WALKING TO COMBAT THE STIGMA

Third Annual Mental Illness Walk At Loan Depot Park

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month in May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Miami is hosting A Walk for Mental Health Awareness, on May 20 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Loan Depot Park, home of the Miami Marlins.

The event raises awareness and funding for local mental health services and has sponsorship and walk team opportunities available for those interested in participating. The walk is designed to combat the stigma of mental health, address the high incidence of suicide due to untreated mental health disorders and raise funds for NAMI Miami’s free programs offered in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

NAMI offers support groups, peer mentoring programs, outreach and educational classes. Despite the many challenges seen over the last three years, NAMI Miami engaged more than 21,000 students, young adults, adults, families and local leaders with its prevention, education, mental wellness and support programs. These programs are always offered at no cost to participants, led by NAMI-trained peerleaders and remain confidential.

Racher, NAMI Miami board chair. “We inspire those who are unwell to seek help, and we support them and their families in their recovery journey. This work is life-changing.”

According to the CDC, in 2020, an estimated 12.2 million American adults seriously thought about suicide, 3.2 million planned a suicide attempt, and 1.2 million attempted suicide. The psychological and financial effects of the past two years add urgency to NAMI’s outreach efforts. NAMI’s free programs augment clinical and therapeutic care, according to evidenceinformed standards.

Sponsorship benefits are available for this event and range from $1,000 to $20,000. Sponsors will have the opportunity to join other organizations, corporations, foundations and individuals on a national level while supporting the effort to increase awareness of mental health challenges during one of the most arduous years in history.

More information is available at namiwalks.org/miami, via email to Kate Edelson, kate@namimiami.org, or 305-665-2540 or 786-775-0667.

Tax Collector Sam C. Steele announced this week that his office recently received a perfect annual audit of its financial operations from Monroe County’s new independent auditor, RSM. It is the second consecutive perfect audit earned by the three-member finance department under Steele’s tenure since being sworn into office in January 2021.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment for our Finance Department,” Steele said. “Danny, Denise and Anita exemplify the very best in teamwork and diligence to ensure excellence in all aspects of financial operations. Our office collected and distributed a recordhigh $431 million throughout the year, and I couldn’t be prouder of these three for balancing to the penny.”

Last year, the Monroe County Tax Collector’s Office earned the Excellence in Financial Operations Award, presented to a member of the Florida Tax Collectors Association. The award is determined by a five-person judging panel made up of government financial executives throughout Florida.

The panel examined the Tax Collector’s processes related to four areas of competency: innovation & automation; a perfect annual audit report; customer focus and budgeting.

— Contributed

“NAMI Miami’s programs address the key barriers impeding half the population from seeking help for treatable mental health conditions: stigma, lack of knowledge about when to seek help and uncertainty about where to seek help. Untreated mental illnesses can lead to disability and to self-harm and loss of life,” said Susan

Road closures suspended for Memorial Day Weekend

The southbound rolling lane closure, just north of MM 80, that’s been in effect since May 1 to allow construction crews to install new water main in Islamorada will be suspended for Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 27 through 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30). The southbound lane closure for the project along U.S. 1 is rolling, meaning the lane will be closed for 1,000 to 1,500 feet at a time as crews install the new transmission main. The lane closure will continue to shift northbound (from MM 80 to 84) in 1,000- to 1,500-foot increments for the duration of the project.

The project is estimated to be completed by February 2025; however, traffic impacts will lessen by March 2024. Work will halt for major holidays and events. One northbound and one southbound lane will remain open along U.S. 1 for the duration of the project and bike lanes will remain ac- cessible. For traffic-related updates pertaining to this project, visit www.fkaa.com/322/ traffic-advisories.

Free life jacket training offered in Islamorada

The U.S. Coast Guard Station Islamorada and Coast Guard Auxiliary are holding a free life jacket training for children and families on Monday, May 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at Founders Park pool. In-water training by personnel from Station Islamorada and the auxiliary will instruct you in the proper type and use of a life jacket. A jacket is provided or you may bring your own. An individual instructor is provided for each participant. For more information, contact Pete Fickinger at 727-946-8049.

Staff is amazing. Calling for assistance is always top-notch. Staff is just the nicest you will ever have.

Very happy with everything. Thank you for all you do for us and our community!

SERVING ISLAMORADA PROUDLY SINCE EARLY 2020 TRUSTED SERVICE PROVIDER IN MONROE COUNTY SINCE 1995.