Omni Community Redevelopment Agency - Regular Meeting

Hands aren't on the steering wheel and your mind, cognitively, is just not paying attention to driving. We would like to remind everybody to just, you know, avoid those distractions, put those devices down and focus on driving.

The consequences of illegal littering are significant. Surprised people in the act can face fines of up to $15,000 and even criminal charges depending on the severity of the infraction. It is important to emphasize that this behavior will not be tolerated in Miami and measures will be taken against those who violate the waste management regulations. La imagen negativa creada por el vertido ilegal también afecta la reputación de nuestra ciudad y puede impactar en el turismo y el crecimiento económico. Por un futuro limpio, detén el vertido ilegal de basura. Juntos, podemos crear un Miami más saludable y sostenible para todos nuestros residentes.

Buckle up and remember that children must always be properly restrained. Car seats and boosters provide protection for infants and children in a crash. Yet, car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. That's why it's so important to choose and use the right car seat correctly every time your child is in the car. The best car seat is the one that fits your child's size, is installed correctly, and is used properly every time you drive.

Every choice you make can have an impact, so keep yourself and your community safe with these rail safety tips. It takes a train a mile to stop, so stay off the tracks. Don't try to beat the train. Remove headphones near the tracks. Stopping a bad decision is easy. Stopping a train isn't. Be safe and stay off the tracks. Take the pledge today at brightlinesafety.com.

As technology advances, scammers have figured out multiple ways to use it against us. Scammers target consumers searching for company contact information online by purchasing fraudulent ads that look legitimate. When individuals click these ads or call the displayed numbers, they are unknowingly connected with scammers and share personal information. Victims often only realize they have been scammed weeks later. To protect yourself from online search scams, follow these tips. One, always use the phone number on your FPL bill instead of searching for contact information online. Two, check the URL for misspellings or extra characters. Three, look for the padlock icon, which indicates a secure connection. FPL will never demand immediate payment through an app like Zelle or Venmo, a prepaid card or wire transfer to avoid service disconnection. FPL will never ask for personal information, such as account numbers or your social security number. FPL will never ask for personal information unless you call them, in which case we will ask questions to confirm you are the account holder. FPL does have energy experts who complete home energy surveys, but FPL will never solicit a customer by phone to offer home energy surveys. Our FPL energy experts will visit your home only if you request the survey and make an appointment. To spot a scam, you should know the process for late payments. FPL tries to be as flexible as possible, giving customers 21 days after the bill issue date to make a payment. Shutting off someone's electricity is always our last resort. Recently, we have been seeing an increase in scammers knocking on customers' doors claiming to be with FPL or a company that works with FPL. If you have a scheduled appointment, ask for the work request number prior to letting a worker in your home. Contact the FPL Care Center or law enforcement if you think you have been a victim of a scam. It is also important that you report the suspected scam or fraud to FPL. Go online to fpl.com slash protect for more information.

Want to green up your curb and beautify your block? Planting a tree in the right of way is a simple, eco-friendly way to make a lasting impact. But before you dig, make sure you've got the green light. The city requires a permit to plant on public property, like the space between the sidewalk and the street. Unsure if it's the right of way? Get a boundary survey or check online. Visit our website and follow the steps. Let's grow a greener neighborhood together.

We all love to cut corners.

You're all set? Okay, great.

But when it comes to crossing the road, this is one corner you can't cut. Always cross at an intersection. Use the crosswalk pedestrian signal. And when you cross, be alert. Make sure approaching drivers see you and have enough time to stop. Drivers, you cannot cut this corner either. You're required to stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk. It is the law. Really? Yes. Alert today, alive tomorrow.

This message is brought to you by the Florida Department of Transportation.

The fertilizer blackout period starts Monday, May 15th until October 31st. During this time, it's prohibited to use fertilizers containing nitrogen and phosphorus. Why? To protect our Miami River and Biscayne Bay from harmful nutrient runoff. This countywide regulation helps keep our waters clean and ecosystem thriving. Do your part. Skip the fertilizer during the blackout. Visit Miami.gov slash fertilizer for details. Let's preserve our beautiful Miami together.

