MARCH 2026
A Look Inside
GASTROMED CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING
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THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF GREATER MIAMI JUST TURNED 90 ! page 17
THE EVERGLADES: BENEATH THE SURFACE DOCUMENTARY page 18
Get Ready for the 2026 Fair: Fun, Food, Rides and Community Spirit
The much-anticipated 2026 fair is returning this spring, bringing excitement, entertainment, and community pride to South Florida. Known officially as the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition (but affectionately called The Youth Fair by locals), the annual event runs from March 12 through April 5 at the fairgrounds in University Park near Westchester.
For decades, the Youth Fair has been one of the region’s most beloved family traditions, blending the thrill of a classic carnival with agricultural exhibits,
educational showcases, entertainment, and more. The fair offers something for everyone—from heart-racing midway rides and games to delicious fair food, live performances, and activities for all ages.
This year’s fair promises plenty of fresh experiences alongside crowd favorites. Visitors can look forward to an expanded lineup of rides, including kiddie-friendly attractions and high-adrenaline options for
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thrill-seekers. There’s also a rich schedule of live entertainment, featuring local talent and tribute performances that add extra excitement throughout the fair’s run.
Beyond fun and food, the Youth Fair is deeply rooted in community values. It celebrates youth achievement with educational exhibits and showcases tied to agriculture and learning, reflecting the event’s long history of supporting local students and families. In previous years, the fair has provided substantial scholarships, awards, and opportunities that highlight its commitment to youth development.
Whether you’re planning a family outing, a weekend adventure, or a social gathering with friends, the Youth Fair offers a memorable experience and a chance to engage with community tradition. Be sure to check dates, ride ticket options, and entertainment schedules as you plan your visit to one of South Florida’s most exciting annual events.
This year’s fair promises plenty of fresh experiences alongside crowd favorites.
Ladies of Legacy Leadership Luncheon: Celebrating Ladies in Leadership
We are proud to announce that on Thursday, March 26, the South Dade Chamber of Commerce will host its 7th Annual Ladies of Legacy Leadership Luncheon at the Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami, Fla. This distinguished event celebrates exceptional women leaders who have made meaningful contributions to their communities, achieved professional excellence, and successfully balanced family and personal commitments.
This signature luncheon honors women who exemplify the powerful combination of purpose and prosperity—those who have created lasting impact while building successful careers.
These trailblazers serve as inspiring examples of strength, determination, and leadership, setting a high standard for women across all industries and walks of life.
More than a luncheon, Ladies of Legacy is a celebration of resilience, leadership, and community. As our esteemed panelists share their journeys, their challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned, attendees will gain valuable insight and encouragement to pursue their own ambitions and make a difference in the world around them.
The South Dade Chamber of Commerce remains committed to recognizing and uplifting female leaders, reinforcing the vital role diversity and empowerment play in driving community and economic growth. By spotlighting these
extraordinary women, the chamber aims to spark inspiration and create a ripple effect of positive change throughout our region.
Join us at the Miccosukee Casino & Resort for an afternoon of celebration, inspiration, and empowerment as we honor these outstanding women and champion a more inclusive and dynamic future.
7th Annual Ladies of Legacy Leadership Luncheon
Thursday, March 26
Miccosukee Casino & Resort in Miami, FL
28Lions Inc: Helping CEOs Scale with Structure, Not Speed
At 28Lions Inc., the mission is clear: help CEOs move from reactive leadership to intentional growth. The firm partners with owners of established service-based businesses who are ready to scale—but not at the cost of clarity, culture, or control. Instead of chasing rapid expansion, 28Lions guides leaders toward structured, sustainable growth that protects what
they’ve built while positioning them for their next evolution.
Their clients are seasoned CEOs and entrepreneurs who have already created something valuable. Revenue is strong. Teams are in place. Momentum exists. Yet growth has exposed gaps in structure, strategy, and leadership rhythm. These leaders are no longer interested in hustle for hustle’s sake—they want alignment, focus, and a business that runs with intention.
28Lions specializes in guiding two distinct types of CEOs.
The first is the Vision-Driven CEO creative, ambitious, and ready for clarity. Often leading a $1M+ servicebased company with a team of 6 to 15, this leader has built success through instinct and drive. But growth has outpaced infrastructure. The team is capable, clients are loyal, yet the CEO remains the glue holding everything together. What they crave is a cohesive strategy that connects vision, messaging, and execution— allowing them to step back from daily firefighting and lead with confidence.
