South Florida News
Senator Powell and Representative Edmonds Celebrate Passage of Bill Boosting Affordable Housing Opportunities
Published
2 years agoon

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Senator Bobby Powell (D-West Palm Beach) and Representative Jervonte Edmonds (D – West Palm Beach) on Tuesday applauded the final passage of legislation designed to free up excess state-owned land for the construction of affordable housing.
“Florida’s success hinges on our workers’ success,” said Senator Powell. “The crisis in affordable housing has grown so dire that we need every tool at our disposal to make a dent in the shortfall that has plagued this state for years. This legislation promises to be one of the best methods to quickly rebuild Florida’s inventory.”
“Access to affordable housing is critical to the success and well-being of our communities,” said Representative Edmonds. “I am proud to have sponsored this bill, which will help to facilitate the creation of more affordable housing options across the state of Florida. My hope is that it will serve as a model for other states across the country.”
SB 678/HB 763 allows the state Department of Transportation to transfer at no cost unused property to government entities exclusively for the creation of affordable housing. SB 678 unanimously passed the Senate in April. HB 763 unanimously passed the House earlier today.
“I believe that access to affordable housing is a fundamental right,” added Representative Edmonds. “I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all Floridians have access to safe and affordable housing options.”
If signed by the governor, the new law will take effect on July 1, 2023.
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South Florida News
Miami-Dade Transit Extends Service for 2025 Ultra Music Festival Attendees
Published
1 month agoon
March 12, 2025By
Willie David
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.
South Florida News
Miami-Dade Dedicates Pineland Preserve in Memory of Environmental Leader Sean W. McCrackine
Published
1 month agoon
March 12, 2025
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).
South Florida News
Miami-Dade to Launch 2025 Sea Turtle Nesting Season with Turtlepalooza at Crandon Park
Published
1 month agoon
March 12, 2025
MIAMI-DADE (FNN) – Miami-Dade County is gearing up to celebrate the start of the 2025 sea turtle nesting season with Turtlepalooza, a family-friendly conservation event set for Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Crandon Park Visitor’s & Biscayne Nature Center (6767 Crandon Blvd, Miami, FL 33149).
Organized by Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces, Turtlepalooza will feature a variety of engaging activities designed to educate the public about sea turtle conservation. The event will begin with a beach cleanup at 9 a.m., followed by the opening of the EcoVillage at 10 a.m., where visitors can explore educational booths focused on marine life protection.
Attendees can participate in guided nature hikes, enjoy a special All About Sea Turtles presentation, and witness a live animal ambassador presentation led by Bill Sadowski Park staff. Guests will also have the chance to enter an adopt-a-nest giveaway raffle.
Miami-Dade residents can further contribute to sea turtle conservation efforts by adopting a nest, participating in a sea turtle night release, or observing a daytime nest excavation this summer.
For additional information on Turtlepalooza and Miami-Dade’s sea turtle conservation efforts, visit the county’s official website.
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