REBATES AVAILABLE TO HOMEOWNERS FOR IRRIGATION SYSTEM UPGRADES
March 5, 2012

The Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department Irrigation Retrofit Rebate Program provides financial incentive for homeowners in Miami-Dade County to upgrade landscape irrigation systems to implement more efficient water use.

Approved applicants will receive an irrigation assessment before and after the irrigation is retrofitted. The assessments will be provided by the
Urban Conservation Unit of the Miami-Dade County Extension Service. Assessments are free and are designed to provide insight to homeowners as to which retrofits would be both cost-effective and appropriate for the irrigation system.

To qualify for the current rebate program, all retrofit work must be completed, a post-retrofit inspection conducted by the UCU, and all rebate paperwork submitted by August 31, 2012. Click here for additional details and to download the application.

NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES JOIN FORCES IN CELEBRATION OF DR. KING DAY OF SERVICE
January 20, 2012

North Miami Joins Biscayne Park’s Efforts to Beautify Medians that Border both Cities.

In the spirit of volunteerism, the City of North Miami is joining forces with the Village of Biscayne Park to celebrate the Dr. King Day of Service tomorrow, (Saturday, January 21st .)  Employees and officials from North Miami and Biscayne Park will work together to beautify the median of NE 121 Street, which connects the two municipalities.

The activities will kick-off at 10 a.m. at the intersection of NE 121 Street and NE 5 Avenue.  Following a tree-planting ceremony, residents are invited to participate in the beautification of the median, which will work its way west from NE 6 Avenue to Griffing Boulevard. 

Both North Miami and Biscayne Park are recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as “Tree City USA” for their exemplary programs in maintaining and enhancing the natural tree canopy throughout the communities.

BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE? FLORIDA'S HARDEST HIT FUND CAN HELP
2011

The federal government has allocated funding to help pay the mortgages of qualified homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own. The Florida Hardest-Hit Fund (HHF) program aims to assist qualified Florida homeowners by providing mortgage assistance for up to six (6) months (capped at $12,000), or until the homeowner finds adequate employment to resume paying the mortgage (whichever comes first).  

HHF assistance is paid directly to the loan servicer/lender for those homeowners deemed eligible to participate in the program. To find out if you qualify for assistance, please visit the HHF official website at www.FLHardestHitHelp.org to review eligibility criteria and to apply; please use Referral Code: for English 19032, for Spanish 19034 and for Creole 19036. For further details, contact the Hardest-Hit Toll-Free Information line at 1-(877) 863-5244, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Great news!  The City of North Miami is an approved HHF Advisor Agency.  We can assist you in person at our Community Planning Development Housing Division office.  Please review the HHF program guidelines and eligibility criteria on the HHF website and then call us to make an appointment at 305-895-9828, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.   Don’t wait another day, call us today.

Click here to see the flyer in English - Spanish - Creole

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI- NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION PROGRAM – NSP (3) SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT TO 2010 ACTION PLAN
January 17, 2012

The City of North Miami is an entitlement recipient of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. For Program Year 2010 the City of North Miami was awarded supplemental Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP3) funds in the amount of $1,173,374.00 to facilitate the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed and abandoned properties that might otherwise become sources of abandonment and blight within the community.  The City amended the 2010 Action Plan to incorporate this NSP3 funding and eligible strategies. The City is further amending the 2010 Action Plan to add a Target Area (2) to the existing Target Area (1) which was submitted with the 2010 amended Action Plan.

Summary of Amendment

The City of North Miami proposes an additional NSP3 Target Area which is bordered by West Dixie Highway to the west, NE 123rd Street to the north, NE 121 Street to the south and 6th Avenue to the east. A map of the proposed Target Area (2) is below.

The existing Target Area (1) has proved to be too limited and restricts the City’s ability to spend the NSP3 funds in the areas of greatest need. Target Area (1) is bordered by the Northeast 12th Avenue to the east, Northeast 6th Avenue to the west, Northeast 135th Street to the south and Northeast 143rd Street to the north. 

Public Comment
The 15-day public comment period will commence January 13, 2012 and end January 27, 2012.  A copy of the  amendment is located at the Office of the City Clerk at the North Miami City Hall, 776 N.E. 125 Street, North Miami, Florida  33161 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday.  In addition, the NSP3 amendment has been posted to the City’s website at www.northmiamifl.gov.   Citizens are encouraged to comment upon the proposed amendment by submitting written comments to the office of Community Planning & Development, at the address listed above, or to mcalloway@northmiamifl.gov

Prior to adoption, the City of North Miami City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment to the 2011 Action Plan.  The public hearing will take place on January 24, 2012 at 7:00 PM., in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 776 N.E. 125 Street, North Miami, Florida  33161.  Interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate. 

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida Statutes Section 286.26, persons with disabilities needing special accommodation to participate in this hearing should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (305) 893-6511, at least 48 hours prior to the hearing.

CALL TO ARTISTS - CITY OF NORTH MIAMI - CLAUDE PEPPER PARK COMMUNITY CENTER
January 10, 2012

The city of North Miami through its Art in Public Places Program requests qualifications from professional artists to design artwork for the west façade of the Claude Pepper Park Community Center.

