Local behavioral-services provider asks to host autism-awareness 5K at Veterans Park
March 05, 2026 | Miami Lakes, Miami-Dade County, Florida
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Sofia Fernandez, who identified herself as representing Joyful Journey Behavioral Services, asked the committee for permission and guidance to host a family‑friendly 5K run at Veterans Park to raise funds and awareness during Autism Awareness Month. "A 100% of the proceeds would go to an autism nonprofit or foundation," Fernandez said, describing the event as inclusive for families of children with autism and other behavioral diagnoses.
Committee members and staff advised that the organizers should coordinate with the town’s parks and recreation director and with the sheriff’s office for any street closures and public‑safety staffing. A staff member warned organizers that official events typically require several months of lead time to arrange closures and officer coverage, and that permits and insurance will be needed.
Fernandez said the group envisions a family-friendly 5K along the existing Veterans Park route and asked for the committee’s partnership on permits and logistics; she said organizers would welcome guidance on permit timing, insurance and other requirements. A staff member recommended direct contact with Jeremy, the director of parks and recreation, as the next step.
What happened next: Staff and committee members outlined the planning steps for a large park event — the town’s event form, vendor coordination, road‑closure protocols and sheriff involvement — and said they would relay contact information and follow up with the parks director. Fernandez thanked the committee and said she would pursue town permitting and vendor outreach.
Why it matters: A local nonprofit-run fundraiser at Veterans Park could expand local autism-awareness activities and raise funds for service providers, but it also requires coordination on public safety, insurance and scheduling to avoid conflicts with other events.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the 5K request during this meeting; staff directed the organizers to make the formal event request to the town and to work with parks and the sheriff’s office to confirm logistics.
Committee members and staff advised that the organizers should coordinate with the town’s parks and recreation director and with the sheriff’s office for any street closures and public‑safety staffing. A staff member warned organizers that official events typically require several months of lead time to arrange closures and officer coverage, and that permits and insurance will be needed.
Fernandez said the group envisions a family-friendly 5K along the existing Veterans Park route and asked for the committee’s partnership on permits and logistics; she said organizers would welcome guidance on permit timing, insurance and other requirements. A staff member recommended direct contact with Jeremy, the director of parks and recreation, as the next step.
What happened next: Staff and committee members outlined the planning steps for a large park event — the town’s event form, vendor coordination, road‑closure protocols and sheriff involvement — and said they would relay contact information and follow up with the parks director. Fernandez thanked the committee and said she would pursue town permitting and vendor outreach.
Why it matters: A local nonprofit-run fundraiser at Veterans Park could expand local autism-awareness activities and raise funds for service providers, but it also requires coordination on public safety, insurance and scheduling to avoid conflicts with other events.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the 5K request during this meeting; staff directed the organizers to make the formal event request to the town and to work with parks and the sheriff’s office to confirm logistics.
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