Miami Lakes anniversary committee approves extra $500 for film, finalizes budget and family activities

The Miami Lakes Anniversary Committee on a planning call finalized logistics for the town’s upcoming anniversary celebration and approved three motions that settle film production, the event budget and family activities.

The committee voted to add $500 to the production fee for Gani Films, bringing the committee’s approved payment for the short and long documentary to $1,500, after the contractor submitted a revised invoice. "So, basically, instead of 1,000, it's gonna be 1,500," Speaker 1 moved, and members carried the motion with a voice vote of "Aye." Speaker 3 noted the producer must submit an invoice before payment is released.

The panel also approved the event budget as presented. Committee members discussed line items including party-rental and light-tower costs; Speaker 3 said party-rental estimates had been revised during the meeting and that additional items (police details and PACE charges) still needed accounting. "We have basically $13,813," Speaker 1 reported while cautioning that some costs were pending final invoices.

To support onsite vendors, organizers confirmed paperwork requirements: a certificate of insurance, proof of ID checks for alcohol service and a copy of any liquor license for vendors serving alcohol. The committee reiterated a $100 vendor fee and asked staff to send invoices and confirm Popular Bank onboarding for vendor payments.

Programming and logistics were adjusted to accommodate additional performers and special attractions. Organizers reworked the sequence of acts (invocation, dance acts, dignitary remarks and DJ segments) so short community performances can be limited to three to five minutes, and to avoid a late rush of items. Speaker 2 summarized the petting-zoo plan and on-site animal handling: "So there'll be a a full grown cow with with her calf," and described how animals would be placed in a trailer and sheltered during fireworks.

The committee resolved several operational details for the ceremonial cake and volunteers: the cake will be delivered early (around 3 p.m.), stored indoors until the 7:10 p.m. ceremonial moment, and committee volunteers will plate and serve 25 pre-cut slices. Members discussed contingency plans if the mayor could not attend the ceremonial cutting.

Family-oriented activities were also authorized. After discussion of costs and availability, the committee approved hiring a face-painting artist and set a maximum spending cap — discussed at $600 — for face painting and related children’s services. "Let's make a motion to have one artist; maximum is $600," Speaker 1 said; the motion passed by voice vote.

The committee closed by confirming vendor setup and breakdown times (vendors to be active between roughly 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.), vendor check-in and cleanup responsibilities, and a walkthrough before the event. Speaker 1 moved to adjourn at 8:02 p.m.; the motion was seconded and carried.

What’s next: organizers expect the short 3-minute documentary version to be delivered to the production company by Thursday for the Saturday event, and staff were assigned to follow up on outstanding invoices, insurance certificates and performer confirmations.