A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a proposal for a social group aimed at adults with autism. Although the proposal, brought forth by Kimberly Trellis, lacked specific details, the council agreed to revisit the topic in January after further development. This initiative was supported by public comments, including those from Jackie Sanchez, a long-time resident, who expressed the need for more community programs to support individuals with autism. Sanchez’s advocacy highlighted the ongoing demand for inclusive community resources.

The council also continued discussions on their special needs safety program, focusing on improving communication to ensure that only Miami Lakes residents were eligible. A flyer redesign was proposed, including the addition of a QR code to streamline access to program information. To enhance awareness, the council considered leveraging emails and community newsletters, especially through collaboration with major landlords, to disseminate information effectively.

In terms of infrastructure, the council examined a proposal for constructing canopies and additional facilities at Youth Park, emphasizing the need to elevate parts of the park due to its location in a floodplain. The proposal included integrating existing pathways and equipment while exploring options for accessible playground features. Council members expressed strong support for this initiative, committing to seek grants and donations instead of relying on tax revenues to fund the project. Potential partnerships with local organizations, such as the Angels Reach Foundation, were discussed to incorporate sensory-friendly equipment already in storage.

The council also looked at hosting a safety workshop, tentatively scheduled for mid-January, to educate the community about special needs programs and other safety measures. The workshop aims to engage residents through informative sessions and discussions, with plans to promote the event through social media and community flyers.

Further discussions touched on the successful Festival of Lights event and plans for future gatherings, including a painting event and a movie night. The council debated how to prioritize participation for town residents due to space constraints and considered implementing a pre-registration system or checking IDs at events to ensure resident participation.

The continuation of the dojo program for another 12-week session was also confirmed, with an emphasis on improving promotional efforts to increase community awareness. The council suggested using social media platforms, such as Instagram, to advertise the program more effectively.

In terms of expanding community services, the council announced a new initiative to offer behavioral therapy services at Kids Space, including speech, occupational, and physical therapies, as well as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This expansion represents a commitment to providing comprehensive support services for residents with special needs.