District Office
8345 NW 12th Street
Miami, FL 33126
(305) 599-1200

Downtown Office Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street
Suite 220
Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 375-4343

June 2015

Dear resident,

Thank you for your support. I invite you to read this month's newsletter to be informed of matters that concern you as well as community events in your area. I also want to take this opportunity to wish everyone and their families a great and safe 4th of July weekend. Here are some safety tips provided by our Fire Department when dealing with fireworks.

Welcome to District 12

Commissioner Diaz welcomes Caribbean Radiation Oncology and Actualidad Radio to District 12 .

Caribbean Radiation Oncology Center

held a grand opening of its newly-built 9,000 square ft facility at 3125 N.W. 84th Avenue on June 18. The commissioner was not able to attend but a staff member presented a certificate to owners, Carmen I. Bigles and Dr. Pedro Serrano-Ojeda, welcoming them to District 12. This state of the art facility is one of the first

in Florida to feature the TomoTherapy HDAunit, the most integrated, advanced system for comprehensive cancer treatment that is available today. For more information on the facility, visit Caribbean Radiation Oncology Center

Actualida Radio officially broadcasted their first show from their new home in District 12 on June 22. The commissioner stopped by to say hello to hosts Roberto Tejera as well as Carines Moncada and Agustin Acosta. He was also able to get a full tour of the new studios.They are located at 2090 NW 79th Avenue. To find out more about Actualida Miami

Legislative News

Commissioner Diaz calls for more police

Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz is calling on the County to hire more officers at the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) to bring the size of the police force up to the national average. Commissioner Diaz sponsored

a resolution at the Tuesday, June 2, Board of County Commissioners meeting directing the mayor's administration to prepare a report that recommends ways to increase police staffing levels and examines the impact the police force's shrinking size has had on its ability to adequately carry out its responsibilities. The resolution also calls for diverse hiring. The Miami-Dade Police Department has experienced a 10 percent decline in the number of officer positions since 2000 - has approximately 2.4 officers per 1,000 residents in the unincorporated areas it serves. According to the FBI's 2013 report, that's below the national average of 2.7 officers per 1,000; it's also less than the 3.1 per 1,000 reported for the South Atlantic region.

Protecting our Animals

Commissioner Diaz sponsored ordinance to strengthen law's concerning the treatment of animals as well as adoption, vaccination and licensing.

Celebrate the 4th of July in District 12

Commissioner welcomes Virgin Cruises to Miami

Commissioner Diaz, Chairman of the Trade and Tourism Committee, joined Mayor Carlos Gimenez in welcoming Virgin Cruises to Miami-Dade County. At a press conference on June 23, Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, and Virgin Cruises President and CEO Tom McAlpin announced PortMiami as the home port for its first cruise ship, set to sail in 2020. The announcement was made at Perez Art Museum Miami. Commissioner Diaz sponsored the legislation to make this a reality.

Projects in District 12

West Flagler from NW 114th Avenue to NW 117th Avenue
There will be a sidewalk improvement project at West Flagler Street from NW 114th Avenue to NW 117th Avenue.The improvements include the removal and replacement of damaged existing concrete sidewalk, construction of new concrete sidewalk, new pedestrian access ramps or connectors at intersections to comply with the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, construction of curb and gutter, construction of connectors and landings at bus stops, and restoration of driveway. This project is expected to be completed in late July 2015.

NW 106th Street and NW S. River Drive
On July 6, a culvert replacement project will be taking place at NW 106th Street and NW S. River Drive. The project includes replacing the existing twin 36" culverts from the Russian Colony Canal to the Miami Canal (C-6) with a 75" x 112" arch pipe culvert, construction of sand cement headwalls, guardrail installation and improvements to the intersection including pavement reconstruction, milling and resurfacing and pavement markings. As well as installation of a Weather and
Environmental Information Sensor Station (WEISS). Project is expected to be completed in April 2016

Commissioner Diaz in the Community

On June 1st, Commissioner Diaz presented a proclamation to 18 year old Devin Alvarez, who was selected by the National Organization for Rare Disorders as one of the 2015 Portraits of Courage Award Recipients for his work as an advocate. Alvarez was diagnosed with Sprengel's Deformity at birth and has had 44 surgeries.

