OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Opa-locka Commissioner Chris Davis and restaurant business owner Crabman 305 hosted a Youth Awareness March and Rally on Saturday, July 17 at Sherbondy Park.

“A family fun day” in the spirt of antigun violence and “just uplifting the community” is how Davis described the latest in the city’s series of July community events.

This one featured a peace walk, rally, food, music, live performances, bounce houses and a variety of fun activities for the entire community.

GREATER INTERACTION 

“The Youth Awareness March and Rally was a day full of food, fun, and interaction among community members and their public safety personnel, including police officers and firefighters,” said Davis.

“In an effort to end gun violence, our goal was to raise awareness for the community that we shouldn’t tolerate violence occurring throughout our neighborhoods.

“Also, we wanted to encourage our community to fellowship and work with law enforcement if they see or hear something. With greater interaction between the community and public safety personnel,” added Davis, “we could ultimately help curb widespread crime.”

Other sponsors included Amiyah Boutique, C&C Auto Service, Foxx Hole Car Wash and Clownin Cutz Barbershop. Video from the march and rally can be found at youtube.com/watch?v=jG9B3bG44R8.

Earlier this month Opa-locka’s series of community engagement and upliftment activities included a Meet and Greet with Chief Barreira and police officers, a Walking One-Stop Initiative.

WELLNESS FINALE

The series concludes with the Get Fit Health & Wellness Fair, Saturday, July 31, 7:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Helen Miller Center, 2331 NW 143rd St. The event to be hosted by Commissioner John H. Taylor, Jr. will be open to youth and adults and include a 5K Run, Bike Ride, Hip-hop Aerobics Class, Senior Walk, giveaways and health screenings. Call 305=744-5758.

Also this summer the Neat Streets Miami program awarded Opa-locka a $10,220 Street Tree Matching Grant for its Perviz Street Tree Beautification Project.

As part of the project Opa-locka will plant 45 trees, to provide shade and beautify the area along Perviz Avenue from 151st Street southward to Dunad Avenue, to drive neighborhood revitalization, sustainability and beautification.