Back to School

Today, once again I feel blessed for the activity we have done from the Luigi Boria Foundation, delivering backpacks and school supplies with the collaboration of those who feel the desire to serve in their hearts.

This initiative has been carried out thanks to my wife, Graciela Boria, my daughter Lorena Boria with a group of volunteers who joinedthis service which has taken place year after year, with the sole intention of aiding those in need.

With the help of Baptist Hospital, which also donated 300 backpacks, we have accomplished this work prior to the beginning of the school year. There are many families who have needs to meet commitments for their children; the Luigi Boria Foundation comes to serve this community and to extend a helping hand to our neighbors. We reap what we sow. 

What satisfies us the most is seeing parents alongside their children as they begin their first days of school here in our city of Doral. They are our joy, our motivation to continue to contribute to this noble cause. For them, this return to school, while it entails the obligation to study, is also a return to their world, for both the children and the teenagers. Our intention is that they return motivated with the desire to learn and the satisfaction that they lack nothing.

We know that the purchase of school supplies is a concern for many; but our satisfaction is to help relieve the parents of this stage at the beginning of classes.

Once again thanks to the team who joined and supported us on this great day. Thanks to Baptist Hospital for donating backpacks and school supplies and serving together. We will meet shortly, our Foundation is preparing for November with Thanksgiving Day. See you soon.

Badia commited to Doral

Whenever a new business is installed in Doral, it is a great satisfaction because it states that they trust in our city, a place to invest and to grow as well as to settle in this beautiful land in family.

Just as new openings arise, there are those who have been growing. Most importantly these growths seem to compromise them every day with their people, with their employees, with their environment, and maybe even their clients.

This is the case of Badia , a company founded in Doral in 1999 and that today occupies a national and international leadership.  I recently visited their new facilities where I was greeted by the businessman Jose “Pepe” Badia , president of Badia Spices. A man of extraordinary human quality, that together with his family stimulates the business, initiated in 1967 and that he has successfully launched worldwide.

If there is something that amazed me during the course of this visit, were its people, its labor force, which go hand in hand with the same values and principles in which “Pepe” acts as a businessman in charge, with his nearby community, and his neighbors.  It is with pride that I emphasize that Badia Spices employs 187 workers in his distribution centers with headquarters in Miami.

More than 350 different products are prepared, packed and sent to 70 countries as well as all of the United States.  I could also observe the production process during this visit.

It has two facilities in Doral.  One is 110,000 square feet storage and another one is the production building with 100.000 sq. feet.   Its production is based on packages and Badia’s Species mixtures which add up to more than100 species, herbs, dehydrated vegetables and other articles with which they develop more than 700 for the retail industries and food service.

During the visit he was showing us the manufacturer, some of the products are placed to the service of the community. Products that go out to market for a social cause. The fight against cancer, scholarships to students among other works. He understands, do to his human qualities, the commitment that he has with his people.

Communities of South Florida have been benefiters.  Even though we know that on a national scale his name has been placed on a top level. His family, together with him, has embraced organizations that work with the communities that are most in need.  Badia Spices follows the example of this tireless man.  It is an attempt of the Badia’s family to improve and strengthen the communities where in addition his employees live and their families grow up and play.

If there is something that surprised me was that they, his family circle, are the ones at the head of not only their customers, but also bring the social projects to effect with those who come to them to do work of charity. To name just a few, Dan Marino’s Foundation, Foundation against Breast Cancer, as well as Florida’s International University.

It was rewarding and I feel honored that they have allowed me to enter every corner of this important Food Company. We will continue supporting them…

Women: Managers of God’s gifts

I was recently invited to a meeting with Business Women, event which took place here in Doral, and where I could once again confirm the strength they have when I heard from them some of their ideals, goals and accomplishments.

I had the privilege, among all these women, to address a few words. As a man of faith, and feeling that it was the proper occasion, I spoke about the importance of women in the management of three fundamental aspects of their lives: the Management of their Families, of their Social world and of the resources provided for their Stewardship.

Because, without a doubt, women have received from the Almighty His favor and Grace.If there is something that God demands from them it is that they make the best use of what He puts in their hands. From there also derives a principle, which is what I really wanted to leave with them. God loves the joyous giver. There is a verse in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 9:6 that reads:

 “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

Why are these words important? Because we are surrounded by many people in need; some, as public servants, through Foundations; others, through resources. Let’s look around us and see where we can sow what God has given us. As you sow, you will be rewarded by the Almighty.

Don’t forget, immersed in your professional activities, of the commitment God has given you inside your home. I am proud of the woman that has walked by my side for so many years, the best wife and mother of my two wonderful children. Today, because of her, her fortitude, her energy, I am here after a serious illness, years ago, from which God healed me.The role she played during that time helped me recover, and today, here I am fulfilling my functions as Mayor, but especially as husband, father and grandfather.

