Ord No 21-23-2472ORDINANCE NO. 21-23-2472
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI,
FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
CONVEY A 2020 FORD SUV VEHICLE TO OFFICER
RODNEY NAPIER; PROVIDING FOR
IMPLEMENTATION, CORRECTIONS, SEVERABILITY,
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, Officer Rodney Napier is a distinguished member of the City of South Miami
("City") Police Department, who retired from active service in August of 2023 and remains with
the City as a Rese1ve Officer; and
WHEREAS, Officer Napier has utilized the City's 2020 Ford SUV assigned VIN
No. IFMSK8A W6LGC67460 (the "Vehicle,,) in the pe1formance of his duties, and the vehicle
caiTies special symbolic meaning to him; and
WHEREAS, the Vehicle cannot be considered as obsolete, or uneconomical, or inefficient
to keep, and thus cannot be considered surplus prope11y pursuant to Section 2-4. 7 of the City Code
of Ordinances; and
WHEREAS, because the Vehicle cannot be declared surplus, it is subject to Section 6(6)
of Article 11 of the City Charter which provides that the City Commission shall act only by
ordinance in the conveyance or lease or authorization to convey or lease any property of the City;
and
WHEREAS, the City desires to authorize the City Manager to convey the Vehicle to
Officer Napier in exchange for $61,000.00, which is the cost to purchase a new 2023 Ford Police
Interceptor A WD-KSA for the City from the City vendor, which car shall be equipped with all
equipment necessary for a City police vehicle, including, but not limited to, a center console,
computer stand, printer, a prisoner cage (if required), and such other required emergency and
Page 1 of4
Ord. No. 21-23-2472
ancillary equipment (the "New Vehicle,,), plus any costs of removing City Police equipment
identified by the City Police Department (the "Police-only Equipment"), and any applicable tax,
tag, title, and transfer fees imposed by law; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance was duly noticed and presented to the City Commission in
two readings, with second reading conducted as the required public hearing on November 7, 2023;
and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that this Ordinance is in the best interest and
welfare of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:1
Section 1. Recitals. The above-stated recitals are true and correct and are incorporated
herein by this reference.
Section 2. Authorizing Conveyance. The City Manager is hereby authorized to
convey the Vehicle to Officer Napier, contingent upon full compliance with all of the following
conditions:
a. Officer Napier shall pay to the City $61,000.00 for the purchase of the New Vehicle, plus
removal costs of City Police-only Equipment, and all other costs necessary for the City to
convey the Vehicle, including, but not limited to, taxes, title and registration fees, license
plate and tag transfer costs, and such other costs which are legally or reasonably necessary
to lawfully and securely convey the Vehicle.
b. Prior to the conveyance of the Vehicle, the City and/or Officer Napier shall:
1 Coding: Stl'il,elhreugh ·werEls nre deletions to the existing words. Underlined words are additions to the existing
words. Changes between fil·st and second reading are indicated with tlHhle etfihelltPOYgll and double underline:
Pagel of4
Ord. No. 21-23-2472
1. O btain a ny re quired approval(s) for th e conveyance of the Vehicle fro m any federal,
s ta le, local, or C ity governmental e ntiti es and/or priva te entities (if any), including
but not limited to approval by th e C hi ef of Police authori z in g the retentio n of any
equipment that is requested to re main on the Vehicle.
ii . Ensure that a ll Police-only Eq uipment is removed to the exte nt required by
applicab le law , including but not limited to the police radio.
c. Officer Napier shall return the C ity tag to the Ci ty upon conveyance of the Vehicle.
d. Officer Napier s hall provide the C ity w ith a Hold Harmless and Indemnifica ti o n
agreement in fo rm and substance acceptable to the Ci ty Manager and Ci ty Attorney.
Section 3. Corrections. Confo1ming lang uage or techni cal scrivener-type c01Tect io n s
may be made by the C ity Attorney for any conforming a mendme nt s to be incorp ora te d into the
final O rdinance for s ig nature.
Section 4. Severability. If a ny sect ion , clause, sentence, or phrase of this O rdinance
is fo r a ny reason h e ld invalid or unco nst itution a l by a court of competent jurisdiction, the ho lding
s ha ll not affect th e validi ty of the re maining portions of this Ordinance.
Section 5 . Implementation. The C ity Manager is hereby a utho ri zed to take any and
a ll necessary acti o n to imple ment th e purposes of thi s Ordinance.
Section 6. Effective Date. This O rdin ance shall become effecti ve immed ia te ly upon
adoption.
