[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6104666,"mediaKeyId","2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6","parentId",2790380,"title","Residents complain about weekend water-main break and flooding; city says repair complete, cleanup continues","audioSeconds",258,"startMs",2378000,"endMs",2636000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6&start=2378&end=2636","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6/thumbnail_2378000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6104666/Florida/Residents-complain-about-weekend-water-main-break-and-flooding-city-says-repair-complete-cleanup-continues","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104666-f4f7c44c08781185f8fed014e713f236/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079410&Signature=d0gt7D4chvMHt0s5CgQHpiHEuIa1hqFr-lWinwBXrzHoQuXdU1mPwUcOPEXVVOV~1vZ7Oti9qc5q977ay6vcEgY0Ed80SwHnIVafNqPzpwn3RWrJCkMn34PHQguAwVFQYYb~AHkXQmr2yQpb53dsH3IjMz1MNEO0zIuzT5sZu5g5pnEkhuCD-PlwNN1HEl3nf9HYmQm6C1RQIA0ixFg0lHvaXAmCNbWfak26a~0gf~3qw3OMwerO2KZlUx9QkB5p6N~6nX45nChJDEKoGPpDPTjAOYIF3EDa4S~IiYw4Y3kqTx1EfgiQmlYqvc~UVQ90lQk~GxJS8vBlIl3xiBF3nA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Opa-locka, FL","date","2025-03-26T23:07:56Z","article","A Saturday water-main break left a Rutland Street block flooded over a long weekend and prompted public complaints at the March 26 commission meeting. Naomi Bridal, a resident who spoke in citizens forum, described multiple calls to hotlines with no timely response and said she had to wear boots to get from her home because the block remained flooded.

\"I literally had to wear boots to get at my house to get into my car to get here tonight,\" Bridal said, telling the commission that residents, including elderly neighbors, were stranded by the standing water and frustrated by nonresponsive numbers and delays.

Interim City Manager told the commission staff had mobilized a contractor and that the repair would be completed the following morning. Harvey Austin, Public Works director, said the break occurred on one of the older main lines near the water plant; crews could not shut the line off because shutting it would have disrupted water service citywide. \"The flow of water was so great that we could not pump it anywhere,\" Austin said, explaining that divers had to perform the repair while water continued to flow and that pumping and street restoration were ongoing.

Austin told commissioners the physical repair was complete during the meeting and that crews were working on cleanup and restoration; he said the cost at that time was below $25,000. The interim manager said she would have staff reissue resident notices and check routing of after-hours and nonemergency calls to ensure residents reach the correct on-call contacts.

Commissioners asked for a status update to be provided the same night and again after final restoration; Commissioner Santiago pressed for improved internal notification so elected officials and residents receive earlier notice when outages or major repairs occur.

What the city will do next: the manager said she will ask staff to provide a written summary (repair timeline and costs), confirm the after-hours phone routing, reissue street notices to impacted residents and return to the commission with a status update once restoration is complete.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Opa-locka | Regular Commission Meeting | March 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A Saturday water-main break flooded a block near Rutland and Opelika Boulevard, residents said; the public-works director said crews and divers completed the repair but restoration and cleanup continued and staff will follow up with additional resident notifications and hotline routing.","taxTitle","City of Opa-locka, Miami-Dade County, Florida","taxId",71258,"location","Florida","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104671,"Nonprofit Hillgrove Thrive pitches one-stop mental-health and social-services hub for Opa-locka",705,1181000,1886000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6&start=1181&end=1886","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6/thumbnail_1181000.jpg","/articles/6104671/Florida/Nonprofit-Hillgrove-Thrive-pitches-one-stop-mental-health-and-social-services-hub-for-Opa-locka","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104671-6f09285273a360244bbde4fd8d4d5406/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079410&Signature=g3qNpuPS5CeNn0sSi4ipVqfYnd~MMf6dnY8JndbblTsSEyYiH6-jYGW~NzQ1bdW1aiU75AeE0r-CG0K1raES07-fDhRzbMOkQe9pLbBaJDcjK~NJa7mbWxDGUi30Jo8UKcRUlheyfPWE5EOl3T1iPgNDQQz7k-mGr80vIEgVAUyk2iQrwp~1awEvY--YESsxutVzKs3451IBj0h4tjUBIunCHJWpCTadraqlMEXC3D6oBHnsuNB7Y1qjT0TQ~Z5DUYnEU1MrfhPaseExmDJHNVmNoE-DqHJDJjgYmvu0DAbF3oCtw~Q4JwQyUAX1UB~aWeR~uFCVjMU1-lbRxdWZaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives from Hillgrove Thrive and partner organizations presented to the Opa-locka commission on March 26 offering to expand mental-health and social services in the city through a one-stop model that would include pediatric care, mental-health programming for children and young adults, and DCF access services.

