MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE NEWSLETTER
NEW COUNCIL INSTALLED
On April 15, 2025, Miami Shores Village held its Biennial City Council Installation Ceremony at the Miami Shores Country Club. The ceremony started at 6:30pm and saw the installation of the Village’s new Mayor, Jerome Charles, Vice Mayor Neil Cantor, and Councilperson Patrick Devaney.
Charles and Cantor who were incumbents, will serve four-year terms – the first two years in their new roles and the other two as councilmembers. Along with the newly elected Patrick Devaney, they took their new oaths of office administered to them by the Honorable William L. Thomas of the 11th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida in Miami-Dade County. A Presentation of the Colors by the Miami Shores Village Police Honor Guard and the singing of the national anthem by Doctors Charter School student, Amanda Solis, were opening highlights.
The event was well attended and was a fitting kick-start to the onset of a promising 2025-2027 term.
Outgoing Mayor George Burch, spoke of, among other things, the accomplishments of the council while former Vice Mayor Jesse Valinsky acknowledged full support of staff and the “impossible things” that were accomplished. Outgoing Councilperson Sandra Harris thanked everyone for their support and wished the best for the future of the new council. Councilperson Devaney in his first stint in political office thanked everyone and expressed an eagerness to serve the community in his new capacity. Vice Mayor Cantor spoke of incentivizing residents to be involved in its government while charging them with, “If you are not involved, what are you waiting for?”
Mayor Charles thanked and acknowledged everyone for support, including staff, for work done over the past two years, and acknowledged the road ahead. He thanked everyone for participating while urging others to be involved. As Mayor, Charles “pledges to lead with transparency, listen with humility, and act with purpose.”
The evening was well received, and the overall sentiment best summed up by outgoing Vice Mayor Valinsky who concluded, “The future looks bright, and we are in good hands.”
FORMER MAYOR HARRIS COMPLETES COUNCIL TERM
After four years, Sandra Harris completed office on April 15, 2025. In her term, Harris served the first two as Mayor, having garnered most votes during the 2021 Village elections. As Mayor, Harris became the second Black woman to be elected mayor in the Village’s 93-year. In doing so she created history serving as the titular head of a majority-women, majority-Black village council.
Among the many things accenting her mayorship was championing dash cams for police cars; adopting the Village’s first Strategic Management Plan; creating an Art in Public Places Ordinance formalizing and streamlining guidelines for acquiring and programming public art; adopting the Village’s first Cost Recovery System Ordinance that updated a fee schedule untouched in more than 20 years. And, there was the much debated and contentious Comprehensive Plan, Future Land Use Maps, Zoning changes, EAR letters, and a self-imposed moratorium.
In her departing speech, Harris thanked her constituents, colleagues, and administrators, wishing them luck in future endeavors.
MAYOR JEROME CHARLES BEING SWORN IN
VILLAGE HALL NEWS
SHOP AND STROLL THE SHORES
Celebrate Local. Support Community. Savor the Experience. One of the defining characteristics of life in Miami Shores is our strong sense of community—and that spirit shines even brighter through the many residents who choose not only to live here, but to build their businesses here as well. The Village is proud to support and strengthen the connection between our local merchants and the residents who attend Village events. At this year’s Marshmallow Drop, we handed out 1,000 “Shop the Shores” cards, encouraging attendees to explore and support Shores businesses during their visit. The goal? To help keep our local economy vibrant and ensure that the success of Village events is shared with our neighborhood shops and services. We invite you to make Miami Shores your weekend or evening destination. Grab a friend, bring your wallet, and enjoy a day or night out right here in your own backyard. Start your stroll with the StoryWalk at Optimist Park and wander down to the Brockway Memorial Library. Along the way, treat yourself to an ice cream, coffee, or glass of wine, pick up a specialty grocery item or a delicious dinner, and pop into a boutique or two. Feeling motivated? Drop by a local gym or Pilates studio for a workout, or wind down with a craft. From wellness and wine, to foodie finds and fun for the kids, our business clusters have something for everyone. Stay tuned for specially curated days highlighting our local merchants—both downtown and along Biscayne Boulevard.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
After more than 22 years of dedicated service, John and Mary Jane Stokesberry are retiring from their volunteer roles with the Miami Shores Police Department. Throughout their time with the department, they have been key supporters of the Mobile Patrol Program, selflessly giving their time and energy to benefit the community. Their unwavering commitment and exceptional service have left a lasting impact on both the department and the people they served. As they retire, they leave behind a legacy of compassion, hard work, and a strong sense of civic duty that will be remembered for years to come. Pictured left to right: Captain Paul Cazzola, Mary Jane Stokesberry, John Stokesberry, Chief David Golt.
