve the lives of all students in the City of Miami Gardens and produce productive, responsible citizens. In addition the celebration included a performance from the Alliance for Musical Arts Youth Drum Line and The Miami Gardens School Crossing Guards presented the “Safety Town U.S.A.” display and provided children I.D. cards with their fingerprints. The Miami Gardens Police Community Enrichment Team made a presentation that emphasized the importance of stranger danger. The Shining Stars Afterschool Program participants performed skits and presentations for those in attendance. The City’s afterschool program is currently held at five different sites and has over 125 participants. The program is designed to not only provide a safe environment for the children but to deliver an educational and rewarding experience. There are certified teachers that provide homework assistance and educational guidance along with chess instruction

and recreational activity. The City provides transportation from the schools to the various sites at a nominal cost. If you are interested in receiving more information regarding the City’s Shining Stars Afterschool Program, please feel free to contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (305) 622-8080.

December 2012/January 2013

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December 2012/January 2013

Miami-Dade County Recognizes the City of Miami Gardens at the 2nd Annual Historic Preservation Awards The Miami-Dade County Historic Preservation Board, for the second consecutive year, has recognized individuals and organizations that have been strong advocates for historic preservation. Among the eight award recipients acknowledged at the Historic Preservation Board meeting, the City of Miami Gardens received the “Excellence in Municipal Historic Preservation Efforts Award.” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez was present for the occasion which was held on October 17, 2012, at Pinecrest Gardens. Newly elected Councilwoman Lillie Q. Odom and Daniel Rosemond, Assistant City Manager were present to accept the award for the City. Jay Marder, the City’s Development Services Director who lead staff in the City’s historic preservation efforts was unable to attend the presentation. Shortly after its founding in 2003, City staff discovered the City’s legacy of MidCentury Modernism (MiMo) architecture epitomized by the Sunshine State International Park Arch. The character of mid-century modern architecture that is

peculiar to South Florida is known as MiMo or Miami Modern(ism). Developer William Webb’s deep appreciation of Florida’s environmental beauty inspired his vision of the Sunshine State International Park as an attractive, environmentally friendly commerce park rather than a utilitarian metal warehouse district. A grant from the Department of State funded the documentation of all examples of MiMo architecture in the City. That information is available on the city’s web site under the Planning and Zoning Department. In 2005 Randall C. Robinson, co-author of MiMo, Miami Modern Revealed and coiner of the term, “MiMo,” lead the City Council on an educational tour of the industrial park and nearby MiMo houses. At that point the City gained a new appreciation of its historic heritage, adding to the new city’s identity. All during this time, then city staffer Lillie Q. Odom was compiling a series of scrapbooks to document the city’s history through newspaper articles. In 2007, then Councilman Melvin Bratton lead the effort to designate the old two-story farmhouse at the former Archdiocese property at the cor-

A recent Rose Garden ceremony held by the Miami Gardens Commission for Women at the beautiful Enrico Dairy Farmhouse site.

ner of NW 183rd Street and NW 12th Avenue. In August 2011, the Miami-Dade County Historic Preservation Board designated the Sunshine State Industrial Park Arch, the first structure in Miami Gardens to gain historic status. This effort was fully supported by the Mayor and City Council and was the first official action to start preserving the city’s heritage. The city has requested that the County’s Historic Preservation Office move forward with the preparation of a historic district nomination for the rest of the Sunshine State Industrial Park, which county staff believes to be the only MiMo style Industrial Park in the country. The County also designated the Enrico Farmhouse in 2012, which the City plans to rehabilitate into a local historical museum and community research facility. The City of Miami Gardens has embraced historic preservation as one tool for economic revitalization as well as a way to preserve our heritage. Historic preservation enhances the community’s identity, which is a crucial component to improving the quality of life for residents. There are also certain saleable financial benefits. For example, once the Sunshine Park is designated as a historic district, property owners will be eligible to apply for a property tax exemption. Specifically, the owner will be able to apply

The historic Arch of Industry at Sunshine State International Park.

for a ten (10) year property tax exemption for the value of a new improvement. This can be significant when the property is expanded or improved for a new tenant. More information about the City’s historic preservation program is available by contacting Jay Marder at 305-622-8025 or jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov.

