AUGUST 2023
FASTEST MAN IN THE UNIVERSE, USAIN BOLT NOW HAS SCULPTURE ERECTED IN CITY OF MIRAMAR
The multi award & medal winning Olympian Dr. Usain Bolt was given the keys to the City of Miramar by the City Commission.
Officials pose for a photo with Usain Bolt infront of newly erected sculpture of his image.
he anticipated visit of Track & Field superstar and multi- decorated Olympian Dr. Usain Bolt, OJ, CD, OLY, to the City of Miramar in South Florida did not disappoint. His visit was the culmination of years of planning for a sculpture of his likeness erected at the Ansin Sports Complex as the first installation of the City’s Art-in-Public-Places initiative. The brainchild behind commissioning a sculpture of Bolt was Vice Mayor Alexandra P. Davis, who stated, “This statue of Usain Bolt will not only serve as a source of inspiration for our residents, but I believe it will also attract visitors from far and wide. As people come to witness the magnificence of this statue, they will discover the charm and vibrancy of our city, leading to increased tourism and
where Bolt memorabilia from his winning races were sold to the highest bidders. At the unveiling, with hundreds of wellwishers coming out to see him, Bolt held a mini-clinic with budding track stars, including those aspirants to the Special Olympics and taught them a little about their form and how to have a good start in a race. At the Ansin Sports Complex, sirens blared signaling that lightning strikes were within a 5mile radius. However, the profound moment was not lost on the patrons who said they would not leave but stay and witness the unveiling of the sculpture of the real Lightning Bolt. Amidst cheers and screams of joy with the moment of the unveiling, Bolt was visibly proud and humbled to see the excellent work done by Master sculptor, Basil Wat-
T
economic opportunities for local businesses. The statue will become a point of pride for our community, a landmark that showcases our commitment to excellence, athleticism, and the celebration of human achievement.” The whirlwind set of events started with a banquet on Friday afternoon with Jamaican Government officials including Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Ms. Olivia “Babsy” Grange and members of the Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association (JAAA) sports fraternity. The Fundraising banquet had performances from comedian Johnny Daley, music artiste, Nadine Sutherland and Poet, Sharon Corinthian, with a silent auction benefiting two charities - the Usain Bolt Foundation and Do the Right Thing of Miramar, Inc.,
son, who created the masterpiece. A proclamation was given to Dr. Usain Bolt declaring Friday, July 14, 2023, Usain Bolt Day in the City of Miramar, and after which, he was presented with the keys to the City by Mayor Wayne M. Messam. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was present at the conference and gave remarks. A short press conference followed with representation of media from the local and foreign press, where Bolt responded to questions about his rise to legendary status: “You must believe in yourself and believe it is possible. Even when you don’t feel like getting up, you need to show up and work hard at your craft and in the end, it will pay off,” stated Dr. Usain Bolt in complete humility at the gesture of honor from the community.
CITY OF MIRAMAR OFFICIALS
Mayor
Vice Mayor
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Wayne M. Messam
Alexandra P. Davis
Winston F. Barnes
Maxwell B. Chambers
Yvette Colbourne
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AUGUST 2023
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
CITY MANAGER DR. ROY VIRGIN
GIANT AFRICAN LAND SNAIL DETECTED IN MIRAMAR, BROWARD COUNTY ERADICATION EFFORTS UNDERWAY The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has confirmed the presence of giant African land snails (GALS) in the Miramar area of Broward County. The detection, announced
on June 2, 2023, raises concerns about the potential devastation these snails could cause to Florida's agriculture and natural areas. Giant African land snails are considered one of the most destructive snail species globally, with a voracious appetite for over 500 different types of plants. Their presence in tropical and subtropical environments poses a significant threat to the delicate ecosystems of Florida. Additionally, these snails carry the rat lungworm parasite, which can cause meningitis in humans, posing a serious health risk. It is important to note that possessing or
importing giant African land snails without a permit is illegal in the United States. Recognizing the severity of the situation, FDACS's Division of Plant Industry has taken swift action. On June 20, 2023, they implemented a quarantine and initiated treatment procedures to eradicate this agricultural pest. The quarantine, expected to last for three years, has been put in place to ensure the complete eradication of these harmful snails. To eradicate the giant African land snails, FDACS has employed a metaldehydebased molluscicide, commonly known as snail bait. This treatment is approved by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for residential use. We are urging all residents and businesses to remain vigilant and report any sightings of giant land snails in their area. If you spot one of these snails, please contact the FDACS at 1-888-397-1517 or via email at DPIHelpline@Fdacs.gov. Early detection and reporting are crucial in the eradication efforts. By working together and remaining vigilant, we can successfully eradicate this invasive pest from our community. Stay safe and help us protect our environment!
