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).

New Black World Guide now available

The Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board has published the 2024-2025 edition of the Black World Guide, a comprehensive list of the civic, professional, cultural, educational, and business organizations that comprise the African Diaspora in Miami-Dade County. Over the years, the Black World Guide has become an indispensable resource for the community.

New Status of Women Report is out

The 2024 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.  

2025 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 13 at the Coral Gables Country Club. Thirteen exceptional women leaders were honored, and notable award winners included County Commissioner Micky Steinberg; Glenna Milberg, Channel 10 News Anchor/Reporter; Vanessa Joseph, Esq., City Clerk for North Miami; and Symeria T. Hudson, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way Miami. 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.

Women's History Month Roundup

In observance of Women’s History Month, the Miami-Dade County Commission for Women (CFW) honored 10 local women veterans with a recognition ceremony on March 19 at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center. Held in partnership with the South Dade Women Veterans Alliance, the event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the display that highlights the service and sacrifice of these remarkable women veterans: Abby Moore, Evelyn Gaines Harris, Valencia Knox-Davis, Carolyn Nelson-Goedert, Duilia Mora Turner, Julie Robison, Katiuska Pabon-Beauchamp, Margaret Ramirez, Thayra “Tye” Hausheer, and Clara L. Garcia. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commission Vice Chairman Kionne McGhee, and County Commissioner Eileen Higgins made remarks and presented a proclation.

On March 11, CFW members and staff accepted a proclamation from the City of Coral Gables for Women’s History Month.

CFW members and staff attended the Women’s Fund’s “Power of the Purse” luncheon on March 14.

Commission for Women Program Director Rose Martin and Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Program Director Natalie Milian attended the Women’s Leadership Breakfast hosted by Doral Mayor Christi Fraga on March 7.

Shirley Plantin, Program Director for the Community Relations Board, was named a 2025 honoree at FANM’s annual Women’s History Month gala on March 8. Congratulations Shirley!

The 34th Annual Asian Culture Festival 

The 34th Annual Asian Culture Festival at Tropical Park was a vibrant celebration of Asia’s diverse cultures! The Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board and the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Department joined the Thai-American Association of Florida to offer two daytrips to the continent of Asia via the 34th Annual Asian Culture Festival. The festival took place March 1-2 in Tropical Park attracting more than 8,000 guests.

The two-day, fun-filled family event offered music and dance performances, demonstrations, arts and crafts, and a selection of authentic and delicious Asian cuisine with a variety of dishes from Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, South Korea, Türkiye, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Vietnam, Mongolia, Hong Kong, and more.

The festival organizers seek to continue bringing together South Florida's residents for years to come; promoting the importance of cultural diversity and inclusivity in building a vibrant, prosperous, and healthy community. 

Community Relations Board partners with

law enforcement for Spring Break

Members of the Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board (CRB) were present during Spring Break on Miami Beach to assist with building bridges of tolerance and mutual respect and understanding between law enforcement and Spring Breakers. Several members from the CRB's Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement partners assisted during the multiple Spring Break weekends in March.

Participate in Baynanza to protect our Bay

You can show your love for our precious Biscayne Bay by taking part in the 43^nd Annual Baynanza Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day on Saturday, April 12. 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.

Strive305 HUB: County’s one-stop resource for small businesses

In December 2024 Miami-Dade County launched the Strive305 HUB, an all-in-one resource platform for small businesses. At the Strive305 HUB, small business owners can find information on resources, workshops and trainings, loans, events, etc. Powered by Miami-Dade County and funded and sponsored by Wells Fargo, the Strive305 HUB makes it easier to find the resources and tools that small business owners need to be successful. Another helpful website is Axis Helps, with information and resources for both small business owners and individuals in need.

Free tax help for eligible individuals

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a national initiative to offer accurate, secure, and free tax help to lower-income households. Miami Tax Pros is a coalition of Miami-Dade organizations that provides free tax preparation services to qualified individuals as part of the VITA initiative. The coalition is comprised of over 30 partners across Miami-Dade County, including churches, libraries, non-profit organizations, and local government. See if you qualify for free tax filing assistance.

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.

Popular County Services

To reach the Property Appraiser click here

To reach the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller click here

To reach the Sheriff click here

To reach the Supervisor of Elections click here 

To reach the Tax Collector click here

 Stephen P. Clark Government Center 

111 NW 1st Street Suite 1034

Miami, Florida 3312

Office of Community Advocacy 

| 305.375.5730 | laura.morilla@miamidade.gov | www.miamidade.gov/advocacy/home.asp