“LIFE’SMOST PERSISTENT ANDURGENT QUESTIONIS, WHATAREYOU DOINGFOR OTHERS?”
-REP.JOHNLEWIS
We honor the legacy of Commissioner Dennis C. Moss for his commitment to Miami-Dade County and to the residents of District 9. His support and tireless efforts resulted in more jobs, stronger businesses and true economic development.
By: Sandy Walker, Publisher August 2024
Like so many others in South home was destroyed by Andrew on August 24, 1992. The total destruction is still unreal to me. One of my special memories is being cramped in a one room temporary shelter with my family and hearing Commissioner Arthur Teele calling my name as he approached with Rev. Jesse Jackson. Commissioner Teele personally delivered to me a large "brick cell phone" to keep and to allow others in the community to use in order to communicate with family and insurance companies. Needless to say there was always a long line at my door. Cell phones were somewhat rare at that time so to have access to one was really a blessing to many.
Commissioner Teele had been a big brother figure and a great friend since my college years and beyond. He had discussed with me earlier that the new District 9 county commission seat would be an access seat and that with the diversity of the area anyone could win it. He wanted my opinion as to who might make a good candidate. My brother was committed to his service as Mayor of Florida City and our state representatives were committed to their work as well with hurricane recovery. There did not appear to be much interest. Teele kept asking while I was focused on putting my life and my home back together.
As fate would have it at the very next meeting of the MMAP Board I sat next to Dennis Moss who was a strong advocate for South Dade. No matter the topic of discussion Moss always wanted to know how it would impact or benefit South Dade. He shared with me his interest in running for the new commission seat. Bingo! I offered to help with his campaign as I had some experience in this area. My little cursory offer turned into an all out assault just to keep up with Moss. We won the election and I served as his Chief of Staff during his first five years in office. Commissioner Moss was laser focused and always prepared. His commitment was second to none and it was a joy to be a part of The Moss team.
After retiring from his many years with Miami-Dade County Moss continues his public service with the Youth Bands of America impacting the lives of young people; supporting the legacy of Congresswoman Carrie Meek through her namesake Foundation; preserving history with the Miami Black History Center and much more.
In this publication we give others the opportunity to honor his service.
After a natural disaster, after the suffering and after the clean up and years of rebuilding it is easy to forget that it ever happened. As we remember the leadership required to move forward we will not forget the the strength of those who endured.
Thank you Commissioner Moss and wishing the best as Commissioner McGhee continues in service to the residents of District 9.
Visible from Florida’s Turnpike, The Moss Center stands tall, unmistakable in its presence. Defiant even. It is the culmination of a dream fulfilled to bring an anchor of economic development, entertainment and culture to a growing South Miami-Dade community.
The name is new. The history is long. Almost three decades ago, through the Moss Plan, Miami-Dade County purchased a 6-acre site next to the South Dade Government Center for the purpose of building a new Cultural Arts Facility. The South Dade Cultural Arts Center Group convened to plan a new center in South Dade that would be the first major new cultural arts facility in the South Miami-Dade area. The design team included an architectural and engineering team led by Arquitectonica, of Miami Heat formerly FTX arena fame.
Like theaters in other MiamiDade County locations, the Center would serve audiences, cultural organizations and artists from throughout the County and in the words of Michael Spring, Director Emeritus of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs would be among “the finest in the Southeastern United States.”
On June 10, 2022 a Resolution was sponsored by Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins and Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee and passed by the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners to rename The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center as The “Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center.”
Commissioner Moss was recognized by his colleagues as a lifelong resident of South Miami-Dade County and the former District 9 Commissioner, having left office on November 17, 2020, due to term limits.
He was first elected to represent Miami-Dade County Commission District 9 in 1993.
Commissioner Moss worked tirelessly in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew to rebuild South Miami-Dade. Among his many accomplishments, Commissioner Moss advocated for the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, including legislation that led directly to its creation.
Today, The Moss Center, a 966seat state-of-the-art theater, located at 10950 SW 211th Street in Cutler Bay, is a state of the art venue that has hosted world-class performances including the Dance Theater of Harlem, a leading dance institution of unparalleled global acclaim who recently wowed audiences on the Main Stage.