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Wayne M. Messam
MAYOR WAYNE M. MESSAM
MIRAMAR COMMUNITY TO BENEFIT FROM FREE LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY HAITIAN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (HLA) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MAYOR WAYNE M. MESSAM The City of Miramar’s Mayor, Wayne M. Messam, has joined forces with the Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA) to provide free legal services to the Haitian American and other immigrant minority members in the community. The HLA will use Consultants to provide services in the areas
of Family Law, Divorce, Landlord-Tenant contracts, Immigration, and Citizenship. “The Haitian American community and by extension, all minority community members, are critical to the fabric of Miramar. In support, I applaud the Haitian Lawyers Association for this partnership, that will allow residents to take advantage of legal services that they otherwise could not afford or have access. This is an investment in the community, and it will give our minority groups access to the right resources to be able to live fulfilling lives,” stated Mayor Messam. Consultancy services began Wednesday, July 12, 2023, and continue every other Wednesday during the hours of 3pm to 6pm. Registration is available at https://haitianlawyersassociation.org/pro-bono/. All services will be provided at the City of Miramar Multi-Service Complex located at 6700 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, Fl. 33023 and offered in Creole and English. “Our organization is made up of consultants that are both lawyers and citizens. We believe in giving back with our time, energy, and specialized skills and knowledge to work for the people and causes that need them the most. There is much to do, and it is a privilege to be able to pitch in through pro bono work and community service,” stated the Haitian Lawyers Association. The HLA is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote excellence, professionalism, equality, and diversity in the legal profession and among its members to facilitate the administration of justice while striving to protect and promote the general welfare of the Haitian American community and other minority residents in the South Florida area. For more information on programs and events taking place in Miramar, visit MiramarFL.gov.
(L-R) Bahamian First Lady, Bahamian Prime Minister, Mayor Wayne Messam, and First Lady Angela Messam
Bahamas celebrates 50 years of independence
Mayor Wayne Messam
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Wayne M. Messam EMANCIPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS IN MIRAMAR Mayor Wayne Messam partnered with Victoria Mutual to recognize leaders in the Community at the Jamaica Emancipendence Reception. –––––––––––––––––
MAYOR WAYNE M. MESSAM
(L-R): Keri-Ann Nesbeth – Rising Star Award, Enrique "Rick" Crooks, EAC Consulting, Inc. Business Award, Cleveland Smith, Cleveland’s Ice Cream - Small Business Award, Charmaine Palmer, Hope For Society Foundation - Community Service Award, VM Group President & CEO Courtney Campbell
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VICE MAYOR Community engagement is at the forefront of my mission to provide resources, events, and support for our residents. This summer has been filled with a plethora of vibrant celebrations that aimed to strengthen community bonds, and it was an honor to share these experiences with all Miramar residents. My motto of “Putting You First...Keeps Us First” will continue to be my guide and I look forward engaging more in the future! Our summer kicked off with a bang on May 11th with a highly successful job and career fair event that helped residents advance their careers and move towards a brighter future. Haitian Heritage Month was another highlight on May 13th, with an exciting cultural celebration and exhibit that showcased the richness and uniqueness of Haitian traditions. Our efforts continued with the Foxcroft Community Resource Fair on May 20th, which focused on supporting our residents one person at a time while making services more easily accessible and consistent throughout the city. Mother’s Day weekend brought an opportunity to celebrate incredible moms with a fantastic Mother’s Day Brunch and Movie on May 12th. The evening culminated with the anticipated Shabba Ranks stage show where patrons enjoyed a pre-party celebration followed by his epic performance. June brought a new dimension of engagement with Caribbean-American Heritage Month. On June 1st, we kicked off the month-long celebration with so much swag, right here in the City of Miramar. This was followed by our Save a Life Day on June 3rd, an educational event that empowered and educated residents to take steps that can save lives. Finally, the highly anticipated Taste of the Caribbean Islands event at Vizcaya Park on June 24th brought the Caribbean islands vibrantly to life, showcasing the contributions of our Caribbean community members to the development of this great country. Father’s Day and Juneteenth gave us an opportunity to honor our fathers and appreciate the progress African Americans have made in fighting for freedom and equality. July was no different, with our 4th of July event. A concert ending with fireworks brought the entire Miramar community together for a delightful day of celebrations. On July 14th, we had the Usain Bolt Fundraising Banquet, which was aimed at building strong values and positive character traits in our youth; raising funds for the Do the Right Thing of Mi-
ramar Inc; and the Usain Bolt Foundation. We unveiled a sculpture in honor of Usain Bolt, world-renowned athlete and the fastest human in the universe at our Ansin Sports Complex on July 15th. It was a historic moment as this is the first monument erected for Art in Public Places, the first Arts in the Park, and the third statue of Usain Bolt erected in the entire world, Jamaica being the first with a second in Moscow!
ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIER ISLAND Heritage Month Celebration
UPCOMING EVENTS: Biz Fit 2023 Small Business Resource Fair September 7th 5:30pm to 8 pm Miramar Cultural Center Senior Resource Fair & Food Distribution September 9th 10 am to 1 pm Multi-Service Complex October 6th - Latin Nights 7pm to 11 pm Miramar Cultural Center Black British Heritage Celebration October 21 6 pm Miramar Cultural Center To contact my office regarding any concerns, please feel free to call (954) 602-3155 or email me at apdavis@miramarfl.gov. You may subscribe to receive email updates from my office, sign up at www.miramarfl.gov/Davis. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @4AlexandraDavis. Please take care of yourself and each other! Para comunicarse con mi oficina con respecto a cualquier inquietud, no dude en llamar al (954) 602-3155 o enviarme un correo electrónico a apdavis@miramarfl.gov. Puede suscribirse para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico de mi oficina, regístrese en www.miramarfl.gov/Davis. Sígueme en Facebook, Instagram y Twitter @4AlexandraDavis. ¡Por favor, cuídense y cuídense unos a otros! Pou kontakte biwo mwen an konsènan nenpòt enkyetid, tanpri, ezite rele (954) 6023155 oswa voye yon imèl ban mwen nan apdavis@miramarfl.gov. Ou ka abònman yo resevwa dènye nouvèl imel nan biwo mwen an, enskri nan www.miramarfl.gov/Davis. Swiv mwen sou Facebook, Instagram, ak Twitter @4AlexandraDavis. Tanpri pran swen tèt ou ak youn ak lòt!
CARIBBEAN AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH KICK OFF We started off Caribbean American Heritage Month with so much swag.
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VICE MAYOR DRUG TAKE BACK EVENT - The Public Safety Community event where families got an opportunity to explore all things Police & Fire!
FOXCROFT COMMUNITY RESOURCES FAIR We bring resources to you, going to one community at a time, helping one community member at a time.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY EVENT Happy Mother’s Day to our wonderful mothers!
FATHER’S DAY EVENT We love you fathers and thanks for all you do!
MEMORIAL DAY Remembering all those in the armed forces and their families who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
MEMORIAL DAY PICNIC Day Picnic with the United Methodist Church!
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VICE MAYOR MIRAMAR INVITATIONAL ANSIN ANSIN SPORTS COMPLEX Some of the best athletes in the world front and center.
TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS Taste of the Caribbean Islands event was a blast!
SAVE A LIFE EVENT Save A Life Day was a huge success!
USAIN BOLT STATUE For those who dare to dream! SHABBA RANKS PERFORMANCE The Shabba concert was epic!
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AUGUST 2023
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER WINSTON F. BARNES
COMMISSIONER WINSTON F. BARNES Through this medium, I am expressing a very special thank you to all the parents and guardians who brought out children for our annual backpack giveaways in late July. It was our pleasure to assisted more than seven hundred families in reducing their back-toschool shopping list costs. What we have learned from these parents is this contribution assisted greatly, considering how expensive virtually everything is these days, especially when more than one school-age child is in the household. In addition, we also realized that this is but one of a multitude of services offered by the City of Miramar that some residents are unaware of. This has confirmed the need we have seen over the years to share this kind of information with our residents. Therefore, we must remind you that the city has programs that assist firsttime homeowners. We urge our residents
to look into these programs and see which one/s would be of benefit to each and every one. For example, our housing and development division, from time to time, stages first-time home buyers’ seminars with the assistance of Realtors and the Housing Foundation of America; contact them at 954.883.5328, or contact Miramar Housing Department, 954.289.5651 or visit online at https:/ www.miramarfl.gov/2023/Housing, to get the information needed to qualify for these benefits. As ever, the more you know, the more you can benefit from Miramar's incredible programs, unlike many Florida municipalities. This summer, I had the privilege to attend the New Leaders of America conference, bringing together elected officials born outside of the U.S. in Washington D.C. The closing ceremony was graced by an address from a young doctor who regaled the attendees with a story about how his Grand Aunt back in Egypt helps keep him grounded by reminding him about how privileged he is to live in the U.S. and to be able to help people every day. There are several events originating in my office over the near future, and you can get a heads-up by contacting our office at 954.602.3142, via my Facebook© page or at miramarfl.gov.
