Town of Surfside Gazette July 2023

Image of Beach Club during Summer Sunday Beach Party.

For all Gazette inquiries, please contact ftrigueros@townofsurfsidefl.gov.

TOWN OFFICIALS

Hector Gomez, Town Manager townmanager@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Lillian Arango, Town Attorney larango@townofsurfsidefl.gov

John Healy, Chief of Police jhealy@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Sandra N. McCready, MMC, Town Clerk smccready@townofsurfsidefl.gov

BUSINESS

Town Hall (305) 861-4863

(305) 861-4862 Fire

(305) 861-1115

911

TOWN WEBSITE

www.townofsurfsidefl.gov

TELEVISION

Meetings and events are subject to change. For the most up to date calendar please visit TownofSurfsideFL.gov or scan the QR

TOWN

Shlomo Danzinger, Mayor sdanzinger@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Jeffrey Rose, Vice Mayor jrose@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Fred Landsman, Commissioner flandsman@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Marianne Meischeid, Commissioner mmeischeid@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Nelly Velasquez, Commissioner nvelasquez@townofsurfsidefl.gov

MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MANAGER

As we approach Independence Day, I wanted to take a moment to wish you all a happy and safe celebration. The Fourth of July is a time to come together as a community and commemorate the values of freedom and unity that our great nation stands for.

While enjoying the summer festivities, let’s also remember to respect our beautiful beaches. As we soak up the sun and enjoy the waves, let’s be mindful of keeping our beaches clean and free from litter. Small actions like picking up after ourselves and using designated trash bins go a long way in pr eserving the natural beauty of our coastal environment.

We value your ideas and opinions, and I encourage you to actively engage in the budget discussions and public hearings. Your voice matters, and together, we can ensure that our town’s resources are allocated effectively and in line with our community’s needs and priorities. Lastly, as you know the Town recently held the second Remembrance Event to honor the victims of the 2021 building collapse. A recap article will be featured in the August Gazette.

On behalf of all Town Staff, thank you for allowing us to serve you!

Hector Gomez, Town Manager

Shlomo Danzinger

COMMISSION ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Clarified the design requirements for converting an attached garage to living space at a single-family home and created a process for staff review to streamline such approvals.

Clarified the design requirements and the approval procedure for front yard and secondary frontage fences and gates and created a process for staff review to streamline such approvals.

Passed an ordinance to expand the list of projects that will not require Planning and Zoning Board in order to improve the efficiency of the Planning and Zoning Board’s review process. The exempts projects will still require a permit and administrative review. Both garage conversions and front yard fences are now projects that do not require Planning and Zoning review.

Passed a Zoning Code correction ordinance to eliminate redundant language regarding balcony projections in the H120 zoning district.

Passed a resolution for a project agreement with Kimley Horn and Associates for professional engineering services related to the 91st St/Surfside Boulevard beautification project.

Reviewed proposed projects and capital improvements for the FY 24 budget and provided staff direction and input.

Recognized Surfside Heroes whom responded during the Champlain Towers South Collapse.

Recognized our Code Compliance team as part of Code Compliance month.

Invited Senator Shervin D. Jones to give a legislative update to the Town.

COMMISSIONER Fred Landsman

VICE MAYOR Jeffrey Rose COMMISSIONER Marianne Meischeid COMMISSIONER Nelly Velasquez

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS’ APPRECIATION WEEK

Code Enforcement Officers are responsible for improving the neighborhood and the quality of lives of the residents and community.

The Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.) has declared the first week of June be set aside by local government to honor and recognize their Code Enforcement Officers

Mayor, Shlomo Danzinger, presented Surfside Code Officers Carmen Santos-Alborna and Kimberly Ruvin with the Code Enforcement Officers’Appreciation Week proclamation.

MAYOR AND COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEET TO DISCUSS COLLABORATIVE INITIATIVES

VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOTS HAVE EXPIRED

Due to recent changes in Florida all requests for vote-bymail ballots expired at the end of 2022, therefore, any request on file has expired.

If a voter wants to vote by mail in 2023 and 2024, they must fill out a new VBM request and submit it to the Elections Department.

For more information on VBM ballot requests please visit miamidade.gov/elections or email votebymail@ miamidade.gov

Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger met with Surfside’s District 4 County Commissioner Micky Stienberg to discuss important matters requiring cooperation with the County. They explored various collaborative initiatives and identified potential partnerships that would benefit both Surfside and the County. The meeting provided valuable insights and a clear roadmap for achieving common goals through effective collaboration.

