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In Today's Homestead Local Scoop Issue…
📅 Homestead Area Events
📬 Two Arrested in Homestead Mail-Theft Case
🏗️ Homestead Outlines Infrastructure and Growth Plans
🌀 Isaias Threatens the Northern Gulf, Not South Dade
🎓 Magnet and VPK Applications Are Open
🥫 Homestead Nonprofit Calls for Healthier Food Baskets
🍽️ Yardie Spice Offers Jerk, Griot and Vegan Plates
🍺 Florida City Taproom Stays Open Late
💼 BrightView Lists 25 Homestead Jobs
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October 10
Nature & Sound Meditation Experience: World Mental Health Day — 1:30–2:30 p.m.
Harvest Festival at The Berry Farm — Check organizer for today's hours and admission.
Redland Market Village Family Fun — check operating hours.
Spooky Keychains at Palmetto Bay Library — 11 a.m.–noon, registration required
Orchids in October — 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. | Adult: $27.95, Senior: $20.95, Child Ages 3-11: $14.95
SoMi Second Saturdays Night Market — 5:30 p.m.–9:30 p.m.
Botanical Jewelry Workshop — 11:00 a.m. | $35 for adults 12+, $28 for children and $10 for members
Community Action Day at Deering Estate — 9:00 a.m.–noon
Palmetto Bay Dye Workshop Series — 11:00 a.m. | ages 12+ and tickets start at $22.67
Deering Herp Tour — 7–9 p.m. | tickets are $20
GOT AN EVENT YOU WANT US TO PROMOTE?
What This Day Is All About
Today is World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day. A good reminder to check on someone, support a neighbor and take care of yourself, too.
Two Arrested After Homestead Mail-Theft Investigation and Pursuit
Photo: WSVN Channel 7
Homestead police and U.S. postal inspectors say a weeks-long investigation into stolen mail led to two arrests Thursday. Officers responded to a theft report near East Mowry Drive, spotted a suspected vehicle on North Homestead Boulevard and attempted a stop. Police say the vehicle crashed near SW 296th Street and U.S. 1 after a short pursuit. The driver was caught after fleeing on foot, and a passenger was arrested at the scene. Investigators reported recovering evidence of stolen mail. Both suspects face 34 mail-theft counts and additional charges. If you are missing checks, bills or important letters, review your mail delivery and report suspected theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Homestead's State of the City Highlights Infrastructure, Recreation and Aerospace
Left to right. Homestead City Manager “Zerry” Ihekwaba, Councilmember Avila, Vice-Mayor Bailey, Congressman Gimenez, Mayor Losner, County Commissioner Mcghee, Councilmember Roth, State Representative Chambliss, Councilmember Konsky. Councilmember Fletcher could not be present for the September 29, 2026 State of the City address. Photo: South Dade News Leader
Homestead's plans for infrastructure, more recreation and an emerging aerospace industry took center stage in Mayor Steven Losner's September 29 State of the City address, according to a new October 9 report from the South Dade News Leader. The speech followed adoption of the city's new budget. For residents, the next thing to watch is which projects receive funding, where work begins and how construction or new facilities may affect neighborhoods. Business owners can also watch for opportunities tied to the city's growth. The report is new, although the address itself took place last month.
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Isaias Is a Major Hurricane, but South Dade Is Still Outside the Warning Area
A stronger Isaias matters to South Dade mainly through travel, deliveries and loved ones along the northern Gulf Coast. The National Hurricane Center’s Friday afternoon update placed the Category 3 hurricane south of Pensacola with winds near 120 mph. Current warnings remain focused on the Florida Panhandle, Alabama and Mississippi, not Miami-Dade. Saturday in Homestead is expected to bring a couple of morning showers and humid clouds, but those are not the hurricane’s core impacts. Anyone driving north should check road conditions and the newest forecast cone before leaving. A saved screenshot can become stale quickly as the storm moves toward land. Local residents should keep ordinary hurricane-season supplies in shape without treating this as a South Dade emergency. Recheck the live advisory before any Gulf Coast travel or delivery decision.
South Dade Families Can Now Apply for 2027–28 Magnet and VPK Programs
Parents planning next school year can act now: Miami-Dade County Public Schools opened applications October 1 for its 2027–28 magnet and voluntary prekindergarten programs. More than 300 magnet options cover fields including science, technology, arts and skilled trades. K–12 magnet applications go through the M-DCPS Parent Portal, where families select the Admissions Application tile. Specialized VPK magnet and lottery programs also use the portal, while traditional neighborhood VPK programs generally take applications at the school. Families should review eligibility and individual school options before applying. The magnet application deadline is January 15, 2027.
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A Homestead Nonprofit Wants Healthier Food Baskets, Not Just Any Canned Goods
A better donation this weekend may be a coordinated healthy basket instead of a random bag of pantry extras. Homestead-based Corazones Vivos says it is shifting from general in-kind food donations toward curated baskets for neighbors managing diabetes, hypertension and other health concerns. That makes the gift more useful for the person receiving it and helps the nonprofit avoid items that do not fit a family’s needs. The organization also marks World Homeless Day on October 10 by helping people connect with meals, shelter, health resources, forms and appointments. Its broader Homestead work includes community meals and free guidance for college, scholarships, careers and grants. Volunteers and donors can take part, but Friday food drop-offs should be coordinated by email before arriving. Residents who need help can use the outreach page to understand what support is available. A church, club or workplace could also organize one complete basket instead of collecting a little of everything. Start with the nonprofit’s current wish and coordination instructions so your good intention becomes the right help.
Yardie Spice Gives Saturday Groups Jerk, Griot and Vegan Options
Restaurant Spotlight
A mixed group can order Caribbean food Saturday without making the vegan diner settle for side dishes. Yardie Spice serves Jamaican and Haitian favorites on South Krome Avenue and has been part of Homestead’s restaurant mix since 2013. The menu moves from jerk chicken and brown stew chicken to griot, whole snapper and oxtail. Its Vegan’s Corner adds full plates such as curry vegetables, curry lentils, curry tofu and jerked tofu. That range makes the small restaurant especially handy when one table wants meat, seafood and plant-based food at the same meal. Saturday hours run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., while the restaurant is closed Sunday. Menu prices and availability can change, so check the current menu before promising someone a specific dish. Ordering directly from the local restaurant keeps the stop connected to a long-running Krome Avenue business.
🕐 Hours: 11:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Yardie Spice, 225 S Krome Ave, Homestead
🌐 Website: Yardie Spice menu and ordering
BrightView Lists 25 Homestead Jobs, Including a New Account Manager Role
Photo: BrightView
A larger local job list gives South Dade applicants more ways to match experience without adding a long commute. BrightView’s Homestead careers page currently shows 25 openings, up from the 20 roles highlighted in August. The mix includes 21 hourly and four salaried positions across production crews, skilled trades, operations management and sales. A new account manager opening was posted Friday, while recent listings also include hardscape foreman, landscape crew leader and assistant golf course superintendent. Many field roles require outdoor work, lifting and comfort in South Florida heat. Some full-time positions may include medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement contributions, paid time off and tuition support, depending on the role. Applicants should open the exact posting rather than assuming every benefit or requirement is identical. Tailor the résumé to crew leadership, irrigation, hardscape, golf or client-service experience, then apply through the official careers page.
