District 11 April Newsletter Dear Friends, Happy Passover and Happy Easter! Thank you for being part of my mailing list. My staff and I are delighted to represent you every day. In this newsletter we will communicate information from our community. If you have any suggestions on how we can improve this newsletter or have any issues in the West Kendall/West Dade, please do not hesitate to contact us at 305-375-5511 or zapata@miamidade.gov. Also if you have any events coming up in West Kendall/West Dade, please email them to us to include in our following newsletter.

Community News

Roadway Improvement: SW 147th Avenue from SW 26th Street to SW 10th Street; Project No. 20110191: This roadway improvement project includes roadway widening, milling and resurfacing, construction of curb and gutter, sidewalk, curb ramps, drainage system, installation of detectable warnings, roadway lighting system, guardrail, fences, and signage along with the construction of a water main from SW 22 Street to SW 18th Street. Construction is anticipated to be completed by December 31, 2013. Mainline Closure: Motorists are advised to expect delays, seek alternate routes or follow maintenance of traffic (MOT) signs or detour route.

Table of Contents Community News

Legislative Highlights

Charity of the Month

District Events

Assistance Programs

Tech Calendar

Kids Corner

Movie Night

Wings Over Miami Museum

Upcoming Events

Light up, Green up!

Congratulations

Congratulations

Read Campaign

Business of the Month

Save the Date

FIU Calendar

Miami-Dade Commissioner Juan C. Zapata West Kendall/West Dade Address: 111 NW 1st Street

Westwind Lakes, Phase I, SW 67th Lane to SW 71st Lane from SW 147th Avenue to SW 151st Court, Project No. 20120094: The scope of work for this project is to alleviate flooding problems within the project boundaries described above that have an ineffective drainage infrastructure. The scope of work consists of, but is not limited to, the construction of a storm drainage system consisting of exfiltration trenches and solid pipe along with drainage inlets and storm manholes; as well as miscellaneous roadway restoration. Construction is anticipated to be completed by September 4, 2013. Mainline Closure: Motorists are advised to seek alternate route or follow posted maintenance of traffic (MOT) signs or detour route.

Legislative Highlights On the Agenda for April 2, 2013 Board of County Commissioners Meeting. Please click over legislation to find out more information. - Sponsoring Proclamation declaring April 2013 as Water Conservation Month and recognizing the winners of the Every Drop Counts, poster contest to promote conservation. -Sponsoring an ordinance on first reading which establishes a sales tax exemption program for materials purchased in construction contracts, which will save the tax County residents tax dollars. -Sponsoring an ordinance on final passage which will require committee review and additional public scrutiny of contract awards and change orders under the Water & Sewer multi-billion dollar infrastructure expansion projects. - Resolution on final passage creating the ''District 11 Public Improvement Trust Fund'' in the Unincorporated Area Municipal Budget to serve as a depository for public and private sector funds for public improvement capital projects in West Kendall and West Dade within District 11. There are a number of unfunded public improvements needed throughout District 11, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, bicycle paths, park facilities, traffic circles, storm water drainage improvements, landscaping, lighting, art in public places sculptures and exhibits, and the erection of noise barrier/privacy walls, all of which will create a better quality of life for the residents of the unincorporated areas of our community. -Resolution on final passage urging the Florida Legislature, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Florida Turnpike Enterprise, subject to payment of Required Debt, to utilize toll revenues under their jurisdiction which are generated in Miami-Dade County for the construction, maintenance, operation and improvement of eligible transportation infrastructure in Miami-Dade County.

Suite 320 Miami, Florida 33128

Phone: 305-375-5511 Fax: 305-375-5883 Website: www.miamidade.gov/district11/ Email: zapata@miamidade.gov Committees: Chairman of Infrastructure and Capital Improvements Vice-Chairman of Finance Member of Economic Development and Port Miami Boards: The Children's Trust Value Adjustment Board South Florida Regional Planning Council

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Miami Herald Spelling Bee Winners from their School

Andrea Salazar Bowman Ashe/ Doolin K-8 Academy Kevin Marenco Bowman Ashe/ Doolin K-8 Academy Michael Avila

Charity of the Month

April has two charities that our office will participate in. Please join Team Zapata in Making a Difference in our community. With our efforts and yours, everything is possible!

You can DONATE to our Multiple Sclerosis Walk by

clicking HERE.