NEW LEADERS OF AMERICA CONFERENCE
Winston F. Barnes –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– UPCOMING EVENTS • 08/25/2023 Good Vibes – Shirley Branca Park • 09/30/2023 Burger and Brew – Vizcaya Park
Evelyn Champagne King (R) at the Good Vibes Concert series
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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS
COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS
Hello Miramar friends and family! As we embark on the second half of 2023, I am grateful to you all for cultivating such wonderful memories with me and I would like to express my appreciation for your involvement in making Miramar the city it is today. This spring was buzzing with heartfelt celebration as the City of Miramar came together to recognize, appreciate, and celebrate our mothers, Caribbean American heritage, and Black American History. The month of May brought blooms of gratitude as The City of Miramar celebrated our hardworking and dedicated mothers with a Mother’s Day event hosted by Social Services. The City of Miramar is operated and run by residents like you, and we are always grateful to our employees for their effort and contributions in maintaining the beauty and standards of Miramar. Many of our employees are also mothers and in celebration of their motherhood, resilience, and support, I would like to honor and thank all mothers and mother-figures for raising the future generation of Miramar citizens. Caribbean immigrants have always contributed to the well-being of Miramar and American society since its inception. The recognition of those who came before us and those who will come after us allow us to celebrate our Caribbean and American heritage during the month of June. We kicked off the
month with an energetic and vibrant opening celebration at the City of Miramar with representatives from the Caribbean diaspora in attendance. We hosted the senior citizens of Miramar, entertaining them with live performance, steel drum music, and Caribbean food samples from our local restaurants. As Americans, known for our diversity and upholding the right to be free, we must acknowledge America’s progress in recognizing the enslaved Black Americans who were emancipated in 1865, 3 years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Now a federal holiday, we celebrated Juneteenth to commemorate the freedom of all enslaved black people in the United States. The annual dinner celebration was a huge success and the moving words of Bakari Sellers reminds us of how far we’ve come and how far we have to go. I encourage you all to continue to share the history of America that will empower and encourage our children and remind them of the unwavering fight their ancestors gave to be free. On July 10, 2023, Bahamas celebrated their 50th year of independence with the theme: One Nation. Our Legacy. Our Future. Congratulations Bahamas.
Commissioner Chambers taking photos with some of the attendees at the Mother’s day celebration
Upcoming Events: Trinidad & Tobago 61st Independence Day August 31st, 2023 Miramar City Hall Plaza 5 pm to 9 pm 3rd Annual Miramar International Art & Fashion Weekend December 9 & 10, 2023 Miramar City Hall Plaza 5 pm to 10 pm Please look forward to more events planned for 2023. Follow my Facebook and Instagram pages to keep up to date and check the City of Miramar website for upcoming events happening in the city. Feel free to contact my office at 954-602-3157 for additional information and remember, “I am Always Here For You.” Let’s continue to make great memories.
