Kimberly Trellis, a Miami Lakes business owner appearing by Zoom during public comment, told the Public Safety Committee on Dec. 1 that she has launched the "Miami Lakes Loco Lotto," a holiday program to encourage residents to shop and dine locally. Trellis said the initiative (mylocalauto.com) lists participating businesses and offers a free log card for customers.
Trellis said the town's economic development committee (EDC) and the Chamber of Commerce are promoting the program, though she noted the EDC logo did not appear on her materials after review by town attorneys. "They are promoting it," she said, and added that the Chamber and local companies are backing the effort. She described rising costs and falling foot traffic for small businesses and urged committee members to spread the word and encourage residents to support local merchants this season.
Committee members responded positively, thanked Trellis for organizing the effort and identified several local businesses as examples on the program card, including Powerhouse Subs and Snow Jewelers. A committee member said the committee and staff would help amplify the program on social media and at town events; no formal committee action was required or taken during the public‑comment period.
The committee took the comment as information only and did not vote on any town funding or formal endorsement for the program during the meeting. The committee encouraged members to promote the program privately and noted the town's communications staff had been contacted about related promotional materials.