Project:   City of North Miami Claude Pepper Park Community Center
Budget:     $70,000
Location: 13535 NW 17th Avenue
Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2010

Eligibility 
Open to all professional artists residing in Miami-Dade County

Facility Description
The city of North Miami Claude Pepper Park Community Center will be located at 13535 NW 17th Avenue in the city of North Miami (folio 06-2123-000-0050) on the western half of the property which extends from NW 14th Avenue to NW 17th Avenue. The community center will be a one story, 18,577 square foot facility that will include a gymnasium, lockers rooms, a teen lounge, aerobics and weight room, arts and crafts room, a game room, a computer lab, and a central gallery space. 

The community center was designed by the firm C3TS and will meet the requirements of an LEED Silver certified facility.

Funding for the facility was provided through Miami-Dade County’s General Obligation Bond Program.

Estimated completion of the facility has been scheduled for July 2012.

Opportunity for Public Art
The city of North Miami seeks to commission a Miami-Dade County based artist or artist team to create a site-specific artwork for the community center. 

The artwork will be located on the 1008 square foot west façade of the community center.  The desired artistic approach will treat the façade as a singular architectural environment.  While the community center is located in a residential neighborhood, the facade will be extremely visible to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.  The west entrance/patio will be used for evening events.

Estimated Budget
The artist is responsible for fully developing an artwork within the allocated $70,000. The budget must be inclusive of design, engineering, fabrication, installation, and any other costs associated with the implementation of the art project.

Estimated Schedule

Please note, this is a time sensitive project, and therefore, it is critical for artists applying to this call to have the ability to adhere to the estimated schedule. 

Eligibility
The project is open to experienced professional artists residing in Miami-Dade County.

Professional artists with demonstrated experience in creating signature works of art are strongly encouraged to apply for this project. 

City of North Miami employees, Art Selection Committee members and their immediate family members are excluded from participation in this art project.

Application Process
A complete application must include:

• A copy of a current resume
• Artist Statement
• A compact disc containing 10 images of previously completed works at 1920 x 1920 pixels, saved as baseline standard JPEG, under 1.8 MB.

Examples of completed works may include public art and/or studio works.

All applications must be received as a complete submittal no later than Friday, January 27, 5:00 PM at the City of North Miami, Office of the City Manager, ATTN: Miguel Seco, 776 N E 125th Street, North Miami, Florida 33161.

Incomplete submissions or applications received past the deadline will not be considered.

Selection Process
An Art Selection Committee composed of no less than 5 members will select a small number of finalists.

Finalists will be paid a $500.00 honorarium to develop site specific proposals prior to final artwork selection. 

The primary criteria for selection will be previous artistic accomplishment as demonstrated in images of completed artwork, public art experience, and/or approach to the site specific project.

Art Selection Committee
The Committee is a panel composed of professionals in the field of art, public art, art education, art history, or architectural history. 

About North Miami Art in Public Places
The city of North Miami’s Art in Public Places Program is coordinated in consultation with Miami-Dade County’s Art in Public Places Program.

The program was established by Ordinance 1291 on January 12, 2010 to commission and purchase artworks by contemporary artists in all media for public spaces and facilities in North Miami.

About the City of North Miami
North Miami, with a population approaching 59,000 residents, is home to one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the state of Florida.  Encompassing approximately 9.5 square miles, it is ideally located midway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

A 2010 All-America City award winner, North Miami North Miami has a rich history dating back to the 1800’s.  The city also boats one of the largest concentration of mid-century modern buildings in South Florida.

North Miami is committed to the growth of its business community, while also focusing on issues such as education, the arts, leisure activities and sustainability to provide a viable future for its residents and preserve the City’s rich history.

Additional Information
For additional information on this project, contact Brandi Reddick, Miami-Dade County Art in Public Places at 305.375.5436, brandi@miamidade.gov or Miguel Seco, City of North Miami Art in Public Places Program at 305.895.9898, mseco@northmaimifl.gov

NORTH MIAMI FEATURED IN FLORIDA LEAGUE OF CITIES’ (FLC) BEST PRACTICES
December 5, 2011

MOCA Art Institute Programs Capture Nomination for City Spirit Award at the FLC 2011 Municipal Achievement Awards

The City of North Miami has earned a nomination for the City Spirit Award, as part of the Florida League of Cities’ 2011 Municipal Achievement Awards.  This program recognizes innovations and excellence and features best practices in municipal government. 

North Miami was nominated for the art outreach programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s MOCA Art Institute.  The MOCA Art Institute is the first comprehensive art and communication community-based program of its kind offered by a museum in Miami-Dade County.  The educational programs offered through the MOCA Art Institute target students of all ages and the curriculum is based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards in the Visual Arts.  The programs build critical thinking skills in aesthetic analysis and evaluation, and focus on guidelines that progressively build skills in art and communication in a dynamic museum setting.  MOCA also provides multiple opportunities for teens to showcase, publish and exhibit their work, building self-esteem and giving students a competitive edge as they enter the workforce and pursue higher education.

