Message from Commissioner Raquel A. Regalado,

District 7

Women's History Month Calendar

Mom and Pop Small Business Grants now available

County Commissioners Micky Steinberg (District 4), Raquel Regalado (District 7), and Kionne McGhee (District 9) are now accepting applications for Mom and Pop Small Business Grants. These grants, ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, provide funds for small businesses in their respective districts to purchase equipment, supplies, inventory, security systems, and advertising services and to make minor renovations. Application deadlines are coming up soon.

Black Affairs Advisory Board hosts

Black History Month kick-off event

On February 2, the Miami-Dade County Black Affairs Advisory Board held its annual Black History Month kick-off event in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center in Miami. County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, and County Commissioner Marleine Bastien offered remarks during the ceremony. The event featured musical entertainment and African fashions, as well as the unveiling of an art exhibit highlighting local and national artists.

Black History Month Closing Ceremony and Reception

Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, held his Black History Month Closing Ceremony and Reception on February 26 in the lobby of the Stephen P. Clark Center in Miami. The ceremony featured remarks from Chairman Gilbert and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, music and dance, and an exhibit of the powerful art work of featured artist Frank Frazier. In addition to the Mayor and Chairman Gilbert, Miami-Dade County Commissioners Kevin Marino Cabrera, Raquel Regalado, Micky Steinberg, Keon Hardemon, and Juan Carlos Bermudez attended the event. It was a fitting end to a month filled with impactful and inspiring events.

Office of Community Advocacy and DOH

partner for Ending the Epidemic Health Fair

On February 14, the Office of Community Advocacy and the Florida Department of Health (DOH) hosted a health fair in the Stephen P. Clark Center in Miami. Attendees received various free health screenings, flu shots, and information on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatments.

Interfaith Harmony Week

On February 6, Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, presented a proclamation declaring the first week of February as Interfaith Harmony Week in Miami-Dade County. Chairman Gilbert was accompanied by the Interfaith Advisory Board and members of Florida Memorial University's outstanding choir. 

Community Relations Board commemorates unveiling of Arthur Lee McDuffie historic marker

On February 24, members of the Miami-Dade County Community Relations Board and the Black Affairs Advisory Board joined Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, community leaders, and members of the McDuffie family to commemorate the unveiling of the historic marker in honor of Arthur Lee McDuffie.

Asian-American Advisory Board

celebrates the Lunar New Year

Throughout the month of February, members of the Asian-American Advisory Board (AAAB) celebrated the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon, with students, family, and the community, including the University of Miami, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, City of North Miami, and City of North Miami Beach. Once again, AAAB wishes everyone a healthy and prosperous year!

Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee holds monthly meeting

The Miami-Dade Community Relations Board hosted its monthly Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Committee meeting in partnership with the Miami Beach Police Department, focusing on the planned 2024 Spring Break measures. Special thanks to Miami Dade College students for attending.

National Consumer Protection Week

March 3 – 9, 2024

National Consumer Protection Week is a time to help people understand their consumer rights and avoid frauds and scams. The Miami-Dade County Consumer Protection Division has information, resources, and tips to protect consumers. You can also file a complaint against a business.

Free tax help for eligible individuals

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a national initiative to offer accurate, secure, and free tax help to lower-income households. Miami Tax Pros is a coalition of Miami-Dade organizations that provides free tax preparation services to qualified individuals as part of the VITA initiative. The coalition is comprised of over 30 partners across Miami-Dade County, including churches, libraries, non-profit organizations, and local government. See if you qualify for free tax filing assistance.

Don’t forget to request a Vote-By-Mail ballot

Due to recent changes in Florida law, all requests for vote-by-mail ballots expired at the end of 2022 so any request on file with the Miami-Dade Elections Department has expired. If you wish to continue voting by mail you must make a new request, either online or by calling 305-499-8444.

Animal Services Department offers the chance

 for a fun day out with a furry friend!

A good time is guaranteed with the Pawventures Foster Fieldtrips, an innovative program that allows everyone to interact with dogs at the Miami-Dade County Pet Adoption and Protection Center. Participants can take a shelter dog out seven days a week to enjoy a fun day away from the shelter – a walk in the park or a day at the beach, for example. Pawventures' human participants must be 18 years or older.