Finally, these 3 Republicans, 2 Democrats, 2 Independents and 1 Socialist can all agree on one thing.
The best Senior Living in Weston.
They all chose The Palace, in the heart of Weston.
The five-star amenities of a posh resort, fine dining, and the attentive services of a well-trained staff – all at your fingertips. It’s also the only one rated “the best” by Fortune, Gallup and U.S. News & World Report, year after year.
Visit our beautiful community today for a personal tour.
Jared Blaut, John Brodie Denise Caligiuri, Adrienne Collins, Mariem Garcia, Silvia Silva
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Terry Jaillet, Jon Duka, Dr. John Goodner, DPM
Mayor Angelo Castillo, Patty Archer, Rose Sklar, Valentina Valderama
ADVERTISING INFO sales@ourcitymedia.com VISIT
In It Together Honoring Healthcare Heroes
October heralds the arrival of Breast Cancer Awareness Month: every year, the world witnesses unexpected bursts of pink. High school football players don pink socks in tribute to mothers’ and grandmothers’ cancer battles. Office workers wear pink ribbons signifying their support. The global movement for Breast Cancer Awareness has not only illuminated the challenges of breast cancer but also fueled immense strides in research funding.
The Our City Media family is no stranger to the horrors of breast cancer. Some of us have watched loved ones grapple with a diagnosis and eventually overcome it, while others have faced the pain of loss. Throughout these experiences, one constant remained: the relentless dedication of healthcare professionals. Their unwavering commitment to ensuring optimum health is truly commendable.
As highlighted by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, nearly 1 million Floridians have chosen careers in healthcare. This includes 83,000 doctors, 190,000 nurses, 66,000 EMTs and Paramedics, alongside hundreds of thousands in support roles.
This edition of Our City magazine celebrates some of these “Healthcare Heroes.” Discover the stories of individuals who continue to uplift our community.
A heartfelt thank you to all the healthcare workers from everyone here at Our City Media for guiding us towards a healthier and a brighter tomorrow.
Christy
& Terry Jaillet
OUR CITY MEDIA PUBLISHERS
Yul Lopez, APRN
Hector Fabregas, MD
Jose Luna, APRN
Yuliett Collazo, APRN
October 2024 Calendar
OCTOBER 3-5
Free Local Craft Show
Enjoy the Southern Handcraft Society Annual Craft Show- Holiday Fantasies. Everyone who passes through the doors of the Southern Handcraft Society Show marvels at the vast array of beautiful, unique items created by local club members, local artists, and crafters from Dade and Palm Beach counties. Fall items, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah are featured. The Show will be held at the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center, 301 NW 103 Ave. 9 am - 8 pm on Thur, 9 am - 5 pm Fri and 9 am - 2 pm Sat. For more info, call 954-434-0895
OCTOBER 5
Bow Wow Ween
Prepare yourselves for a Paw-sitively good time! Your furry friends won’t be spooked this Halloween with this event catered just for them. The City of Pembroke Pines invites you to join us at the 12th Annual Halloween Event for dogs. The event will feature costume contests for all size pups with different categories, games, prizes, and pet related vendors. Mister or Miss Bow Wow Ween 2024 will also be crowned on this special day. The bark-tacular event will take place at the K-9 Officer Craig Rupp Dog Park, 9751 Johnson Street from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm. For more info, call 954-392-2116.
OCTOBER 6
Hispanic Heritage Festival
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with your neighbors at the Charles F. Dodge City Center. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment with Lisset Morales, the Flanagan High School Jazz Band, & more! Enjoy a delicious Hispanic-themed food trucks and activities for the whole family. Noon till 7:00 pm. For more info, call 954-392-21160.
OCTOBER 12
Pursuit of Honor 5K
Put on your running shoes to support the Wounded Warrior Project & the Fort Lauderdale Sea Cadets. The Navy League of the United States- Fort Lauderdale Council presents the Pursuit of Honor, Courage & Commitment 5K Run/Walk on Hollywood Beach. The starter’s pistol will go off at 7:30 am at Charnow Park in Hollywood Beach. Scan the QR code for info or to sign up.
time to plant your tomato and vegetable gardens! We’ve got an extensive selection of heirloom, beefsteak, cherry and sauce tomatoes. Take home a sack of vine ripe tomatoes from our farmers market! OCT. 27- NOV. 5 Now is the time to plant color! Fall annuals and mixed containers are arriving by the truckload. Our staff will help you create colorful containers and choose bedding plants to dress up your home for the holidays. It’s the final weekend for hayrides! The official start of the growing season! HUGE selection of pepper plants - including Scorpion, Ghost and Carolina Reaper. An abundance of hit sauces and fiery foods will be in the Farmer’s Market. Plant your veggie garden now!
