Town of Surfside Gazette November 2023 by Town of Surfside

GAZETTE November 2023

Contents

meetings & events

to w n m a n a g e r’s m e s s a g e

c o m m i s s i o n a c c o m p l i s h m e n ts

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c o m m i s s i o n i n a ct i o n

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p o l i c e b e at

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Subscribe to Town news and notifications at TownofSurfsideFL.gov/subscribe For all Gazette inquiries, please contact ftrigueros@townofsurfsidefl.gov

11/2/23

Pension Board Meeting | 2 PM

11/05/23

96th St. Surfside Farmers Market | 9:30 AM

11/7/23

Special Election | 7 AM - 7 PM

11/09/23

Mobile DMV at Town Hall | 10 AM

11/10/23

Holiday - Town Hall Offices Closed

11/11/23

Veterans Day Ceremony | 10 AM

11/12/23

96th St. Surfside Farmers Market | 9:30 AM

11/12/23

Seaside Soiree | 3 PM

11/13/23

Tourist Board Meeting | 5:30 PM

11/14/23

Special Commission Quasi-Judicial Hearing | 5 PM

11/14/23

November Commission Meeting l 6 PM

11/15/23

Special Master Hearing | 10 AM

11/23/23

Holiday - Town Hall Offices Closed

11/24/23

Holiday - Town Hall Offices Closed

11/27/23

Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting | 5:30 PM

11/30/23

Planning & Zoning Board Meeting | 6 PM

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

TOWN OFFICIALS

BUSINESS NUMBERS TOWN COMMISSION

Lillian Arango, Town Attorney larango@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Town Hall (305) 861-4863 Police (305) 861-4862 Fire Rescue (305) 861-1115 Emergency 911

Hector Gomez, Town Manager townmanager@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Shlomo Danzinger, Mayor sdanzinger@townofsurfsidefl.gov Jeffrey Rose, Vice Mayor jrose@townofsurfsidefl.gov

TOWN WEBSITE Antonio Marciante, Chief of Police amarciante@townofsurfsidefl.gov www.townofsurfsidefl.gov Sandra N. McCready, Town Clerk smccready@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Fred Landsman, Commissioner flandsman@townofsurfsidefl.gov

TELEVISION ACCESS Channel 663 (Atlantic Broadband)

Marianne Meischeid, Commissioner mmeischeid@townofsurfsidefl.gov Nelly Velasquez, Commissioner nvelasquez@townofsurfsidefl.gov

surfside gazette

november 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MANAGER Dear Residents, As November approaches, I urge all of our community members to exercise their civic duty and cast their votes in the upcoming elections. Your voice matters, and your vote can make a difference in shaping our Town’s future. In addition to Election Day, this month, we also commemorate Veterans Day, a time to honor and express our deep gratitude to the brave men and women who have served our nation. As Thanksgiving approaches, let us take this opportunity to express gratitude for our blessings and come together as one big family. With daylight savings around the corner, we encourage residents to enjoy our latest pedestrian safety implementations on our hardpack which adds turtle friendly bollards for evening walking. Let’s enjoy this beautiful weather! Lastly, in these challenging times, our hearts are also with those affected by events around the world, including the situation in Israel. Let us stand together as a community, spreading love and support beyond our borders. Our Police Department and entire staff body are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our Town.

H e c t o r G o m e z , To w n M a n a g e r

M AY O R

Shlomo Danzinger

V I C E M AY O R

J e f f r e y Ro s e

COMMISSIONER

Fr e d L a n d s m a n

COMMISSIONER

Marianne Meischeid

COMMISSIONER

N e l l y Ve l a s q u e z

NOVEMBER 11

COMMISSION ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM THE OCTOBER COMMISSION MEETING

Passed a Mutual Aid Agreement between the City of Sweetwater Police Department and our Town’s Police Department to allow for expanded services and resources to better protect our community. Passed an ordinance on business district setbacks and lot standards to protect the neighborhood’s small businesses and commercial character of the Town’s business district. Selected a new, illuminated design for a monument sign that will replace the existing sign on Collins Avenue and 88th Street. Passed Resolution 223-3219 condemning acts of terror in Israel. Passed an ordinance allowing for Arcades in Downtown without the need to sell liquor.

