Miami Dade residents are encouraged to save water
From David Volz
South Florida’s rainy season typically occurs between May to October, but this year’s rainy season has been dryer than normal, especially along the coast. As a result, the Florida Climate Center has categorized Miami-Dade County as abnormally dry. It is important to save water year-round to conserve this precious resource.
Despite routine afternoon thunderstorms, much of this rainfall is lost to runoff and evaporation. Another obstacle includes impervious surfaces, that are common in Miami-Dade County, and prevents infiltration of water into the ground to recharge to the Biscayne Aquifer, the county’s primary drinking water source.
That’s why it is so important for Miami-Dade County residents to observe their scheduled watering days, based on a property’s address.
Residents living in odd-numbered street addresses, are scheduled to water their landscaping on Wednesdays and Saturdays while properties with even addresses can water Thursdays and Sundays. Watering should take place on the appropriate days before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. No watering should take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as this is the hottest time of the day and increased evaporation would cause water loss.
All residents can play a role in conserving water and save money on their water bill.
Take advantage of Miami-Dade County’s free landscape irrigation rebate program. If you have an in-ground, functioning irrigation system, county landscape professionals will assess your property and provide recommendations to increase water efficiency with rebates available to offset the cost. Up to $2,500 in rebates are available during a five-year period.
Install a rain barrel. This can be used to store water and supplement irrigation in your garden.
Miami-Pubic Library System receives honor
From David Volz
The Miami-Dade Public Library System (MDPLS) is honored to have been named an Outstanding Community Partner by the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD) during their 17th annual Community Awards Luncheon on September 1st in Coral Gables. The awards recognize community organizations and individuals for their outstanding service, advocacy and philanthropic support of South Florida’s autism community.
“Congratulations to our Miami-Dade Public Library System for being recognized for its important work making our community more inclusive for all residents,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “One of the key priorities of my administration is making our county more equitable and inclusive, and I’m proud that our public libraries are at the forefront of building a more welcoming community for people of all abilities.”
The Miami-Dade Public Library System was recognized for the transformative work it has done in making its library locations autism friendly, as part of a Countywide Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Neurodiverse Inclusion Program developed in collaboration with UM-NSU CARD, as part of a resolution sponsored by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. Through the program, MDPLS has created social narratives – stories that help people better understand what to expect when visiting a library – for each of its 50 library locations along with sensory friendly spaces and programs. Additionally, over 700 library employees have completed ASD and Strategies for Inclusivity training by UM-NSU CARD, which aims to create a deeper awareness of the needs of the autism and neurodiverse community.
“We are pleased and honored to have been named an Outstanding Community Partner by UM-NSU CARD,” said Library Director Ray Baker. “It was one year ago that they designated us an Autism Friendly Partner, so it’s a great recognition of Miami-Dade County’s commitment to making a difference in the lives of neurodiverse individuals and those with autism spectrum disorder.”
“The UM-NSU CARD Community Awards were created in 2005 to recognize community leaders and partners who go the extra mile for our constituents,” said UM-NSU CARD Executive Director Dr. Michael Alessandri. “The Miami-Dade Public Library System is a great example of an organization that is providing a welcoming, compassionate and inclusive environment for individuals with ASD and related disabilities. We’re grateful for all that they do and are proud to call them our partner.”
American Airlines Passengers flying out of Miami can schedule TSA checkpoint
From David Volz
American Airlines passengers flying out of Miami International Airport can now schedule their TSA checkpoint screening time with MIA Reserve a free reservation service.
During the six-month pilot program that began today with security technology firm Pangiam, software and consultancy company Copenhagen Optimization, secure identity platform CLEAR, and American Airlines, reserved screening times are available daily to American Airlines passengers at MIA’s TSA Checkpoint 4 from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are limited and can be scheduled up to 72 hours before a flight. It is recommended that passengers reserve their spot early to secure their preferred appointment time. Appointments are available up to 60 minutes before domestic flights and up to 90 minutes before international flights.
“As MIA continues to set new records in passenger traffic, I’m proud to see that we are also exploring new ways to streamline the airport experience for our visitors,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “MIA Reserve has the potential to help many of our travelers get through the security checkpoint faster than ever before.”