SURFSIDE MAYOR ATTENDS

‘NO PLACE FOR HATE” EVENT IN SUPPORT OF RUTH K. BROAD ELEMENTARY

Suride Mayor Shlomo Danzinger attended the annual ‘No Place For Hate’ banner presentation at the Miami Beach Bandshell with State Representative Fabian Basabe. The event is sponsored by the City of Miami Beach in partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and MiamiDade County Public Schools. The Mayor was there to support Ruth K. Broad Elementary K-8 as they received their banner and put on a musical performance.

SURFSIDE HEROES APPRECIATION MONTH PROCLAMATION

They say hard times reveal true friends and on June 24, 2021, the Town experienced the power of the human spirit first-hand after dozens of organizations and countless volunteers came together to stand Surfside strong.

At the June 13 Commission Meeting, Mayor Danzinger and the Town Commission were joined by State Senator Shevin Jones in presenting Town Employees, Surfside Police, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Miami-Dade County Police, Israeli Consul General Maor Elbaz Starinsky on behalf of the State of Israel and Hatzallah of South Florida with the 2023 Surfside Heroes Month proclamation.

Additional honorees include: Fire rescue members for the City of Miami and the City of Miami Beach, all local and out-ofstate search and rescue teams, local municipal law enforcement, volunteers from Chessed Shel Emes, Yeddim USA, Jewish Community Services, Red Cross, Global Empowerment Mission, EZS, the Shul and Strong for Surfside.

SURFSIDE MAYOR JOINS CONFERENCE OF MAYORS TO DISCUSS CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION AND RESILIECY STRATEGIES

Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger recently participated in the US Conference of Mayors held in Columbus, Ohio. The conference provided a unique opportunity for Mayor Danzinger to engage with a diverse group of mayors from across the United States, leveraging their collective expertise and institutional knowledge. One of the key topics of discussion was climate change, and the Mayor had the chance to explore successful approaches adopted by larger cities in mitigating its impacts. Additionally, the Mayor studied resilient strategies learned from other cities to address local challenges effectively. The conference also provided a platform for Mayor

Danzinger to explore exciting new opportunities and initiatives that can positively impact Surfside. Several innovative approaches and projects were discovered that can contribute to the town’s growth and development. The Mayor returned to Surfside energized and inspired to implement some of the ideas discussed at the conference, which will undoubtedly benefit the Town and its residents in the long run.

NATIONAL TEACHERS APPRECIATION WEEK PROCLAMATION

Mayor Shlomo Danzinger proclaimed the week of May 8 through May 13, 2023 as National Teachers Appreciation Week, celebrating the invaluable contributions of teachers across our nation, recognizing their tireless efforts and profound impact on the lives of countless individuals

Celida Cuenca, a Surfside resident and school counselor at Ruth K Broad, was also awarded Teacher of the Year by Miami-Dade Public Schools, making our Town of Surfside proud through her unwavering commitment and fierce dedication to empowering and inspiring students to reach their full potential and academic excellence.

SURFSIDE MAYOR AND TOWN STAFF ATTEND BAY HARBOR

ISLANDS’ CHIEF OF POLICE SWEARING IN CEREMONY

Town Mayor Shlomo Danzinger was joined by Surfside Police Captain Marciante and Head Parking Officer Joseph at the swearing in ceremony of Chief Noel, Bay Harbor Islands’ new Chief of Police.

TOWN HONORS AMERICA’S HEROES AT ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

On May 29, Parks & Recreation hosted the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony which was led by Mayor Danzinger. Vice Mayor Rose and Commissioner Landsman were also on hand for the event.

Dozens of residents gathered under tents on the green lawn at Veterans Park for the event where Town Veterans spoke touchingly and shared their experiences from different decades and wars.

News From Town Hall

CALLING FOR FINAL INSPECTIONS

From Code Compliance and Public Works- Under the Florida Building and Town Codes, you are required to apply and obtain a Town of Surfside Building Permit before commencing any type of construction work, including but not limited to interior remodeling, driveways, curb cuts, fences, gates, garage conversions, etc.

Once you have obtained your permit, work must commence and continue until work is completed. You or your contractor must request inspections throughout the project duration. If inspections aren’t performed within 180 days of the issuance of the permit, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after the last inspection, the permit will expire; you will need to re-apply and pay for a new building permit.

It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure the project receives a final inspection from all the disciplines involved in the review process, such as building, planning, and public works departments.

