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November 2021
Residential Community at Miramar Town Center Breaks Ground Related Group, Florida's leading developer of sophisticated metropolitan living hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on October 12th for Manor Miramar -- a 393-unit, 8 story rental community located in burgeoning Downtown Miramar. The transformational project will also deliver 26,500 square feet of retail space and 53 units of workforce housing units, set to deliver in late 2023. Manor Miramar rounds out Miramar Town Center by delivering much-needed housing and creating a vibrant central hub. The area has been experiencing swift growth, with Manor Miramar located on the last developable parcel in the Town Center. "It gives me great pleasure to watch as Manor Miramar breaks ground at Town Center. This final phase of development would not have been possible without the incredible team effort amongst all the partners involved,” said Miramar City Manager, Vernon E. Hargray. “Our residents will soon be able to have a complete and lively Town Center experience with the addition of new retail stores and restaurants. The convenient and modern residential units will offer more housing options for those looking to call this great All-America City of Miramar home.” “Renters who value modern convenience without sacrificing world-class amenities will feel right at home at Manor Miramar,” said Jon Paul Pérez, President at Related Group. “We look forward to delivering a top-quality living option in tune with the City of Miramar’s vision for a vibrant community hub and downtown feel.” Built under Related’s “Manor” sub-brand, Manor Miramar is a mid-sized residential community finetuned to resonate with renters that have graduated
The Related Group, City officials and staff joined in for the occasion.
from affordable properties but are not yet ready to make the jump to the ultra-luxurious high-rises. As with every Related project, the property will also feature a museum-quality art collection for all to enjoy, hand-selected by Related’s team of art experts. Architecture firm, Stantec, designed Manor Miramar to seamlessly fit into the surrounding area's Mediterranean-inspired look and feel, while giving the property a refreshed and modern take. Striking arched windows become the focal point of the exteriors, complemented by traditional terracotta barreled tiled roofing and a porte-cochere that fosters a welcoming arrival. Indoors, residents will enjoy a stunning array of lifestyle amenities spanning more than 12,000 square feet. Meant to make residents’ lives more convenient and enjoyable, offerings range from qualityof-life touches like a coworking space, convenience store, 650-space parking garage and on-site dog
washing station, to more resort-style options like an expansive 25,000 square foot pool deck. Completing Manor Miramar's robust amenity package is an on-site bowling alley, game simulator and media room perfect for socializing and entertaining while a yoga and spin studio, spa and sauna are perfect for those looking to relax in idyllic tranquility. A further testament to the live, work and play environment, the property is conveniently located in the center of the City and within walking distance to City Hall, the Cultural Arts Center, library, education facility and a transportation hub. Residences range from 420-square-foot studios to sprawling 1,600 square feet three-bedroom apartments with private terraces. Residents have all the modern-day comforts including upscale kitchens with sleek quartz countertops and premium appliances, open floor plans, expansive balconies and large master suites.