Rachel Badia, executive director of Hillgrove Thrive, said the organization currently operates centers in Liberty City and other nearby communities and has expanded services after meeting with city staff. \"We currently have a center in Liberty City...we service over a hundred children right now...we offer them an after-school program, a Saturday program, and a summer camp,\" Badia said, describing a program that combines psychosocial rehabilitation, life skills, and family engagement.

Speakers described partnerships with a pediatric practice (a long-standing local pediatrics practice), New Life Resources and others. Lawrence Hall of New Life Resources told commissioners the organization can serve as a DCF access partner to help families apply for Medicaid, food stamps and cash assistance and said approvals can be done within 24 to 48 hours in their model.

Badia and partners said they have experience working with juvenile-detention partners for reentry and community service hours, and requested city assistance finding suitable space and coordination with the planned city social services office. Commissioners expressed support and requested follow-up meetings between staff and the presenters to discuss needs and facility options.

Commissioner Bass asked that job-readiness (resume writing, interview skills and workplace etiquette) be included in programming; Badia said their existing keystone program includes life skills, nutrition education and anger-management components and can be tailored to community needs.

Next steps: staff said they will follow up with the presenters about possible city space and will coordinate with the interim city manager and social services staff. Presenters left their contact information and requested a meeting to structure a pilot program.","Hillgrove Thrive representatives outlined a proposed partnership to bring pediatric mental-health services, DCF access services, job-readiness programs and a one-stop social services model to Opa-locka. Staff said they will follow up on possible space and coordination with city social services.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104676,"Opa-locka honors officers for response to fatal Feb. crash; multiple medals and commendations presented",162,320000,482000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6&start=320&end=482","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6/thumbnail_320000.jpg","/articles/6104676/Florida/Opa-locka-honors-officers-for-response-to-fatal-Feb-crash-multiple-medals-and-commendations-presented","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104676-37c0c0d1e6cd8c345fa3a1f2e1fbdc6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079410&Signature=hdTAjdmQXaiH0Dg1F5Gu3sAL5AdZXV~174Ge4euG6qIyvc0xgSmWZSxzfe76fFkJTCSDY09MM0BSJP2XPtt~6RjLlOXG75Od66fiTEuavcQ1D7ZdfrEKGYVVFBLIMtH7FUPvrlVJhVam-TXTKyPIyzvXYI616csNXNHkIqzIOEkg9A28YJzaPnhsIk9946L40LLyqgxnoTsPuc9qBo1ChlBvrsBxwjUVOM2NhukorkohqyvGuPUTKL083x98oR2NpVLXGpwXj2rbNdZKjJX6QuBH64Q0Krg6s4p8hptJrF8LOCGX9SqWbQ8LafPsiDrqLsJuHvMuHwMiuxoWcqPfuA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Opa-locka on March 26 publicly recognized a group of police officers for their response to a February 2025 crash in the Miami Gardens area that claimed five lives, including children. City leaders presented bronze medals of valor, life-saving awards and chief's commendations for the officers' actions at the scene.

Police departments said officers responded when they encountered a multi-vehicle crash in which a speeding SUV struck a family vehicle and pushed it into another vehicle, crushing the family car. Officers exposed themselves to hazardous fluids at the scene, extracted victims and began life-saving measures, department officials said.

\"In solemn recognition of your extraordinary bravery and unwavering dedication, we commend you all for your heroic response to the tragic accident that claimed the lives of 5 individuals,\" the Chief of Police said during the presentation, praising the officers for courage and professionalism.

Officers and awards listed on the record included Officer Kirby Nord (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Terry Johnson (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Timothy Bourne (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Jasmine Ramos (bronze medal of valor and lifesaving award), Officer Rodney Jean Baptiste (chief's commendation and lifesaving award), Officer Marie Noel (chief's commendation and lifesaving award), Officer Jamesha McKinney (chief's commendation and lifesaving award), Sergeant Larry Simon (chief's commendation and lifesaving award) and Sergeant Lawrence Harborough (chief's commendation and lifesaving award). The commission also recognized retired Chief Cheryl Kaysen with a certificate of appreciation for longstanding service to the city.

Mayor John Taylor and commissioners joined the chief in thanking officers. The awards package cited on-the-scene extraction, exposure to hazardous fluids and initiation of life-saving methods as the basis for recognition. The presentation closed with a request that the department continue support for the victims' families and public acknowledgement of the officers' service.