Affiliated Healthcare Centers: Comprehensive Care Across South Florida Since 1979
Affiliated Healthcare Centers has proudly served patients throughout South Florida since 1979, building a longstanding reputation for excellence, compassion, and comprehensive care. With five conveniently located offices across MiamiDade, Broward, and Monroe counties, the organization remains committed to making high-quality healthcare accessible to the communities it serves.
At the heart of Affiliated Healthcare Centers is a distinguished team of highly educated, board-certified doctors representing a wide range of expertise and professional affiliations. Their credentials reflect training and experience at some of the nation’s most respected institutions,
including Yale University, Cornell Medical School, Duke Clinical Research Fellowship, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, University of Miami Health Systems, Baptist Hospital, and Mercy Hospital. This diverse and accomplished background enables the team to provide well-rounded, evidencebased care tailored to each patient’s needs.
Affiliated Healthcare Centers takes an integrative approach to treatment, combining the strengths of chiropractic wellness and the traditional medical model. By drawing from both disciplines, the practice delivers a comprehensive spectrum of care designed to address
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The second is the Legacy-Focused CEO grounded, disciplined, and thinking longterm. Leading a $1M–$3M professional service business with an established team, this operator is ready to shift from handson management to strategic oversight. They value sustainability over speed and want strategy operationalized beyond what lives in their head. Succession, accountability, and measurable growth matter deeply.
Both leaders share a truth: you can’t scale chaos. The next level requires structure that reflects—and strengthens—the leader behind it.
Their clients are seasoned CEOs and entrepreneurs who have already created something valuable.
Serving South Florida
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pain relief, injury recovery, rehabilitation, and longterm wellness. This collaborative philosophy ensures that patients benefit from a balanced approach that prioritizes both immediate results and sustained health.
Every healthcare professional at Affiliated is dedicated to helping patients achieve their wellness objectives. Whether addressing chronic discomfort, recovering from an injury, or seeking preventative care, patients receive personalized attention and thoughtful treatment plans designed to improve overall quality of life.
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For more than four decades, Affiliated Healthcare Centers has remained steadfast in its mission: to provide better health and a better way of life. Through expertise, innovation, and compassionate care, the organization continues to serve as a trusted healthcare partner for families across South Florida.
Affinity Management Services: Comprehensive Expertise, Unified Solutions
Founded in 2007 by Rafael Aquino and Pedro Garcia, Affinity Management Services was built on a clear and focused mission: to provide comprehensive, reliable management services that ease the burdens placed on board members, residents, and property owners. From its inception, the company has been driven by a commitment to professionalism, responsiveness, and results.
What sets Affinity apart is the depth and diversity of expertise behind its leadership and team. With backgrounds
spanning property development, engineering, accounting, and IT, Aquino and Garcia established a firm grounded in multidisciplinary knowledge. This broad foundation enables Affinity Management Services to deliver integrated solutions that address the full spectrum of property management needs.
Rather than approaching challenges in isolation, Affinity emphasizes a coordinated, team-oriented strategy. Financial management, administrative oversight, and on-site services are not treated as separate silos. Instead, the company synchronizes its efforts across departments to ensure that every aspect of a property’s operations functions efficiently and cohesively. This unified approach reduces gaps in communication, improves decision-making, and creates smoother experiences for boards and residents alike.
Financial responsibilities are handled with precision and transparency. Administrative services are delivered with structure and accountability. Site services are executed with attention to detail and proactive problemsolving. In every area, the team brings enthusiasm and professionalism to the task at hand.
Affinity also draws upon a strong network of trusted resources and
industry partners, allowing the company to respond quickly and effectively to both routine matters and complex challenges. By combining technical expertise with a service-first mindset, Affinity Management Services continues to fulfill its founding goal: simplifying property management while elevating the standard of care for the communities it serves.
What sets Affinity apart is the depth and diversity of expertise behind its leadership and team.
Common Sense Tax Solutions: Serving our community in Tax Planning and Preparation
At Common Sense Tax Solutions, I bring more than 15 years of tax expertise to help individuals and businesses reduce stress, remain compliant, and keep more of what they earn. I combine in-depth tax knowledge with hands-on operational experience, delivering precision, clarity, and confidence from day one.
As an Enrolled Agent authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS, I hold the highest federally recognized credential in taxation. I also maintain ongoing professional education through the IRS Annual Filing Season Program to ensure my clients receive accurate, upto-date guidance. My background spans retail tax offices, IRS experience, and leadership roles in both volunteer and private-sector environments.
