North Miami awards college scholarships, honors community groups and police at July 8 meeting
July 09, 2025 | North Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida
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The City of North Miami recognized scholarship recipients, community organizations and police officers during the July 8 City Council meeting.
The North Miami Educational Foundation, which “has been in existence since 2012,” presented its 2025 scholarship class, a program begun in 2014 and supported by an initial $750,000 investment tied to the Biscayne Landing development, now Sola Mia. “We started the scholarship program in 2014,” said Andrea McDonald, the foundation’s staff contact. McDonald said the foundation gives about $60,000 a year in awards, typically $4,000 per student paid in two installments; she listed students and colleges including Florida Southern College, Howard University, Miami Dade College, Barry University and Florida State University.
The council also honored Taboo Fitness and its founder, Ernie Taboo, for community programs including back-to-school events and a recent eight-week fitness challenge. Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy described Taboo Fitness as delivering “affordable and unique training” and supporting youth programs.
Extended Hands, a nonprofit led by Tracy Sellers Montgomery, received council recognition for providing diapers, clothing and other new items to North Miami families; the vice mayor said the group has delivered “over $1,000,000 in new product to our North Miami community.”
Councilmembers presented officers of the month awards to several North Miami Police Department members. Councilwoman Mary Esteme Irvin summarized citations for Officer Kenton Turner, Officer Sadel Joseph, Officer Alexander Crespo, Officer Mario Pena and Detective Saleh, noting de‑escalation, tactical restraint and actions that removed immediate threats. “I have this distinct honor and pleasure of leading these amazing officers for the North Miami Police Department,” Chief Goss told the council, thanking officers for their “bravery and your dedication to keeping the citizens of North Miami safe.”
Finally the council proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month and presented a proclamation to parks and recreation staff, with speakers noting the role parks play in community health and youth activities.
The recognitions were celebratory and informational; there were no formal votes tied to the presentations.
The council recessed for its summer break after the meeting; council members and staff said they would continue outreach and programs over the summer.
The North Miami Educational Foundation, which “has been in existence since 2012,” presented its 2025 scholarship class, a program begun in 2014 and supported by an initial $750,000 investment tied to the Biscayne Landing development, now Sola Mia. “We started the scholarship program in 2014,” said Andrea McDonald, the foundation’s staff contact. McDonald said the foundation gives about $60,000 a year in awards, typically $4,000 per student paid in two installments; she listed students and colleges including Florida Southern College, Howard University, Miami Dade College, Barry University and Florida State University.
The council also honored Taboo Fitness and its founder, Ernie Taboo, for community programs including back-to-school events and a recent eight-week fitness challenge. Vice Mayor Cassandra Timothy described Taboo Fitness as delivering “affordable and unique training” and supporting youth programs.
Extended Hands, a nonprofit led by Tracy Sellers Montgomery, received council recognition for providing diapers, clothing and other new items to North Miami families; the vice mayor said the group has delivered “over $1,000,000 in new product to our North Miami community.”
Councilmembers presented officers of the month awards to several North Miami Police Department members. Councilwoman Mary Esteme Irvin summarized citations for Officer Kenton Turner, Officer Sadel Joseph, Officer Alexander Crespo, Officer Mario Pena and Detective Saleh, noting de‑escalation, tactical restraint and actions that removed immediate threats. “I have this distinct honor and pleasure of leading these amazing officers for the North Miami Police Department,” Chief Goss told the council, thanking officers for their “bravery and your dedication to keeping the citizens of North Miami safe.”
Finally the council proclaimed July as Parks and Recreation Month and presented a proclamation to parks and recreation staff, with speakers noting the role parks play in community health and youth activities.
The recognitions were celebratory and informational; there were no formal votes tied to the presentations.
The council recessed for its summer break after the meeting; council members and staff said they would continue outreach and programs over the summer.
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