Get inspired with a beautiful assortment of herb, succulent, mixed flowers, foliage, fairy gardens and bonsai. Ready-made or do-it-yourself with advice from out staff & Tyler the Bonsai Guy! Fall Festival Open Daily 10AM–6PM. Children
OCTOBER 18
Haunted Halloween Figure Drawing
Get ready for a spooky drawing session! Explore your artistic skills by capturing the essence of Halloween and the human form while drawing a costumed model surrounded by spooky accessories. Registration is required and $15 per person. Fee is non-refundable. 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Studio 18 Art Complex. Scan the QR code to register.
OCTOBER 20
Savor the Sounds
Join us for another season of FREE concerts. The concert will be held on at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, located at 601 City Center Way. It features the sounds of Cachi y Saoco Nuevo with live art painting on the plaza. Savor the Sound is the perfect Sunday afternoon filled with music and Art for the entire family. Food Truck Cuisine and Adult beverages will be available for purchase. For more info, call 954-392-2116.
OCTOBER 24-26
Saint David’s Carnival
St. David Catholic Church welcomes everyone to the annual fall carnival. Patrons are invited to advertise and attend the 4-day event at 3900 S. University Drive in Davie. Rides, live entertainment, shopping, freshly prepared food, and more. Discount tickets are now on sale. For more info, call 954-475-8046 or visit www.saintdavid.org.
OCTOBER 31
Halloween Fall Festival
Memorial Hospital Miramar and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital are delighted to bring back the Fall Festival at Miramar. Memorial Hospital Miramar’s courtyard will transform into a spooky slew of family fun with dozens of activities, yummy snacks and trick-or-treating. From 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., bring the whole family for trick-or-treating, pumpkins, bounce houses and more. Don’t forget the costumes to make visiting the selfie booth even more fun for everyone. Kids can also explore their inner artists and spend some time creating spooky crafts. Scan the QR code for more info.
GCommuting to Doral & Miami International Airport
is as Easy as 1-2-3
75 Express Coach Offers Comfortable, Daily, Direct Service
etting from Western Broward County to the Doral area and MIA is a breeze with the new 75 Express Coach. Thousands of commuters already enjoy relaxing in the coach-style buses on their way to work in Downtown Miami. Great news! This popular service is expanding to serve commuters traveling to the Doral area and MIA. The 75 Express offers direct travel from the NEW Miramar Park & Ride and gets you to your destination quickly via the express lanes.
Fast, Comfortable, and Convenient
The 75 Express Coach is ideal for riders who own cars but prefer the convenience, comfort, and cost savings of commuting by coach. One-way fares are as low as $2.65! The coaches offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, charging stations, and comfortable seating. They travel in the express lanes for faster, more reliable travel times. Plus, parking at the Miramar Park & Ride is FREE!
Commuters can also rest assured knowing life’s little emergencies won’t disrupt their day thanks to the Guaranteed Ride Home program. This convenient program covers the cost of an Uber or Lyft if the Express Coach is unavailable and you must leave work early for an emergency or stay late for unexpected overtime.
A Better Way to Commute
This premium transit service is designed to get Western Broward County residents to their workplaces in Doral and MIA quickly, comfortably, and reliably. The coaches run in the morning to get you to work and in the evening to get you back home. The express lanes on I-75 are designed to reduce congestion and offer residents more commuting options. Instead of just driving to and from work every day, Express Coach riders can choose to relax, enjoy the ride, and save time traveling in the express lanes for the low express coach fare.
South Florida Express Coaches are funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), operated by Broward County Transit, and consistently receives rave reviews.
Try It FREE For a Week!
Scan the QR code below or visit ExpressCoach.org
The City of Pembroke Pines invites all to the 26th Annual Art & Music Fest in the Pines, being held at the Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way, on Saturday, November 2, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM and Sunday, November 3, from noon to 5:00 PM.
The city's iconic event, Artfest, has been rebranded to celebrate its 26th anniversary and the diversity in the local community. Art & Music Fest in the Pines is a two-day art and music celebration free to the public that will attract people from the local and surrounding communities.
Music lovers and art enthusiasts can expect an unforgettable weekend filled with live music, artists from all over the country, diverse cuisine courtesy of the Gourmet Truck Expo, hands-on art demonstrations, a student art competition, a kids’ art and game zone, and so much more.
