Draft:Kevin Marino Cabrera

  • Comment: Potential COI with user named WestMiamiLovesKevin. Paul Vaurie (talk) 00:34, 12 August 2023 (UTC)
  • Comment: Please note that per WP:NPOL, county commissioners are not automatically entitled to have Wikipedia articles. The bar for getting a county commissioner into Wikipedia is not "verify that he exists" -- it is "demonstrate a volume of media coverage that shows a credible reason to treat him as a special case of much more national significance than most other county commissioners".
    Also, this is written like his own campaign brochure, and not like a proper neutral encyclopedia article. Bearcat (talk) 14:03, 29 December 2022 (UTC)

Kevin Marino Cabrera
Member of the Miami-Dade County Commission
from the 6th district
In office
November 22, 2022 – Present
Preceded byRebecca Sosa
Former member of the Miami-Dade County Community Council
Area/Subarea 11/116
In office
November 18, 2016 – November 2018
Personal details
Born (1990-09-03) September 3, 1990 (age 34)
Miami, Florida, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
EducationFlorida International University

Kevin Marino Cabrera (born September 3, 1990) is an American politician from Florida and the current commissioner of Miami-Dade County, Florida for District 6. After winning a primary election, he won the general election with 62% of the vote.[1][2] [3][4]During the election, Cabrera received the endorsement of Donald J. Trump.[5] Becoming one of a select few endorsements made by President Trump in local County races.[6][7] See List of endorsements by Donald Trump.

Prior to serving as an elected official, Commissioner Cabrera worked as Florida State Director for Donald J. Trump for President and the Republican National Committee, where he oversaw the campaign’s effort to win Florida’s 29 electoral votes. He appeared several times on CSPAN discussing the Trump campaign.[8] Cabrera routinely appears in major publications across the ideological spectrum, such as the Los Angeles Times[9] and NBC News[10] discussing national politics.

Commissioner Cabrera was appointed councilman for West Kendall’s Community Council, local land use and zoning board in Miami-Dade County, in 2015. He was subsequently elected to a full term in 2016.

He serves as Vice Chair of the International Trade Consortium[11] and the Community Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Committee. Additionally, he serves on the following committees: Airport and Economic Development Committee, Community Health Committee, Biscayne Bay Commission[12], and the Miami-Dade Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board. Additionally, he is a member of the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization Governing Board.[13]

A Miami native, Commissioner Cabrera majored in Political Science with a minor in International Relations at Florida International University, graduating cum laude. Commissioner Cabrera is also an Honors graduate from Miami-Dade College, where he received an Associate Degree in Public Administration. [14]

Commissioner Cabrera notably penned an Op-Ed titled Miami-Dade County is helping residents facing out-of-control housing costs | Opinion in the Miami Herald regarding steps Miami-Dade County is taking to address home affordability issues.

In recognition of National Drowning Prevention Month, Commissioner Cabrera, along with Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo, launched a summer swim scholarship program at Babcock Park in Hialeah.[15]

Early Life and Education

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Kevin Marino Cabrera was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He is a first-generation Cuban American, which has significantly influenced his dedication to public service. Cabrera attended Miami Dade College and Florida International University, where he studied political science.

Career

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Early Career

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Cabrera began his political career as a field director for Carlos Curbelo’s 2014 congressional campaign. After Curbelo won office, Cabrera served as the director of constituent services.

Political Roles

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  • LIBRE Initiative: Cabrera worked as the South Florida field director for the LIBRE Initiative, a Latino conservative advocacy nonprofit.
  • Miami-Dade Land Use Zoning Board: In 2015, Cabrera was appointed as a Councilman to a Miami-Dade land use zoning board and was elected to a full term in 2016 [16]
  • Florida State Director for Donald Trump’s 2020 Campaign: Cabrera led a voter contact program that contributed to the highest level of registered Republicans in Florida history.
Miami-Dade County Commission
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In November 2022, Cabrera was elected as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 6, defeating former Coral Gables City Commissioner Jorge Fors Jr. in a runoff election with 61.5% of the vote and the endorsement of President Donald J. Trump. His district includes Coral Gables, Hialeah, Miami, Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, and West Miami.[17] [18]

Republican State Committeeman
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In November 2023, Cabrera was elected as a Republican State Committeeman for Miami-Dade County with over 70% of the vote. Pledging upon his election to "roll up my sleeves and work together strengthen our Republican Party, putting America, Florida, and Miami-Dade County first,” he said. “Together, we will work tirelessly to elect Republicans up and down the ballot, ensuring a brighter future for our great nation and county.” [19]

Bid for RPOF Vice Chair
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In 2024, Cabrera announced his candidacy for Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). His campaign received endorsements from prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump[20] and Senator Marco Rubio.[21]

Platform Committee for the Republican National Committee
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Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera has served on the Republican National Committee (RNC) Platform Committee, contributing to the development and articulation of the party's policy positions and principles. In this role, Cabrera has been involved in drafting and revising the party's platform to reflect contemporary issues and the evolving priorities of the Republican electorate.