EMILY SMITH AWARDED ASPIRING MANAGER SCHOLARSHIP
Congratulations to Emily Smith, Neighborhood Services Administrative Assistant, who has been selected as a recipient of the Florida City County Manager’s Association “Aspiring Manager” Scholarship. She will receive $2,500 to use however she feels best to further her education, as well as complimentary registration to the annual conference in Orlando, hotel accommodations and up to $300 in travel expenses. Emily is a student at Florida International University studying Political Science. With her exceptional communication skills and ability to perform her duties, Miami Shores Village is so proud of Emily and celebrates this stellar achievement.
MIAMI SHORES POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCREDITATION UPDATE
From April 8, 2025 - April 10, 2025, the Miami Shores Police Department (MSPD) underwent a comprehensive review by the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission. Esteemed assessors, who are professionals in law enforcement, were selected by the Florida Accreditation Office to thoroughly evaluate every aspect of the Department. We are currently awaiting feedback from the full commission regarding the MSPD’s accreditation status. Further information to be announced soon.
NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of mental health and remind ourselves that help is always available. One crucial resource is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, offering free, confidential support 24/7 via phone, text, or chat.
MAY EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
$7 MILLION AWARDED FOR SEPTICTOSEWER CONVERSION PROJECTS
Miami Shores Village is pleased to announce that it has received a total of $7 million in grant funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) through the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2024-25. This funding will support two key phases of the Village’s ongoing Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at reducing pollution, protecting the environment, and improving public health.
The Grants have been awarded as follows:
• $5,000,000 for Phase I of the Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Project, which focuses on converting residential properties currently relying on septic systems. The service area is NE 91 Street to NE 95 street and east from NE 10 Avenue and NE 12 Avenue to the Bay.
• $2,000,000 for Phase II (Shores Estate project), which includes the construction of a gravity sewer main, lateral lines, a pump station, and property connections.
These improvements are essential to reducing nutrient pollution that contributes to the degradation of Biscayne Bay, one of South Florida’s most vital and vulnerable ecosystems. The project also represents a long-term investment in Miami Shores Village’s infrastructure, sustainability, and resilience to climate change and sea level rise. These grants highlight the Village’s hard work in securing additional dollars to address our vulnerabilities. The FDEP awarded a total of $20 Million from the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant to eight municipalities. Miami Shores Village was awarded the lion’s share of the funding.
• Directed the Village Manager to pursue the competitive solicitation process for the replacement of the roof system at the village
located at
• Approved a Resolution, declaring the results of the Miami Shores Village Council election held on April 8, 2025.
• Installation of the newly elected Councilmembers: Neil Cantor, Jerome Charles, and Patrick B. Devaney.
• Appointed Jerome Charles as Mayor and Neil Cantor as Vice Mayor.
VILLAGE UPDATES
RECYCLE OFTEN: RECYCLE RIGHT
Recycling is one of the simplest ways we can help the environment, but it’s important to recycle the right way. Not everything belongs in your curbside recycling bin, and that’s okay!
Don’t feel guilty about throwing certain items in the trash. In fact, doing so can help prevent contamination that might cause an entire truckload of recyclables to be rejected. Take plastic and foil snack bags, for example.
These materials can’t be processed by most recycling facilities and should go straight into the trash. The same goes for plastic bags—they tangle up the machinery and create major problems at recycling centers.
But here’s some good news: Many local grocery stores have designated bins where you can recycle plastic bags properly. To help keep your recycling efforts clean and effective, always remember that certain personal waste items—like facial tissues, diapers, and hygiene products—should never go in the recycling cart. These items can contaminate the rest of the recyclables and disrupt the sorting process. When everyone in the neighborhood recycles right, we make a real impact. Clean recycling protects our environment, reduces waste, and keeps the process efficient for everyone. So, take a moment to double-check what you toss in that blue bin—it really does matter.
Thank you for doing your part and remember recycling often and right is a team effort!
PRUNING TREES BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON: A SMART SAFETY STEP
As hurricane season approaches, preparing your home and landscape becomes essential—and that includes your trees. Pruning trees before the season begins can significantly reduce storm damage, both to the trees themselves and to your property. Strong winds can turn weak or overgrown branches into dangerous projectiles. Dead, diseased, or hanging limbs are especially hazardous. Pruning them ahead of time helps prevent breakage that could harm your home, vehicles, power lines, or even people. Proper pruning also improves a tree's structure, allowing wind to pass through more easily and reducing the risk of the entire tree being uprooted.
