BY ELVIS ANDERSON

AHUGE success! That’s how mostEVERYONE in the City of MiamiGardens and beyond is describingJazz in the Gardens, 2013. From

Mayor Oliver Gilbert, to the city council mem-bers, to an incredible line-up of performers andtop-notch food and beverage vendors takingpart and perhaps most importantly, the thou-sands of fans who flocked to Sun Life stadiumfor two full days of amazing entertainment,food and fun in the sun!

Hosting over 63,000 people during the twoday music extravaganza, Jazz in the Gardensonce again allowed Miami Gardens to show-case the talent, creativity and community prideevident throughout the City. This is an eventthat’s all about fun – evident in a rousing reportfrom the Miami Gardens Police Departmentreporting a weekend without any incidents.

With visitors from all over the countryattending this year’s Jazz in the Gardens,tourists from major cities such as New York,Atlanta, Washington D.C. and even LosAngeles, Jazz in the Gardens continues to setthe standard of what the City of Miami Gardenshas to offer to not only fans in Florida, but theentire nation!

A few days before the 8th Annual Jazz inthe Gardens, we walked the grounds with the event’s production team. The

stage construction crew scur-ried to make final touches tothe massive stage. Longhaired, tattooed workers com-municated in code on theirwalky-talkies, they spokeabout digital consoles, in-earsystems and such. It was obvi-ous this wasn’t their first gig;they were seasoned concertpros. The lights that wouldshine brightly against CharlieWilson’s sequin suit weresecured; the eight-foot tallspeakers that would beltFantasia’s soulful voice andNajee’s soothing saxophonesound were being tested.

Like the calm before astorm, it was quiet and thetens of thousands of whiteaudience chairs were empty.In less than 24 hours, this

place was going to be packed to the brim. Ne-Yo, Earth Wind & Fire, Charlie Wilson, NewEdition, Monica, Fantasia, Kenny ‘Babyface’Edmonds, Najee, Nicole Henry and Mary Marywere en route to the City of Miami Gardens – aparty was about to go down! From the first noteof local emerging artists Unselfish, who sangthe National Anthem, to the last lyric fromEarth Wind & Fire, the show was chock full ofworld class professional talent.

If you want to see what a professional lookslike – watch Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds comeout of his trailer and stroll on stage in a blacksuit and black aviators. This wasn’t his firstrodeo. A highlight of his show is where he per-forms songs he wrote and produced for otherssuch as Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” and“I’ll Make Love to You.” The crowd wentabsolutely wild when Johnny Gill joinedBabyface on stage, impromptu, to perform the

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Backstage at the 8th Annual Jazz in the Gardens

Monica with young girls.

MAY 2013Miami Gardens

www.communitynewspapers.com 305-669-7355

Page 2 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM May 2013

May 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 3

JAZZ, from page 1 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

www.communitynewspapers.com

1990 Babyface-written smash, “My MyMy.”

If you want to see what cool looks like– watch Ne-Yo come off stage and do apumped up secret handshake with one ofhis backup dancers, celebrating their crowdthrilling performance. Fresh off his UKtour, Ne-Yo arrived in a pristine whiteRolls-Royce with his eight backup dancers.Ne-Yo and crew performed in London twodays before landing in Miami Gardens, yetthe jetlag didn’t show. Their high-energyperformance included, “Let Me Love You”and “Miss Independent.”

For Charlie Wilson, his brilliant 60-minute “song and dance” with three color-coordinated wardrobe changes was the cul-mination of 50 years in the biz. UncleCharlie blasted several of his hits includ-ing, “There Goes My Baby,” “My Love IsAll I Have,” and for the grand finale… heblew the roof off the place with, “YouDropped A Bomb On Me.” 30,000 Jazz inthe Gardens-goers were fist-pumping in theaisles, cutting a rug and breaking it down.

One of the most amazing backstagemoments from the show was not howFantasia took the stage, but how she left thestage. As the band finished up the last fewnotes of, “Lose To Win,” a hystericalFantasia was rushed to a waiting blackSuburban in tears. Comedian and co-hoston the Michael Baisden Show, GeorgeWilborn walked with her and told hergoodbye.

I had to ask George, “Is she okay? Whywas she crying so hard?” He replied, “Younever know where art comes from. It couldhave come from a sad time in her life,reminded her of a bad relationship or badmoment and when an artist performs fromtheir heart that can happen, the tears canflow.”

