It is my and Vice Chairman Jose "Pepe" Diaz's privilege to announce that Miami-Dade County is launching the Ashley Nicole Valdes Public Safety Alerts, a text messaging program named in memory of the 11-year-old girl who was killed by a hit and run driver on January 8, 2009.

The Public Safety Alerts marks the next phase of Miami-Dade Alerts, a free text message alert system that advises residents of pertinent information such as tornado, tropical storm and hurricane warnings. With the Ashley Nicole Valdes Public Safety Alerts, residents will now receive text messages and e-mails regarding significant local incidents that involve the Miami-Dade Police Department and other partner agencies.

Many times during these types of emergency situations, Police need the public's help in order to help solve a crime or capture a suspect. A perfect example of how these Safety Alerts would be beneficial to the community is the tragic hit-and-run accident that killed Ashley Nicole. With Public Safety Alerts, residents would know to be on the lookout for a specific vehicle in the vicinity of where an incident occurs.

I encourage everyone to sign up and participate in this new program that will help keep us safer and more informed. You could help save a life, capture a suspect, or help solve a crime. This is your opportunity to get involved. To sign up for Ashley Nicole Valdes Public Safety Alerts, visit   www.miamidade.gov/oem. 

Mayor Carlos Alvarez