For more details on the MOCA Art Institute programs, call MOCA at 305-893-6211 or visit www.mocanomi.org.  Additional details on the Florida League of Cities Municipal Achievement Awards can be found at www.flcities.com.  

GRAMMY AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN, WYCLEF JEAN, TO RECEIVE HONORS FROM THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI
November 18, 2011

Wyclef Jean To Be Inducted into City’s Hall of Fame and Receive Key to City And Serve as 2011 Grand Marshal of the 37th Annual WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade

The City of North Miami plans to roll out the red carpet for Grammy Award-winning musician Wyclef Jean next Wednesday, November 23rd.  Jean, who was born in Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, and grew up in New Jersey, first became known for his breakthrough performances as part of the dynamic group, The Fugees, He has been successful as both a solo artist and known for his creative collaborations with a variety of musical artists of international acclaim. 

The presentation in his honor will take place on Wednesday, November 23rd at 10 a.m. inside the Council Chambers, (located on the second floor) at North Miami City Hall, 776 NE 125 Street.  At the presentation, Wyclef will be inducted into the Hall of Fame (via the installation of a plaque on the Hall of Fame wall); he will receive a Key to the City from Mayor Pierre and announce his appearance as the 2011 Grand Marshal of the 37th Annual North Miami WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade on the following day.  The parade steps off at 10 a.m. along NE 125 Street from NE 5 – 12 Avenue.

North Miami Mayor Andre D. Pierre, Esq. nominated Wyclef Jean to the City’s Citizens Hall of Fame at the October 11th City Council Meeting.  Although he is not a resident of the City, Wyclef’s Foundation, Yele Haiti, has made a great impact on the people of Haiti, which has also touched the Haitian Diaspora.  He is committed to a number of causes in Haiti, including job training and music education programs.  He is the first Haitian-American to be inducted to the North Miami Hall of Fame.

The presentation is open to the public; however, attendees must RSVP to the Office of the Mayor and City Council at 305-895-9815 in advance in order to gain entry.  Seating is limited to first-come, first serve on the date of the event.

NORTH MIAMI'S HOLIDAY TRADITION CONTINUES WITH
37TH ANNUAL WINTERNATIONAL THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
November 18, 2011

The spirit of the Thanksgiving holiday brings a festive occasion to the City of North Miami annually.  Why watch a parade on TV (You know, that big one in NYC), when you can start a new holiday tradition at North Miami's 37th Annual WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade.  Enjoy festive floats and lively marching bands at this year's parade, which steps off at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning (Thursday, November 24th.)  You will also have the chance to see Grammy Award-winning artist, Wyclef Jean, as he presides over the parade as 2011 Grand Marshal.

Click here to see the flyer

The parade marches right through downtown North Miami along NE 125 Street from 5 – 12 Avenue.  Enjoy great viewing locations anywhere along the parade route (arrive early and bring your own chairs.)  There are also three announcing booths along the route:

• NE 6 Avenue with DJ Lumoney
• Main Soundstage at NE 8 Avenue with Johanna Gomez of WPLG Local 10 and Sous Chef Jeff(Jeff Martin) of Majic 102.7 FM (grandstand seating available on bleachers; first-come, first-serve)
• Majic Corner at NE 10th Avenue, powered by Majic 102.7 FM, enjoy prizes and games prior the parade!

Children of all ages will enjoy games and prizes at the Radio Disney AM 990 Fun Zone  in the MOCA Plaza (770 NE 125 ST) from 9 - 10 a.m. 

This year's parade theme is Healthy People, Healthy Places, in celebration of the City's efforts to increase the health and wellness of the North Miami community through its ACHIEVE (Action Communities for Health, Innovation and EnVironmental changE) initiatives.  In 2009, the North Miami Parks and Recreation Department was one of a small number of agencies selected to be a part of the national ACHIEVE program, which is overseen by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Parking is available in municipal lots along the parade route.  Also, note that NE 125 Street will be closed to traffic from NE 2 AVE to NE 14 AVE on the morning of the event.

For more details on the 37th Annual WinterNational Thanksgiving Day Parade, visit northmiamifl.gov/celebrate or call the North Miami Parks and Recreation Department at 305.895.9840. 

UNEMPLOYED?  LOSS OF INCOME?  THE FLORIDA HARDEST HIT FUND MAY HELP SAVE YOUR MORTGAGE 
November 19, 2011

North Miami Mayor Andre D. Pierre, Esq. to Host Open House for Hardest Hit Fund Applicants on Saturday, November 19th

South Florida homeowners in need of assistance to keep up with mortgage payments are invited to attend the Hardest Hit Fund Open House
event hosted by North Miami Mayor Andre D. Pierre, Esq. on Saturday, November 19th to learn more about the Florida Hardest Hit Fund program.  The Open House will be held at the Sunkist Grove Community Center, 12500 NW 13 Avenue, (North Miami) from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The program aims to assist qualified homeowners that are behind in their mortgage payments due to unemployment (underemployment)  by providing mortgage assistance for up to
six (6) months or until the homeowner finds adequate employment to resume paying the mortgage.  The fund pays directly to your loan servicer or lender.

