The “Old School Freestyle Festival” was at the forefront of the meeting’s discussions, capturing attention from council members and event organizers. The proposal aims to revive a community event reminiscent of “Main Street Live,” previously hosted with success in 2005. Plans for the festival include featuring a Grammy Award-winning Cuban artist, with the event strategically scheduled around Valentine’s Day to take advantage of favorable weather conditions and avoid the rainy season. Organizers assured that the festival would remain free to attendees, with sponsorships, food vendors, and other activities covering expenses. The council’s approval allows the event to proceed, marking March 1, 2025, as the anticipated date.

Organizers emphasized the importance of a timely response from the council, as securing the park and artist contracts hinged on quick approvals. The festival is expected to appeal to fans of 70s and 80s disco music, and plans are already underway to engage potential artists. The council’s decision to advance the proposal allows organizers to move forward with bookings and promotional efforts.

A notable discussion during the meeting revolved around the introduction of a series of live music events proposed by Oscar Flores from Family Food Truck Events. Flores suggested a collaboration with the town to host these events at no cost to the community, leveraging his connections in the music industry to bring in a variety of genres and local talent. This initiative aims to enhance Miami Lakes’ cultural offerings and foster community engagement. Council members weighed the potential benefits of this partnership against logistical considerations.

In addition to event planning, the council addressed budget allocations, particularly focusing on financial provisions for a concert. Conversations revealed that while council members were generally supportive of event proposals, specifics about available funding remained unclear. A member noted that committees should not take actions outside of scheduled reports until May. Discussions included potential reallocations of funds within the budget, specifically for the upcoming Jazz in the Park event, and the necessity of preparing for a cultural grant application that required a dollar-for-dollar match.

Logistical considerations for managing large events were also discussed, particularly regarding crowd control and police presence for events expecting high attendance. The council debated the necessary number of officers and associated costs, with estimates suggesting around $3,000 for police services. A motion was made to allocate funds for the event, with discussions emphasizing the importance of having a clear plan for covering any unexpected expenses.

The meeting also saw the election of new officers, with Felicia Sal nominated and unanimously voted in as chairperson. Elsa was elected as vice chair following a voting process, and a nominee for the secretary position was accepted with a motion approved unanimously. The newly appointed officers were acknowledged, though no formal congratulatory process was conducted.

Another topic was the Women’s Distinction Awards, with discussions focusing on the nomination process and event planning. The council agreed on a proposal for a budget of $3,500 for an awards luncheon, covering costs for catering, awards, and other essentials. Concerns about nomination timelines and eligibility criteria were addressed, with a motion passed to specify that nominees must either live or work within Miami Lakes. The council emphasized the importance of promoting the awards to ensure community engagement and participation.