Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez presided over a Miami‑Dade County service‑award ceremony on Nov. 6, 2005, honoring staff who have worked for the county 30, 35 and 40 years. A recorded message from Mayor Daniella Levine Cava thanked employees "for your service" and called county staff "our greatest asset." Brenda Newman, the mayor’s chief integrity officer, and department leaders presented plaques to honorees across multiple portfolios.

The mayor’s remarks focused on the Miami International Airport (MIA) and its modernization under airport leadership. Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said the county had invested in infrastructure and praised the airport as an economic engine, noting recent passenger volumes and improvements in customer service. The mayor said, "People are and always will be our greatest asset, and I'm honored to lead such an exemplary team." Commissioner Bermudez and the mayor called airport director Ralph to the stage; Ralph received a 35‑year recognition and thanked his colleagues and family, saying the last four and a half years at MIA had been "the experience of a lifetime."

Carla Denise Edwards, chief administrative officer and interim director of the newly merged Communications, Information & Technologies Department (CITD), introduced Jose L. Lopez. Edwards said the merged department combines communications and customer experience with information technology to provide data and analytics for county decision making. Lopez was presented with a 35‑year award and was named assistant director for data insights and business intelligence.

Other honorees included Raymond Emmanuel, recognized for 40 years of county service in telecommunications; Dan Wall, recognized for 35 years for work in grants coordination and federal grant programs including the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program; and a group of Parks and Recreation, transit and facilities employees honored for 30–35 years of service. Speakers and colleagues highlighted mentorship, institutional knowledge and operational roles that the honorees have played in maintaining county services.

Speakers repeatedly framed the ceremony as recognition of the county’s broader workforce and their families: Commissioner Bermudez asked guests to acknowledge that the work requires family support, and honorees repeatedly thanked spouses, children and colleagues.

The ceremony concluded with group photos and closing thanks from Commissioner Bermudez on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners.

Note: Remarks reported here are taken from remarks and recorded messages delivered at the Nov. 6, 2005 Miami‑Dade County service award ceremony; dollar and other numerical figures are presented as stated by speakers at the event.