Pinecrest’s Mayor-Elect Decided as Qualifying Period Ends

The following candidates have qualified for the open Village of Pinecrest Council seats:

• Mayor: Shannon del Prado
• Seat 3: Ralph Sanchez, James Suarez
• Seat 4: Ken Fairman, Ramon Gonzalez-Diez, Jill Lerner

Pursuant to Section 5.1(h) of the Village Charter, Shannon del Prado has been automatically elected to the office of Mayor and, therefore, her name will not appear on the November 3 ballot. For more information about the Village’s 2026 municipal election on November 3rd, for seats 3 and 4 on the Village Council, please visit http://www.pinecrest-fl.gov/elections.

NEW RULES FOR E-BIKES – SAFETY TRAINING STARTING THIS SUMNER

The Village of Pinecrest has approved a new ordinance that establishes speed limits for electronic bikes and scooters on Village paths and sidewalks. To educate the public on the new ordinance, the Pinecrest Police Department will be conducting safety training this summer for young riders and their parents or guardians, outlining clear rules for these types of electric vehicles that operate within the Village limits.

Ordinance highlights include:

• Speed limit of 15 mph on shared-use paths, including Kendall Linear Park, and 10 mph on sidewalks
• Riders under the age of 16 who operate a Class 2 e-bike are required to complete free e-bike safety training before riding on any Pinecrest path, or sidewalk.

The training also covers topics on how to identify the different types of e-bikes, and the laws governing e-bikes, traditional bicycles and electric motorcycles. Young riders and their parents or guardians must attend the training class together and sign a safety acknowledgment form.

Ordinance violations are subject to fines of:

• $250 for a first offense
• $500 for repeat offenses

Classes begin this summer. Make sure and save your spot as spaces are limited. For more information and to sign up, call the Pinecrest Police Department at 305.234.2100.

VILLAGE’S NEW PLACE TO GATHER AND CELEBRATE

Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your birthday celebration, anniversary party, family reunion, or that special gathering. Conveniently located right here in the Village, the newly renovated Coral Pine Park Multi-Purpose Room offers a beautiful setting surrounded by nature. The spacious 1,500-square-foot venue features high ceilings, plenty of light, and accommodates up to 90 guests. The three-hour rental period and fees include several tables, banquet-style chairs, and set-up and clean-up, making your event planning even easier. Reserve at: https://bit.ly/4afmRl3. Questions? Call 305.284.0900 or email [email protected].

READY: 2026 HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane Season is underway through November 30. We want you, your family, pets and home to be hurricane ready. Check out the following tips on how to prepare:

• Review their hurricane preparedness plans
• Stock emergency supplies
• Stay informed through trusted sources.
• Heed all flash flood warnings and avoid traveling through flooded roadways.
• Residents in flood-prone areas should remain especially vigilant and take precautions to protect their families, pets, and property.
• Stock essential supplies and medications.
• Stay informed through Village of Pinecrest and National Hurricane Center updates.
• After a storm, use generators safely, place debris for collection, and document damage for insurance.
• Know the lingo: Hurricane Watch: Prepare. Hurricane Warning: Take shelter.

For more information, visit pinecrest-fl.gov/Hurricane

SAVE THE DATE: THE PINECREST POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS FIRST-EVER NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

The Village of Pinecrest Police Department invites the community to its inaugural National Night Out celebration! This free, family-friendly event offers Pinecrest residents a unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with local law enforcement in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Held in partnership with the Pinecrest Business Association, National Night Out is designed to strengthen community partnerships, enhance public safety, and foster lasting connections throughout Pinecrest. The event will feature a Cop & Community Pavilion, an interactive showcase of police specialty vehicles, and an exciting live K-9 demonstration. Families will also love the dedicated Fun Zone featuring live music, a giant inflatable slide, kids’ crafts, and a selection of local food trucks.

• Tuesday, August 4, 2026
• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 SW 124th St

Join the Pinecrest Police Department for this exciting community celebration and help strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the residents we serve.

PLEASE DO NOT HARM PEAFOWL — IT’S AGAINST THE LAW

The Village’s Peacock Mitigation Program (Resolution 2023-52) addresses resident concerns while balancing appreciation for these birds. Miami-Dade County Code Section 5-16 makes it illegal to harm, hunt, capture, kill, or otherwise disturb peafowl. Violations may result in civil penalties and increased fines for repeat offenses. Pinecrest’s County-approved peafowl mitigation plan also prohibits harming peafowl, their nests, or their eggs under any circumstances. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4obP1mW

VOTERS TO DECIDE ON PROPERTY TAX REFORM IN NOVEMBER 2026

Earlier this month, the Florida Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment to expand homestead property tax exemptions for primary residences. Florida voters will get a chance to approve or turn down the measure in the November 2026 General Election. If voters approve, the impacts of the measure will be felt in the Pinecrest budget for fiscal year 2027–2028 and all future budgets but will not affect the current budget cycle.

If approved, the amendment will:

• Reduce the taxable value of owner-occupied homes (increasing exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028)
• Lower future property tax obligations for homeowners
• Decrease local government revenues that fund municipal services

The Village will host several town hall meetings before the General Election to educate residents about the proposal and its impacts. Stay tuned.