SoMi AUGUST 2025

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From the South Miami Police Department SMPD Dispatcher Earns Dispatcher of the Year Award-Florida Police Chiefs Association

The South Miami Police Department proudly announces that Communications Coordinator Dawnn Kinsey has earned the prestigious "Dispatcher/ Communications Center Employee of the Year Award" from the Florida Police Chiefs Association.

A U.S. Air Force veteran and SMPD team member since 1996, Kinsey has demonstrated unwavering professionalism, leadership, and empathy throughout her career. Her pivotal role in de-escalating a mental health crisis during a tense

standoff in June 2024 is just one example of her exceptional service. Beyond her dispatch duties, Kinsey plays a vital role in training new hires, maintaining critical records, and ensuring public safety with compassion and dedication—making her an invaluable asset to the City of South Miami.

INSERT VIDEO HERE:

HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=RGPH14XIIYG

Production Directors

Stephen Miller

Elizabeth Miller

Sales Department

Tom English

Margo Williams

Laura Berrio

Bret McCormick

Miranda Ledbeter

Alyssa Debban

Justein Matthias

Anissa Stender

Webmaster

Selina Koehler

Production Manager

Lee Nostrant

Production Department

Elaine Donholt

Ruth Nekoranec

Katie Heystek

Dianne Strout

Karen Kalisz

Michelle Feeney

Andie Reynolds www.seabreezecommunications.com

South Miami Police Department Joins Regional Crackdown on Speeding Drivers

The South Miami Police Department, in partnership with local and regional law enforcement agencies, participated in Operation Southern Slow Down from July 14–19, 2025. This multi-state campaign—coordinated with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—targeted speeding and aggressive driving across Florida, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Tennessee to help reduce crashes and save lives.

South Miami officers will increase speed enforcement and promote safe driving through community outreach and education.

“SLOW DOWN. DRIVE SAFE. ARRIVE ALIVE.”

Seabreeze Communications, Inc. does not endorse any advertising as it relates to the communities. Advertising is not screened by Seabreeze Communications, Inc.

All

The Publisher is not responsible or liable for misinformation or misprints herein contained and reserves the right to accept or reject all copy deemed unsuitable for publication.

City Commission Insider

Watch the June 17th, 2025, City Commission meeting to the right.

UPCOMING CITY COMMISSION MEETING

Date: August 5, 2025

Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: City of South Miami Commission Chambers

Address: 6130 Sunset Drive, South Miami, FL 33143

VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION - Members of the public may also join the meeting via Zoom at (https://zoom. us/j/3056636338) and participate. In addition, a dedicated phone line will be available so that any individual who does not wish (or is unable) to use Zoom, may listen to and participate in the meeting by dialing +1-786-6351003 Meeting ID: 3056636338. The public may merely view the meeting live on the City’s website: (“Granicus”) as well as Channel 667 on Atlantic Broadband or by AT&T U-Verse.

INSERT VIDEO HERE: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/ WATCH?V=VI2GCESXFCY

Ride MetroConnect in SoMi

MetroConnect is the city's official rideshare service that easily connects you to Metrobus, Metrorail and takes you where you need around town.

HOW TO BOOK A RIDE

1. Create an account. Download the MetroConnect app from the App Store or Google Play Store, or scan the QR code, and follow the simple signup steps.

Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are massive storm systems that form over warm ocean waters and move toward land. Potential threats from hurricanes include powerful winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, coastal and inland flooding, rip currents, tornadoes, and landslides. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A HURRICANE

WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY.

2. Book a ride.

Enter your pickup and dropoff addresses, choose the ride that works best for you, and tap Book This Ride. You can also call 786-321-5842 to book a ride, and speak with someone in Spanish.

3. Meet your driver.

Check the app to see when you should head outside to meet your driver. The app will always show you an estimated arrival time.

For more information, visit https:// southmiamifl.gov/821/Learn-more-RideMetroConnect-in-SoMi.

Determine how best to protect yourself from high winds and flooding.

• Evacuate if told to do so.

• Take refuge in a designated storm shelter, or an interior room for high winds.

• Listen for emergency information and alerts.

• Only use generators outdoors and away from windows.

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown! Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

• Hurricane Preparedness Brochure

• Grocery Store - Pharmacy With Generators List

• Gas Stations with Generators List

• Florida Power & Light Hurricane Resources

SoMi Portal

Did you know South Miami residents now have access to the SoMi Portal, a personalized dashboard that makes it easy to stay connected with the City? Once you create an account or sign in, you can bookmark favorite links and quickly access city services all in one place. Use the portal to pay for parking permits, background checks, building permits, utility bills, business tax receipts, and more. It also features SoMi Connect, where you can submit and track service requests, such as code enforcement or street issues. Plus, through the portal’s eTRAKiT system, you can apply for permits, schedule inspections, manage licenses, and search property records. The SoMi Portal is your one-stop hub for staying informed and taking care of city business—check it out today! View the SoMi Portal here.