Talented artists will be displaying and selling their work at this juried Art Show. Artist categories include crafts, drawing, painting, jewelry, mixed media, digital art,
fine handcrafts, photography, and wood. Get your Christmas shopping done early and find unique, handcrafted items for your loved ones.
Live music and entertainment on the plaza features an exciting lineup of performances: Art & Music Fest in the Pines is a two-day art and music celebration free to the public that will attract people from the local South Florida Area. The 26th Annual Art & Music Fest in the Pines features:
• Talented artists from all over the country
• Live interactive performances and diverse musical entertainment
• A variety of food trucks
• Family-friendly immersive activities
• Live hands-on art demonstrations
• A student art competition
• A kids’ art and game zone
• Workshops at The Frank Art Gallery Artists will be judged for Best in Show and Best in Category competition, with the opportunity to win upwards to $4,850 in cash prizes! Additionally, these winners are
automatically invited to participate in next year’s festival!
The Frank C. Ortis Art Gallery will be offering family-friendly artist-led workshops for kids throughout the weekend - join environmental artist Melanie Oliva on Saturday, and Mixed Media Artist Lifrancis Rojas on Sunday. Pre-registration at The Frank front desk is required before each workshop session.
Looking for a four-legged addition to your family? Nonprofit Pooches in Pines will be onsite on Saturday, November 2nd, from noon to 4:00 pm with dogs up for adoption.
▸ Interested in becoming a sponsor? Call 954-392-2122.
For general Art & Music Fest info or inquiries, email artfest@ppines.com. Scan the QR code to learn more.
DO YOU NEED FLOOD INSURANCE?
South Florida is widely recognized as one of the most vulnerable regions in the United States to the impacts of climate change. As the global climate continues to warm, South Florida faces a dual challenge: rising sea levels due to melting ice caps and an increasing population.
Climate change has led to the gradual melting of ice sheets and
By Ava Stewart, State Farm Insurance
glaciers, resulting in rising sea levels worldwide. With its low-lying coastal geography, South Florida is at higher risk of inundation during storm events and high tides.
The rapid population growth in South Florida has led to the expansion of infrastructure, including roads, buildings, and drainage systems. However, much of this infrastructure was not designed to
withstand climate change’s current and future flood risks. This urbanization, coupled with the creation of impervious surfaces, such as roads, parking lots, and buildings, prevents rainwater from being absorbed into the ground, increasing the volume of stormwater runoff.
Another consequence of rising sea levels is coastal erosion. As shorelines recede, the protective barrier provided by natural coastal features diminishes, leaving inland areas more exposed to storm surges and flooding.
As the impacts of climate change intensify, FEMA has changed the risk zone from moderate to high. Effective July 31st, over 88K residents in South Florida are now required to maintain flood insurance by their mortgage company. Ava Stewart’s team of professionals is available to discuss how climate change and population growth have affected the risk in your area. Call or email us to discuss your options.
Ava Stewart is State Farm® Insurance Agent serving Miramar, Pembroke Pines & surrounding communities. To learn more about Flood Insurance, or inquire about home, auto, renters or insurance or more, call 954-450-8355.
DCosmetic Dentist Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry Laura Gonzalez, DMD
r. Laura Gonzalez graduated from the esteemed Facultad de Odontología at the Universidad Autónoma de México and furthered her education at Nova Southeastern University’s School of Dental Medicine. With this solid foundation of training and experience, Dr. Gonzalez established her practice, focused on delivering excel lence in dentistry with a commitment to outstanding aesthetic results. To stay at the forefront of her profession, she has completed extensive post-gradu ate training at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and the renowned World Laser Institute.
When you step into Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry, you immediately notice this is different from your typical dental office. The calming, welcoming ambi ance puts you at ease, offering a spa-like atmosphere that sets it apart from traditional practices.
Dr. Gonzalez and her team are dedicated to provid ing state-of-the-art dental care, specializing in beauti ful and healthy smiles that meet the highest aesthetic standards and boost patients' confidence and trans form their lives. The practice offers a multidisciplinary approach, with specialists including an Endodontist, Oral Maxillofacial Surgeon, Orthodontist, Periodontist, and Cosmetic Dentist, ensuring that every patient receives the most advanced and comprehensive care for their dental needs.
“We are committed to investing in the latest technologies to keep our patients at the cutting edge of dental care,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “This includes intra-oral cameras for detailed images, digital X-rays, advanced lasers, and a TENSing Unit, which enhances neuromuscular care by determining the most comfort able jaw position through gentle muscle stimulation.”
At Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Gonzalez and her team deliver high-quality, modern dental solutions in an environment designed to make patients feel relaxed and pampered.
To learn more about Dr. Gonzalez, or to schedule an appointment at Best Smile Cosmetic Dentistry, visit www.bestsmile.us, scan the QR code, or call 954-248-2601.
DDr. Venessa Walker
Chiropractic Physician
Walker Chiropractic and Wellness Center
r. Venessa Walker, a dedicated chiropractor based in Miramar, is committed to improving the health and wellness of her patients through a holistic approach to chiropractic care. Whether her patients are struggling with back or neck pain or simply looking to enhance their overall well-being, Dr. Walker is known for identifying the underlying causes of discomfort rather than just addressing the symptoms.
By concentrating on spinal imbalances, she creates personalized wellness plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs, leading to significant and life-changing improvements in all areas of their lives. This approach instills a sense of optimism and confidence in her patients.
Born and raised in Mount Salem, St. James, Jamaica, Dr. Walker aspired to become a doctor from an early age. Her mother, a registered nurse, encour aged her to pursue a career in medicine. However, her path took a turn when she was introduced to chiropractic care during her studies at the University of South Florida. This introduction was not just a career choice but a personal revelation, a moment of inspira tion and hope that she now shares with her patients.
Initially set on becoming a sports physician, Dr. Walker’s perspective changed when she shadowed a practitioner who turned out to be a chiropractor. This pivotal moment inspired her to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and today, she runs her practice, providing much-needed relief to her patients.
With a focus on the “whole person,” Dr. Walker’s approach has earned her a reputation for helping patients achieve higher functioning and a better quality of life. Her compassionate care has not only made a positive impact on her patients but also on the Miramar community as a whole, demonstrating her commitment to the area she serves.
To learn more about Dr. Walker or to schedule an appointment at Weston Medical Health & Wellness, visit www.walkerchiropracticfl.com, scan the QR code, or call 954-639-7257.
CCarlos A. Torre, MD
Otolaryngologist & Sleep Specialist
Sleep, Snoring & Sinus Clinic of Florida
arlos A. Torre, MD, is an Otolaryngologist and Sleep Specialist serving Pembroke Pines and Plantation, Florida. He is dedicated to delivering integrated, innovative care, focusing on efficient, high-quality healthcare systems that improve his patients’ quality of life through advanced treatments and programs.
Dr. Torre earned his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine. During his studies, he participated in the Advanced Training in Clinical Research fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco, where he first developed an interest in sleep surgery. After completing his Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery residency at the University of Puerto Rico, he pursued a two-year fellowship at Stanford University in sleep surgery and sleep medicine.
Throughout his career, Dr. Torre has focused on addressing the root causes of sleep disorders, particularly those involving the airway. As Assistant Professor and Director of the Sleep Surgery Program at the University of Miami, he introduced personalized upper airway evaluations using Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) and hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS) for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), helping establish the university as a leader in comprehensive sleep care.
Developing programs that ensure seamless, high-quality patient care has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. He believes otolaryngology is a unique specialty that restores health and enhances quality of life. For those considering the field, he emphasizes the importance of embracing its interdisciplinary nature, which integrates various branches of healthcare for a holistic approach to treatment.
To learn more about Dr. Torre or to schedule an appointment at Sleep. Snoring & Sinus Clinic of Florida, visit www.sleepandsinus.com, scan the QR code, or call 954-998-4368.
ADr. Dayhana Pena Santiago
Family Medicine Physician Proper Health and Wellness Inc.
s a dedicated healthcare provider, Dr. Pena Santiago takes a holistic approach to care, addressing not only the physical needs of patients but also their emotional and psychological well-being. With a focus on comprehensive, patient-centered care, Dr. Pena Santiago is committed to fostering a welcoming environment where each individual feels heard, supported, and understood. In addition to providing top-quality medical care, she manages the operations of her practice and keeps up with the latest advancements in medicine.
"I chose a career in family medicine because it allows me to build lifelong relationships with my patients," says Dr. Pena Santiago. "I love engaging in meaningful conversations, understanding their concerns, and being constantly in their health journey." This emphasis on communication ensures that each patient feels heard and understood.
For Dr. Pena Santiago, the most rewarding part of the job is witnessing the positive transformations in patients' lives. "Seeing a patient regain their health, confidence, or quality of life because of the care we provide is incredibly fulfilling. It’s not just about treating an illness; it’s about helping people live their best lives."
