The Miami Lakes Veterans Committee voted to reallocate event funds to cover scholarships and approved several event-related purchases and donations during its meeting.

Committee members moved the full balance of $2,751.03 from the “5K veteran run” line to the “grants and aids” line to zero out the 5K line and make funds available for scholarship adjustments. The committee then voted to raise the scholarship awards to $1,000 each for three recipients. Separately, the committee approved a revised disbursement to the American Legion of $7,271.03 and agreed that 25% of the net proceeds from the 2025 Miami Lakes Reindeer Run will be donated to the American Legion, per motions made and seconded during the meeting.

Committee members also approved event materials for the Radio Run 2025: they selected Option 1 for the medal style (a die-cut shape), approved the event logo, and approved straps and shirts for participants and sponsors. Those items were described as the shirts, straps, medals and logo needed for the upcoming Radio Run and were put to a formal vote.

Why it matters: The reallocation and disbursement votes change how committee funds are used for scholarships and veteran organizations and set financial commitments tied to community events the committee organizes and supports. The votes will be reported to the Town Council because some reallocation amounts exceed staff approval thresholds.

Supporting details: Committee materials presented during discussion showed $7,779.99 as the total originally intended for three scholarships; committee records also showed only about $2,700 remaining in the 5K line before the reallocation. The $2,751.03 transfer from the 5K veteran-run fund to grants and aids was moved to make the three $1,000 scholarships possible. Committee members noted two donation checks (one for a fishing program and one for the American Legion) that had not yet been cut; the reallocation affects those pending disbursements.

The committee chair said the reallocation and other changes will be presented to Town Council for final approval because the transfers exceed the committee’s local sign-off limit. Staff agreed to add the reallocation request to the manager’s report or to present it during a council meeting as required.

Votes at a glance:
- Move $2,751.03 from 5K veteran run fund to grants and aids: approved (motion passed; outcome: approved).
- Increase scholarship awards to $1,000 each for three recipients (total $3,000): approved (motion passed; outcome: approved).
- Update disbursement to American Legion to $7,271.03: approved (motion passed; outcome: approved).
- Donate 25% of 2025 Reindeer Run net proceeds to the American Legion: approved (motion passed; outcome: approved).
- Approve Radio Run 2025 Option 1 medal, shirts, straps and logo: approved (motion passed; outcome: approved).

Next steps: Staff will place the reallocation request on the Town Council agenda for approval and will follow up on the pending donation checks and contract status for event vendors.