november 2023

surfside gazette

Commission Your Voice Matters in Action CELEBRATING THE 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF SURFSIDE’S SISTER CIT Y -

SHOMRON, ISRAEL

In 2022, Mayor Danzinger and the Town Commission voted to approve a Sister Cities partnership with the city of Shomron in Israel. Given the strong nexus between Surfside and Israel, the partnership has been embraced by many in the community. The Resolution was signed on Oct. 27, 2022 with Mayor Danzinger signing on behalf of the Town of Surfside and Yossi Dagan, Head of the Shomron Regional Council, signing for Shomron The Shomron Regional Council is located in the heart of Israel, just north of Jerusalem. The region is bordered by the Green Line to the west and north, with Samaria Hills National Park on its southern border and Jordan Valley Regional Council to the east. The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Samarian Hills and the Jordan Rift Valley. It also has many historical sites, such as the ancient city of Shechem and the Tomb of Joseph. The area is steeped in history, with ruins of ancient cities, archaeological digs, and historical museums that offer a glimpse into the past. Megiddo, Tel Hazor and Tel Beit Shemesh are some of the most important archaeological sites in the region.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the region’s warm, temperate climate, which houses several natural parts and nature reserves, including Ein Gedi National Park which is located on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea and covers an area of about 250 acres. Shomron is also known for it’s superb wine as the region is home to several wineries that offer tours and tastings. To learn more about Surfside’s Sister City, Shomron, visit the dedicated page on the Town website at townofsurfsidefl.gov/redirects/shomron.

surfside gazette

november 2023

Commission Your Voice Matters in Action SURFSIDE’S RED RIBBON WEEK PROCL AMATION PROMOTES DRUG-FREE LIFEST YLE

CONDO SAFET Y SUMMIT: HOSTED BY MAYOR DANZINGER

Mayor Shlomo Danzinger of Surfside has declared October 23-31 as “Red Ribbon Week” to bolster the Town’s commitment to combating illicit drug use. This nationwide initiative, symbolized by the red ribbon, honors the legacy of DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and underscores the importance of drug prevention and education. Surfside joins in this campaign, encouraging community involvement in drug reduction and prevention efforts to create a safer and healthier environment for all.

SURFSIDE COMMEMORATES NATIONAL COMMUNIT Y PL ANNING MONTH

The Town welcomed the Condo Safety Summit on Sept. 26, which was held at the Grand Beach Hotel Surfside. Mayor Danzinger hosted the sold-out event which featured elected officials from across the state coming together to update participants on the upcoming legislative session and laws impacting condominiums. A big thank you to all the organizers and participants for a very successful event.

In a special proclamation, the Town of Surfside Commission has designated Oct. 2023 as “National Community Planning Month.” This recognition underscores the vital role of community planning in addressing evolving landscapes and highlights the contributions of Town Planner Judith Frankel and the Planning and Zoning Board towards enhancing Surfside’s quality of life. By participating in this nationwide effort, Surfside celebrates the importance of planning in fostering resilient, equitable, and sustainable communities.

november 2023

surfside gazette

News From Town Hall FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION GRANTS $120,898 TO BOOST SURFSIDE’S TRANSPORTATION UPGRADE The Florida Department of Transportation has approved a grant of $120,898 for the Town of Surfside, a significant milestone in the quest for an improved transportation system. This funding will accelerate the eagerly awaited Freebee project, demonstrating trust in Surfside’s vision for transportation enhancements and their dedication to community betterment. The Freebee project, the grant’s recipient, promises an innovative, user-friendly public transit system, setting the stage for improved accessibility and convenience for residents.

FAST TRACK YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENTS WITH OVER THE COUNTER SAME DAY PERMITS HVAC Straight Change Out Applicant must provide: • Town of Surfside HVAC changeout form (available on the Building Department’s page on the Town website). • Ashrae rating sheet: 13.0 SEER efficiency rating or better.