His work on the committee has focused on key areas such as economic policy, national security, healthcare, and education. Consequently he has been featured in the New York Times [22], interviewed by ABC News at the Republican National Convention [23] , Telemundo [24], and more.

Miami-Dade County Commission

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Since being elected in 2022 to the Miami-Dade County Commission, Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera has spearheaded several initiatives and legislation aimed at improving quality of life, community resources, beautification efforts and various other areas. Such efforts include:

Improving Miami International Airport

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Commissioner Cabrera's resolution to make sure that the County is thoroughly inspecting and upgrading Miami International Airport's aging infrastructure directed the administration to investigate and address critical mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and IT systems for the county's largest economic engine. [25]

Golden Passport Program & Transit Expansion

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Commissioner Cabrera expanded access to the Golden Passport Program, worked to synchronize traffic lights, safeguard the Ludlam Trail, and the highlighted the need for seamless connectivity between Miami-Dade Transit and municipal trolleys and rideshare services. [26]

Ludlam Trail

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Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera spearheaded a project to construct three new pedestrian bridges along the Ludlam Trail, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and improving connectivity for both pedestrians and cyclists. The bridges will provide safe crossings over W. Flagler Street, SW Eighth Street, and Bird Road (SW 40th Street). Additionally, a private developer is constructing a bridge over Coral Way (SW 24th Street) to ensure a continuous trail along the corridor.

Commissioner Cabrera highlighted the significance of the project, noting that the elevated segments will allow users to travel safely and uninterrupted from Robert King High Park by Flagler Street past A.D. Barnes Park to South Miami High, his alma mater. He emphasized that these measures will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities on some of the busiest roads while fulfilling the community's long-standing desire for a linear park.

The resolution mandates that the planning and design of these bridges commence within the current year to expedite their implementation. Miami-Dade County will collaborate with the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure the project's seamless execution, bringing these vital safety improvements to county residents.[27]

Services for the Elderly

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Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera introduced legislation focused on improving services for older adults in Miami-Dade County. The resolution directs the County Mayor to conduct a thorough study to identify and address gaps in services provided to seniors. “My district has the highest percentage of older adults in Miami-Dade County, and I want to make sure we are taking care of their well-being and quality of life,” stated Commissioner Cabrera. “With Miami-Dade’s population aging, we must address current service gaps. Our initiative includes a study to identify these gaps and develop solutions to enhance services.” [28]

Commissioner Cabrera highlighted the need to improve various services, such as meal provision, recreational activities, adult day care, personal care assistance, healthcare services, home renovations, and transportation. The resolution mandates a report within 90 days detailing existing services, challenges, and recommended improvements.

“We’ve heard from the Miami-Dade County Elder Affairs Advisory Board about the lack of information on service gaps,” continued Commissioner Cabrera. “This study will provide the necessary data to serve our seniors better, ensuring they can age with dignity and purpose.”

The study will cover several critical areas, including:

  • Evaluating County-funded services and their effectiveness.
  • Addressing challenges like food and housing, transportation, medical care, and recreational opportunities.
  • Providing statistics on housing program waitlists, demographics, and identifying food deserts.
  • Documenting waitlists, demographics, and access to meal programs, hospitalizations, medical providers, and insurance.
  • Assessing service requests from individuals and households, and identifying those at risk of home loss due to rising property costs.
  • Proposing measures to tackle challenges and enhance service accessibility. [29]

Reducing Speed Limits in Residential Neighborhoods & Parks

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Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera has championed a resolution aimed at enhancing the safety of Miami-Dade County's neighborhoods and parks by reducing the speed limit to 25 mph on all County-maintained residential roads, as well as roads adjacent to parks and recreational centers. This initiative seeks to improve resident safety and create a uniform speed limit across various areas, addressing inconsistencies where speed limits can change within a single block.