December 2012/January 2013

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Residents and businesses: Help Keep Our City Clean and Green!

The City would like to encourage residents and business owners to keep our City beautiful by keeping our storm drainage system clean and debris free. The storm water drainage system in our city helps our communities in many ways. Storm drains are important and necessary in minimizing flooding in our streets and rights-of-way, treating and trapping pollution that is in stormwater runoff, which could hamper drainage and protect from pollutants. By paying attention to and keeping our storm drains free and clear of debris runoff ensures that our drinking water stays clean and keeps our cost to treat our water low. Below are some things you can do and avoid with our storm drain systems; to help us all keep our city clean and green. Do’s • Regularly inspect drainage inlets, parking lots and open areas. If you see litter or debris, clean it up before it gets in the drains • Inspect your local storm drains each May. If you see litter or the drain is clogged, call the number below to have our Public Works Department respond • Use a broom or rake and rake up and dispose of vegetation and yard clippings. Leaf

blowers blow this vegetation into our drains, which get clogged and stop working • Keep all chemicals away from storm drains and bodies of water • Keep your swales clean and green through regular mowing and maintenance • For businesses, store all chemicals indoors or under cover. Don’ts • Hose down driveways, paved areas or spills as a cleaning practice; sweep up debris and dispose in a trash can • Use leaf blowers to clean sidewalks and driveways. Vegetation will end up in the street, and when it rains, it will all end up in our drains • Place your grass and yard clippings over storm drains • Clean equipment next to or near storm drains • Park your cars on swales, or place gravel in swales! Compaction of swales leads to increased flooding in our neighborhoods. For more information on our storm drains, or to report clogged drains, contact the City’s Floodplain Management Program (Mike Gambino), at 305.622.8039 or Email: mgambino@miamigardensfl.gov.

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December 2012/January 2013

City of Miami Gardens Staff Directory

Name NAME Julie-Ann Smith Lavar Franklin Sonja K. Dickens Sonja K. Dickens Ronetta Taylor Ronetta Taylor Danny Crew Danny Crichton Crew Renee Daniel Rosemond Daniel Rosemond Vernita Nelson Vernita Nelson Tasha TsashaiCodner Codner Sharon Ragoonan Shellie Ransom Jackson Patti Varney Patti Varney Mike Gabino Mike Gabino Taren Kinglee TarenPetty Kinglee Kara Jay Marder John Rebar O. Ruiz JayTom Marder Pam Thompson Tom Ruiz Ula Zucker-Williams Pam Thompson Matthew Boyd Matthew Boyd Hilary Marshall Hilary Marshall Tashek Hamlette Tashek Hamlette Lillie Q. Odom David Motola David Motola