If you want to know what nice looks

like – scan the internet for “Jazz in theGardens fan photos with Monica.” Theremust be hundreds. Most of the artists tookphotos with admiring fans, but the runawayfan photo leader is Monica… and thereisn’t a close second. Apparently she’salways been friendly with her fans - herroad manager, her road manager’sboyfriend and her body-guard were allaccustomed to her actions. Everyone butme knew that, “one more photo” actuallymeant 50 more photos.

Intensity was a common trait all theheadliners shared; they were serious abouttheir business. Their commitment to deliv-ering a memorable performance for theaudience was apparent. Ne-Yo was seriousand all business when he arrived backstageand went straight to his trailer – he had ashow to get ready for. You could see thedifference in attitude in the artists’ walks tothe stage then back to their trailers. You’llnotice a more relaxed version of Kenny‘Babyface’ Edmonds in the photo withMayor Oliver Gilbert and the MiamiGardens City Council after his perform-ance – Babyface’s work was done. You’llnotice a content Monica as four young girlsgot the chance of a lifetime to chat with her– Monica’s show was a success.

Was the entire Jazz in the Gardens2013 a success? City of Miami Gardensleaders say yes!

“Being backstage is the other side ofthe coin. The crowd on the outside gets tosee performances in all their grandeur. Butbackstage you get to see how it all comestogether. Everybody is working on assem-bling a show like no other. We get to seethe artists on their way to and from stage.It’s a very interesting perspective. Thewhole 2013 festival from front to back, wasjust amazing” said Miami Gardens MayorOliver Gilbert.

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own

BY JULIA YARBOUGH

We hear it time and again - stories onthe news about individuals taking advan-tage of the high number of foreclosedand/or vacant properties in South Floridaand homes “for rent.” Time and again Ishare stories and information with my fel-low South Floridians based on personalexperiences (good and bad) that might, insome way offer help to others. In this case,let my experience be a learning experiencefor all of you.

Recently I had the “pleasure” of step-ping a foot into the world of the SOUTHFLORIDA EVICTION PROCESS.Unfortunately, such cases are happeningall too often, so educate yourself beforedelving into the property rental market.

What an ordeal, as I was forced to takelegal steps to remove a man and his familyfrom my property. He decided to stop pay-ing rent and refused to pay a several hun-dred dollar utility bill. For as many newsstories as I covered over the years detailingthis situation, I had no true idea of just howcomplicated it could be.

Before renting property, conductingfinancial and criminal backgrounds arevital, but landlords — take it one step fur-ther. Do your oowwnn on-line, personal andbusiness investigating. My tenant checkedout on paper; presenting himself as anupstanding businessman in the communityas the owner of several SUBWAY fran-chises in the area. However, had a conduct-

ed a more extensive “digging-around” onmy own, I would have discovered itemswhich would have raised red flags.

You see, there are many ways an indi-vidual can escape having a record of per-haps failing to pay rent or being kicked-out, without a formal eviction showing upon file. Unsuspecting landlords have notrue picture of the individual. In this case,the tenant agreed to give up my property,pay outstanding utility bills and settle justhours before a final eviction was to be filedin court. Hence, the next landlord wouldhave no idea what this tenant is possiblycapable of.

Also, double-check that your tenantshave transferred all utilities into their nameand address; DO NOT TAKE THEIRWORD FOR IT! Many tenants know theywill not be held liable for the chargesshould they decide not to pay and the utili-ty company will come after you for pay-ment, regardless of providing a signedlease agreement. Request what is known asdouble-billing so you receive monthlystatements verifying accounts are current.

Bottom line - read everything aboutFlorida’s landlord/tenant laws so you stayone step ahead of those seeking to takeadvantage. There’s a good chance thoselooking to cheat the system HAVE readeverything about the laws and they knowwhat loopholes exist for them to slidethrough. Most important - have an excel-lent realtor and real estate attorney onstand-by!

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BY JULIA YARBOUGH

“Know that change is inevitable.”Words of heartfelt advice to the leaders,residents and visitors to The City of MiamiGardens from the young city’s first Mayor,Shirley Gibson. As our community marksan historic birthday milestone – the 10 yearanniversary of the creation of MiamiGardens, the woman who played a pivotalrole in facing the challenges of building anew city and forging an unchartered pathfor success is reflect-ing on her years at thehelm, what comesnext for her and whatshe hopes to seeevolve for her belovedCity of MiamiGardens.

“The city has ashort history and thathistory has been wrapped up in the last tenyears. The challenge now is whatever thevision is, to take it into the next ten yearsand not be afraid of making decisions thatmight be different; decisions that might notbe the norm and not be afraid,” saysGibson.

