🌀 Peak hurricane season is here. Check your household prep today.

🏥 Homestead Hospital marks 86 years of serving the community.

💼 South Dade businesses can tap into hiring help tomorrow.

⛱ Castellow Hammock Is a Tiny South Dade Escape That Feels Much Farther Away

🐶 It’s National Dog Day. Give your pup some extra love today.

August 26

August 27

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Meme of The Day

So, take five minutes today to check the basics: water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, pet supplies and waterproof copies of important documents. While you’re checking supplies, check your household plan too. Know your evacuation zone, make sure everyone knows what to do

Read more: City of Homestead Tropical Cyclone Information

Long before today’s hospital campus existed, healthcare in Homestead looked very different. In 1940, local physician Dr. James Archer Smith opened a small 10-bed hospital east of Krome Avenue, beginning what would become decades of healthcare service in the community. Over the years, that small hospital grew, changed ownership and eventually became the Homestead Hospital generations of South Dade families know today.

That growth reached a major milestone in May 2007, when the current Homestead Hospital opened with 147 licensed beds, a remarkable transformation from those original ten. But the hospital’s story isn’t just about buildings and beds. It’s also about the people and families who have passed through its doors. Dr. Charles Augustus II, Homestead Hospital’s chief medical officer and longtime OB/GYN, has estimated that he has delivered about 10,000 babies in the community during more than three decades of practice.

It’s easy to think of a hospital simply as a building we hope we don’t need. But after 86 years, Homestead Hospital has become part of countless South Dade family stories, from births and emergencies to recoveries and goodbyes.

Read more: Homestead Hospital

A viral confrontation between an SUV driver and cyclists in Cutler Bay now has a Homestead connection.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 40-year-old Homestead man Monday after investigators said he swerved toward cyclists Saturday morning near SW 87th Avenue and 184th Street. Deputies allege one cyclist was forced off the roadway, another was struck and a shot was fired during the confrontation. No serious injuries were reported.

The suspect faces charges including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm from a vehicle. These are allegations, and the case remains subject to the court process.

Read more: https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/man-arrested-after-trying-to-run-cyclist-off-road-then-firing-gun-at-him-in-cutler-bay/

Miami-Dade County Public Schools is hiring across South Dade, with several new opportunities posted August 25. Current openings include six full-time bus aide positions in Florida City, a therapeutic paraprofessional position at MAST @ Homestead, and multiple positions at South Dade Senior High.

If you’re looking for work closer to home, this is worth checking. Positions can fill quickly, and additional local openings may be added throughout the school year.

📅 Date: Thursday, Aug. 27
⏰ Time: 9:30 p.m. - 12:00 p.m
Read more: Miami-Dade County Public Schools jobs

Castellow Hammock Is a Tiny South Dade Escape That Feels Much Farther Away

Hidden Gem
Need a quick escape without actually leaving South Dade? Castellow Hammock Preserve is tucked away near Redland and protects 112 acres centered around a mature tropical hardwood hammock.

Take the half-mile self-guided nature trail, wander through the butterfly and hummingbird garden, or slow down and see how many birds you can spot along the way. It's an easy option when you want some fresh air and nature without committing to a full day at the Everglades.

📍 22301 SW 162nd Ave., Miami
🥾 Good for: Short nature walks, birding, butterflies and a quiet reset.
Website: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/recreation/park/castellow-hammock-preserve.page

We’re choosing local businesses to spotlight in an upcoming issue of Homestead Local Scoop. If you’d like to be considered, it only takes a quick 5-minute interview you can complete from your phone whenever it’s convenient.

Interested in being featured? Click below to get started.