Department E-mail DEPARTMENT E-MAIL Asst. to Mayor jsmith@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant to Mayor lfranklin@miamigardens-fl.gov City Attorney sdickens@miamigardens-fl.gov City Attorney dickens@miamigardens-fl.gov City Clerk rtaylor@miamigardens-fl.gov City Clerk taylorr@miamigardens-fl.gov City Manager crewd@miamigardens-fl.gov City Manager crewd@miamigardens-fl.gov Deputy City Manager rcrichton@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant City Manager drosemond@miamigardens-fl.gov Asst. City Manager drosemond@miamigardens-fl.gov Asst. CityCity Manager vnelson@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant Manager vnelson@miamigardens-fl.gov KMGB Director codner@miamigardens-fl.gov KMGB Director codner@miamigardens0fl.gov Director. Building & Code sragoonan@miamigardens-fl.gov Director Building & Code ransom@miamigardens-fl.gov Finance Director pvarney@miamigardens-fl.gov Finance Director pvarney@miamiGardens-fl.gov Flood Plain Administrator mgabino@miamigardens-fl.gov Flood PlainResources/ Administrator mgabino@miamigardens-fl.gov Human Risk Director tkinglee@miamigardens-fl.gov Human Resources/Risk Director tkinglee@miamigardens-fl.gov Parks & Recreation Director kpetty@miamigardens-fl.gov Planning & Zoning Director jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov Parks & Recreation Director jrebar@miamigardens-fl.gov Public Works Director truiz@miamigardens-fl.gov Planning & Zoning Director jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov Procurement Manager pthompson@miamigarders-fl.gov Public Works Director truiz@maimigardens-fl.gov Events and Media Coordinator uzucker@miamigardens-fl.gov Procurement Manager pthompson@miamigardens-fl.gov Miami Gardens Police Chief Miami Gardens Police Chief Assistant to Council hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov Assistant to Council (Vice Mayor Campbell, Davis, D. Williams) Assistant to Council thamlette@miamigardens-fl.gov (Odom, D. Williams, Mayor Gilbert) hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov (Gilbert,toA.Council Williams, Robinson) Assistant Community Outreach Specialist (Ighodaro, Davis, A. Williams and Robinson) lodom@miamigardens-fl.gov thamlette@miamigardens-fl.gov Fleet Manager dmotols@miamigardens-fl.gov Fleet Manager dmotola@miamigardens-fl.gov

Main MAIN 305-622-8010 (305) 622-8010 305-622-8055 (305) 622-8055 305-622-8003 (305) 622-8003 305-622-8007 (305) 622-8007 305-622-8006 (305) 622-8005 305-622-8005 305-622-8008 (305) 622-8008 305-622-8009 (305) 622-8009 305-622-8018 (305) 622-8054 305-622-8000 Ext. 2780 (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2780 305-622-8039 (305) 622-8039 305-622-8030 (305) 622-8030 305-622-8080 305-622-8025 (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2528 305-622-8004 (305) 622-8025O. 305-622-8000 (305) 622-8004 Ext. 2490 305-622-8035 (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2490 305-474-1400 (305) 744-1400 Ext. 2793 305-622-8000 305-622-8000 (305) 622-8000 Ext. Ext. 2705 2793 305622.8000 (305) 622-8000ext Ext.2760 2705 (305) 622-8024 ext 1 (305) 622-8024 Ext. 1

City of Miami Gardens Mayor and Council’s Corner To contact your Council representatives, call 305-622-8010.

Mayor Oliver Gilbert III

Vice-Mayor Lisa C. Davis (Seat 2)

Councilwoman Lillie Q. Odom (Seat 1)

Councilman Rodney Harris (Seat 3)

Councilwoman Felicia S. Robinson (Seat 4)

Councilman Councilman David Williams, Jr. Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro (Seat 6) (Seat 5)

December 2012 - January 2013

COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM

Tahoe takes the Crown

When it was time to purchase new police cars for the city, the choice was no longer the obvious one. For decades the Ford Crown Victoria was crowned the best overall police car; it could do it all, it was the Earvin “Magic� Johnson to basketball. To all you young folk, “Magic� was an outstanding player for the Lakers when they coined the expression “three-peat,� a player that could play guard, forward, and center not just good but great winning three championships. Today Ford no longer makes the Crown Victoria; “Magic� has retired, so we needed to find a new franchise player to crown. Enter King Lebron “Tahoe� James, a recently introduced Police vehicle that is rugged, priced right, great resale value, and commanding presence in the “paint� (basketball expression, you are tough) for us on the streets. We didn’t set out to buy Tahoe’s. We had every manufacturer demo their vehicles for us; we looked at vehicles at other police departments. We basically looked at two things; owner-ship costs and will the vehicle do the job. Ownership costs, based upon 6 years 100,000 miles of service we project that it

