Message from Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis, District 6

It is an honor to serve as your Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 6. Since taking office, I have drawn on nearly two decades of experience in public service, working within County government to solve problems, improve safety, and deliver results that residents can see and feel in their daily lives.

I began my career with Miami-Dade County in 2006 and have had the privilege of serving under several commissioners, gaining firsthand knowledge of how to navigate complex systems and turn good ideas into real action. My years with the Office of Community Advocacy, where I led the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board and the Dr. Antonio Jorge Social and Economic Development Council, taught me that strong leadership begins with listening, collaboration, and genuine care for the people we serve.

From the beginning, I made it a priority to make County government more visible, more responsive, and closer to the people. Over the past few months, our office has hosted nine Town Halls, one in every unincorporated neighborhood we represent, and held regular Mobile Office Hours in Miami Springs, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Flagami, and Grapeland Heights. These direct conversations with residents allow us to act quickly on local concerns such as street repairs, traffic safety, and public cleanliness. No resident should have to fight through layers of bureaucracy to be heard or to get results.

Through programs like Knocking with Natalie, we have met seniors and residents with mobility challenges where they are, delivering help directly to their doors. We also launched a Text Message Help Line at (305) 267-6377 so that residents can reach our office easily. No waiting, no call transfers, and no red tape. These are practical and efficient ways to make government faster, friendlier, and more effective.

We have worked closely with law enforcement to strengthen public safety across District 6. Partnering with Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, we have supported targeted patrols in high priority areas and coordinated with local police to improve visibility and community trust. I also advanced measures to improve emergency response times, ensuring that when help is needed, it arrives faster. These actions reflect a clear priority to keep our neighborhoods safe, clean, and well cared for.

Our focus on families and small businesses remains strong. Through the Mom and Pop Grant Program, we have helped dozens of local entrepreneurs grow and hire within our community. The Expectant Mother Parking Voucher Program removes state fees for temporary parking permits, offering meaningful relief for mothers to be. We have also supported the Home Beautification Program, which provides up to $7,500 for exterior improvements that raise property values and strengthen neighborhood pride. Through Summer Camps and Swimming Lessons, we are helping children stay active and safe while giving parents peace of mind.

This month, in partnership with Jackson Health System, we launched Project Pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The program offers free mammogram screenings for women across the district, a small but life saving step that promotes preventive care and early detection.

I have also introduced legislation to make everyday life easier and safer. I urged the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration to bring the Families on the Fly program to Miami International Airport to make travel less stressful for parents and children. I sponsored measures to protect the character of Schenley Park, one of our community’s most cherished neighborhoods, and I have stood firm in protecting the essential public services that residents depend on.

Every effort I take as your Commissioner is guided by a single goal: to keep our community safe, strong, and moving forward. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and to continue building a Miami-Dade County that works for the people, not from behind a desk, but side by side in every neighborhood we call home.

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Military Affairs Board unveils

Wall of Heroes monument

On October 21, Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, Vice Chairman Kionne McGhee, and other elected officials attended the soft opening of the Wall of Heroes Monument in the atrium of the Stephen P. Clark Center. Soldiers from US Army Recruiting Company Miami were also in attendance as well as the general public. The Wall of Heroes Monument is slated for final completion and unveiling in 2026 and will honor Miami-Dade County residents who were killed in action.

Resources for Veterans

Veterans Day is November 11. According to the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, there are approximately 1,379,000 veterans in Florida. Florida has the second largest veteran population in the nation, after Texas. Military installations in Miami-Dade County include U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the Homestead Air Reserve Base, and the U.S. Coast Guard District Southeast Headquarters in Miami.

Check out these websites for more information and resources available to local veterans:

VA Miami Health Care 

Miami Vet Center 

Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs 

South Dade Women Veterans Alliance

Miami-Dade Military Museum 

Domestic Violence Oversight Board

hosts film screening 

In observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight Board (DVOB) recently hosted two film screenings of “The Last Drop,” a sci-fi film highlighting the subtle signs of relationship abuse that often escalate to domestic violence. The film screenings were held on October 8 at the FIU Biscayne Bay Campus and October 9 at the University of Miami Bill Cosford Cinema, part of a month-long initiative by the DVOB to raise awareness about domestic and intimate partner violence. The film was followed by a panel discussion with local experts, the film director, and survivors. Information about local resources and support was available to the public.

Hispanic Heritage Month Roundup

The Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) participated in more than 20 events and received 14 proclamations across Miami-Dade County, including recognition from the Florida Senate and a U.S. Congressional Record entry.

