Message from Chairman Anthony Rodriguez,

District 10

As the newly elected Chairman of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, I am committed to improving how our government operates and ensuring that we are doing everything we can to serve our residents efficiently and responsibly.

A key priority for me in this new role is ensuring that we are reviewing the financial aspects of every decision and focusing on government efficiency. Miami-Dade County is a dynamic and diverse region, and it is essential that we use our resources wisely, especially during challenging times when rising costs and inflation are impacting so many of our residents.

One of the most important steps we can take is to conduct regular and thorough financial reviews to assess where taxpayer dollars are being spent. We need to ask critical questions about whether every expenditure is contributing to improving the lives of our residents. This includes not just ensuring funds are being spent effectively but also identifying opportunities to streamline operations, eliminate waste, and reduce inefficiencies.

As we move forward, my focus will be on evaluating all government functions and programs to determine if they are meeting the needs of our community. I believe we can improve efficiency by reviewing potential duplication of services and ensuring that departments and agencies are working collaboratively to deliver services without overlap. This kind of review is essential for ensuring that every dollar spent is being used to its fullest potential.

In this effort, the Office of Community Advocacy plays a vital role by helping us identify and address the needs of diverse communities across Miami-Dade. Through the advocacy boards, we have a unique opportunity to gather insights into where resources are being allocated and whether there are areas where we can improve. This process also helps us ensure that we are not repeating efforts across agencies or initiatives, ultimately leading to more effective and impactful services for all residents.

The work we do over the next two years will help shape the future of our county. By focusing on fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and the elimination of unnecessary duplication, we can ensure that Miami-Dade County remains a place where residents can thrive, businesses can grow, and our communities are empowered.

I am committed to working closely with my fellow commissioners and the Office of Community Advocacy to ensure that we are prioritizing financial responsibility, efficiency, and transparency. Together, we will look for new ways to streamline government operations, improve how we spend taxpayer money, and ensure that all services are aligned with the needs of the community.

Thank you for your continued trust. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to improve Miami-Dade County for everyone.

Sincerely,

Anthony Rodriguez

Chairman

Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners

For tickets and information: www.asianculturefestival.net

For tickets and information: In the Company of Women Awards

Black Affairs Advisory Board hosts

Black History Month kickoff event

On February 4, the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board held its annual Black History Month kickoff event in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center in Miami. The event featured remarks by distinguished speakers, musical entertainment, and African fashions, as well as the unveiling of an art exhibit highlighting this year’s theme, “African Americans and Labor.”

Black Affairs Advisory Board attends

Black History Bus Tour

On February 8 and 22, Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works sponsored the annual Black History Tours. 

Pictured are BAAB member Phyllis Simpkins, Mayor Levine Cava and her grand-daughter, as well as BAAB Program Director Retha Boone-Fye, BAAB member LaChanze Thomas and BAAB Chairman Pierre Rutledge. The always popular tour covered the history of Black Miamians and their contributions to the development and growth of Miami. 

FIU roundtable on legal assistance needs and resources

On February 14, the FIU College of Law hosted a discussion among the various legal aid agencies in Miami-Dade County to learn about available legal resources, identify gaps in assistance, and learn best practices from each other. Many low-income litigants in Miami-Dade County’s civil court proceedings lack legal representation in cases such as divorce proceedings, landlord/tenant disputes, immigration matters, and domestic violence situations. Through this collaborative effort, these local legal aid organizations seek to enhance their collective capacity to tackle the access to legal services crises at the local level. Staff from the Office of Community Advocacy – Domestic Violence Oversight Board Executive Director Elizabeth Regaldo, Asian-American Advisory Board Program Director Joshua Ho, and Commission for Women Program Director Rose Martin – attended the informative gathering.

The following legal assistance organizations attended the workshop and provide help to litigants who meet their eligibility requirements:  

Legal Services of Greater Miami, Dade Legal Aid , Catholic Legal Services, Americans for Immigrant Justice, Florida Justice Institute, and the Community Justice Project.

Interfaith Advisory Board Roundup

Interfaith Advisory Board (IAB) member, Rabbi Robyn Fisher, gave the invocation at Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's "State of the County" address on January 30.

During the month of January, Interfaith Advisory Board members displayed their messages of unity in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center.

IAB members attended the powerful Nova Foundation Exhibition, where they gained a better understanding of the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on the Nova Music Festival in Israel.

Community Relations Board holds monthly

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee meeting

The Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board's Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee held its monthly meeting in Miami Gardens' Rolling Oak Park to discuss immigration enforcement, Tax Collector and Florida Highway Patrol DMV partnerships, federal Real IDs effective May 7, 2025, and Spring Break 2025.

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.

Mom and Pop Small Business Grants now available

County Commissioners Micky Steinberg (District 4), Kionne McGhee (District 9), and Juan Carlos Bermudez (District 12) are now accepting applications for Mom and Pop Small Business Grants. These grants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, provide funds for small businesses in their respective districts to purchase equipment, supplies, inventory, security systems, and advertising services and to make minor renovations. Application deadlines are March 7.

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.

New driver license services at

Miami-Dade Tax Collector’s Office

The Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, the Honorable Dariel Fernandez, has established a new Driver License Service Point at the Tax Collector’s Office, 200 NW 2^nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33128. Three service windows are exclusively dedicated for driver license and motor vehicle transactions; both walk-ins and appointments will be accepted. Customers can conduct most driver license transactions, with the exception of driving tests. Learn more and make an appointment here.

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, until capacity is reached. The WOW clinic rotates throughout various locations and, in partnership with County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, is stationed through March 26 at Paseo del Rio Apartments located at 1355 NW 7 Street, Miami, FL 33125. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.; closed Thursday through Sunday, as well as on County-observed holidays.

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

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