You, women, shouldn’t neglect the role you play in your homes, regardless of how professional you are. You have a commitment to your children, with your husbands or by yourselves; but the home should never take second place, no matter how business focused you are. Ask for wisdom, I know it isn’t easy, but God will know how to help you to manage your time.

Finally, remember that in your social lives you can play a very important part. You cannot imagine the contribution you, as leaders, can make to those groups where you have social engagements. Act wisely. Don’t forget that, above all, the principles God has given us should reign in every “good time”. 

The Seed of Faith

In the National Day of Prayer, which we celebrate in the city, we had once again the opportunity to recognize, as an American people and as city authorities, we are committed - free - with the Prayer; which means invoke the creator God, maker of heaven and earth in all our responsibilities.

I thank the Almighty for allowing me to have directed a few words, but I would have preferred to hear from our religious leaders who always give words that come the soul. There I, understanding the power of prayer, make an appeal to all our hearts as we open the doors of their workplace-the seed of faith.

Today we rely on the alliance, wisdom, sovereignty of a God who created this beautiful country, the cua  is full of Freedoms. There is one, most important, we must not let loose, despite what we are seeing at the present time - that is freedom to pray. What greater privilege than this, when we see that many are being persecuted for their faith!

Those of us in positions of government, we have to rely on the Creator, with respect and humility to cry out for the welfare of the country. I thank God for the group of religious leaders who joined us, warriors men who fought the battle of the Faith. They are, Rev. Frank Lopez, Dr. Joaquín Molina, Rev. Edwin Castro, Rabbi Brashevitzki, Pastor Christopher Alessi, Alessi and Reverend Steve, our city leaders, quinees assume this responsibility with us.

In another act we celebrate, for this important date, we had the opportunity to pray for these warriors, whom we grant paths proclamations for the National Day of Prayer, recognizing also their dedication and collaboration in the Consultative Council of Faith, of our city .

It was nice to hear the Rev. Joaquin Molina, remind one of the great men of the Faith was Billy Graham as great councilor of presidents of this country; a great evangelist in time of war, hardship, hunger and depression, standing next to the leaders to pray and lead the people in a spiritual alliance in difficult times.

Special was shared with another great man of God in the city as it has is the Rev. Frank Lopez, who has a power of unimaginable call. I said how meaningful it was to see our city representatives as commissioners together. Said that when the people of God is bound to pray, to intercede for the nation, God answers.

Here at Doral in Florida and around the country through acts of faith we like them - with their actions - inspire our people. We also note groups working to lift others, feed the hungry, care for the poor, give a hand to the afflicted and seek peace where there is trouble. And we, public leaders in the various positions we occupy, faith leads us to do right.

There is no doubt that prayer was an important part of our public life. Freedom is our heritage because the Creator so conceived. No one should be persecuted because of their faith, which is why we are forced now to be engaged in prayer for those who suffer today.

Finally, we pray and recognize our dependence on the Almighty. Our human strength is not the strength of our creator. We understand that our plans are not always God's plans. We know that a God who created us for freedom is not indifferent to injustice. So we ask that our hearts are aligned with yours and give us the strength to do what is right and help those in need.

We ask that our city, our nation, our people use the freedom that has given us wisely. So we pray with confidence in God's purpose, with hope in the future and with the humility to ask God's help to do what is right.

Get Fit 5K Run / Walk

When we talk about what we want for Doral, our ideas, dreams and projects always went to see what it means to our residents, our families, in harmony with what we are doing through this beautiful city. 

Get fit at the Doral 5K Run / Walk has been one of the activities organized in Doral which has allowed us to share with a large number of residents, families in this activity which allowed us to enjoy a beautiful day and give us a time for good fun.

See children, youth and adults sharing these spaces, in which I also did a participant, I motivate us to continue working on the basis of a better quality of life for our residents. Not only creciciento and development of the city but generating activities that are directed to the welfare of our people

The Morgan Levy Park, was the meeting point, from early participants gathered together with their companions to receive all that the Parks Department in our city organized by the hand of a group of sponsors including Runner's Co. ,  First Bank, OrthoNOW, Yoga Core, Vulcan Materials, Choice Market and Wellness Stretch Zone that also make life in the city.

The Southeast of Doral grows with the 25 St Viaduct

Doral has four cardinal virtues that enable the city to an unstoppable development. I would like to refer to the Southeast of the city from 33 St. to 25 St., since there exists an interesting concentration, as it is our industrial and commercial sector.

