November Update – Miami-Dade County Elected Leadership and COVID-19 New Normal Guidelines

Dear Cultural Colleagues,

What a year! And change continues to be one thing that we reliably can count on.

With the historic November 2020 election behind us, Miami-Dade County has entered a new era of governance. Miami-Dade County elected Daniella Levine Cava as our new Mayor and we have five new County Commissioners as part of the 13-member County Commission.  In addition, two existing County Commissioners were reelected.  All of these officials assumed their offices on November 17, 2020. The Board of County Commissioners elected new leadership today, Thursday, November 19, 2020: Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz and Vice Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III.

You can visit Miami-Dade County Mayor Levine Cava’s web page here.

You can see information about the County Commission here.

Miami-Dade County Elected Leadership

Office of the Miami-Dade County Mayor
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners

Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert, III, District 1, Vice Chairman-elect
Commissioner Jean Monestime, District 2
Commissioner Keon Hardemon, District 3
Commissioner Sally Heyman, District 4
Commissioner Eileen Higgins, District 5
Commissioner Rebeca Sosa, District 6, Acting Chairwoman / Vice Chairman
Commissioner Raquel Regalado, District 7
Commissioner Kionne L. McGhee, District 9
Commissioner Sen. Javier D. Souto, District 10
Commissioner Joe A. Martinez, District 11
Chairman Jose “Pepe” Diaz, District 12, Chairman-elect
Commissioner René Garcia, District 13

This is an important moment for our County and the arts community as we continue to work with our elected leaders to navigate many challenges, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in our lives and livelihoods.

The Miami-Dade County’s New Normal guidelines  remain in effect. The highlights are outlined below:

Physical Distancing and Face Coverings

Physical distancing of at least 6 feet must be maintained. Amendment No. 2 to Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 20-20 updates requirements regarding the need to wear face coverings (https://www.miamidade.gov/information/library/emergency-order-20-20-amendment-2.pdf).Face coverings must still be worn in public settings but there are exceptions, including if a person is (1) stationary, (2) outdoors, and (3) a fixed physical barrier, marker, or obstruction exists to ensure a separation of not less than 10 feet between the stationary individual and all other persons. For more details, please review the above-referenced Amendment No. 2.

Arts and Culture Protocols

The County’s  New Normal guidelines  remains as the source for protocols that must be followed by the cultural community (https://www.miamidade.gov/information/library/new-normal.pdf – Arts & Culture section beginning on page 18). Cultural venues cannot exceed 50% of their occupancy limits. Cultural organizations re-opening plans must meet these criteria.

Midnight Curfew

The countywide curfew remains in effect. The curfew has been pushed back one hour, from midnight to 6 a.m.

Group Activities

All group activities must comply with the New Normal Guidelines, maintain physical distancing, and comply with the face covering requirements. The spaces where activities are held cannot exceed 50% of their occupancy limits. Events and activities involving areas such as food or retail should refer to the relevant sections in the  New Normal guidelines  for general guidance  (https://www.miamidade.gov/information/library/new-normal.pdf).

Miami-Dade County Cultural Affairs staff remains committed and available to help you during this time. As the year begins to wind down and the holiday season is upon us, we encourage you to be safe and think positive thoughts about the prospects of a vaccine for the New Year!

Thanks,

Michael Spring
Senior Advisor, Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor
Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

The most reliable way to contact us continues to be through email. You can find a staff directory at  https://www.miamidadearts.org/about/staff-councils.

Please check the County’s web site for more COVID-19 information and for regular updates:  miamidade.gov/coronavirus.

To view a comprehensive list of all the Department’s previous cultural updates on COVID-19 click here.