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In Today's Homestead Local Scoop Issue…
📅 Homestead Area Events
🗳️ Byron Donalds wins Florida's governor race
🏁 NASCAR's Biggest Weekend Starts Tonight in Homestead
🏡 Florida Homeowners Approve Bigger Property Tax Exemption
🏫 Five Miami-Dade Schools Could Close as District Reviews Enrollment
🚧 Roadwork near Lucy Street and Krome Avenue may change your route
Race Day Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Packed 🏁
Heading to the races this weekend? Don’t forget the essentials! From ear protection and sunscreen to cooling towels, insulated bottles, and portable chargers, we’ve rounded up practical picks to help you enjoy race day.
Friday, November 6
Karaoke Night at Losner Park - 104 N. Krome Ave., Homestead | Free community karaoke - 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Friday Date Night Under the Stars | Schnebly Redland's Winery, Homestead | Dining and DJ music; paid admission | 7:00–11:00 p.m.
The Berry Farm Harvest Festival | 13720 SW 216th St., Redland | Corn maze, hayrides and fall activities; paid admission | Hours vary
NASCAR Truck Series Championship - Homestead-Miami Speedway | Ticketed championship race - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 7
Redland Market Village Family Fun – Homestead; family-friendly market activities; free entry listed – Time not specified.
Farm-tastic Saturdays | Fertile Earth Worm Farm, Homestead | Hands-on farm volunteering | Time to confirm
The Berry Farm Harvest Festival | Redland | Fall farm activities; paid admission | Hours vary
Fall Recycling Drive-Thru | Palmetto Bay Village Hall | Proof of residency requested | 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum Free First Saturday – 12450 SW 152nd St., Miami; free museum admission, with train rides and food available for purchase – 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship - Homestead-Miami Speedway | Ticketed championship race - 5:00 p.m.
Veterans Day Event at Losner Park | 104 N. Krome Ave., Homestead | Free community celebration | 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Britnee Kellogg Live | The Moss Center, Cutler Bay | Country concert; tickets from $40 | 8:00–9:30 p.m.
Allyson Briggs and The Dan Gabel Big Band | Pinecrest Gardens | Ticketed | 8:00–10:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 8
The Berry Farm Harvest Festival - 13720 SW 216th St., Redland. Paid admission. - 9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Yoga by the Bay - Palmetto Bay - 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Glades Glimpse Ranger Program - Everglades National Park's Royal Palm area. Park admission applies. - 1:30 p.m.
NASCAR Cup Series Championship - Homestead-Miami Speedway, with a pre-race concert featuring Jason Derulo at 1 p.m. Tickets required. - 3:00 p.m.
Sinatra & Bublé: A Tribute to the American Songbook - The Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center, 10950 SW 211th St., Cutler Bay. Tickets required. - 3:00 p.m.
Orchestra Miami's 20th Anniversary Concert - Beethoven's Triple Concerto and works by Mozart at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Road. Tickets required. - 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Monday, November 9
The Berry Farm Harvest Festival | Redland | Seasonal farm activities; paid admission | Hours vary
Florida City Free Cancer and Health Screenings - Eugene D. Berry Youth Activity Center, 650 NW 5th Ave., Florida City | Check eligibility and requirements before visiting - 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
NASCAR Racing Experience - Homestead-Miami Speedway | Paid driving and ride-along experiences; time slots vary - Time varies
Check each organizer's page before heading out. Schedules may change.
Meme of The Day
Florida Elects Its First Black Governor. What's Next for South Dade?
Florida voters have elected Republican Byron Donalds as their next governor. Donalds defeated Democrat David Jolly in Tuesday's election and is set to become the first Black governor in Florida history. Unofficial state results show Donalds with 50.02% of the vote and Jolly with 48.71%. Donalds ran with Bryan Avila as lieutenant governor; Jolly ran with Gwen Graham. Donalds will succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis in January.
What does it mean for Homestead and South Dade? The next administration will help shape statewide decisions on issues residents care about, including housing costs, property insurance, schools and transportation. But campaign promises are not new laws. We'll follow what the incoming administration actually proposes and what lawmakers approve.
NASCAR's Biggest Weekend Starts Tonight in Homestead
Homestead-Miami Speedway is hosting the NASCAR championship races Friday through Sunday. First up is the Craftsman Truck Series Championship tonight at 7:30 p.m. Saturday brings the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship at 5 p.m., and the Cup Series title race starts Sunday at 3 p.m. Whether you're heading to the track or just driving nearby, expect a busier-than-usual weekend around the speedway.
Florida Homeowners Approve Bigger Property Tax Exemption
Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with about 62% support. The non-school homestead exemption rises to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for qualifying homeowners. That reduces taxable home value, not the tax bill by those dollar amounts. School property taxes still apply. Cities and counties could also lose revenue for local services. Lawmakers are expected to work out implementation details.
Five Miami-Dade Schools Could Close as District Reviews Enrollment
Miami-Dade County Public Schools is considering closing five schools because of declining enrollment: Golden Glades Elementary, Myrtle Grove Elementary, Carol City Middle, Lorah Park Elementary and Hammocks Middle. None is in Homestead. The district is reviewing more campuses, but no final closure decision has been made. The School Board vote is expected in March 2027.
Heads Up on Krome Avenue Roadwork
If you're heading downtown, leave a little extra time. The Lucy Street and Krome Avenue intersection was scheduled to close for roughly a week beginning November 1 for sewer improvements. Check the latest city updates before driving, since construction schedules can change.
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