I recently caught up with formerMayor Shirley Gibson on a brisk SouthFlorida Spring morning. A rare occasionwhile she was in-between communityevents and meetings with enough time tochat about her renewed interest in and loveof gardening.

“I’ve embraced the change of not serv-ing as Mayor. This change has given me theopportunity to relax in ways I’ve neverbeen able to. I can relax, do some garden-ing, watch my butterfly garden and spendtime with my new granddaughter. It’s agreat freedom. It’s a time of transition.”

Transition is the word also now facingthe new leadership of The City of MiamiGardens. It’s something Gibson speaks ofwith hope yet a hint of caution. Drawing onher tenure as a guide and personally under-standing the challenges leadership faces increating new opportunities, ideas andvisions for a city, Gibson says she is excit-ed to watch the next chapters unfold for the

City and its residents.“I want to be able to direct them to

what feels like a real “hub” of the city; theHEART of the city and that is what thefuture, new leadership will focus on. Thecity has done tremendous, but it doesn’thave a heart – the center – where you havea cluster of businesses, entertainment, cul-tural opportunities. Every city has a heartand that is what I see next for MiamiGardens; the real heart for economic devel-opment that defines this city. That’s what Isee. That’s what I hope for.”

Hope for the future of our children isalso near and dear to Gibson’s heart. Sincehanding over the reins of the city, Gibsonhas remained active in pursuits to raiseawareness on the importance of educationand cultural learning. She sits on the boardof Miami Gardens Excellence andEducation Council which she championedto start several years ago. Gibson is in themidst of planning the Council’s first bigrecognition celebration and fundraisinggala set for June 1, 2013.

“What we’re doing is honoring tradi-tional and non-traditional individuals in thecommunity who have worked in education.I’m hoping to get the issues of education tothe forefront and in the media; showinghow education takes a positive role.”

For Gibson, it seems positivity andbeing a role model are attributes she will beremembered for and what spark the mostemotional memories of serving as the firstMayor of The City of Miami Gardens.

“When people stop me and introducethemselves and say, ‘I live in MiamiGardens. I just want to tell you when all ofthis started of trying to get a city, I didn’tlike it, support it or want it. But I want tothank you for staying the course and howproud I am of our city. I want to thank youbecause I couldn’t see the vision’ – that hasbeen the most heartwarming thing for me.It says to me, my time as Mayor was all partof a process that went to the larger sense ofcommunity. Our success happened becausepeople were able to see and touch changeand it worked for them. I’m no longerMayor but that’s still my mission: to givepeople better.”

BUILDING TRUST; BUILDING CIVIC PRIDE

SHIRLEY GIBSON

MAY 2013MAY 8

Junior Council1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200

Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers@ 3:30pm-5:30pm

City Council Meeting1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200

Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 7pm

MAY 13Mayor’s State of the City Address

Florida Memorial UniversityLou Rawls Theater

15800 NW 42nd AvenueMiami Gardens, FL

MAY 14Miami Gardens Excellence in

Education Council1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council

Chambers @ 6:00 p.m.

MAY 15Elderly Affairs Advisory

1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200Conference Room @ 3:00pm-4:30pm

Commission for Women Meeting1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200

Conference Room @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

MAY 16Nuisance Abatement Board

1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Miami Gardens, FL

Council Chambers @ 5pm

Parks & Rec. Advisory1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200

City Hall Conference RoomMiami Gardens, FL @ 6:00pm

MAY 20Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC)

Police Department1020 NW 163 Drive

Miami Gardens, FL @ 7pm*TENTATIVE*

MAY 21Caribbean Affairs Advisory

1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 CouncilChambers @ 6pm

MAY 22Special Master Hearing

1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200 Council Chambers

@ 9am – 3pm

Junior Council1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200

Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers

@ 3:30p-5:30p

City Council Meeting1515 NW 167 Street, bldg. 5-200

Miami Gardens, FL Council Chambers @ 7pm

MAY 27Memorial Day Event

Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex3000 NW 199 Street

CITY OFFICE CLOSED

Miami Gardens Calendar of EventsPage 6 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM May 2013

Operations DivisionMajor Anthony Chapman . .305-474-1406Broadcast Permits . . . . . . . .305-474-1406

SScchhooooll CCrroossssiinngg GGuuaarrddssCheris Asberry . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1526

