FYI Miami: September 21, 2023

Bellow are some of the FYIs in this week’s edition. The entire content of this week’s FYIs and Insider sections is available by subscription only. To subscribe click here.

DIGNITARY PROTECTION: The US Capitol Police would reimburse Miami-Dade police for costs here to protect visiting congressional dignitaries under legislation due an Oct. 3 county commission vote. In particular, reimbursements would cover costs of dignitary protection services during the National Republican Meeting Winter Convention held on Key Biscayne the weekend of Feb. 17 this year and costs for similar services while providing dignitary protection during the Congressional Hispanic Caucus held in the county the weekend of March 24. The agreement with the Capitol Police that the county commission is being asked to approve also covers other congressional protection in the county through March 24, 2024. The Community Safety, Security and Management Committee approved the measure last week with no discussion. The Capitol Police are charged with protection of members of Congress, officers of Congress and their families nationwide. The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Special Patrol Bureau handles the services when these people visit the county.

PROTECTING NAMING RIGHTS: The county’s Chairman’s Policy Council last week approved a proposed ordinance to require investigations of entities buying naming rights in county-owned facilities, but only after stripping out of the measure all references to how naming rights for county roads, facilities or properties are distributed and by whom. Noting that the naming rights issue is “very political,” Commissioner Raquel Regalado said it would be “chaotic” if one commissioner could propose naming anything in another commissioner’s district. As for the deals for naming rights, Commissioner Keon Hardemon said, “We get what we negotiate.” Said Chairman Oliver Gilbert III, “It’s going to be more personal and intimate for the district commissioner to always be recognized.” What remained of Commissioner René García’s ordinance is that due diligence of a naming rights buyer must include investigation of the buyer’s ownership, officer and principals, wherewithal and prior litigation, governmental investigations and administrative procedures. That now goes to the county commission for a vote.

PICKLEBALL IN HIALEAH: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava would be requested to report to county commissioners on creating pickleball courts at 515-acre Amelia Earhart Park at 401 E 65th St. in Hialeah under legislation recommended unanimously last week by the county’s Housing, Recreation and Cultural Committee. If the full county commission approves Commissioner René García’s resolution, the mayor will have 90 days to report.