Miami Lakes ad-hoc committee seeks $25,000 for 25th anniversary event; council approves celebration with added golf-cart parade

The Town of Miami Lakes ad-hoc committee for the town's 25th anniversary asked the Town Council to approve a $25,000 budget to stage a community celebration. The committee described a multi-activity, family-oriented event with food trucks, a band, a beer garden and cultural booths, and provided a draft program and vendor outreach plan.

The committee chair told councilors they anticipate a crowd of several thousand and outlined items estimated in the committee budget, including stage and sound, portable restrooms, cleanup and a seven-minute fireworks display. The proposed budget showed an estimated shortfall of about $594; one councilor offered to contribute that amount.

Councilors asked the committee to include a golf-cart parade as part of the celebration; council approved direction to incorporate the parade and asked the committee to come back with an estimate of the cost for police traffic control and other safety needs related to crossing the Palmetto Expressway. Several council members said prior golf-cart parades had worked safely with coordination and volunteer assistance, but they asked staff and the committee to cost out any police traffic-control needs.

The council approved the celebration and the committee will proceed to solicit sponsors and finalize vendor commitments. Committee members said they will bring back sponsorship packages and a refined budget in coming weeks.

The council did not take action to transfer the committee's requested funds at the meeting; staff will return with a final budget and any required contract/permit items.