Investigations DivisionMajor Alan Mandelbloom . .305-474-1407Captain Rafael Suarez . . . . .305-474-1430Captain Alfred Lewers . . . .305-474-1420Crime Watch . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1407Victim Advocate . . . . . . . . .305-474-1490

CCiittyy ooff MMiiaammii GGaarrddeennss PPoolliiccee DDeeppaarrttmmeennttUse these numbers to contact us

Support Services DivisionMajor Steve . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1408Captain Frank Trujillo . . . . .305-474-1516Traffic Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . .305-474-1391Off-Duty Employment . . . . 305-474-1412False Alarm Questions . . . .877-665-2980Red Camera Questions . . . .866-225-8875

Professional Compliance UnitInternal Affairs . . . . . . . . . .305-622-8059

Dial 911 for emergenciesNon-Emergency Police Communications& Information (305) 474-MGPD (6473)

Thanks for your assistance.

City of Miami Gardens Staff DirectoryName Department E-mail MainJulie-Ann Smith Asst. to Mayor jsmith@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8010 Sonja K. Dickens City Attorney sdickens@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8055 Ronetta Taylor City Clerk rtaylor@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8003 Danny Crew City Manager crewd@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8007 Renee Crichton Deputy City Manager rcrichton@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8006 Daniel Rosemond Asst. City Manager drosemond@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8005 Vernita Nelson Asst. City Manager vnelson@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8008 Tasha Codner KMGB Director codner@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8009 Sharon Ragoonan Director. Building & Code sragoonan@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8018 Patti Varney Finance Director pvarney@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8000 Ext. 2780 Mike Gabino Flood Plain Administrator mgabino@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8039 Taren Kinglee Human Resources/ Risk Director tkinglee@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8030 Kara Petty Parks & Recreation Director kpetty@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8080 Jay Marder Planning & Zoning Director jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8025 O. Tom Ruiz Public Works Director truiz@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8004Pam Thompson Procurement Manager pthompson@miamigarders-fl.gov 305-622-8000 Ext. 2490 Ula Zucker-Williams Events and Media Coordinator uzucker@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8035Matthew Boyd Miami Gardens Police Chief 305-474-1400 Hilary Marshall Assistant to Council hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8000 Ext. 2793

(Vice Mayor Campbell, Davis, D. Williams)Tashek Hamlette Assistant to Council thamlette@miamigardens-fl.gov 305-622-8000 Ext. 2705

(Gilbert, A. Williams, Robinson)Lillie Q. Odom Community Outreach Specialist lodom@miamigardens-fl.gov 305622.8000 ext 2760David Motola Fleet Manager dmotols@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8024 ext 1

May 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 7

NAME DEPARTMENT E-MAIL MAINSonja K. Dickens City Attorney dickens@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8055Ronetta Taylor City Clerk taylorr@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8003Danny Crew City Manager crewd@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8007Daniel Rosemond Assistant City Manager drosemond@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8005Vernita Nelson Assistant City Manager vnelson@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8008Tsashai Codner KMGB Director codner@miamigardens0fl.gov (305) 622-8009Shellie Ransom Jackson Director Building & Code ransom@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8054Patti Varney Finance Director pvarney@miamiGardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2780Mike Gabino Flood Plain Administrator mgabino@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8039Taren Kinglee Human Resources/Risk Director tkinglee@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8030John Rebar Parks & Recreation Director jrebar@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2528Jay Marder Planning & Zoning Director jmarder@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8025O. Tom Ruiz Public Works Director truiz@maimigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8004Pam Thompson Procurement Manager pthompson@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2490Matthew Boyd Miami Gardens Police Chief (305) 744-1400Hilary Marshall Assistant to Council

(Odom, D. Williams, Mayor Gilbert) hmarshall@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2793Tashek Hamlette Assistant to Council

(Ighodaro, Davis, A. Williams and Robinson) thamlette@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8000 Ext. 2705David Motola Fleet Manager dmotola@miamigardens-fl.gov (305) 622-8024 Ext. 1

City of Miami GardensMayor and Council’s Corner

MayorOliver Gilbert III

CouncilmanDr. Erhabor Ighodaro

(Seat 6)

Vice-MayorLisa C. Davis

(Seat 2)

Councilwoman Felicia S. Robinson

(Seat 4)

CouncilmanRodney Harris

(Seat 3)

CouncilmanDavid Williams, Jr.

(Seat 5)

CouncilwomanLillie Q. Odom

(Seat 1)

To contact your Council representatives, call 305-622-8010.

