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Message from Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins,
District 8
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Greetings Miami-Dade County residents,
I am Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, proudly representing District 8 on the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners. As your dedicated advocate, my mission is to drive positive change and enhance the quality of life for our diverse community.
In observance of Women's History Month, I am honored to pay tribute to the remarkable accomplishments of women who inspire us all. Last year marked a historic moment as our office proudly bestowed the honor of naming a street after Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a distinguished Miami native and the first Black female Supreme Court Justice. The significance of this occasion was further magnified as we welcomed Justice Jackson back to South Dade, her childhood home, where we held a momentous street naming ceremony in her honor.
This year, in collaboration with Senator Shevrin Jones and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, we convened a Women’s History event to celebrate the remarkable contributions of influential women in our community. Among those honored was Mayor Levine Cava, our county's first female mayor, exemplifying the strength and leadership of women in shaping our vibrant community fabric.
Turning our attention to legislative priorities, our office is committed to showcasing the best of Miami's countryside. We successfully initiated Farmers Month each November, to celebrate our local agricultural community and had the participation of over 50 local businesses. Our office takes great pride in our steadfast support for signature events such as the Homestead Rodeo, a beloved fixture celebrating its 75th year. This milestone not only highlights the endurance of a treasured tradition but also underscores our dedication to preserving the rich heritage of South Dade.
Moreover, our office championed legislation to establish the Hometown Heroes Parade and Festival, a heartfelt tribute to our local heroes, including law enforcement, fire, first responders, and medical professionals. This past year we hosted the parade and festival at Tropical Park where our heroes and residents enjoyed delectable food, games, interactive activities, and even experienced "Hero Worlds," an interactive activation that offered a firsthand insight into the world of first responders. I hope to see everyone at the 3rd Annual Hometown Heroes Parade and Festival in October 2024.
As Chairwoman of the PortMiami, Resiliency, and Sustainability Committee, and Vice Chairwoman of the Transportation, Mobility, and Planning Committee, I remain resolute in addressing critical issues impacting our community. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you and remain unwavering in my dedication to the advancement of District 8 and all Miami-Dade County.
If you would like to stay updated on our endeavors, please click here.
Yours in service,
Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins
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April is National Fair Housing Month | Miami-Dade County’s Human Rights Ordinance protects you from housing discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, source of income, gender identity or expression, and/or status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. If you believe you have been the subject of housing discrimination, contact the Miami-Dade County Commission on Human Rights or Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence (HOPE), Inc. | |
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month | |
The Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center (RTC) is a non-profit, hospital-based sexual assault crisis center located at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The RTC, opened in 1974 as one of the first rape treatment centers in the country, provides a comprehensive approach to the care and treatment of sexual assault victims ages 12 and older. The 24/7 Crisis & Sexual Assault Helpline is 305-585-RAPE (7273). | |
2024 In the Company of Women awards | |
In observance of Women’s History Month, the annual “In the Company of Women” awards dinner was held on March 6 at the Rusty Pelican in Miami. Notable award winners included County Commissioners Marleine Bastien and Raquel Regalado; Johanna Cervone, Chief of Staff to County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; and Stephanie Daniels, Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department. The annual event is hosted by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Department and co-sponsored by the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women. | |
A new Status of Women Report is out! | |
The 2023 report on the status of women in Miami-Dade County is now available. The report, prepared by the Miami-Dade County Commission Auditor and the FIU Metropolitan Research Center, contains key data on how women in Miami-Dade County are faring in the areas of economic empowerment, the workforce, education, and health and safety. | |
Women's History Month roundup | |
The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW) is a proud, long-standing partner of the annual “In the Company of Women” awards. CFW Chair Michelle Abreu provided inspirational opening remarks at this year’s event on March 6. | |
The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women and the North Miami Commission for Women held a joint reception and public meeting at Norh Miami City Hall. County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, District 2, and North Miami Vice Mayor Mary Estime-Irvin were in attendance, among other public officials. | |
33rd Annual Asian Culture Festival | |
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On March 2 and 3, the Miami-Dade County Asian American Advisory Board (AAAB), Thai American Association of Florida and Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, hosted the 33rd Annual Asian Culture Festival at Tropical Park.
More than 8,000 participated and enjoyed this annual fun-filled family event, celebrating the diversity of Asian cultures through an enchanting journey of music and dance, performances, demonstrations, arts, and hand crafts, highlighted by a tasty selection of authentic Asian cuisine. By experiencing cultural diversity through the festival, it allows our community to understand, not only how each of these cultures influence the dynamic cultural tapestry of South Florida, but also how they daily enrich our quality of life.
