Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez joined families, volunteers, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) for the Adopt-a-Tree event, an initiative that brings residents together to help build a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future. Through the program, families received trees to plant at home, giving them a direct opportunity to improve their neighborhoods while contributing to the long-term well-being of Miami-Dade County.
Each tree planted represents more than shade or cleaner air. It represents hope, responsibility, and a commitment to future generations. By expanding the county’s urban tree canopy, the Adopt-a-Tree program helps reduce heat, improve air quality, beautify communities, and strengthen the connection between residents and the environment they share.
“As your Miami-Dade County Tax Collector, I believe public service is about leaving our community better than we found it,” said Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez. “Every tree planted is an investment in the next generation and a reminder that meaningful change often begins with a simple act of service. Sharing this moment with my daughter made the experience even more special because the values we teach our children today will shape the community they inherit tomorrow.”
Fernandez also recognized the residents and volunteers who gave their time to support the event, noting that strong communities are built when people come together around a shared purpose. He emphasized that protecting the environment is not the responsibility of one agency or one organization, but a collective effort that depends on the participation of families, neighborhoods, and public servants working side by side.
The event reflected a broader commitment to community service that extends beyond the walls of government. By supporting initiatives that protect natural resources and improve quality of life, Fernandez reaffirmed that public service is not only about meeting today’s needs, but also about creating a stronger foundation for the future.