CITY OF MIRAMAR OFFICIALS
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Vernon E. Hargray City Manager, City of Miramar
“Leadership is not in the lessons you teach but in the legacy you leave. Anyone can steer a ship in a calm sea.” Thank you Mr. Vernon Hargray for your dedicated and unrelenting service to the City of Miramar over the years as you fearlessly charted the path for growth and development throughout the City. Vernon E. Hargray is an accomplished administrator and consummate professional with over 40 years of progressively responsible municipal management experience. His extensive public service background includes project management; contract administration; capital project development; financial strategic planning implementation; revenue enhancement; and leveraging assets. Hargray’s professional contributions have also led to private consultation on projects that have international, regional, state, and local impact. Highly respected, he is known among his peers and employees as a highly effective leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills. He boasts a colorful tenure in government which is always coupled with a love for community. A longtime Miramar resident and retired employee, he came out of retirement to hold the position of Miramar’s City Manager—which he retires from in 2021. To date, Hargray is the only sitting City Manager with naming rights to a City facility. He obtained such an honor by the City Commission, because of his extensive contributions to the development and vision of the City. The City’s Youth Enrichment Center was renamed
the Vernon E. Hargray Youth Enrichment Center as proof of these accomplishments. Hargray was most recently responsible for over $300 million in Capital improvement projects that has strategically shaped and molded the livability of various communities. Recent Professional Accomplishments • Successfully implemented the Comprehensive Assessment of Revenues and Expenses (C.A.R.E.) Program; a tenpoint City Manager budget initiative launched to maximize the City’s human, capital, and natural resources. • Entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (“PSA”) with Related Development, LLC (“Related”) for the sale of the Miramar Town Center Block 2 property for $3.2 million. The $110 million project will generate 650 jobs over the two-year construction period and a total of 323 jobs on a recurring basis. Additionally, $1.9 million would be generated annually in property taxes and $1 million in sales taxes. • Hosted a Visioning Session for internal and external stakeholders to showcase Miramar's future plans to redevelop and revitalize Historic Miramar. • Launched an international marketing campaign, Why Miramar? to assist in the City's goals to become a household name through brand recognition. • Created an Economic Development Fund which provides a dedicated funding source for city-wide economic development activities to accomplish five goals: Goal 1: Diversify Miramar’s Tax Base to Enhance Economic Competitiveness and Resilience Goal 2: Expand Urban Innovation & Revitalization Activity Goal 3: Leverage Miramar’s Cultural Arts, Entertainment and Sports Assets Goal 4: Create a Unique Sense of Place in Miramar Goal 5: Tie Together Miramar’s Distinct Neighborhood Sub-areas into a Cohesive City • Developed long-term strategies aimed at improving pension and healthcare costs. • Entered into negotiations with Pinnacle Communities, LLC, after receiving an unsolicited proposal, for the development of 100-120 senior affordable housing units. • Adjusted Millage Rate to address various budget issues and obligations by dedicating funding for Committed Reserves, Emergency Reserves, Pension Trust Fund and Other Post-Employment Benefits ("OPEB") Trust Fund. • Hosted a collaborative meeting with Broward County to address the City's affordable and workforce housing, and transportation initiatives. A Florida native, Hargray holds a Bachelor’s degree from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
and a Master's degree in Education from Georgia State University. Hargray is also a Veteran ranked 1st Lieutenant of the United States Army; honorably discharged in 1981. A devoted Christian and humble servant, Hargray is heavily involved in his church, where he serves as Chair of the Finance Committee. Heartiest thank you to Mr. Hargray! The City of Miramar extends sincere well wishes and the very best in his future endeavors. He has left an indelible mark in the City of Beauty and Progress.
November 2021
Mr. Hargray with colleagues at the Miramar Invitational at Ansin Sports Complex.
CITY OF MIRAMAR APPOINTS FIRST JAMAICAN-BORN CITY MANAGER
Whittingham Gordon The Miramar City Commission on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 approved the appointment of Whittingham Gordon to the position of City Manager for Miramar, effective November 6, 2021. Gordon, a 26-year veteran of the City of Miramar currently serves as Deputy City Manager, a position held since 2020. He will succeed City Manager Vernon Hargray whose contract expires on November 5, 2021. Gordon has demonstrated commitment and dedication to the city with a proven progressive leadership track record of over 30 years in local government. Prior to joining the City of Miramar, Gordon worked for Miami-Dade County in various departments including Water and Sewer as well as Building and Zoning. He joined the City of Miramar in 1995 as the first Jamaican-born Engineering Inspector and rose through the ranks over the years. During his tenure with the
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Engineering Department, he oversaw land development projects in the height of the construction boom, when Miramar was recognized as the fastest growing city in the county. Gordon has also held leading positions with the Utilities department and served as Assistant City Manager where he instituted many new programs and services. Two of these programs received the national Smart 50 Awards by the Smart City Connect Foundation: The Smart Water Meter project and the Building Energy Management Systems project. Gordon holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix and was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army after 4 years of service. Gordon added, “This is truly a dream come true for me and it has been a long journey to get here. As a 30-year Miramar resident and a 26-year City of Miramar employee, I have seen this city grow tremendously during my time here. Thanks to the City Commission for their vote of confidence. I am very proud to serve this great All-America City. I am committed to working with our elected officials as well as Miramar residents, local businesses and our valued employees to continue to keep Miramar beautiful, progressive and a safe place to live, work and call home.” He continued, “Thanks to Mr. Hargray for his outstanding service and leadership as City Manager and for all that he has done to move this city forward. He has led this city well and will leave some big shoes to fill.” Gordon, who is Jamaican born, will be Miramar’s first Jamaican City Manager reporting to a City Commission who are all of Jamaican descent. The agenda item was brought forward by Commissioner Maxwell Chambers, and supported by Mayor Wayne Messam, Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne and Commissioner Alexandra Davis.