will cost less to operate Tahoe’s than other models. When it came to attributes, the Tahoe was the only vehicle that could do everything we needed. The Charger is a great vehicle, but for marked police service the trunk is extremely small and limited prisoner space with a cage installed. The Caprice is narrow further complicated with a floor mounted shifter limiting laptop space. The new Ford Sedan has a great layout and a unique front wheel drive allowes it to pull right on hard acceleration. Pulling would be good for NASCAR especially if it was to the left, but for police cars it is a problem! Basically you could say we put every vehicle through a thorough assessment center. The franchise player, I mean vehicle was our selection to lead our franchise. We ordered 58 Tahoe’s and hope to have them in service by the end of the first quarter of 2013. You should see the reaction on people’s faces when we tell them our price considering what they go for new at a Dealership and they get better fuel economy than the Crown Victoria. I have already been asked to start a list now for people who want to buy them used when we are done.

“The Sharpest Fleet in Town� WE CAN HANDLE ALL OF YOUR NEEDS

(305)-235-8333 • www.onetwotree.com

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December 2012/January 2013

December 2012/January 2013

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2013 Nissan Altima evolves with innovative technology Grant Miller CAR CORNER Nissan’s mid-size Altima sedan has been redesigned for 2013 and the all-new fifth generation of the popular family sedan is really a honey of a car. The interior and exterior are completely new with the focus on more of an upscale look, while, at the same time, the government’s crash testing of the Altima resulted in a perfect five stars for overall safety and frontal and side protection. For 2013, Altima keeps the same basic dimensions as the previous generation, but new attention to aerodynamic design helps give the totally restyled body a more upscale appearance. More importantly, the new body features a new front tower strut brace similar to those found on sports cars, and additional rear structural support built into the rear parcel shelf to enhance structural rigidity and lateral handling response. At the same time, overall body weight has been reduced with aluminum hood and bumper reinforcements and greater use of high-tensile steel (more than half the steel in

the body is high-strength steel). The total vehicle weight has been reduced by about 80 pounds. This latest incarnation of the Altima has an amazing list of new components and changes that make it a much better automobile. For example, while it may look the same, the body is lighter, more rigid and cuts a cleaner path through the wind. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter, 182 hp inline four-cylinder engine that’s lighter, stronger, quicker and more fuel-efficient than the previous 2.5-liter engine design. The engine is mated to a next-generation Xtronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that introduces a new dimension of smooth operation and fuel efficiency. There’s also a new, refined rear multi-link suspension that resembles those found in European sports sedans and a hybrid power steering system that combines the feel of a traditional hydraulic box with the efficiency of modern electric control. On the inside, the front seats were designed for comfort with inspiration from outer space technology, and the intuitive 3Deffect information display is easy to view and the navigation system is never outdated and continuously tells you where to go. There’s also a music connection to Pandora to satisfy your every mood. Even the armrests are more padded than in most other cars.

2013 Nissan Altima has been totally restyled to give the body a more upscale appearance while retaining aerodynamic design. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Other new wrinkles include a tire pressure monitoring system that tells you when a tire is low and an advanced RearView Monitor camera that detects four views and available Blind Spot Warning (BSW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Moving Object Detection (MOD). Even the 2013 Altima’s color palette has been expanded, as Storm Blue joins Cayenne Red, Pearl White, Java Metallic, Brilliant

Silver, Saharan Stone, Metallic Slate and Super Black. Pricing on the new 2013 Nissan Altima starts at $21,290. Grant Miller is the publisher of Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or by addressing email to <Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com>.