Building Permit Application forms are available online at: https://townofsurfsidefl.gov/departments-services/ building/documents-and-forms. Some permits can be applied for online through the Town’s website: Customer Self Service (CSS) (townofsurfsidefl.gov)

Almost all permits require a current property survey, so be sure to have that ready when applying.

For any questions about the building permit application process or what materials you will need to provide for the permit, contact the Building Department at (305) 8614863 and press number 5.

ENSURING “GOOD HOUSE KEEPING PRACTICES” FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES

From Public Works — The Town of Surfside Public Works Department remains committed to providing exceptional service to its Residents. As the Town progresses through a period of significant development within Residential and Commercial areas, an abundance of construction operations is to be expected.

Construction site managers and owner representatives have an obligation to residents ensuring they follow good house keeping practices. This includes collecting trash, maintaining a clean site, proper storage of construction materials, securing work areas, and providing stormwater management.

Stormwater management is essential to the effectiveness of our right-of-way buy mitigating improper discharges and preventing pollutants from reaching natural water bodies. As a result of this commitment, Stormwater Inspectors perform regular proactive inspections and reactive investigations Town-wide to prevent potential impacts to the environment.

All Residents can report construction site concerns to the Town by calling 305-861-4863 or visiting our website at townofsurfsidefl.gov and submitting a report on SeeClickFix.

News From Town Hall

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK REPRESENTS SURFSIDE AT FACC SUMMER CONFERENCE

From Town Clerks Office - During the recent Florida Association of City Clerk (FACC) Summer Conference, our esteemed Deputy Town Clerk Evelyn Herbello was sworn in as the FACC’s South District Director, where she plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s mission of providing top-notch education and networking opportunities to ensure members are equipped with the necessary knowledge and expertise to serve their communities in MiamiDade, Broward, and Monroe Counties.

Additionally, Evelyn’s recent recognition as a Paul Craig Athenian Fellow by the IIMC Athenian Leadership Society further showcases her commitment to professional growth and development. Since joining Surfside, Evelyn has consistently proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the Town Administration, with her continued dedication to education and certification enabling her to better serve our residents. We are immensely grateful to have Evelyn as an integral part of our team of dedicated employees, and her accomplishments truly reflect her exceptional contributions.

PUBLIC WORKS

Gustavo has been a great asset to the department. Our deepest thanks and congratulations go out to Gustavo for his great work!

From Public Works - Public Works maintenance worker Gustavo Gonzalez celebrates 10 years of service with the Town of Surfside.

DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE

ROAST SURFSIDE EMBRACES THE CLASSICS

The Town of Surfside is thrilled to welcome Roast to the business district. Roast truly captures the essence of authentic French cuisine, with a focus on traditional flame rotisserie cooking. From the moment you step inside, you are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable dining experience. The menu boasts a tantalizing selection of dishes, each prepared with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Whether you’re indulging in their succulent rotisserie chicken or savoring their perfectly cooked lamb chops, every bite is a testament to their commitment to high-quality ingredients

The staff is attentive and knowledgeable, ensuring that your dining experience is both pleasant and enjoyable. For those seeking a unique and delightful culinary adventure, Roast is the perfect destination.

FROM SPRING TO SUMMER: SEA TURTLE NESTING SEASON CONTINUES

Surfside continues celebrating a busy spring sea turtle nesting season with multiple nests found throughout Surfside’s beach since the start of the season several months ago, emphasizing the need to be vigilant and respect County markers on the beach.

However, nest markers aren’t the lone indicators for activity as evidenced by a number of actual turtle sightings over the past few months. As the photos show, a large Loggerhead was spotted nesting on the beach several weeks ago while a more recent sighting captured a majestic Leatherback, the largest of all sea turtle species, also nesting in Surfside and heading back to the water.

Adhering to sea turtle lighting regulations during the nesting season is crucial, and it is essential to avoid deliberately looking for turtles during evening hours. By maintaining a respectful distance and avoiding interference with the nesting process, we can contribute to creating a safe environment for sea turtle eggs to hatch and hatchlings to make their way back to the ocean.

*All photos were taken without flash photography and from a safe distance

Uptown Funtown

STARTING SUMMER SUNDAYS WITH A SPLASH!

This year’s first Surfside Summer Sundays Beach Party was an event to remember! The event offered a fantastic lineup of activities, including live music by the Bofre Band, thrilling surfing demos, and beach volleyball matches. Delicious cocktails by Drake’s Organic Spirits and complimentary Suja Juice bottles were available to keep everyone entertained and hydrated.

