Urban Environment League of Greater Miami and the University of Miami's Institute for Public History present:

The Homestead Community Forum: Between two National Parks: Tourism, Agriculture, and Future Development in South Dade.

Panelists:

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Katy Sorenson

James Humble, local grower

Bob Jensen, local leader

Steve Kirk, Executive Director, Everglades Community Association

Mark Lewis, Superintendent, Biscayne National Park

Moderator: Urban Environment League Vice President and University of Miami Professor Gregory Bush

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:

http://uel.org

Background information:

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 residents' sense of place and civic engagement be further stimulated? What does the future hold for the 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. The program is also supported by a National Park Service grant.

For further information about the Urban Environment League, see:

http://uel.org.

For oral history interviews and other data related to Homestead and the Redland area, see:

http://www.floridacommunitystudies.org

Logistics:

We encourage all who are interested in joining us for dinner beforehand to make reservations by contacting us at 305-532-7227. Fax: 305-532-8727. The program itself, beginning at 7:30, is free and open to the public.