Miami-Dade dedicates eight new pickleball courts
From David Volz
Miami-Dade County Parks joined Miami-Dade County District 4 Commissioner Micky Steinberg in dedicating eight new pickleball courts at Haulover Park at 10800 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33154.
“These new pickleball courts are a testament to our commitment to providing our residents with exciting recreational facilities throughout our parks system,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and we are proud to offer our community more opportunities to enjoy it. This addition to Haulover Park is not just an investment in parks infrastructure but in the health and happiness of our residents.”
“Haulover Park is a wonderful gathering place for Miami-Dade residents and visitors,” said Commissioner Steinberg. “The new pickleball courts will be a welcome enhancement.”
“We’re proud to celebrate the installation of these eight new pickleball courts at Haulover Park, which expand outdoor recreational opportunities for Miami-Dade County residents,” said Miami-Dade Parks Director Maria Nardi. “This is eight out of 73 pickleball courts we have throughout the county, and we’re excited to have the community enjoy these wonderful amenities.”
Miami-Dade announces temporary closure of animal intake
From David Volz
Miami-Dade County Animal Services regrets to announce a temporary closure to public animal intake from Saturday, June 22nd until Wednesday, July 10th. This measure is essential to ensure the health and safety of the pets currently under its care.
“We deeply regret having to take this step, but it is necessary to ensure the safety and health of the pets currently in our shelter,” said Annette Jose, Director. ” Despite the extraordinary efforts of our staff and volunteers, the current overcapacity has challenged our resources, making this action necessary.”
During this period, the department is urgently calling on the community to adopt a pet. An increase in pet adoptions not only provides these pets with a loving home, but also helps alleviate the strain on resources.
Since the COVID pandemic, animal shelters have been facing an overcrowding crisis nationwide, and Miami-Dade is no exception. During the past couple of years, Miami-Dade Animal Services has experienced a dramatic increase in the number of days animals remain in the facility and had to close intake a few times in 2023. Despite best efforts to accommodate this influx, capacity has been surpassed, leading to overcrowded conditions that compromise the welfare of the animals and increase the spread of infectious disease. This will be the first time the shelter closes for intake in 2024.
The decision to close the shelter was made with careful consideration for the well-being of the animals in the department’s care and through consultation with animal welfare experts. By ceasing intake, Animal Services aims to stabilize the current population and ensure that the animals already in custody receive the attention, space, and medical care they deserve.
During this closure, the shelter will focus on finding suitable homes for the animals already in its care through partnerships with rescue organizations, foster programs, and adoption events. Essential services such as emergency response and animal control will continue to operate as usual. The Adoption Mall will also remain open.
Miami-Dade updates hotline for domestic shelters
From David Volz
The Miami-Dade County Community Action and Human Services Department (CAHSD) has recently updated the hotline number for its four certified domestic violence shelters to ensure that victims and their dependents receive prompt and effective services.
“The safety and well-being of our residents is my top priority; as a social worker who has launched innovative programs for victims of domestic violence, I am passionate about ending the cycle of violence,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “This hotline is a lifeline and critical tool that connects victims of domestic violence with vital assistance. I am committed to leveraging every available resource to stem the violence, so that we can work towards a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.”
The new hotline number is 305-679-0303 and is available 24/7, every day of the year. Hotline advocates offer safety planning, information and referrals to victims, and crisis intervention. Support is provided in English, Spanish, and Creole, with interpreting services available for over 170 languages. Additionally, TTY services are offered to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.
CAHSD Director Sonia J. Grice stated, “I commend the Violence Prevention and Intervention Division for their dedicated efforts to address domestic violence in our community. The hotline number ensures that residents in need will be able to receive crisis intervention and support at a moment’s notice.”
With over 30 years of experience, CAHSD is dedicated to providing responsive and supportive services to those in need. CAHSD’s comprehensive range of services includes 24-hour hotline services, case management, child assessment, emergency shelter, counseling, information and referral, community education, outreach services, and professional training.
