Miami Springs, FL — The City of Miami Springs is proud to announce that Milam’s Markets, a beloved family-owned South Florida grocer, has made a generous $25,000 contribution to the City’s Centennial Legacy Project — the Glenn Curtiss & June Bug Legacy Memorial.
This generous gift, the first major donation to the campaign, marked the official kickoff of the fundraising initiative launched November 1. Milam’s support secures naming rights to one of the four ailerons on the June Bug Monument, a central feature of the Memorial designed by acclaimed Cuban American sculptor Natalie Plasencia. The artwork honors aviation pioneer and city founder Glenn Hammond Curtiss, celebrating his legacy of vision, innovation, and community building.
“Glenn Curtiss imagined more than a city. He envisioned a place built on innovation, beauty, and community. It became the kind of home where families like ours could build businesses and grow together. His vision truly shaped the spirit of Miami Springs. Supporting this memorial feels like a full circle moment, honoring the dream that continues to live within this city and all of us today.”
— Kristie Milam, Marketing Director, Milam’s Markets
“Our city’s centennial year has arrived, making a century of growth, resilience and community history. These celebrations honor our past while looking toward the future, strengthening local pride and unity. The Glenn Curtiss Statue and Monument Legacy Project reflects our founder’s vision and the path ahead as we plan for the next century.”
— Jorge Santin, Councilman, City of Miami Springs
The June Bug Monument, part of the larger Glenn Curtiss & June Bug Legacy Memorial, will be an immersive, walk-through installation inspired by Curtiss’s historic 1908 aircraft—the June Bug—which achieved the first officially observed flight over one kilometer in the United States. The project reflects Miami Springs’ deep connection to flight and innovation while celebrating 100 years of civic heritage.
This contribution marks an inspiring example of local leadership as the Centennial Committee and community partners work toward reaching its fundraising goal.
We want to thank Milam’s Markets and the Milam’s family for their continued commitment and dedication to our beautiful community. THANK YOU!
Related articles:
