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Miami-Dade County honors hometown heroes with parade and festival for all families

MIAMI-DADE ( November 03, 2022 )–

On October 30^th, Miami-Dade County held the first-ever Hometown Heroes parade to honor the healthcare professionals, first responders, and law enforcement who worked to keep the community safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and after. The parade had the participation of 27 municipalities (see full list below), some represented by their own Police and Fire Departments, as well as representatives of healthcare workers from some of the main hospitals and healthcare networks and unions in the county, including Jackson Health System, Baptist Health System, Aetna, NOMI Health, Citrus Health, SEIU Local 1991 and 1199 SEIU Florida. Pictures from the parade can be found here.

“Our entire county is beyond grateful for the dedication and sacrifices of our hometown heroes as we navigated a once-in-a-century pandemic,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “They worked long hours, during such an uncertain and frightening time, to keep us safe, ensure that we had access to necessary medical care, and deliver excellent services to all our residents. We can never repay that debt but we can continue to thank them at every opportunity.”

The parade began at 11 a.m. at the Intercontinental Hotel, traveled north on Biscayne Boulevard, and ended behind the FTX Arena, where a family fun fest was held until 6 p.m. Mayor Levine Cava and county commissioners presented a proclamation designating October 30^th, 2022, as “Hometown Heroes Day.” Activities included a zip line, bungee jump, live music, and a Halloween costume contest. Attendees were also able to receive COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters on-site.

The event was made possible thanks to the contributions of over 65 sponsors who contributed well over $600,000 including in-kind sponsorships to cover event costs. (See full list of sponsors below)

“As a champion and big supporter of first responders, it was an honor to be part of the Hometown Heroes Parade last Sunday,” said County Commission Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz. “These brave men and women are vital to keep our community safe, and these events are a great way to show Miami-Dade County’s first responders our appreciation for their hard work during the Covid-19 pandemic, and every day. I hope that Miami-Dade County’s residents enjoyed the parade and family friendly activities, and I invite them to keep celebrating and honoring our heroes in the coming years.”

“Our first responders, healthcare, essential, and frontline workers, and law enforcement deserve our eternal thank you for the work they did during this stressful time,” said County Commission Vice Chairman Oliver Gilbert, co-prime sponsor of the parade legislation. “We will keep looking for ways to honor and express gratitude for those who continue to protect us every day.”

"Our first responders and healthcare workers here in Miami-Dade are amazing and regularly go above and beyond,” said Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins, whose legislation created the parade. “Our first ever Hometown Heroes parade was just one of the ways we showed appreciation for their hard work and sacrifice. These are professionals and public servants of the highest caliber. I am proud of the overwhelming response from the community who showed up and showed support at this wonderful event.”

The county partnered with the following cities and municipalities: