Virginia Key Outdoor Center

Good morning, friends!

Today, we woke up to a city in distress. Flooded roads, leaking roofs, and power outages have left our community in a state of distress. Today is also Give Miami Day, one of the most important days for local nonprofits to raise funds for the upcoming year. I am writing to you today to ask for your support for Urban Paradise Guild (UPG), one of the oldest climate action groups in Miami.

https://www.givemiamiday.org/organization/UrbanParadise

UPG is committed to addressing climate issues on the ground through policy initiatives, service, habitat restoration, education, and conservation efforts.

This year, UPG was awarded a substantial grant by AmeriCorp, which will allow us to hire 20 to 25 climate interns. This investment in our efforts will enable us to expand our impact in the community. These are matching funds, meaning we need a big assist in terms of fundraising. Help us reach our goal.

On this Give Miami Day, we are asking for your support. Our fundraising goal is $25,000. We have a matching grant commitment of $11,000 from long-time UPG supporters. The Miami Foundation will add another 5% to your donation made today. Your donation of $25, $50, $100 or more will be amplified by 105% today.

Please consider donating to UPG and help us continue our mission to create a sustainable future for our community. Together, we can make a difference! 🌱🌿🌳

https://www.givemiamiday.org/organization/UrbanParadise

Hi VKOC followers!  Please take this survey about how Virginia Key Outdoor Center has made an impact on your lives. It should take between 5 -10 minutes. 

🟩 https://umiami.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b8Xzt7Gu9rZbJd4 ⬅️

🔍 What’s going on at the ? Swipe left to learn more. Mayor before this SUNDAY to veto the resolution that replaces ALL the members of the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust.

Call, email, and @ him! Let him know that you want to preserve the existing board of trustees and protect Virginia Key for generations to come.

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Contact Mayor Francis Suarez TODAY. Ask him to Veto SR.5 (12497) before THIS Sunday (10/23)

Instagram / Twitter
[email protected]
(305) 250-5300

Share this post and tag your friends! More people need to know what is going on!

Thank you.

We hope this isn’t the last you hear from us. Continue to be active in your community. We must protect Virginia Key with or with out us operating there.

If you have a moment, take a look at the Virginia Key Alliance and get involved today.

💚https://www.virginiakeyalliance.org

On Tuesday, September 13th at 9AM the City of Miami Commission will be meeting for the first time since they passed the pilot program for the homeless encampment on Virginia Key. It so happens that the Commissioners will also be discussing the fate of the Virginia Key Outdoor Center, who like many of you know was closed down for numerous 'code violations' weeks ago.

We must show the City of Miami Commissioners how much the residents love and value Virginia Key and the VKOC. We are calling for residents to attend the rally in front of Miami's City Hall (3500 Pan American Dr, Miami, FL 33133). Bring your signs and bring your friends who also care about Virginia Key!

The City of Miami Commission meeting also starts at 9AM and there will be an opportunity inside to participate in public comment in the morning. This could possibly be our last chance to show the Commissioners how much of a value Virginia Key and the VKOC is to the community. Please show up. If you are unable to come in person, here are a few things you can do:

1.) Contact your elected officials. Express to them that Virginia Key is an environmentally sensitive area and the Virginia Key Outdoor Center has become a staple in the local community when it comes to promoting and providing access to the outdoors! Tag them online too!

➡️Mayor Francis Suarez ()
[email protected]
(305) 250-5300

➡️District #1 Alex Diaz de la Portilla ()
[email protected]
(305) 250-5430

➡️District #2 Ken Russell ()
[email protected]
305-250-5333

➡️District #3 Joe Carollo ()
[email protected]
305-960-4650

➡️District #4 Manolo Reyes ()
[email protected]
3052505420

➡️District #5 Christine King ()
[email protected]
305-250-5390

2.) Sign and share the ongoing petition, www.change.org/savevirginiakey

3.) Reach out to the Miami Coalition to Advance Racial Equity () They are currently organizing the rally outside of City Hall and are in need of supplies to create signs and water for volunteers.

Explore everything has to offer you with the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. 💚 Let's protect this island for future generations, to learn more visit vkoc.net/savevirginiakey

In the mean time - we are open every day for kayak, paddleboard, and mountain bike rentals. Walk in or visit vkoc.net/book-now to reserve in advance.

Join us on Thursday and Friday for an evening under the ! We'll be paddling out and enjoying the sun set behind the Miami Skyline and returning as the full moon rises over us.

Spots are very limited, you can book at
www.vkoc.net/full-moon-paddle 💚
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Have you heard what's going on inside Virginia Key North Point Park? The City of Miami proposed to house 50-100 chronically houseless individuals inside a city park - on an island, miles away from resources they would need. For more information visit vkoc.net/savevirginiakey

Its and we couldn't resist.... Our fav grumpy fat cat relaxing on the deck 😚

Join us tonight at Commissioner Raquel Regalado’s info session on the recently approved pilot homeless encampment in Virginia Key.

RSVP ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://miamidade.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3jBzeiytQAe3ggxDsWaOvg