The City of North Miami is a Hardest Hit Fund advisor agency and offers program assistance to homeowners throughout South Florida.  You do not have to be a North Miami resident to apply. 
Eligible homeowners will receive application assistance and more details on-site at the Open House. 

The following required documents must be brought to the event:

• Copy of your Deed (If available)
• Any correspondence from your mortgage servicer or its attorney (If applicable)
• Most recent mortgage statement
• Last two months (60 days) of pay stubs for all employment and income sources (including SSI, Child Support, Alimony, etc.)
• Last two months of all current bank statements; for all assets.
• Bankruptcy discharge/dismissal
• Homeowners Association dues Statement
• Home-owners Insurance statement (including flood, wind, hail, etc.),if not escrowed
• Property taxes (if not escrowed)
• If unemployed, copy of unemployment eligibility or explanation of benefits
• If self employed, please bring the following:  
  • a copy of the last two year’s tax returns with all schedules attached
  • 2 months current personal and business bank statements
  • year to date Profit and Loss statement (completed by a Third Party)

For more information on the Hardest Hit Fund, contact the North Miami Community Planning and Development Department - Housing Division at 305-895-9828. 
For details on the Hardest Hit Fund Open House, please call the North Miami Office of the Mayor and City Council at 305-895-9818.

MARITZA SANTANA PRIM HONORED AS NORTH MIAMI’S EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER, SUMMER 2011
November 2, 2011

The City of North Miami has named Martiza Santana Prim, Library Aid I at the North Miami Public Library as Employee of the Quarter for Summer 2011.

Maritza was nominated by Library Manager, Lucia Gonzalez, for her dedicated efforts and relentless work during a time of many changes and challenges at the library.  Like most municipally funded programs and departments in recent years, the library has been affected by budget cuts and staff reductions.  Upon Ms. Gonzalez’s recent arrival as the new manager earlier this summer, Ms. Prim Santana volunteered her knowledge and skills to ensure that library operations continued smoothly during the time of transition.  Maritza’s dedication, positive and helpful attitude are to be commended and emulated.

Maritza will be awarded a plaque and a $100 savings bond at an upcoming North Miami City Council Meeting.  She will also be treated to a special luncheon sponsored by Florida International University’s School of Hospitality Management at Biscayne Bay Campus.  

BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE? FLORIDA'S HARDEST HIT FUND CAN HELP
October 21, 2011

The federal government has allocated funding to help pay the mortgages of qualified homeowners who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own. The Florida Hardest-Hit Fund (HHF) program aims to assist qualified Florida homeowners by providing mortgage assistance for up to six (6) months (capped at $12,000), or until the homeowner finds adequate employment to resume paying the mortgage (whichever comes first).  HHF assistance is paid directly to the loan servicer/lender for those homeowners deemed eligible to participate in the program. To find out if you qualify for assistance, please visit the HHF official website at www.FLHardestHitHelp.org to review eligibility criteria. For further details, contact the Hardest-Hit Toll-Free Information line at 1-(877) 863-5244, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Great news!  The City of North Miami is an approved HHF Advisor Agency.  We can assist you in person at our Housing Division office.  Please review the HHF program guidelines and eligibility criteria on the HHF website and then call us to make an appointment at 305.895.9828, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.   Don’t wait another day, call us today.

Or find our more details in person at the Hardest Hit Fund Open House, hosted by Mayor Andre D. Pierre, Esq. on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 11a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Sunkist Grove Community Center, 12500 NW 13 AVE.  Call the Office of the Mayor and City Council at 305.895.9815 for more details on the Open House event.

MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE EARLIER THIS YEAR
October 21, 2011

A Message from the US Department of Health and Human Services.

If you or someone you care about has Medicare or is eligible for Medicare, mark your calendars.  Medicare Open Enrollment deadline has been moved up this year to December 7th.  Take the time to  review your Medicare choices and make sure you are enrolled in a plan that is right for you before the deadline.  

Medicare has resources to help.  Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit medicare.gov to find out more. And remember – Medicare Open Enrollment for coverage in 2012 ends on December 7, 2011.

• Message in English
• Message in Español
• Message in Creole

INTERNET ESSENTIALS BY COMCAST, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI
September 29, 2011

Comcast is partnering with local governments and several not-for-profit agencies to help in this effort to make broadband more accessible in Miami-Dade County.  The city of North Miami will offer two classes on the basics of the Internet, one in English and one in Haitian-Creole, to residents who qualify for the Internet Essentials program.  Space is limited and participation will be provided to the first ten to register by phone for each class.

WHAT:
Community-based Internet Essentials training sessions provided free to North Miami residents who qualify (families with children enrolled in the National School Lunch Program for free or reduced lunch.)

