Celebrating a Year of Success in Pinecrest: Pinecrest Did This
Published on December 05, 2023
As the end of the year approaches, the Village reflects on the many achievements it has celebrated over the past year. The Village Council and staff work diligently to implement projects and initiatives that bring savings to residents and enrich the community.
The groundbreaking Potable Water Project is complete, a testament to the Village’s determination and forward-thinking strategy. Over 725 properties now have access to reliable county drinking water and fire hydrants, a major victory that past councils aspired to achieve. Most notably, the burden on Pinecrest residents was significantly lightened through effective financial planning and securing over $8.5 million in grants.
Committed to financial stability and your well-being, the Village maintained the same millage rate that has been in place since 2020. There have also been significant strides in flood plain management, resulting in a notable 15% decrease in flood insurance premiums for our residents.
This year also included Pinecrest at the top of Niche’s list of the 25 best places to live in South Florida.
In line with being a model city, Pinecrest partnered with Miami-Dade County, with the help of District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado to bring two new initiatives to the Community. Pinecrest became the first South Florida municipality to pilot a that offers a free, sustainable solution for waste management. Another new initiative is the , which takes a humane approach to managing the peafowl population and captured national attention and a front-page story in the .
In line with being a model city, Pinecrest partnered with Miami-Dade County, with the help of District 7 Commissioner Raquel Regalado to bring two new initiatives to the Community. Pinecrest became the first South Florida municipality to pilot a Composting Program that offers a free, sustainable solution for waste management. Another new initiative is the Peacock Mitigation Program, which takes a humane approach to managing the peafowl population and captured national attention and a front-page story in the New York Times.
Pickleball gained traction in the Village (and everywhere else). Residents enjoy the sport so much that the Village opened new pickleball courts at Coral Pine Park earlier this year. They continue to be in high demand.
The Pinecrest Police Department was awarded the distinguished Double Excelsior Award by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). This recognition is the highest level of achievement in Florida law enforcement accreditation, reflecting the department's ongoing dedication to excellence in its service to the community.
The award is presented to agencies that have successfully maintained their accreditation status for six consecutive reaccreditation cycles at three years each. The next cycle will be in 2026 and the department will be up for a Triple Excelsior Award.
The department also launched the H.E.A.R.T. Program, conceived by Sergeant Jeanette Cobo, who works tirelessly to bring hope and support to the homeless community.
Emphasizing inclusivity, the Village unveiled a transformative Upper Garden project at Pinecrest Gardens in November 2022, offering an ADA-accessible playground and enriching programming, ensuring everyone can engage and enjoy.
Pinecrest was awarded the Arbor Day Foundation 2022 Growth Award for its continuous efforts to improve the urban forestry program and protect the tree canopy, a nod to its long-standing dedication to environmental preservation.
Several repeat accolades were received this year, including the Tree City USA designation, Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
Pinecrest thrives not just because of the diligent work of the Village Council and staff but because of you, the residents. Together, we can look forward to another year of progress, prosperity, and community spirit.
Pinecrest did this and will continue to do even more.