This week I was delighted to award dozens of 'mom and pop' grants to South Dade small businesses struggling due to coronavirus, so they can move forward through this crisis and continue to build and grow.

Small business is truly the backbone of our county – behind each small business is a family and community, and that's why it's critical we provide support however possible so they can not only survive but thrive. Learn more.

Sadly this week brought yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for action to protect Biscayne Bay, as Miami Waterkeeper shared images of a fish kill in Morningside Park.

We know our Bay is at a tipping point – yet Mayor Gimenez continues to turn a blind eye to this crisis.

For years, I alongside many committed advocates have pressed for the county to aggressively step up our efforts to safeguard the Bay's health. With decades of data we understand the major causes of the Bay's decline – yet solutions are infuriatingly slow to come. It's long past time to act to save our clean water. The health of our entire community is at stake.

I'm also proud to announce that we are bringing an award-winning new mental health program for young people, Ending the Silence, to Miami-Dade in partnership with NAMI Miami and the Health Foundation of South Florida. We must prioritize mental health alongside physical health in the midst of the pandemic, and this program will make free virtual mental health resources available (in English and Spanish) to parents and nonprofits.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to our office with any questions at 305-378-6677 or [email protected].

Yours in community,