Greetings {name},

FPL Everglades Solar Energy Center features more than 200,000 photovoltaic (PV) solar panels on a portion of this massive 614-acre site.

Friday, June 23 is United Nations’ Public Service Day, celebrating the value and virtue of service to the community.

It's also International Widows' Day, a time to consider the hardships that widows and their children often face.

Friday, June 30 is International Asteroid Day, the anniversary of the Tunguska impact, considered to be the largest asteroid impact on Earth in recorded history.

Saturday, July 1 is National Postal Worker Day, a chance to show appreciation and give thanks to all postal workers.

Tuesday, July 4th is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration Of Independence from Great Britain in 1776, celebrated with gatherings and picnics, often highlighted by fireworks or sky lighting demonstrations.

Wednesday, July 5 is International Bikini Day. (really?) In 1946, the new bathing suits were named in reference to Bikini Island, where the United States tested atomic bombs. Remember Raquel Welch's famous bikini shot in the One Million Years B.C. movie?

Thursday, July 6 is National Southern Fried Chicken Day, so set aside some time to enjoy crisp and tasty, finger-licking good southern fried chicken.

Monday, July 10 is Piña Colada Day, so get the rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice ready for the blender, to enjoy this sublime taste and texture of the tropics.

Tuesday, July 11 is World Population Day, a time to increase people’s awareness about various population issues such as the importance of family planning, gender equality, poverty, maternal health, and human rights.

Now Energized

Miami-Dade 2023 Solar Co-op

Residents and small businesses of Miami-Dade County are eligible to join this co-op to understand the fine details and get the best prices for clean green solar energy installations. Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is a national nonprofit helping people go solar, join together, and fight for their energy rights. SUN provides unbiased, installer-neutral support through each stage of the process of going solar. There is no obligation to install, and no cost to join. For details, send email to: flteam@solarunitedneighbors.org or visit the web page online.

Thursday, June 22 from 4 to 5pm

All Hands On Tech

Whether you are an experienced tech enthusiast or just curious, visit the Naranja Branch Library for hands-on creative projects featuring robotics, electronics, coding, engineering, and art. Call 305-242-2290 or email: gonzalezmi@mdpls.org. For ages 8 to 18 years. Get details online.

Saturday, June 24 starting at 9am

Mango Mania 2023

Lecture about everything mango followed by a sampling of locally grown mangos. The Tropical Fruit & Vegetable Society of the Redland is partnering with the Fruit & Spice Park to present this much-loved event for all mango lovers. Enjoy a delightful morning starting with a lecture at County Extension, 18710 SW 288th Street, then a delicious sampling of an incredible variety of locally grown mangos at the Fruit & Spice Park. Registration is $60 online or $75 at the door. Get details online.

Saturday, June 24 from 10am to 2pm

Everglades Outpost Super Summer Carnival

Non-profit Everglades Outpost wildlife sanctuary presents their Super Summer Carnival themed fundraiser event with games, auctions, vendors, food trucks, animal encounters, animal feedings, mermaid encounters, prizes, and more. Admission is $5. Get details online.

Saturday, June 24 from noon to 4pm

Pathways to Homeownership 

The City of Homestead Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) present Pathways to Ownership -- a One-Stop-Shop for Aspiring Homeowners at Miami Dade College Homestead Campus, in Aviation Building F-222. Get details online and RSVP. For more information, email: LBuell@CityofHomestead.com. Get details online.

Saturday, June 24 from 3 to 4pm

Magically Together with Brent Gregory

Join magician Brent Gregory at the South Dade Regional Library for an interactive show that combines mind bending magic with comedy. Call 305-233-8140 or email: crespim@mdpls.org. All ages. Get details online.

Saturday, June 24 at 6:30pm

Swimwear Fashion Show at Hacienda Rosalia

Join charismatic radio personality La Gatita and her modeling agency, along with Made in Miami Boutique, as they showcase a sensational swimwear collection amidst the picturesque backdrop of Hacienda Rosalia farm -- where fashion meets nature. Alongside the fashion show, indulge in delightful food and drinks. There will be swimsuits for sale. Get details online.

