Council Update - October 2021

We have all found ourselves wondering when it will be safe to fully reengage socially.  We have washed hands, masked up, quarantined and vaccinated.  As we slowly progress to our “regular programming,” I want to share an innovative effort that Pinecrest is undertaking.

Pinecrest Gardens is kicking off our Jazz Series this Saturday evening at the Banyan Bowl.  Pinecrest has hired FIU to bring two Covid sniffing K-9s that will be present to screen attendees as they enter the venue.  Should anyone be identified by the K-9s as Covid positive, they will be given the opportunity to take a rapid test onsite or receive reimbursement for their ticket.

We had heard of the Covid sniffing dogs at Miami International Airport and inquired if their services may be hired for this type of event.  We will be the first municipality using this novel approach to help combat the spread of Covid in crowds.  This was especially important to us because while we will require masks, this will help people adhere to CDC guidelines for proper social distancing in the amphitheater seating.  It can help give peace of mind and also be used to deter transmission rates to keep us all safer.

Miami-Dade County has made national news for this innovative approach to stemming the spread of Covid, and remarkably these FIU-trained dogs have been 96-99% accurate in being able to detect Covid.  The health and safety of our community is essential; Banyon Bowl is a treasure, and is working very hard to provide a safe environment so that we can return to the kinds of cultural programs that help make Pinecrest so special.  There is no blueprint of how to return to normalcy, but these Covid K9's that are helping make Miami Airport run more smoothly is a great step for our local institutions.

Hope to see you at one of the concerts!