You have your HIV test results, so what's next? First of all, congrats for taking care of yourself. If you tested negative, now is time to start thinking about the HIV prevention options that work for you. For people at high risk of HIV, there is PrEP, pre-exposure prophylaxis, a once a day pill. PrEP can keep you from getting HIV if you are exposed to the virus. And don't forget condoms as a prevention option. They are the only way to protect against both HIV and other STDs. Don't forget, it's important to get tested again if you think you've been exposed to HIV since your last test. If you tested positive, talk to your healthcare provider about starting treatment right away. HIV treatment can help you live a long, healthy life and also prevent transmission to others. For more info, go to www.cdc.gov slash doingit.

Hello everyone, Captain Freddy Cruz with the City of Miami Police Department's Public Information Office and today we want to discuss a little bit about pedestrian safety. So basically as you can see we have an intersection here within a residential neighborhood and what we want to let everyone know is to please if you live mid-block or if you're visiting the area don't cross mid-block. Use these intersections as you can see here to cross from one side to another. We've seen too many accidents, too many fatalities, we don't want to see another one. So basically we just want everyone within the city of Miami to do the right thing, cross at the appropriate area, cross at the crosswalks and utilize them. Don't cross mid-block because that is where we have seen the majority of our accidents.

Vengo de Honduras. Ya tenía 19 años y no tuve el tiempo de entrar a high school por mi edad. De repente miré un flyer donde decía, termine su high school. Y en letras grandes, español, dije yo, ¿será posible? Yo estoy muy orgullosa porque sí luchó por sacar su diploma. Este proceso yo creo que no lo hubiese terminado sin la ayuda de mi mamá y de mi hermana. La educación es muy importante. Estoy haciendo un futuro mejor para mi hijo.

Encuentra clases gratis para adultos cerca de ti en completatudiploma.org.

Hello, everyone. This is Lieutenant Willie Gonzalez with the City of Miami Police Department's Homicide Unit, and this is Cold Case Murders.

Somebody just got shot on the motorcycle. There's a group of motorcycles on the freeway, and they just shot somebody.

Today, our lead investigator is going to cover a census homicide that occurred on October 23, 2022, in the Model City neighborhood.

My name is Detective Miguel Medina of the City of Miami Police Department Homicide Unit. On Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, the city of Miami received an 911 call regarding a male shot on I-95 southbound. Just a few feet south of the Northwest 79th Street exit. When officers arrived, they located Mr. Oscar Garcia, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Mr. Garcia, whose friends affectionately called Lulu, would eventually succumb to his injuries. Our investigation revealed that Mr. Oscar Garcia was riding with a large group of other dirt bike riders. The group was riding dirt bikes southbound I-95. After passing the Northwest 79th Street exit, the suspect approached Mr. Garcia and began firing. The suspect is described as a slim black male who was riding an orange and white KTM dirt bike with Red Bull logos on the front and on the side of the dirt bike. We have been working diligently to solve this case, and we are now asking for your help. Any information, no matter how big or small, will be helpful.

Hello, my name is Brianna. I'm the big sister of my late little brother, Oscar Garcia, and I wrote a statement and I'd like to share it with you guys. We are demanding justice for Lulu. The inhumane monster that did this to him and anyone else that has dealings with this tragedy needs to face the consequences. It would bring us a peace of mind knowing the person who changed our lives in a matter of seconds will sit for the rest of their lives and pay for their horrendous actions. He was a son, a brother, a grandson, an uncle, but most importantly, he was a father. It isn't fair that we have to experience our kids ask questions and go through a heartbreak that we have no answers for. Any intel can help us gather the pieces together. Please help us end this nightmare of knowing that my brother's murder is on the loose.

Please know that any information that you provide us with will remain completely anonymous. This is the opportunity for you to join our homicide team. You can call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477. That's 305-471-TIPS. And you can also use the QR code provided. Thank you for your help.

