Busted For A Good Cause

Several arrest warrants were served in Homestead on Wednesday as business owners, community leaders, council members and even a South Dade News Leader columnist were placed in handcuffs and thrown into jail.

It was all in good fun, while supporting a great cause.

Homestead Councilwoman Judy Waldman, with the assistance of Homestead Police Officers and City Staff, held a Jail & Bail on Wednesday to raise money for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Arrest warrants were filed, as local leaders were given the option of being arrested at work, surrendering at the Community Center Jail or posting bail early. A suggested bail for each prisoner’s release was set at $100.

“We did a Jail & Bail during the first couple years of Relay and I thought it would be fun to bring it back,” said Waldman, who was one of the over 40 people arrested. “I’m hoping we can raise at least $5,000 today.”

When all was said and done, Waldman more than doubled her goal, collecting over $10,000.

“We had people coming in at the last minute saying they heard we were having so much fun and they wanted to be arrested,” said Waldman, who is dedicating her efforts to Carma Sutton, Cindy Stingone and Nancy Bourke.

At 12:30 p.m., Mayor Jeff Porter, Councilman Elvis Maldonado, Waldman and Parks and Recreations Director Dennis Maytan were in the temporary jail cell at the William F. Bill Dickinson Community Center.

The four city leaders were being booked, just as News Leader Columnist Doris D. Meneses had posted bail.

Homestead’s annual Relay for Life will be held at Homestead Hospital on May 10th and 11th. Several fundraisers will be taking place around Homestead during the next month to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

On April 12th, DQ Grill and Chill will donate 15 percent of all its sales to the American Cancer Society.

A highway holdup will take place on April 19th where volunteers and city staff will collect money at the intersection of US-1 and Campbell Drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“This shows that everyone knows the importance of working together for a great cause and one of the greatest causes we have today – cancer awareness,” said Maldonado, who is the Honorary Chair of the Relay for Life. “It’s about bringing resources and funding to the American Cancer Society so we can find a cure for cancer.”