At the forefront of the meeting was a presentation led by Omar Santos, the Public Works Director, alongside a consultant from Kimley-Horn, which laid out a comprehensive vulnerability assessment funded by the Resilient Florida Program. This assessment aims to evaluate flood risks to Miami Lakes’ critical assets, such as hospitals and transportation infrastructure. The methodology involved data collection to categorize assets and analyze flood scenarios considering rainfall, groundwater, and sea level rise. A detailed map illustrated the flood depth across the town, pointing out that areas with lakes are particularly susceptible to significant flooding risks.

Public participation was encouraged, with residents sharing personal experiences that underscored the urgency of addressing flooding issues. A notable contribution came from a local homeowners association president, who highlighted the disparities in home elevations within certain neighborhoods, which exacerbate flooding. This resident’s account of floodwaters reaching knee height on Northwest 82nd Avenue emphasized the need for thoughtful urban planning and design to mitigate such occurrences.

The discussion also touched upon the financial allocation for flood mitigation projects. Concerns were raised about the perceived imbalance in funding distribution, with some residents feeling that the town’s east side is underfunded compared to the west, despite both experiencing flooding problems. Suggestions were made for potential ordinance changes to improve drainage practices and hold developers accountable for infrastructure adequacies.

Further, the council examined broader water management practices in South Florida. The effectiveness of local stormwater management systems was questioned, especially following recent storm events that coincided with king tides, leading to residential flooding. The response included an update on a massive resiliency study that South Florida is conducting as part of the Central and Southern Canal system. This study aims to balance water management needs and enhance pump stations to improve regional flood management.

Transitioning from flood concerns to community engagement, the council deliberated on the future of the “Main Street Live” initiative. This monthly event, scheduled from January to June, aims to boost local culture and business involvement. Discussions focused on logistical support from the Economic Development Committee (EDC) and the need for clear planning and coordination with other stakeholders. The council expressed optimism about the potential of these events to invigorate the local cultural landscape.

Marketing strategies for these initiatives were also scrutinized. There was deliberation on redirecting funds from a software service deemed redundant towards more effective promotional efforts. The council underscored the importance of utilizing the chamber of commerce for outreach and integrating local businesses into these cultural events. The possible introduction of an electronic points card system for local businesses was debated, with council members viewing it as a promising tool to enhance resident engagement with local retailers.