Are you interested in purchasing ahome in Miami Gardens? Are you a first-time home buyer? Then the City ofMiami Gardens may have a program toassist you! Through the NeighborhoodStabilization Program, the City of MiamiGardens received $8.8 million in fundsfrom the U.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development (HUD). The pro-gram’s purpose is to return vacant, fore-closed or abandoned residential propertiesto viable owner-occupied homes as quick-ly as possible. By the rehabilitation andreuse of these properties, the City hasbeen able to revitalize our neighborhoodsand provide affordable homeownershipwithin Miami Gardens. Otherwise, thesehomes would remain abandoned and, insome cases, an eyesore in the community.

Since the program’s inception in2008, the City has purchased 74 vacantand foreclosed single-family properties,and rehabilitated 54 of those parcels thusfar; 7 are currently under construction. Inaddition, the City has demolished 13properties previously deemed unsafe andblighted; 5 have been redeveloped andsold to qualified first-time homebuyerswith 2 currently under construction. Mostimportantly, the City has sold 50 homes atan average sales price of $124,000, andhas 6 homes currently under contract toqualified first-time homebuyers. A totalof 146 people have found permanenthomeownership, and more than half of thehomes sold have been to women as headof household. The majority of homebuy-ers have been African American (34) withthe remaining being of White Hispanic(16) origin.

Each eligible homebuyer may receiveup to $55,000 in financial assistance fromthe City for their down payment and clos-ing costs. The amount each buyer receivesis based on their actual need according totheir income and household size to ensureaffordable homeownership. The Citydoes not make a profit from the sale ofthese homes. The proceeds from the salesare re-invested back into the program.

In the coming months, the City willbegin rehabilitation on 12 more proper-ties. These homes will be made availablefor sale as the rehabilitation is in progress.Here are some of the basic eligibility cri-teria to buy one of the City’s NSPhomes:*• Household income cannot exceed 120%of the area median income. (See Table

here)• Buyer must contribute approximately$2,000.• Buyer must be able to qualify for a mort-gage loan.• Buyer must occupy the home as theirprimary residence.• Buyer cannot have owned a home in thepast three years.• Additional assistance available for buy-ers under 50% of the area median income.(See Table Below)

2013 Area Median Income Household Size 120% of AMI 50% of AMI

1 $ 54,960 $22,9002 $ 62,880 $ 26,2003 $ 70,680 $ 29,4504 $ 78,480 $ 32,7005 $ 84,840 $ 35,3506 $ 91,080 $ 37,9507 $ 97,320 $ 40,5508 $103,680 $ 43,200

If you think you meet the eligibilitycriteria described above and are interestedin purchasing a home in Miami Gardens,please visit the City’s website:www.miamigardens-fl.gov and look forthe “NSPP Propertiess forr Sale” link underthe Latest News Section or contact theDepartment of Community Developmentat (305) 622-8041.

*Additional eligibility criteria applicable.

The City Is Looking ForFirst-Time Homebuyers

Before

After

Page 8 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM May 2013

May 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 9

BY JULIA YARBOUGH

Each and every morning and afternoonhandful of dedicated City of MiamiGardens employees take to the streets todevote their time and attention to makingsure our most valuable assets are kept safe– our children. Often times overlooked fortheir devotion and service, CrossingGuards play a vital role in the health of ourcity. After all the good health and safety ofchildren means EVERYONE benefits.

Honors and kudos go out this month toseveral crossing guards recognized bymembers of the City of Miami GardensCouncil with a Five Year Service Award.Congratulations to Crossing Guard LessieThomas and Brandon Jones-Starks!

From the outside, it may seem like thework of a Crossing Guard is simple; butthink again. There are 18 elementaryschools in the City of Miami Gardens. Thattranslates into thousands of youngstersmaking their way to and from school eachday, sharing the busy rush-hour timeframes with thousands of drivers and vehi-cles. Getting our youngest and brightestsafely from point A to point B is the pri-mary goal of Crossing Guards.

That can be a tough job here in Florida.According to statistics compiled from theDepartment of Transportation, our stateconsistently ranks one of the WORST inthe nation in the number of hit and run acci-dents reported, many involving children. Infact, according to the Florida HighwayPatrol, Florida had nearly 70,000 hit andrun crashes last year alone. Three out ofevery five fatalities were caused by hit andrun crashes. Those are sobering statistics.Within our city limits, well trainedCrossing Guards are creating a legacy ofsafety.

