The Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners honored the City of Homestead for its Centennial with a proclamation naming February 5th as the City of Homestead Centennial Anniversary Day. The Proclamation was presented by Commissioner Lynda Bell, Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners, at the February 5th County Commissioners Board meeting in the Commissioners Chamber in Downtown Miami.
“I have lived in beautiful Homestead for many decades and I am so proud and thrilled about this historic moment,” said Commissioner Bell, a former mayor of the City of Homestead. “The Homestead Centennial Committee has done a wonderful job at commemorating Homestead’s history with a variety of community events.”
Representing the City of Homestead at the meeting were Centennial Steering Committee Chairwoman Yvonne Knowles, Vice-Chair Timothy Craig, Committee Member Kevin Myles and City of Homestead Councilman Elvis Maldonado.
“I would like to recognize this committee because they have worked so diligently in making the Centennial a historic moment for Homestead,” said Councilman Maldonado at the County Commissioners meeting. “We are the second oldest city in Miami Dade-County and it is an honor and a privilege for me to be part of its history as an elected leader and as a resident of Homestead.”
The distinguished proclamation, which was presented by Commissioner Bell in behalf of the Board of the County Commissioners to congratulate Homestead in its Centennial read: “Whereas yesterday’s history is always prevalent in today’s news, thus the historical facts, figures, locations, and moments that have helped make Miami-Dade County an iconic staple throughout the world should be celebrated and observed for many years to come; and whereas the history of Homestead is closely tied to its strategic location and historic contribution to the development of South Florida, as it is best known for serving as a major hub for Henry Flagler’s railway in 1903; and whereas men and women came from throughout America, the Caribbean, and Europe to work on the railroad, and while in Homestead the new residents discovered its agricultural potential; and whereas over the course of Homestead’s existence, it has played a significant role in the growth of South Florida, with its residents representing the indomitable spirit of its early pioneers, therefore is fitting and proper that an official acknowledgement be given to the City of Homestead as it commemorates its Centennial anniversary, be it resolved that Carlos Gimenez, Mayor of Miami Dade County, Chairwoman Rebecca Sosa, the members of the Board of County Commissioners on behalf of Miami-Dade County and this community do hereby proclaim Tuesday, February the 5th City of Homestead Centennial Anniversary Day.”
Chairwoman Knowles thanked the Board of Commissioners for the recognition and expressed her gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the Centennial celebration. “Homestead is a town of community and volunteers. Everybody has gotten together to make this Centennial a big event. We have been working since August and will continue with many surprises that will celebrate our history and our growth,” said Chairwoman Knowles.
