Homestead council approves menorah lighting and accepts donated 'Homestead' monument letters

The City of Homestead City Council on Dec. 9 approved two community requests: permission for the Chabad of Homestead and Cutler Bay to stage its annual menorah lighting at Lozano Park on Dec. 16, and acceptance of donated large-format "Homestead" monument letters from the Miami Association of Realtors for temporary placement near City Hall Plaza.

On the menorah item staff said there would be no rental fee because the park was already activated for events; Councilman Avila moved to grant permission, seconded by Councilman Roth, and Mayor Lassner pledged $500 toward the event.

On the monument letters, staff recommended initial placement on the north side of City Hall Plaza near Civic Court and Park Place to permit a Dec. 12 placement ceremony. Council discussed anchoring, storage (development services department), and whether the letters would be permanent or relocated later. The council voted to accept the donation and permit temporary placement; staff said the letters would become city property and the council could decide on a permanent location at a later date.

What’s next: staff will coordinate the Dec. 12 placement ceremony and return to council if a permanent installation or larger‑scale enhancements (lighting, AIPP wrap) are proposed.