Miami Lakes Mayor Josh Dieguez discussed recent accomplishments and new and ongoing initiatives of his and the council during his first State of the Town address.
Perhaps most impactful for residents? A Zip Code for Miami Lakes, a long-sought town goal that could impact insurance rates and shipping to local addresses.
Dieguez said a bill is making its way through Congress and the next step is a Senate committee review.
“This is the closest we’ve ever been,” Dieguez said from the dais at Town Hall on Dec. 8. “I for one am very excited.”
Volunteer of the Year Dieguez presented the award to the Gonzalez family – Omar Gonzalez, his wife Cathy Quintana; his brother Kelvin Gonzalez and Omar and Cathy’s adult children, Christina, known as “KiKi,” and Gabriel. They have served the town and its committees for many years during big events such as the Veterans Parade.
Key to the Town Awarded to retiring Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Maj. Jose Gonzalez, commander of the Miami Lakes District, who is stepping down in April.
Employee of the Year is Accounts Payable Specialist Gabriella Escobar, Town Manager Edward Pidermann said.
“I believe that the state of the Town of Miami Lakes to be stronger than ever and that we continue to live up to the motto ‘Growing Beautifully’ each and every day,” Dieguez said.
The town was the 31st municipality to incorporate in the county, on Dec. 5, 2000, to provide residents with more services and respond faster to residents than the county could, Dieguez said.
Dieguez said a highlight this year was fulfillment of a campaign pledge to restore funding for parks to nearly pre-pandemic levels.
“For six years we have been operating on an austerity budget on perhaps the defining thing of our town,” Dieguez said. “I consider that to be a major accomplishment that myself and my colleagues and our staff have accomplished together.”
Funding will ensure that facilities and equipment in three large parks and 100 tot lots will be maintained, he said.
“The park system acts as an ambassador for the town, and is what sets it apart from others,” Dieguez said.
Funding the first two phases of the Mini-Park Capital Improvement Plan will improve park furniture, equipment and make signage standard, he said.
He proposed starting a tree farm to replace dead trees on town property to save money and perhaps provide trees to sell.
Regarding public safety, the council continued funding special police patrols for traffic enforcement and prevention of car thefts and burglaries.
Dieguez said in 2025, the town had the lowest crime rate in more than a decade. Deputies are also cruising in patrol cars with bright rooftop light bars on to increase public awareness of their presence and are easing congestion on Miami Lakes Drive with synchronized traffic lights.
“We’re now spending about $12 million in public safety, that is the highest amount we’ve ever allocated for public safety in the history of the Town of Miami Lakes, a clear commitment to law and order within the town,” Dieguez said.
Construction projects include expansion of a southbound turn lane from Northwest 154th Street onto the Palmetto Expressway, he said. He predicted The Graham Companies will add a westbound lane on Miami Lakes Drive at the Miami Lakes Golf Club when that redevelopment project is completed.
Discussions continue with the Greater Miami Expressway Authority to connect the Gratigny Parkway to Northwest 67th Avenue; Pidermann is on the authority’s board.
Dieguez thanked Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sen. Rene Garcia and U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart for funding a study of possible traffic connectivity to highways on the west side of town.
The town obtained $1.6 million in state funds for road and drain infrastructure, he said.
Miami Lakes also secured a $1 million federal commitment from Diaz-Balart for drain improvements on Big Cypress Drive.
A future goal is getting county help to replace sewage tanks with connections to its waste system for property owners near Northwest 77th Avenue and Northwest 145th Street.
The Northwest 59th Avenue bridge project is moving forward: Demolition of a building may happen in coming weeks, Dieguez said. The project will provide a faster route for residents and first responders to get to the Miami Lakes Educational Center and businesses on the upper east side.
The town and its dozen volunteer committees and boards hosted more than 100 events in 2025, Dieguez said.
Additional new goals: new programming for town parks; Passport services in Town Hall and getting state funds for a Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce marketing campaign for local businesses.
Chela’s Cocteleria provided lite bites for the speech. In attendance were Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sen. René Garcia; Felicia Salazar from Fla. Rep. Tom Fabricio’s office and former town elected officials Vice Mayor Luis Collazo; Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano; Councilman George Lopez; Mayor Wayne Slaton and Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez.