Town of Surfside Gazette February 2023

February 2023

Stay up-to-date with the latest Town of Surfside news by signing up for Town e-newsletters and alerts. For all Gazette inquiries, please contact ftrigueros@townofsurfsidefl.gov.

Hector Gomez, Acting Town Manager hgomez@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

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING TOWN MANAGER

As we engage the new year, the Town continues to work towards providing new programming for the enjoyment of all Town residents and visitors.

After the successful launch of the Tourist Board’s new Surfside Under the Stars series last month, we hope you’ll join us for the next event on Feb. 4, Taste of Surfside as well as for Music on the Beach Laid Back Beach Vibes on Feb. 12 and Third Thursdays Luau Night on Feb. 16!

Another great recent event with record numbers of attendees was the annual Parks & Recreation Family Fun Day which took place on Jan. 15 with over 900 guests! Awesome work and kudos to our Parks and Recreation team for putting it together. In other news—it’s official! The 96 Street Park construction project has started and over the course of the year, there will be a lot of movement on the northwest corner of Town in order to successfully complete this world-class park.

Please pardon our dust as we make Surfside an even more exciting place! Even though some of the programming held at the park has been relocated to neighboring areas, it is only temporary and we can’t wait for the eventual grand opening of our new park.

Finally, there will be a grounding breaking for the Hawthorne Tot Lot improvements on Feb. 15 at 4:30 p.m., please join us!

Hector Gomez, Acting Town Manager and Public Works Director

commission action at the january 10 meeting

Consent Agenda

• Approving and Authorizing the Purchase of Nine (9) 2023 Police Vehicles, Together with Emergency Lighting Equipment, Graphics, Radio Equipment and Radio Programing.

• Zambelli Fireworks Agreement for Fourth of July Event

Resolutions and Proclamations First Reading

• Planning and Zoning Ordinance Change - Single Curb Cut width expansion on lots less than 100 feet in width

Shlomo Danzinger VICE MAYOR Jeffrey Rose COMMISSIONER Fred Landsman

Velasquez

9124 Collins Condo Association

Alexander Vislobokov

Alexandra Ravinet

Ali Altinisik

Andy, Lisa, Sydney & Max Feldman

Angel & Josefina Kerbel

Arlene Weiss

Aryeh Citron

Azzaz & Elian Samaan

Baerbel Morlock

Barbara & Louis Cohen

Belkys Nerey

Beth Salzberg

Boris & Jeanne Rosen

Brenda Barfield

Brian Dooreck

Brie Byrd

Carlos & Lindsay Lecour

Carol Adams

Cecilia Escobar

Celida Cuenca

Charles Durovic

Christine Taplin

Cynthia Borkoski

Daniel Bussel

Daniel Nir

David Tamaroff

David Jacobson

David & Shari Lombardi

Donald Cannava

Donald Lewin

Douglas Herman

Dr. Barbara Ossip

Dustin & Renee Tischler

Eliana Salzhauer

Elin Luck

Elio & Dulce Quinones

Fernanda Fridman

Fred Landsman

Gabriela Herrera

Gloria Asher

Godoy Becker

Grace Rais

Helga Kinsey

Henry Oswald

Henry & Julie Mitzler

Herbert & Martha Fuhrman

Ian MacDougald

IdeasToImprove.com, Inc.

Ike Rudy

Isaac & Sarah Rodriguez

Isaak & Ida Tomshinsky

Ivelisse Toro-zambrana

Jana Banin

Janice Tatum

Jeff Lehman

Jeff Rose

Jennifer Brilliant

Jennifer Hill

Jennifer Oken

Joey & Bianca Senker

Jose & Elena Tellez

Joyce Gato

Lauren Hall

Lauren Locks

Laurence Baldwin

Leslie Schiff

Linda Salzhauer

Lori Kahn

Lulu Swedroe

Mara Oliver

Marco Tagliatti

Marilyn Rerecich

Mario Loyola

Mark Halpern

Mark & Gail Slatko

Marta Olchyk

Matthew Salzberg

Mercy MacDowell

Michael Blisko

Michael & Rose Karukin

Michael & Pamela O’Hagan

Michelle Mavorah

Natalia Fullerton

Nathan & Sherri Lebwohl

Pat Durante Jr.

Patrick & Kathleen Kearney

Paul Baldauf

Paul & Lorena O’Malley

Penny & Larry Mager

Peter Neville

Peter Battye

Ramiro & Maria Cubas

Raul Ginobal

Raul & Luisa Ramos

Rebecca Manuel

Regina Stella

Richard & Renee Moore

Robert Cohen

Robert & Michelle Diener

Sarah Rosenblum

Seth Hoffman

Sharon & Aaron Eidelman

Soraya Garcia

Stephanie Romani

Susana Escayola

The Dietch/Kulvin Family

The Brennan Family

The Iglesias Family

The Imberman Family

The Kinzer Family

The Novack Family

The Prattas Family

The Surfside Minyan Inc.

Thomas Krasner

Thomas & Nancy Pletcher

Tina Paul

United States Recreation Corp

Wilfredo Lee

William Kirsh

Yvonne Eldredge

SURFSIDE SCOOP

surfside mayor condemns antisemitism at press conference

On the second day of Chanukah, Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger, along with fellow Miami-area mayors and Jewish community, leaders condemned antisemitism and hate at the Federation-organized Mayors’ Press Conference Against Antisemitism. Many Mayors and community leaders offered their support of the widely accepted International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism and committed to highlighting the positive contributions of Jewish people to the US during Jewish American Heritage Month. Members of the ADL, AJC and the Consul General of Israel in Miami were also present.

Surfside’s popular historical walking tours are making a comeback!

The tours, led by acclaimed Historian Dr. Paul George of History Miami, Museum will be offered free of charge Sundays at 11 a.m. | February 26 and March 26.

To register please visit TownofSurfsideFL.gov

vote-by-mail ballots expired

Due to recent changes in Florida law, all requests for vote-by-mail 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

town of surfside makes donation to pelican harbor

In the spirit of conservation, Surfside Commissioner Marianne Meischeid made a $1,000 donation to Pelican Harbor Seabird Station accepted by Director Christopher Boykin.

Pelican Harbor Seabird Station was founded in 1980 for the purpose of caring for injured pelicans and has grown into an internationally recognized center for seabird rehabilitation.

a beautiful night under the starts

Visitors and residents enjoyed the best Surfside has to offer on Saturday, Jan. 7 as Surfside Under the Stars World Beats took place. The outdoors fiesta took place in front of Town Hall and featured three different activation zones that held creative acts, live performances, music, food and local vendors. This new event was introduced for the 2023 season by the Tourist Board.

Join us for the next Surfside Under the Starts on Feb. 4 for a Taste of Surfside!

Presented by the Surfside Tourist Board. One or more members of the Town Commission or Town Boards may be present.

TOURISM AND COMMUNICATIONS

tropical island vibes at third thursdays’ kick off event

Hundreds danced to the rhythm of the popular Steel Drum Band with a tropical Junkanoo dance group to kick off the season’s opening night for the Third Thursdays block parties on Jan. 19. Guests enjoyed smooth tropical island music plus food sampling from various Surfside restaurants, activities for kids and even an animal encounter!

Mark your calendar for the next Third Thursday Block Party on Feb. 16!

get ready for laid back beach vibes

Grab your sunglasses, your beach mat and your sweetheart as you chill out to Laid Back Beach Vibes.

Hope to see you at 93rd Street Beach for a special Valentine’s Day edition of Music on the Beach on Sunday, Feb. 14 at 4 p.m.

PUBLIC WORKS BULLETIN

surfside earns seventh tree city usa recognition

The Public Works Department and the Town Commission recently celebrated the seventh consecutive year the Town of Surfside has been recognized as a Tree City USA. This program was established in 1976 by the Arbor Day Foundation and has recognized community excellence in environmental policy and urban forestry. Recently, the Public Works Department performed restorative maintenance to the established Sea Grape Trees located in our dune system. This work is important to the development of healthy tree canopies, strong root systems, and promotes the necessary habitat for rare bird species migrating from the Caribbean to Florida’s gulf coast. For more information on Tree City USA, please visit arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA.

