Vote and select the name for the 114th Avenue Park

After the City of Doral called a contest for residents to participate in naming the park to be built soon in the NW 114 Ave., already has ten submissions for you residents to vote On Line and decide the name of this important project in our city.

As you might remember, the Department of Parks and Recreation organized the competition, and since last September 6^th, 2014, the city began accepting applications through an online process and by the call that was made in all city parks.

The contest was announced online through the city’s website, Facebook, Twitter, email and by 8,000 flyers distributed to all public and private schools.

One hundred seven proposals and possible names were received, discarding only one, which did not meet the requirements.

Finally, a selection committee integrated by Javier Ramirez , Parks and Recreation and Chairman of the Advisory Board; Daniel Ferreiro, Parks and Recreation and Member of the Advisory Council; Ricardo Alarcón, Director of Compliance, and residents of Doral as Stephanie Bortz, Event Specialists and Santiago Sellan, Park Maintenance Supervisor were appointed to select the top 10 names.

It was on Monday December 8^th, when they selected ten of the names, which are now subject to a public vote On Line, for residents to continue with the next round of competition. The names selected are:

• Doral Sports & Recreation Complex

• Doral Glades Park

• Doris and Alfred Kaskel Park

• Freedom Park

• Harmony Park

• Island Park

• Legacy Park

• Liberty Park

• Unity Park

• Westside Park

It is important to mention that online voting will open on Monday, January 5^th, 2015 and will close on January 19^th, 2015 at 4:30 pm.

To all the authorities of the City of Doral, their personnel and especially the Department of Parks and Recreation, we are proud of the great participation that we have obtained from our residents. We have a great commitment and we are working for each  of you.

City of Doral Grows with Planning and Zoning

We are responsible to care for all the residents of the City of Doral, as well the developers that are willing to build in the city. Therefore, we will be assured that the projects regarding the zonification are in accordance with the master plan, determined in our maps of land use in its distinct categories, residential, commercial or industrial.

The Zoning and Planning Department, leaded by Julian Perez, understanding the compromise of being adjusted by the rules determined in the ordinance code, goes hand in hand with the city’s legal department, with the purpose that both departments compliment the task of respecting the owner’s rights regarding the base of justice and equity.

It is there that the extreme potential that these properties have – the lands- are reasoned with the goal in mind in order to project them on the basis of the standard, so that it might be used and execute the planned under a concept adapted over the base of a modern city that is projected as far as growth and future developments.

I could say that the city is growing in such a proportional way between what it is the residential, commercial and industrial area. As a matter of fact, the meaningful development in the residential area it’s appreciated in different areas of Doral, even more, it’s very well planned. The industrial base, by which it can be said that from thence Doral took off, has been well kept throughout the years.

This industrial aspect has been achieved for the city’s own benefit, given the strategic location that we have, with some very important roads such as the Turnpike, the 826 and the 836. Another factor that contributes with the enforcement of this sector, is its closeness to the Miami International Airport, and with it, the business relationships that are developed with other continents having as a point of encounter the transportation mobilization and its merchandise, to its corresponding places thanks to this merchant movement that it’s generated in the best possible timing.

Another important aspect that makes Doral a city of investments, it’s the international projection that has been reached thanks to these merchant relationships that have been developed through the small, medium-sized and large companies located in the city.

There is no doubt that the strategic location has empowered us.  Actually, already exist attractive business areas in South Florida, but our advantage is that the property value is much more competitive and that makes our city even more attractive for investors.

We won’t leave aside our human resources, multicultural, very well represented by different Hispanic groups.

Where are we heading? We are destined to keep growing towards the north of the city. However, in a few years, 79th avenue, towards the Northwest, will become a big commercial avenue, with significant construction, that combine residential and commercial zone. The 79th avenue is heading towards its own development, due to its nearness with Downtown Doral, a major development that will project the city for the enjoyment of the residents and visitors.