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December 2012/January 2013

MIAMI GARDENS WINTER WONDERLAND When school is out this winter break, the City of Miami Gardens is the place to be. Children ages 5 to 12 can enjoy the City’s 2012 Winter Wonderland Camp. The camp activities will thrill and challenge youngsters with a variety of activities from fitness, movie day, and arts and crafts to recreational games and exciting field trips. This year the children will go to Lion Country Safari and Boomers. The camp will run from December 26, 2012 through January 4, 2013 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at two convenient locations; Miami Carol City Park Recreation Center, 18500 NW 32 Avenue and Scott Park, 17710 NW 15 Court. The camp fee is $65.00 for MiamiDade County residents and $75.00 for nonresidents. The fee includes a hot nutritional lunch and a healthy afternoon snack.

If you are interested in registering your child for the Winter Wonderland Camp, please visit the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 1515 N.W. 167 Street, Bldg. 6, Suite 300 from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. or the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex at 3000 N.W. 199 Street from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Registration will require a copy of this child’s/children’s birth certificate and parents picture identification. For more information, you can contact us at (305) 6228080. **A $5.00 non-refundable registration fee is applicable. Camp schedule is subject to change. No refunds or credits will be made due to absences.

December 2012/January 2013

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Miami Gardens Calendar of Events DECEMBER 2012 DECEMBER 11

DECEMBER 13

Miami Gardens Excellence in Education Council 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 6:00 p.m.

100 Women of Virtue/Council of the Elders Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 6:30pm-8:30pm * Councilman Ighodaro

DECEMBER 12 Special Master Hearing 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 9am – 3pm Junior Council 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 3:30pm-6pm City Council Meeting 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 7pm

DECEMBER 17 Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Police Department 1020 NW 163 Drive Miami Gardens, FL @ 7pm

DECEMBER 18 Caribbean Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 6pm

1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Conference Room @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day

DECEMBER 20 Nuisance Abatement Board 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 5pm CITY OFFICES CLOSED Parks & Rec. Advisory 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 City Hall Conference Room Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00pm

DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve

DECEMBER 26 Special Master Hearing Code Cases 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 9am – 3pm

DECEMBER 31

DECEMBER 19 Elderly Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Conference Room @ 3:00pm-4:30pm Commission for Women Meeting

CITY OFFICES CLOSED

New Year’s Eve

JANUARY 2013 JANUARY 1

JANUARY 8

JANUARY 15

JANUARY 21

New Year’s Day

Miami Gardens Excellence in Education Council 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 6:00 p.m.

Caribbean Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 6pm

MLK Day Celebration 3000 NW 199 Street Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex @ 12N

JANUARY 9

Elderly Affairs Advisory 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Conference Room @ 3:00pm-4:30pm

JANUARY 16

CITY OFFICES CLOSED

JANUARY 2 Zoning Meeting 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 7pm

Junior Council 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 3:30pm-6pm City Council Meeting 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 7pm

Commission for Women Meeting 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Conference Room @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

JANUARY 23 JANUARY 17

JANUARY 3 MLK ORATORICAL APPLICATION DEADLINE @ 4pm

JANUARY 10 100 Women of Virtue/ Council of the Elders Meeting 1515 NW 167th Street, Bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 6:30pm-8:30pm *Councilman Ighodaro

JANUARY 14 For more information, please visit www.miamigardensmlk.com

Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Police Department 1020 NW 163 Drive Miami Gardens, FL @ 7pm

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Nuisance Abatement Board 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 5pm Parks & Rec. Advisory 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 City Hall Conference Room Miami Gardens, FL @ 6:00pm

Special Master Hearing 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers @ 9am – 3pm Junior Council 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 3:30p-5:30p City Council Meeting 1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 7pm