School Crossing Guard SuperintendentCherise Asberry reports a 100% ACCI-DENT FREE SAFETY RECORD for TheCity of Miami Gardens.

We’re proud to recognize City of

Miami Gardens crossing guards and sayTHANK YOU for the dedicated service!

For more information on the CrossingGuard program and how you can getinvolved contact Cherise Asberry at cas-berry@miamigardens-fl.gov

Keeping our Kids SafeMiami Gardens Crossing Guards Honored

Who do I contact if I have questions? If you have access to the Internet visit www.crywolf.us/oss/miamigardensfl/ click on

one of the following (3) options for additional information: New Accounts: apply for a permit on-line using a credit cardCurrent Accounts: sign in site for registered alarm holders to view their accountPrevention: to view the City of Miami Gardens Alarm Ordinance or review proceduresBy Telephone for billing questions, contact 877-665-2980, Monday–Friday from 9:00am–5:00 pm. For permit questions, contact 305-474-1516, Monday – Thursday 7:00 am –5:00 pm. Who is required to have an alarm permit?

Everyone operating a burglar alarm system inside the City of Miami Gardens limits isrequired to register their alarm system except for Government buildings. How do I register my alarm system?

If you have access to the Internet visit www.crywolf.us/oss/miamigardensfl/ clickthe “New Accounts” icon and complete the online registration form. Include the completealarm address, a complete billing address, emergency contact information including cellphone numbers, copy of the final inspection and the alarm company information. In Person visit the Miami Gardens Police Department Records Unit, 1020 NW 163 Drive,Miami Gardens, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Friday, except Holidays. Bring thecomplete alarm address, a complete billing address, emergency contact information includ-ing cell phone numbers, copy of the final inspection, and the alarm company information.Allow (5) days for processing. By Mail visit the Miami Gardens Police Department Records Unit, 1020 NW 163 Drive,Miami Gardens, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Monday-Friday, except Holidays and pick up anapplication or visit www.crywolf.us/oss/miamigardensfl/ and print out an application.Mail the completed application, with a $37 check payable to the City of Miami Gardens toMiami Gardens FAP, 1020 NW 163 Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33169. Include your com-plete alarm address, a complete billing address, emergency contact information includingcell phone numbers, copy of the final inspection, and the alarm company information.Allow (5) days for processing. What is the cost of an alarm permit registration?

There is an initial $37.00 alarm permit registration fee for Residential or CommercialProperties. Permits are valid for (1) year and must be posted near the alarm panel. Permitsare automatically renewed each year at no cost if the owner did not have any false alarms.

There is a renewal fee of $15.00 if the alarm owner had 1 or more false alarms duringthe previous 365 day period.Do I need to get a building permit to install a new alarm?

Yes. The alarm company that is installing the alarm must request a building permit.After the alarm has been installed, the Building Department will come to your location andcomplete a final inspection and sign off on the permit. When you go to get your alarm per-mit you must bring a copy of the final inspection. Contact the Building Department at 305-622-8029 for additional information.What happens if I have a false alarm and fail to pay the renewal fee?

If the $15.00 alarm permit renewal fee is not paid by the due date, the alarm permitbecomes invalid and the alarm is considered to be unregistered. The owner will not receivea new permit and must pay the initial $37.00 alarm permit registration fee to receive a newalarm permit.Are false burglar alarms a problem?The Miami Gardens Police Department is tasked with prevention of criminal activity andresponse to public safety calls within the City of Miami Gardens. During 2010, MiamiGardens Police Officers responded to over 3,100 false alarms, which placed a significantburden on resources. So far, in the first quarter of 2011, the Department has responded to834 false alarm calls. Responding to false alarm calls reduces the hours of patrol time andobligates two officers who would otherwise be dedicated to crime prevention.

In response to the high number of false alarm calls, on April 27, 2011 the City ofMiami Gardens entered into an agreement with CryWolf False Alarm Solutions. CryWolfis a third party contractor that will administer this program. With the budget issues facinglocal governments, many cities have turned to outsourcing false alarm services and insti-tuting a revenue sharing program to reduce employee costs in administering the program.

What does the City expect to accomplish by enforcing the false alarm ordinance? The City wants to substantially reduce the number of false alarms officers respond to.

This program is necessary due to the burden placed on the police department in respond-ing to false alarms. Studies have shown that enacting a structured program with escalatingfines reduces the number of false alarm calls and as a byproduct allows police officers tobe available to respond to other calls for service. What if my alarm is activated and is determined to be false?