PASSED on first reading on the 17th day of Octobe r, 2023.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on second read in g o n the 7th day of November, 2023.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Page 3 of4
Ord. No. 21-23-2472
READ AND APPROVED AS TO FORM,
LANGUAGE, LEGALITY AND
EXECUTION THEREOF
WEISS OTA HELFMAN COLE
& BIERMAN, P.L.
C ITY ATTORNEY
COMM IS SION VOTE:
Mayor Fernandez:
Vice Mayor Bonich:
Commissioner Calle:
5-0
Yea
Yea
Yea
Commi ssioner Liebman: Yea
Commissioner Corey: Yea
Pagc 4uf4
Agenda Item No:16.
City Commission Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: November 7, 2023
Submitted by: Tony Recio
Submitting Department: City Manager
Item Type: Ordinance
Agenda Section:
Subject:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA,
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO CONVEY A 2020 FORD SUV VEHICLE TO OFFICER RODNEY
NAPIER; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION, CORRECTIONS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE
DATE. 3/5 (CITY MANAGER)
Suggested Action:
Attachments:
Memo-_Napier_Vehicle_Conveyance (1).docx
Ordinance_Conveying_Police_Vehicle_to_Officer_Rodney_Napier_-___CAv2 - SR 11-2-23.docx
NAPIER REV SOUTH MIAMI 2023.pdf
MDBR Ad.pdf
MH Ad.pdf
1
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
INTER-OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:The Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Members of the City Commission
FROM:Genaro “Chip” Iglesias,City Manager
DATE:November 7, 2023
SUBJECT:Ordinance Conveying 2020 Ford SUV to Officer Rodney Napier in exchange for
funds to purchase a new, fully equipped Ford Police Interceptor.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approval of the Ordinance, on second reading,conveying the 2020 Ford SUV to Officer Rodney
Napier in exchange for funds to purchase a new, fully equipped 2023 Ford Police Interceptor.
BACKGROUND:
Officer Rodney Napier retired from active service with the City’s Police Department in August of
2023 and remains with the City as a Reserve Officer. During his employment, Officer Napier
utilized the City’s 2020 Ford SUV in the performance of his duties and expressed his desire to
keep the vehicle. In exchange, Officer Napier has offered to purchase a 2023 Ford Police
Interceptor for the City, fully equipped with the required emergency and ancillary equipment
(total cost of $61,000).
The 2020 vehicle cannot be considered surplus property pursuant to the City’s code, therefore,
an ordinance is required for the conveyance of City property.
The proposed ordinance authorizes the City Manager to convey the 2020 vehicle to Officer
Napier, contingent upon Officer Napier’s payment of $61,000 to the City for the purchase of a
2023 vehicle, return of the City tag, and appropriate approval as it relates to retention of certain
equipment.
ATTACHMENTS:Proposed Ordinance
Quote for 2023 Ford Police Interceptor
2
Printed: 9/18/23 www.duvalfleet.com SOUTH MIAMI 2023.xlsx
Prepared for:Contract Holder DATE:
SOUTH MIAMI POLICE DEPT DUVAL FLEET 9/18/23
STEVEN KULICK Bambi Darr
305-663-6339 (Work) 904-381-6596
SKulick@southmiamifl.gov (Fax) 904-387-6816
bambi.darr@duvalfleet.com
5203 Waterside Dr. Jax, FL 32210
PLEASE CONFIRM RECEIPT OF QUOTE VIA EMAIL
Labor Code Price
0 ITEM 226 2023 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR AWD- K8A 45,530.00$
0 99B 3.3L V6 GAS ENGINE INCL
0 44U 10-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION INCL
0 51R DRIVER SIDE LED SPOT LIGHT INCL
0 55F KEYLESS ENTRY INCL
0 43D 24.00$
0 60A PRE-WIRING FOR GRILLE 49.00$
0 76P PRE-COLLISION ASSIST 144.00$
0 76R REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM 274.00$
0 86T REAR TAIL LAMP HOUSING 59.00$
0 TAG.TTO NEW TAG & REGISTRATION 173.00$
0 NFGB5100 WARRANTY: BASE CARE 5 YEAR 100K MILES WITH $0 DEDUCTIBLE 1,370.00$
0 OOS OUT OF DEALER STOCK INVENTORY: 8881 / PGB66756 (SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY)699.00$
0
0 YZ EXTERIOR: OXFORD WHITE NC
0 96 INTERIOR: BLACK CLOTH FRONT/ REAR VINYL NC
0 VINYL FLOOR NC
0
VENDOR COMMENTS
UNIT COST 48,322.00$
TOTAL QUANTITY 1 TOTAL PURCHASE 48,322.00$
SOUTH MIAMI POLICE DEPT
We appreciate your interest and the opportunity to quote. If you have any questions regarding this quote please call! Note,
Vehicle will be ordered white exterior unless specified on purchase order. Shipping and Invoicing instructions are required on
agency purchase order.
