FYI Miami: April 28, 2022

Below are some of the FYIs in this week’s edition. The entire content of this week’s FYIs and Insider sections is available by subscription only. To subscribe click here.

MICROSOFT TECH LAB: Miami-Dade County launched the Microsoft Accelerate Tech Lab at The Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center in Little Haiti aiming to provide technological, digital and scientific skills to county residents and route them to re-employment opportunities. The Microsoft Accelerate Tech lab, in partnership with the Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center, says it is creating a better learning environment, providing greater educational outcomes, and uplifting county students. “Together we are expanding the possibilities for learning in Miami-Dade, which will benefit every part of the community,” said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava at the tech lab’s launch last week. The Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center serves as Little Haiti’s local educational resource center, with one-on-one educational assistance, technology exploration, recreation, physical activity, and skill development, a press note says. “The partnership with the Microsoft Accelerate program through Miami-Dade County is a revolution in the sphere of technology in Little Haiti. It is a divorce from mediocrity, by which our community can, and will, thrive for a way out and not a handout,” said Rev. Fr. Reginald, CEO of the Pierre Toussaint Leadership and Learning Center and Administrator of Notre Dame D’Haiti, in a press note.

BAY CLEANUP: Miami-Dade residents gathered over the weekend for the 40th anniversary of Baynanza, a celebration of Biscayne Bay and its significance as one of the most important ecological systems in South Florida. Celebrated from March to April, Baynanza ended with the Biscayne Bay Cleanup Day, when thousands of volunteers helped clean the shoreline. On Saturday, residents gathered in 27 shoreline locations to remove debris and litter. Since Baynanza’s beginning in 1982, volunteers have helped remove over 1 million pounds of trash from the bay. The event featured the official launch of Plastic Free 305, a new program to help local businesses reduce and eliminate their use of single-use plastics.

RACE FOR PARTNERSHIP: The United Way Miami is promoting its 5K career in partnership with Amerant Bank to raise funds and awareness about its mission to create a stronger Miami through social programs and partnerships. The event is to take place in Coral Gables from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, May 14. The race will start and finish at Coral Gables’ City Hall and end with a post-race celebration nearby. “Proceeds from the Amerant Bank 5K will support community services and programs that improve the quality of life for vulnerable people in our community,” said Joe Zubi, president & CEO of United Way Miami. Early registration is $30, rising to $45 as race day approaches. Groups of five or more can register together and groups of ten or more will get a 10% discount at registration. To register: unitedwaymiami.org/Amerant5k.