WHERE:
Sunkist Grove Community Center, 12500 NW 13 Avenue, North Miami, FL 33167

WHEN:         
Wednesday, October 12th, 6:30–8 p.m. Class will be conducted in ENGLISH
Thursday, October 13th, 6:30–8 p.m. Class will be conducted in HAITIAN-CREOLE

WHO:            
Classes are hosted by the city of North Miami. Class size is limited to 10 participants. The first 10 individuals to register by phone will be accepted into the class. 

CONTACT:  
Those interested in participating in the Internet Training classes can contact Maurice Laguerre at the Sunkist Grove Community Center, 305-685-5461; Monday through Friday between the hours of 1 – 7 p.m

APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE FOR YOUTH OPPORTUNITY BOARD SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
September 28, 2011

The North Miami Youth Opportunity Board hosts a variety of scholarship programs annually that benefit North Miami’s youth and the educators that support our community’s students. 

Applications are now available for the following programs: 

SEPTEMBER IS LIBRARY CARD SIGN-UP MONTH!
September 1st, 2011

September is Library Card Sign-Up month, and the North Miami Public Library wants to make sure that everyone in North Miami has the smartest card - a library card.

The North Miami Public Library provides engaging programs, great books, music, movies, access to computers, plus professional guidance in conducting research, readers' advisory, homework assistance, and much more.

During Library Card Sign-Up Month there will be an array of ongoing activities and programs that will include reading, science, and art for students of all ages sponsored by the Friends of the North Miami Public Library. There will also be Yoga, Tai Chi, ESOL classes, and more.

Special programs will feature:

• "Pirates, Treasures, and Shipwrecks in South Florida"
  Thursday, September 8
  7:00 p.m.
  Co-sponsored by the Greater North Miami Historical Society Arch Creek Trust
• Friends of the Library book sale
  Friday, September 16 - Monday, September 19
• "Multicultural Dances from Around the world"
  Wednesday, September 21

Library Card Sign-Up Month is a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all.

Getting a library card is easy. For more information on how to sigh-up for a library card visit our North Miami Public library, 835 NE 132 Street, of call us ta 305.891.5535.

"OFFICER OF THE MONTH" JULY 2011 - OFFICER RAFAEL ESTRUGO
August 23, 2011

The North Miami Police Department's "Officer of the Month is Officer Rafael Estrugo. Officer Estrugo has been with the Department for 12 years and has been selected as Officer of the Month of four previous occasions. Officer Estrugo is assigned to the Uniform Patrol Section, Day Shift. Sergeant Angel Rivera nominated him for his alertness and determination demonstrated in the following cases:

On June 7, 2011, Officer Estrugo was working a robbery/burglary detail when a BOLO was issued regarding a vehicle involved in an armed robbery.

The subjects involved had just committed an armed robbery of a food market, taking $200.00 from the cash registers. After fleeing from the food market in a stolen vehicle, the subjects abandoned the stolen vehicle on the side of the road an entered another vehicle. After becoming aware of the description of the new getaway vehicle, Officer Estrugo strategically positioned himself on a main thoroughfare in order to stop the vehicle. Officer Estrugo's instincts soon paid off as he spotted the vehicle traveling northbound on Interstate 95. Officer Estrugo began to follow the vehicle, advising of its direction of travel in order to coordinate a felony stop. Along with sufficient back-up units, Officer Estrugo stopped the vehicle an took the subject into custody, The subject was positively indentified by the victims, and he provided a full confession, including the identities of his co-conspirators.

On July 12, 2011, Officer Estrugo was working a burglary detail when Miami Springs Police Department requested assistance in stopping a vehicle which they suspected in numerous residential burglaries. Officer Estrugo again strategically positioned himself in order to observe the vehicle. After spotting the vehicle, Officer Estrugo began to follow it, and observed a second vehicle following closely behind the suspect vehicle. Officer Estrugo coordinated a stop of both vehicles. The suspect in the first vehicle was immediately arrested and charged with multiple burglaries. While Officer Estrugo was detaining the occupant of the second vehicle, Officer Estrugo noticed a large amount of lawn equipment inside the vehicle. Officer Estrugo built a rapport with the subject and managed to obtain a confession from him. The subject admitted to stealing the lawn equipment, was also arrested, and $400.00 worth of stolen lawn equipment was recovered.

Officer Estrugo was chosen as Officer of the month for July 2011 and will be honored at the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held monthly at the Miami Shores Country Club, on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at Noon.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM - (CDBG) HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) - FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012 ACTION PLANS & PUBLIC MEETINGS
August 22, 2011

As part of the planning process, the City of North Miami conducted workshops to solicit input on programs and activities eligible for CDBG and HOME funding, and to prioritize such programs and activities for eligible areas citywide. Residents were invited to attend and participate in these discussions.

There was a public hearing opportunity at the Planning Commission Meeting, August 2, 2011 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 776 NE 125 Street, 2nd Floor. Thirty day comment period begins on August 18, 2011 until September 19, 2011. All comments must in writing and sent to the attention of:

CDBG Administrator
City of North Miami
Community Planning & Development Department
776 NE 125 Street
North Miami, Florida 33161

No later than September 19, 2011 at 4:30 p.m.