Highlights include Commissioner Eileen Higgins’ Puerto Rican Heritage Day at the Marlins game, Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez’s 20th Annual International Mall Hispanic Heritage Celebration, Commissioner Marleine Bastien’s “Health Is Wealth” Hispanic Heritage Month Dance, Sen. René García’s “How to Do Business with the County” procurement outreach event, Chairman Anthony Rodriguez’s "Mi Libro Hispano" Hispanic Heritage Book Fair & Cultural Exhibit, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, and Commissioner Micky Steinberg’s Sunny Isles proclamation presentation.

HAAB also joined Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Consul General of Spain in Miami Belén Alfaro to celebrate Spain’s National Day during a reception at the consul’s residence and closed the month with the Mayor at the “Latinos Mean Business” event.

Save the date: Next year’s kickoff ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m., Sept. 15, at the Stephen P. Clark Center and will feature a tribute to Central America and Peru. 

Commission for Women monthly meeting

On October 22, the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW) held its monthly meeting in Ronselli Park at the Jorge Mas Canosa Youth Center in the City of Sweetwater. This meeting was part of the CFW’s “on the road” meeting series that take place around Miami-Dade County in order to make the meetings more accessible to the public and educate the community about the work of the CFW. Current Sweetwater Mayor and former County Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz warmly welcomed the CFW members.

Miami Dolphins Foundation recognizes

the Black Affairs Advisory Board

The Miami Dolphins Football UNITES Program works to create a more inclusive South Florida. The program partners with community groups and allies to work as a collective to improve relationships, foster understanding, and experience culture in a way that will ignite positive change. Similarly, the Miami Dolphins Foundation leverages the power of sports and entertainment to inspire a healthier, more educated, and united South Florida community. The Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) was part of a group of organizations recently recognized by the Miami Dolphins Foundation as a grant recipient in support of BAAB’s Annual Young Pillar Scholarships. The presentation was made at the Monday night football game against the New York Jets on September 29 and BAAB Chair Pierre E. Rutledge represented BAAB at the event.

Elder Affairs Advisory Board’s

Older Adult Resource Guide

The Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board (EAAB) has now printed its most recent “Older Adult Miami-Dade Resource Guide” in English, Spanish, and Creole. The Guide is a comprehensive list of organizations, services, and government offices that can assist seniors in Miami-Dade County. Additional information and resources on elder issues can be found at the Alliance for Aging, AARP Florida, and the Senior Planet Center in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.

County launches Metro Express

 Bus Rapid Transit System

On October 22, Miami-Dade County launched the Metro Express Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Service, the first corridor of the County’s SMART Program. The state-of-the-art, 20 mile-long Metro Express system is the nation’s longest battery-electric BRT line, connecting Florida City to the Dadeland South Metrorail Station. Service began on October 27 and features rail-like gate arms, traffic signal priority, dedicated lanes, fourteen new signature stations, air conditioned waiting areas, Wi-Fi, and more. Staff from the Office of Community Advocacy joined the Mayor, County Commissioners, and federal, state, and local partners for this milestone event.

Don’t forget to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot

Due to recent changes in Florida law, all requests for vote-by-mail ballots expired at the end of 2024 so any request on file with the Supervisor of Elections has expired. If you wish to continue voting by mail you must make a new request, either online or by calling 305-499-8444.

Free mobile veterinary clinic

provides care for our pets

The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) free mobile veterinary clinic serves the needs of at-risk pets and pet owners in underserved communities throughout Miami-Dade County and is fully equipped to provide routine medical care to owned cats and dogs. Services include physical exams, vaccinations, boosters, deworming, and flea prevention. The WOW clinic will also refer clients to low or no-cost options for spay/neuter surgeries not offered at the clinic. Pets will be served on a first-come, first-served basis, until capacity is reached. The WOW clinic rotates throughout various locations and is stationed from October 6 to December 23 at 7605 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33141, outside the North Shore Branch Library. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed Thursday through Sunday, as well as on County-observed holidays.

Need more love in your life? Forget the dating apps. There’s a cat or dog waiting just for you at the Pet Adoption and Protection Center.  

**There are several vacancies on the following Advisory Boards. If you are interested in serving on one of our boards, contact the respective board Program Officer listed below.

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 Stephen P. Clark Government Center 

111 NW 1st Street Suite 1034

Miami, Florida 3312

Office of Community Advocacy 

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