Miami-Dade installs large solar unit at detention center
From David Volz
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveiled a large-scale solar installation at the Metro West Detention Center located at 13850 Northwest 41st Street. The new rooftop array includes 1709 panels that will reduce approximately 880 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year. The solar panels are projected to produce enough energy to provide at least 24% of the building’s annual electricity use, saving the county and taxpayers thousands of dollars.
“I am proud that Miami-Dade County is leading the way on renewable energy in our buildings, making us future-ready and resilient,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “This project is the second of several solar arrays that are being installed at County facilities to transition to a clean energy system, an important milestone in a project I have been promoting since 2014 when I was a County Commissioner. This project showcases the latest step toward the County’s ambitious goals of safe, energy-efficient facilities that saves taxpayer dollars while reducing our carbon footprint and helping us to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.”
This solar installation is the second of three large-scale solar pilot projects being deployed in Miami-Dade County. The first was at the North Dade Regional Library, and the next will be completed later this year at the South Dade Regional Library.
In addition to the cost savings, this project will also reduce our community’s carbon footprint and serve as an example of the County’s commitment to sustainable design and building practices. Miami-Dade is leading the way in deploying renewable energy in government facilities.
“This is a monumental step towards a more sustainable and innovative future for Miami-Dade County’s Corrections facilities,” said Miami-Dade County Director of Corrections and Rehabilitation Sherea Green. “This endeavor not only marks a significant leap forward for the department, but also underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility and positive change within the Miami-Dade County community.”
Miami-Dade Parks and Recreation and partners to launch new soccer program
From David Volz
Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department will partner with Soccer 5® and the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), to launch Soccer 5® For All In Miami Dade Parks – More Spaces to Play, More Places to Learn at several Miami-Dade County Parks, an initiative that will allow youth to have equal access opportunities to soccer, regardless of economic, racial or social background.
“Part of building a more equitable Miami-Dade means increasing access to community services – and that includes access to sports and outdoor recreation,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Thanks to this continued partnership and new initiative, there will be more opportunities for all our kids to be a part of robust soccer programming that will help them develop healthy habits for life.”
This project comes as Miami-Dade prepares to be one of the host cities for the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Over the next three years, Miami-Dade Parks and Soccer 5® will expand their collaboration to launch multiple programs throughout the Miami-Dade County Parks system, starting with Kendall Soccer Park, that will include a series of programming and training events, and inclusive coaching sessions. Additionally, this new program will provide regular cultural learning experiences that connect energetic role models with children, inspiring them to follow the right path and introduce opportunities available to them through soccer.
“It’s a great day for our District 10 soccer-loving community and Kendall Soccer Park,” said Miami-Dade County Vice-Chairman Anthony Rodriguez. “This park exemplifies our continued commitment to investing in the health and well-being of our residents and the resilience of our community, by expanding access to programming at beautiful public spaces where families can come together to enjoy sports and recreation and the outdoors. I am so thankful to the Parks Department and Soccer 5® for their role in making this project a reality.”
Since 2010, Soccer 5® has invested $1 million in programming at Miami-Dade Park’s Kendall Soccer Park, and over $10 million in creating state of the art small-sided soccer fields where people of all ages and abilities can come enjoy the game. They will donate an additional $5000 to the Miami-Dade Parks Foundation to kick start this new community initiative.
“We are excited to team up again with our longstanding partner, Soccer 5®, for this expansion of our program offerings to provide thousands of youth who would not otherwise have this opportunity with exceptional soccer programming across the Miami-Dade Parks system,” said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Maria I. Nardi. “Soccer 5® shares in our commitment of providing recreation and sports opportunities that increase the health, well-being, and resiliency of all our community’s youth.”
