Celebrating International Woman’s Day! Empowered women empower women. Take a moment to acknowledge some of the inspiring women who contribute to the leadership and success of the great City of Sweetwater. 

Rooted in the heart of the City of Sweetwater, the Li'l Abner Foundation's ‘Disney On Wheels’ is making dreams a reality! Since 2017, founder Raul Rodriguez has led this magical journey for medically fragile kids to visit Walt Disney World each year to share the experience with their families. Mayor Jose ‘Pepe’ Diaz and the City Commissioners were there to wish them a happy and magical trip. This year they grew from 16 to 50 families. This is all made possible by the 200+ dedicated volunteers, including nurses, therapists, doctors, and police escorts, to ensure a magical journey for the children. It’s a community-driven celebration of magic and care.

The largest concentration of Nicaraguans in Miami-Dade County witnessed a historic event as Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios, hailing from Nicaragua, was honored with the First Key given by the City of Sweetwater lead by Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz on Sunday, March 17, 2024. This ceremony marked a significant milestone for the vibrant Nicaraguan diaspora in South Florida.

Miss Universe graced a visit to the City of Sweetwater, a Nicaraguan stronghold where thousands of supporters gathered with flags and photos to show their dedicated support.

Accompanied by Miss Universe were President and Owner Raul Rocha Cantu and Oliva Quido VP of Sales and Global Partnerships and the rest of their team. Miss Palacios graciously accepted the keys to the city, symbolizing the unity and strength of the Nicaraguan community in the region.

Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Commissioners and staff honored Miss Palacios, recognizing her as a symbol of inspiration and pride for Nicaraguans and the whole Hispanic Community both locally and globally. The event featured traditional Nicaraguan folk dances, underscoring the rich cultural heritage cherished by the community.

Miss Palacios expressed her gratitude to the Nicaraguan people exiled in Miami and all those who supported her during her visit to the city. She emphasized the importance of unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

The presence of Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios and the esteemed Miss Universe leadership further solidified the bond between the pageant and the vibrant multicultural community of South Florida.

Welcoming “Mako”- a new fur-member to our City of Sweetwater family, donated by the Jimmy Ryce Center. Bloodhounds are known for their exceptional sense of smell, with 300 million scent receptors—40 times more than humans! Their wrinkled skin and long ears help trap scent particles, aiding in tracking. Additionally, they are gentle, affectionate dogs often used in search and rescue operations due to their remarkable olfactory abilities. The Jimmy Ryce Center is dedicated to child safety and the families of missing children.

Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz and his team of professionals reflected on an impactful Disaster Expo held in Miami! Two days of uniting professionals, exploring cutting-edge solutions, and learning from industry experts. Together, we strengthen disaster management efforts and ensure a better future for the residents in the City of Sweetwater!

Our Seniors had a fantastic time at Linear Park, warming up before diving into exercise machines and a refreshing trail walk. Embracing wellness and joy together, they reminded us that age is just a number!

Our cherished elderly community visited Our Lady of Charity National Shrine (La Ermita de la Caridad) on Biscayne Bay. Revered as a sanctuary for worship and pilgrimage, it stands gracefully overlooking the sea. This church holds profound significance for Catholic Cubans, sheltering the esteemed image of the Virgin Mary. Enveloped by the sea’s embrace, it serves as a spiritual conduit to Cuba, resonating with the tranquility and faith of its native land, welcoming visitors of all backgrounds.

We had a delightful time during the City of Sweetwater Easter Egg Hunt event! A huge shoutout to Mayor Jose “Pepe” Diaz, the City Commissioners, the dedicated administration, and the outstanding Sweetwater Police Department for orchestrating such a fantastic program! A heartfelt thank you goes out to Sweetwater Elementary School for graciously hosting the event.

Did you know you can now access the many services the county has to offer from your smartphone, such as waste services and bulky trash pickup?

Click here for more information.

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