'Tis the Season of Giving

Toys for Tots Virtual Fundraiser This year, instead of our traditional Toy Drive, we are conducting a virtual Toy Drive for the Toys for Tots Program. Our hope is that our residents might contribute, however much they are able, if they are able, and help bring joy into the lives of needy children. We wish you all a beautiful holiday season and good health, good fortune and happiness, throughout the year.  The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity is the fundraising, funding and support organization for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.  The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. All donations through Team and Personal pages are managed with the same 97% to 3% program to support ratio as any other form of dollar donation to the Program. With over 97% of your donations going to their mission of providing toys, books, and other gifts to less fortunate children. To donate, go to tinyurl.com/BHI-Toys-4-Tots

Hurricane Relief for families in Honduras Mayor Potencial is dedicated to serving those in need. Now, more than ever, we must help those who were impacted by hurricane Eta in the north coast of Honduras. Mayor Potencial will be collaborating with other local nonprofits and organizations, raising funds to provide food care packages, clothing and construction materials.   Long-term impact There are not enough shelters to assist the 400,00 people affected, and cases of COVID are increasing as people are forced into close quarters. Initially, funds will help first responders supply food, clothing, and shelter to survivors. Funds will then be used to rebuild homes. Reconstruction efforts will work towards structurally secure and stormproof homes. 100% of donations go toward the project, less the processing fees from the means used to donate. Donate directly on the Mayor Potencial website (3% Paypal fee, no fee for checks) go to https://tinyurl.com/bhi-eta-relief to donate.

Municipal Housing Assistance Program Deadline Nears

Bay Harbor Islands and several other municipalities within Miami-Dade County, in response to the financial impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, joined together in creating the Municipal Housing Assistance Program using CARES Act Funds. The program is designed to support tenants and homeowners with up to six (6) months or $6,000 of past due mortgage or rental assistance. The deadline to apply for these funds is December 15, 2020.

Documentation requirements and full details on this program may be found by visiting https://miamidadecovidrelief.org and clicking on "Municipality Housing Assistance Program (HAP) Information" on the left side of the home page. Please do not delay! Get your application in now before it's too late!

Swearing-in of Bay Harbor Islands Police Chief Raul M. Diaz

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands invites you to join us on Facebook Live, Monday December 14th at 11:00 AM, for the swearing in of our new Chief of Police, Raul M. Diaz!

Mr. Diaz has over 31 years of demonstrated law enforcement experience, at both the local and federal level, 18 of which were at the executive level of law enforcement. He rose through the ranks at the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department to become Assistant Chief there, serving 26 years in total with that department. Most recently, he served as Chief of Police for the City of Lynchburg, VA. Our new chief holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy and serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the USAF Reserves.

Please tune in on December 14th and welcome Chief Diaz to his new home. The Facebook Live link is https://fb.me/e/W55m2guo

Take Your Picture with Santa

Stop by the front of the Morris N. Broad Community Center on Sunday, December 20th, from 3:00 - 5:30 PM and take your picture with Santa. We'll be protecting Santa for his travels, though, so everyone must wear a mask completely covering their nose and mouth, and practice social distancing while waiting. Be sure to wash your hands too - and if you are feeling sick - please stay home. Pictures with Santa are for Bay Harbor Islands residents only. Proof of residence will be required.

Bay Harbor Islands Under the Lights

Gather the family together, put on your masks, hop in the car and take a drive down 95th Street, Sunday December 20th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and take in the beauty of Bay Harbor Islands Under the Lights! Our littlest residents can drop off their letters to Santa in our Wish for Santa Mailbox, while our Community Services staff hands out treats! And don’t forget to dress up your car for the holidays! This event is for the enjoyment of Bay Harbor Islands residents only please. We ask that you remain in your vehicles and where a mask when staff nears your vehicle. No walk ups, please. For more information call (786) 646-9970.

Business District Assessment

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands is conducting a Business District Assessment to help gather information needed to evaluate and access tools to help our local businesses during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic. 

In order to better serve our community, we need your help. We ask that you please take a few minutes to complete the Business District survey by answering a few questions. To participate, go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BusinessDistrict and complete the survey there. The deadline for response is December 31, 2020. Thank you in advance for your input. We look forward to hearing from you.

Town Hall, the Building Department and the Annex Building are open but by Appointment Only

For the safety of our Town employees and the greater public; our Town Hall offices and lobby, the Annex building offices and our Building Department are accessible by appointment only. Any person requiring in person access to any Town service or staff member must first request an appointment. Visitors are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth and only one person may enter at a time. To schedule an appointment, click here to access our "Contact Us" form and indicate what it is you require and or with whom you wish to meet in the form's comments section. Be sure to include your name, email address. and phone number. You may also email staff directly. Click here to access the staff directory. Many services are also available online, for your convenience, making a visit to Town Hall unnecessary. Visit the "I Want to" page for more information.

This Month's Newswaves

Get more news, information, Community Center program schedules and times, upcoming meeting info and more in the Bay Harbor Islands Newswaves. Get this months copy at www.bayharborislands-fl.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1423/December-2020-Newswaves

New Online Programs from the Community Services Department

Dance, meditate, do yoga & tai chi, play soccer, create and learn with us! Check out the great new programming we have for Bay Harbor Islands residents of all ages on Zoom! Visit our calendar for dates and times or Fun Things to do at Home for more info.  

Got a problem? See or hear a problem? Let's FixiT!

The Town of Bay Harbor Islands FixiT Form allows you to alert us to a problem in our Town that needs attention so that we can FixiT! Fill it in - then send it in, and we'll do the rest. Take a look https://tinyurl.com/BHI-FixiT