Miami-Dade County kicked-off the summer by banning Styrofoam containers on our beaches and public lands. I am proud to have sponsored this ordinance as Styrofoam not only pollutes our water and land, but also breaks down into small pieces - causing fish, birds and other species to mistake it for food and causing devastating impact to our ecosystems. I am pleased to see our community take this step in the right direction for our planet and will continue to advocate for other eco-friendly policies for our water and lands as your County Commissioner.

Thirty-six of Miami-Dade's finest were sworn in on August 3 to serve our community as guardians of the peace. They are a mature, skilled and well-trained cadre who we welcome after they have received their award-winning Public Safety Training Institute preparation and passed their state exams. Thankfully 11 are headed to Hammocks District, 10 to South District and 4 to Kendall. We welcome you!

We met with an amazing group of young leaders from Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida Troop #713. They took action, went door to door, and distributed flyers alerting their Kendall Wood Estates neighborhood about the water project to replace contaminated wells. I am proud to have assisted in their efforts by convening the community and securing the funds to advance this vital water safety project. Thank you Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department employees for all of your hard work, professionalism and great customer service!

Ron (A1892909) is a friendly and very handsome five-year-old Chihuahua mix. He was found as a stray by an Animal Welfare Officer on August 2, 2017 and brought to the Miami-Dade Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center. The way to Ron’s heart is with yummy treats and squeaky toys. He will be looking to find his forever family at the Clear the Shelters pet adoption event on Saturday, August 19. Ron’s adoption is completely free which includes neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations and a license tag! If you’re interested in making Ron the newest furry addition to your home, visit the Pet Adoption and Protection Center at 3599 NW 79 Avenue in Doral or email [email protected] .

Last summer, Cassandra was such an exceptional intern for District 8 that I highly recommended her for the Jackson Miracle Summer Student Internship Program. This summer, Cassandra was matched with the Jackson South Medical Center Human Resources and Capital Management department where interns are paid $10 per hour for a 40-hour work week. She has assisted the team with data entry, communicating with employees, arranging hospital orientation events, note-taking during union meetings, and proposing a nurse retention program that will improve employee satisfaction by having more accessibility to administration. Cassandra said, “I am learning how to think strategically and dynamically, communicate better, and help develop a stronger system for an essential community institution like Jackson. I am very grateful for the nomination I received as this experience is helping to expand my career development.” Best wishes Cassandra as you return for your sophomore year at Davidson College!