SoMi Parks

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF SOUTH MIAMI’S PARKS

Join us for the South Miami Parks & Recreation Master Plan Open House.

We want to hear from YOU! What do you want to see in our parks? How can we make outdoor spaces more fun, inclusive, and accessible for all?

Drop by and share your ideas!

For more Parks and Recreation Master Plan resources, click here.

South Miami Community Programs

Active Adults 60+ Program

The South Miami Active Adults program offers a wide variety of services designed to enhance the well-being and engagement of its participants. These services include wellness activities such as fitness classes and health screenings, recreational and social programs like arts and crafts, games, and social events, and a weekly lunch program that fosters community and nutrition. The program also arranges field trips to local attractions and provides regular shopping opportunities—grocery trips take place weekly, while retail shopping is available every other week.

Additionally, the South Miami Senior Center serves breakfast every other Monday, offering another chance for social interaction and nourishment.

A social worker is onsite to provide counseling, support groups, and referral services, ensuring participants have access to essential resources for their overall well-being.

After-School Program

The City's Parks and Recreation After-School Program provides children, grades Kindergarten through 6th grade, the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities. The program takes place Monday through Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Our program includes transportation from schools within the City of South Miami (minimum of 3 kids per pickup time), homework help, supervised computer use, organized games, sports and fitness, special events, arts and cultural programming and more!

Additional activities included in the program at no cost:

• Enrichment Activities (STEM, JiuJitsu, Dance)

• Meal and Snack Program

GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 6TH GRADE

Sensory Program

The Sensory Lab features a wall mural, wall sensory installations/activations, program work stations, a smart interactive board, and other equipment designed for kids with neurodiversity or sensory processing conditions.

July's Pets of the Month

In partnership with Miami-Dade Animal Services, we’re introducing you to a furry friend who’s full of love and ready to meet his forever family!

READY TO ADOPT?

Head to www.miamidade.gov/animals to find your new best friend and help reduce overcrowding in our shelters.

Let's Celebrate Your Grand Opening

Planning a Grand Opening? We’d love to be part of your celebration! The City of South Miami is here to support new businesses and would be honored to be a part of your celebrations with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for you. We’ll bring the ribbon and scissors— and help add to the excitement of your big day!

Let’s make your grand opening a memorable event. Reach out to us to get started!

Email: communityaffairs@southmiamifl.gov

SoMi Job & Volunteer Spot

CERTIFIED/LATERAL POLICE OFFICER

Full Time Hourly

The Police Officer position performs general police functions in the prevention of crime, protection of life and property, and apprehension of criminal offenders through the enforcement of laws and ordinances, and the maintenance of community order through the performance of numerous human services as well as providing general information and assistance to the public.

CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

PROJECT MANAGER

Full Time Salary

The Construction & Design Project Manager position leads the City's construction and design efforts, ensuring successful delivery of high-quality capital projects within budget and schedule.

FOOTBALL COMMISSIONER

Part Time Hourly

Volunteering is vital to the welfare of our community, and the City of South Miami appreciates your interest in volunteering your services. Whether you make a shortterm or long-term commitment, the City

welcomes your help and will work to make your experience a rewarding one.

CHEER COMMISSIONER

Part Time Hourly

Volunteering is vital to the welfare of our community, and the City of South Miami appreciates your interest in volunteering your services. Whether you make a shortterm or long-term commitment, the City welcomes your help and will work to make your experience a rewarding one.

GENERAL VOLUNTEER

Part Time Hourly

Volunteering is vital to the welfare of our community, and the City of South Miami appreciates your interest in volunteering your services. Whether you make a shortterm or long-term commitment, the City welcomes your help and will work to make your experience a rewarding one. While most volunteering opportunities in the City are available in the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department, there may be additional opportunities for volunteer service in other City departments.

Click on Each Job Title for the Full Job Description and to Apply

Mayor & Commission Office Hours

Your city leadership is waiting to hear from you! The Mayor and Commissioners have set up office hours to hear your thoughts on our City of pleasant living.

MAYOR JAVIER FERNÁNDEZ

Office Hours

First & Third Tuesday of Every Month at 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

VICE MAYOR BRIAN COREY

Available based on resident requests

COMMISSIONER STEVE CALLE

Office Hours

Every Thursday at 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

COMMISSIONER DANNY RODRIGUEZ

Available based on resident requests

COMMISSIONER LISA BONICH

Available based on resident requests

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SoMi AUGUST 2025 by Seabreeze Communications - Issuu