The Alarm Owner will receive a Notice by mail stating the date and time that an alarmactivation was received by the Miami Gardens Police Department. Alarm Owners willreceive an invoice based on the chart below:

For a registered account, there is no charge for the first or second false alarm activa-tion within a 365 day period.

For accounts that are unregistered at the time of a false alarm a civil penalty, in addi-tion to any false alarm fines incurred and the $37.00 registration fee, will be charged forany false alarm activation within a 365 day period. How much will I be charged?

Will I be charged for alarm activations that are not false? No, you will never be charged for a burglar alarm activation that is not false. This ordi-

nance allows charges for false alarms only. Who determines the fee amount for false alarms?

The Miami Gardens City Council approved the Alarm Ordinance and the RevenueManual that outlines the fee structure for burglar alarm permits and false burglar alarms. If I receive a Notice, how do I pay? Pay Online with a credit card by logging onto www.crywolf.us/oss/miamigardensfl/.Click the Current Accounts icon and enter your account number and password. If you havenot previously logged on this website, click the New Alarm User icon and register foronline access. Pay by Mail by including a copy of the Notice and write the Notice number on your checkor money order. Mail your check or money order (NO CASH) payable to the City of MiamiGardens Alarm Reduction Program, PO Box 864714, Orlando, Florida 32886-4714.Allow (10) days for processing.What happens if I do not pay the fees and/or fines?

The City of Miami Gardens Police Department will issue a citation to the alarm hold-er and the owner of the property for not complying with the City of Miami Gardens ordi-nance. Additionally, the City of Miami Gardens may seek other legal resolutions such asproperty liens. I received duplicate alarm invoices at my address; what can I do?

If you received a duplicate alarm invoice, please contact us at (877) 665-2980,Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm so we can delete the incorrect invoice(s). Do I have to register my car or fire alarm?

Car alarms do not need to be registered and fire alarms are registered with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department. For further information regarding fire alarms, visitwww.miamidade.gov/mdfr or contact 786¬331-5000, Mon–Friday from 9:00 am–5:00 pm. How can I help prevent false alarms?

Make sure that you immediately report your false alarm to your alarm company sothey can cancel with police dispatch prior to police arrival. Ensure that everyone in yourhousehold or business has been properly trained on your alarm system. Make sure youralarm system is in good working order and inspected periodically by your alarm company. Who can I call if I have additional questions or comments?

For billing questions, contact 877-665-2980, Monday–Friday from 9:00 am–5:00 pm. For permit questions, contact 305-474-1516, Mon–Thursday from 7:00 am–5:00 pm. Visit www.crywolf.us/oss/miamigardensfl/

City of Miami GardensFalse Alarm Reduction Program FAQ’s

False Alarm Count False Alarm Fine Additional Unregistered Alarm Civil Penalty1 False Alarm 0 $502 False Alarms 0 $100

3 and 4 False Alarms $50 $2505 and 6 False Alarms $100 $5007 to 10 False Alarms $200 $50011 Plus False Alarms $500 $500

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Jazz in the GardenPage 14 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM May 2013

BY MAJOR ANTHONY J. CHAPMAN

On December 16, 2007 the MiamiGardens Police Department became respon-sible for patrolling the streets of the City ofMiami Gardens. What a proud moment inmy life to be one of the “First 150”. Sincethat date, the Department has formed abond with the community that has enabledus to reduce part one crimes over 40%!!An amazing achievement that we couldnot have obtained without communitypartnerships and hard work by your policedepartment.

Since our inception as a police depart-ment one crime has been a constant news-worthy event. Homicide, the worst crimethat impacts families for the rest of theirlives. You may ask what the police depart-ment is doing to deal with this violentcrime? I can tell you that in a vast major-ity of Miami Gardens homicide cases wecan tell you who was involved and why ithappened. Unfortunately, that circumstan-tial evidence will only take us so far whenpresenting a case to the Miami Dade StateAttorney’s Office.

More often than not, the stumblingblock for the Miami Gardens PoliceDepartment in investigating homicides is

the “No Snitch” credo that is prevalent inour great City. Obviously many things gointo someone deciding not to come for-ward and speak about what they observed,were told, or heard. Fear is a strong emo-tion that is a harsh reality that I’m sureimpacts some people from coming for-ward. Fear is something that we need toovercome as a community to create a saferenvironment for our children and grand-children to prosper. Failing to act onknowledge of any crime perpetuates thecriminal behavior.