Electrical Panel Straight Change Out Applicant must provide: • Floor plan/sketch identifying location of existing panel.

Water Heater Straight Change Out Applicant must provide: • Floor plan/sketch identifying location of water heater.

Additionally, all applicants must provide the following statement included on the field documents/floor plans/submittal documents: All work and materials shall comply with the 2020 Florida Building Code(s), 7th Edition.

surfside gazette

november 2023

News From Town Hall SURFSIDE ENHANCES MEDIA TECHNOLOGY IN CHANNEL 663 & COMMISSION CHAMBERS

CODE CORNER: WHAT CAN I DO ON WEEKENDS

From Town Management & IT -The Town of Surfside has taken a significant step forward in improving its communication infrastructure by upgrading the media technology in Channel 663 and the Commission Chambers. With the full support of the Town Commission, these enhancements are set to offer the community a more modern and efficient platform for accessing information and participating in local government proceedings. With these improvements, residents can expect a smoother and more accessible experience when tuning into local government meetings and broadcast on Channel 663, as well as a more robust and technologically advanced setup in the Commission Chambers for official proceedings. From Code Compliance - During weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., property owners (excluding commercial contractors and landscapers) can engage in interior home repairs like painting, minor cosmetic work (e.g., baseboards, single-family home flooring), or non-structurealtering exterior touch-ups. Additionally, they’re permitted to carry out general maintenance activities, including landscaping, pressure washing (for driveways, walls, and roofs), car washing, and minor repairs not exceeding $500 in combined labor and materials cost (coming soon).

BE KING TIDE READY THIS FALL Are you aware several King Tides are expected this season? This natural phenomenon typically takes place during the fall months when tidal forces from the sun and moon bring out the highest tides of the year, oftentimes leading to flooding. King Tides are predicted to happen on: • Nov. 12-16 • Nov. 24-28 Here are safety measures you can take to prevent any potentially dangerous outcomes: • Do not drive through floodwater. It may be deeper than it appears, or it could contain debris that may damage your vehicle. • Do not park your vehicle in low lying areas. • Properties in low lying areas should use flood mitigation options such as sand bags. • Prohibit children from playing in flood water. Again, there may be debris, in addition to wildlife or pollutants picked up from the environment. For tide predictions, please visit the National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.

november 2023

surfside gazette

News From Town Hall POLICE DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP UPDATE

TOWN STAFF OBSERVES PINK OCTOBER From Human Resources - On Oct. 13, the Town’s staff wore pink shirts in support of breast cancer awareness. October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to raise awareness and support for people affected by the disease.

From Police Department - Last month, Chief of Police John Healy retired after numerous years serving the Town and a long career in law enforcement. While he is stepping down from his work, John and his family will continue to reside in Surfside and be a part of the community. Assistant Chief of Police Antonio Marciante has been named Interim Chief of Police. Happy retirement, John! Enjoy your time with your family.

SURFSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATED IN RIDE FOR THE CURE EVENT HONORING BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH The Bal Harbour Police Department sponsored Ride for the Cure with BHPD in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month on Oct. 22, at Bal Harbour Beach North. Surfside and Bay Harbor Islands Police Departments joined the Bal Harbour Police Department along with the participants for a Sunday morning bike ride to ride for a cure to help spread awareness for breast cancer and early detection screenings. Sergeant Alejandro Lorente participated in the event.

surfside gazette

november 2023

Police Beat MEMORIAL CEREMONY HONORING HIALEAH POLICE OFFICER ANTHONY CAABEIRO A memorial ceremony was held to honor the memory of Hialeah Police Officer Anthony Caabeiro who tragically died in a motorcycle accident off duty. The ceremony was held on Oct. 11, at Graceland South Memorial in Miami. Sergeant Alejandro Lorente proudly represented the Surfside Police Department as a member of a multijurisdictional Honor Guard Team participating in the service.

