Miami Lakes committee wins funding move for life rings, asks town to draft fertilizer ordinance

Miami Lakes — The Town Council on Thursday approved a Neighborhood Improvement Committee request to reallocate $3,504.44 from the committee's annual budget and asked staff to return in July with a budget amendment for an additional $2,450 to buy life rings for town lakes and canal access points.

The committee said the "Aiden Perry Hero Life Ring" initiative would place life rings at roughly 15 locations across the town where residents and children access water. Each ring costs about $395 and the committee surveyed beaches and canal access points to identify sites. "It's a small investment that can help save lives, and honor Aiden's memory in a way that's meaningful," said Helen Bridal of the committee.

Council members backed the request and also instructed staff to return in July with a proposed budget amendment to fully fund the 15 rings. Councilman Garcia urged focusing first on the beach-style lake access locations and suggested seeking outside sponsors, county discretionary funds or civic donations to support broader rollout. The council approved the transfer of the committee's remaining $3,504.44 and asked staff to identify the additional $2,450 for the next meeting.

The council also directed staff to draft a fertilizer ordinance after a Neighborhood Improvement Committee recommendation. Committee member Felicia Salazar described the proposal as modeled after similar municipal rules: an ordinance that would regulate fertilizer types and application near waterways, along with an education campaign for residents and landscapers. "We have so many waterways in the town of Miami Lakes — it's prudent for us to have these rings out and to protect our lakes," Salazar said.

Council members asked the committee and staff to consider implementation details including mounting/tethering the rings so children cannot remove them as toys near schools, and the installation cost beyond the price of the rings. Staff and committee members said some rings include tethers and that the committee had added a small buffer for installation in its costs. The council voted in favor of both actions — reallocating the committee funds to purchase a first batch of rings and directing staff to draft a fertilizer ordinance for future council consideration.

Ending — The council told staff to return with a July budget amendment to fund the remaining rings and with a draft fertilizer ordinance. Council members encouraged the committee to seek sponsor funding and to work with staff on safe mounting designs for school-area sites.