Commissioner Chambers speaking to the attendees at the Mother’s Day Celebration
Commissioner Chambers mbchambers@miramarfl.gov Facebook Instagram. City of Miramar https://www.miramarfl.gov/
Commissioner Chambers dancing with a mother
Commissioner Chambers speaking to the attendees at the Mother’s Day Celebration
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AUGUST 2023
MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS
COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS Juneteenth celebrations
Commissioner Chambers shaking hands with Mr. Bakari Sellers
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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER YVETTE COLBOURNE
COMMISSIONER YVETTE COLBOURNE
MIRAMAR LATIN MUSIC FESTIVAL: A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND VIBRANT RHYTHMS
The City of Miramar invites music enthusiasts to the highly-anticipated Miramar Latin Music Festival, hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne, on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater located at 16801 Miramar Parkway. From 7:00p.m. to 11:00p.m., a dynamic line-up of Latin artists including merengue musician from the Dominican Republic, Wilfrido Vargas, Dominican Rapper Sensato, pop and salsa artist Brenda K. Starr, and Panamanian musicians Gaitanes will command the stage, transforming the night with exhilarating sounds of Latin America. As one of the City's signature events, the festival illustrates the rich tapestry of our community, deeply influenced by Hispanic and Latin American cultures. Commissioner Yvette Colbourne commented, “The vibrancy of Latin American culture is one to be celebrated. This event is a tribute to the rich contributions the Hispanic community has made to our diverse city. In coming together, we celebrate our diversity, our music, our food, and our language. We warmly invite all to join this spectacular celebration in our city." The Miramar Latin Music Festival continues to attract a broad audience, not just from nearby cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, but also from the Caribbean and Latin America. Stacy Ritter, President & CEO of Visit
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION ROUNDTABLE HOSTED BY COMMISSIONER YVETTE COLBOURNE
Commission Colbourne recognizing Miramar HOA Presidents at her annual Roundtable presentation Lauderdale, a sponsor of the event, remarked, “We are proud to support this event. It’s listed as a ‘must attend event’ on our Visit Lauderdale calendar. We applaud the City of Miramar for celebrating the diversity that makes us so strong.” Though the event is free to the public, at-
tendees are required to register at LatinMusicFest2023.eventbrite.com. The Latin Music Festival is expected to be an unforgettable experience with a night of music, food, and unity. For more information on events taking place in the City of Miramar, visit MiramarFL.gov.
MIRAMAR LAUNCHES “MIRAMAR ON TAP” BOTTLED WATER UTILIZING CITY’S TAP WATER
Commissioner Yvette Colbourne presenting on the permitting process to HOA Roundtable members
The City of Miramar is proud of the high-quality, safe, and reliable tap water produced at its very own water treatment plants. The City is taking it a step further and is bottling Miramar’s tap water as part of a pilot program. City Commissioner Yvette Colbourne stated, “We have developed a premium bottled water brand that offers an exceptional drinking experience. What sets Miramar’s bottled water apart is its unwavering commitment to safety and convenience. Residents can enjoy our tap water with complete peace of mind knowing that every drop meets the highest safety standards.” “Miramar ON TAP” bottled water will be made available to all City departments and at City events. For information on programs and events taking place in Miramar, visit MiramarFL.gov.
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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER YVETTE COLBOURNE Juneteenth celebrations hosted by Commissioner Yvette Colbourne COMMISSIONER YVETTE COLBOURNE
Presentation to Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich
Commissioner Yvette Colbourne with Juneteenth Guest Speaker, Bakari Sellers
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AROUND MIRAMAR CITY OF MIRAMAR JOINS RACE TO ZERO WITH SOLID PLAN TO GO CARBON NEUTRAL BY 2050
Officials cutting the ribbon at the new Park and Ride facility in Miramar
Mayor Messam at the grand opening on the Park and Ride facility in Miramar
The City of Miramar in partnership with the Florida League of Cities has joined Race to Zero (RtZ). It is a global campaign initiated by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to rally leadership and support from community leaders for a healthy, resilient, zero-carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. The City has set a series of targets to achieve 100% carbon neutrality by 2050 and a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030. A kickoff event was held for the Race to Zero (RtZ) initiative on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at City Hall. City administration and officials provided an update on the City’s sustainability efforts to ensure that the process is done equitably and that all stakeholders (residents included), agree on how best to attain ‘carbon neutrality.’ County Officials from Broward County, the City of Hallandale, and the City of Coral Springs were also present. The city displayed EV cars and buses and showcased various methods of conservation efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions to the Mayor Wayne Messam addressing the audiaudience in attendance. The 100% carbon neutral- ence at the launch of Race to Zero campaign ity goal by 2050, will lay out a path for the city and provide a framework for reducing emissions, helping avoid some of the worst impacts of climate change. “From the start of my administration, I have made it clear that sustainability and improving the lives of all residents is a priority,” stated Mayor Wayne M. Messam. “Ensuring that Miramar is carbon neutral by the earliest possible date is a key focus to build clean and healthy communities. Our young people deserve the chance to grow up and enjoy everything that our City and our planet have to offer,” continued the mayor. The Miramar City Commission is on board with this effort and recently introduced a package of sustainability related legislation and a Resolution was unanimously approved on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the City Commissions meeting. This will now put the City of Miramar at the forefront of setting climate resiliency goals for the region. The Race to Zero efforts is led by ICLEI-Local Governments for sustainability, USA, of which Miramar has been a member. The city partners with Under 2 Coalition which is an alliance of subnational governments across the globe committed to climate action.
