A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to strategizing on human trafficking awareness, coinciding with January being designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The council explored various initiatives to engage the community, emphasizing the pressing nature of human trafficking as an issue in the Miami-Dade area. It was noted that human trafficking encompasses a range of exploitative activities, including labor trafficking, beyond the more commonly recognized forms.

One of the proposed strategies involved organizing educational events to inform residents about the signs of human trafficking and providing them with resources like hotline numbers for reporting incidents. The council expressed an interest in collaborating with local agencies, including the state attorney’s office and Miami-Dade County’s division that focuses on human trafficking. There was also a suggestion to engage the local chamber of commerce, potentially incorporating a presentation at their monthly meetings to educate local businesses on recognizing human trafficking signs.

To ensure the initiatives reach a wide audience, the council considered hosting events specifically targeting the elderly population, leveraging established gatherings like Bingo at Royal Oaks. This approach aimed to attract higher attendance and effectively disseminate information. The council discussed the possibility of inviting guest speakers from relevant agencies, separate from law enforcement, to provide valuable insights during these events.

In addition to human trafficking awareness, the Miami Lakes Town Council focused on enhancing public safety through community events. The proposal for “Coffee with a Firefighter” involved logistical and budgetary considerations, with discussions about hiring a mobile coffee company to serve at the fire station. A staggered approach was suggested, scheduling the event over nine months to manage the budget and accommodate other projects. Sponsorship from a company named Game Day, focusing on Men’s Health, was highlighted as a means to alleviate financial burdens on the town.

The council also revisited the popular “Coffee with a Cop” initiative, with plans for an upcoming event. Members expressed excitement about potential turnout and the involvement of local businesses in promoting the event. They discussed the traditional scheduling with new businesses and suggested extending opportunities to long-standing establishments. Concerns were raised regarding scheduling conflicts due to work commitments, with an emphasis on involving supervisory staff in planning.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was the importance of effective communication and community engagement. The council deliberated on improving police outreach through social media, specifically the 3054 police initiative. While platforms like Instagram and YouTube were being used, members suggested enhancing visibility by incorporating police contact numbers into social media promotions. Ideas for distributing promotional materials, such as magnets with non-emergency contact numbers, were discussed, with suggestions for logo placements and QR codes.

Furthering the dialogue on public safety, the council addressed a recent incident involving a firearm discharge at a local establishment, clarifying that it was an isolated event. Discussions touched on the implications of concealed carry laws, particularly in establishments serving alcohol. Private businesses were noted to have the right to enforce their own firearm policies, regardless of concealed carry permits.

The meeting also included discussions about organizing a video project related to a “Don’t Text While Walking” campaign and presenting plaques to police officers. The council expressed a desire for transparency and engagement in these initiatives, emphasizing coordination with the mayor’s assistant and other relevant entities.