Community leaders and local officials are pledging swift and lasting changes to park safety procedures following the tragic sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl at Gwen Cherry Park earlier this week.
The incident, which occurred Tuesday evening, has left many in the community shaken and demanding action. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien, whose district includes Gwen Cherry Park, issued a heartfelt statement in response to the assault, calling the attack a “tragic violation of safety in our community.”
“My heart is shattered by the senseless violence inflicted upon the innocent 11‑year‑old girl Tuesday evening at Gwen Cherry Park,” wrote Commissioner Bastien in a press release. “This reprehensible act is a tragic violation of safety in our community, and my deepest sympathy goes out to the innocent child and her family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Commissioner Bastien’s office has been in direct contact with the victim’s family to offer ongoing support, while also collaborating with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) to ensure a thorough investigation and to develop strategies for improving public safety.
In the wake of the incident, county leaders are actively reviewing security protocols and safety procedures across all parks and public spaces. The goal, officials say, is to implement stronger safeguards so that children and families can feel safe using community resources.
“My heart goes out to this child and her family. We will continue to support them, pursue justice, and rebuild trust,” said Commissioner Bastien. “In honoring their courage and resilience, we recommit ourselves to safeguarding our youngest residents throughout our county.”
Hy-Lo News will continue to follow this story and report on the steps being taken to improve safety in our neighborhoods.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.
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