It’s best to prune trees in late spring or early summer, before storms begin forming. Focus on removing deadwood, thinning out dense canopies, and cutting back limbs that hang over structures. However, avoid over-pruning, as removing too much foliage can weaken a tree and make it more vulnerable.While minor trimming can be a DIY task, it’s wise to consult a certified arborist for larger or older trees. They can assess the tree's health and ensure safe and strategic cuts. Never attempt to prune trees near power lines on your own. Tree maintenance is a key part of storm preparation. By pruning trees before hurricane season, you not only protect your property but also help your trees survive the storm. A little effort now can save a lot of damage later—and give you greater peace of mind when the winds start to blow.
MIAMI SHORES VILLAGE KICKS OFF QUARTERLY EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION EVENT
On Friday, April 12th, the Village launched its new quarterly employee appreciation initiative with a lively and well-attended event held in the Village Hall parking lot. Sponsored by Sun Credit Union, the gathering brought together approximately 120 employees who enjoyed a delicious lunch served from a food truck. During the event, the Village Manager presented service awards to employees celebrating anniversaries during the months of January, February and March of the current year. This new effort to recognize staff in a public and celebratory setting reflects the Village’s ongoing commitment to foster a culture of appreciation across all departments. The positive feedback from staff was overwhelming - Many shared how much they appreciated being recognized and enjoyed spending time with co-workers in a relaxed setting. The Village extends its sincere thanks to Sun Credit Union for their generous support in helping launch this initiative.
The following employees were recognized for their years of dedicated service to Miami Shores Village and its residents. Names are followed by the number of years served.
Earnest Ray 34, Christine Herbert 30, Elizabeth Keeley 30, Ann Marie Wessel-Indorf 25, Leeann Jonchuck 24, Juan Paulino 24, Jonathon Hernandez 20, Dawn Roig 20, Henry Davis 19, Paul Cazzola 18, Paul Vieira 18, Charles Grandy 17, Evan Greene 15, Mark Zabielinsky 15, Anel Belony 14, Joseph Gravie 14, Terrance McWilliams 14, Michael Devaney 14, Jason Paul 13, Shmueal Mauda 9, Darin Russell 9, Luisa Valle 9, Esron Samuels 8, Carlos Sosa 6, Troy Semper 5, Alexis Penate 4, Noel Allen 3, Merline Cherry 3, Marquiste Duncombe 3, Audrea Hinds 3, Donna Rockfeld 3, Ashley Michelin 3, Eric Norman 3, Jonnese Solomon 3, Vivienne Yao 3, Jomya Francois 2, Ninger Gaston-Virgile 2, Sophia Tanelus 2, Ashton Charles 1, Desinord Charles 1, Kathleen Gunn 1, Belinda Muzii 1, Ashlee Welch 1
Mike Skofstad Village Arborist
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
APRIL EVENTS RECAP
MARSHMALLOW DROP
The Miami Shores Recreation Fields were filled with excitement on April 19 for our Annual Marshmallow Drop! Families gathered with baskets in hand as thousands of marshmallows rained down from a helicopter, creating a fun and unforgettable scramble. Kids eagerly collected marshmallows to exchange for bags full of goodies. It was a joyful day of community fun, laughter, and sweet memories.
EGG DIVE
The Egg Dive at the Miami Shores Aquatic Center was a splash! Kids 4 and under searched for eggs in the playful Wild Waters Aquatic Park, while those 5 and older dove into the competition pool to retrieve eggs from the bottom. All eggs were turned in for goody bags, making for a fun and festive day for all.
FITNESS IN THE PARK
Held the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month (January – May)
Constitution Park | 9:00am
Get moving with our 5-month fitness series through May 2025.These full-body workouts, led by certified fitness trainer Jacob Hasbrouck, are perfect for teens and adults looking to stay active. Fitness Series sponsored by The Miami Shores Community Alliance.
FULL MOON MEDITATION
Mondya, May 12 | 8:00pm – 9:00pm Bayfront Park
Immerse yourself in a peaceful evening of mindfulness, relaxation, and connection under the luminous full moon. Bring a yoga mat, towel or blanket, wear comfortable clothing, and let the moonlight guide you to inner tranquility.