The Town of Surfside’s Tourist Board is proud to invite visitors and residents to this special Summer Beach party to enjoy live music, sports, refreshing drinks and a vibrant atmosphere, please join us for the next Surfside Summer Sundays Beach Party on July 2nd, 4-7 p.m.

Police Beat

MAY OFFICER OF THE MONTH

On May 2, 2023, Officer Ronald Donoso was dispatched to a call for service at 9200 Collins Avenue (Residence Inn by Marriott) regarding a 911 hang-up. Officer Donoso was in route to the call when he observed unusual behavior from a female at the Northwest corner of Collins Avenue and 90th Street. She was leaning against the concrete wall with a shirt covering her head. Officer Donoso proceeded to his assigned call however he remained concerned for the wellbeing of the female. Once the call was cleared, Officer Donoso responded to the location she was last seen noticing she was now sitting down. Without hesitation, Officer Donoso approached her and asked if she was alright. She replied she needed medical help because she believed she was having a stroke. Officer Donoso immediately requested assistance from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue who treated the patient and released her on scene.

Officer Donoso’s proactive policing and remarkable instincts were exhibited during this unforeseen medical emergency. Officer Donoso went above and beyond the call of duty potentially saving this individual’s life. Officer Donoso is commended for his praiseworthy actions along with the dedication and professionalism he demonstrates every day. Congratulations to Officer Ronald Donoso as the recipient of the May Officer of the Month award…well deserved!

It Starts In Parks

SURFSIDE SUMMER CAMPERS VISITED CALYPSO BAY WATER PARK, PALM BEACH ZOO AND MADE ARTS AND CRAFTS AS FUN CONTINUES!

It Starts In Parks

It Starts In Parks

Sponsored in part by the Surfside Tourist Bureau with Resort Tax revenue

*Surfside residents must show their Surfside ID or picture ID with current address.

*All guests must be accompanied by a Surfside resident. *Guest policy will be adhered to for all non-residents.

*Additional portions of the beach will be closed due to the required firework/drone show.

*Please note that two or more members of the Town Commission, Town Board or Committee may be present at this event.

It Starts In Parks

SWIM LESSONS CONTINUE THROUGHOUT SUMMER. REGISTER TODAY!

PARKS AND RECREATION EMPLOYEES LIKE CARLOS VINA MAKE SURE OUR TENNIS CENTER, COMMUNITY CENTER AND PARKS ARE IN TOP SHAPE!

TOWN OF SURFSIDE AQUATICS

HOURS

program days/dates hours ages fee per

DATES, TIMES AND CLASSES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

HOW TO BREAK THE GRIP OF THE RIP:

•Don’t fight the current.

•Swim out of the current then to shore.

•If you can’t escape, float or tread water.

•Call or wave for assistance.

REFRESH YOUR BEACH SAFETY KNOWLEDGE

*Conditions available during beach tower operations.

For daily beach conditions, contact the Community Center at (305) 866–3635.

SWIMMING SAFELY AT THE BEACH

LEARN HOW TO REDUCE THE RISKS SO YOUR FAMILY CAN ENJOY SWIMMING IN OPEN WATER

• Keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities.

• Be aware of weather and water conditions and heed warnings.

• Always swim in a lifeguarded area.

• Never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills.

Get weather information for the Town’s parks and programs! Call our Rainout Line at 786-765-2013.