However, the path to becoming a healthcare provider hasn’t always been easy. Early in her career, Dr. Pena Santiago struggled to balance professional dedication with personal well-being, sometimes leading to burnout. "I’ve since learned that taking care of myself is essential to being the best healthcare provider I can be. This understanding has made me more empathetic and effective in my role."
As for advice to patients, Dr. Pena Santiago emphasizes the importance of family medicine. "Family medicine is not just part of healthcare but the cornerstone. We have the privilege of knowing your overall health, from routine check-ups to more complex issues. We're here to help you prevent and manage illness through personalized care, and we collaborate closely with other specialties to ensure you receive comprehensive, coordinated care." This emphasis on family medicine should reassure potential patients of the comprehensive and coordinated care they will receive.
To learn more about Dr. Pena Santiago or to schedule an appointment at Proper Health & Wellness visit www.properhw.com, scan the QR code, or call 754-888-9088.
Dr. Kistama Naidu was born and raised in Guyana, a developing country with limited access to dental care and education. In his late teens, he underwent extensive corrective dental procedures due to inadequate care during his childhood. His experience with two dentists, Dr. Aaron, and Dr. Stevens, who led his oral rehabilitation, was transformative. Their dedication and compassion showed him how impactful quality dental care could be, inspiring Dr. Naidu to pursue a career in de to help others with their
As an orthodontist, Dr. Naidu specializes in diag nosing and treating dental and facial irregularities, enhancing his patients’ smiles and appearance. He and his team are deeply committed to providing the highest standards of care, always leading with empa thy and integrity to ensure patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their treatment.
“It’s a privilege to design, create, and witness the transformation toward a healthier, happier smile,” says Dr. Naidu. “The true reward comes from knowing that the work we do, together as a team, positively impacts our patients and will be a part of their lives forever.”
Running an orthodontic practice comes with its own challenges. “Time and team management are critical daily,” Dr. Naidu explains. “An orthodontic prac tice is like a NASCAR race—fast-paced, with every team member highly trained to ensure an exceptional patient experience.”
Dr. Naidu’s journey from Guyana to South Florida has given him an incredible perspective and the motivation to show his patients the same transforma tive care he received.
“The adage is true, follow your dreams and choose a profession that you truly love.”
To learn more about Dr. Naidu or to schedule an appointment at Naidu Orthodontics, visit www.NaiduOrtho.com, scan the QR code, or call 954-438-1965.
Pembroke Pines UPDATE
By Mayor Angelo Castillo
Dear Friends:
Sometimes there is confusion when it comes to millage, TRIM notices and a city’s budget which I hope to clear up for you today. You most likely have already received your 2024 Proposed Property Tax Notices from the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office. To give you a little background, on July 31, 2024, City Commission approved to advertise an aggregate millage rate of 5.9898 (or $5.99 on each $1,000 of taxable value) in the TRIM Notice. This rate is 0.0202 mills or 0.3% below the current millage rate. Taxpayers will therefore save $0.02 on each $1,000 of taxable value. Owners of private residential property can potentially save as much as $33.00. This will be the 9th consecutive year that the city’s tax rates have been reduced.
The aggregate millage rate of 5.9898 consists of 5.6690 mills for operating purposes and 0.3208 mills for debt service. These rates as well as those from all other taxing authorities are reflected in the TRIM Notice that you received from the Property Appraiser. The total proposed ad valorem tax rate for all taxing authorities is $18.92 per $1,000 of taxable value and Pembroke Pines is 31.7% or $5.99 of that amount.
You should have already reviewed your TRIM Notice carefully to ensure that you are receiving all the tax saving exemptions for which you are eligible. All exemptions are listed on the Broward County Property Appraiser website https://bcpa.net/homestead.asp. Please remember that the TRIM Notice is not a bill. The Broward County Revenue Collection Division will bill you in November. If you pay your taxes by the end of November, you will receive the maximum early payment discount of 4%.
The City of Pembroke Pines conducted the city’s first budget hearing on Wednesday September 4th at 6:00 PM, and the fire protection assessment hearing was held on Thursday September 12th at 5:15 PM. This was open to all residents for input and comments. The second and final budget hearing was held on Wednesday September 18th at 6:00 PM in the City Commission Chambers. I hope you got a change to attend these meetings or watch them on the city’s website at www.ppines.com or on the city’s YouTube channel under Pembroke Pines Media. At any time if you have questions about the city’s annual budget or issues related to our finances, residents can email budget@ppines.com. We always welcome your participation in this process and look forward to a very successful budget season.