Elio Hernandez, a person who was born in Cuba and left Cuba for the revolution. He arrives in the United States and starts his Optica, Elio's Optica. He came with a lot of optical experience, in addition to working in Optica in Venezuela. He was well known for having a very big heart and always helping his community. but also the community in Cuba. And when we acquired the store in 2014, one of the things that we loved was having seen so many letters that people wrote to them in the hands of gratitude from people who could send them and solve their problems, because in some cases sometimes they didn't even charge them for the glasses. Optica Caroni is the largest, most important and most relevant optics chain in Venezuela. Optica Caroni was also born in 1976. Our business plan when we came to the United States was to acquire optics already working. Miami was the first. We changed it to Helios Optical, which is the brand that survives in the end. Of course, Helios Optical by Optica Caroni. When Elio made the decision to retire, it was very important for him to know that his staff was going to be well, he was going to be well served, and they saw how we not only stayed with all the employees, but we also brought people who had worked with him, we brought them back too.

When I started working here, I knew that Helios was an optical company of many years and very well-known. And that was the point why I stayed in something here. I wanted something that had exactly a legacy. You get to know people who are the grandparents, the uncles, the grandchildren, the children.

And they got to know each other. There was a personal relationship between the employees and the clients. And with very deep roots, the ties that existed between Helios Optical and the Miami community were very important.

Definitely, with Helios we were, and then after making the change with Ariel too, we have felt valued, loved, which was something very important, and here we are after so many years.

I have an immense gratitude to the city of Miami. It is a city that gave us the opportunity to develop and move from one store today to having four stores, and Iconica like this one in Miami, because it is a unique store, and we believe that it was very important to continue that legacy.

We are here today in Wynwood at Northeastern University, a partnership with Wynwood Chamber of Commerce. We're having a job fair today and a panel discussion with businesses and we are looking forward to people getting hired. Hopefully we'll continue this partnership and many more events like this to come.

It feels great. This is an amazing moment for the University of Northeastern University. It's their first job fair and leadership summit and I'm glad that they let the City of Miami Department of Human Services host it. We were able to work with the Wynwood Chamber to be able to ensure that this event will be very successful for their students and the surrounding community.

This is fantastic. I'm very excited what's going on here in Wynwood. There's an unbelievable opportunity for everybody and there's a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of energy and this is an example of today's event, a job fair here in the Wynwood area.

groundbreaking for the Little Havana Pedestrian Priority Zone project. We're targeting two areas. We're targeting this area in the Riverside Elementary. The focus on the project is to improve safety, pedestrian access to the schools and for the neighborhood. Access for those that are disabled is fundamental. We're going to be adding a lot more tree canopy so that folks are comfortable and we're also going to be improving our stormwater infrastructure so when it rains we can get rid of that water and again people are able to both drive and move through here, that is a priority, right? The pedestrian priority zone and safety, getting these areas improved for these neighborhoods.

It's a project that we came up with several years ago when we received a report from the Department of Transportation that the worst area of all of Miami-Dade County for pedestrian accidents was here in Little Havana. And we came up with the concept of doing a pedestrian safety zone where we're improving the crossings in all the key areas of where there are schools, where it's going to make it safer for our kid or our elderly, indeed for all of our residents, to be able to cross sidewalk in a much safer atmosphere.

This was one of the first projects Commissioner Rosado tasked our department with. It was basically to improve the parking and access conditions for the public in general and more specifically for parents and students for the school. So the project included new ADA compliant sidewalks, 100 linear feet of sidewalk and curb and gutter, some drainage improvements to address previous stormwater issues, and about 200 linear feet of parking spaces, all to provide a safe and dry way for students and parents to reach the school.

we're so excited to be here today this is principal piloto we're here at flagler elementary and this is a project that my team and i and public works were able to start after i took office we came to visit the elementary school and we saw that the front of the school could use a little bit of additional love from the city and so we went ahead and rather than having a muddy entrance here we went ahead and we we paved it we installed trees we installed grass and we installed some additional trees at the neighbors homes across the street here and it really helps to beautify the street and the neighborhood. And we're so excited to have been able to partner with Principal Piloto. Thank you for all you do.

