Wednesday, April 23rd,2008

Dinner (Reservations needed: cost $12): 6:00-7:30

Free Public Program 7:30-9:00

Location: Community Center of Everglades Farm Worker Village, Homestead, Fl

(19316 SW 380 St. For Directions See. www.uel.org)

Between Two National Parks:

Tourism, Agriculture, and Future Development in South Dade.

Panelists:

Miami-Dade County Commissioner: Katy Sorenson

Local Leader, Bob Jensen

Local Grower, James Humble

Exec Dir., Everglades Community Association:Steve Kirk

Superintendent, Biscayne National Park: Mark Lewis

Moderator: UEL Vice President, University of Miami Prof: Gregory Bush

Discussion

South Dade, often forgotten in the rush surrounding Miami and South Beach, has recently experienced mind numbingly fast development of new housing, changing agricultural conditions brought about by NAFTA, and a growing synergy around tourism. The value of land has rapidly skyrocketed and the infusion of new residents has grown precipitously. Many question whether adequate planning and infrastructure is being developed for the area. On top of all that the controversy over the Urban Development Boundary line and questions about water and global warming are making this region increasingly central to the future of the region. The UEL believes that South Dade needs more attention from the residents of Miami-Dade.

What makes this a unique historical area? How can resident's sense of place and civic engagement be further stimulated? What does the future hold for this area? How can a new generation of students help assure that the quality of life is enhanced for all in the coming years – rather than see the downside of growing human density. These and other questions will be addressed in this UEL Community Forum, part of a series to be placed on streaming video on our website. This is also part of a National Park Service grant on the subject.

For further information about the Urban Environment League, see www.uel.org. For oral history interviews and other data related to Homestead and the Redland area, see www.floridacommunitystudies.org. We encourage all who are interested in joining us for dinner beforehand to make reservations by contacting us at 305-532-7227. Fax: 305-576-2530. The program itself, beginning at 7:30 is free and open to the public. To RSVP Email uelmiami@bellsouth.net

Directions

Address: 19316 SW 380 St
Directions: Take the Florida Turnpike to the end.
1st Right at Palm Drive (SW 344 St)
Go west to 192nd (Robert is Here)
Left on 192 to four way stop at 376 St. Right on 376; then 2nd paved
entrance to the left (194 St)