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MIRAMAR NEWS: AROUND TOWN Usain Bolt in Miramar
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HERO AWARD SPOTLIGHT City of Miramar Chief Financial Officer Recognized at Government Finance Officer Association (GFOA) 117th Annual Conference On Monday, May 22, 2023, in Portland, gram, Susan taught fifth grade students Oregon; Ms. Gooding-Liburd was recog- about money management, budgeting, and nized by her peers with the GFOA 2023 investing at a local elementary school. Hero Award. The Hero award is given to She founded the not-for-profit, Community active GFOA professional Care Community Share, in members who has made honor of her late parents. an incredible impact on The foundation assists their community or orneedy families, the elderly, ganization through their schools, churches in her naleadership and have tive island of Tobago, West demonstrated extraordiIndies, since 2014. nary actions beyond their Susan published her first normal duties. book, Sue’s Funny Money, Susan launched the City and is currently working on of Miramar’s GO Local her second book. Sue’s Government Academy, Funny Money provides which allows residents and young people with the basis other interested occupants for learning about savings an opportunity to learn how and how money works. their local government Susan continues to conworks and how they could tribute to the Miramar News get involved in their city. offering personal financial She implemented new tips to our residents and programs for the City of Mibusinesses. SUSAN GOODING-LIBURD ramar resulting in new recurWe congratulate Ms. Chief Financial Officer, ring revenue of over one Susan Gooding-Liburd on City of Mramar million from the investment her accomplishment on bediversification and the Purchasing Card program. half of the City Commission, the adminisAs part of a Financial Literacy Pilot Pro- tration, and the city's staff.
Mayor Wayne M. Messam partners with K.O.F.E. to bring financial wellness information to the residents and employees in the City of Miramar The City of Miramar and Mayor Wayne M. Messam, in partnership with Knowledge of Financial Education (K.O.F.E.), a program designed to bring Financial Literacy to both residents and employees of the City, is set to be rolled out as part of the Mayor’s mandate to help residents achieve financial security. Mayor Messam stated, “In our ongoing commitment to the financial well-being of our employees and residents, the city of Miramar has partnered with the program, KOFE: Knowledge of Financial Education. Folks now have access to resources and education regarding money, budgeting, credit, retirement, and many other topics as well as a dedicated toll-free hot line to financial coaches: all the tools you need to live a financially secure lifestyle.” In April, African American mayors across the United States participated in the African American Mayors Association’s (AAMA) 2023 Economic Mobility Leadership Institute (EMLI) Mayoral Cohort. Mayor Messam was only one of eight participants awarded a $30,000 grant to implement a strategic plan to focus upon wealth creation and poverty reduction. The EMLI grant was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, whose goal is to help the U.S. eco-
nomic system better meet the needs of those experiencing poverty and significantly increase their opportunities to achieve economic success. Within this partnership with K.O.F.E., participants of the program can expect to have access to online resources, live webinars, financial coaching and even a live chat to speak with actual consultants. The program K.O.F.E. is administered by Consolidated Credit, a certified credit counselling service that employs credit counselors and financial coaches to assist people get out of debt or manage their credit. The AAMA EMLI is a premiere 12-month program for a select group of outstanding AAMA member -mayors, designed to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to define economic mobility, apply leading tools and insights to their cities, and create financial literacy forums, including but not limited to topics such as home ownership, insurance, land use/appraisals, student loans, trusts and wills, and wealth management. The focus of EMLI is wealth creation and developing the necessary tools for poverty reduction. For more information on the AAMA, contact Darian Vayson, Director of Policy & Programs, darian@ourmayors.org.
