It’s a sign of the times. Miami-Dade County, once a Democratic stronghold, is making history by renaming a prominent street after President-elect Donald Trump. This comes in the wake of Trump flipping the county by double digits during his groundbreaking 2024 election victory.
“President Donald J. Trump Avenue is official in Miami-Dade County!” wrote District 6 Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera in a celebratory post on X.
On Tuesday, the Board of County Commissioners in Hialeah approved the move with a 9-to-1 vote, marking a symbolic nod to the president’s enduring influence in the region.
Diverse Perspectives on the Renaming
The decision, however, wasn’t without contention. Despite holding seven of the 13 seats on the officially nonpartisan board, Democratic commissioners opted not to block the initiative. Only one member opposed the resolution due to concerns over Trump’s past comments about immigrants.
I respect the fact that President Trump won the popular vote, the Electoral College, and Miami-Dade County, said Democratic Commissioner Marleine Bastien, according to the Miami Herald. “However, his victory does not erase the collective trauma that immigrants and citizens alike felt during this election cycle.”
Ultimately, four Democrats joined their Republican colleagues in approving the renaming, showcasing a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.
Addressing Key Community Concerns
For District 1 Commissioner Oliver G. Gilbert III, the decision was just one of nearly 100 agenda items discussed during the meeting. While he supported the renaming, he emphasized his focus on more pressing community issues.
“While I understand the political interest in a street naming for the former President by the City of Hialeah, it was not the most consequential decision we made today, nor is it an issue central to why I was elected,” Gilbert explained. “Let’s prioritize progress over symbolism and keep working to create real opportunities for the people we serve.”
A Lasting Tribute to Leadership
The renaming allows Hialeah to install “President Donald J. Trump Avenue” signs on county infrastructure, including under Miami-Dade traffic lights along the city-maintained roadway.
“Miami-Dade County strongly supported President Trump during the election, and this designation serves as a lasting tribute to his leadership and vision for our nation,” Cabrera remarked.
This move builds on a proposal passed last year, where Hialeah Mayor Esteban “Steve” Bovo unveiled the renaming plan and presented Trump with a street sign at a campaign rally.
“Our city LOVES Donald Trump. The Cuban American community feels a sense of gratitude towards him,” Bovo expressed previously.
A Resounding Community Victory
In the 2024 election, Trump won Hialeah by an overwhelming 53-point margin, securing nearly 75% of the local vote. He also made history as the first Republican to win Miami-Dade County since 1988, garnering over 13% more votes than his Democratic opponent.
“This renaming honors President Trump’s steadfast commitment to putting America first and prioritizing the needs of the American people,” Bovo wrote on X. “It is a tribute to his vision and efforts to uphold the values that resonate deeply with our community.”
With its newly renamed avenue, Miami-Dade County highlights a shift in political tides while commemorating a leader who has left an indelible mark on its residents.
