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Mayor Angelo Castillo, Patty Archer, Rose Sklar, Valentina Valderama
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It is more important than ever to be thankful this Thanksgiving season. The contentious election has bombarded each of us with messages about how dire the state of the country is, how things are going downhill, and how others are making things so much worse.
Understanding how good we have it requires a bit of perspective. Social media algorithms combined with the political environment can make our present-day problems seem insurmountable. The reality is we are living such fantastic lives that our great-grandparents wouldn’t be able to imagine them.
It is easy to be pessimistic. There are bloody wars in Europe and the Middle East, major storms have hit Florida and the Southeast, and, many live in despair. These challenges may be with us for some time but will be overcome. We have already come so far, so fast.
100 years ago, the life expectancy at birth was about 60 years; today it is 77. Antibiotics did not exist. There was about one vehicle on the road per 100 people. Two in three homes lacked electricity; six out of seven had no bathtub. A typical person completed about eight years of school; segregation was rampant across the southern U.S., and the most common job in America was a farm worker. And, this was during the “Roaring Twenties,” a period of relative excess. Things we take for granted today, like air conditioning, the internet, air travel, television, and higher education simply didn’t exist.
Taking stock of all we have today makes us incredibly thankful. We live in comfort in a beautiful community carved out of a swamp. Our children are relatively safe to pursue their passions. There are numerous educational opportunities for almost everyone. Each of us carries access to all the world’s knowledge in our pocket. Our community is an incredible melting pot of cultures. The necessities of life are almost universally provided for.
We are thankful for all we have. .
November 2024 Calendar
NOVEMBER 4
Coffee & Create
Create your own Autumn Centerpiece while enjoying unlimited cups of tasty coffee! Make new friends while you delve into your creative side at Pembroke Pines’ Studio 18 Art Complex. $10 per student. 10:00 am - Noon at Studio 18, 1101 Poinciana Drive. For more info or to register, call 954-961-6067.
NOVEMBER 10
Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival
The Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival merges food, music, and entertainment for the ultimate Caribbean cultural event. Festival features include an extensive Food Court offering a variety of jerk cuisine and other dishes, the Publix Culinary Pavilion which features top chefs and celebrities in competition, the Western Union Cultural Stage, an Arts and Crafts village as well as a sizzling Party Zone. Main Stage entertainment will feature Jamaican classic reggae music all night. Event is hosted at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater from 1:0010:00 pm. Get details at www.jerkfestival.com.
NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Day
On Veterans Day, we honor and remember every man and woman who has served in the United States Armed Forces to serve and protect our nation, defend the Constitution, and the freedoms that we enjoy as Americans. Originally observed as Armistice Day, commemorates the end of World War I when fighting ceased on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The holiday evolved to be a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good of our nation.
NOVEMBER 16
Flea Market
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Find the perfect item for your home! Saint John XXIII Catholic Church will host its annual Flea Market at 16800 Miramar Parkway. The public is welcome from 7:30 am - 2:00 pm. For more info or to reserve a space, call 954-392-5062.
NOVEMBER 22
Film Screenings
Enjoy a free screening of student films by the FAU’s Digital Storytelling class on Friday, November 22 from 6:00 -10:00 PM at the Studio 18 Art Complex. Join us for an opportunity to hear commentary from the filmmakers. No RSVP is required. Hosted at Studio 18, 1101 Poinciana Drive.
NOVEMBER 19
Savior the Sound
Food + Music = Fun at The Charles F. Dodge City Center. Enjoy live music by Stella Fusion and live painting by Kailia “Key” Gumbs. Food trucks, live music, live art, and games. Please bring blankets or chairs. Different genres of music every month. 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Hosted at The Charles F. Dodge City Center, 601 City Center Way. For more info, visit www.ppines.com.
NOVEMBER 28
Thanksgiving Day
Happy Thanksgiving! We hope you gather with family and loved ones to celebrate each other and give thanks for all that we have. In the words of John F. Kennedy, “Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them
Miramar Fights to Block Incinerator!
On September 17, 2024, City of Miramar officials took a firm stand against the proposed incinerator near the west borders of Miramar during a Miami-Dade County Commission meeting. With serious concerns about the impact on air and water quality for over 250,000 South Broward residents and the natural Everglades, Mayor Wayne M. Messam, along with Commissioners Maxwell B. Chambers and Yvette Colbourne, voiced the city’s opposition at the Miami-Dade chamber meeting. Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis and Commissioner Winston F. Barnes have also consistently expressed strong opposition to the incinerator.
While officials made their case inside the Miami-Dade chamber, scores of residents protested outside, holding signs with the message “Not in Our Backyard.” The overwhelming opposition led the MiamiDade Commission to postpone the vote until November 6, 2024, allowing more time for further mobilization and discussion.
To keep residents engaged, Mayor Messam hosted a town hall on September 25, 2024, with over 600 people participating in person and online. He provided updates on the incinerator proposal and urged the community to remain involved.
Miramar officials continue to encourage residents to join the fight by attending the upcoming vote, either in person or online, to protect the city’s health and environmental safety.
Sign up to attend the upcoming Miami-Dade County Commission meeting with the City on November 6, 2024, when they will cast the vote:
MIRAMAR’S VETERANS HONORING SERVICE AND SACRIFICE
In the heart of Miramar, there are unsung heroes living among us, individuals who have selflessly served our nation in the United States Armed Forces. As the nation observes Veterans Day this November, we turn our spotlight to the brave veterans of Miramar, who have dedicated their lives to preserving our freedom and security. Their service and sacrifices deserve recognition, and their stories inspire us all.
Faces of Courage
Meet George Benson a retired Marine Colonel, and Miramar resident, who served two tours in Iraq. His journey from a young recruit to a seasoned Officer is a testament to resilience and determination. "I joined while I was in College because I wanted to make a difference," Benson says. "It was challenging, but I'm proud to have served."