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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Wayne M. Messam
Every year I have the honor of presenting the State of the City address to our residents and business community. It's a tradition I began when I was elected mayor in 2015. This visual report highlights the successes of Miramar over the past fiscal year, the economic development progress of our economy and the investments made in our city to enhance and sustain a high quality of life for our residents. This year's State of the City address will be hosted by Space Coast Credit Union in their Miramar headquarters at the Miramar Park of Commerce at 6:30 PM on November 10, 2021. Space Coast Credit Union is located at 10600 Marks Way in the Park of Commerce. Despite the tremendous impact of the pandemic on our city, I am pleased to share that the State of Miramar is Strong. This year's address will feature success stories in Economic Development, shed light on our Business Climate, provide updates on Resident Services, Impacts and Responses to COVID19, highlight our opportunities and the future of Miramar. It is without question that Miramar remains on fire. The 2020 census has our population growth at over 134,000 residents and our economy remains one of the fastest growing in America with the continued addition of high paying jobs. Industry-leading companies continue to move to Miramar
with salaries averaging $80,000. If you have never attended any of my State of the City addresses, I encourage you to do so. Trust me, you will learn so much about your city. Did you know Miramar received the highly coveted “All America City Designation” and not one but two Smart City Awards being one of only 50 cities worldwide to do so? Find out how we did it at this year’s State of The City address. You may RSVP at: sotc2021.eventbrite.com As I reflect on the progress of the city and our response to the pandemic, I am just as resolved in continuing to lead the city commission and city administration as I am to ensuring that we invest in the future of Miramar. We have already begun the planning and groundwork necessary to prepare for the next twenty years and beyond. We must continue our momentum, and we cannot rest. We must continue to make the bold moves today that will secure our competitive advantage in the future. To stay informed on events and news from the mayor's office, follow me on social media Twitter/Instagram: @WAYNEMESSAM and Facebook: FaceBook.com/MayorWayneMMessam . In Service, Mayor Wayne M. Messam
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MESSAGE FROM VICE MAYOR YVETTE COLBOURNE celed inDay 2020 due to concerns arising from the Women’s Equality Community members of all August 26,COVID-19 2021 waspandemic. proclaimed ages turned up to dance to salsa, merengue, Women’s Equality Day by the Miramar bachata and more. City Commission. This day has been Venezuelan, Edward26Mena kicked off the festival celebrated annually on August withcommemorates his romantic ballads since 1971 and the and Miramar’s Aney C, who is from Panama, the crowd with her passage of the 19th Amendment energized to dancers as she performed her urbano pop songs. Latin music lovers gathered at the Amphitheater Columbian artiste, Charlie Zaa and one of the origat Miramar Regional Park on Saturday, September inal Salsa Kings, Hector Tricoche from Puerto Rico 25, 2021 to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month continued to wow the crowd with their riveting perduring the city’s signature Latin Music Festival. This formances. Dominican, Ramon Orlando and David year’s festival was very well-attended and was an Lucca y Los Clasicos with Gio Beta kept the audioverall great success. The event is held annually to ence on their feet for the rest of the night dancing highlight Hispanic Heritage Month but was can- to salsa and merengue.
Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne, who is of Panamanian descent, stated, “The Latin Music Fest gets bigger and better every year, and this year was no exception. It was such a fun evening despite the light showers, and it was great to celebrate with the community who came out to represent their countries of origin. The diverse group of accomplished performers did not disappoint and kept the crowd entertained from beginning to end. The variety of Latin food served up by local vendors was amazing and the Cuban cigar lounge set up by Mr. Cigars was a big hit. Thanks to everyone who came from near and far to celebrate with us.”
