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Miramar proclaims March 11 as Winston F. Barnes Day as long-serving commissioner prepares to leave dais
Summary
The Miramar City Commission presented Commissioner Winston F. Barnes with a proclamation recognizing his more than two decades of service and announced March 11, 2025, as Winston F. Barnes Day. Barnes reflected on his tenure and thanked staff and residents.
The Miramar City Commission presented a proclamation on March 4 recognizing Commissioner Winston F. Barnes for more than two decades of service and designating March 11, 2025 — his final day in office — as Winston F. Barnes Day.
Mayor Wayne Messam read a proclamation describing Barnes's background, including his early life in Kingston, Jamaica, his media career and community service. The proclamation noted Barnes’s election to the commission in March 2003, re-election in 2005, his establishment of a scholarship fund for local high schools, and honors including the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) from Jamaica.
Barnes spoke after the proclamation. He thanked staff and residents, reflected on long meetings and the demands of public office, and said he will remain in the community. "Without the employees at the city of Miramar, we are nothing," Barnes said. He also told the dais he will not be leaving the area: "I'm not going far... I live exactly 1.1 miles from right here, so I'll be around." Barnes said he has created a scholarship fund and described plans for future projects, including a photographic exhibition of Miramar churches.
Commissioners and city staff thanked Barnes for his service. The city manager and both city attorneys each spoke to express appreciation for Barnes's career. The commission then recessed into regular business.
Why it matters: Barnes has served on the Miramar City Commission for 22 years; the proclamation and public remarks mark a leadership transition and recognize a long record of local civic and educational contributions.
What’s next: Barnes's last official day will be March 11, 2025; the commission and community will mark his departure and the city will continue to process administrative transitions associated with the change in elected representation.
