The Miami Lakes town council unanimously voted on Sept. 16 to approve its list of priorities to present to the state legislature during the 2026 session.
Lobbyists for the town will seek state funding for projects to lessen flooding and improve drainage; smooth traffic flow; enhance pedestrian safety; crime prevention; encourage work force housing and reform rock mining law.
Proposed stormwater/infrastructure projects
Funding would be for new drainage systems; manholes; pipes; gutters; resurfacing roads, new signs and pavement markers, according to the town’s presentation. The locations and estimated costs are:
• Northwest 82nd Avenue (bet. NW 170th Street to NW 154th St.), Phase One, $1.3 million.
• Northwest 79th Avenue (bet. NW 155th St. to NW 160th Terrace), Phase One, $1 million.
• Sevilla Estates, (along NW 167th St., NW 89th Court, NW 166th Terrace and NW 87th Court), Phase Two, $1.3 million.
Infrastructure/road projects
• Northwest 155th Street. Move parking from median to areas along north and south curbs; add a turn lane at NW 78th Avenue and NW 82nd Avenue, and resurfacing, striping and new signs, $790,000.
Pedestrian safety projects at nine locations
• Miami Lakes Drive. Phase One, 4.4 miles from Northwest 89th Avenue to the Palmetto Expressway.
•. Enhance ADA accessibility for residents with disabilities by correcting uneven pavement; resurfacing, signs and striping, $1.5 million.
• Eight locations will have upgrades such as flashing crosswalks in high pedestrian traffic areas: Turnberry Drive and Miami Lakeway North in front of the Middle School; Northwest 89th Avenue and Northwest 143rd Street; Northwest 89th Avenue and Northwest 144th Terrace; Bull Run Road in front of Miami Lakes Athletic Club; Miami Lakeway South and White Oak Drive; Northwest 79th Avenue and Northwest 159th Street, and Loch Ness Drive and Stonehaven Road, $520,000.
Crime prevention, civil justice projects and legislation reform
• Complete the license plate reader network at 12 locations -- entrances and key intersections -- in town, $350,000.
• Seek reform to state rock mining legislation; work with Miami-Dade County and neighboring municipalities to change Florida law; urge support from the Miami-Dade County and Florida League of Cities to provide resources to aid town efforts; direct lobbyists to prioritize reform and urge support from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
• Reform laws for additional living units such as recreational vehicles.
• Amend Live Local legislation.
• Reform policy for local authority over short-term rentals such as Airbnbs.
• Create a municipal homestead exemption for seniors with low incomes.