AAAB is grateful for the attendance of the following community leaders:
Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioner Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez – District 10; Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin; Consul General Kazuhiro Nakai, Consulate General of Japan in Miami; Deputy Consul-General Fumiyo Tsuda, Consulate-General of Japan in Miami; Consul Irisawa Kenichiro, Consulate General of Japan in Miami; Deputy Consul Oguz Kosker, Consulate General of Türkiye in Miami; Director General Charles Chou, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami; Consul Frank Jia-Xiang You, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami; Director Chavanol Phivnil, Thai Trade Center Miami; Chief J D Patterson, Corrections & Forensics, Office of the Mayor; Chief James Reyes, Chief of Public Safety, Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department; Director Stephanie Daniels, Miami-Dade Police Department; Director Sharea Green, Miami- Dade Corrections & Rehabilitation Department; Director Laura Morilla, Miami-Dade County Office of Community Advocacy; Director Gerard Philippeaux, Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium and David Whitaker, President & CEO, Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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Black Affairs Advisory Board elects new officers | |
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The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) held elections for officers who will serve in their leadership roles until November 2024.
Pierre Rutledge was re-elected Chair. Rutledge has cultivated a sterling reputation as a consensus-building, results-oriented leader with a focus on helping underserved communities. He currently works for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Ronald Mumford, elected Vice Chair, is currently employed as the Youth Manager for CareerSource South Florida. He also volunteers as a 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project mentor. Phyllis Sloan-Simpkins, elected Secretary, served as a Miami-Dade County firefighter for 25 years prior to retiring. She has served on several community boards including the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Edgar Wright was elected Finance Chair and serves as chair of BAAB’s Heritage Planning Committee. A media consultant and seasoned community advocate, he has worked for Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Miami Marlins.
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Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee holds monthly meeting | |
The Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board (CRB) hosted its monthly Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee in partnership with the North Miami Police Department, where concerns about Miami Beach Spring Break 2024 was the main topic of discussion. | |
CRB partners with the Miami Beach Police Department to monitor Spring Break activities | |
The Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board, in partnership with members from its Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee, monitored and assisted with mitigating police-community tensions with Spring Breakers. Special thanks to the Miami Beach Police Department for the long-standing partnership and hospitality. | |
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May is Asian-American & Pacific Islander
Heritage Month
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As we prepare to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month throughout Miami-Dade County in May, please forward any events and activities to be shared on our Events Calendar. Send to Joshua Ho, AAAB Program Director, at hjoshua@miamidade.gov.
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Participate in Baynanza to protect our Bay | You can show your love for our precious Biscayne Bay by taking part in the 42nd Annual Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 13. From 9 a.m. to noon, thousands of volunteers will join together to clean up the bay’s shoreline at 30 different sites. Sign up here. | |
COMMUNITY ADVOCACY
BOARD MEETINGS UPDATES
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**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 Director listed below. | |
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Program Director: Joshua Ho
Chairperson: Tai Vaz
Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 18-4
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Program Director: Retha Boone-Fye
Chairperson: Pierre Rutledge
Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 1011
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Program Director: Shirley Plantin, EJD
Chairperson: Rene Diaz
Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Location: TBD
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Program Director: Elizabeth Regalado
Chairperson: Cecile Houry, PhD.
Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Location: TBD
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Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-500-1119 | |
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Program Director: Katherine Bolt
Chairperson: Paul Hunt
Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Location: West Kendall Public Library
10201 Hammocks Blvd, Miami, FL 33196
| Miami-Dade County has the largest population in the State of Florida of individuals 60+ years old. With a County population that totals 2.7 million, more than 435,000 of the total population is made up of those 62+. On May 1, 2018 the Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 18-49 creating the Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board. |
Report elder abuse at 1-800-962-2873 | |
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Program Director: Natalie Milian, MPA
Chairperson: Dr. Raul Moncarz
Friday, April 26, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 18-3
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Program Director: Natalie Milian, MPA
Chairperson: Francesco Duberli
Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 6 p.m.
Location: Coral Gables Branch Library
3443 Segovia Street, Coral Gables, FL 33134
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Program Director: Teo Noboa
Chairperson: Rabbi Mark Rosenberg
Thursday, April 11, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 1011
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Program Director: Gabriel Paez
Chairperson: Ariel Trueba
Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Location: Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, Miami, FL 33128
Conference Room 18-4
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Program Director: Diara Zeigler
Chairperson: Dennis C. Moss
Welcoming our new advisory board to the Advocacy family! More information will be provided soon. Feel free to email Ms. Diara Zeigler if you have any questions regarding this board.
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Stephen P. Clark Government Center
111 NW 1st Street Suite 1034
Miami, Florida 33128
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Sincerely,
Laura Morilla, Executive Director
Office of Community Advocacy
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Office of Community Advocacy
| 305.375.5730 | laura.morilla@miamidade.gov | www.miamidade.gov/advocacy/home.asp
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