The council underscored the urgency of advocating for Venezuelan immigrants, who represent about 40% of Doral’s population. During the meeting, a council member highlighted the dire consequences that could ensue if TPS for Venezuelans is not extended. The speaker stated, “The end of the temporary protective status TPS for the Venezuelan people certainly will result in the mass deportation of Venezuelans into the murderous hands of the Maduro regime,” emphasizing the potential for persecution and political imprisonment.

Further debate centered around a resolution urging former President Donald J. Trump and Congress to find a permanent legislative solution for the Venezuelan refugees. The council member who introduced this resolution stressed that Doral, having the largest Venezuelan community in the U.S., must champion their cause. The proposal included a call for collaboration with other elected officials to secure long-term solutions. Council members expressed their shared understanding of the anxiety felt by the community regarding their immigration status, with one noting, “I know the anxiousness that’s felt throughout the community at this time.”

The meeting also saw the introduction of a resolution focused on improving veteran support services, spearheaded by a council member. This initiative aimed to establish a partnership with the U.S. Southern Command to create job application workshops tailored for veterans. A veteran residing in Doral advocated for the proposal, detailing how the “Veterans Application Workshop” would help veterans transition into civilian roles by leveraging city resources.

In a separate discussion, amendments to the city code regarding the sale of alcoholic beverages were approved. The mayor raised concerns about the amendment’s clarity, calling it “not very clear” with “a lot of discrepancies.” Nevertheless, the amendment moved forward to accommodate businesses applying for licenses, with a view to future adjustments aligning the code with Doral’s community values.

Another topic was the proposal to increase the city manager’s purchasing authority from $30,000 to $50,000. This sparked debate over transparency and accountability. The Assistant City Manager argued that the current limit was cumbersome and counterproductive, with requirements for three bids on purchases over $10,000 discouraging local vendor participation. A council member voiced concerns about transparency, stating, “I think that we’re opening the door to really removing transparency,” while others supported the increase for efficiency. The council ultimately approved the increase, aligning with practices in nearby municipalities.

In other business, the council approved various ordinances, including amendments to the land development code and the establishment of the Office of the Inspector General. These changes were part of efforts to streamline operations and improve governance.

Concluding the meeting, the mayor emphasized the importance of community participation in an upcoming Board of County Commissioners meeting concerning the location of an incinerator. The city planned transportation for residents to ensure their presence and voice are heard.