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South Miami commission renews lease for South Miami Children’s Clinic after broad public support
Summary
After extensive public testimony from patients, staff and community partners, the City Commission unanimously approved a five‑year lease renewal for the South Miami Children’s Clinic operated by Dr. Scott, following modest edits to the contract on insurance and repair caps.
Mayor Javier Fernandez opened the Oct. 7 meeting by moving Item 9, a lease renewal for the South Miami Children’s Clinic, to second reading and invited public comment. A long stream of residents, clinic staff and partner organizations urged the commission to preserve the clinic’s lease, saying the practice serves uninsured and under‑served children and provides food drives, mental‑health referrals and other community services.
“Doctor Scott provides medical treatment for children who do not have health insurance, ensuring that no child in our community is turned away,” Victoria Sanders told the commission during general public remarks, urging preservation of the clinic under Dr. Scott’s care. Multiple speakers gave personal testimony about long relationships with the doctor and the clinic’s role as a neighborhood resource.
At the start of the formal public hearing on the ordinance, the city attorney summarized changes made after first reading. The lease was amended to allow an additional 30 days for inspections and certification, to set a $5,000 threshold for recurring repairs that would trigger notice, and to add a legal description and exhibit sketch of the premises. The clinic sought several insurance modifications; the city accepted most but did not accept a request to name the city as an additional insured on the clinic’s hazard/casualty policy.
Dr. Scott closed the public hearing by thanking supporters and emphasizing the clinic’s long history of local service. “Access is actually being integrated in a community and recognizing what the challenges and barriers are of the patient population that you serve,” she said, describing the clinic’s approach to social supports beyond medical treatment.
Commissioners spoke in support before taking the final roll call. Vice Mayor Corey praised Dr. Scott’s leadership and the clinic’s role in local health; Commissioner Rodriguez noted community testimony. The commission adopted the ordinance renewing the lease on a unanimous 5–0 vote.
The action authorizes the city manager to execute the revised lease for the property located at 6655 Southwest 58th Place and formalizes the modest edits the city attorney described on the record. The commission and members of the public indicated interest in exploring additional operational or funding support for the clinic in the future.
The city will publish the finalized lease and any exhibits after execution by the parties.
