Miami-Dade Secures $800,000 for Citrus Grove Pedestrian Safety

MIAMI, Florida — On October 27, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins announced the receipt of $800,000 in funding from State Representative Alex Rizo. This appropriation, part of the Florida House of Representatives’ budget, aims to support the Citrus Grove School Children & Families Pedestrian Safety Initiative.

The initiative targets enhanced safety for children and families walking to Citrus Grove Elementary and Middle School in the Little Havana neighborhood. Commissioner Higgins emphasized the critical need for safer streets, stating, “Every child deserves to walk to school without fear, and every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their neighborhood streets are safe.”

The selected corridor, located along SW 22 Avenue between 3rd and 6th Streets, has a history of pedestrian accidents, prompting this infrastructure project. Planned improvements include curb extensions, a new mid-block crossing with Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) placed between NW 5th and NW 6th Streets, and concrete safety islands.

Additionally, the existing span wire pedestrian signal at NW 22 Avenue between NW 4 Terrace and NW 5 Street will be upgraded to a mast arm to increase visibility for pedestrians. The project also incorporates beautification enhancements to make the area more inviting.

State Representative Alex Rizo spoke about the importance of collaboration, saying, “When state and local leaders work together, we can deliver real results that strengthen our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for our residents.”

The projected cost for the entire project is around $3.2 million, with Miami-Dade County contributing $2.4 million. This initiative illustrates how cooperation among various levels of government can lead to significant community improvements, ultimately ensuring a safer, more connected environment for residents.