As Mayor of Miami-Dade County I want to congratulate SOMI Magazine on its milestone 15th anniversary. This outstanding publication presents the news, arts, culture and business life of South Miami Town Center, an area which encompasses the cities of South Miami and neighboring Coral Gables, along with sections of Miami-Dade County to the east of Red Road.
Our thanks go to John Edward Smith for his long-standing devotion to this thriving community. As SOMI Magazine’s publisher and creative director, he has helped bring to light the many gems this community has to offer, from enterprising small shops and the promising redevelopment of Sunset Place, to the ambitious new Underline project. We look forward to seeing where the next 15 years will take us, and we are grateful to know that SOMI will be showcasing those developments every step of the way.
Carlos A. Gimenez
Mayor
Miami-Dade County
I commend SOMI Magazine on its 15th year in print anniversary.
The long history of community service in South Miami, Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, East Kendall, and Coral Gables are a clear sign that residents are invested in their community. This publication has enhanced the residents’ ability to stay informed about issues that impact them.
As District 7 commissioner I am proud of the ground-breaking of the Madison Square mixed-use development which will be completed in 2020, providing 40 affordable rental units. Many thanks to the City Commissioners, activists, and the South Miami CRA which donated the land.
Our communities also benefit from trail connectivity linking neighborhoods through the Ludlam Trail, the Miami Loop, and the Underline (recently awarded $22 Million grant). Our other priorities must include public transportation, sea level rise and streamlining county government.
Xavier L. Suarez
Miami-Dade County Commissioner
District 7
Even as Mayor of this fine town, I still find something new in every issue of SOMI Magazine through its timely coverage of business openings, local cuisine, and general happenings. My favorite series was magazine’s deep dive into South Miami’s rich, colorful, and sometimes weird history. The publisher shares my strong preference for getting around SoMi by bike, and to my great appreciation, the Magazine has kept everyone informed of a world class linear park unfolding in our back yard, The Underline. With the redevelopment of Shops at Sunset around the corner, downtown SoMi will begin its long awaited renaissance. As I leave office after 10 years as mayor, I will be counting on SOMI Magazine to help me stay abreast of the changes and challenges.
Phillip K. Stoddard
Mayor
City of South Miami
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