South Miami City News & Updates
Aug 19, 2020 | Issue 17
New Bldg Director
Commission confirms Andres Figueroa as City's new Building Director.
Special Election
Check out ballot questions for South Miami's Nov. 3 Special Election.
Florida's Fit Cities
City of Pleasant Living is now top-ranked among cities for fit living.
e-News Advisories
City News & Updates is produced by the City Manager Office to keep South Miami citizens connected with timely news and information about their community, and the city's ongoing response to the pandemic. Subscribe today to stay in the know.
Counting on you to fill out the 2020 Census
Now here’s some news that really counts – You still have time to participate in the 2020 Census. The deadline to fill out the 2020 Census is Sept. 30.

Filling out the Census questionnaire can make a difference in the proportion of federal funding South Miami receives for things like healthcare, education, and public transportation. Make sure South Miami counts!

Friendly Competition
By filling out the Census now, you'll have a hand in boosting our city’s response rate. With a response rate of just 63 percent, South Miami ranks as number 16 among the County's 34 municipalities.

In the top three slots are Palmetto Bay, Miami Shores, and Pinecrest with rates of 76.7, 74.9, and 74.1 percent, respectively. (For the big picture, click on Census 2020 Response Rate map below.)

It's quick and easy. The Census asks a few simple questions about you and everyone who was living with you on April 1, 2020 – and takes just 10 minutes to complete.
 
Why It's Important
There are so many important uses for census numbers, such as determining the number of seats each state has in Congress.

But closer to home, your response helps to direct billions of dollars in federal funds to local communities for schools, roads, and other public services. It also helps in managing life-and-death matters, as many 911 emergency systems are based on maps developed from the last census.

What’s more, census information helps health providers predict the spread of diseases through communities with children or elderly people. And when disasters hit, the census even tells rescuers how many people will need their help.

Getting started
  • You can respond by phone, but it’s easy to complete the form online.
  • Visit my2020census.gov to begin.
  • If responding online, complete the census in one sitting – there's no ability to save your progress.
  • Only use the buttons within the questionnaire to navigate.

For interesting fact and figures about the 2020 Census, please visit “Census 2020 Important Information” in South Miami’s online Document Center.
Parks & Rec projects get Commission OK to proceed
The City Commission is stepping up for residents with approval of three major Parks improvement programs – at Dante Fascell Park, Marshall Williamson Park, and the Mobley Building abutting Murray Park.

Tennis Court Lights
The City Manager has been authorized to proceed with installation of new tennis court lighting and other improvements at Dante Fascell Park. To better meet the needs of users of this popular City park, staff recommended the addition of a new LED lighting system for the existing six tennis courts, new parking lot lighting, and two new service gates on the south and north entry/exit approaches to the parking lot.

Located at 8700 SW 57 Ave., Dante Fascell Park is one of South Miami’s largest parks. Across its 7.73 acres, residents enjoy two picnic shelters, a jogging trail, outdoor fitness equipment, sand volleyball, gated playground and tot lot, basketball half-court, picnic tables, and open green space, in addition to the six clay courts.
 
Part of the City’s 10-year Parks Master Plan, this current improvement program is in direct response to requests by residents who wish to use the courts after dusk.

Park Improvements
The Commission authorized the City Manager to pay Stantec to complete professional engineering services for various improvements at Marshall Williamson Park.

This 3.22 acre neighborhood park, located at 6125 SW 68 St., is a popular place to play tennis, visit the newly renovated playground, and to enjoy a picnic area, gazebo, and meeting room.

This project is funded jointly by the City and through a Community Development Block Grant awarded by Miami Dade County. The $32,025 agreement covers professional engineering construction plans and various improvements including:
 
  • Tree trimming;
  • Removal of diseased or dead trees;
  • Replacement of damaged sidewalks;
  • New ADA path from right-of-way public sidewalk to existing viewing area at tennis courts;
  • Benches & pre-fabricated shade structures at tennis courts;
  • New emergency call box; and
  • Four new security cameras.

Roof Installation
The City Manager has been authorized to proceed with managing the much-needed installation of a new roof at the Mobley building, abutting Murray Park.

A recent assessment of the facility revealed severe roof damage due to general wear and tear over the years – causing interior damage due to water intrusion. Previously owned by the City of South Miami Community Redevelopment Agency (SMCRA), the Mobley building is located at 5825 SW 68th St. 
 
LG Pro Roofing Corp. successfully bid to perform the work at a cost not to exceed $58,750, paid for with City and County funds.
You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in the City of South Miami. Please add info@southmiamifl.gov to your address book to be sure that we land in your inbox.

Public Records Disclosure: Florida has very broad public records laws. Most written communications to or from local officials regarding official business are public records available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail may therefore be subject to public disclosure, if requested.