Through extensive service with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
program, I’ve held multiple leadership positions, helping thousands of community members receive reliable, high-quality tax support. In the private sector, I’ve supported tax professionals, improved workflows, and led teams focused on delivering outstanding client experiences.
Today, I serve clients nationwide through a convenient, high-touch virtual tax preparation and consulting model designed for accuracy, efficiency, and peace of mind. For clients in Miami-Dade County, Florida, I also offer personalized, in-person tax preparation services.
Clear guidance. Trusted expertise. A tax professional who is truly on your side. You can contact me at 786-743-1446 or email me at info@alwaystaxtime.com.
Dade County Federal Credit Union’s Mobile Branch: Bringing Banking Directly to the Community
The Dade County Federal Credit Union’s (DCFCU) Mobile Branch is redefining what convenient banking looks like for members, partners, and the broader community. Designed to meet people where they are, the DCFCU Mobile Branch delivers essential financial services directly to schools, community events, and partner organizations, removing barriers to access and making banking more flexible than ever.
Equipped with a portable ATM, the DCFCU Mobile Branch allows individuals to withdraw cash, check balances, and manage basic financial needs on the spot.
Beyond ATM access, the Mobile Branch is staffed by trained DCFCU professionals who offer onsite financial services. Members and visitors can receive support with account questions, membership inquiries, and general financial guidance. This personal touch ensures that every interaction remains secure, supportive, and aligned with DCFCU’s commitment to exceptional member service.
The DCFCU Mobile Branch also plays a key role in community outreach. By bringing financial resources directly to neighborhoods, schools, and partner organizations, DCFCU helps expand financial education and promotes greater financial wellbeing. Whether assisting students who are opening their first accounts or supporting families at community events, the DCFCU Mobile Branch is available to serve.
Flexible, accessible, and community-driven, the DCFCU Mobile Branch is more than a vehicle, it’s a mobile extension of the credit union’s mission to serve.
Partner with Dade County Federal Credit Union to bring the DCFCU Mobile Branch to your event and deliver convenient, onsite banking for event or your business.
For scheduling and inquiries, call 305-471-5080. ...bring the DCFCU Mobile Branch to your event...
Gastromed Celebrates Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for New Office-Based Surgical Facility
Gastromed proudly celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Office-Based Surgical Facility, marking an important milestone in expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered gastrointestinal care in the Homestead community. The event brought together local leaders, healthcare professionals, business partners, and community members to commemorate the opening of this state-of-the-art facility.
The ribbon cutting ceremony symbolized Gastromed’s continued commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence in medical services. Guests were welcomed with brief remarks from Gastromed leadership, who highlighted the organization’s mission to deliver compassionate care while utilizing advanced medical technology in a comfortable, outpatient setting. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour the new facility and learn about the range of procedures and services now available on-site. For example, colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, diagnostic and preventive GI procedures, and screenings.
Designed with patient convenience and efficiency in mind, the Office-Based
Surgical Facility features modern procedure rooms, advanced diagnostic equipment, and streamlined workflows to ensure a seamless experience from checkin to recovery. By offering surgical services within the practice, Gastromed aims to reduce wait times, enhance continuity of care, and provide a more personalized healthcare journey for patients and their families.
Community leaders in attendance commended Gastromed for its investment in local healthcare infrastructure and its role in supporting the region’s growth and wellness. The celebration concluded with a networking reception, where guests enjoyed refreshments and connected with members of the Gastromed team.
The grand opening of the Gastromed Office-Based Surgical Facility represents a new chapter in the organization’s dedication to excellence in gastroenterology and surgical care. Gastromed looks forward to serving the Homestead community with expanded capabilities, exceptional service, and a steadfast focus on patient health and comfort for years to come.
Legendary Fitness: Training for Every Level
Step in, get warmed up, and join fellow members for an energizing, hourlong workout designed to challenge you both physically and mentally. From high-intensity circuit intervals and heartpumping cardio sessions to our signature “Leg Day” workouts that truly test your limits, every class is built to push you toward your best.
At Legendary Fitness Miami, we offer a dynamic range of classes tailored to all fitness
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
levels. Take on powerful HIIT workouts, build strength through targeted resistance training, or channel your energy into high-impact cardio kickboxing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, there’s a class designed for you.
