S. Miami goes all out for national contest

Written By Jennifer McCoy
Coral Gables Gazette
June 7, 2001
Provided by Burrelle's Information Services

South Miami is mobilizing its troops and taking an army of children, business owners and civic leaders to Atlanta, Ga., for the All-America City contest, sponsored by the National Civic League and Allstate Insurance Company.

"In journalism, it's the Pulitzer Prize," said Ivette Diaz, the city's spokesperson. "In government, it's the All-America City Award."

The 52-year-old competition honors cities, towns, counties, neighborhoods and regions "in which citizens, government, businesses and voluntary organizations work together to address critical issues."

"Ninety-three applications were sent in but only thirty finalists were chosen," said Diaz, "so it is quite an honor."

Deerfield Beach and Delray Beach also made it to the final round.

South Miami's application highlighted its success with its Community Redevelopment Agency, Prevention through Academic and Recreational Excellence (P.A.R.E) program and Hometown Plan.

"Hard work pays off," said City Manager Charles Scurr. "It really does."

Diaz said, "The city is really going all out for this because if we win, the city as a whole wins, not just elected officials or City Hall staff."

Mayor Julio Robaina agrees.

"This is a big deal," he said, "A big, big deal. I can't tell you how excited I am. I mean, can you imagine what the bus trip up there is going to be like? The spirit of South Miami will be on those buses, and that's a heck of a lot of spirit."

Some might even say it will be a zoo.

After all, the city-in addition to elected officials, business owners, civic leaders and City Hall staff-hopes to take two busloads of area children to the competition to be held June 21-23 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.

"We want to show the country what South Miami is doing for its children," said Scurr.

In addition to its involvement with P.A.R.E, South Miami has incorporated Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E) and Kids and the Power of Work (K.A.P.O.W) programs into its school's curriculums.

The city was also the first municipality in the country to create a Junior Commission for Women, and already this year, the South Miami Police Department has more than doubled its number of Police Explorers.

"It will bean end-of-the-year field trip for them," said Scurr. "We might even take them to an Atlanta Braves game and Six Flags while we're there."

Numerous committees have already been created to help with the competition, which requires a formal presentation and a display booth showcasing the community and its people.

"We want the judges to know how happy we are to be a part of the South Miami community," said Diaz.

The only thing standing in the way of all the pomp and circumstance: money.

"We are going to have to be maximally frugal because this is a pretty expensive endeavor," said Scurr. "We will be eating at a lot of fast food places. There will be no fine dining on this trip."

Each bus will cost $4,000 and the estimated cost per child, $300, In addition, the Atlanta Braves game will cost $1,500; the Six Flags trip will cost $2,500.

"We need the community's help on this one," said Scurr. "Maybe someone could sponsor half a kid and his or her neighbor could sponsor the other half."

A bus has already been donated to transport the display booth, and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is helping out with discounted hotel reservations. Schlotsky's Deli is donating food for the bus trip.

To make a donation, call (305) 668-2511 or 663-6342.

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