Messages From The Commission

Check out this month’s news from the Town of Surfside Commission.

MAYOR CHARLES BURKETT

Greetings, 2021 is almost complete – and needless to say, Surfside has been through much. Our residents have braved a global pandemic and a horrific catastrophe – but still we have marched forward with courage and love, and done for others what not many would have expected.

These last two years, of the testings we’ve endured, have changed and enlightened me, and at 60 years old, I never would have expected that. I’ve seen, up close, pain I’ve never imagined and at the same time, courage, kindness and dedication I’ve also never known – and all in my own small town.

I’m proud to be a part of our diverse and vibrant community, a community that is now coming to be known as one of the best places to live - anywhere. A place we’ve all built together, and one that is truly priceless and irreplaceable.

I value our priceless and irreplaceable community, which is why I work so hard to keep it.

Once, a long time ago in 1787, one of our Founders, Benjamin Franklin, was asked, as he exited the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia - what kind of government do we have? He replied, “a Republic, if you can keep it.”

In 2021, if I were asked the same thing about our little slice of paradise, Surfside…. I’d say exactly the same thing. And keep

it we must!

From my family to yours, I send my warmest thoughts and hopes for a joyful holiday with the ones you love. We’ve learned that there are no guarantees in life and that we must live each day to the fullest.

May God bless you and bless our Town. www.teamsurfside.com

VICE MAYOR TINA PAUL

Greetings Surfside,

As 2021 comes to an end we can reflect on the past year and find light within twilight skies to move forward with gratitude. We continue getting through the Covid-19 pandemic responsibly with trust in medical technologies providing vaccines and treatments so we can return to familiar social activities.

At mid-year our community experienced unimaginable tragedy and we remain determined to find the cause for how this happened, while cherishing the memories of those we lost in the Champlain Tower South building collapse. The devastating reality of precious beautiful lives lost will always leave a void for families and close friends especially during the holidays. In loss we reflect upon happier times with our loved ones that brings a smile to our remembrance. The support within our Surfside community and from around the world renewed our strength to focus and build upon with thoughtful actions and goodwill.

This month the holidays celebrated are inspirational. Chanukah is the festival of lights as a celebration of determination and the possibility of miracles commemorated by traditions. The message of Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and his vision of compassion and forgiveness with love. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community and cultural heritage. Holidays can be a time for appreciation with gifts, they can be festive and fun, and can also be lonesome. Memories of happier times will get us through difficulties during this season of faith, adding goals to improve our lives with opportunities for a better year ahead.

May the miracles of this holiday season shine on our community as we enter the New Year 2022 together. Happy Holidays Surfside!

DISCLAIMER: The comments posted by the Town officials in this newsletter are the opinions of the commentator and the publication of the comments does not represent or reflect the opinions or policies of the Town of Surfside and do not imply endorsement of, or agreement by, the other members of the Town Commission.

My favorite time of the year is here and I want to wish all Surfside residents happy holidays! Happy Hanukkah.

Merry Christmas. The holidays are a time for love and happiness shared with our family and friends. May the New Year bring better times for each and all of my fellow neighbors. Wishing you all a very happy and prosperous New Year 2022!

Together we have accomplished a lot for our town and we will continue to make Surfside a better place for all residents. It has been an honor to serve as your commissioner this year, and I hope for more time to come as we complete the tasks that have been started. The power of unity can accomplish anything, and that was shown at the November commission meeting when residents came together to support what affected so many. I am glad that this commission made the wrong right, again, for all those concerned residents. Please always feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have at nvelasquez@townofsurfsidefl.gov.

COMMISSIONER ELIANA SALZHAUER

Greetings Surfside Neighbors-

With the New Year upon us, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the challenges we have faced this year, the hardships we have overcome, and offer support for those still struggling. To say that 2021 was challenging would be an understatement. As a community, we continue to mourn the loss of our Champlain South neighbors and struggle with the best way to memorialize their lives while enabling the survivors to rebuild their own. As individuals, we struggle to assert our own “rights” within the confines of living in a small community in which our own actions directly impact our neighbors.

Every decision to vaccinate saves lives and protects the most vulnerable among us.

Every change in zoning has a butterfly effect on the entire community. Every additional foot of construction height blocks the light and air of your neighbors. Every gate, fence, and hedge transforms our open community from “we” to “me.”

Every dollar of taxes cut directly impacts how much money the town has left over to spend on new projects and necessary upgrades. The “cuts” made to our town’s millage rate may have saved you a few bucks, but the cumulative impact deprives the community of nearly a million dollars every year. Monies that make living in Surfside magical. Amazing community events like the Fall Spooktacular are just one fabulous example of our tax dollars in action. Political propaganda is never justification for depriving residents of the quality of life they deserve and expect.

It takes “u” and “i” to form a community. Let’s celebrate the “we” this holiday season.

COMMISSIONER CHARLES KESL

“Hi Charles just letting you know we got our Jeep and made.back home safe. I want to thank you community for all the support. Even the night of the disaster we we had not even walked a block before a young boy and his mom came up and offered something to drink. They had filled their arms with whatever they had in their refrigerator and went out on the street.” (sic) David Shaw 5:50pm June 28, who with his family was witness to and displaced by the Champlain Tower South tragedy.

We are all in this together.

Surfsiders can be at times selfless and at other times selfish, welcoming and unwelcoming, smiling and frowning. This is the Town and the world we live in.

We should not sacrifice our future no matter what pressures are upon us. Quick zoning “fixes,” higher property values and land swaps will not bring lost loved ones and homes back. Insurance will not be enough. Future windfalls or pennies from lawsuits may not be enough. Time will tell.

Time will tell if Surfside’s fate is that of Atlantis or the Titanic. Or the Maldives. Or Manhattan.

God willing, the Commission will implement a comprehensive Zoning Code by March. Then, there should be a year of observation, followed by six months of public feedback, followed by six months of evaluation and assessment, ending in a resident validation by vote in March of 2023.

My vote is for a sustainable Surfside and quality of life now and forward. Both sustainability and quality of life include air, light, nature, and peace. Health, safety and welfare always come first. It is that simple. Have a blessed holiday season.