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Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne presenting the Community Service Award to Dr. Aurelio Castrellon in observance of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne and Representative Marie Woodson pictured at the Alcee Hastings Street Naming Ceremony & Birthday Celebration on Sunday, September 5, 2021.
Vice Mayor Yvette Colbourne presenting a proclamation on Indian Independence Day at Ghandi Square, Falcons Lea Park in Davie, FL on Sunday, August 15, 2021, in observance of Indian Independence and Heritage Month.
Lebo’s 20-foot sculpture entitled “Peace in our time” will be on display at the Miramar Cultural Center ArtsPark Botanical Gardens until March of 2022.
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COMMISSIONER WINSTON BARNES
9/11 Memorial Site Dedication with Cadets
9/11 Memorial Site Dedication with Judge Jackie Powell
Good Vibes 70s Concert at Shirley Branca Park
Good Vibes 80s Concert at Shirley Branca Park with staff of Parks and Recreation
9/11 Site Memorial with City Manager Vernon Hargray and his family
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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER MAXWELL B. CHAMBERS We are at the end of the It has become increasingly evident that contracJamaica Celebrates 59 years of Independence with to theget annual greatdrywall, pleasureand to India invite75th Miramar to receive turkey. summer and it’s time tors’Halloween generatedevent waste at suchbrings as treeme debris, year ofresidency Independence: River Run Park. The kids had a great you to the 23rd Annual Golf First come, first served. supour kids back to school. After and fences, have played a substantial role in the I am proud to belong to a city thatWhile celebrates time! Tournament benefiting the children plies last. being away for quite some increased volume of bulk materials placed curb- diversity and inclusion. In the month of August, The enrolledbulk in our Miramar Program time, they are once again side for collection. The increased waste and PAL City of Miramar celebrated with these two counThanksgiving and PAL Golf on Friday, November 12th, theAugust Tree6th, Lighting at City Hall and faced with the challenge of frequency of contractors placing materials curb- tries.atOn Jamaica’s 59th year of indeTournament: Bonaventure Golf Club, 200 Shirley Branca Park: adjusting to a new norm As side for collection is having a direct impact on pendence was celebrated at Miramar Regional As we head into the festivities that Bonaventure Boulevard, Weston. Every December residents look Greetings Residents, year-end brings, we are once again Registration begins at 10 am. forward to our Annual Tree Lighting, Hispanic Heritage Month and facing a different kind of holiday sea- Please contact Ann Lee for and this year it will be just as spectacHalloween: son due to the pandemic. I know we information at 954-602-4783 or ular. Residents love to come out to Hispanic Heritage month has just all are looking forward to a post- aelee@miramarPD.org. experience the colorful display of ended, and I had a great time cele- COVID world (I know I am), so I our beautiful Christmas Trees and brating with Miramar residents of implore you to stay optimistic and as For Thanksgiving this year, on lights that make the perfect backHispanic and Latin descent at events Thanksgiving approaches, let us get Tuesday, November 9th from 11am drop for holiday photos. Please call such as “Miramar Latin Music into a mindset of appreciation for to 2pm, we will have a drive-thru my office at 954-602-3154 for further Festival” at the Miramar life, for family and for friends. I also turkey giveaway at the Multi-Service details. Amphitheater and “Our Art, Our implore you to remain cognizant that Complex. If you are a Miramar resiLet me close by wishing you hope, Power” which highlighted exchanges even though there is light at the end dent and wish to receive a turkey, positivity and joy for the upcoming and contributions between Spain, of the tunnel, “we are all in this please register at miramarthanksgiving- holiday season. God Bless you all. Latin America and the United States together” and still need to stay apart turkeygiveaway2021.eventbrite.com or brought to you by the Miramar and stick to the CDC guidelines. call my office at 954-602-3154 for furCultural Center. We closed October As a Miramar PAL board member, it ther details. Must show proof of
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Ribbon cutting at Forcina Park