Oliver Hoover Elementary Karen Laurent Christina M. Eve Elementary Alexander Luzula Claude Pepper Elementary Izabela Monzon Greenglade Elementary Adriana Velazquez Joe Hall Elementary Soichi Ystokazu Kendale Lakes Elementary Ashley Molina Wesley Matthews Elementary Alyssa Baron Zelda Glazer Middle School

Congratulations

Congratulations to the Miami Herald Spelling Bee Winners from their School

Franco G. Quintana Norma Butler Bossard Elementary

Read Campaign

To DONATE to our Relay for Life Team, please click

HERE. District Events

Let's encourage our children to read.

Miami Dade Public

Library System offers free literacy programs, tutoring, library

materials - as well as special services so all residents can enjoy full access to books, music

and more! Please click

HERE to learn more about their

programs.

For programs designed to improve your children's academic performance,

please visit Read2Succeed:

http://www.r2succeed.org/

Business of the Month

Mekatos Bakery is a business built on the roots

Kendall International Food Festival (KIFF)

Join DOC IT (Detect Ovarian Cancer in Time) for a family-oriented event with food, music and fun, also children's bounce house &

activities.

Proceeds will go to detect ovarian cancer.

When: Saturday, April 6th 2013from 12pm to 7pm

Where: West Kendall Baptist Church (next to Target!)

14955 SW 88th Street Buy your VIP tickets here! Free food, soft drinks, massages and

even valet parking! $50.00

For more information, please visit their WEBSITE. For a press release, please click HERE

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Helping Hands World Foundation, Inc

Presents The First Annual Family Festival

and traditions of a Colombian family that came to USA 22

years ago to try luck, seek new horizons and develop

opportunities. Their mission and objective is to develop,

manufacture and commercialize products from our varied and delicious Colombian food and

bakery which w e are very proud to be the legacy of our ancestors.

Mekatos Bakery is a team of highly skilled, competitive and

fully committed to the expectations and needs of our entire Latino community in the

South Florida.

Address: 15190 SW 56th Street Miami, Florida 33185

Phone:

305-383-6301

SAVE THE DATE

Commissioner Juan C. Zapata

Rides for Fun

Summer KickOff

The primary mission of Helping Hands World Foundation Inc., is to help children and youths throughout our communities achieve their

maximum potential through a variety of community outreach programs such as education, culture, sports, art, afterschool

programs and mentoring programs; all emphasizing DISCIPLINE, structure, collaboration, social skills and leadership.

When:

Sunday, April 14th from 10am-6pm

Where: 12405 SW 56th Street

For more information, please visit their WEBSITE.

Assistance Programs Bring the Internet home for just $9.95 a month. This is a federally mandated program.

Family Event May 18, 2013

FIU Calendar For Alumni and Community Events, please click here. For Arts and Entertainment at FIU, please click here. For FIU's Athletic Events, please click here.

Quick Links Register Now Follow Us On Facebook More About Us Contact Us

See if you're eligible!

For more information visit www.InternetEssentials.com

or call 1-855-8-INTERNET (1-855-846-8376)

2013-14 Grants Programs & Technical Assistance Brochure is Now Available The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs announces the release of the 2013-14 Grants Brochure. The Department's annual edition of the trilingual guide, printed in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, continues to help connect Miami-Dade's artists and cultural organizations with some of its most competitive grants programs. Each of these programs is designed to address specific areas of cultural development ranging from the renovation of neighborhood cultural facilities to the support of exemplary programs by the community's largest non-profit cultural organizations. Click here for more information. Home Energy Assistance Program Now Available to Assist Low Income Residents Low-income individuals can receive assistance with their utility costs through the Community Action and Human Services Department Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) beginning on Monday, April 1, 2013. To qualify, applicants must not exceed 150% of the U.S. Poverty Income Guidelines. Qualified applicants facing a crisis situation may be eligible to receive up to a $600 payment toward their outstanding electric or gas bills. Regular energy applications may receive between $150-$300 dollar payment applied to their utility bill. LIHEAP applications are available at Community Service Centers, Monday through Friday 8 AM-5 PM. Applications and a listing of Community Service Centers are available online at http://www.miamidade.gov/socialservices/housing-assistance-energy.asp . For additional information call (786) 469-4600. Amigo For Kids Blue Ribbon Campaign for Child Abuse Prevention Month

Celebration of Friendship Luncheon on April 6 "There's No excuse for child abuse!" on April 29 Awareness event at Miami Dade County Auditorium for over 1800 children from MDCPS Since April 2004, Amigos has spearheaded efforts in cooperation with Miami-Dade County Public Schools and its School Board, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, the Mayors of the City Miami and Miami-Dade County, and other local community leaders and organizations to provide an informative series of events. Its purpose is to create awareness, through education and community involvement, and promote positive parenting as relates to the issues of child abuse. For additional information, please visit http://amigosforkids.org/.

