Nominations open for In the Company of Women

The deadline to nominate an outstanding woman leader for the 2025 In the Company of Women Awards has been extended to Oct. 14. All women in Miami-Dade County who exemplify professional development, community responsibility, leadership and vision, contribute to women’s progress and promote pluralism are eligible. The awards will be presented in March 2025 during Women's History Month. Nominate a woman today.

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. 

Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff

The Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant celebration on September 20, featuring musical entertainment and a special photo exhibit honoring the legendary Celia Cruz. The event, held in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center, showcased a timeline of Cruz's storied life and career alongside the 2024 Celia Cruz Quarter commemorating her legacy as a Cuban American icon. The Celia Cruz Quarter is the fourteenth coin created in the American Women Quarters Program partnership between the U.S. Mint and the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum. It is the first coin featuring an Afro-Latina figure. The Celia Cruz photo exhibit will remain on display in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center until Friday, October 18.

7^th Annual Hispanic Heritage Book Fair 

The Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board hosted the 7^th Annual Hispanic Heritage Book Fair, together with County Commission Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez and Mi Libro Hispano, from September 20 -22 at the Westchester Cultural Arts Center. The book fair celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, bringing the community together at a 3-day long free event that promotes bilingualism and the importance of literacy by showcasing an array of authors and presenting activities and Hispanic foods for all ages to enjoy. 

Commission for Women holds monthly meeting

The Miami-Dade County Commission for Women held its monthly public meeting at the YWCA of South Florida on September 25. At the meeting the Commission discussed amendments to the Commission bylaws and updating the County’s human trafficking and domestic violence informational bathroom signage, and also heard from partner organizations YWCA, Engage Florida, and the Women’s Fund Miami, about the upcoming November elections. 

Together Against Hate Town Hall

The Miami-Dade County LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board hosted the “Together Against Hate Town Hall” at the Coral Gables Library on September 25. Other co-hosts included the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office, Miami-Dade County Asian-American Advisory Board, and the Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board. The panel featured experts in law, advocacy, and mental health, who discussed the rise of hate crimes and strategies for community resilience. Attendees engaged in impactful conversations about promoting inclusivity, understanding, and allyship. The event underscored the importance of solidarity and collective action, inspiring participants to take a proactive step in combating hate. Overall, it was a powerful gathering that highlighted the strength of diverse communities uniting against adversity.  

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Florida has launched “Florida Cancer Connect”, an initiative created by First Lady Casey DeSantis in partnership with the Florida Dept. of Health and Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. The Florida Cancer Connect website is a centralized hub for cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones. La Liga Contra el Cancer serves cancer patients who lack the financial means to cover the costs of treatment such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, medication, nursing care, and home medical equipment, among other services. And Miami-Dade County has long supported the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” campaign to end breast cancer.

Elections coming up on November 5!

Elections will be held on Tuesday, November 5,  for various national, state, and local offices. The deadline to register to vote is October 7 and the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot is October 24 at 5 p.m. The League of Women Voters of Florida has a comprehensive, non-partisan Voter Guide with detailed information about deadlines, candidates, constitutional amendments, and more. Get the Voter Guide here.

The Miami-Dade County Elections Department also has valuable election information. 

Popular County Services

To reach the Property Appraiser click here

To reach the Clerk of the Court and Comptroller click here

Office of Community Advocacy 

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