The Miami Beach Leadership Academy is an informative and energizing program provided by the City of Miami Beach under the direction of Caroline DeFreze. At the Commission Meeting yesterday i was among the 75 new graduates of the Academy who were acknowledged. There are now over 600 alumni of this 15 week program that has been established for 8 years. This year marks the first for a class in Spanish.

On each of 15 Monday evenings we met with the staff of a different department. The complexity of the budgeting, contract procurement, code enforcement, city services to seniors and children, safety initiatives, legal issues, parks and recreation, CIP were discussed. This is a very complex city with levels of needs.

I am so appreciative of this opportunity. I learned so much that is important for any citizen to know and absolutely essential for a new Commissioner (or candidate.)

The Miami Beach web site has more information. This is a great program that i highly recommend. Call me at 305-205-2030 if you want to talk about the Academy (or any issue).

Also the Alumni now has a softball team. As soon as the campaign is over I will be joining them. Watch for me at short stop.