Click here to read the Public Notice.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE:  PREVENT AGAINST MOSQUITO-BITES
July 22, 2011

This is a notice that the West Nile Virus has been detected in a chicken during regular testing in the NE Miami-Dade area.  While this does not mean that human infestation is imminent, it does raise our awareness to prevent human infection of the disease by preventing mosquito bites as best as possible.

The Miami-Dade Health Department is monitoring this situation.  The city of North Miami is sharing this information  with our residents as a precautionary measure.  We urge you to take personal precautions against mosquito bites at this time.

Click here for the Florida Department of Health’s information on how to protect yourself from the West Nile Virus.  

Please survey your property and remove any standing water.

At this point, it is important to note that this is a precautionary measure as the virus has not been detected in humans as yet.

"OFFICER OF THE MONTH" JUNE 2011 - DETECTIVE TORY HOLMES
July 18, 2011

The North Miami Police Department's "Officer of the Month is Detective Tory Holmes. Detective Holmes has been with the Department for three years and is assigned to the Investigative Section, Crime Suppression Unit. Sergeant Walter Sidd nominated him for his alertness and initiative demonstrated in the following case:

On June 23, 2011, Detective Holmes was driving in his unmarked vehicle west on NE 125 Street when he noticed two vehicles in traffic, not following the normal flow and speed limit. The first vehicle was an Oldsmobile and second was an Audi SUV. Not dismissing this as just a traffic violation, Detective Holmes began to follow the vehicles as they turned off on 125 Street onto southbound NE 2 Avenue.

The Oldsmobile then drove against the flow of traffic to the left of the Audi and sideswiped it, causing the Audi to lose control and skid off the road. narrowly missing a large tree. The Oldsmobile then turned around and returned to where the Audi had crashed. The driver of the Oldsmobile quickly exited his vehicle and ran to the Audi, opened up the driver's door and immediately began to strike the female driver. After several closed fist blows to the driver, the male offender ran to the rear passenger door of the victim's vehicle, opened it and attempted to take out a small child that was secured in a child seat.

Detective Holmes advised on the police radio of the incident as it was occurring. He immediately positioned his vehicle in a strategic manner where Detective Holmes' actions enabled him to exit and diffuse the violent incident without bringing harm to the innocent victims. Detective Holmes' actions enabled him to subdue the violent offender without injury to himself or the offender. The offender was taken into custody and charged with three (3) counts of Attempted Murder, Burglary to a Conveyance with Battery, and Reckless Driving.

Detective Holmes was chosen as Officer of the Month for June 2011 and will be honored at the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held monthly at the Miami Shores Country Club, on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at Noon.

"OFFICER OF THE MONTH" MAY 2011 - JOSE URBIZO
June 20, 2011

The North Miami Police Department's Officer of the Month for May 2011 is Officer Jose Urbizo, currently assigned to the Uniform Patrol, afternoon shift. Sergeant Cristina Grant nominated him fo his alertenee and queck actions demostrated in the following case:

On May 5, 2011 officers were dispatched reference a 911 call advising that two chldren had ran to the neighbors house reporting that someone hdad killed their mother. Additioanl calls were recerived stating gunshots were coming from the house.

Upon arrival, Officer Urbizo along with responding officers, strategically set up in front o fht ehouse and quickly prepared to make entry. As Officer Urbizo approached the fron screened door, he observed the victim lyin face down on the floor, motionless, in a pool of blood. Officer Urbizo remained calm and quickly assessed the situation. While doing so, he heard a clicking sound coming from inside the house. Officer Urbizo immediately recognized the sound as that of someone pulling the trigger on a firearm. Advising the other officers, they cautiously backed awar from the house believing that the other person inside was still armed. A perimeter was quickly established around the house and Officer Urbizo took a strategic position that allowed him to view activity inside the house through the ione door ywt be protected from gunfire. The subject failed to respond to numerous commands to exit the house and contact sould not be established. The SWAT team and Hostage Negotiation Teams were notified.

Officer Urbizo maintained visual contact ont eh home, giving necessary updates. Prior to the SWAT team arival, Offices Urbizo obeserved movement inside the house and, after alerting backup units, ordered the subject out. After several minutes, the subject exited. He had survived a self-inflicted gunshot wound in an attempted suicide. The subject was taken into custody.

Officer Urbizo was chosen as Officer of the Month of May 2011 and will be honored at the Greater Norh Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held monthly at the Miami Shores Country Club, on Wdnesday, June 22, 2011 at Noon.

EARN REWARDS FOR RECYCLING AT HOME
June 1, 2011

The City of North Miami operates a curbside recycling program for residential households.  If you live in a single family home, duplex or townhouse, you receive this service weekly.  The program allows the City to collect all of your recycled items in one 96-gallon container, similar to our garbage collection process. 

Single Stream Recycling has made it easier for families to recycle.  With your recycling cart, you can now place all your recycle items directly in the cart and wheel it out curbside on the morning of your service day. It’s that simple!  

Items include:  aluminum, steel and tin cans; plastics #1-7; glass bottles and jars; cereal boxes; newspaper; magazines; junk mail; cardboard and telephone books.