MICAH SMITH IS SEPTEMBER’S OFFICER OF THE MONTH On Tuesday, Sept. 12, a call for service was dispatched with regard to a violent and unstable male in his 20s who was armed with a firearm and arguing with his mother. Officer Smith quickly responded to the location of this volatile and critical call. The male was observed through the front window of the residence placing a gun in his waistband. With bravery and composure, Officer Smith proceeded to open the front door to establish dialogue with the male knowing he was armed with a firearm. Upon contact and in a split second, the male attempted to retreat further into the home. Officer Smith pursued the male preventing him from fleeing the scene or concealing himself in the house. Remarkably with only the use of his left hand and arm, Officer Smith grabbed the male and redirected him to the ground while his firearm remained in his right hand. A firearm was recovered from the male’s waistband and the situation was swiftly de-escalated. This incident could have ended in tragedy if not for Officer Smith’s rapid response, keen insight and expertise exhibited from a prolonged law enforcement career. Officer Smith embodies the Police Department’s core values of professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and excellence. Officer Smith is commended for his praiseworthy and courageous actions signifying his oath to protect and serve the Town of Surfside. His exceptional response to this perilous call for service potentially saved the lives of the subject and his fellow officers. Congratulations to Officer Micah Smith as the recipient of the September Officer of the Month award!

november 2023

surfside gazette

SURFSIDE HONOR GUARD PARTICIPATES IN FEAST DAY CELEBRATION

The South Florida PBA hosted the Annual Feast Day Celebration of St. Michael, the Patron Saint of Law Enforcement Officers, on Sept. 29 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doral, Florida. Officer Juan Duran proudly represented the Surfside Police Department as a member of a multijurisdictional Honor Guard Team participating in the service.

CUSTARD WITH THE COPS The Police Department’s Community Initiative Custard with the Cops in conjunction with Rita’s of Surfside was held on Oct. 22, at Rita’s. Captain Jay Matelis, Sergeant Alejandro Lorente and Senior Executive Assistant Dina Goldstein participated in the event.

Uptown Funtown SURFSIDE’S ‘SEASIDE SOIREE’: A COASTAL DELIGHT FOR ALL Sponsored by the Tourist Board, the Town of Surfside unveiled its exciting event series, “Seaside Soiree,” which took place on Oct. 15, offering a magical blend of beachside fun, local cuisine, music, and activities. Hosted at the 93rd Street beach, this event provided a delightful experience for both residents and visitors, featuring beach games, delectable food, children’s activities, and an interactive DJ from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Save the Date for the next events on Nov. 12 and Dec.3.

surfside gazette

november 2023

Uptown Funtown

Join the Surfside’s Farmers Market at our brand-new location, nestled on the hard pack at 96th Street. Sundays will be a day filled with pleasant experiences, and local finds that will set the perfect ambiance, complimentary yoga (must register in advance), and other activities. Whether you are a devoted supporter of local artisans and growers or simply seeking a vibrant neighborhood gathering, this event promises to be an exceptional occasion. Celebrate the vibrant spirit of the community together.

november 2023

surfside gazette

It Starts In Parks

GYMNASTICS CL ASSES ARE A BL AST! C h i l d r e n a t S u r f s i d e’ s Gymnastics Program.

surfside gazette

november 2023

It Starts In Parks

OUR GARDENING WORKSHOP IS BOTH FUN AND EDUCATIONAL

ENROLL IN OUR TRENDING SWIM LESSONS!

C h i l d r e n a t G a r d e n i n g Wo r k s h o p .

Swimming program for children.

november 2023

surfside gazette

It Starts In Parks TOWN OF SURFSIDE AQUATICS HOURS OF OPERATION MONTH

BEACH

MAIN POOL

9:00-5:00

9:00-6:00

TOT LOT

RECREATIONAL SWIMMING

January

LAP SWIMMING

10:00-5:30

7:00-6:00 RECREATIONAL SWIMMING

February

9:00-5:00

9:00-6:30 LAP SWIMMING

10:00-6:00

7:00-6:30 RECREATIONAL SWIMMING

March

9:00-5:00

9:00-7:30 LAP SWIMMING

10:00-6:30

7:00-7:30 RECREATIONAL SWIMMING

April

9:00-5:00

9:00-8:00 LAP SWIMMING

10:00-7:00