Commissioner Cabrera emphasized the importance of this measure, noting feedback from communities such as Schenley Park and the Waterways that have long advocated for lower speed limits. The resolution mandates a comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of implementing these reduced speed limits in unincorporated areas of the County. The administration has 120 days to complete the study and recommend a thorough implementation plan to ensure safe and effective execution of this safety initiative, allowing residents of all ages to more safely enjoy their neighborhoods and public parks.[30]

References

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  1. ^ "Summary Results - Election Night Reporting". enr.electionsfl.org.
  2. ^ "Kevin Marino Cabrera". Ballotpedia.
  3. ^ Scheckner, Jesse (November 9, 2022). "Kevin Marino Cabrera wins District 6 seat on Miami-Dade Commission".
  4. ^ https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/election/article268243622.html
  5. ^ https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article261148442.html
  6. ^ Housler, Kaitlin (May 8, 2022). "Kevin Marino Cabrera Secures Endorsement from Former President Trump for the Miami-Dade County Commission". Tennessee Star.
  7. ^ "Endorsements by Donald Trump". Ballotpedia.
  8. ^ "Kevin Marino Cabrera | C-SPAN.org". www.c-span.org.
  9. ^ Licon, Adriana Gomez; Press, JOSHUA GOODMAN Associated (June 12, 2023). "In Miami, Trump's ardent backers are a sign of the city's rightward shift". Los Angeles Times.
  10. ^ "For Cuban American voters in Florida, it's Trump's race by a mile". NBC News. July 14, 2023.
  11. ^ "International Trade". www.miamidade.gov.
  12. ^ "Biscayne Bay Commission | Water Quality Dashboard". protectingfloridatogether.gov.
  13. ^ "Miami-Dade TPO". www.miamidadetpo.org.
  14. ^ "About Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera". www.miamidade.gov.
  15. ^ Releases, Community News (May 25, 2023). "Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera and Hialeah Mayor Esteban Bovo Announces Launch Of Summer Swimming Lessons And Scholarship Program In Hialeah | Aventura Community News#".
  16. ^ "Biscayne Bay Commission | Water Quality Dashboard". protectingfloridatogether.gov. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  17. ^ Scheckner, Jesse (August 24, 2022). "Kevin Marino Cabrera, Jorge Fors Jr. head to runoff for District 6 seat on Miami-Dade Commission". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  18. ^ Scheckner, Jesse (November 9, 2022). "Kevin Marino Cabrera wins District 6 seat on Miami-Dade Commission". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  19. ^ Scheckner, Jesse (November 21, 2023). "Kevin Marino Cabrera elected GOP State Committeeman". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  20. ^ "Donald Trump just confirmed he has a favorite on the Miami-Dade County Commission". Yahoo News. January 25, 2024. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  21. ^ Scheckner, Jesse (January 29, 2024). "Marco Rubio, 4 state lawmakers endorse Kevin Marino Cabrera for Florida GOP Vice Chair". Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  22. ^ Draper, Robert (July 8, 2024). "A Republican Platform That Could Read Like a Trump Rally". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  23. ^ Smith, Matt (July 9, 2024). "RNC platform committee adopts new GOP platform in Milwaukee ahead of convention next week". WISN. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  24. ^ Noticias Telemundo (July 22, 2024). Analistas describen ambiente político tras renuncia de Biden | Noticias Telemundo. Retrieved July 24, 2024 – via YouTube.
  25. ^ "FYI Miami: July 25, 2024". Miami Today. July 23, 2024. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  26. ^ Almufleh, Aws; Gabriel, Tori; Tokayer, Laura; Comerford, Mary; Alaqeel, Ahmed; Kurlansky, Paul (April 28, 2015). "Role of community health outreach program "living for health"® in improving access to federally qualified health centers in Miami-dade county, Florida: a cross-sectional study". BMC Health Services Research. 15 (1). doi:10.1186/s12913-015-0826-z. ISSN 1472-6963. PMID 25928016.
  27. ^ Releases, Community News (April 13, 2024). "Commission paves ways for bridges along Ludlam Trail | Kendall#". Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  28. ^ Releases, Community News (July 8, 2024). "Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to Enhance Services for Older Adults | Community Press Releases#". Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  29. ^ Releases, Community News (July 8, 2024). "Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera to Enhance Services for Older Adults | Community Press Releases#". Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  30. ^ Miller, Livi (April 3, 2024). "MIAMI-DADE APPROVES PLAN TO REDUCE SPEED LIMITS TO 25 MPH FOR SAFER NEIGHBORHOODS". hoodline.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
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