Miami-Dade investigators arrest twin brothers for illegal dumping
From David Volz
The Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management’s (DSWM) Special Investigations Unit (SIU) investigated an illegal dumping case in northwest Miami-Dade County, which resulted in the felony arrest of twin brothers.
An SIU officer was monitoring a live feed camera and witnessed three men allegedly remove appliances, furniture and other items from a truck and dump them onto the right-of-way. The SIU officer contacted the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), which dispatched a unit to the area to gather evidence and confirm that the truck on scene was the same as the one captured on video.
The driver of the truck was interviewed, and admitted to the dumping. The second man arrested was his twin brother, and the third, who was not found at the scene, was their younger brother.
“This situation is unfortunate, but these two brothers have now learned a harsh lesson,” said Olga Espinosa-Anderson, Interim DSWM Director. “Illegal dumping is a serious crime in Miami-Dade County, and if you do it, you will face a serious penalty.”
Illegal dumping can harm the environment and results in millions of dollars spent on enforcement and cleanup costs. The DSWM reminds residents that illegal dumping is both a crime in Miami-Dade County and is subject to fines, vehicle seizure, arrest and incarceration. In 2020, the Board of County Commissioners significantly increased fine amounts in an effort to deter illegal dumping.
Miami-Dade Mayor Levine Cava announces new Deputy Chief of Staff
From David Volz
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced a new member of her senior staff. Cassandra Arnold, who previously held the position of Director of Constituent Services for the Office of the Mayor, will now serve as Deputy Chief of Staff overseeing the Equity and Engagement team. She will report directly to Chief of Staff Johanna Cervone and work closely with current Deputy Chief of Staff Rachel Johnson who oversees the Communications and Constituent Services portfolio.
“Engaging across all corners of our community is a top priority for me as Mayor, and Cassandra has successfully led a variety of strategic initiatives to ensure that all residents’ voices are heard,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “She brings a wealth of experience in community outreach, especially with the Haitian community. I’m so grateful she’s chosen to rejoin the team as we work to build a more inclusive Miami-Dade for all.”
“As a Haitian American, I am proud and honored to serve in this capacity, overseeing our amazing equity and engagement team,” said Cassandra. “This team works with community and faith leaders, nonprofit organizations, and the community at large to ensure that there is equitable representation at all levels, while engaging and empowering our county residents to get involved in their county government.”
Cassandra Arnold is an experience professional who most recently served as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in Washington, DC, where she provided leadership in building public and private coalitions and developed community focused initiatives. In 2021, Arnold served as Director of Constituent Services and Spokesperson for Haitian Affairs for the Office of the Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava. She has led local outreach and engagement efforts for former United States Senator Bill Nelson’s re-election campaign and served as the Haitian Coalition Director for the Hillary for America Campaign. She holds a BS from Florida A&M University, an MBA from University of Miami, and a Doctor of Education from Argosy University.
Miami-Dade Commission passes annual budget
From David Volz
The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners voted to pass the county’s 2023-24 budget, including Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s proposed priorities.
Mayor Levine Cava released the following statement:
“I commend and thank my colleagues on the Board of County Commissioners for voting in favor of our proposed budget, and I thank all the residents who helped craft a fiscally responsible, compassionate, people-first budget. For the second year in a row, we are providing relief to residents struggling with the high cost of living through a one percent tax cut which – in addition to other cuts – totals $36 million in savings, while continuing critical life-saving services now and for future years.
“With this budget, we are creating a stronger, future-ready Miami-Dade. We are investing in key community priorities such as housing that people can afford, reliable and expanded transit, enhanced public safety, resilient infrastructure, support for small businesses, and programs for families, youth and older adults.
“I am very proud of the work we are doing every year during budget season to make sure our residents have a voice in our priorities. Through a series of budget town halls and community conversations across our county, hundreds of residents, community leaders, business owners, and other stakeholders provided their input and ideas to ensure this is truly a people-powered budget.
“Our work continues to ensure residents in every corner of our county can live, work, and thrive in Miami-Dade, now and in the future.”