While the vast majority of these companies have been in this area long before the creation of the city, which from the historical point of view is a binding made with what has been our development from an economic  and social point of view plays a major role given its link with the Miami International Airport and all major roads surrounding Doral.

There is no doubt that the residential, commercial and industrial growth in Doral is given by having around the Turnpike in the west of the city, 836 in the South and 826 on the east side. Already having all these important ways, today the viaduct is also built in the 25th St highly frequented by trucks as they connect to the Miami Airport.

We have no doubt that the viaduct will contribute to the development of the Southeast area of ​​Doral. It will offer a better operating condition to the industrial and commercial sector. The logistics operators concentrated in the area will be able to mobilize the goods inside and outside the airport quickly and safely. Also, one of the great benefits for our residents is that will decongest the 25 St. from trucks, since they will be able to utilize a direct line to the airport.

Along with this important road alternative offered by the Transport System of Florida, new projects that have been approved as others are already under construction and have passed through our city telling us what the future will be to the Southeast area the city.

Business centers such as Jackdak with 25,000 Building sfqt office space; Riviera Point Business Park with 36,869 sqft; Doral Gateway Center with 11,276 sqtf of retail, 40,791 square feet of offices and 23,000 restaurant. Hotels like the Element with 143 beds, Residence Inn Marriott with 129 beds; the Caribean with 8,779 sqft Radiation Oncology; Mercantile Bank under construction with 6,174 sqft; and warehouse such as Transal Industrial and Continental Flowers with 184,300 and 65,000 sqft respectively.

I venture to say that we have three important periods in our city of Doral. End of 2015, 2020 and 2030. We will see a city in full development with its own strengths which makes us the most sustainable city that lead us to provide a better quality of life to our residents.

Downtown Doral boosts the local economy

As is known, Downtown Doral is raising about 120 acres of land located in the heart of our city. The vision of a businessman, as Armando Codina, gave the start a project of this size, which in ten years will show its complexity and majesty. However, this year, perhaps a few days before Christmas we will have the honor of opening the downtown, thanks to a group of men and women who are there running this work for doralinos.

Downtown Doral should mean - for everyone here - a leap to growth and economic development of the city. There about one million square feet of office and 200,000 sqtf. of commercial premises, what we referred to the creation of new jobs and great economic movement that will propel Doral.

It is important to mention, that by now – when phase I is under construction, that Codina has generated a little over 1,000 direct jobs only in the Downtown Doral; local workers whose salaries and wages are reinvested in our city consolidating significantly to a number of families of Doral.

While it may refer to the characteristics of Downtown Doral, there is another previous event to highlight, which is the social responsibility of the company to the city. I’m referring to the construction of a Charter School in the heart of the city. A social contribution that this businessman; Armando Codina is delivering to residents of this community. Currently, this school is under construction and will have a capacity for 840 students. The classes will be taught between the Spanish and Portuguese language. It is a fact, that the doors will be open during the month of August of this year.

Another contribution is fifty million dollars invested in the consolidation of internal pathways of the Downtown Doral. Here is an item of note; the sidewalks are wide double to make it friendlier to pedestrians. The walk will have exactly 50 feet long. On the other hand, all buildings will have chargers- as the retail stores for its costumers- for the use of electric cars and thus contribute to a faster and better mobilization.

When we speak of economic movement, I must refer to the 600,000 square feet of office already finished. They will rise 400,000 more and we understand that such amount, 180,000, will begin construction this year. By the way, this building is next to the City Hall and will be called Park Place.

If we talk about businesses, the first 80,000 square feet of retail are under construction. A mixed-use space where Restaurants, Cleaning, Clothing, Spa, Wine Store, Banks, UPS, cell phone companies, etc. are installed. Inside the property, will also be a supermarket of 49,000 square feet and will be located next to the City Hall.

Definitely, residents will enjoy the Downtown Doral, because it will be a place to work, live and enjoy all the amenities that will be installed soon.

I don’t want to leave out a topic that will leave footprints in Doral.  I have been talking about to the exaltation of art in Doral. With respect to the Downtown Doral, residents and visitors, will be able appreciate, sculptures right at the project’s entrance, created by the artist John Henry of 30 feet of height. We've been informed that all buildings, specifically in their lobbies, there will be a component of art. At the Charter School, there will murals painted by local artists and the garages on the connection of the four buildings, will have a walk of murals from North to South.

Codina has been building these spaces for thirty years.  Armando Codina, has built a large parte of his life in this city. It is the first time that builds condominiums and no doubt, it's one of his more ambitious projects that can leave in regards to construction in Doral.

Within the next ten years, the whole project will be finished and then will be forty years of continuously building in the city. His presence, his contribution, will be permantent in the consoidation of Doral.