The certificates and medals were presented during the awards and proclamations portion of the meeting; the recognition is ceremonial and does not reflect any council action that changes department policy.","City leaders awarded medals of valor, life-saving awards and chief's commendations to officers who responded to a February crash that killed five people. The commission publicly recognized the officers' actions and presented certificates and medals during the meeting.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104681,"Opa-locka adopts Complete Streets and Safe Streets plans and approves capital lease for new street sweeper",1191,4328000,5519000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6&start=4328&end=5519","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6/thumbnail_4328000.jpg","/articles/6104681/Florida/Opa-locka-adopts-Complete-Streets-and-Safe-Streets-plans-and-approves-capital-lease-for-new-street-sweeper","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104681-975dba4fe603b7a1e01c0148556b4903/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079411&Signature=cgKXoKVNe4H7MyrxsUqHN8uKbjTXxx9sCI1XJRJoINZYXxZ5lp~aja-jDcEEKWw5RwxYSZeByzNj3JOAGEb-~vxtZYh-XrTon13MdhQRNfSbnbGp4vWI6EaFDgzjk27ky-VXfAaWTiLb3952kfkrZCab5OBwR79Z9ltT68QpuFI-guw8gMGZnzKeGZqDEJ6ZqtnYfag8dpD31XRsbbIIRgv36hPtHCC~J3zpCZBwATYDrwzGuCJ-H1FIkTC7gKjkEcF--YLOwfiGrQT0ClGXrmk~ZqICT9-D9HWsM-gLb0H23N6ioe~bg8qMTYywY3XQXgjdnHIrtQKjU71R34hn2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Opa-locka City Commission on March 26 passed first readings and votes on several items intended to improve transportation safety and street maintenance: a Complete Streets policy, a Safe Streets for All comprehensive safety action plan, and a three-year capital lease to finance a new street sweeper.

City staff presented the Complete Streets policy as a commitment to design, build and maintain roadways that safely accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and drivers. Adelina Gross, CIP division manager, said new and replacement sidewalks would be built to a five-foot minimum with ADA ramps and that the policy is intended to make the city eligible for federal and state funding for multimodal projects.

\"With the new sidewalks that are constructed or replaced, they will be built to a standard...a minimum of five feet with ADA ramps in all intersections,\" Gross said during the presentation.

The Safe Streets for All plan was developed with Vision Zero-style analysis and identifies countermeasures to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Staff said some grant applications for crosswalks (including a requested Transportation Alternatives Program application to FDOT) were not approved last year; work continues to seek funding and county support for high-traffic crosswalks near the Tri-Rail station and other locations.

On equipment, staff recommended Leasing 2, Inc. to finance acquisition of a new street sweeper. The proposed capital lease carries a 5.89% interest rate with three annual payments of $104,490.44; payments will begin in October 2025 and hence align with the next fiscal year.

Commissioners framed the policy votes as steps toward making streets safer and noted the work will be phased and funded through grants and capital planning. Public Works staff also described a program to address existing uneven sidewalks by grinding trip hazards as an interim safety measure while the city pursues full replacements.

All three items passed their first readings with unanimous recorded votes (5-0).

Key details
- Ordinance (16-a-1): Capital lease with Leasing 2, Inc. to finance a street sweeper; interest 5.89%, three annual payments of $104,490.44; payments begin October 2025. Vote: 5-0 (first reading).
- Ordinance (16-a-2): Adoption of a Complete Streets policy establishing minimum design standards and implementation responsibilities. Vote: 5-0 (first reading).
- Ordinance (16-3): Safe Streets for All Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (conforming with F.S. 163.3177) to reduce fatalities and serious injuries. Vote: 5-0 (first reading).

