Message from Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez

District 11

From the start of my tenure, I recognized participation and engagement as the cornerstone of our service. My mission is to motivate residents to get involved in local initiatives, organizations, and vocalize their concerns. Being involved is crucial to the enhancement of a community.

When people feel valued and heard, they are more likely to participate in civic activities. This is part of what makes District 11 great! Whether it’s a town hall about improving our parks or a family movie night, being present is key.

We opened our office to bring County services closer to the people of District 11, and supported legislation to empower citizens, especially homeowners, with information and transparency they deserve.

At the heart of advocacy is making your voice heard. Only then can we truly participate in making our community a better place for us all. I invite you to get involved, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or any other way to connect. Additionally, follow my office on social media @robjgonzalezfl, and let us know how we can help.

Hurricane season is here! Are you ready?

Hurricane season is from June 1 to November 30. Be sure to plan and prepare ahead of time with the Miami-Dade County Hurricane Guide. 

LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board

celebrates Pride Month

The Miami-Dade County Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Plus (LGBTQIA+) Advisory Board celebrated Pride Month with a kickoff event on June 4 in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center. County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, County Commission Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, and County Commissioner Eileen Higgins offered remarks during the ceremony. County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins recognized the family of Jorge Mursuli, a great community leader and advocate who recently passed away. Also in attendance were County Commissioners Marleine Bastien, Keon Hardemon, and Micky Steinberg, State Senator Shevrin Jones, Miami-Dade School Board Member Lucia Baez-Geller, and Miami City Commissioner Damian Pardo. The event featured musical entertainment by the Miami Gay Chorus as well as the unveiling of the photo exhibit “Transcending Gender Bodies & Lives.”

Marlins Pride at the Park

Miami-Dade County LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board Chair Ariel Trueba and Board Director Gabriel Paez presented the Miami Marlins with a proclamation on behalf of County Commissioner Eileen Higgins. The proclamation declared May 31 as “Miami Marlins Pride at the Park Day” in recognition of the Miami Marlins’ commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and respect for all individuals, both on and off the field. The Marlins’ annual hosting and support of Pride at the Park was also highlighted.

Commission for Women recognizes graduating

high school seniors with scholarships

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women celebrated the achievements of three graduating seniors from the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy who have excelled academically and demonstrated significant contributions to their community by presenting each of them with a $1,000 check in support of their higher education endeavors. The scholarship presentation took place on June 10 in the Stephen P. Clark Center County Commission Chambers during the Housing, Recreation, Culture, and Community Development Committee meeting presided by Chairwoman Marleine Bastien. Vice Chairwoman Eileen Higgins, Senator Rene Garcia, Commissioner Roberto Gonzalez, and Commissioner Kionne McGhee also participated in the recognition event.

The Young Women’s Preparatory Academy is a distinguished and highly respected magnet public school for girls. This year’s scholarship recipients were:



• Bathsheba Auguste – District 1, Barry University
• Ebonie Knight - District 2, Howard University
• Eva Rivera - District 7, Boston University 

Black Affairs Advisory Board holds

2024 Pillar Awards ceremony

The Black Affairs Advisory Board’s Heritage Planning Committee celebrated its 2024 “Community Pillars & Young Pillars” at its annual ceremony at the Miami Biscayne Bay Marriott on Saturday, June 22. The Committee awarded scholarships to seven outstanding "Young Pillars" who will be attending college and presented several corporate and community awards. The “Jason Jenkins Corporate Community Pillar” award, named after the late Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs for the Miami Dolphins, was presented to Derek Fleming, Developer and Managing Partner of the Michelin award-winning restaurant, Red Rooster Overtown. County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins was in attendance and provided inspirational remarks.

Asian-American Advisory Board Chairwoman

recognized by Miami Dolphins Football UNITES

The Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board (AAAB) Chairwoman, Tai Vaz, was presented the Huddle for the Holidays Award by Miami Dolphins Football UNITES for her outstanding achievements, contributions, and significant impact in the South Florida community. The recognition was presented at AAAB's June meeting during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Message from the Domestic Violence Oversight Board

The Miami-Dade County Domestic Violence Oversight Board (DVOB) is concerned about the frequency of domestic violence-related fatalities in our county. Tragically, we wake up to news reports of another death almost daily, often involving vulnerable individuals like children and pregnant women.

According to the 2020 Florida Department of Law Enforcement Uniform Crime Report:

• Overall crime in Florida decreased by 14.1%, but reported domestic violence offenses increased by 1.16%.
• 106,515 domestic violence offenses were reported.
• 217 individuals died from domestic violence homicide, constituting about 20% of all homicides in Florida.
• Law enforcement made 63,217 domestic violence-related arrests.

Domestic violence cases are complex. Victims are often reluctant to report abuse for many reasons such as fear of further angering the abusers, fear of losing financial support, or the mistaken belief that they can change the abuser’s behavior. A separation, divorce, mental health issues, and access to firearms may increases risks. The DVOB applauds the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the law banning domestic abusers from possessing guns while subject to a restraining order, but we remain vigilant. This is one of many struggles in the fight for victims’ rights against interpersonal and gender-based violence.

The best thing we can do to support victims is recognize the abusive relationship and listen without judgement or conditions. Stay connected to them. Recognize when they are isolating, pulling away, or refusing to talk about what’s going on in the relationship. Let them know that they are not alone and there is professional help available. Create a safe and supportive environment so that, when they are ready to leave, you are there to connect them to services and resources.

Get help: Call the Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Violence Prevention and Intervention Division’s new local 24hr-7day DV Hotline at 305-679-0303. For a complete list of available domestic violence assistance and resources click here.

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 2022 so any request on file with the Miami-Dade Elections Department 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, wellness vaccines, 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, appointments are not accepted. The WOW clinic will be rotating throughout various locations in the county and is stationed, through August 28, at the JFK Public Library, 190 West 49 Street, Hialeah, FL 33012. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Volunteer opportunity at Pelican Harbor Marina

You can help keep Pelican Harbor Marina clean and beautiful by volunteering on the third Saturday of every month during Park Service Day. The next volunteer opportunity takes place on Saturday, July 20, from 10 am to 2 pm. 

 Summer fun opportunities

Miami-Dade County’s diverse arts and cultural institutions are offering a variety of summer happenings, for both adults and children. School is out, the kids are looking to have some fun, and the choices are endless. See what Miami-Dade County has to offer at the following venues: 

• Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts
• Deering Estate Historic Arts & Culture Museum
• Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
• Frost Science Museum, Aquarium & Planetarium
• HistoryMiami Museum
• Miami Children's Museum
• Pérez Art Museum Miami • PAMM,
• Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
• Zoo Miami

Popular County Services

Office of Community Advocacy 

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