Broward voters approve millage rate increase and New Park opens in Miami-Dade


From David Volz

Broward County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Vickie Cartwright issued a statement thanking Broward voters for approving Secure the Next Generation referendum during the primary elections.

“On behalf of the Broward County School Board and Broward County Public Schools teachers, staff, and students, I thank Broward County voters for seeing the value in investing in our public school system and approving the referendum renewal. These referendum dollars will ensure that the District continues its Students First approach by allowing us to retain and recruit top talent for our District in safe learning environments while providing mental health supports for our students. We are truly grateful for the voters’ support, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to educating today’s students to succeed in tomorrow’s world.”


Miami Dade opens Central West Basin Linear Park

From David Volz

Miami-Dade County Chief Community Services Officer Morris Copeland – Office of the Mayor, Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 12, Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department Director Maria I. Nardi and staff, and members of the community cut the ribbon on the new Central West Basin Linear Park, located from SW 6 Street to NW 12 Street along 136 Court in Miami.

This underused area of Miami-Dade green space was revitalized as a safe and beautiful linear park with a shared-use path where neighbors can enjoy walking, running, or cycling.  The 19.9-acre park was developed by Miami-Dade County, in collaboration with Florida Power and Light (FPL) and Miami-Dade Expressway Authority (MDX). This is the first Miami-Dade Park constructed on FPL property. The park contains a 1.5 mile long, 12-foot-wide asphalt path, with solar lighting throughout. The site also has vehicular access control, fencing, wayfinding signage, roadway crossings, and native landscaping. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony included the unveiling of renderings for Central West Basin Linear Trailhead Park, a future park connecting to the site at NW 136 Avenue / NW 12 Street. Proposed development for the trailhead park includes a playground, a recreation shelter, a bike repair station, drinking fountains, a restroom building, and more.

“This new linear park is a testament to the work our Parks Department is doing to bring green spaces closer to our residents,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “They are making parks more widespread and accessible across the community, making Miami-Dade more livable and improving the health of our community.”

 “My heartfelt thanks to the Parks Department for their great leadership in creating this outstanding linear park,” said Chairman Diaz. “This unique park provides residents with a safe and beautified recreation space, with the added bonus of solar lighting so they can extend their time outdoors, after the sun goes down. This is a great example of how we are helping our District 12 residents live happier and healthier lives.” 

“This is an exciting development,” said Director Nardi. “We are revitalizing public spaces, such as this one, to better connect people with parks. This is part of the implementation of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan, a community inspired vision to build a healthier, more vibrant community, and enhance quality of life for all, through parks and open spaces.”