No, and thank you so much for assisting us in this project. It has helped us a lot. It's controlled our traffic. It's made it safer for our students as they walk to school.

We are here at the Little Haiti Cultural Arts Center welcoming the HUD Secretary, Ms. Cleveland Leggett, to take a tour of what's happening here in Little Haiti and the innovation that's happening. And I'm looking forward to creating additional community benefits here in Little Haiti.

I have been very impressed with the presentation. It's been a showing of innovation, showing that basically if we work together, if we provide innovation, we can get the job done. We can do and accomplish goals.

Since 2018, there's been over $4 billion worth of development in Opportunity Zones. And so one of the things with the visit from the regional administrator from HUD is that we wanted to let her know about transformative projects that are happening here in District 5 under the leadership of Chairwoman King.

What we're doing here this afternoon is acknowledging the project UNI and UNIDOS, which between both have delivered 650 affordable and workforce housing units right here in the urban core of Miami. We value our partnership with Denise Cleveland Leggett, who is the District 4 administrator for HUD, and we value their ability to leverage our assets and be able to deliver in this community this type of product, which is innovative and provides opportunity and affordability in Miami.

We're now moving on to our second phase of the project, Uni Dos, where we will have 398 fully restricted housing units. But not only that, but quality affordable housing units here in the city of Miami.

We're opening up our Little Bahamas office here in the West Grove. Super exciting. We have a lot of businesses on the street that are celebrating in different ways. We have the best key lime pie in Miami. And this is the first city of Miami office right here in the West Grove in Little Bahamas. And we're just having a good time talking to neighbors, inviting everyone to come in.

Today has been an incredible fall festival, along with Miami Kids Magazine. The turnout has been incredible, jam-packed with people, so much fun, performers, dunk tank, our fire chief, Evia, also wearing the dunk tank. Thank you so much, District 4. This has been an amazing, amazing day in the city of Miami.

Going out to visit a park, to see animals, to do events, I think it's very important. That's right. Play basketball.

Basically, for our family and kids, we enjoyed the activities for today. We'll follow you guys on Instagram.

Happy High School!

Good afternoon everyone. Just wanted to take a minute and recap our Thursday City Commission meeting which included not only a regular agenda but also a budget hearing. A couple of highlights from that meeting.

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Good morning, everyone. My name is Damian Pardo, and I'm the chair of Omni CRA. I'm joined by my colleagues, Commissioner Miguel Angel Gabela, Chairwoman Christine King, and Commissioner Rafael Rosado. I'm calling to order the October 30th, 2025 meeting of Omni CRA. Is there a motion to approve the minutes for the September 25th, 2025 Omni CRA meeting?

Motion.

Second. All those in favor? Aye. Motion carries. Ms. Assistant City Attorney, please briefly read agenda items CRA Resolutions 1 through 3.

Good afternoon, Board. Dominique Gibbs-Sorey, on behalf of the City Attorney's Office, serving as General Counsel to the Omni CRA. Item 1 is a resolution of the Board of the Omni CRA authorizing the separation of Asea Jones as Executive Director of the CRA, subject to the benefits outlined in Exhibit A, attached and incorporated herein. Item 2 is a resolution of the Board of the Omni CRA appointing Carlos Suarez as Executive Director of the CRA. Item 3 is a resolution of the CRA authorizing Damian Pardo, Erica Pascal, and Larry Springs to serve as the Auditor Selection Committee pursuant to Sections 218, 391 Florida Statutes or terms as designated herein.

The public comment period is now open for all items on today's agenda.

Hi, everybody. My name is Ines Aran. I applied for a leadership scholarship for OmniCRA 70 days ago, and I have not got any answers so far. So that's why I'm here to see what you can do or provide me some answers. Thank you.

Thank you. I'm sure someone can help you. Appreciate it.

Thank you.

Yep. Any other public comments? Okay, seeing no further comments, public comment period is now closed. I'd like to make just a couple of brief statements on the resolutions. First of all, Acia Jones, I have deeply enjoyed working with you. I've enjoyed your professionalism. I've enjoyed the outreach in the community and everything you've done. I can only and we can only wish you the best with this new chapter that's coming up for you. Are there any words you would like to share with us?

