Here’s what’s on Miramar’s wish list as Florida’s legislative session approaches
As Florida lawmakers begin work on the 2026 state budget, cities across the state, including Miramar, have submitted Local Funding Initiative Requests — wish lists of special projects they hope lawmakers will fund.
In political shorthand, it’s often called “bringing home the bacon” by the lawmakers from the district, including Sen. Barbara Sharief and State Rep. Felicia Robinson Simone.
The requests typically target one-time projects. Also known as LFIRs, the requests offer a snapshot of what cities say they need most — and a preview of projects that could shape South Broward communities.
Here is Miramar’s $2.1 million “wish list” for fiscal year 2026-27, which opens Tuesday, Jan. 13, and is scheduled to run through Friday, March 13.
Miramar Fire Rescue – Air and Light Special Operations Vehicle
- Senate sponsor: Barbara Sharief
- State request: $750,000
- Total project cost: $1.25 million (including local match)
- What it will do: The funding would purchase a Special Operations Vehicle (SOV) for Miramar Fire-Rescue. The vehicle serves as a mobile incident command unit, equipped with communications, surveillance and weather monitoring systems. It supports large-scale emergency responses and special events, and critical operations such as hurricane response.
- Why it matters: A dedicated SOV can centralize command functions on-scene, help coordinate multi-agency responses and provide logistical support during prolonged emergencies.
Miramar SCADA Cybersecurity Upgrades – Water Treatment Facilities
- Senate sponsor: Barbara Sharief
- State request: $300,000
- Total project cost: About $600,000 (with local match)
- What it will do: The funding would be used to implement a comprehensive SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) cybersecurity improvement plan for the city’s water and wastewater systems to protect it against cyber threats.
- Why it matters: Modernizing SCADA cybersecurity helps protect critical infrastructure against service disruptions, cyber attacks and operational failures.
Miramar Lift Station Improvements
- Senate sponsor: Barbara Sharief
- State request: $750,000
- Total project cost: $1.5 million (with local match)
- What it will do: The project would fund rehabilitation and upgrades to 136 wastewater lift stations citywide, including replacement of aging pumps, valves, controls and telemetry systems. It’s aimed at preventing equipment failures and reducing emergency repairs.The project is “shovel-ready” and already underway, with construction expected to continue into late 2027. Maintenance will be supported by the city’s utility fund after completion.
- Why it matters: Reliable lift stations are critical for wastewater collection and treatment. Upgrades reduce health and environmental risks.
Miramar Southcentral/Southeast Focal Point Senior Center
- Senate sponsor: Barbara Sharief
- State request: $300,000
- Total cost: $600,000
- What it will do: Funds would support expanded services at the Focal Point Senior Center in Miramar’s Southcentral/Southeast area. The program focuses on improving seniors’ access to healthcare, wellness activities, counseling, nutrition, recreation and regular transportation — plus daily and weekend meal services.
- Why it matters: Investing in senior services helps address social isolation, supports healthy aging and provides essential resources such as meals and mobility assistance for a growing older population.
This story was originally published January 8, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
Luisa Yanez
Miramar News