North Miami residents can also earn rewards for recycling.  Through our partnership with RecycleBank, each household earns points based on the amount of their recycling. 

In order to earn points, you must first register your RecycleBank account. 

• Register by phone at 1-888-727-2978
• Register online at www.RecycleBank.com
• Register online using the Dell RecycleBank computer at North Miami City Hall, 776 NE 125 Street, inside the City Clerk’s Office (1st floor)

By participating in the RecycleBank rewards program, you can earn hundreds of dollars in reward value each year just by recycling as much as possible.  Rewards such as discounts at local supermarkets – including Publix and Winn Dixie –  coupons for household items, and discounts for local entertainment, including Zoo Miami and Miami Seaquarium.

The RecycleBank program is operated at no additional cost to the City, it is simply the rewards component of our curbside recycling service.  The more we recycle as a community, the less garbage we have and that could ultimately save the City money on garbage service.

FREE PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARDS AVAILABLE TO NORTH MIAMI RESIDENTS
June 1, 2011

The city of North Miami is happy to partner with the National League of Cities to help save you money on prescription medicines not covered by insurance.

The North Miami Prescription Discount Card is available to all city residents free of charge and can help you can save up to 20% off the price of commonly prescribed medications at participating pharmacies.  Look for the blue and white card displays at city facilities and local pharmacies.  Cards were also mailed in your quarterly utility bill and to residents of apartments  and condos in a separate mailer (with “Your Prescription Discount Card inside” marked on the envelope.)

To learn more about where you can pick-up the card and what pharmacies participate in the network, call toll free 1-877-321-2652 or visit www.caremark.com/nlc.  

UTILITY BILLING ERROR CAUSE DELAY IN PAYMENT PROCESSING
June 1, 2011

ERROR HAS BEEN CORRECTED, CUSTOMERS ENCOURAGED TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR BILL
It appears the return envelopes enclosed in the utility bills sent out to customers in the past month were been printed with the wrong mailing code.  As such the payments mailed by our customers were being delivered to the wrong location for processing, which caused a delay in payments being posted to the utility accounts. 

As a result of this, second notices for bills that were actually paid were automatically sent out, which some customers paid. Those customers will be entitled to refunds. Those that didn’t make a payment may have been erroneously turned off, and we will provide these customers with a credit for the service charge.

Please review your most recent utility bill and call the North Miami Utility Billing Office at 305-895-9880 if you have any questions concerning your account.

FREE TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS (TPS) DRIVE
June 1, 2011

The Haitian Lawyers Association is hosting this FREE drive to assist individuals applying for Temporary Protected Status in the United States.  The US Secretary of Homeland Security recently reopened the application period for TPS for Haitians living in the United States.   The re-designation of Haiti allows additional Haitians (and persons without nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) who have continuously resided in the United States since Jan. 12, 2011 to obtain TPS, provided they meet all other Haiti TPS eligibility criteria. Other nations that have TPS designation are: El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia and the Sudan.  Eligibility requirements vary for each nationality.
Click here to see the flyer.

If you do not currently have TPS, you may apply from May 19, 2011 through Nov. 15, 2011. For details, please call the North Miami Office of the Mayor and City Council at 305-895-9818 or 305-895-9815.

"EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER - WINTER 2011" - MARIE FRANTZ JEAN-PIERRE
June 1, 2011

Faced with a tough job as a housing inspector for the City of North Miami, Marie Frantz Jean-Pharuns, is a shining example of how government workers best serve their communities.  Ms. Jean-Pharuns was named as North Miami’s Employee of the Quarter for Winter 2011 for her diligent work to educate the residents and property owners of North Miami on their housing rights and responsibilities, as well as for going above and beyond the call of duty by volunteering to assist with outreach projects in Haitian-Creole which reach far beyond her scope of work in the Community Planning and Development Department.

Marie Frantz has assisted the City’s Public Information Officer in the outreach tasks for ten years.  She has hosted shows on television in Haitian-Creole, has done several radio talk shows and commercial spots on topics from Census 2010 to voter referendum items and uses the opportunities that she has for face-to-face communication to educate the community on current issues that affect them.

As Employee of the Quarter, Marie Frantz was presented with a plaque by Mayor Andre D. Pierre, Esq. and Council along with a $100 savings bond.  She will also be treated to a luncheon courtesy of the Florida International University School of Hospitality Management.

"OFFICER OF THE MONTH" APRIL 2011 - RANSOM CARTER
May 16, 2011

The North Miami Police Department’s “Officer of the Month” for April 2011 is Officer Ransom Carter, currently assigned to Uniform Patrol, midnight shift.  Commander Patricia Fishel nominated him for his alertness and determination in the following case:

Officer Carter conducted a traffic stop.  Before he could approach the Toyota, an orange Nissan approached the Toyota and the occupants got out and spoke to the driver.  As Officer Carter was ordering the subjects to leave, he was informed via radio that the Toyota’s tag was stolen and the tag was not assigned to a Toyota.  At the same time, both the Toyota and Nissan fled the area in opposite directions.  Officer Carter issued a B.O.L.O. for the Toyota, and officers immediately responded to the general area.