To the Chair and Board of Commissioners of the CRA, I'm deeply grateful and honored to have been given the opportunity to serve as Executive Director. Thank you for your trust, your guidance, and your partnership throughout this process. Over the past two years, my team and I have worked tirelessly through long days, sleepless nights, driven by a shared commitment to serve this community. Together, we've created over 30 resolutions, implemented strong operating procedures, and produced more than 1,500 affordable housing units. There are 1,000 more units in the pipeline. We've committed record funding to the Overtown community. We've extended the life of the CRA until 2047 successfully. And we've unlocked over 160 million in bonding capacity. And there is the ability to do more. This work has never been about recognition, but about service, the selfless act of answering the call of duty and to build something that will outlast us all. As I pass the baton, it is not the end of the race, but I will pass the baton, and I do so with pride, gratitude, and confidence in the incredible people who will continue this mission. And as Marcus Garvey said, a people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots. The Omni CRA's strength has always been in its roots, its people, its history, and its purpose here in the city of Miami. May you continue to build upon that foundation. Thank you.

Ms. Jones, we're deeply grateful to you and your service. I'd also like to just...

Absolutely.

We were very fortunate in that Carlos Suarez, who was chief of staff for Mayor Suarez, was available and had many, many options that he reviewed. And we were very fortunate that he chose the opportunity we were putting forward to advance the mission of Omni CRA in a new chapter of Omni CRA, which will happen with the extension of life. So we couldn't be more thrilled as well. to welcome Carlos Suarez. And Carlos, if you have a few words that you'd like to share, please do so.

So thank you all. I'm truly honored to take on the role of chair for the Omni CRA at such an important time for our city and the district. The Omni CRA represents the very best of Miami, where culture, business, and community come together. Our job is to make sure that growth benefits everyone. The revitalization means opportunity, that development includes housing, small businesses, and public spaces that serve residents just as much as investors. I want to extend a special thank you to you, Commissioner Pardo, for your leadership as chair and for your steady commitment to this district, and to the other Omni CRA board members who supported my appointment and believe in me and the work we're going to do here. I look forward to working with the CRA team and our partners across the city. Together we would advance projects that make Omni a model for how thoughtful redevelopment can be done, transparently, inclusively, and with a long-term vision. I'm excited to get to work and keep building a stronger, more vibrant Omni for everyone. Thank you.

I really also want to take a second and I want to thank all of the staff of Omni CRA for your very hard work all this time. Thank you so much. Is there any discussion amongst board members?

Yeah, so I want to, first of all, thank Isaiah. You've been in my office a couple of times, and I know you do good work, so I wanted to thank you for your services to the city of Miami. I also want to say that I have met Carlos for a few months, and he's a man of good character. He's funny. I like his personality. And I want to state on the record, Commissioner, that I... Under the circumstances that this was brought, people have been talking, and there's a side of me that's not comfortable because the salary is higher than what Ms. Jones was getting, and people are questioning that. But I'm going to go along with this because I know Carlos' character. I know he's going to do a good job, and I hear you as the chairman of the Omni CRA, and I respect you. And if this is the tool that you need, I am going to vote for you. I don't want to do what was done to me, and the Bayfront Trust to hinder you in any way possible. I want to report to you having a successful run in the Omni CRA and hope that you all will support me when we create the Alapata CRA later on this year. So having said that, I wish the best to Carlos and to you, Isaiah.

Thank you, Commissioner. I really appreciate the support. Of course, you know, this is Miami, so there's always going to be stories out there. I did want to say one thing for the record, and that is the salary is very competitive, but not greater. So I just wanted to set that up for the record so you also feel comfortable with the vote that we're about to take. So as far as resolutions one through three, can I have a motion?

Motion.

Second.

All in favor?

Aye.

Motion carries. That concludes our Omni CRA meeting. Thank you, everyone, for being here. If you have questions or you want any other discussions, we'll be here, so thank you.