LIBERTY CITYCity plans to boost tourism, tradeState lawmakers are throwing their support behind plans to boost tourism and international trade in Liberty City and other sections of Miami.Miami Herald Staff ReportLegislation sponsored by state Rep. Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, D-Miami, to promote Liberty City as a cultural and tourism destination, got unanimous passage in the Florida House. Central to the plan is a proposed Osun's Village stretching from Northwest 54th to 60th streets and an African and Caribbean Cultural Arts Corridor running from Northwest 36th to 79th streets, according to a statement from the legislator. ''I'm delighted to have bipartisan support for this monumental bill,'' Bendross-Mindingall said in the statement. ``This legislation will positively impact our communities and will educate future generations about the rich heritage of African and Caribbean cultures.'' Osun's Village is an urban redevelopment project developed by Nathaniel Styles and Harlan Woodard of KDI/Architecture and Community Builders Holistic Development Corporation. The project will celebrate the art, culture and heritage of people of African descent throughout the Diaspora and will also establish international trade and cultural exchange linkages with Osun state in Nigeria, eventually establishing a Sister City relationship. The Osun's Village and African and Caribbean Cultural Arts Corridor will be the first of many initiatives that will promote work force development in the cultural industry, social change by creating access through transportation, cross-cultural awareness that will stimulate economic growth and international trade and commerce, the statement said. The House bill -- HB 121 -- also designates other roads and facilities around the state, including Reverend Samuel Atchison Boulevard, Reverend Gerard Jean-Juste Boulevard and the Adam Leigh Cann building in Miami. The bill will now go to the Senate, where the sponsor of the companion bill -- SB 308 -- is Sen. Larcenia Bullard, D-Miami. The bill must pass through one committee before it can be voted by the entire chamber. Ingrid B On The B Side Inc. P: 305.519.1369 E: [EMAIL PROTECTED] W: www.onthebside.com W: www.ingridbonline.com W. ww.askingridb.com February Scoop 1st Wednesday Poetry Slam  For Events Straight to your email Box Get on the B List by Clicking HERE Want events sent to your cell phone via TEXT Msg Click Here Dream as if you'll live forever; Live as if you'll die today. - James Dean |