Hello, Miramar! I am grateful to be able to reach you through this medium once more. Let’s continue to wear our masks when required, social distance, practice proper hygiene and follow the CDC guidelines as we approach the festive holiday season. On September 1st, during the Commission meeting, I had the privilege of recognizing our small businesses with proclamations in honor of Small Business Week, which ran from September 13th -17th. We appreciate our small businesses and thank them for being the economic engine that drives this City! September 5th was a day to remember with the renaming of SW 62 Ave as Alcee L. Hastings Ave. The event was a complete success with his family and the community coming together to honor this legend on his birthday with his very own street. I am grateful to have worked on this initiative not only as a supporter of the congressman, but as a dear friend. May he rest in peace. In the evening, I had the honor of presenting at the People Profile Awards. The People Profile Awards is an award ceremony put on by People Profile Inc., a non-profit, recognizing those ordinary persons in the community doing extraordinary things. September 8th, I joined my colleagues for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Forcina Park. Forcina Park was first a baseball field, but residents were utilizing it for soccer; additionally, it had major flooding issues. Now, there is an updated drainage system, a new soccer field and resurfaced basketball court along with outdoor restrooms. It is very fitting that
these types of capital improvements take place in our city. On the morning of September 11th, my colleagues and I, along with our Miramar First Responders met at our new 9|11 Memorial site as we paid tribute to the victims of 9|11. We will never forget and the memorial at our regional park with relicts of that day will ensure that we always remember! We also attended the Women of Color Conference in Fort Lauderdale. It was great to be in the presence of such powerful and beautiful women attendees who give so selflessly every day! The keynote speaker, Laura Coats, a CNN legal contributor, was awesome! Kudos to all who made it possible. I had the pleasure of attending a business mixer on September 15th with our Director of Economic Development, Anita Fain Taylor, Commissioner of West Park, Joy Smith and the CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, Bob Swindell. The Alliance is the primary economic development agency in Broward which focuses on creating, attracting, expanding, and retaining high wage jobs in high value targeted industries. At this meeting, we had Broward County Administrator, Bertha Henry provide members with an update on the State of the County! I spent a lovely evening celebrating school principal and friend, Ms. Benka-Coker in her new role at McNicol Middle School in the City of Hollywood! The school not only serves Hollywood but the surrounding neighborhoods of West Park and Pembroke Park! I thank Ms. Benka-Coker for hiring me at my first teaching job as an interim science teacher at Perry Middle School back in 2011, when she was Asst. Principal. As a fellow Brit, whose mother hails from Jamaica and father from Africa and an Alumnus from St. Andrew High School... “You dun good! Much success mi fren!” Over the September 19th weekend, I attended the Miss Miami Broward Carnival Pageant and witnessed great performances by the contestants! Kudos to Yolanda Henry and her team for keeping the culture alive! This was a well-organized event by the Miami Broward Carnival Pageant organiza-
tion! So much talent and potential… the culture is in great hands! Miramar is pleased to have partnered with the Archdiocese of Miami to bring affordable housing units for our senior 62 year and older population! We had the groundbreaking ceremony on September 23rd at Saint John XXIII Catholic Church, and we look forward to these apartments coming on stream by the end of next year. Errol Morrison, affectionately known as SAM from Sam’s West Indian Grocery, is gone but not forgotten! I am glad that I was able to honor him in life and will do so in his death by having a plaque placed in his honor at our Wall of Honor at Progress Park for his significant contributions to the Caribbean diaspora right here in Miramar! The Miramar Police Department Promotion & Swearing in Ceremony on October 6th gave me an opportunity to provide a little Wednesday motivation to our newly promoted and sworn in police officers. Thank you for your service to our beloved City of Miramar. We’ve come a long way! The future of our Miramar PD is looking bright, but we must continue to have diverse representation in every area of government! I had the pleasure of attending the Groundbreaking Ceremony for The
