Rep. María Elvira Salazar Joins Veterans Park Groundbreaking Ceremony in Palmetto Bay After Securing Federal Funding for Project

MIAMI, FL. – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) joined veterans, military families, local leaders, and residents today for the groundbreaking ceremony of the future Veterans Park in the Village of Palmetto Bay, a project supported through federal funding secured by Rep. Salazar to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans.

“Our veterans answered the call of duty and defended the freedoms we enjoy every day,” said Rep. Salazar. “This park will stand as a permanent tribute to their sacrifice, their service, and their legacy. I was proud to help secure the federal funding needed to move this project forward and deliver something meaningful for the veterans and families of Palmetto Bay.”
Rep. Salazar helped secure $200,000 in federal funding for phase one of the project, helping move the Veterans Park from planning to construction.

Last week, the House Appropriations Committee also approved her request for an additional $1 million in Community Project Funding for phase two, which will support memorial and educational elements, public gathering areas, restroom facilities, and additional improvements for veterans and their families.

The future Veterans Park is expected to serve as a place for remembrance, reflection, ceremonies, and community events honoring veterans from all generations.

Rep. Salazar Honored with Key to the Village

During the ceremony, Mayor Karyn Cunningham presented Rep. Salazar with the Key to the Village of Palmetto Bay in recognition of her partnership with the community and continued advocacy for veterans and military families.

Rep. Salazar has supported a range of efforts in Congress focused on expanding veterans’ healthcare access, strengthening benefits, and improving long-term support services for service members and their families, including:

• Leading efforts to ensure Panama Canal Zone veterans exposed to Agent Orange can access healthcare and disability benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs, including filing an FY27 appropriations amendment and working to reintroduce H.R. 2447 from the 118th Congress.
   
• Voting in favor of the FY27 Military Construction-Veterans Affairs appropriations bill, which fully funds veterans’ healthcare and benefits.
   
• Supporting the 21st Century Road to Housing Act to help expand veteran homeownership opportunities and reduce homelessness.
   
• Supporting the Major Richard Star Act, legislation allowing combat-injured veterans to receive their full Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.
   
• Supporting legislation expanding healthcare access for permanently disabled veterans living abroad.
   
• Leading the bipartisan Veterans Service Recognition Act, legislation creating a pathway for certain deported noncitizen veterans to lawfully return to the United States, excluding violent offenders.
   
• Co-leading the SERVICE Act, legislation establishing Veterans Response Teams to assist veterans experiencing mental health or crisis situations.

Rep. Salazar thanked Mayor Karyn Cunningham, Village leadership, veterans organizations, and community members for their partnership in bringing the project to life and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing to support veterans and military families across South Florida and the nation.