BALANCE YOUR MIDLIFE WORKSHOP
Saturday, May 17 | 2:00pm – 4:00pm Miami Shores Community Center
The Vitamin M Practice
Strength Training + Yoga Practice
MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, May 26 | 9:00am Memorial Park
We invite you to join us in remembering and honoring our fallen heroes at our Memorial Day Ceremony. Let us come together as a community to honor the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
For more information on Parks and Recreation programs call: 305-758-8103
LIBRARY NEWS & EVENTS
MIAMI MARINE STADIUM
On Thursday evening, April 10th, Don Worth, a noted historic preservationist and representative of Restore Miami Marine Stadium, gave a presentation at Brockway on the stadium’s history and current plans for restoration.
The stadium, built in 1963 by Cuban-born architect, Hilario Candela, is a stand-out Miami structure as its roof, a double-sided hyperbolic paraboloid, was considered the longest span of cantilevered concrete in the world when it was first built.
From 1963 to 1992, the stadium hosted a variety of boat races, musical events, and Easter sunrise services. Jimmy Buffett hosted one of the landmark’s most memorable events when, after concluding his show, he jumped off the barge into the bay!
Located on Virginia Key and comprised of nearly 20 acres, the Miami Marine Stadium was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018 and was designated as a local historic landmark by the city of Miami in 2008.
KIDS PROGRAMS
READ WITH MAJOR TROY
Thursday, May 1 | 3:30pm
LIVE PUPPET SHOW
Wednesday, May 7 | 4pm
FROST MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
Thursday, May 8 | 4pm
SATURDAY STORYTIME
Saturday, May 17 | 10:30am
VILLAGE KIDS BOOK CLUB
Thursday, May 22 | 4pm
MOCA AT THE LIBRARY
Tuesdays Until May 27 | 4pm
ADULT PROGRAMS
SENIOR TECH CONNECT
Saturday, May 3 | 10:30am
TEA FOR TWO: SPILLING THE TEA ON VINTAGE DECOR
Saturday, May 10 | 10:30am
FASHION THROUGH THE DECADES
Thursday, May 29 | 6:00pm
For more information on Library programs call: 305-758-8107 | Registration Required.
HISTORICAL MARKER DEDICATION CEREMONY
Wednesday, May 21st at 5:30pm
Join Miami Shores Village and the Historic Preservation Board as we celebrate the installation of a Florida Historical Marker at Brockway Memorial Library, officially recognized as a local historic landmark in 2023. The Library, a striking example of mid-century design, was constructed via the talented efforts of architect Edwin T. Reeder, builder C.F. Wheeler, and interior designer, Haygood Lasseter. Natural elements of limestone, coral, brick, and wood, along with three fireplaces and grand leaded-glass front doors, create a sense of warmth and community that reflect what was then a new style known as Florida Tropical Modern Architecture.
In 2007, Brockway was featured in Heart of the Community: The Libraries We Love, alongside the Boston Public Library and Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Library. Its strong commitment to education and historic preservation earned the Village a Florida Citizenship Award in 2022 from the Florida League of Cities. The installation solidifies the Library’s place as a treasured landmark in Miami Shores and recognizes the impactful role the Library has had in fostering civic engagement and enriching public life.
PUBLIC WORKS
ACE: ALLEY CLEANUP EXPERIENCE
Welcome to the Alley Clean-Up Experience (ACE) —an initiative dedicated to enhancing the beauty and safety of Miami Shores alleyways. In recent years, many of our enchanting alleys have become cherished green spaces. However, we have also witnessed a troubling rise in unauthorized installations of elements such as sidewalks, steps, gravel beds, bollards, trash piles, and both motorized and non-motorized vehicle parking. Village ordinances outline acceptable use and proper maintenance of these invaluable roads. While most residents know they are tasked with caring for a 3-foot swale within the alley, many may be unaware that there are limits on how this space may be used. For instance, the planting of trees is prohibited, as is dumping, and the irresponsible disposal of waste materials. Lack of adherence to these codes has resulted in overgrown, neglected, and unsafe alleyways. Together, we can change this situation.
ACE gives us the opportunity to transform these spaces into inviting areas that will serve a greater purpose. The program will unfold in three exciting phases. Phase I is all about education and self-compliance, empowering our residents with the knowledge to make a difference; homeowners will receive a report card for their alley. In the second phase, we will unveil the “ACE” Alley Award—select corridors will be recognized and rewarded for meeting our shared standards of beauty and cleanliness. In the final phase, Village staff will provide warnings, violations, and fines, if necessary, to aid in compliance.
Residents, please join us in this inspiring mission to elevate our community! Together, we can create alleyways that reflect the charm and vibrancy of Miami Shores. Help us to make this a reality!
