town manager’s message

MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MANAGER

This month, many of our residents return from summer vacation and our community starts to feel whole again with the approach of the new school year. It sure has been a busy summer; June 24 brought our whole community (and beyond) to an emotional standstill as we reflect on the painful loss of our lost family and neighbors in the first anniversary of last year’s collapse. Read on through to learn more about those very special events. While we await a permanent memorial, we are grateful to Senator Jason Pizzo and the state for designating that portion of Collins Avenue as 98 Points of Light Way in a poignant gesture of remembrance. Summer of 2022 also leaves plenty of positive memories behind. We officially introduced Officer Mike to the world and the Parks & Recreation Fourth of July event was a huge success capped off by a stunning fireworks display. Meanwhile, the Tourist Board held music concerts on the beach and welcomed back Summer Fridays for the first time in four years just last month. Remember, warm temperatures will continue to stick around through the fall, which means dangerous storms are still possible. Hurricane Season runs until November 30, so don’t let your guard down and make sure you are properly stocked up on supplies!

Andrew Hyatt, Town Manager

commission action at the july 12 meeting

Consent Agenda

• School Resource Officer Approved for School Year 2022/23 • Resolution Awarding Disaster Debris Removal Services to DRC Emergency Services per RFP 2022-03 • Approval and Acceptance of Grant Agreement with the State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Matching Grant Towards Surfside’s Collins Avenue Water Main Replacement Design Phase Project • First Amendment to SFM Services, Inc. Agreement for Additional Landscape Right of Way and Beach End Services • Parking Rate Adjustments

• Solid Waste Services Special Assessment Preliminary Rate Resolution • Solid Waste Commercial Rate Adjustment • Champlain Towers South Collapse Investigation - Additional Authorization to Expend • Authorization to Proceed with Contracting and Authorize Expenditures with Engineering Pool Firm The Corradino Group for a Town-Wide Traffic Study • FY 2022 Budget Amendment Resolution No. 7 Adopted, Second Reading: • Amending the Code of Ordinances by Amending Section 90-547 -“Marine Structures,” to a Amend Regulations for Construction of Docks, Piers and Moorings on Waterfront Lots • Ordinance Amending Section 54-78 of Code - Prohibited Noises • 24 Inch Setback Encroachment Clarification First Reading: • Ordinance Amending Section 54-78 of Code - Prohibited Noises • Solid Waste Services Special Assessment Preliminary Rate Resolution • Solid Waste Commercial Rate Adjustment • Champlain Towers South Collapse Investigation - Additional Authorization to Expend • Authorization to Proceed with Contracting and Authorize Expenditures with Engineering Pool Firm The Corradino Group for a Town-Wide Traffic Study

Passed Resolutions and Proclamations Ordinances

On Friday, June 24, 2022. The Town of Surfside began a series of events to commemorate the 98 souls lost in the tragic building collapse of June 24, 2021 and its survivors. In the works for several months, the series was planned by a dedicated committee driven and directed by family members of those who passed away.

Photo by Ashlyn McKibben

Photo by Ashlyn McKibben The first event was an intimate vigil held on site at 1:24 in the morning – the exact time of the collapse last year. Exclusive only to direct families of the deceased, the somber event began with attendees reuniting with the heart markers that had been placed at the Wall of Home memorial last year on behalf of each person. HistoryMiami graciously delivered them to the site. Inside the event tent, the names of each person deceased was read out loud by members of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue; at the same time, a torch was lit on behalf of that person by their family member or designee.

The morning’s Surfside Remembrance Event brought families and survivors together with additional search and rescue personnel from across the country. Elected Officials and the public also joined to offer their love and support. The tented space accommodated nearly 1,100 people and included a stage platform and a media staging area.

Led by Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger, the event included the participation of United States First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who spoke passionately about the fellowship of loss and the power of love. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also supported the event, announcing that the State has officially renamed the 100-blook of 88th street to 98 Points of Light Way in honor of the 98 victims. Florida State Senator Jason Pizzo, who introduced that bill in the legislation, was also in attendance.

In a true showing of global solidarity, Israeli Consul General Elbaz-Starinsky spoke on the deep ties between the two nations, a sentiment echoed by Homefront Command Major General Ori Gordin who also spoke and attended with a delegation of officers deployed to assist search and rescue efforts last year. Key search and rescue personnel from all sectors were presented with an honorary commemorative coin custom-designed for the occasion on behalf of the Town.

Later that same Friday, a dinner gathering was held exclusively for the families of the deceased with top search and rescue personnel. No cameras, members of the public or Elected Officials were allowed. The setting allowed for close interactions and privacy. The same event was extended to survivors of the collapse on Saturday, June 25 during lunch.

Photo by Ashlyn McKibben