Miami Lakes subcommittee approves volunteer military photo station, kids’ booths and music plans for July 4th

The Miami Lakes Events Subcommittee on June 8 approved participation by a volunteer Navy group that proposed a patriotic photo station for the town’s July 4th celebration and cleared several other booths and entertainment elements for the holiday program.

Andrew Powell Santorini, who identified himself as a first-class petty officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and a member of a volunteer petty officer association, told the committee the group would not charge a fee for the photo station but would accept donations and sell memorabilia such as T‑shirts and challenge coins to raise funds for their programs. “We would not be charging a fee,” Powell said, adding the group would provide a backdrop and could operate from a 10‑by‑10 booth with access to power if available.

Committee members asked detailed questions about logistics — whether the backdrop would be historic or military themed, whether the group could provide a photographer or rely on guests’ phones, and if they needed a power outlet for a fan or lighting. The group said it would bring a backdrop (options included a flag motif, an aircraft carrier deck or a downtown image) and could manage photos either by attendees or with volunteers operating a camera.

After discussion, a committee member moved to approve the volunteer military photo station with a backdrop consistent with the town’s 250th‑anniversary theme; the motion was seconded and members signaled approval. The committee did not record a formal roll‑call tally in the transcript.

The subcommittee also approved a children’s painting workshop called Paint It Forward (the organizer requested a booth and tent). Committee members voted to tentatively assign space for the program and asked the organizer to supply additional details about equipment and staffing before finalizing the placement.

Members reviewed other July 4th logistics: about 15 food trucks have been invited, an organizer reported 23 entrants signed up so far for the fishing tournament, sponsors are being finalized with roughly $16,000 in sponsorships pending, and plans are under way for a beer and wine garden. Committee discussion covered booth layout, placing the photo station near stage electrical hookups and assigning tents, tables and chairs for volunteers.

The committee also noted it has approved the Music of America invoice at the same amount as last year and will confirm whether the contract has been signed. Chair and staff said they will circulate the finalized flyer and booth assignments by email and that the committee will vote on any final changes at a follow‑up meeting.

The subcommittee set its next meeting for July 8.