Commissioner Diaz at the June 30th exhibit commemorating fallen firefighters at the Stephen P. Clark Center. The display features dozens of empty boots symbolizing the local firefighters who have died. Last year, Commissioner Diaz sponsored a resolution declaring June as "Fire Fighter Memorial Month" and authorized the exhibit, which takes place every year in June.

Commissioner Diaz at the annual Freedom Veterans of America's South Florida Veterans Gala on June 27 at the Intercontinental at Doral Miami.

Commissioner Diaz sponsors events for children in District 12

Commissioner Diaz knows how hard it is for parents to afford activities for their children, especially during summer break, so he has sponsored several events for some very lucky District 12 children. A field trip to the Miami Seaquarium for the children at North Trail Park camp, a field trip to the movies for the youngsters as well as a trip to Rapids Water Park for teenagers in the Town of Medley and to Virginia Gardens for their soccer summer camp.

Miami-Dade Public Library kicks off Summer Reading Program with Miami Dolphin Players

The Miami-Dade Public Library System has kicked off its Summer Reading program with the Miami Dolphins! From now until August 1, you can participate in the library's heroic Summer Reading Program by finding your inner hero within an inspiring biography, unmasking a mysterious novel or escaping the ordinary with a marvelous book.

Miami-Dade participates in free Summer Food Program

The Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) will be participating in the Summer Food Service Program during the months of June, July and August at sites located throughout Miami-Dade County. The program will operate until August 21, 2015 and nutitious meals will be provided to children 18 years and younger regardless of income, race, color, sex, disability, age or national origin.

Would you like to serve your community?

Commissioner Diaz is looking for great people that would like to serve their community by representing District 12 in the following boards.

If you have any questions, you can always call the commissioner's office and speak with Anabel Mendez.

Free Zumba classes at North Trail Park

The Miami-Dade County Parks, as part of their health and fitness initiative, will be offering free "Zumba Gold" classes to residents age 55 and older at North Trail Park Community Center, 780 NW 127th Avenue. "Zumba Gold" mingles fun and energetic music with lower impact movements to improve balance, flexibility, cardiovascular health and muscle conditioning. For more information about Miami-Dade Parks Active Older Adults Program, contact Allan Tavss at 786-372-9701 or visit the website

Free Admission for Military at

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens until Labor Day

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is participating in Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across America will offer free admission to the nation's active duty military personnel, including National Guard and Reserve, and their families from Memorial Day, May 25, through Labor Day, September 7, 2015. The program is supported by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families, provides families an opportunity to enjoy the nation's cultural heritage and learn more about their new communities after a military move. Read more about the Blue Star Museum Program

Free Admission for Military at

the Deering Estate until Labor Day

The Deering Estate is participating in Blue Star Museums, a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America, by offering free admission to the nation's active duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families through Labor Day, September 7, 2015. Vistors of all ages can experience a Historic House Tour at Deering Estate and learn about the Town of Cutler, Perrine Land Grant, Richmond Family, Balloon Frame & Mediterranean Revival Architecture, and the Deering Family. Tours are offered daily at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:00 pm throughout the summer.

SR 836/826 Construction

On November 30, 2009, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) District Six in partnership with the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX) began a reconstruction project of the State Road (S.R.) 826 (Palmetto Expressway) and S.R. 836 (Dolphin Expressway) Interchange. Now that construction has begun, there will be many upcoming lane and ramp closures on the Dolphin Expressway. For more information about construction-related activities, please contact Oscar Gonzalez at 786-280-0983 or via e-mail at ogonzalez@mrgmiami.com. General information can be found at www.826-836.com. Motorists are encouraged to call 511 before they drive, or log on to www.fl511.com for real-time traffic and lane closure information.

I hope this newsletter has been helpful and as always, I look forward to your comments and concerns. I am happy to serve the following cities of Doral, Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Medley, Sweetwater, Virginia Gardens and a large portion of unincorporated Miami-Dade County.

Sincerely,

Jose "Pepe" Diaz
Miami-Dade County Commissioner, District 12

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz | | district12@miamidade.gov | http://www.miamidade.gov/district12/home.asp
8345 NW 12th Street
Miami, FL 33126