After the run-off election of November 8, the Office of Community Advocacy welcomes our newest County Commissioners who were elected, re-elected, and appointed to the Board of County Commissioners –

• Commissioner Marleine Bastien, District 2
• Commissioner Micky Steinberg, District 4
• Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera, District 6
• Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, District 8
• Commissioner Anthony Rodriguez, District 10
• Commissioner Roberto J. Gonzalez, District 11
• Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, District 12

A lively luncheon was held on November 18 for outgoing Commissioners Javier Souto, Sally Heyman, Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Rebeca Sosa, and Jean Monestime.

World AIDS Day Observed December 1

December 1 marks the annual observance of World AIDS Day. The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County and community partners will be hosting several community events to raise awareness, show support for persons living with HIV, and remember those we have lost to AIDS. Visit www.testmiami.org to learn more about HIV prevention and treatment. The Florida AIDS Hotline is 1-800-352-2437.

Social and Economic Development Council hosts farewell luncheon on November 17 for Commissioner Javier Souto

Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board Elections

At the November 10 monthly meeting of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board, elections were held to select the new officers. The newly elected Chairperson is Marvin Tapia, from District 5, the Vice Chairperson is Melissa Saldaña, from District 5, and the immediate past Chairperson, Jose Diaz, from District 12, was elected to serve as Second Vice Chairperson. The new officers will serve for two years and are looking forward to working with the Miami-Dade County community as representatives of the Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board.

Interfaith Advisory Board Elections

On Thursday, November 29, 2022, the Interfaith Advisory Board re-elected their Executive Committee members for a second year.

(From L-R) Dr. Juan Barek as Chair, Rabbi Mark Rosenberg as Vice Chair, and Rabbi Robyn Fisher as 2nd Vice Chair were re-elected to lead the Interfaith Advisory Board

Commission for Women Board Elections

(From L-R) Sarah Zabel as Chair, Michelle Abreu as First Vice Chair, Lourdes Abadin as Second Vice Chair and Clora Adkins as Member at Large.

At the Commission for Women’s November 16, 2022 meeting, the Board Members elected the following new officers: 

• Chairperson: Sarah Zabel
• First Vice Chairperson: Michelle Abreu
• Second Vice Chairperson: Lourdes Abadin 
• Member at Large: Marie Eloi
• Member at Large: Clora Adkins

The Black Affairs Advisory Board holds Monthly Meeting

The Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) met on Nov. 2 to discuss ex-felons' voting concerns. Miami-Dade Elections Department representatives were present, as well as other community activists who are working on Amendment 4. BAAB members meet at 10 a.m. on the first Wednesday of the month in the Stephen P. Clark Center, 10^th floor rear conference room. Attendees can present issues to board members and the public is always invited to participate on topics affecting the African American community residing in Miami-Dade County.

Congratulations Griselle Marino!

Congratulations to our Communications and Media Director, Griselle Marino, on her recent induction to the Florida International University School of Communication and Journalism Alumni Hall of Fame. Griselle was selected by peers in the industry because of noteworthy accomplishments, Emmy awards, and interviews with famous world leaders. We are proud of her for reaching the highest honor a graduate can attain for advancement within the fields of communication, journalism, and media. Well done!

Celebrate the Holidays at Miami-Dade County’s

Festive Attractions!

There is so much to do this holiday season at the County’s premier attractions. Zoo Lights Miami will run on select nights from November 25 to December 30 and will feature more than one million dazzling tree lights, a 26 foot tall LED holiday tree, animal appearances, appearances by Santa, and more. Gifts for the animals will be presented on selects dates and times from December 3 to December 25.  

The Deering Estate is hosting a wide variety of activities such as jazzy holiday decorations, historic holiday evening strolls, a Mistletoe and Martinis fundraiser, a holiday bay cruise, and story time and photos with Santa.

And, not to be outdone, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden is featuring “A Very Merry Garden” with a series of family-friendly activities from December 1 to January 1 and a “Sip and Stroll: Winter Jubilee” under the stars on December 13. For more information and schedules:

Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28 in Southwest Florida, striking a devastating blow to the region. If you’d like to help, several organizations are providing hurricane relief and recovery:

Miami-Dade County officials continue to work with local, state, and federal agencies to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information and updates on COVID-19, visit the following sites:

Miami-Dade County COVID-19 General Information:

https://www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/home.page

Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Assistance:

https://www.miamidade.gov/global/initiatives/coronavirus/assistance/home.page

United Way of Miami-Dade COVID-19 Resource Center:

https://unitedwaymiami.org/coronavirusresources/

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 Updates:

https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

CDC COVID-19 Information:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html