VG Secures Nearly $500k in Federal Funding for Police

The Village of Virginia Gardens had an eventful morning this past Monday, April 22, 2024 at Village Hall.  Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart presented the Village of Virginia Gardens with a ceremonial check for $480,000.

The event celebrates the funding secured for the Village of Virginia Gardens law enforcement vehicle upgrades, which will include marked police vehicles to improve community safety and public awareness. This project received funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which was approved by Congress and signed by the President on March 9th, 2024.

Mayor Spencer Deno IV, who applied for this grant in April of 2023, received a phone call last month in March from the office of Congressman Díaz-Balart’s office who excitedly explained that out of 330 applicants, Virginia Gardens was 1 of 16 who secured the funding.

Mayor Deno IV expressed his sincere gratitude to the Congressman and explained that this was the first time that the Village has received direct funding from the federal government.

Mayor Deno thanked and recognized the following in attendance:

• State Representative Alex Rizo
• Sonia Castro from the office of County Commissioner Kevin Cabrera
• Henry Sori from Miami-Dade County Intergovernmental Affairs
• The Village Council
• Office staff & employees

VGPD Chief Ray Hernandez introduced Lt. Eugene Morales and thanked the Congressman and relayed the importance of the police vehicle upgrade funding for the police department, residents and community.

“I’m proud that I secured funding upgrades to our law enforcement vehicles.
As a staunch support of our law enforcement, it’s crucial to ensure our brave men and women in blue have the necessary tools to respond to effectively and keep our community safe.” said, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart.

Special guest in attendance to represent larger and small mom and pop business in Virginia Gardens, in no specific order are the following:

1. Aline Viana – Customer Relations Manager from Boeing Training & Professional Services Corporate Facility
2. Patrick Sheppard -Owner, A Little Bit A Philly

   

3. Sebastian Bautista and Nataly Villatoro- Owners, Parkway Fitted

   

4. Steve Altman – Owner, Village Hardware
5. Manny (Village Architect) and Clara Perez- Owners, Southeast Design Architecture & Interior Design

   

6. Susie Del Rigo- Principal, Blessed Trinity Catholic School

   

7. Fr. Allila, Father, Blessed Trinity Catholic Church
8. Virginia (Chairperson Planning & Zoning) and Don Howard- residents, Village of Virginia Gardens