Equipment
COURTESY LAMP DISABLE
7
8
MIAMI-DADE
STATE OF FLORIDA
COU NTY OF MIA MI-DADE :
Before the undersigned authority personally appeared
GUI LLERMO GARC IA, who on oat h say s that he or she is the
DIR ECTOR OF OPERAT IONS, Le gal Notices of the Miami Dai ly
Business Rev iew f/k/a Miami Review , of Mia mi-Dade Cou nty,
Flori da; that the attache d copy of advertiseme nt , bei ng a
Lega l Adve rtise me nt of Not ice in th e matter of
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI. PUB LI C HE AR ING· NOV . 7 , 2023
in the XXXX Court ,
was published in a newspaper by print in the issues of Miam i
Da ily Business Review f/k/a Miami Review o n
10/27/2023
Affiant further says \hat the newspaper comp li es with all
lega l requirements for publication in chapter 50 , Florida
Sworn to and subscribed before me this
27 day of OCTOB ER, A.O. 2023
(S L)
GU ILLE RMO GARC IA perso nally kn own to me
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that the City Commission will hold a public hearing
on T November 7 2023 at 7: at Hall
Com Chambers 6130 Sunset Drive So to
consider the following public hearing item(s): '
A RESOLUllON AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
MUL Tl-YEAR SOLE SOURCE RENEWAL AGREEMENT WITH CIVICPLUS LLC
FOR WEBSITE SUPPORT, MAINTENANCE ANO HOSTING SERVICES , ANO
A SUBSCRIPTION FOR AUDIOEYE, A PROGRAM THAT ENABLES THE CITY'S
WEBSITE TO BE MORE ADA ACCESSIBLE, PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION; I
CORRECTIONS; SEVERABILITY; ANO AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A RESOllUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
MIAMI, FLORIDA, AUTHOR IZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO A
MULTI-YEAR RENEWAL AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY'S PHONE SYSTEM
HARDWARE ANO LI CENSE RENEWAL WITH SWITCH TECH INTERNATI ONAL,
INC. D/B/A TELESWITC H PRO VIDI NG FOR IMPLEMENTATION; CORRECTIONS;
SEVERAB ILITY; ANO AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SOUTH
MIAMI,_ FLORIDA, APPROVING_!.~ELOPM~ AGREEMENT WITH
ANCHOR MIAMI IRF OWNER, LLC , AND SOUTH MIAMI HOSPITAL, INC .,
FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6233 SUNSET DRIVE, 6201 SUNSET
DRIVE , AND 7150 SW 62 AVENUE , SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, PURSUANT
TO SECTION 20-8 .9 OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE ; AUTHORIZJ NG
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT;
PROVIDING FOR CORRECTIONS, IMPLEMENTATION, REPEALER, SEVERABIUTY ,
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE .
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF TH E Cl1'<
OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, CALLI NG A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELO
ON MARCH 19, 2024, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE
EL ECTORATE A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4 'FRANCHISE "
OF ARTICLE VI 'GENERAL PROVISIONS ' OF THE CITY CHARTER, AS
PRESENTED IN A BALLOT QUESTION TO EXCLUDE LEASES OF CITY
PROPERTY FROM THE ENACTMENT PROCEDURES AND TERM LIMITATIONS
IN THE CHARTER APPLICABLE TO FRANCHISES; PROVIDING FOR REQUISITE
BALLOT LANGUAGE AND CHARTER AMENDMENT TEXT FOR SUBMISSION
TO THE ELECTORATE; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY CLERK TO UTILIZE
THE SERVICES OF MIAMI -DADE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS FOR
THE SPECIAL ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION, IMPLEMENTATION,
CORRECTIONS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE .
9
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CllY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF SOUTH MIAMI , FLORIDA, CAWNG A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE HELD
ON MARCH 19, 2024 , FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE
ELECTORATE A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4 "FRANCHISE "
OF ARTICLE VI 'GENERAL PROVISIONS ' OF THE CITY CHARTER , AS
PRESENTED IN A BALLOT QUES TION TO INCREASE THE TERM LIMITATION
OF FRANCHISES , INCLUDING LEASES , FROM FIFTY (50) YEARS TO
ONE HUNDRED (100) YEARS ; PROVIDING FOR REQUISITE BALLOT
LANGUAGE AND CHARTER AMENDMENT TEXT FOR SUBMISSION TO
THE ELECTORATE; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY CLERK TO UTILIZE THE
SERVICES OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS FOR
THE SPECIAL ELECTION ; PROVIDING FOR AUTHOR IZATION , IMPLEMENTATION,
CORRECTIONS AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CllY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF SOUTH MIAMI , FLORIDA, CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO BE
HELD ON MARCH 19, 2024, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING TO THE
ELECTORATE A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SECTION 4 'FRANCHISE '
OF ARTICLE VI 'GENERAL PROVISIONS ' OF THE CITY CHARTER , AS
PRESENTED IN A BALLOT QUESTION TO INCREASE THE TERM LIMITATION
OF FRANCHISE LEASE AGREEMENTS FOR CITY PROPERTY FROM
FIFTY (50) YEARS TO ONE HUNDRED (100) YEARS; PROVIDING FOR
REQUISITE BALLOT LANGUAGE AND CHARTER AMENDMENT TEXT
FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORATE; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY
CLERK TO UTILIZE THE SERVICES OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF
ELECTIONS FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTION ; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION,
IMPLEMENTATION, CORRECTIONS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE .
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, CALLING A SPECIAL ELECTION TO
BE HELD ON MARCH 19, 2024, FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUBMITTING
TO THE ELECTORATE A PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SUBSECTION H
OF SECTION 5 'POWERS AND DUTIES ' OF ARTICLE Ill 'CllY MANAGER '
OF THE CITY CHARTER, AS PRESENTED IN A BALLOT QUESTION TO
ALLOW THE COMMISSION TO SET PURCHASING LIMITATIONS BY
ORDINANCE FOR CITY PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SERVICES;
PROVIDING FOR REQUISITE BALLOT LANGUAGE AND CHARTER AMENDMENT
TEXT FOR SUBMISSION TO THE ELECTORATE; PROVIDING FOR THE CITY
CLERK TO UTILIZE THE SERVICES OF MIAMI -DADE COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF
ELECTIONS FOR THE SPECIAL ELECTION; PROVIDING FOR AUTHORIZATION ,
IMPLEMENTATION, CORRECTIONS, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FY 2022-2023 CAPITAL AND OPERATING
BUDGET ADOPTION AND ALLOCATING AN INCREASE OF $165,196.47 TO
NON-DEPARTMENTAL ACCOUNT 001 .2100 .519.2250 FOR THE SOUTH MIAMI
POLICE OFFICERS RETIREMENT TRUST FUND PREMIUM DISTRIBUTION.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, APPROVING A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH
REDSPEED FLORIDA, LLC FOR THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
OF SPEED DETECTION SYSTEMS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF SPEED
LIMIT VIOLATIONS OCCURRING IN ELIGIBLE SCHOOL ZONES AND
RELATED TRAFFIC REPORT SERVICES AT NO COST TO THE CITY,
CONTINGENT UPON FULL COMPLIANCE BY THE CITY AND REDSPEED
FLORIDA, LLC WITH ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER 2023-174 OF
THE LAWS OF FLORIDA; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO NEGOTIATE
AND EXECUTE A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH REDSPEED FLORIDA LLC
FOR THE SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION, CORRECTIONS,
SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE .
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CllY
OF SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
CONVEY A 2020 FORD SUV VEHICLE TO OFFICER RODNEY NAPIER ;
PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTATION, CORRECTIONS , SEVERABILITY ,
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE .
Zl3
10
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
SOUTH MIAMI, FLORIDA, AMENDING SECTION 15-65, 'CAMPING PROHIBITED;
EXCEPTIONS,' OF CHAPTER 15, 'OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS
PROVISIONS,' OF THE CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES TO PROHIBrT OVERNIGHT
CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY AND PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT
PROCEDURES AND PENALTIES ; PROVIDING FOR CORRECTIONS;
SEVERABILITY; CONFLICTS; IMPLEMENTATION; AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE .
Comm ission members will participate in Chambers or by video conferencing
through the Zoom platform and members of the public may join the meeting via
Zoom at (htl s://zoom .us/i 3056636338 , by phone by calling +1-786-635-1003
and entering Meeting ID: 3056636338 when prompted, or In person in the
Commission Chambers, and where their appearance will be broadcast on
the Zoom platform, and where they can participate.
All interested parties are invited to attend and will be heard .
For further information, please contact the City Clerk's Office at: 305-663-6340.