Tech Calendar

MiamiTech.org is a helpful resource for South Florida's burgeoning tech community created by David Notik. Below is a link to upcoming events in the tech community throughout South Florida: http://www.miamitech.org/

The Kids Corner

Family Events Tales Under the Stars

Grab a blanket and enjoy a captivating evening of stories from around the world! Sharing tall tales and folklore are renowned storytellers Mama Koku, Carrie Sue Ayvar and Lela Lombardo. In honor of this year's exchange partner, there will be a Flamenco performance by Gyspy Cat on the beautiful grounds of the Deering

Estate.

All performances begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9

Key Biscayne Branch - Mama Koku Wednesday, April 10

Miami Lakes Branch - Mama Koku Thursday, April 11

West Dade Regional - Mama Koku Tuesday, April 16

Coral Gables Branch - Carrie Sue Ayvar Thursday, April 18

Kendale Lakes Branch - Lela Lombardo Tuesday, April 23

Deering Estate - Flamenco Dancing Wednesday, April 24

Arcola Lakes Branch - Lela Lombardo

For more events or information on Miami-Dade Public Library, please click HERE.

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Library Museum Pass Program FREE entry to art, culture, entertainment and so much more!

Your FREE entry to art, culture, entertainment and so much more! Use the Library Museum Pass Program

Miami-Dade Public Library System proudly presents the Museum Pass!! Just visit your nearest branch library, see staff for availability and use your library card to check out a museum pass. The Museum Pass offers patrons FREE admission

for a family of four to the Deering Estate at Cutler, Fruit & Spice Park, HistoryMiami, Miami Art Museum, Miami Art Museum, Miami Children's Museum,

Miami Science Museum, and Vizcaya Museum.

For more information, please visit this LINK. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jungle Island

Buy a day and get this year FREE

For more information please click this link. You can buy a 1-day General Admission Ticket and receive an upgrade to an Annual Pass valid through

12/31/13. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Register your kids in Miami-Dade Parks' Fit2Play Spring Break Camps

Today

Fun fitness and outdoor adventures abound during our affordable and exciting Spring

Break Camps held March 25-29 from 9am-5pm

Choose from General Camps, Zoo Miami's Zoofari Spring Camp, EcoAdventure

Camps, County Club of Miami's Junior Gold Camp, Camp for kids with disabilities, and more.

Registration began Monday, March 1st

To register for an activity, please click HERE.

Movie Nights

When:

April 19 - 7-9pm May 17 - 7-9pm

Where:

West Wind Lakes Park 6805 SW 152 Avenue

Miami, Florida

Free admission

Wings Over Miami Museum

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday: 10am to 5pm

Sunday: Noon to 5pm Closed Monday and Tuesday

Where:

14710 South West 128 Street Miami, FL 33196 (305) 233-5197

For more information, please visit the Wings Over Miami website.

Upcoming Events

Free Adrienne Arsht Center Tours

When: Every Monday and Saturday at NOON

Where:

Adrienne Arsht Center 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132

Tours depart from the lobby of the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House.

The Adrienne Arsht Center, the largest performing arts center built in the United States in the last three decades, now offers free Behind-the-ScenesTours twice a

week.

* Reservations are highly encouraged, and can be made by phone at: (786) 468-

2326 or via email at: tours@arshtcenter.org.

For Spring and Summer 2013 Events, please click their brochure below

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Dade Heritage Days Through April 30th

For tours and special events, please click on the Brochure Below:

Dade Heritage Trust (DHT) is the leading voice for historic preservation in Miami-Dade County. Founded as a nonprofit membership organization in 1972, Dade

Heritage Trust works to enrich the quality of life for the entire community by sustainably preserving the best of the past for the future.

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For events with the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, please

visit their events page at http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/events

Light up, Green up!

Million Tree Miami:

Million TREES Miami Campaign is a Community-wide effort to plant 1 million trees by 2020 in order to achieve a 30% tree canopy cover for Miami-Dade

County.

Our campaign was developed by the Miami-Dade Community Image Advisory Board and was born of the idea that a healthy and sustainable urban forest

provides significant social, economic, and environmental benefits that fosters a high quality, livable, vibrant, and beautiful community.

In order to reach our urban tree canopy goal of 30% EVERYONE needs to

participate.

To join the effort, please click HERE.

Green Tip: On the Road - From using mass transit to following some car driving tips, there are ways to lessen our impact on the environment while on the move. • Avoid car idling - running your car without moving - to decrease emissions and fuel waste. • Driving above 60 mph wastes gas at a more rapid pace, as does quick acceleration and hard braking. For more green tips, please visit this website.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself or my staff at 305-375-5511.

Warmest Regards,

Juan C. Zapata Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners District 11