A Community's Gratitude
Miramar is a city that takes pride in supporting its veterans. Throughout the year, local organizations and community members come together to show their appreciation. The annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Miramar Civic Center brings the community together to honor these heroes. There's a special sense of unity as residents applaud and thank their veterans for their dedication and bravery.
Ways to Give Back
Miramar residents looking to express
their gratitude have several opportunities to get involved. Local organizations often host fundraisers and events to support veterans and their families. Donations, volunteer work, and acts of kindness go a long way in making veterans feel appreciated.
Looking Ahead
This November, as we celebrate Veterans Day, let us remember that honoring our veterans goes beyond a single day of recognition. The heroes of Miramar deserve our respect, gratitude, and support year-round. Whether through community events or simple acts of kindness, let's ensure that our veterans know their sacrifices are cherished and their service is not forgotten.
The stories of Miramar's veterans are a testament to courage, sacrifice, and dedication. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the profound impact one person can make on a community.
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
MIRAMAR CELEBRATES BLACK BRITISH HERITAGE
October is Black History Month in the United Kingdom. During this time, citizens of the British Commonwealth celebrate the contributions of Black British people have made all around the world. Miramar Vice Mayor, Alexandra P. Davis hosted an event to celebrate Black British Heritage and recognize Black British contributors to our community.
The Black British Heritage Celebration included, dinner, entertainment, and awards at the Miramar Cultural Center on October 19th. The
event featured Art and Entertainment awardee Julian Marley, musician Joseph Tapper, and performances by Barry Biggs and Collette Small while being MC’d by Norman Hemming.
This event showcased the rich British culture right here in Miramar and the South Florida region! A City of Miramar Proclamation declaring October as Black British History Month read.
The red carpet was rolled out for all attendees as the celebration extended into the night.
MIRAMAR UPDATE
By Mayor Wayne Messam
The Miami-Dade County Commission will convene a meeting on November 6, 2024, to vote on the site of the proposed Waste-to-Energy facility. The vote was postponed to this date to allow more time for the Board of Commissioners to gather critical information about the site proposed by Mayor Levine Cava, located at the Airport West site. The City of Miramar, alongside environmental advocates and conservationists, is strongly against that as this location is too close to the Everglades and the C-9 Canal, raising significant environmental and human health concerns.
Another consideration the Miami-Dade County Commission will weigh is whether the City of Doral can secure the $400 million required to relocate the existing facility from their city. Miramar, along with its coalition of City officials within Broward County and its residents, will be present at the November 6, 2024, meeting in Doral to voice opposition.
Community Meetings & Celebrations
Logistics Meeting: On October 23, 2024, we will hold a logistics meeting at Sunset Lakes Community Center to discuss key city updates with residents about attending the Miami Dade
County Commission meeting in November. This is a chance for residents to get involved and be part of the process of mobilizing everyone to sign up, engage, and get involved.
Hispanic Heritage Month: We continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month until October 16, with cultural events, awards, and community activities. Don’t miss the Hispanic Business Awards on October 15, honoring exceptional contributions to our local business community.
Hurricane Season & Safety and FEMA
As we are still in the Hurricane Season, staying prepared and informed is vital. Miramar remains vigilant in ensuring the safety of all residents during this unpredictable time. Be sure to stay connected with local updates and have your storm kits ready.
FEMA has recently updated its floodplain maps, expanding the areas designated as flood zones in Miramar. As a result, many residents may now be required to purchase flood insurance for the first time. This decision rests solely with FEMA and is part of their ongoing efforts to ensure properties are properly insured against the risk of flooding. The City of Miramar is working to keep residents informed, but the requirements are set and enforced by FEMA directly. Affected homeowners need to stay informed and review their insurance options accordingly.
By Patty Archer ■ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
State of the City Address
Join us for the State of the City Address on October 30, 2024, at Fanatics Inc., where I’ll provide important updates on Miramar’s progress and our vision for the future. This is a great opportunity for residents to learn about ongoing projects and new developments that continue to move Miramar forward. Please register at http://miramarsotc2024.eventbrite.com/
EDFed New Facility in Miramar
Miramar is proud to welcome EDFed, a new financial institution that has opened its doors in our city. This state-of-the-art facility will offer innovative banking services and support our local businesses, further strengthening Miramar’s economic development. The opening of EDFed is a testament to the continued growth and vibrancy of our city, as we attract top-tier organizations to serve our residents. Get Ready to Vote!
The General Election is scheduled for November 5, 2024. Make sure to check your voter registration status before the October 7 deadline to ensure you can participate. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape the future of our community and our country.
Together, we will continue to advocate 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.
Greetings From Your Chamber President!
As November rolls in, we enter an exciting time of year—the start of the Small Business Season. While many of us are gearing up for the holidays, it’s important to remember the impact our shopping habits have on the local economy. Small Business Season runs from now through the end of the year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to support the businesses that make our community unique.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Miramar and Pembroke Pines. They provide more than just goods and services—they create jobs, offer personalized customer experiences, and are often the sponsors behind our local sports teams, schools, and community events. When you shop local, a significant portion of the money stays in the
community, helping fund public services, infrastructure, and economic growth.
This season, whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts, dining out, or hiring services, remember the importance of shopping small. Every dollar spent locally helps ensure that these businesses, many of which are family-owned and have been here for years, continue to thrive. Small businesses have shown resilience through recent challenges, and now more than ever, they need our support.
Let’s make this holiday season one to remember by shopping locally and investing in our community’s future. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant local economy—one that benefits us all.
So, as you start your holiday shopping, make it a priority to support the small busi nesses that are the heart of our community.
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 event calendar, visit miramarpembrokepines.org.
