About
Councilman Josh Dieguez
Josh has been living in Miami Lakes since 1989 and has dedicated himself to serving the Town since an early age. From serving as a Town government intern to serving as a member of the Elderly Affairs Committee, Charter Revision Commission, and the Neighborhood Improvement Committee, Josh has a proven track record of committed service to Miami Lakes and ensuring it lives up to the motto "Growing Beautifully". Outside of public office, Josh continues to give back through service with various community groups.
Since being elected in 2018, Josh has made it his focus to ensure that taxpayer money is being used wisely, public safety is prioritized, and that much needed investments in our infrastructure are completed. Toward that end he has voted to reduce the Town's property tax rate to the lowest level ever, supported our police officers and made sure they have the resources necessary to keep Miami Lakes one of the safest communities in Florida, pushed to increase the Town's "rainy day" fund, and voted to approve the largest investment in drainage infrastructure in the Town's history to address flooding.
Josh graduated cum laude from Florida International University with a double major in Political Science and History and graduated with his Juris Doctor degree and a Certificate in Environmental Law from St. Thomas University. He practices law from his own law firm located in Miami Lakes.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
THE ISSUES
Public Safety
Josh believes public safety is the cornerstone of a successful community and that nothing can flourish without it. Toward that end, he has steadfastly supported our police and ensured they have the resources they need to be effective. Over the last six years, Josh has supported the implementation of additional license plate readers around town and most recently voted to fund a substantial increase in police patrols on our streets to better deter criminals. Continuing this focus on public safety, Josh will fight for additional officers during the overnight shift, add new community policing programs, and work to increase lighting in dark areas to deter crime.
Fiscal Responsibility and Taxes
Josh has voted to keep the Town's property tax rate low all six years of his time in office and has voted five times to lower property taxes and reduce permit fees making Miami Lakes among the least tax burdened communities in Miami-Dade County. He has also sponsored measures that have reduced the overall budget while increasing the Town's reserves. If elected as Mayor, Josh pledges to continue looking for other opportunities to bring down the property tax rate further while also ensuring that taxpayer money is wisely invested into things that directly improve our quality of life.
Traffic
To achieve meaningful traffic relief, the Town needs to work with its federal, state, and local partners to increase highway connectivity at the Town's east and west borders to reduce the bottle neck that is created by so many commuters entering and exiting the Town at Palmetto Expressway and Miami Lakes Drive during peak hours. Currently, Josh is working with Commissioner Rene Garcia, State Representative Fabricio, and State Senator Avila to deliver on new highway access points. He was also a proponent of new dedicated turning lanes that are expected to improve traffic flow on Miami Lakes Drive once completed.
Flooding & Infrastructure
Flooding poses a danger to our vehicles and homes. Because of that, Josh supported a $33 million investment in improving our drainage system that will add new drains and expand capacity at others. Josh also passed legislation that mandated additional money to maintain our existing infrastructure meaning more sidewalk repairs, light replacements, and street repairs.
Beautification and Protecting the Character of Miami Lakes
Whether it is replacing old street signage or beautifying our cul-de-sacs and town entry points, Josh has always supported initiatives that enhance the look and feel of the Town. It was Josh’s initiative to add trees to the Palmetto exit at N.W. 67th Avenue and he is currently pushing to update the Town’s Beautification Master Plan to create a unified plan for ensuring the Town lives up to its motto "Growing Beautifully". Josh has also pushed back against attempts to needlessly lower town standards and successfully added a new full time code compliance position to better address an enforcement gap that exists on the weekends. Further, as Mayor, he will continue pursuing strategic partnerships to ensure all our town parks and green spaces are protected and enhanced.
Rock Mining Blasting
In 2018, former State Representative Manny Diaz Jr. appointed Josh to a Rock Mining Task Force intended to propose legislation to protect our homes from rock mining blasting. The legislative package that resulted from that group has been the central starting point for all rock mining blasting legislation proposed in Tallahassee since. In fact, it was Josh who proposed returning jurisdiction for rock mining related claims to the circuit court system and Josh has since advocated for the legislative package that came from this Rock Mining Task Force all six years of his elected service as Councilman and will continue to do so as our next Mayor.
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- At a tree planting with Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano and the Zonta Club of Miami Lakes.
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- Josh’s advocacy led to the beautification of the berm on Palmetto Expressway and N.W. 67th Avenue.
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- Josh successfully advocated replacing various unlighted street signs including along Miami Lakes Drive.
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- Welcoming Leadership Miami to Town Hall, which Josh successfully brought to Miami Lakes and benefits our local restaurants and bars.
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- Touring Miami Lakes based Antigua College International noted for its nursing program.
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- With a newly installed anti-litter sign in 2016 which was an initiative launched while Chair of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee.
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- With Councilmembers Luis Collazo and Marilyn Ruano and other volunteers assisting residents with hurricane preparation in 2017.
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- Listening to discussion as a member of the 2015 Charter Revision Commission. Three of his proposed amendments were later overwhelmingly adopted by voters.
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- At the grand opening of Gigi’s Playhouse in Miami Lakes with Councilman Luis Collazo in 2021.
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- Presenting a home beautification award grant as Chair of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee in 2014.
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- Guiding traffic at a Farm Share food distribution event at Royal Oaks Park during the 2020 pandemic.
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- Celebrating the Fourth of July with Mayor Cid, Councilman Collazo, and residents in 2021.
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- Enjoying the 2023 Culinary Bike Tour, which Josh helped to create and supports our local restaurants and bars while encouraging a more active lifestyle.
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- Joining Mayor Cid for the groundbreaking of a new drainage improvement project.
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- Josh’s work with Congressman Diaz-Balart’s office has resulted in millions of dollars in federal money toward infrastructure improvements.
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- Distributing backpacks for a Back-to-School event.
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- Answering questions at a Residents Rock Mining Forum in 2023.
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- Representing the town at the Doral Family Journal Economic Development Forum.
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- As a lifelong resident of Miami Lakes, Josh understands the town and has committed to making it a better place over the last 18 years.
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- Meeting with Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation Jared Perdue to advocate for new ways to reduce traffic.
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- Advocating for Miami Lakes’ interests at the Miami-Dade County Commission.
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- Receiving a proclamation as Chair of the Neighborhood Improvement Committee dedicating July 2014 as Lake Quality Awareness Month.
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- In 2019, Josh presided over a special meeting of the Town Council to cut the budget in response to a budget deficit that year.
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- Volunteering during the 2014 Senior Games as a member of the Elderly Affairs Committee.