I’d like to add a quick reminder that we are still in hurricane season. Please remember that it just takes one storm to make an impact. Let’s all be prepared. Please visit our Pembroke Pines Prepared Hurricane Resources at www.ppines.com/hurricane where there are videos, important information and resources at your fingertips.
We are diligently working on the city’s strategic plan from the suggestions we received at my townhall meetings held throughout the city a few months ago. We hope to hold more townhall meeting in the future to ensure the lines of communication are always open and share strategy results. We are always open to receive additional suggestions on any issues that concern you and will keep our city one of the best in the country.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 954-450-1020, or email me at acastillo@ppines.com.
Greetings From Your Chamber
By Patty Archer
As the voice of the business community in southwestern Broward County, the Weston FL Chamber of Commerce is deeply committed to fostering the well-being of our residents, businesses, and environment. We understand that Miami-Dade County is proposing to develop a waste-to-energy plant (incinerator) at the Opa-Locka Airport West site and this proposal has raised significant concerns among our members and the wider community.
After conducting a comprehensive survey of our membership, we found that 85% of our members oppose the incinerator’s construction. The concerns expressed by our members focus primarily on potential negative impacts on air quality, environmental sustainability, and the overall health and well-being of our community.
We acknowledge the importance of effective waste management and understand that alternative solutions may involve their own challenges, including potential cost implications for businesses. However, the overwhelming consensus among our members underscores the need for careful consideration of the environmental and health implications of any proposed
waste management solution. Consequently, the Chamber is opposed to the incinerator project as currently proposed.
The Chamber advocates for a thorough and transparent decision-making process that includes input from all stakeholders and carefully considers all potential impacts. We encourage the exploration of alternative waste management strategies that prioritize both environmental sustainability and economic viability.
We remain committed to working collaboratively with local government, businesses, and community members to ensure that decisions made are in the best interests of our cities and its residents. Now and in the future, the Chamber is dedicated to being a Convener of Leaders, a Catalyst for positive change, and a Champion for a strong business community. For more information and our calendar, visit www.westonflchamber.com.
Yours in Service,
Patty Archer
Chamber President
Protecting Our Community
As we move into October, the fight to protect our community from the proposed Waste-to-Energy incinerator continues. On September 17, 2024, the Miami-Dade County Commission heard from Miramar and our coalition of environmental groups, civil rights advocates, and city officials, standing up for the 250,000 residents who would be impacted by the Airport West site. As of this note, a fourth site, off Okeechobee Road, is also being explored, just 1.5 miles from Miramar, posing similar environmental risks to wildlife, air, water quality, and public health. We await the Miami-Dade Commission’s decision, urging them to prioritize both people and the environment for future generations.
Exciting Developments at City Center Plaza
In addition, we’re excited to share that new businesses are joining City Center Plaza, including Juici Patties, a popular Jamaican franchise offering authentic patties and cultural delicacies, opening on October 18. Additionally,
MIRAMAR UPDATE
By Mayor Wayne Messam
Francisca, a restaurant offering Latin American Traditions will soon be part of our community. These additions further establish Miramar as a hub of diversity and culinary excitement, and we look forward to welcoming them.
Stay Active, Stay Engaged
This month, take part in our Soca Step Caribbean Dance Class every second Friday and Yoga sessions every Saturday. These wellness initiatives help foster a healthy, active community that we are proud to support. Additionally, we’re calling on our young leaders to apply to the Youth Advisory Council to help shape Miramar’s future.
As part of the recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month which kicks off on September 15, 2024, the City is planning a host of activities including Latin Festivals and dances, art contests, and cultural events. One of the events is the Hispanic Business Awards 2024 with the event being held on October 11, where we will celebrate outstanding contributions to our vibrant business community. There is the State-of-the-City Address on October 17, where I will share important updates and the vision for Miramar’s future. These events
highlight our continued commitment to growth, inclusion, and success for all residents.
Get Ready to Vote!
Election season is upon us, and the General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. I encourage every eligible resident to check their voter registration status before the October 7, 2024 deadline. Voting is a powerful tool in shaping the future of our community, so make sure your voice is heard!
Building International Relationships
I’m also proud to share that Miramar has signed a Sister City Agreement with Belize to strengthen cultural and economic ties. It was an honor to welcome the Mayor of Belize and present him with the keys to our city, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership.
Together, we will continue to fight for what’s right, promote wellness, and build a city that we can all be proud of. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