Related Group’s, Manor Miramar luxury apartment and commercial space located in the heart of Town Center! I am happy to know that as a successful minority owned company, they are working with the city to ensure small minority owned businesses are subcontracted to work on this project. Latin Flavors was a blast as we closed out Hispanic Heritage Month. Miramar residents who signed up were treated to lunch on the go! Thank you to Juana's Latin Sports Bar & Grill for assisting me in making Latin Flavors a success! October 19-21st I had the pleasure of attending the Smart Cities 50 Conference in Washington, D.C. Smart 50 Awards, in partnership with Smart Cities Connect, Smart Cities Connect Foundation, and US Ignite, annually recognize global smart cities projects, honoring the most innovative and influential work. The City of Miramar won two Smart City Awards, one for its AMI Project converting from Automatic Meter Read (AMR), which required field drive-by data collection to newer technology known as Advanced Metering Infrastructure Sensus FlexNet (AMI). The other award was won for The Smart Building Energy Management Systems Project which encompassed use of sensors and energy saving technology to reduce operating costs, extend equip-
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Please take care of yourselves and each other. To contact my office regarding any concerns, please free to call (954) 602-3155 or email me at apdavis@miramarfl.gov. You may sub-
ment life, increase environmental quality conditions, and reduce ecological impacts. Way to go Miramar! October 23rd was National Prescription Drug Take Back Day which we combined with our Gun Buy Back to enable our residents to drop off unwanted prescriptions and firearms in exchange for vitamin C and gift cards. Thanks to our continuing partnership with Miramar Police Department, the DEA, and Community Partners like Walgreens. Love & Laughter was in the air at the Miramar Cultural Center. Patrons enjoyed an evening of great comedy by Marvin Dixon and smooth R&B by songstress Meli’sa Morgan. The show was emceed by south Florida’s very own radio host, Big Lip Bandit with the opening act being performed by the E.L.E.M.E.N.T.S Band. I am never too busy for our little ones! I had the privilege of participating in Read for the Record at Coconut Palm Elementary School to read Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon in Mrs. Badel’s Kindergarten class, who also happens to be teacher of the year! I am impressed. Way to go!! Black British Heritage is celebrated in the month of October. We had a virtual event on October 26th that show-
cased Black British Heritage which took the form of a panel discussion entitled, Black British: Past Present & Future. This was a powerful and informative forum which spoke of the Windrush Generation to present day. On October 30th we had our 2nd annual Black British Heritage Awards celebration where we recognized Black Britons from the Caribbean making an impact in the USA. The awardees were Wayne LebertBusiness & Entrepreneurship; Deidre Benka-Coker- Education; Charmaine Frankson & Andrew FosterCommunity Engagement; and our celebrity guest Alison Hinds receiving the award for Outstanding Achievement in Arts & Entertainment, making moves on the International stage! Thank you to British Consul General Nicolette Brent, MBE for collaborating with me on this event. Now take a look at our upcoming events! Upcoming Events: Turkey & Fixins’ Hosted by Commissioner Alexandra Davis Saturday, November 13th, 2021 Saturday, November 20th, 2021 10am – 12pm, 2pm-5pm An Evening with an OlympianShelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Presented by Commissioner Alexandra Davis Tuesday, November 16, 2021 6:30pm-8:30pm Miramar Cultural Center Banquet Hall Minimum donation of $100 to the Pocket Rocket Foundation required for entry www.MiramarFl.gov/Donate
Commissioner Davis & Songstress Meli'sa Morgan at Love & Laughter
Happy Holiday Toy Give Away Hosted by Commissioner Alexandra Davis Thursday, December 16th, 2021 Miramar Cultural Center 3pm – 5pm
scribe to receive email updates from my office at www.miramarfl.gov/Davis or follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @4AlexandraDavis.
Commissioner Davis with Black British Heritage awardee for Outstanding Achievement in Arts & Entertainment, Alison Hinds.
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Latin Music Festival at Regional Park
Edward Mena
Gio Beta
Aney C
Hector Tricoche
Charlie Zaa
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Hot Shots from Around the City
Halloween at River Run Park
Captain Tyshieka Shaw, Captain Florinet Derac and Officer Jasper Sejour from the Community-Oriented Policing Bureau ensuring our children were safe while having fun during recent Halloween Celebrations.
