The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce welcomed members, community leaders, and local business owners on Friday, November 14, 2025, for its monthly luncheon, featuring a dynamic lineup of speakers. The event opened with a Spotlight Speaker presentation from J.R. Longstaff of Your Travel Guy, followed by keynote remarks from Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Tomas Regalado and Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez.
Spotlight Speaker J.R. Longstaff started the luncheon by introducing attendees to the personalized, no-cost travel and event advisory services offered through Your Travel Guy. Longstaff explained that his mission is to simplify and elevate the travel planning experience for clients seeking adventures around the world. To illustrate the level of care and customization he provides, he shared a recent success story: helping a couple plan their dream honeymoon in the Maldives. Their itinerary included private beach dinners, curated excursions, and spa treatments, resulting in a trip that exceeded their expectations. Longstaff emphasized that his professional planning services come at no charge to clients, offering exceptional value and peace of mind during the travel process.
Following Longstaff’s presentation, the Chamber introduced Tomas Regalado, the newly elected Property Appraiser of Miami-Dade County. Regalado captivated the audience with highlights from his remarkable journey, from arriving in the United States through Operation Pedro Pan to building a celebrated career in journalism. His decades of work in media included international reporting across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, as well as serving as the first Cuban American member of the White House Press Corps under multiple U.S. presidents. Regalado also reflected on his years in public service, including his long tenure as a City of Miami Commissioner and his two-term mayoralty.
Regalado then shifted to the responsibilities of the Property Appraiser’s Office, explaining how accurate, data-driven property assessments are essential to the financial health of local government services. He outlined the functions of the office. From certifying the annual tax roll to managing exemptions, and stressed transparency and communication as key components of his leadership approach. Attendees appreciated his clarity in breaking down how property values directly influence funding for schools, public safety, and essential municipal programs.
The final presentation of the afternoon featured Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, who shared his inspiring story of faith, resilience, and dedication to public service. Born in Güines, Cuba, and raised in Madruga, Fernandez described how his early Catholic upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work and community responsibility. After earning an electrical technology degree, he immigrated to the United States in 2002 in search of freedom and opportunity.
Fernandez recounted his transition from working in media, beginning at Radio Paz 830AM and later hosting on Mega TV, to founding Ponemus Group in 2015, a firm specializing in marketing, consulting, and software development for small businesses. His long track record of community involvement ultimately led to his historic 2024 election as Miami-Dade County’s first Cuban American Tax Collector. He closed his remarks by outlining his goals for the office, including modernizing operations, reducing red tape, and improving services through innovation and accountability.
The November luncheon once again showcased the Chamber’s commitment to providing meaningful engagement, valuable information, and opportunities for connection. Attendees left with fresh insights from leaders shaping the future of Miami-Dade County, along with inspiration from the day’s featured entrepreneurs and public servants.
