Public Service Brief: Official City Notices and Health Advisories for February 23, 2026

Critical Weather and Fire Safety Alert

Local authorities have issued a Red Flag Warning for Miami and the surrounding regions effective Monday, February 23, 2026. Due to a powerful cold front moving through the area, relative humidity levels are expected to drop below 20 percent. Combined with northwest wind gusts reaching up to 30 mph, these conditions create an environment conducive to extreme fire behavior. The City of Miami and Miami-Dade County officials strongly advise against any outdoor burning. Residents are also urged to bundle up as temperatures have taken a sharp dive from record highs; Monday morning lows are expected to settle in the upper 40s with wind chills making it feel like the lower 40s.

Health Advisory: Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County has maintained a mosquito-borne illness alert as of February 23, 2026. Health officials are closely monitoring the potential for domestic transmission of the chikungunya virus following the report of a locally acquired case in the county earlier this month. Symptoms of chikungunya include high fever and severe joint pain. Residents are instructed to practice the 'Drain and Cover' method: drain standing water from garbage cans, gutters, and pool covers, and keep skin covered with clothing or repellent when outdoors, particularly during the early morning and evening hours.

Civic Engagement and Public Meetings

The Miami-Dade County Charter Review Task Force is scheduled to convene for a public meeting today, Monday, February 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. This meeting serves as a critical platform for reviewing and recommending changes to the county's governing document. Additionally, today marks the deadline for public testimony submissions regarding the upcoming Board of Rules and Appeals meeting. Written comments must be submitted via email by 5:00 p.m. this evening to be read into the official record for the Wednesday session. These meetings provide a vital opportunity for residents to influence local governance and infrastructure policy.

Municipal Election Qualifying Notice

The qualifying period for the West Miami Municipal Election officially opens today, February 23, 2026. Residents interested in running for local office have until Friday, February 27, to submit their candidate qualifying paperwork. This window is the exclusive time for individuals to formalize their campaigns for the upcoming April municipal elections. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact the municipal clerk’s office for specific documentation requirements and filing procedures.

Departmental Updates

The Miami-Dade County Hispanic Affairs Advisory Board (HAAB) has officially named its executive officers for 2026 as of this morning. The new leadership will focus on strengthening civic and educational engagement across the county’s diverse communities. Furthermore, while previous water quality advisories for North Shore areas have been lifted, residents are reminded to stay updated on beach conditions through official county channels as seasonal weather shifts may impact local coastal safety.