Saturday, June 24 from 7 to 11pm

Ghost Hunting on the Rails

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum presents an opportunity to investigate the paranormal activity of the Gold Coast Railroad Museum using real paranormal equipment, hosted by War Party Paranormal. Wander through the halls of these historical trains as you experience them through the spirits that still linger trying to tell their stories. Tickets are $30 and include a free drink. Get details online.

Sunday, June 25 from 8am to 3pm

Summer Solstice Celebration at Patch

Celebrate the Summer Solstice at Patch Of Heaven Sanctuary's beautiful 20 acre nature preserve with a day full of mindfulness, movement, meditation, and music -- a smorgasbord of flavors and activities providing a perfect series of practices to pause your mind, awaken your body, and soothe your soul. Get details online.

Sunday, June 25 from 10am to 5pm
Summer Fruit Festival and Fruit & Spice Park
Bring the family to the Fruit & Spice Park for a showcase of local agriculture and tropical fruits abundant during the summer time. Vendors will be featuring tasty cuisine, arts & crafts, with tropical fruit trees, educational workshops, music and fun lawn games for kids all day. Sign up for fruit or honey tastings while supplies last for an additional fee of $5. Bring lawn chairs and plenty of sunblock for this fun-filled day in the garden. $15 adults (ages 16 and over), $8 children (ages 6 to 15), children 5 and under are free. Get details online.

Sunday, June 25 from 1 to 4pm

Pine County Bluegrass at Royd's

Enjoy the ambience of Royd's with authentic Bluegrass music. Come out Sunday to enjoy Pine County with Austin Vahn on guitar and lead vocals, Alex Pena on Dawg House Bass and Dave Baskin on mandolin. Tap your toes and scoot your boots. Enjoy a bit of gospel music to start off your Sunday right -- with good old-time music. https://roydssfl.com https://roydssfl.com

Friday, June 30 at 7:30pm

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Ladies Night

Seminole Theatre and Skin Candy have come together to present Girl's Just Wanna Have Fun Ladies Night. Enjoy this DIY scrub making class hosted by the owner of Homestead's own Skin Candy while learning the basics of creating your own organic scrub. You choose your herb, scent and oil base. Refreshments such as charcuterie and wine will also be provided during the event -- a unique and special Friday night with the girls. Get details and purchase tickets online.

Tuesday, July 4 from 6 to 10pm

Race to the 4th! Independence Day Celebration

Gear up for an unforgettable Fourth of July experience as the City of Homestead proudly presents  "Race To The 4th" at the speedway -- an electrifying annual event filled with live music, entertainment, delicious food, thrilling rides for children, and a grand fireworks finale. A diverse array of food trucks and vendors will be on hand offering delectable culinary delights. From savory bites to sweet treats and refreshing beverages -- a wide range of options to satisfy everyone's cravings. Families and children will have plenty of entertainment options with exciting rides and attractions to keep the little ones engaged and entertained. Homestead Miami Speedway is located at 1 Ralph Sanchez Speedway Blvd, Homestead, FL 33035. Get details online.

Authentic Cajun Seafood

Krab Kingz Seafood in Florida City

When you're ready for some down-home Cajun seafood, bring the family to Krab Kingz in Florida City for a delicious meal. The spectacular Krab Kingz Sampler feeds a small army with an assortment of Snow Crab, Dungeness Crab, Blue Crab, shrimp, potatoes, corn, sausage, egg and flavored butters. The 16 ounce Gumbo is filled with shrimp, chicken, rice and sausage. The Number 9 basket offers fried lobster, fish and shrimp with fries. Specials include coconut shrimp, grilled Cajun snapper and lobster. Krab Kingz is located at 35202 S. Dixie Highway in Florida City. Call 786-410-8100. https://www.krabkingzfl.com

It's Your Home Town

Homestead Main Street

Initiated in 1977 by the National Historic Trust for Preservation, the Homestead Main Street project sponsors vibrant and wholesome family programming, presenting downtown as the center of commerce, culture and community. Carnivals, parades, street fairs, fiestas and holiday celebrations light up the town, inviting one and all to participate, while assisting and promoting local businesses as key components of the community. https://www.facebook.com/homesteadmainstreet/