In the realm of public service, where passion meets promise, Commissioner Dennis C. Moss stands as a beacon of unwavering commitment. With over 27 years of dedicated service on the Miami-Dade County Board of Commissioners, including a term as Commission Chairman in 2009-2010, Commissioner Moss has left an indelible mark on the community he holds dear.
Commissioner Moss's journey began in 1993, a pivotal time for South Miami-Dade reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. In the face of adversity, Moss immediately directed his efforts towards the recovery of his community. The result was the Moss Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing distressed areas impacted by the hurricane.
Transportation improvements became a cornerstone of the Moss Plan, with the extension of the South Dade TransitWay to Florida City. This visionary approach, coupled with the acquisition of parcels for Park and Ride lots and transit-oriented affordable housing, reflected Moss' commitment to holistic recovery. Notably, law enforcement and rescue vehicles were authorized to operate on the TransitWay, enhancing public safety.
Commissioner Moss' impact extends far beyond recovery efforts. His advocacy saved the Homestead Air Reserve Base from closure, and he played a key role in bringing essential institutions like Jackson South Hospital and Medical Center, the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center which is now named in his honor, Schnebly Redland's Winery & Brewery, and major improvements to ZooMiami.
Commissioner Moss’ commitment to local businesses is evident through initiatives like Team Metro and 311 and the granting of over 600 yearly grants to Mom & Pop small businesses. Additionally, as the chair of Neat Streets Miami, Commissioner Moss focused on maintaining and beautifying transportation gateways, corridors, and connections.
A native of District 9, Commissioner Moss' roots run deep in community affairs. Serving on various boards, including the Community Action Agency and the South Dade Alliance for Black Neighborhood Development, he has been an active force for positive change. For 38 years, he served as the Executive Director of the Richmond Perrine Optimist Club, dedicated to developing programs for at-risk youth and disadvantaged families.
Commissioner Moss' journey is a testament to the teachings of his junior high school coach, Leo Williams, emphasizing the responsibility to give back to one's community. His career as a juvenile probation officer, surrogate big brother, and leader of community-based organizations laid the groundwork for his entry into elected office.
Commissioner Moss' leadership during the post-Hurricane Andrew era showcased his ability to inspire change. Under the guidance of his mentor, Commission Chairman Arthur Teele, Jr., Moss spearheaded the South Dade redevelopment plan, later renamed The Moss Plan. His dynamic approach involved over 50 community meetings, creating a blueprint for revitalization that remains relevant today.
Implementing the plan required meticulous coordination with county departments, and regulatory committees and securing funding from various sources, including federal aid and the Hurricane Andrew Trust Fund. The success of the Moss Plan speaks to Commissioner Moss' foresight and determination in steering South Miami-Dade toward prosperity.
Commissioner Moss’ impact extends beyond his tenure as the second-longest-serving county commissioner in Miami-Dade County's history. Termed out in 2020, he remains dedicated to ongoing projects, including the creation of the Miami Black History Museum of the Caribbean, the Americas, and Beyond. His efforts reflect a commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich history of the black community in Miami.
Commissioner Moss' work with the South Bay Black History Center and initiatives like the Deshawn Perry Exhibit underscore his dedication to recording and celebrating the history of South Dade's black communities. Even in retirement, he continues to contribute to the community's cultural richness and historical legacy.
Commissioner Dennis C. Moss' story is not just one of political accomplishment but a testament to the transformative power of community-focused leadership. His journey, marked by resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to service, has left an indelible imprint on Miami-Dade County. As we reflect on his legacy, we recognize a leader who, through his actions, has woven a tapestry of positive change that will endure for generations to come.
Source: Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners The Chamber Gazette (www.miamidade.gov/chambergazette/fall2020/district-9-dennis-moss.page)
The leadership displayed by Commissioner Dennis C. Moss in the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew and the many years that followed transformed South Dade forever.
Richmond Heights CDC Board Of Directors
Ms. Karen Webb, President
Ms. Frieda Brown, Secretary
Mr. John Gore, Treasurer
Mr. Mark Beckford, Director
Mr. Patrick A. Merit, Executive Director
In engineering we learn about the importance of the foundation in preserving the strength and stability of a structure. A good foundation is necessary in most endeavors. Such is the case in District Nine. During his tenure, which spanned almost 30 years, Commissioner Dennis C. Moss methodically and with much concern took the District from one that had been all but erased from the map, and transformed it into the beautiful, flourishing communities we enjoy today. From day one, after the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, he went about the task of making South Dade even better than before. Mission accomplished.