Residents enjoying the Good Vibes 90's Concert at Shirley Branca Park.
Dedication of Memorial Monument and Blue Ribbon Cutting at the Miramar Police Department honoring those who died in the line of duty.
Contractor Job Fair at Miramar Cultural Center Banquet Hall
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Miramar Police Department
On October 15, several Miramar PD officers participated in the Police Unity Tour, honoring law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty by raising awareness and funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and Museum. This year, Miramar Captain Mike Yepez cycled 268 miles in honor of his former classmate NYPD Detective Joseph Lemm. Miramar officers have been participating and raising funds for the tour since 2013.
Miramar Police Department reports 18% year over year (September 2021 vs September 2020) decrease in crime Burglaries down 40%
Code Compliance Supervisor, Francois Duvard with his wife at the recent Promotion Ceremony
Maylling Aquirre, Department Administrator with family and Command Staff at the recent Promotion Ceremony
Captain Tysheika Shaw-Williams at the recent Promotional ceremony.
Robberies down 27% Auto Thefts down 12% Please report any suspicious activity immediately to police by dialing 911 or by calling the general information line at 954-602-4000.
Interim Police Chief, Leonard Burgess reading to children at the AC Perry Elementary School at a recent book drive and donation.
Miramar Police Department staff with New Recruits and Promoted Officers and Staff.
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9/11 Memorial Site Dedication at Regional Park
Captain Mike Yepez, Miramar Police Department giving reflections while being on duty as a NYPD Officer during the 9/11 attacks
Yvette Davids, US Southern Command Rear Admiral
Miramar Police Department Command Staff
Yadira Santana-Dowling, 9/11 Survivor
Aircrafts from the U.S Southern Command during a flyover
Beams from 9/11
Miramar Fire Department and Police Department Staff
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MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER RECEIVES NATIONAL 2021 ARTS ENGAGEMENT IN AMERICAN COMMUNITIES AWARD National Endowment for the Arts Grant also awarded for $10,000 The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded the Miramar Cultural Center| ArtsPark with the 2021 Arts Engagement in American Communities Award. The award includes a $10,000 grant to support community arts access projects in the coming year. “The arts make communities more vibrant and fulfilling places, help us to heal, and strengthen our nation’s economy,” said Ann Eilers, Acting Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “The National Endowment for the Arts is committed to supporting organizations nationwide, such as the Miramar Cultural Center, helping to make it possible for our arts and culture sector to grow and for more Americans to have access to the arts.” Camasha Cevieux, Miramar’s Director of Cultural Affairs added, “This is truly an honor for us to receive this award and grant. Thanks to the National Endowment for the Arts for acknowledging our community and assisting the Miramar Cultural Center in making art equally accessible to our diverse and multi-generational population. This generous grant will allow our community to continue to exercise their imaginations and participate in all that the Cultural Center has to offer year-round.” About the National Endowment for the Arts Established by Congress in 1965, the National
Endowment for the Arts is the independent federal agency whose funding and support gives Americans the opportunity to participate in the arts, exercise their imaginations, and develop their creative capacities. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, other federal agencies,
and the philanthropic sector, the Arts Endowment supports arts learning, affirms and celebrates America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extends its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Visit www.arts.gov to learn more.
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Code Compliance Division Keeping Miramar Beautiful
The Miramar Police Department’s Code Compliance Division strives to maintain a desirable living and working environment. The division partners with residents, neighborhood associations, public service agencies and city departments to facilitate voluntary compliance of city ordinances. Our Department also has an active Code ranger program, that is manned by volunteers from our beautiful City! These residents are our additional eyes and ears that help us to educate and work with residents to attain compliance. The following information has been developed to address some of the
most frequently asked questions regarding code violations, as well as information on community outreach and assistance available to Miramar residents: Lawn Maintenance • Grass must be mowed regularly and cannot exceed six inches in height. Derelict & Inoperable Motor Vehicles • Wrecked, partially dismantled or otherwise inoperable vehicles may not be stored except in a fully enclosed garage. Inoperable vehicles
are subject to towing at owner’s expense and property owners are subject to fines. Parking of Vehicles • Passenger vehicles (non-commercial) can be parked in a driveway, carport or garage. Vehicle may not be parked upon lawns. Holiday Lights • Holiday lights and decorations. Holiday lights and decorations are permitted during the period thirty (30) days prior to, and thirty (30) days after the relevant holiday.