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Are Your Goals Off-Course? How to Set Yourself Up for Success CONTRIBUTED BY SUSAN GOODING-LIBURD
Today, there is so much activity around us that we are confused about our future course. Your dreams and goals are clear, yet you get sidetracked. But by taking these simple measures, you may easily get back on track after getting off course. I must tell you, if you have a plan for your life, you must follow it. Keep focused and stick with your plan. If you get sidetracked on your goals and dreams, here’s how you can get back on track. Remember your “Why” In certain cases, starting something new can help you rediscover your life’s purpose, especially if what you are doing right now doesn’t feel right. That diversion can bring you back to your life’s mission. Think back to your core values, your purpose, what you want to do, why you want to do it, and who you want to serve. Write down your “Why” if you haven’t already, using a Word document or Excel spreadsheet and place it where you’ll see it every day (i.e., on your refrigerator, make it your computer screensaver, make it your phone home screen, etc.). You can also create a visual representation of your “Why” with vision board or collage. Make it a habit to read your goals each day before you start your day, keeping those goals and dreams in front of you goes a long way to keep you on track. Think about your purpose in terms of what makes you happy, while serving others. Reflect on what’s holding you back Limiting beliefs, self-doubt, fear, or being overwhelmed can creep in to try to sway your motivations or prevent you from taking the action you need to achieve your goals. You might also be judging yourself on where you are in your journey, and you may also be comparing yourself with others. Stop doing that to yourself. You might feel like you’re behind or that you should be farther along, but you must get those negative thoughts out of your mind. Don’t allow that kind of thinking to keep you stuck. Remember your brain speaks fear, but your heart speaks love. Start to reframe the judgment or limiting belief that is keeping you stuck. Shift your mind so you can see a different or better picture. There’s no such thing as being behind when it comes to your life’s purpose. You’re exactly where you’re meant to be in this moment in time. Re-evaluate your goal You might need to reassess your goals now that you’ve remembered your “Why” and given some thought to the limiting beliefs that are preventing you from achieving those goals. Ask yourself if you require a fresh goal to be motivated. Set a new goal and become intentional to
achieve it by choosing something that fits your purpose. Consider if your goal and your motivation are aligned with each other. Is it too lofty a goal? Too large? Too little? Is it plausible? How will you recognize when you’ve succeeded? SET SMART GOALS AS A STARTING POINT IF YOU’RE UNSURE: • Specific: Concentrate on just one subject • Measurable: Specify how you’ll be able to gauge your success • Attainable: Pick a goal that is reasonable for your timeframe and circumstances • Relevant: Align your goal with your purpose or mission • Time-Bound: Set a deadline or end-date when you will accomplish your goal Also consider how you feel about your goals in connection to those feelings. Does reaching your goal feel satisfying? Do you consider it to be reasonable? How will you feel when you achieve this goal? When I accomplish a goal, I feel better, lighter, and more driven to accomplish another goal right away. I consequently start looking for other items on my list that I can complete immediately. Writing about your feelings after completing a task in your diary is a terrific method to increase motivation, foster passion, and communicate your aspirations to the universe. Reposition and take steps (act) Once you’ve centered yourself, you may consider your effective, aligned action. Start by setting a SMART goal. What one thing could you do this month to go closer to that objective? In a week, what could you accomplish? In a day? Create a to-do list if you haven’t already done so. Your task list is precisely what it says on the list. List the tasks you must carry out every day (or every week) to advance toward your objective. As you finish each task, check them off the list. Remembering all the wonderful things you’ve accomplished on your path to purpose is crucial. You’ll need these reminders to keep you motivated to continue because it might be a difficult trip. You’ll quickly get back on track to living your purpose with the help of four potent acts, supported by an agreed-upon objective and a clear understanding of “Why.” Act now: Identify your why first. When did you begin? Do you wish to serve anyone? Think about whether your objective is truly for you and your life’s purpose. The next step is to reflect on what has been stopping you (or what has thrown you off course), re-evaluate your goal, and reposition to take decisive action. I believe in you!