UPDATES ON MSV MASTER PLAN EFFORTS
Miami Shores Village is a vibrant municipality committed to maintaining a high quality of life for its residents through quality programs and projects that enhance the community. Over the years, Village residents have experienced challenges that have impacted their lifestyle, particularly regarding stormwater management and sewer discharges. To address these issues effectively, Village staff have gathered data through scientific and engineering studies, allowing them to create comprehensive roadmaps for solutions.
One significant study is the Septic-to-Sewer Master Plan (SSMP). The Village aims to develop a 20-year plan to identify the most efficient and cost-effective methods for transitioning from septic systems to sewer services for businesses and residents, especially those in the eastern coastal Village communities, which are the most vulnerable. In March 2024, the Council awarded a contract to Kimley-Horn and Associates to conduct this study. After extensive data collection, engineering assessments, and calculations, the study is nearing completion, with a comprehensive report expected by May 2025. While we await the full study, Village staff have secured more than $3 million dollars in funding to install the first septic-to-sewer segments in Shores Estates, with construction set to begin in May 2025. Another $5 million dollars has been awarded to convert 240 homes on the Southeastern Coast of the Intracoastal Waterway from septic to sewer. The SSMP will guide these conversions and other efforts that follow.
The Stormwater Master Plan (SWMP) is the second major study that the Village commissioned in January of this year. Kimley-Horn also won the contract to develop this important plan. The 12-month study will be completed by December 2025. The SWMP will include an evaluation of potential sea level rise scenarios, recommendations for seawall and bulkhead elevations, pump stations, injection well systems, upgrades to outfalls, and improved drainage structures. Additionally, it will provide recommendations to enhance water quality, mitigate damage from severe storm events, rank stormwater capital projects, create a hydrologic/hydraulic model, suggest stormwater conservation and reuse methods, recommend ways to recharge underground aquifers, and reduce saltwater intrusion. Furthermore, it will identify best management practices for stormwater features in the Village. We look forward to the SWMP addressing the flooding issues that have affected Village residents for years.
Village Council:
Mayor: Jerome Charles | jeromecharles@msvfl.gov
Vice Mayor: Neil Cantor | neilcantor@msvfl.gov
Council Members:
George Burch | georgeburchdvm@msvfl.gov
Patrick Devaney | patrickdevaney@msvfl.gov
Jesse Valinsky | jessevalinsky@msvfl.gov
Charter Officers:
Village Manager
Esmond K. Scott | scotte@msvfl.gov
Village Clerk
Ysabely Rodriguez | rodriguez@msvfl.gov
Village Attorney Weiss Serota | Chanae Wood
Administration
Deputy Manager: Kathleen Gunn | GunnK@msvfl.gov
Departments:
Building: Ismael Naranjo BO@msvfl.gov | 305-795-2204
Finance: Marcia Fennell fennellm@msvfl.gov | 305-762-4856
Human Resources: Yamileth Slate McCloud slate-mccloudy@msvfl.gov | 305-762-4871
Information Technology: Gustavo Parra parrag@msvfl.gov
Library: Michelle Brown brownm@msvfl.gov | 305-762-4921
Neighborhood Services: Mike Orta ortam@msvfl.gov | 305-762-4863
Planning and Zoning: Corradino Group 305-762-4866
Police: Chief David Golt david.golt@mspd.org | 305-759-2468
Public Works: Delroy Peters petersd@msvfl.gov | 305-762-4886
Recreation: Angela Dorney dorneya@msvfl.gov | 305-762-4903
Miami Shores Village
Phone: 305-795-2207 | Fax: 305-756-8972
us on Instagram instagram.com/miamishoresvillage1932
SOMETIMES IT’S OUT OF MY HANDS
Hi, I am your monthly newsletter.
Every month staff get together to bring you a brand-new version of me fresh with important information that makes me more relevant. While I cannot wait to get into your hands, sometimes it is beyond our control.
All efforts are made to ensure I am still current when I get to you: accurately recording the past and detailing what is to come; putting each bit of information in its right space and sequence while trying to be sharp and eye-catching. Staff work with an outside entity that lays me out in a format to ensure the foregoing. This takes several attempts for an agreed upon final proof is sent to the printers. The printers make duplicate copies of me, and sends them out for shipment and mailing. Sometimes it gets so unpredictable as some days I may linger until I finally get to you. Occasionally that may be after the month has started.
My apologies if things go awry.
But here is some good news. There is always an electronic version of me online by the first of each month. Please log on to msvfl.gov or sign up to receive your own electronic version of me delivered to your email addresses.
BUSINESS
Visit our website www.msvfl.gov and check out our toolkit that provides important resources, from business grants, technical assistance, demographic data and steps to obtain a business tax receipt.