POLICE

On Friday, Feb. 10 at approximately 11 a.m. at the Commission Chambers, John Healy will be officially sworn in as the Town’s Chief of Police. Healy has served the Town since 2018. He started his service as a Lieutenant and was promoted to Captain of Police in 2020. We cordially invite the community to the swearing-in ceremony!

shop with a cop

A “Shop with a Cop” event with Surfside Police Officers was held on Dec. 17, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Target in North Miami Beach, Florida. A donor graciously sponsored the event generously donating a $75.00 gift card for each child to personally shop for their Christmas presents. Twenty-eight families and 60 children had an extra special holiday season. Interim Chief John Healy, Detective Diana Leon, Officer Arch, Officer Frank Colonna, Officer Bobby Gabriel, Officer Bryant Luke, Executive Assistant Dina Goldstein, Accreditation Manager Jill Smith and Officer Mike participated in the event.

chief john healy’s swearing-in ceremony

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

town hall remodeling project complete

The Town of Surfside’s front office remodeling project at Town Hall is complete!

The Town Commission and Administration welcomed the public to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 23 to mark the completion of the Town Hall remodeling project.

The fully re-imagined space allows for additional office space and provides a more efficient layout for Building Department and Utilities employees.

We look forward to welcoming you at the new front counter!

customer self service (css) portal now live on town website

The Town’s Customer Self-Service (CSS) permitting portal is now up and running!

Current functionality can provide digital permitting for the following permit types:

• Driveways

• Fences

• HVAC Air Conditioning straight change outs

The online portal is user friendly and self-guided!

1.The first step is registering and creating an account on the portal.

2.Following registration, you may apply for a permit selecting apply the permits tab. As you move through each page, follow the prompts and click next when each step is completed.

Please note any documents and information to be submitted for each type of permit must be available in a digital format and attached as instructed for system review such as site plans, construction details, equipment rating sheets and Notice of Approvals (NOAs)/Florida Product Approvals. Once your permit submittal is reviewed and approved, you will receive an email notification for payment of permit fees.

To access the CSS Portal, look for the banner on the Town website or visit https://surfsideflenergovpub.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice.

For any questions, please contact the Building Department at 305-861-4863.

SURFSIDE SCOOP

sally heyman to receive honorary key to town & commemorative brick

For her service and dedication to Surfside residents spanning over two decades, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman will be awarded an honorary key to the Town as well as a commemorative Community Center brick on Friday, Feb. 10 from 10-11 a.m. at the Community Center.

Spanning the course of several Town Commissions, the construction of a new 96th Street Park has been many years in the making.

The approved design for this marquee community facility which hosts some of Surfside’s best programs and special events includes a two-story recreational building playground, a basketball court, a multi-purpose field, as well as a permanent dock to allow residents a safe way to access the bay.

CONSTRUCTION-RELATED STREET CLOSURES, TRAFFIC CHANGES

Temporary street closures have commenced and will impact Bay Drive from 96th Street to 95th Street. Access is restricted and limited to residents who live along that block.

Please note the 96th Street and Bay Drive exit is closed.

These temporary accommodations are being made to support construction operations while alleviating traffic congestion for Town residents.

These changes will be ongoing during the 2023 calendar year and the Town will ensure appropriate signage is integrated to help direct the altered traffic modifications during this time period. All measures taken will be monitored for effectiveness.

For construction updates, please visit the 96th Street Park Construction Update page on the Town website

PARKS & RECREATION

family fun day 2023 recap

On Sunday, Jan. 15, at 96th Street Park, Surfside residents celebrated this year’s annual Family Fun Day with family and friends. Presented by Surfside’s Parks & Recreation department, the day was filled with games, attractions, rides, music, food and more!

HAWTHORNE TOT LOT GROUNDBREAKING

A children’s playground is a vital part of any vibrant community, especially one filled with young families like Surfside.

The Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hawthorne Tot Lot.

Please join us on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 4:30 p.m. on Bay Drive and 90th St.

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.

PARKS & RECREATION

sunday

february 12, 2023

race starts at 8 am

REFRESH YOUR BEACH SAFETY KNOWLEDGE

*Conditions available during beach tower operations.

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

PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS

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

Lace Star Couture - 9593 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.

Pampaloni Silver - 9513 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

Dassler Eye Consultants - 9543 Harding Ave

The Tox MIA - 9541 Harding Ave

Surfside Hearing Aid - 222 95th St

Bal Harbour Smiles - 260 95th St #202

Dr. Dorfman, Psychiatrist/Bare Miami - 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 - 9427 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

The Backyard BBQ + BrewK - 9472 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

Miami Beach Chocolates SurfsideK - 9433 Harding Ave

The Harbour BistroK - 9449 Harding Ave

Harbour Grill DeliK - 9421 Harding Ave

9293 Harding Avenue