With much pride and enthusiasm Moss passed the baton to Commissioner Kionne McGhee, who hit the ground running towards his goal to build upon the solid foundation created by Commissioner Dennis C. Moss and The Moss Plan. God gives us what we need when we need it. South Dade needed the extended years and commitment to the long haul for sustained hurricane recovery. Commissioner Moss provided just that. The future is bright as Commissioner McGhee and those to follow him will each make their mark and craft their vision for this piece of paradise we enjoy and call home.
With much concern for the future of South Dade, upon leaving office Commissioner Moss supported State Representative Kionne McGhee who went on to be elected with overwhelming community support to follow him as commissioner.
Kionne McGhee grew up in South Dade public housing and went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Howard University and a Juris Doctorate from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He proudly recalls being mentored by Moss in his youth during his involvement with the Richmond Perrine Optimist Club. As a seasoned public servant McGhee was able to bring valuable relationships and resources to the district.
One of his major early pieces of legislation was to get the support of his colleagues to bring the South Dade Logistics and Technology Center to South Dade. The SDLTC will bring thousands of jobs and countless business opportunities to local residents. It will also allow families to have more quality time together as a major goal is to bring more jobs closer to home. The SDLTC will occupy hundreds of acres and will be a real game changer for quality of life for those that call South-Miami Dade home.
As South Dade experiences a development boom, McGhee is focused on holding developers and others accountable for equitable access to housing and job opportunities.
Balance in the rental population will result in quality housing for those who are being priced out and displaced in their own neighborhoods.
With available discretionary funding Commissioner McGhee has supported organizations and sponsored community events as a way of bringing families together with wholesome entertainment. He has also recognized the work of those that have sacrificed their time and resources with well deserved honors such as street and facility re-namings:
JL (Joe) and Enid Demps Park, Wilbur Bell Park, Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, Dr. Walter Thomas Richardson Dr., just to name a few.
Commissioner McGhee is an accomplished attorney and the author of the best sellingbook “Conquering Hope: The Life You Were Destined to Live.” McGhee is highly regarded as a motivational speaker and youth advocate.
With his continued commitment and focus, District 9 will indeed thrive and blossom with each passing year. The future really is bright.
Leadership is a rare quality that allows someone to give of themselves for the benefit of others, repeatedly.
We are proud to join the community in honoring your work and the legacy of The Moss Plan.
Thank you Commissioner Kionne McGhee for your commitment and leadership in moving forward.
We are proud to recognize the legacy of Commissioner Dennis C. Moss and The Moss Plan.
Commissioner Moss' many years of public service and commitment to excellence resulted in the massive rebuilding of South Dade. His reach and concern for the residents of Miami-Dade spanned far beyond his district.
Thank you Commissioner Kionne McGhee for your tireless work to build upon this legacy and to skillfully address the needs and concerns of the people. We honor your vision and your commitment to keep the progress going.
Neighbors and Neighbors Association, Inc. 5120 NW 24th St. Miami, Fl. 33142
It is an honor and a privilege to be connected to a person who is committed to the high standards and the well being of others. A person who cares about the welfare of others by going beyond what is expected, never considering it cannot be done. A person who takes his call to serve to heart and realizes there is a higher power to answer to. With retired Commissioner Dennis C. Moss, it was not about him, it was always about the people who elected him and expected him to serve. He often said “I’m not a politician, I’m a public servant.” Commissioner Dennis C. Moss understands the call to serve, he understands the expectation not just from the people, but he also understands the expectation of the good and faithful servant principle. he believes that faith word. He did not just campaign just to get into office for self-serving objectives “vote for me and I’ll set you free” he campaigned to make a difference, “promises made promises kept” and what a difference he made. Projects, community improvements, redevelopments do not just happen. Your elected official is a vital part of those things happening in your community. Without good representation, you are just that, without.
Wayman G. Bannerman, Chief of Staff
