Happy Holidays, Miami-Dade County! I am feeling extra grateful for all we’ve accomplished together throughout 2023. I hope that this holiday season brings you all the peace and light you deserve, and that the coming year be filled with joy and prosperity. Merry Christmas, happy Hanukah, and a joyous Kwanza to all!
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Bring a shelter pet “Home for the Holidays”
There's never been a better time to adopt a shelter pet! Throughout the month of December, Miami-Dade County Animal Services is waiving adoption fees for pets over four months old. Adopters will only be responsible for the $30 license fee for dogs.
Get the gift of love! Take a shelter pet from Miami-Dade Animal Services Home for the Holidays and give them a second chance at life. Call 311 for more information or visit miamidade.gov/homefortheholidays
The Better Bus Network – we are listening to your feedback!
On November 13, the Better Bus Network – the first redesign of our bus network in almost 40 years – launched to enhance rider experience and mobility. And while we've already seen improvements in on-time performance, reliability, and ridership, we’re actively listening to your input and incorporating short-term adjustments, like voucher programs and an expanded MetroConnect service, to smooth the transition for riders. Learn more and make your voice heard at
miamidade.gov/betterbus
Opportunity for Older Adults
This month, our County’s eligible residents will receive a $617 check as part of the Save Our Seniors Homeowners' Relief Fund. Older adults ages 65+ who don’t receive Florida’s Homestead Long-Term Senior Exemption qualify for this one-time increased payment.
I’m proud to have passed a historic tax cut for the second year in a row, continuing to offer much-needed relief to residents – and in the 2023-24 County budget, we invested an additional $18 million in the Save our Seniors Program to provide additional support to our older adults.
A Japanese Trade Mission
Earlier this month, I traveled with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce for an Americas Linkage mission to Japan. Our 50-person delegation of representatives from the Chamber, County, and the business sector, came back home with a new agreement with the Port of Yokohama, transformative lessons from Japan’s solid waste management systems, and a promising commitment from Japan Airlines (JAL) to consider a direct flight to Miami by 2025. Read my recent op-ed in the Miami Herald about our trip here.
Departmental Wins
Breaking records at MIA - This past Sunday, MIA welcomed an impressive 171,371 passengers, marking the highest single-day passenger count in the airport's history. This unprecedented volume of travelers is a testament to MIA's commitment to providing exceptional service and a seamless travel experience, even during the busiest times of the year.
It’s baby season – Zoo Miami welcomed several new additions to the county family this year, including an endangered Sumatran tiger, a Nyala, and a rare Giant Eland! Be sure to stop by the zoo this holiday season to meet our newest residents!
Reaching compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – I’m so proud to share that after years of hard work, our Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation team successfully achieved substantial compliance with the Consent and Settlement Agreements with the DOJ. This means our County jail system has significantly improved in key areas, prioritizing medical and mental healthcare, suicide prevention, and more, to make our jails safer for inmates and staff alike.
Social Media Highlight Posts – In Case You Missed It
Thank you to our community for joining our @AdoptMiamiPets Day of Action! We had a 55% increase in adoptions this weekend but we still need YOU! We’re waiving adoption fees for pets over 4 months old. 🐶🐱 Adopt a pet and bring them Home for the Holidays!
Thanksgiving is more than a feast — it’s a time to give back and spread gratitude. Yesterday, we hosted a turkey giveaway with our community partners @miamidolphins, @local1403, and @curleyshousefoodbank. 🦃 Let’s make this holiday season a time of kindness and generosity!
It has been one week since we launched our community-led Better Bus Network! 🚎 Rain or shine, we’re dedicated to improving our transit service. Your feedback is key as we work to make #OurCounty more connected. Check out our survey or plan your route here.
