Pinecrest Receives Environmental Stewardship Award

Published on June 02, 2025

Pinecrest Wins 2025 Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship

The Village of Pinecrest has earned the 2025 Florida Municipal Achievement Award for Environmental Stewardship from the Florida League of Cities, marking a significant recognition for its innovative approach to sustainability.

The award highlights Pinecrest's comprehensive environmental initiatives, including a community composting program that has diverted more than 90,000 pounds of food waste from landfills since its launch.

"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition for our commitment to environmental stewardship," said Mayor Joseph M. Corradino. "This award reflects our community's shared dedication to innovative solutions that not only address urgent environmental challenges but also serve as a model for municipalities across Florida and beyond."

The village's free Community Composting Program, in partnership with Fertile Earth Worm Farm, represents the first of its kind in Miami-Dade County, addressing the region's looming landfill crisis. County facilities are projected to reach capacity by 2029, making waste diversion critical for the area's environmental future.

Residents can drop off food scraps at convenient locations including the Pinecrest Community Center, Pinecrest Public Library and Pinecrest Farmers Market. The program has distributed 1,363 home composting bins at the farmers market since 2024, according to village officials.

Councilmember Shannon del Prado, who spearheaded the initiative, said the program demonstrates community enthusiasm for accessible environmental action. The success has led to seven additional compost drop-off sites throughout the county, with at least 40 percent located in low-income neighborhoods to promote environmental equity.

The composting program's achievements helped secure $500,000 in funding for the Everglades Earth Cycle Project, including a $400,000 USDA grant obtained through collaboration with Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. The initiative partners with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida to transform composted organic waste into soil amendments for restoring community gardens in the Everglades.

Pinecrest has also launched floating flower islands in local canals that flow into Biscayne Bay. These 500-square-foot platforms serve as natural water filters, removing excess nitrogen and phosphorus while limiting invasive aquatic weeds. The flowers will be harvested and sold at the Pinecrest Farmers Market, with proceeds supporting additional green initiatives.

The Village will receive a trophy and be featured in the League's Quality Cities magazine, website, and social media channels. The recognition comes as Pinecrest continues to expand its environmental initiatives while maintaining its designation as the first U.S. City of Happiness through the Happy Pinecrest People Initiative (HaPPi).