Dogs at Large (un-tethered) • If any animal inflicts serious injuries as defined in this chapter or attacks and/or kills a domestic animal as described in this chapter, definition of "Dangerous Dog", the animal's owner or keeper shall be subject to the provisions of section 4-14 of the Broward County Animal Care and Regulation Division. Tethering (leashing) your dog while he is outside can save lives! We encourage all residents to please adhere to this City ordinance. Over the past few years, we have had a sharp rise in animal attacks and deaths. Help us to keep you, our children and our pets safe.
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MIRAMAR MAYOR WAYNE M. MESSAM TO DELIVER IN-PERSON STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS Major Infrastructure Upgrades Including Streetlight and Watermain Improvements to be Announced
City of Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam will deliver the annual State of the City address in-person on Wednesday, November 10, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. at the Space Coast Credit Union located in the Miramar Park of Commerce at 10600 Marks Way, Miramar, FL 33025. The State of the City presents an opportunity for residents, local businesses and community organizations to learn about accomplishments and major issues that affect their city. This year’s State of the City will also feature testimonials from residents and businesses who are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and adjusting their lives and business practices
to the new norm. Items to be discussed include: • Miramar’s FY2021 Economic Development Performance • Historic Miramar Redevelopment Update • Miramar’s Proposed Innovation Village • Affordable Housing Crisis and Miramar’s Response • Miramar Town Center Block 2 Construction “We have made a lot of progress as a city over the past year including being named an All-America City by the National Civic League and we also received global Smart 50 Awards for 2 technologically
advanced programs,” said Mayor Wayne Messam. “Our staff, residents and businesses played a huge role, and I could not be prouder. They have remained resilient in the face of adversity and are coming out of this pandemic stronger and wiser. Please join me as we celebrate our accomplishments and learn more about the important projects taking place in the city that will improve our quality of life right here in our wonderful City of Miramar.” The event is being held at Space Coast Credit Union (SCCU), the third largest credit union in Florida, which recently relocated its South Florida operations center to the Miramar
Park of Commerce. The employer of approximately 850 total team members leased the entire 48,604-sq.-ft. space located at 10600 Marks Way, providing for future staffing expansion in its southern markets. The State of the City address is free to the public with limited registration available at www.SOTC2021.Eventbrite.com. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, and guests will be required to wear a mask. To learn more, visit www.MiramarFL.gov/SOTC.
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City of Miramar cops two Smart City awards at the recent World Innovation Conference in Washington DC, October 2021 City of Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis hosted a Prescription Take Back and Gun Buy Back in collaboration with Miramar Police Dept and the DEA, in recognition of National Prescription Take Back Day 2021
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Casa Sant’Angelo Senior Affordable Housing Project
Construction recently started on a new senior affordable housing project adjacent to Saint John XXIII Roman Catholic Church at 16700 Miramar Parkway. Casa Sant’Angelo will be an elderly (55+), 113-unit, mid-rise development that will have rents up to 80% AMI (Average Median Income). This is the first project to take advantage of the City’s code that provides for impact fee waivers for projects below 80% AMI.
This transaction is a partnership between Atlantic Pacific Communities, LLC (“APC”) and Catholic Health Services (“CHS”), an affiliate of the Archdiocese of Miami. Affiliates of APC will serve as the lead developer and guarantor. Financing for the development will come from 9% low-income housing tax credit equity, a local contribution from Broward County, conventional debt, and a Lessor Note from CHS.
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Fire Prevention Month Activities Over 1,200 children educated on fire safety Pictures from our civilian citation award where we celebrated Mr. Darrian Kelly, an Iraq war veteran who lives in Miramar, for his heroic actions that resulted in the extrication of three victims from a burning vehicle. Mr. Kelly did not hesitate to run out of his house and across the street when he heard the crash.
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