World Cup funding at the expense of services? Miami-Dade citizens have questions | Opinion

Own goal?

The March 17 Miami Herald story, “’We need to scale back’: After a flush 1st term, Miami-Dade mayor warns of lean times,” mentioned potential county budget shortfalls for 2025 and included that it could cost the countywide budget about $10 million next year, based on the most recent estimate from the tax collector’s office.

Interestingly, in a recent Herald story, “World Cup wants $10 million more from Miami-Dade County, that could mean cuts to services”, County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava recommended giving the 2026 World Cup an additional $10.5 million, stating in a memo “the extra World Cup money may come from a reduction of county services.” Further in the story, Rodney Barreto, the co-chair of the World Cup organizing committee, said, “the economic boost from hosting the games should bring in extra hotel and bed tax revenue which may cover the counties extra outlay.”

Which county services that I already pay for would the mayor reduce to support of a soccer tournament from which I derive no pleasure or benefit? Did she ever consider using the $10.5 million she recommended to the World Cup to cover the $10 million budget shortfall?

I would ask Barreto how would the extra hotel and bed tax revenue benefit county residents over the hotel/hospitality industry?

Whatever the outcome, average county citizens will not factor into either Cava and/or Barreto’s decision process.

Richard Szymanski,

West Kendall

Eroding trust

During the March 19 Miami-Dade School Board meeting, members approved an agenda Item that “expresses support for external funding and programs that benefit Miami-Dade County Public Schools students.” To approve the item, words referring to federal education funding or that referred to equity had to be eliminated from the original item.

By doing so, the school board is skirting defending the significance of the U.S. Department of Education, which represents the backbone of a free and just system of public education. The department provides needed specialized, head start and nutritional programs, enrichment grants and civil rights for all students regardless of gender, racial, ethnic or religious background or financial status.

Miami-Dade Schools prides itself on being the best choice for education. Yet, without standing up for the U.S. Department of Education, it is contributing to the erosion of public education for all and leaving the educational framework, philosophy and programming up to individual states.

Holly Zwerling,

Kendall

Stop and think

It’s time to pump the brakes, take a deep breath, clear heads, step back and think clearly and introspectively.

There seems to be a deep sense of xenophobia in the country, which is mostly directed at immigrants. Granted, every country has the right to protect its borders. One wonders what this country would look like if Native Americans had had the means to stop immigrants in the early 1600s.

Shame on Miami Beach, once thought to be the crown jewel in south Florida, for wanting to shut down O Cinema. Many people still remember the prevention of a ship, filled with Jews, from docking years ago. How quickly we forget.

Let’s also think clearly about politicians who seek retribution by reeking havoc in the lives of presumed political enemies. We should all heed the warnings found in the Torah and the New Testament, which states that “vengeance is mine....”

It’s not too late for Americans to come together and recognize that all of us are God’s children and are made in His image.

Ollie Daniels,

Pembroke Pines

Media support

Every morning, I love receiving my Miami Herald on my doorstep. On March 20, I read an excellent op-ed by Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, “Miami needs more world class local journalism,” on the importance of maintaining a free press. The wonderful individuals and foundations, especially the Esserman Family, have my highest respect.

This year, I have decided to divide my previous donation to a charity that encouraged many of its donors to the current administration and direct it to the Miami Foundation.

Lainey Nacron,

Miami

Releasing protesters

Herald readers should note that in his final days as president, Joe Biden closed a deal with Cuba wherein 553 political prisoners were released, a deal later abandoned by President Trump. These prisoners were those who protested peacefully in the streets against the Cuban government in 2021.

Wouldn’t it be grand if the so-called great deal-maker included, in his demands for a cease-fire between Ukraine and Russia, that Russian President Putin release the political prisoners who have peacefully protested Russia’s aggression against Ukraine?

Ralph Remis,

Miami

Saving money?

I appreciate U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar trying to defend Temporary Protective Status (TPS) recipients. I respect the needle she needs to thread to advocate for her constituents while avoiding the ire of President Trump and a Musk-funded primary challenge.

Still, she and the Miami Herald must bring up the consequences of the last time the United States invoked the Alien Enemies Act. Executive Order 9066 led to the internment of people of Japanese ancestry living in the United States in 1942. It also led to President Ronald Reagan signing the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which authorized more than $3 billion in taxpayer dollars for reparations to the 82,219 targets of that order.

For an administration supposedly trying to save the United States money, when combining the monumental costs of deporting many more people than the U.S. imprisoned in internment camps during World War II, and with the potential $15 billion in reparations this may trigger, one doesn’t need a heart to see that a likely outcome is another costly waste of taxpayer money.

Philip Cardella,

Miami

Hot cars

Burning Tesla cars. Shooting into Tesla showrooms. Sending out lists of Tesla owners and their home addresses. So pathetic.

The displeasure with Elon Musk and his attempts to identify fraud and waste in the government have spurred on acts bordering on domestic terrorism. Tesla is an auto that was so recently honored for its positive affect on our environment, an auto made exclusively in the USA with workers making a fine living wage. Now, it’s all forgotten with this petty way of trying to win an argument.

Ever hear of the ballot box?

Even a boycott would be a step above what is taking place on the streets of America.

Roger Shatanof,

Coral Gables

Seeking understanding

I’m a third-generation Palestinian-American and lifelong Miamian. When “No Other Land,” an Oscar-winning documentary co-directed by an Israeli and a Palestinian, came to O Cinema in Miami Beach, I needed to see it. Leaving, however, wasn’t simple.

After a recent shooting targeting men mistaken for Palestinians in Miami-Dade, I kissed my kids goodbye, gripped by a father’s worst fear: what if I didn’t come back?

That sadness — imagining their faces fading — hit hard in my own city. I went anyway. The film was gripping, revealing Palestinian realities.

Walking back home, I felt gratitude — for America’s freedom, for our safe haven. Pride swelled, too. Miami residents, including many Jewish friends, rallied against the city mayor’s push to shutter O Cinema, championing free expression. Their stand meant the world to me. Yet, this rift won’t close without understanding Palestinians’ firsthand struggles in the region — truths “No Other Land” exposes.

My kids deserve a dad who can step out fearless and a future where their roots inspire empathy, not doubt. Miami proved it can defend a voice; now, it must hear the lives behind it.

Francisco Siman,

Miami

Flying high

I’m encouraged to see that Spirit Airlines has exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy within its predetermined timeline with less debt and greater financial flexibility. Spirit is now able to get back into the business of serving budget-conscious travelers on its basic, no-frill flights. Additionally, it is now poised for growth, having already added a 40-route expansion with another 34 routes planned for May.

Although bankruptcy is unfortunately surrounded by stigma, it provides a sound pathway to financial stability.

Chad Van Horn,

Fort Lauderdale

This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 12:36 PM.