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PUBLIC SAFETY Miramar’s Youth and Police Officers Wrap Up Another Year of Hangin’ with 5-0 Summer Camp with Beach Clean Up For 14 years and counting Sunbeam Properties & Development has sponsored the fun and free summer camp that bridges the gap between Miramar’s underserved youth and Miramar Police Officers. Each summer, Hangin’ with 5-0 campers gather to celebrate the end of another successful summer camp season and enjoy the camaraderie of the Miramar community. The group recently spent a day at the beach, cleaning up the environment, playing in the waves and enjoying an all-American barbeque served up by Sunbeam Properties & Development. Hangin’ with 5-0 is an annual not-forprofit summer camp program organized by Miramar PAL and the City of Miramar to support underserved youth. Nearly eliminated by the city in 2008, Sunbeam Properties and Development and the Miramar Park of Commerce stepped in to help keep the free, one-of-a-kind summer camp program running and has continued to do so for the past 14 years. “Sunbeam Properties & Development
and the Miramar Park of Commerce have in many ways developed right alongside the City of Miramar, so it’s very meaningful for us to support those families that call Miramar home and bring impactful and memorable experiences to the next generation,” said Ryan Goggins, Vice President, Acquisitions, Leasing and Marketing for Sunbeam Properties and Development. “This year we wanted to do things a little differently by engaging in a group-oriented volunteer activity during our annual celebration. We value this time getting to know the campers and learning about their summer experiences.” Many of the nine to 14-year-olds who participate in Hangin’ with 5-0 are selected by school resource officers and guidance counselors for the program. The campers participate in a weekly summer camp free-
Miramar Detective Jonathan Zeller selected as the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association’s (FLEOA) Detective of the Year
Miramar Detective Jonathan Zeller was selected as the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association’s (FLEOA) Detective of the Year. Detective Zeller has solved many homicides, but it was his dedicated work on solving a 43-year-old cold case that garnered this recognition. It was the oldest cold case solved in Miramar PD history. Evelyn Marie Fisher-Bamforth was raped and murdered in her own home on January 22, 1980. She was 32 years old. Evelyn’s horrific murder was one that the Miramar Police Department could never forget. Although her case was looked at time and time again, it took the advancement of DNA technology and the diligence and hard work of Detective Zeller to finally solve it. Ronald Eugene Richards, a career criminal, was indicted for Evelyn’s sexual battery and murder. He is awaiting trial.
of-charge, which includes trips to the movies, excursions to the beach, live animal shows, airboat rides and more alongside Miramar’s dedicated police officers. Each day, breakfast and lunch are served. “We have anywhere from 40 to 50 kids participate in this summer program, often repeatedly, which is great because it helps us to establish that bond from elementary through high school,” said Miramar Police Athletic League Executive Director Scott Hadley. “The connections that are forged between officers and campers are really impactful and often it’s the kids who resist coming the most who are the ones who keep coming back to enjoy the camp year after year.” Each May, Miramar PAL in cooperation with the Miramar Police Department and the City of Miramar begin to register students for summer camp. The organization provides educational, athletic, civic and crime prevention activities for youth in a safe environment through a cooperative partnership between the police and the community. More information about the camp and its programs is available at www.miramarpal.org. In addition to Hangin’ with 5-0, Sunbeam Properties and Development supports the City of Miramar through other nonprofit organizations, having donated resources for the Ansin Sports Complex and the Ansin Family Gallery in the Miramar Cultural Center. The Miramar Park of Commerce has also been the site for supply drives for America’s Moms for Soldiers, several holiday toy
drives for Miramar children in need with the Miramar Police Department, a school supply drive for children who have a military parent on deployment and a food drive for United Way of Broward County.
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PUBLIC SAFETY ––– Continued from previous page ABOUT MIRAMAR PARK OF COMMERCE Since breaking ground in 1984, Sunbeam has developed the Miramar Park of Commerce into the largest locally owned and managed Business Park in South Florida, with over five million square feet
of office/service, laboratory, pharmacy, light manufacturing and distribution space. The world class Park is home to more than 10,000 employees from more than 180 national and international companies including GE, Siemens, Spirit Airlines, Tommy Hilfiger, Neiman Marcus, Humana, Quest Diagnostics, Toyota, Vitas Healthcare, Stanley Black & Decker, Pepperidge Farm,
HEICO Corporation and Nissan. Flex/office space, corporate build-to-suits as well as a limited number of second-generation spaces are available in the Park. For more information, contact PJ Apol (papol@wsvn.com) at 10212 USA Today Way, Miramar, FL 33025 or call 954-4507900.
Miramar PD recently joined forces with Texas Roadhouse, to make Christmas in July Kids Night truly special! Officers showed up in great fashion, showcasing some of the impressive assets while spreading joy and providing support throughout the event.
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MIRAMAR HAPPENINGS
Back to school give-away with Commissioner Winston Barnes
Back to school give-away attended by Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis (middle) and Commissioner Maxwell Chambers (right)
Back to school give-away
Good Times Miramar by Commissioner Winston Barnes
Earthday celebrations
Julian Believe performing at Taste of the Islands festival
Gianpaul performing at Taste of the Islands
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