Our experienced coaches create a motivating, supportive environment where you’ll receive expert guidance and encouragement every step of the way. This is more than just a workout—
Lemon Herb Roasted
Asparagus
INGREDIENTS
• 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
INSTRUCTIONS
it’s your opportunity to transform, grow stronger, and become the legend you’re meant to be.
We also offer flexible membership plans to fit your lifestyle and goals. Choose from short-term options or long-term commitments, group classes or personalized training programs. Whatever your fitness journey looks like, Legendary Fitness has the right plan to help you succeed.
• Zest & juice of ½ lemon
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan or shaved pecorino
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast 12–15 minutes until tender-crisp. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and optional cheese.
Welcome To the Health Insurance Savant
My name is Kenneth Wright. I am a health and wellness pioneer with over 30 years of health care insurance experience.
As an experienced health and wellness leader, I understand the challenge of finding affordable health care, whether you are seeking health care as an individual for yourself or your family, someone who is self-employed, or someone who has a small business and wants the best for your employees. My experience has taught me that there is a better way to manage health and life insurance costs without sacrificing coverage.
Why am I called The Health Insurance Savant? I am knowledgeable and can guide you in the following ways:
Understanding the plans that provide the best value or cost / benefit to you.
Knowing the different health insurance networks and the advantages and disadvantages of each one. This includes which plans attract the best-in-class doctors and health facilities.
Ability to access Non-Affordable Care Act/ Obamacare coverage if those plans make the most sense for you.
My experience has taught me that there is a better way to manage health and life insurance costs without sacrificing coverage.
In addition to health care, I can help you with affordable life insurance and no-cost employee wellness programs that will save you and your employees money while improving your health. My assistance does not stop after the sale, either. My clients don’t have to call an 800 number when they run into snags; I am their customer service.
I am based in Miami, Florida, but I can assist you with your insurance needs in all 50 states. I also offer a referral program that can put a little extra money in your pocket, and I make an excellent podcast guest.
I look forward to talking with you.
The Humane Society of Greater Miami just turned 90!
Since 1936, HSGM has been Miami’s trusted place for pets in need, finding homes, providing care, and giving second chances to thousands of animals every year.
Our 90th anniversary honors nine decades of compassion, connection, and lifesaving work. This marks the start of a year filled with celebrations, events, and, of course, more happy tails.
From now until the end of 2026, we’re aiming to raise $900,000 to celebrate 90 years of saving lives. Every gift helps us brighten a homeless pet’s world – funding their food, medical care, and love while they wait for their forever home.
Here’s to 90 years of love, rescue, and community!
If you would like to donate please go to: https://humanesocietymiami.harnessgiving.org/campaigns/19176 – The Humane Society of Greater Miami
The Everglades: Beneath the Surface
Documentary Follows A Photographer’s Journey Capturing the
Hidden in plain sight, one of the world’s most extraordinary natural spectacles unfolds each year along Florida’s coast. The Everglades: Beneath the Surface, an award-winning documentary by The Everglades Foundation, invites viewers to experience this wonder through the lens of National Geographic Explorer, photographer and Foundation Board Member Mac Stone.
The 6-minute documentary follows Stone as he traverses America’s Everglades by helicopter, boat, and on foot, capturing the landscapes, wildlife, and waterways at the heart of Florida. Offering an intimate look into his lifelong connection to the ecosystem, the documentary highlights some of Stone’s most iconic photographs of Everglades wildlife and the diverse Everglades habitats that they depend on.
From ancient cypress trees all the way to Florida Bay, the film reveals how the Everglades watershed connects freshwater flows to a Florida coast where millions of fish migrate each year. Beneath the water’s surface, Stone brings viewers into the center of one of the largest animal migrations on Earth: the annual mullet
Perfect Shot
run. This critical event fuels a dynamic web of predators and prey, with fleeting interactions that made for one of the most challenging images of Stone’s career.
“We can only truly care for what we know. And the truth is, most people don’t know the Everglades.” – Mac Stone, The Everglades: Beneath the Surface
With the hope of connecting more people to the Everglades ecosystem, Stone shares the unique beauty of America’s Everglades, emphasizing the importance of restoring and protecting this natural treasure for generations to come.
So far, The Everglades: Beneath the Surface has earned a 2025 Regional Suncoast Emmy® Award and has been included as an official selection of the Coronado Film Festival in California and the Key Biscayne Film Festival, underscoring its powerful storytelling and visual impact.
