For Immediate Release
May 21, 2013
Contact Information

Bernadette Morris
Sonshine Communications
T: (305) 948-8063
E: bmorris@sonshine.com

(BPRW) City of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert Delivers the "State of the City" Address Declaring "" "This is our Moment"

(BLACK PR WIRE) – The Honorable Oliver Gilbert, Mayor of the City of Miami Gardens, delivered his first State of the City address Monday, May 13, 2013 to an audience of more than 300 including South Florida dignitaries, life-long City residents and television, radio and print media.

Highlighting the success of the City of Miami Gardens, Mayor Gilbert outlined what he describes as a progressive and ambitious future as the community marks its 10th Anniversary.

“This is our moment; our moment to decide whether we want to be as progressive as our thoughts; as prospective as our words. It is our moment to insure that tomorrow’s possibilities are more expansive than today’s opportunities,” declared Mayor Gilbert from the stage at Florida Memorial University.

Mayor Gilbert told residents details of the City’s first General Obligation Bond; a 50 million dollar “Decade of Progress” initiative aimed at increasing and improving City services and amenities. Mayor Gilbert laid out a vision to include a new senior center, modernized parks, a Science and Technology complex, an Entertainment/Art facility and culinary arts center; all designed to offer improved educational opportunities for City seniors and youths.

“Ten years ago, the incorporators of this City stood firm in the face of critics who said we couldn't, but we knew that we could and we did,” exclaimed Gilbert.

Mayor Gilbert touched on key aspects for building a strong fiscal future for Miami Gardens, most notably, the confirmation of the City’s A bond rating by New York bond rating agencies. Additional increased economic development includes steps to create the first Community Redevelopment Agency. With the hiring of eleven additional police officers and implementation of new technology, Mayor Gilbert touted continued efforts for crime reduction and described a firm commitment to City youth for increased opportunities in education and recreation.

The State of the City address is one of a series of events marking the City of Miami Gardens 10th Anniversary. Continuing the theme of Cultivating Possibilities, the City will host the 9th Annual Memorial Day Breakfast Monday, May 27th, 2013. The City is preparing to celebrate the opening of its new LEED certified Municipal Complex later this year, along with the Mayor’s Ball and other special events.

For more information on the State of the City address, and for a complete listing of other scheduled events, please contact Julia Yarbough, Media Relations Specialist, at (305) 622-8035 or visit the website at www.miamigardens-fl.gov.