Message from Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee, District 9

As the Vice Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners and Chairman of the Miami-Dade Military Affairs Board, I am extremely honored to be a leading voice for matters regarding our military and veteran affairs. One of the many crown jewels of Miami-Dade County and the District I represent (District 9) is Homestead Air Reserve Base. Originally established as Homestead Army Air Field in 1942, today it is home to the 482^nd Fighter Wing and Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH). Under the current command of USAF Colonel David M. Castaneda, the “Makos” are poised to protect the skies over our community. 

South Dade has always been home to me and my family. I was born here, grew up here, attended school here and now serve the people here. District 9 hosts such a diverse community in its residents and its nature. We are the fastest growing and expanding part of the county, from housing business headquarters, to creating new developments such as Costco. Everywhere you look, improvements and innovations are taking place along our major corridors. South Dade is truly transforming into a work, live and play destination.

So, the next time you head down south, take in the views and experience District 9 for yourselves. We are the gateway to the Florida Keys. We are producers of fresh fruit and vegetables. We are where racecar fans go to Homestead-Miami Speedway. We are exploring the wild with Zoo Miami, the Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. We are historic with our Seminole Theatre and Military Museum. We are District 9.

Mayor to host community budget conversations

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava will be hosting six in-person conversations about the proposed County budget for the fiscal year that starts October 1. These meetings are scheduled for two hours and here are the details:

• Thursday, July 31, at 6 p.m., at Main Library, 101 West Flagler Street, Miami, 33130
• Saturday, August 2, at noon, at North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183 Street, Miami Gardens, 33056
• Monday, August 4, at 6 p.m., at Westchester Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way, Miami, 33165
• Tuesday, August 5, at 6 p.m., at Arcola Lakes Senior Center, 8240 NW 7 Avenue, Miami, 33150
• Wednesday, August 6, at 6 p.m., at Dennis Moss Center, 10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay, 33189
• Thursday, August 7, at 6 p.m., at Oak Grove Park, 690 NE 159 Street, Miami, 33162

Interpretation will be available in Spanish and Creole. Registration is highly encouraged but not necessary. You may register here. 

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 Severe Weather and Emergency Readiness Guide. You can view the guide here.

The Children’s Trust annual Family Expo is here

As the new school year approaches, The Children’s Trust is hosting its annual Family Expo on Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Fuchs Pavilion at Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, 10901 SW 24 Street, Miami, FL 33165. Attendees can pick up school supplies, learn about valuable resources, and get information from the many providers and organizations that are funded by The Children’s Trust. Kids and families can also enjoy entertainment and fun-filled activities.  

Resources for Veterans

Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Anthony Rodriguez will be hosting a Veteran Stand Down on Friday, November 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Miami-Dade Fair & Expo Center, Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24 Street, Miami, 33165. The event will feature over 80 local, state, federal, non-profit, and corporate partners to provide a one-stop shop of services for our valued veterans and their families.

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 Military Museum 

“Protect Biscayne Bay” license plate

now available

The highly anticipated “Protect Biscayne Bay” specialty license plate is now available at Tax Collector’s offices and DMV locations across Florida. Specialty license plates in Florida require an additional annual fee of $25, and a portion of the funds from the sale of the license plate will be used to restore and protect our fragile Biscayne Bay. Biscayne Bay is home to an incredible diversity of fish, birds, and threatened and endangered species and is the heart of Miami-Dade County. Biscayne Bay contributed to 10.2% of the total Miami-Dade County economy and 4% of the Southeast Florida economy.

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.

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 July 7 to September 30 at Juan Pablo Duarte Park, 1776 NW 28 Street, Miami, FL 33142. 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.  

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