WESTCHESTER — Residents living off Coral Way are asking Miami-Dade County commissioners to block an appeal that would rezone a home on Southwest 24th Street, a move they believe could open the door for larger development and disrupt the character of their longtime neighborhood.

Home at center of dispute

The property at 7945 Southwest 24th Street is at the center of the debate. The owner wants to change the zoning from RU-1, a single-family designation, to RU-5A, a semi-professional office zone. The owner’s zoning consultant says the plan is only to enclose the carport and create a small office space, but neighbors say they are not convinced.

Residents cite past resolution

Several residents argue that the rezoning is unnecessary. They point to a 1991 resolution that allows businesses along Southwest 24th Street to operate while still remaining under the single-family designation. They worry a zoning change would become the first step toward larger development.

Neighbors voice strong opposition

Anthony Scremin, who owns a business next door, believes the owner isn’t considering the impact on the community. “He doesn’t give a damn about the people here,” he said.

Neighbors like Nelson Melendres, who has lived directly behind the home for more than 40 years, say the issue is not the current use but what could come next. 

“I know what the traffic is. I don’t mind this at all, but you guys changing it to a different zoning, I have a problem with it,” he said. “I guarantee you that the moment this is changed, something else is going to happen.”

Concerns about traffic and developers

Others voiced concerns about traffic and the risk that developers might try to assemble lots if the zoning changes. Resident Danny Diaz said once zoning changes begin, it becomes easier for developers to approach other property owners. Rick Sanchez echoed that, saying such changes could make homes more valuable to developers and potentially lead to a project that “would totally change the way this neighborhood feels.”

Previous attempt already failed

The rezoning attempt already failed once, back in July. One woman walking her dog summed up the concern simply: “I like our neighborhood the way it is.”

Commission to hear appeal Thursday

The appeal goes before the Miami-Dade County Commission on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. Residents say they plan to show up and fight to keep the zoning unchanged.

Golden State Warriors (9-7, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Miami Heat (8-6, seventh in the Eastern Conference)

Miami; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Heat -6.5; over/under is 230.5

BOTTOM LINE: Miami and Golden State face off in non-conference action.

The Heat have gone 6-1 at home. Miami is second in the NBA averaging 124.6 points and is shooting 48.8% from the field.

The Warriors have gone 4-7 away from home. Golden State is 1-0 in games decided by less than 4 points.

The Heat average 14.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 12.3 per game the Warriors allow. The Warriors average 16.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 1.7 more made shots on average than the 14.6 per game the Heat allow.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jaime Jaquez Jr. is averaging 17.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists for the Heat. Norman Powell is averaging 19.0 points over the last 10 games.

Stephen Curry is averaging 27.9 points, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals for the Warriors. Jimmy Butler III is averaging 33.0 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 62.5% over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Heat: 5-5, averaging 121.8 points, 42.8 rebounds, 30.5 assists, 8.5 steals and 4.6 blocks per game while shooting 48.1% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.8 points per game.

Warriors: 5-5, averaging 113.4 points, 41.7 rebounds, 26.7 assists, 10.2 steals and 4.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 113.5 points.

INJURIES: Heat: Bam Adebayo: day to day (foot), Tyler Herro: out (ankle).

Warriors: De’Anthony Melton: out (knee), Jonathan Kuminga: day to day (knee).

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is honoring the life and service of one of its own – Deputy Devin Jaramillo.

The 27-year-old deputy, who is lovingly remembered as a homegrown hero, partner, brother and son, was fatally shot by a suspect on Nov. 7 near Kendall.

A procession will begin at 6 a.m.on Tuesday, beginning at the Caballero Rivero Woodlawn funeral home, to a private mass. The memorial service for Jaramillo will begin at 10 a.m. at LoanDepot Park, located at 501 Marlins Way. 

How the fatal shooting of Jaramillo unfolded

According to investigators, Jaramillo responded to a minor crash close to the Enterprise Rent-A-Car in the 12000 block of Southwest 128th Street, near Kendall.

A source told CBS News Miami that the crash suspect, identified as 21-year-old Steven Rustrian, hit a vehicle, failed to stop and pulled into a parking space between two other vehicles in an attempt to hide after police were called.

Before Jaramillo arrived, Rustrian allegedly swapped seats with his partner.

Witnesses told Jaramillo about the incident and when he confronted Rustrian about the crash, Rustrian got out of his vehicle and started arguing with Jaramillo.

Surveillance video captured the moment the fight escalated, showing Jaramillo and Rustrian involved in a physical altercation. Video shows during the scuffle, Rustrian got a hold of Jaramillo’s service weapon and shot him several times.

After fatally wounding Jaramillo, Rustrian retreated back to his vehicle and killed himself with the deputy’s gun, officials confirmed.

A community in mourning 

Local, state and federal law enforcement have shared their condolences with Jaramillo’s family since he was killed. 

“What happened to our deputy was not OK,” Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said. She said she prays that they find a way for incidents like this one to never happen again.

“I want to tell you that behind this uniform, we are human beings,” said Cordero-Stutz. 

South Florida PBA President Steadman Stahl said being a police officer was in Jaramillo’s blood. His father also worked for the department.

“I was at his graduation. I’ve known him before he got into law enforcement,” Stahl said.

“Deputy Jaramillo’s killing is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by every individual who wears the badge and the sacrifices these officers make to protect this community,” Miami-Dade County State’s Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle said in a statement.”His family is in my prayers.” 

Governor Ron DeSantis posted on X that he and First Lady Casey DeSantis are heartbroken over the deputy’s death.