Miami-Dade County, Florida
Miami-Dade
County,
Florida took its name in honor of
Major Francis
Dade, who lost his life in the
Seminole Wars. On July 22,
1997, after earning voter approval, the county changed its
name from Dade to Miami-Dade County.
Biscayne Bay and the
adjacent waters of the
Atlantic Ocean comprise nearly twenty
percent of Miami-Dade County. The county contains a total
area of 2,431 square miles.
According to the
2000 Census, Miami-Dade County reported 2.2
million residents; however, estimates in 2005 indicated a
population of 2,376,014. This 4.89% increase from the 2000
count poised Miami-Dade as the most populous county in FL
and in the
United States. Miami-Dade County is also one of
three counties that make up the massive South Florida
metropolitan area. The largest urban areas comprising
Miami-Dade County, FL include
Hialeah,
Miami and
Miami
Gardens.
The City of Miami nestles in northeastern Miami-Dade County
on northern Biscayne Bay between the Atlantic Ocean and the
lush
Everglades. Due to cultural heritage and linguistic
affiliation with the
Caribbean and
North, South and Central
America, Miami is often referred to as “The Gateway of the
Americas”. Miami is also a significant city for the Hispanic
world. The City of Miami reported a population of 362,470 to
the 2000 Census. Its surrounding metropolitan area is home
to more than 5.4 million residents. According to the
Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network,
Miami holds the distinction of a ranking of “Gamma World
City”.
Miami, FL serves as the seat of Miami-Dade County and an
important center of culture and international finance.
Downtown Miami boasts the largest concentration of
international banking facilities in the nation. Numerous
major companies operate their headquarters from the Greater
Miami area, including
Autonation,
Carnival Cruise Lines and
Ryder Systems.
Miami International Airport and the
Port of
Miami rank among the
country’s busiest points of entry.
Miami-Dade County, FL residents enjoy a vibrant quality of
life with an astounding range of cultural and recreational
activities to capture the ambiance of coastal living.
Visitors enjoy warm, inviting days along the pristine
beaches, or retreat indoors to catch a play or tour one of
the many local museums. Subtropical nights reveal a variety
of clubs, live entertainment venues, restaurants and shops.
The
Homestead-Miami Speedway offers exciting races
throughout the year and special options such as the
Richard
Petty Driving Experience. Other popular destinations include
the Art Deco Historic District,
Biscayne National Park,
Coral Castle,
Everglades National Park,
Miami Metrozoo,
Miami Seaquarium,
Parrot Jungle Island,
South Beach and the
Venetian Pool.
Residents have access to a wide range of living arrangements
for lease, purchase or rent. Students seeking higher
education have several fine choices. Higher learning
facilities located within the county include
Barry
University,
Florida International University,
Florida
Memorial University,
St. Thomas University and the
University of Miami.
Miami-Dade County,
Florida has a
subtropical climate with
mild winter temperatures and steamy, humid summers. Fall in
the area often brings considerable rainfall (and hurricanes,
such as the disastrous
Hurricane Andrew in 1992). Occasional
cold fronts bring cooler weather throughout the winter,
however the temperatures rarely fall below freezing.
Miami-Dade County, FL is home to a lovely patchwork of
coastal communities that serve as a cultural melting pot.
