SOUTH FLORIDA (FNN NEWS) – As millions of Americans prepare to lose access to food assistance due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, the Poverello Center, and DoorDash are joining forces to call for urgent action and provide support to vulnerable families in need.

On Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the three partners will hold a media availability at the Poverello Center (2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305) to highlight the need for an emergency food response as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding is set to run out on November 1, leaving more than 40 million Americans—including thousands of South Florida residents—without access to critical food assistance.

DoorDash Expands Emergency Food Response Nationwide

In anticipation of the SNAP funding lapse, DoorDash has activated its Emergency Food Response initiative, providing free delivery for its Project DASH food bank and pantry partners nationwide. The initiative also includes a partnership with major grocery retailers to waive delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients.

Additionally, DoorDash will donate food from DashMart stores to local food banks, including the Poverello Center, helping ensure families have access to nutritious food during the government funding gap.

“Project DASH has been a lifeline for families and food banks across the country,” said Alyssa Betz, DoorDash’s Head of Federal Affairs. “As SNAP benefits expire, we are proud to expand our commitment to ensure communities continue to receive the support they need.”

Poverello Center’s Ongoing Impact

Since its launch in 2018, Project DASH has facilitated over 8 million deliveries, providing an estimated 135 million meals to families in need. The Poverello Center, a long-time partner of the program, has successfully completed 10,000 deliveries to local residents, helping bridge the gap for those facing food insecurity.

Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick praised the partnership, emphasizing the importance of government and private sector collaboration in addressing hunger during a crisis. “No family in South Florida should go hungry because of political gridlock. Together, we are working to ensure that our most vulnerable residents have food on their tables,” she said.

Event Details:
When: Friday, October 31, 2025 – 11:00 AM
Where: Poverello Center, 2056 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Who:

• Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

• Representative from the Poverello Center

• Alyssa Betz, DoorDash’s Head of Federal Affairs

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Stay connected with Florida National News and the FNN News Network for ongoing coverage of the federal government shutdown and its impact on families and communities across Florida.

News@FloridaNationalNews.com

MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (FNN) – Festivalgoers heading to the 2025 Ultra Music Festival at Bayfront Park will have extended transit service options to make travel easier and more convenient, according to Miami-Dade Transit officials.

From Friday, March 28 through Sunday, March 30, both Metrorail and Metromover will operate extended hours:

• Friday, March 28 & Saturday, March 29: 5 a.m. to 2 a.m.
• Sunday, March 30: 5 a.m. to midnight

Green and Orange Line trains will run every 30 minutes, offering a 15-minute combined frequency between Earlington Heights and Dadeland South stations.

Visitors arriving from out of town can take the Orange Line directly from Miami International Airport to Government Center Station. From there, they can transfer to the Metromover Inner Loop (free of charge) and disembark at the College/Bayside, First Street, or Bayfront Park stations.

Fare Information:

• Metrorail Fare: $2.25 (one-way) or $5.65 (One-Day Pass)
• Riders can pay via the GO Miami Dade app, Token Transit app, Citymapper, Transit app, or with contactless-enabled debit/credit cards.

Parking Information:
Parking at Metrorail garages/surface lots is available for $4.50 per day. Riders can pay via Ticket Vending Machines or the PayByPhone app.

Metrobus Detours:
Several Metrobus routes (3, 9, 203, 100, and 101) will be detoured starting at 9 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 through 6 a.m. on Monday, March 31. Delays may occur, particularly in Omni, Miami Beach, and downtown Miami areas.

MIAMI-DADE (FNN) – Miami-Dade County paid tribute to the late Sean W. McCrackine by dedicating a newly named pineland preserve in his honor during a heartfelt ceremony held today in Cutler Bay.

Led by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and District 8 Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, the dedication ceremony celebrated McCrackine’s nearly three-decade commitment to environmental conservation and community service.

McCrackine began his career as a Project Assistant with the Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources, Division of Environmental Resources Management (RER-DERM) and eventually became the Director of Policy for Mayor Levine Cava.

“Today, we celebrate a remarkable life dedicated to the betterment of our community and the preservation of our environment,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

McCrackine’s wife, Lou McCrackine, expressed gratitude for the tribute. “Sean loved this community and worked tirelessly to ensure its natural beauty would be preserved for all to enjoy,” she said.

The Sean W. McCrackine Pineland Preserve is part of the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program, which manages over 28,000 acres of protected natural habitats across more than 85 preserves in Miami-Dade County.

The dedication included a sign unveiling and closing reflections on McCrackine’s contributions, ensuring his environmental legacy will inspire future generations.

The Sean W. McCrackine Pineland Preserve is located at the corner of SW 192 Street & SW 140 Avenue (coordinates: 25°35’24.4″N 80°25’10.4″W).