Another officer observed a silver vehicle traveling southbound on N.E. 12 Avenue from N.E. 135 St at a high rate of speed.  As he was about to check the vehicle, an orange Nissan drove onto N.E. 12 Avenue, stopped in the residential area at N.E. 132 St and three subjects appeared from an unknown location, ran to the Nissan and jumped in.  Suspecting that the subjects were involved with the silver Toyota, the officer immediately conducted a traffic stop on the Nissan.  There were seven (7) subjects in the vehicle and a fully loaded .40 caliber Glock located in the glove box. 

Another officer was speaking to the passengers in the Nissan and one passenger admitted he had stolen the Toyota and parked it nearby.

Officer Carter was chosen as Officer of the Month for April 2011 and will be honored at the Greater North Miami Chamber of Commerce luncheon, held monthly at the Miami Shores Country Club, on Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at Noon.

FEDERAL FRIDAYS WITH U.S. CONGRESSWOMAN FREDERICA S. WILSON
May 13, 2011

Do you need assistance with a federal program? Get your questions regarding immigration, social security, military/veterans services, Medicare, passports, taxes, the Small Business Administration, or concerning any other federal agency answered during Federal Fridays with Congresswoman Wilson.  For details, call 305-690-5905.

Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
North Miami City Hall
Council Chamber - 2nd Floor
776 NE 125 Street
Click here to see the flyer

AMPLIFIED PHONES AVAILABLE FREE TO THOSE SUFFERING WITH HEARING LOSS
May 13, 2011

If you or someone in your family is one of the three million people in Florida with a certified hearing loss, we can help.  The Hearing and Speech Center of Florida and the Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. have partnered with the City of North Miami to provide free amplified telephones to seniors and those residents that have certified hearing loss. Bring verification of hearing loss and proof of Florida residency to receive your free phone.  Demonstrations of the phone will be given as well.  For details, contact the Hearing and Speech Center of Florida at 305-271-7343

First Thursfay of every month
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
North Miami City Hall
776 NE 125 Street
Click here to see the flyer

NORTH MIAMI CELEBRATES THE START OF HAITIAN HERITAGE MONTH WITH SALUTE TO JUDGE FRED SERAPHIN
May 3, 2011

L-R:Gepsie Metellus, Executive Director of Sant-La Haitian Neighborhood Center; Pastor Jack Hakimian, of Oasis Church Miami; Councilman Michael R. Blynn, Esq.; Mayor Andre D. Pierre, Esq., Judge Fred Seraphin and his wife, Barbara; Councilwoman Marie Erlande Steril; Marie Jo Toussaint, President of the Haitian Lawyers Association; and Councilman Jean R. Marcellus.

The city of North Miami commemorated the start of Haitian Heritage Month today with a formal ceremony to salute County Court Judge, the Honorable Fred Seraphin for his dedication and work among the Haitian Diaspora and his leadership amongst academia and South Florida’s legal community.  During the ceremony, held at North Miami City Hall, North Miami Mayor Andre D. Pierre, Esq. proclaimed it to be Haitian Heritage Month in the City of North Miami by official proclamation and presented Judge Seraphin with a key to the City. 

Today’s presentation also included tributary remarks by long-time friends of Judge Seraphin –
Gepsie Metellus, Executive Director of Sant-La Haitian Neighborhood Center and Marie Jo Toussaint, President of the Haitian Lawyers Association—as well as special dance performances by the Quisqueya Club of North Miami Senior High School and the Laissez-Faire Dance Company.  North Miami Senior High student, Mikerlang Charles, opened up the ceremony with a melodic performance of the National Anthems of the U.S. and Haiti.

Following the ceremony, attendees enjoyed a luncheon complete with traditional Haitian cuisine, including griot (fried pork) and pois et riz (beans and rice), courtesy of Piman Bouk Restaurant and Cayard Bakery.

North Miami businesses and multi-family residential building owners are eligible to receive a free bicycle rack from the City of North Miami.  Bike racks increase accessibility to your business and serve as a statement that your business supports sustainability and a healthier lifestyle.  Also, bicycles parked inappropriately – such as chained to sign posts – can be unsightly and block entranceways.

Existing landscape watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Effective March 26th, the South Florida Water Management District has effected phase II water restrictions due to a regional water shortage caused by a record-breaking dry season.  North Miami residents are asked to limit their water use in all areas of the home and to follow the mandatory restrictions in effect for landscape irrigation.

Landscape Irrigation
Existing landscape watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Residents and businesses with odd-numbered street addresses may water lawns and landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Residents and businesses with even-numbered street addresses, no street address or irrigate both even and odd address within the same zones, including multi-family units and homeowners associations, may water lawns and landscapes on Thursdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Different rules apply for new landscape.  See the Fact Sheet below.

Stay informed of the water restrictions at www.sfwmd.gov/waterwatch.

Fact Sheet on Landscape Irrigation – March 2011