A new city hall, a revitalized theatre, a new police station and plans for entertainment and retail development were some of the accomplishments highlighted in this year’s State of the City.
Hundreds of Homestead residents, City Council members, community leaders, and distinguished dignitaries packed the Seminole Theatre for Mayor Jeff Porter’s 2016 State of the City, The Excitement Continues. The short film showcases the milestone accomplishments of the past year and provides an update on future projects for Downtown Homestead.
As guests arrived to the newly restored Seminole Theatre, they enjoyed smooth jazz in the elegant lobby, decorated with puzzle-shaped renderings of Downtown Homestead—a nod to the overall theme of the Excitement Continues. Each project and each person is a piece in the puzzle for a revitalized Downtown Homestead. Together, they create the place to live, work, and play that Homestead deserves.
The program began with Mickey McGuire, Executive Director of the Seminole Theatre, welcoming residents to the theatre that had remained closed for nearly 40 years. Loretta Marsicano then sang an emotional rendition of the National Anthem, followed by a solemn invocation by Homestead Police Chaplain Chauncey Brown.
“Last year, I promised that this State of the City would be hosted in a restored Seminole Theatre, and here we are,” said Mayor Porter. “That alone says a lot about how far we have come and where we are going. I’m excited to show you each of the projects and developments in the works to revitalize Downtown Homestead, as well as the people who have worked so hard to make it all happen.”
The Excitement Continues features the people that contribute to Homestead’s success every day—from business owners to residents to City Staff and Elected Officials. Many of the accomplishments made in the past year were possible in part because of the May 2014 Bond Referendum, where voters showed overwhelming support for Downtown Homestead.
After the Mayor concluded his thanks and recognition, the party spilled out onto the street as attendees enjoyed gourmet hors d’oeuvres and live music. Guests continued to mingle long after the premiere—enjoying the evening while discussing Homestead’s exciting future. The Excitement Continues can be seen on the City of Homestead’s local access channel (Comcast 77, ATT in the Menu under Government TV), Facebook, and Vimeo.