What comes next: Staff said they will continue to seek federal and county funding for priority crosswalks and raised intersections and will present sidewalk replacement and grinding schedules to the commission. The lease for the street sweeper will return for finalization and budgetary incorporation as required.","At first reading the commission approved a Complete Streets policy and a Safe Streets for All action plan and authorized a three-year capital lease to buy a new street sweeper. Officials said the policies establish design standards for sidewalks, crosswalks and multimodal improvements; the sweepers' lease payments will begin in October 2025.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6104685,"Opa-locka commission rescinds earlier approval and directs manager to renegotiate sale of water-tank site",1125,3109000,4234000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6&start=3109&end=4234","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2790380-69095cc18a876df436de4c041aaa8fa6/thumbnail_3109000.jpg","/articles/6104685/Florida/Opa-locka-commission-rescinds-earlier-approval-and-directs-manager-to-renegotiate-sale-of-water-tank-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6104685-11d616fcc999c0f4b6171c51366ee15f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079410&Signature=kjatmOEoV1rVFa86pMxA1do3LEYy~MpoSe~snLaHvfbeiOqP5ZnojYfywbYch3QdWbU5raVXmKvKUPgOLaUQHqfaGjc0HJ8vJRVn8MwGyMuetI0EkQQ2C7sCYQcWWQKCc0NrSGIU39dvBMgq4rFcp3dSeU6Nzrrkz-RlO2XS8XZkRcrpgvMHCGgfEg3kAzVoc21LyJReUB0DTd0Wsc5Qs7e0cWE643RfkQoa2QhuE5cnkXuP4kCmXb-rZFDT3icgyQ5H~QAmndfYAnU2RNdHuO3ygII4p-kIp7o2WI2ske7pD6lvGb3VZi8YNw79qYWd4xxVJlcUCBGeHCKC6tAgrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Opa-locka Commission voted 4-1 on March 26 to rescind Resolution 24-1124, which had accepted a single bid for city-owned surplus property (the former water-tank site), and directed the interim city manager to negotiate a sale based on a more recent appraisal or restart the sale process.

The action matters because the city received an updated appraisal valuing the site at $420,000 after the commission had earlier approved the sale based on a lower appraisal. Commissioner Louis Santiago voted against rescinding the earlier resolution, saying he had only just received full documentation and wanted clarity on process and timing.

Interim City Manager (name not specified) told commissioners an RFP had been issued for the property identified by folio 2129-005-1621 and that only one proposal was received, from Florida Industrial Properties 8 LLC. The manager said a new appraisal dated May 1, 2024, valued the property at $420,000 and she asked the commission for authority to engage the bidder to negotiate a fair market price based on that appraisal.

Commissioner Santiago said he learned detailed information only days earlier and pressed for an explanation about how the commission approved the prior resolution without the updated appraisal. \"How can it come in now?\" Santiago asked during debate, arguing the commission had voted months earlier without that information.

City Attorney (name not specified) advised the commission that giving the interim city manager authority to pursue negotiations or a new sale process was an appropriate remedy and that any legal issues that emerged could be handled later. \"I think this is a totally appropriate action on her part,\" the city attorney told the commission.

The commission approved the motion to rescind and to authorize the manager to negotiate, with Commissioner Santiago voting no and Commissioners Bass, Irvin, Vice Mayor Joseph L. Kelly and Mayor John Taylor voting yes. The motion passed 4-1.

What the resolution does and what happens next: the resolution formally rescinds the prior acceptance of the single proposal, directs the interim city manager to either negotiate with Florida Industrial Properties 8 LLC at an updated fair-market value or implement a new process for sale based on the new appraisal, and requires any result to be brought back to the commission for approval.

Officials said the updated appraisal had been delivered to prior administration staff in mid-May 2024 but had not been disclosed to the commission before the September 11, 2024 vote that accepted the earlier proposal. Several commissioners and the city attorney said the newly directed negotiations will be brought back to the commission for final approval once there is a negotiated number or a recommendation for a new sale process.

Votes at a glance
Motion: Rescind Resolution 24-1124 and authorize interim city manager to negotiate sale or implement a new sale process
- Mover: Commissioner Louis V. Santiago
- Second: Vice Mayor Joseph L. Kelly
- Vote: Bass (Yes), Irvin (Yes), Vice Mayor Kelly (Yes), Mayor Taylor (Yes), Commissioner Santiago (No)
- Tally: 4 yes, 1 no
- Outcome: Approved (rescission and authorization to negotiate)

Speakers quoted in this article are identified by their roles as recorded in the meeting transcript; if a quoted line could not be tied to a named person in the record it is attributed by role.","The City Commission voted 4-1 to rescind a prior resolution that approved a single bid for a surplus property known as the water-tank site and authorized the interim city manager to negotiate with the bidder or pursue a new sale process after a more recent appraisal raised the property\u0000value.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents complain about weekend water-main break and flooding; city says repair complete, cleanup continues

Nonprofit Hillgrove Thrive pitches one-stop mental-health and social-services hub for Opa-locka

Opa-locka honors officers for response to fatal Feb. crash; multiple medals and commendations presented

Opa-locka adopts Complete Streets and Safe Streets plans and approves capital lease for new street sweeper

Opa-locka commission rescinds earlier approval and directs manager to renegotiate sale of water-tank site