We have a big responsibility, we keep working with a staff that without a doubt it’s committed with our society. The Planning and Zoning department, headed by Julian Perez, is proof of professionalism and compromise.  We continue to progress and Doral will be a point of reference for the world.      

Sebastian & Alejandro: Mayor and Chief of Police for the Day

Today, accompanied by Chief of Police Don De Lucca and City Manager Mr. Edward Rojas, John I. Smith K-8 School Principal Mr. Genaro Navarro and staff, and family Mejia friends, celebrating an honorary ceremony in which the key to the city was given to Sebastian Mejias and acknowledged as Honoree Mayor. At the same time, his younger brother Alejandro received honoree Chief of Police badge.

Below you will find today’s remarks.

Remarks from Mayor Luigi Boria

We are here today to acknowledge two young brothers, Sebastian and Alejandro Mejia who live in the City of Doral with their parents Maria Fernanda Gonzalez and Ivan Mejia and serve as an example of brave young hearts.

Those who know Sebastian and Alejandro can attest to the spirit and motivation they share with their classmates, friends, and family members. Their teachers know how dedicated they are to their school work despite having to miss school due to circumstances that are beyond their control.

Let me share with you who the Mejia Brothers are: 

Sebastian Mejia is 8 years old; he is the older of two brothers, in a family of four, including his Colombian born mother and father. 

Alejandro, the younger brother is 7 years old. 

They are in 3^rd and 2^nd grade, and love school.  Both brothers excel in academics and have received several awards in the past years for their outstanding dedication to education.

They have lived in the City of Doral for the past five years, and have been students at John I Smith K to 8 Center for the past year.  We thank those classmates, teachers, and school representatives that join us today as we recognize these two young boys.

Sebastian wants to graduate, go to Harvard and become President.  Although he feels pain, and has weakness, he insists in going to class.  Just a couple of weeks ago he made Honor Roll!

Alejandro likes to follow in his brothers footsteps and says he will be piloting Air Force One when Sebastian is President.  He has more energy and loves to play around.

Today, the City will recognize Sebastian and Alejandro for their courage and their daily motivation and inspiration to continue to strive at school.

Although we do not have the authority to run an election and nominate Sebastian as President of the United States or have Air Force One available for Alejandro, we would like to do the next best thing which is to acknowledge Sebastian Mejia as Honoree Mayor. In addition, I would like to let you know that I’m sending a letter to President Obama and the Conference of Mayors for them to know the story of these two young brave hearts.

Remarks from the City Manager – Honorary Ceremony

I would like to thank you all for joining in this ceremony to honor two very brave and courageous young men that reside in our community.

My name is Edward Rojas and I am proud to be the City Manager for the City of Doral.

Thomas Merton an acclaimed twenty century spiritual writer, poet, author and social activist. Once wrote about courage and said…“You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith and hope.” 

 

The two young men that we are honoring today personify exactly that…They may not understand exactly what it is that is happening to them or why…or even where it is all going….But they do understand what it is to live in the present and what it is to work through the daily challenges life has set in front of them.

They do know…what it is to face those challenges with: courage, faith, and hope.  The Courage…to triumph over their fears and make the most of what life has to offer. The Faith… that there is a higher cause in control of their destiny.  The Hope… that they will have the strength to live out their dreams.

Personally, I have been touched by this story…Every day that I come to work…I sit at my desk…turn and place my hand on the Bible…The same Bible that was used to swear me into the position of city manager…and I pray. Every day I seek to find the courage in myself not only to overcome the challenges of the day, but also to find the strength to… Be an example to my family…To fulfil my obligations to the people that I work with and work for…To find that faith to believe that there is a higher cause in control of my destiny…And to find the strength to live out my dreams. 

Personally I have learned from these two young men’s example…Having the opportunity to recognize them today has brought me closer to understanding what it is that I am looking for. To them I am truly thankful.