I implore our citizens to look in themirror and imagine the suffering a familymust undergo when they have lost a lovedone. I further implore you to imagine if itwas you and your family. Often, we fail torealize the overwhelming effects of vio-lence until it has hit too close to home. Itcan happen to me, you, or your neighbor.Failing to come forward in a way is tacitapproval of the violent behavior that somemembers of our community perpetrate.

Let’s begin today in making our com-munity safer. Let’s put the bad element onnotice. Let our actions and words speakloudly that we are not going to tolerateviolence any longer. I ask you again, “Ifnot you, then who?”

“Don’t Snitch”? If Not You, Then Who?

May 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 15

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The City of Miami Gardens Councilman Dr. Erhabor Ighodarorecognizes the need for water safety for everyone, especially theyoungest members of our community.“Quality of life issues and the safety of our children and residentsare great concerns for me. According to the Centers for DiseaseControl (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of injury or deathfor young children ages 1 to 4 and the fifth leading cause of unin-tentional injury or death for people of all ages.”Taking these statistics and concerns into consideration,Councilman Ighodaro presented the issue of Water Safety to thefull council, thus resulting in efforts to create a COMMUNITYWATER SAFETY PROGRAM. It will be a day of fun, learningand most importantly – EDUCATION OF WATER SAFETY!

May 2013 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 17

BY JULIA YARBOUGHPublic Relations Specialist

City of Miami Gardens

As The City of MiamiGardens celebrates itsten year anniversary;exciting years full ofgrowth, change, experi-ence and evolution froma newborn crawling, to atoddler “toddling” to a

young child walking, this is perhaps a fit-ting time to talk about how much our livesare like novels. A compilation of storiesmade up of characters, constantly changingexperiences and moments when we turnthe pages, not knowing how the story willunfold.

My name is Julia Yarbough and I amnot only turning pages, but I decided to pickup an entirely new book to find out what iswritten in the chapters. You may rememberme as one of South Florida’s newsanchors/reporters; coming into your homesfor years from the studios of WTVJ-NBC6.After a full and exciting 22 year career as abroadcast journalist, in the fall of 2009 Imade the unconventional decision to stepaway from my position to simply – take abreak. Sounds crazy to most folks, but Ihave an unshakable faith that everythingworks out exactly how it is supposed to.

I’ve spent the past three years travel-ling, exploring various career interests anddabbling in all the professional fields Ialways wondered about but never had theopportunity to pursue. I created a national-ly recognized blog, received my certifica-tion as a personal fitness trainer, workedbehind the scenes shooting commercialsand movies, produced my own short docu-mentary and most importantly, took downtime for myself to enjoy my family andfriends.

But like any good book, eventually thestory comes to a close. The reader then hasto find another novel to dive into. Youmight say I’m doing the same thing, exceptwith life and the title of the new book is

The City of Miami Gardens. I am excitedand proud to announce I have joined thededicated members of the family of theCity as the Press Relations Specialist. As aprofessional story-teller I believe thateveryone, every business, every organiza-tion and agency has a story; a story that canand should be told. I’m going to help TheCity of Miami Gardens do just that. See, Iknow there is so much to this city that noone ever knows about, hears about or sees.All the great educators, students, parents,business owners, environmentalists andvisionaries are right here in our back yardsand sharing those stories will help us takeThe City of Miami Gardens to the nextlevel.

Our COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER iscalled community for a reason – we wantto highlight and feature YOU! Let’s showSouth Florida and the world what we’remade of! At just ten years old, The City ofMiami Gardens has made huge strides andwe’re just getting started. Now you canhelp us and be a part of the next wave ofprogress! Do you have a story you thinkshould be told? Are you an aspiring writerlooking to capture the pulse of our commu-nity? Well then…we want to hear fromyou! Send us your ideas, your upcomingevents, your thoughts and concerns of whatstories and issues you want to see covered.We can’t promise we’ll focus on everyitem that comes in, but it’s a new start – anew chapter.

Keep turning the pages; keep reading– help me and the team here at City Hallmake The City of Miami Gardens into oneof the BEST novels ever written!Julia Yarbough is an Emmy-Award win-ning journalist starting a new chapter;partnering with The City of MiamiGardens as Press Relations Specialist.Julia will be a frequent contributor to theCommunity Newspapers and responsiblefor helping to promote The City of MiamiGardens, its citizens, businesses and suc-cess stories to a broader audience. Haveideas? Julia can be reached atjyarbough@miamigardens-fl.gov

New Chapters: Embarking Together

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