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City Cuts Tax Rate for 2013 Miami Gardens’ property tax rate will drop in the coming year under a nearly $113 million budget approved by City Council in September. The tax decrease lowers the millage rate from 6.626 mills to 6.326 mills. A mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. The decrease amounts to a savings of approximately $21 a year for a house with a $70,000 taxable value. In the new fiscal year which began October 1st, officials expect to spend on items such as debt payments, road paving,

staff salaries and capital projects. Included in the new budget are 10 additional police officers partially funded by a federal grant and replacement vehicles for the City’s aging police fleet. Other projects include the paving of NW 25th Avenue adjacent to the County Service Center and the construction of a pedestrian bridge for school children across the 42nd Avenue canal at 175th Street. This project is funded by a $1 million grant from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Crime Rate Drops 33% Since Police Department Formed City’s Rate Lower than Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando Five years ago, Miami Gardens’ crime was out of control. As a result, the City Council approved switching from the Miami-Dade County Police to its own department. The new department began service on December 16, 2007. In the succeeding four years, the City’s overall Part I (serious) crime rate has fallen by 33%. The

reductions have been across the board, with the exception of homicide which ahs remained steady. Using Florida Department of Law Enforcement [FDLE] statistics for 2007 (the last year of County police) and 2011 (the end of the fourth year of City police), the table below shows the reductions by category:

In conjunction with the above information, the City also used FDLE data to compare the three-year average of crime rates for various other local cities. The findings confirmed that Miami Gardens now has a lower overall crime rate than Miami, Miami Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, North Miami, and even St. Petersburg and Orlando. While homicides and gang activity continue to be at the forefront of issues both locally and nationally, the City is currently

developing preventive and proactive strategies to combat violent crime, particularly as related to youthful offenders. The take over of police services by the City of Miami Gardens has been a significant and meaningful step in creating a City where residents can be safe and receive effective and efficient service. The number of officers has notably increased and service levels have been improved while at the same time, we have created an increased level of accountability to our residents.

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City of Miami Gardens Police Department Use these numbers to contact us

Operations Division Major Anthony Chapman . .305-474-1406 Broadcast Permits . . . . . . . .305-474-1406 School Crossing Guards Cheris Asberry . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1526 Investigations Division Major Alan Mandelbloom . .305-474-1407 Captain Rafael Suarez . . . . .305-474-1430 Captain Alfred Lewers . . . .305-474-1420 Crime Watch . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1407 Victim Advocate . . . . . . . . .305-474-1490

Support Services Division Major Steve . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1408 Captain Frank Trujillo . . . . .305-474-1516 Traffic Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1391 Off-Duty Employment . . . . 305-474-1412 False Alarm Questions . . . .877-665-2980 Red Camera Questions . . . .866-225-8875 Professional Compliance Unit Internal Affairs . . . . . . . . . .305-622-8059

Dial 911 for emergencies Non-Emergency Police Communications & Information (305) 474-MGPD (6473)

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Plenty of Bang for the Buck The Miami Gardens Police Department BY DR. DANNY O. CREW City Manager

During the recent budget adoption process, I was asked on several occasions about the cost of the City’s police department; especially as compared to when we were using the Miami-Dade police department prior to 2008. There has been a lot of hearsay concerning this, so I want to set the record straight. 1) According to the City’s official audit for FY 2007 (the last complete year we used the County police), the City paid the County $30,483,370 for police services. At that time, the County provided 144 sworn

officers working out of the local sub-station on NW 27th Avenue and provided specialized services from their Doral headquarters. 2) Today, according to the City’s adopted operating budget for FY 2013 (Oct. 1, 2012 – Sept. 30, 2013), our total net expenditures for the City’s police department are $29,265,866. This includes 211 sworn officer positions. So, after five years, the City has 67 more police officers than it did under the County, and the cost to our taxpayers is $1.2 million less, not to mention that our residents no longer have to go to Doral to pick up police reports or to recover impounded property.