A collection of 8 Private Beach Side

Designed by Rene Gonzalez

BEAUTY SALON/BARBER

SHOP

X Beauty by Hana - 9540 Harding Ave

Surfside No. 2 Barber Shop - 9504 Harding Ave

LAHH Salon - 9480 Harding Ave

Mai Nail Lounge - 9466 Harding Ave

Justin Barbershop - 9452 Harding Ave

Alexia + Frankie’s Beauty Bar - 9448 Harding Ave

Uni K Wax - 9567 Harding Ave

Femme Coiffure & Spa - 9563 Harding Ave

Extension Dreams Hair Salon - 9521 Harding Ave

Surfside Barber Shop - 9431 Harding Ave

BOUTIQUES/SHOES/TAILORS/CLEANERS

Penny’s Alterations - 9532 Harding Ave #104

Verdile’s/Mario The Tailor - 9520 Harding Ave

H20 Dive Center - 9520 Harding Ave

Geneva Tailor / Yerry’s Dry Cleaners - 9484 Harding Ave

Tsniout Runway - 9458 Harding Ave

Condotti - 9565 Harding Ave

Iris Alterations & Tailoring - 9553 Harding Ave #204

Mercy’s Alterations - 9533 Harding Ave #202

WoW The Concept - 9507 Harding Ave

SIGAL - 9453 Harding ave

GIFTS/JEWELRY/FLOWERS

Moon Over Miami Gift Shop - 9520 Harding Ave

Liborio Cigars - 9520 Harding Ave

Miami Gift / Italian J- 9482 Harding Ave

Gray and Sons Jewelry - 9595 Harding Ave

Amoris Flowers + Events - 9577 Harding Ave

Sunny Toys & Gifts - 9575 Harding Ave

Miamira Jewelers - 9573 Harding Ave

7th Plateau - 9559 Harding Ave

JS Diamond Enterprises - 9553 Harding Ave #307

Yaffa Wigs - 9515 Harding Ave.

Absolute Flowers by Manny - 9481 Harding Ave

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

ONE Sotheby’s International Realty - 9588 Harding Ave

The Agency - 9564 Harding Ave

Infinity BH Real Estate/Goldfarb - 9520 Harding Ave

Estelle Stern Realty - 9508 Harding Ave

M. Kotler Realtors - 9585 Harding Ave

The Corcoran Group - 9537 Harding Ave

HEALTH & WELLNESS

CVS Pharmacy - 9578 Harding Ave

Oberle Opticians - 9552 Harding Ave

Lemel Medspa - 9538 Harding Ave

Surfside Chiropractic - 9532 Harding Ave #101

Veterinary Wellness Center of Surfside - 9530 Harding Ave

Dr. Curson Podiatry - 9528 Harding Ave

Dr. Edy A. Guerra Dental Center - 9456 Harding Ave

The Tox MIA - 9541 Harding Ave

Surfside Hearing Aid - 222 95th St

Bal Harbour Smiles - 260 95th St #202

___Malekin Law PA -260 95th St #206

Dr. Schwartz/Dr. Sugar - 9445 Harding Ave

FINANCIAL/SERVICES

Amtrust Bank - 9592 Harding Ave

Chase Bank - 9556 Harding Ave

Camissar International - 9520 Harding Ave

AT&T Surfside - 9569 Harding Ave

SKF Tech - 9553 Harding Ave #302

SK Worldwide - 9553 Harding Ave #303

Gelb Productions - 9553 Harding Ave #311

CitiBank - 9525 Harding Ave

U.S. Post Office Surfside - 250 95th St

Barry Cohen Law Firm - 260 95th St #201

Executive Auto Group - 260 95th St #203

T-Mobile - 9435 Harding Ave

The UPS Store - 9429 Harding Ave

Wells Fargo Bank - 9401 Harding Ave

RESTAURANT/SUPERMARKET

Starbucks - 9560 Harding Ave

Cine Citta CafeK - 9544 Harding Ave

Subway - 9536 Harding Ave

Flanigan’s Seafood Bar & Grill - 9516 Harding Ave

Cafe Ragazzi - 9500 Harding Ave

Big Daddy’s Liquor - 9494 Harding Ave

Cafe VertK - 9490 Harding Ave

RustikoK - 9476 Harding Ave

Street KitchenK - 9460 Harding

TYO SushiK - 9454 Harding

Publix Supermarket - 9400 Harding Ave

Sushi Republic - 9583 Harding Ave

Morelia Gourmet PaletasK - 9571 Harding Ave

Koolulu - 9561 Harding Ave

Rolling Pin BakeryK - 9523 Harding Ave

The CarrotK - 9519 Harding Ave

Josh’s Deli - 9517 Harding Ave

Chai GrillK - 233 & 255 95th St

Neya Restaurant - 9491 Harding Ave

26 Suhi + TapasK - 9487 Harding Ave

Specchio Cafe - 9485 Harding Ave

KoshK - 9477 Harding Ave

The GroveK - 9467 Harding Ave

Fialkoff’s Express SurfsideK - 9463 Harding Ave

Moncheese Pizza - 9459 Harding Ave

Rita’s Ice Custard Happiness - 9461 Harding Ave

Serendipity Yogurt CafeK - 9457 Harding Ave

Roast - 9441 Harding Ave

Miami Beach Chocolates SurfsideK - 9433 Harding Ave

The Harbour BistroK - 9427 Harding Ave

Harbour Grill DeliK - 9415-9421 Harding Ave