Government Relations Specialists

Rosario as Commissioner and Vice Mayor

Bayfront Park

Bayfront Park is a major public, urban park (32 acres) in Downtown Miami, Florida. During the ‘80s, it underwent a major redesign by Isamu Noguchi (12/17/1904--12/30/1988), a prominent and world renowned Japanese-American artist and landscape architect. Although Noguchi's plans were submitted by then Mayor Maurice Ferre in the early ‘80s, the City Commission failed to support his efforts to revitalize Bayfront Park. Rosario picked up the gauntlet in 1986, determined to raise the necessary thirty (30) million dollars and gain the support of her fellow commissioners. She was successful on both accounts and Bayfront Park held its grand opening on September 23, 1988. Isamu Noguchi passed away 3 months later.

An aerial view of Bayfront Park

(Left) "Commissioner Rosario Kennedy conducts the World Symphony Orchestra in the National Anthem at the grand opening of Bayfront Park." (The Miami News Weekender, 4/16/88

(Right) "Rosario Kennedy, the prime individual responsible for Bayfront Park and Amphitheatre, diligently pursued support funds from the state, foundations, private sector, and others for the project." Three nights of entertainment at the new amphitheater. Rosario introduces Roy Orbison who entertains to a standing-room only crowd. (Performance Weekly Newspaper 9/23/09)

Miami-Dade Days

Rosario’s fundraising efforts for Bayfront Park began in Tallahassee (Florida’s state capital) and resulted in the birth of “Miami-Dade Days”, an annual event designed to showcase Miami-Dade County and garner support for the community — while enjoying the signature giant paella, of course!

Rosario's Crack Attack

Among the many projects she championed on the City Commission were the creation of the Scattered Affordable Housing Program; the redevelopment of the Mildred and Claude Pepper Bayfront Park ; and the procurement of set-asides for minority and women contractors. She was instrumental in the State Legislature to include mammograms as part of health insurance coverage and she demolished over 400 abandoned houses used for crack, even mounting a bulldozer to make her point. The program is nationally known as “ Rosario ’s Crack Attack”.

Rosario in the News

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