Cutler Bay's Town Charter includes a section honoring those killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Across South Dade on Sept. 11, 2026, communities marked the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks with ceremonies, school programs and a 2-mile tribute walk.
The charter section, titled "In Remembrance of Those Who Lost Their Lives," recognizes those who died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in Pennsylvania, according to the South Dade News Leader.
Countywide Ceremony Honors Ground Zero Responder
The anniversary also carried personal weight at a countywide ceremony at Tropical Park. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Chief Ray Jadallah honored retired Division Chief Robert Suarez, 72, who served as a rescue specialist with Florida Task Force 1 at Ground Zero. Suarez received a standing ovation, Local 10 reported.
The crowd stood.
"2,977 people died that day. It was an honor to be there to help," Suarez said at the ceremony, according to Local 10.
Suarez Family's Ongoing Ground Zero Legacy
Suarez's father, who shares his name, also responded to the World Trade Center. The elder Suarez has been battling brain cancer for three years and believes it is linked to his Ground Zero work, according to WSVN. He is enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program, which has covered his medical bills.
Task Force 1's Role in 2001 Response
Florida Task Force 1, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue's urban search-and-rescue team, was among dozens of teams that deployed to the World Trade Center site after the 2001 attacks. Photographs and a section of World Trade Center steel remain on display at the department's headquarters.
Homestead Base Holds Anniversary Tribute
At Homestead Air Reserve Base, firefighters, airmen, civilians and dependents gathered for a 25th-anniversary tribute at the base fire department, 12448 Ploesti Road. The observance was planned to include the ringing of a fire bell, a moment of silence and a 2-mile walk honoring the 2,977 people killed, according to the South Dade News Leader.
Schools Mark Day with Ceremonies, Programs
At South Dade Senior High School, students, faculty and community members participated in the school's annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony alongside its JROTC unit and Buc Ambassadors. The program was scheduled to include guest speakers, a presentation of colors and student-led tributes.
Butterfly Cooperative School in Homestead held an age-appropriate Patriot Day program focused on heroes and helpers. The school's September schedule also includes a visit to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Station 70.
Miami Dade College Hosts Public Ceremony
Miami Dade College's Kendall Campus hosted a free ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fred Shaw Plaza, 11011 SW 104th St., open to students, staff and the public, the Miami Herald reported.
Anniversary Coincides with Rosh Hashanah
The 25th anniversary fell on the same day as Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, which began the evening of Sept. 10. Rabbi Mark Rosenberg, chief chaplain for the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, was in lower Manhattan on Sept. 11, 2001, shortly before the second tower collapsed, Local 10 reported.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue posted a video tribute on Sept. 11 honoring the Task Force 1 members who left their families behind to respond to Ground Zero.
No Further Events Planned Locally
No additional 9/11-related events are scheduled in Cutler Bay or Palmetto Bay beyond Friday's observances.