New York’s Fitch Ratings Affirms the City’s A+ Credit Rating Fitch Ratings, a New York based municipal credit rating firm, announced in late September that after a re-review of Miami Garden’s latest financial numbers, it was re-affirming it’s 2010 “A” rating of the City’s City Hall financing and its “A+” rating of the City’s general finances. It also issued a “stable” outlook for the future. Fitch Ratings’ credit ratings provide a public opinion on the relative ability of an entity to meet its bonded financial commitments such as interest and repayment of

principal. Credit ratings are used by investors as indications of the likelihood of receiving the money owed to them in accordance with the terms of the City’s bond financing. Fitch rates cities on a sliding scale ranging from the lowest rating, a “D” to its highest rating, a “AAA.” Each of these ratings are further defined by a “-”or a “+”. Investment grade bonds have a rating of at least a “BBB.” The higher the rating, the lower the borrowing cost for the city.

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This Dog’s for You This is Little Wolfie, a young Australian Shepherd mixed breed. Little Wolfie is a sweet and beautiful dog that came from a house of about 30 dogs. She gets along well with other dogs, but tends to be shy initially when she meets people. Little Wolfie is lovely, gentle and submissive. We are sure that she will be a spectacular friend once she is adopted. If you think Little Wolfie might be the right dog for you, please contact Born Free Pet Shelter at 305-361-5507 or go to <www.bornfree.petfinder.com>.

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David Stern was wrong to fine San Antonio Spurs BY PRESTON MICHELSON

On Friday, Nov. 30, NBA Commissioner David Stern handed down a punitive $250,000 fine to the San Antonio Spurs for sending superstars Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili and Tony Parker home before a game at the American Airlines Arena. Stern believed the “Spurs did a disservice to the league and our fans.” The Spurs did indeed lose the game against the Heat, but in a nail-biting, five-point matchup. Before the game even took place, Stern promised that he would hand down “substantial sanctions” for Head Coach Gregg Popovich’s decision. Stern would not have been as livid if this game had not been a nationally televised matchup. The commissioner valued his relationship with the money-producing television executives more than he did with the head coaches throughout the league, matching his track record. David Stern indeed has an obligation to oversee the happiness of some of the largest revenue producers that the league interacts with. He, after all, does manage the monetary well being of the NBA. However, disciplining a head coach for his personnel decision making sets a dangerous precedent. What if Popovich believed that his team had a better chance to win with his bench players than with his fatigued starters? If so, his decision would have been a purely basketball-related one. Head coaches should not have to factor in opposing team’s fans and television deals when making their personnel decisions. Where does Stern’s control end? If Popovich had not sent some of his players home before the game, but merely sat them on the bench, does Stern still get upset? I do not believe that he does. Therefore, Stern is punishing the way in which Popovich controlled his team, not the action itself. Both sides of the argument are logical,

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CORNER and reasonable minds can disagree. Because of the Heat’s dynamic pricing system, tickets to the Spurs game were the most expensive that they can reach. The purchase of a ticket entitles the buyer to the possibility of a competitive basketball game and, if applicable, the stars of the visiting team, barring injury. Heat fans received a competitive basketball game and a win to boot. However, they did not get a chance to see the Spurs’ stars on the team’s only visit to South Florida during the regular season. The real issue in this dilemma does not lie within the Heat fans or the television deals, or the Spurs decision making. The NBA scheduling necessitates a major overhaul. The Spurs game against the Heat was the second half of back-to-back games, and it was their fifth game in seven days – all of them away games. The Heat had played three games in nine days, and it had been five days since their last contest. If Stern values his precious television deal so much, why not construct the schedule in a way that would show off these high-caliber teams when they are at their best? Gregg Popovich is exactly the type of “don’t-care” coach who has the audacity to do something like this. If Popovich knows one thing, it is how to manage his team effectively. After all, the Spurs have not had a losing month in 13 years. It’s hard to tell a team that has that kind of history that they are “doing a disservice to the league and our fans.” I think they have earned a little more credit than that. Preston Michelson is a senior at Palmer Trinity School where he is the public address announcer for all varsity sporting events. Contact him on Twitter at @PrestonMich or by email at <michelsonpr@gmail.com>.

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