Pursuant to Section 286.0105, Fla. Stal., the City hereby advises the public that
if a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Commission with respect
to this matter, such person must ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings
Is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the
appeal is to be based . This notice does not constitute consent by the City for the
introduction or admission of otherwise inadmissible or irrelevant evidence, nor
does ii authorize challenges or appeals not otherwise allowed by law .
ADA: To request a modification to a policy, practice or procedure or to
request an auxiliary aide or service In order to participate in a City program,
activity or event, you must on or before 4:00 p.m. 3 bus iness days before
the meeting (not counting the day of the meeting) deliver your request to
the City Clerk by telephone: 305-663-6340, by mall at 6130 Sunset Drive,
So~ Miami, Florida or email at npayne@southmlamifl.gov.
10/27
Nkenga A. Payne, CMC, FCRM
City Clerk
23-69/0000691491 M
SUNDAY OCTOBER 29 2023 NEIGHBORS ...................................................................................................19SE
C onsidering recent
and ongoing con-
flicts in various
parts of the world,
we are all exposed to dis-
turbing realities,images
and information through
multiple media —and our
kids are no exception.It
may leave us not knowing
exactly what to do.Watch-
ing the suffering of others
unfold may lead to in-
creased levels of stress,
anxiety and even depres-
sion among our kids,so
parents and caregivers
must address the issue
rather than leave our chil-
dren to try and process
these difficult circum-
stances by themselves.
Parents need to be aware
of what their children hear
from friends,social media
and other sources and how
they are affected.To the
degree possible,protect
kids from potentially upset-
ting images that cannot be
unseen,by monitoring
media sources,content and
time online.
We all need to take
media breaks to reduce
exposure.Make sure your
kids’information sources
are age-appropriate.And
teach them healthy skepti-
cism to help sort out facts
and opinions and evaluate
the accuracy of their news
sources.For kids under 8,
the goal is to prevent expo-
sure to graphic details of
traumatic current events,
since young children likely
will not fully understand
and process such incidents.
A Open the conversa-
tion:Avoiding this difficult
topic or waiting for your
children to bring it up may
be tempting,but parents
should open the door.Start
by making sure you are
informed about the basic
facts from credible news
sources so that you can
answer questions.Identify
when you can devote all
your attention to your kids
and ensure your approach
is tailored to your chil-
dren's age and maturity.
Ask open-ended ques-
tions like:What have you
heard about what’s going
on in the world?What do
you think about it?What
are you worried about?
What questions do you
have?Give them time to
respond.Actively listen and
show that you have heard
and understand by reflect-
ing what you heard;do not
minimize or dismiss their
feelings.Let them talk
more than you do.
Normalize that violence
is upsetting;that it is hard
for anyone to hear about
children and families being
hurt or killed.Emphasize
that you are there to help
them through it,whether
they feel afraid,worried,
angry or even guilty.For
informational responses,
keep things simple.Answer
what they ask,but there’s
no need for extensive ex-
planations in many cases.
Younger kids most likely
will not need much detail.
Follow your child’s lead
on how much they’re im-
pacted and what they want
to know.Keep communi-
cation lines open so your
kids know they can contin-
ue the discussion when
they have more questions
or concerns.It’s OK if you
don’t have all the answers.
A Supporting effective
coping:Let children and
teens know they are safe,
loved and supported by you
and other adults around
them.If they are concerned
for their own safety,reas-
sure them that they are
safe.Spend time together
doing something active and
enjoyable like games,
sports or storytelling.Share
lots of hugs and high-fives
if your child likes them.
Even if you are feeling
pessimistic,share an opti-
mism with your kids that
things can get better.Your
kids will look to you for
signs of how to handle
things.Take prosocial ac-
tions together as a family to
participate in community
support,humanitarian and
relief efforts.
News of world violence
may be especially challeng-
ing for children and youth
with a personal history of
trauma or who live in com-
munities that experience
higher rates of violence.
Give them extra care and
stay close and connected.If
you or your child are expe-
riencing more severe emo-
tional or physical reactions
to this world tragedy and
violence,such as anxiety,
trouble sleeping or focus-
ing,reach out for help from
your child’s school,child-
care provider or pediat-
rician.You can also call the
Trust-funded 211 Helpline
or visit 211Miami.org for
local health and social
service referrals.
The Children’s Trust also
provides free parent work-
shops across the county as
part of its Parent Club that
offers more tools caregivers
can use to support their
children.Visit
TheChildrensTrust.org/
ParentClub to sign up for a
free workshop near you.
K.Lori Hanson,Ph.D.,is
chief of research,evaluation
and strategic planning at
The Children’s Trust.
The Children’s Trust:Global
conflicts can create anxiety for kids
BY K.LORI HANSON .
Special to the Herald
11