Town of Surfside Gazette January 2023

3 4 town manager’s message flooding & flood safety

meetings & events

01/02/23 Holiday - Town Hall Closed 01/07/23 Surfside Under the Stars: World Beats | 6 PM 01/09/23 Tourist Board Meeting | 5:30 PM 01/10/23 Special Town Commission Meeting | 5:30 PM 01/10/23 Commission Meeting | 7 PM 01/13/23 Senior Brunch | 11 AM 01/15/23 Family Fun Day | 1 PM 01/15/23

Music on the Beach: Steel Drum Tropical | 4 PM 01/16/23

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Town Hall Closed 01/18/23 Special Master Hearing | 10 AM 01/18/23

Charter Review Board Meeting | 5:30 PM 01/18/23 Senior Trip | 9:30 AM 01/19/23

Third Thursdays: Tropical Island Vibe | 6 PM 01/23/23

Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting | 7 PM 01/26/23

Coffee With the Cops | 10 AM 01/26/23 Planning & Zoning Board Meeting | 6 PM Visit TownofSurfsideFL.gov for more details.

Surfside’s popular historical walking tours are making a comeback! The tours, led by acclaimed Historian Dr. Paul George of HistoryMiami, Museum will be offered free of charge Sundays at 11 a.m. January 22, February 26 and March 26. To register please visit TownofSurfsideFL.gov

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

TOWN COMMISSION

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

TOWN OFFICIALS

Hector Gomez, Acting Town Manager hgomez@townofsurfsidefl.gov

Lillian Arango, Town Attorney larango@townofsurfsidefl.gov

John Healy, Acting Chief of Police jhealy@townofsurfsidefl.gov

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

BUSINESS NUMBERS

Town Hall (305) 861-4863 Police (305) 861-4862

Fire Rescue (305) 861-1115 Emergency 911 TOWN WEBSITE www.townofsurfsidefl.gov

Channel 663 (Atlantic Broadband)

MESSAGE FROM THE ACTING TOWN MANAGER

Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a chance to spend time with your loved ones this holiday season and are excited for what’s in store for 2023. We have some important projects coming that are going to elevate the Surfside resident experience. All of our departments and team members look forward to delivering exceptional customer service at our renovated Town Hall lobby. When ready, we invite all of you to stop by and enjoy the new layout and fresh coastal design.

Thanks to the Town Commission, Public Works will soon be installing turtle-friendly solar bollards along the hardpack to give residents a chance to enjoy those beautiful early evening hours in a safe manner, right next to our most popular asset - the beach! Exercise equipment will also be added to beach street ends along with the new lighting to transform what was once an emergency-only access road to an active new Surfside experience. The project follows the 89th Street beach end improvements and recent efforts to maintain a healthy dune system as part of an increased focus on resiliency. Lean more in the resiliency article up ahead.

We have a lot of more great work coming, and we can’t wait for you to be part of it! The Administration remains focused on working hard for residents. It is my pleasure to serve as your Acting Town Manager, let’s make this the best year yet.

Hector Gomez, Acting Town Manager and Public Works Director

commission action at the december 13 meeting

Consent Agenda

• Downtown Walkability Design and Public Outreach.

• Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Amendment Resolution No. 3.

• Approval of License Agreement with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for Town Right of Way Use for Crosswalk Improvements at the Intersection of 88th Street and Harding Avenue.

• Authorization to Purchase a Spare Sanitary Sewer 60 HP HOMA Submersible Pump to Replaced Damaged Sewer Pump.

• Civic Plus Annual Agreement.

Resolutions and Proclamations

• Authorization to Incorporate Decorative Street Signs and Poles as Part of Utilities Undergrounding Project Based on Staff Recommendation.

• Key to the Town of Surfside and Brick Request for Commissioner Sally Heyman.

MAYOR

Shlomo Danzinger

VICE MAYOR

Jeffrey Rose

COMMISSIONER

Fred Landsman

COMMISSIONER

Marianne Meischeid

COMMISSIONER

Nelly Velasquez

A MESSAGE FROM THE SURFSIDE TOWN COMMISSION

For many of us, our home and its contents represent our greatest investment. As You prepare for the future, we encourage property owners to consider flood insurance for your building and its contents. If you are renting, get insurance to cover your personal items.

The fact that some properties are not in high -risk flood zones does not assure against flood damage. In fact, nearly 25% of flood insurance claims come from buildings located in moderate to low -risk flood zones. A few inches of water can cost thousands of dollars in damage to walls, floors, furniture, carpets, electrical equipment, and appliances. Damage from rising waters is not typically covered by homeowner, business, or renter’s insurance policies. These facts should make flood insurance an important consideration for everyone. Fortunately, flood ins urance is available to property owners and renters in the Town of Surfside.

If you don’t have flood insuran ce for your property and its contents, contact your insurance agent, or go to floodsmart.gov website. You can contact the Town Building Department at (305) 861 -4863 ext. 231 for flood insurance advice.

Surfside Flood Information

Local Flood Hazard Any storm surges experienced here will most likely be because of a hurricane or tropical storm, typically from June 1 through Nov. 30 each year. Storm surge may flood the entire Town. Be prepared to evacuate. Flooding can also occur due to heavy rains over a short period of time, especially at times of high tide. Town Flood Services To assist residents in understanding the flood damage threat and the effects on construction, remodeling and maintaining buildings, the Town offers the following services to residents: To find out which flood zone a property is located in, if it is susceptible to coastal erosion and/or sea level rise, if the area has had previous flooding problems, and consultations on the Substantial Damage/Improvement 50% rule, site specific elevations for mechanical equipment, elevation certificates, flood mitigation financial assistance advice, general information and brochures. Town Staff will offer advice and visit properties upon request to review flood problem and explain ways to stop or prevent flood damage. Please contact the Town’s Building Department at (305) 861-4863, Ext. 231.

Drainage System Maintenance A serious risk to the safety of residents is the blockage of catch basins by debris which prevents proper drainage of storm water. The Town sweeps the streets regularly and monitors all catch basins after each storm event. It is unlawful to deposit any form of debris, including grass and other forms of yard clippings, into any catch basin serving the town’s storm drainage system, any public street or alley, or into any waterway within the town. As a resident, you can help. Please contact Town Hall (305) 861-4863 if you see or know of anyone illegally dumping materials in the Town.

Flood Safety

Monitor a NOAA Weather Radio for weather conditions Have extra batteries on hand.

Stay away from power lines and electrical wires! Electrical current can travel through water. Immediately report downed power lines to Florida Power & Light (FPL) at 1-800-468-8243. Do not walk through flowing water! You can be knocked off your feet. Floodwaters could be contaminated with toxins. Look out for animals! Small animals, such as snakes and fire ants that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours.

Look before you step! After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken glass and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.

Flood Warning System In cases where flooding might occur, local radio and television stations and The Weather Channel will provide critical information as part of the Emergency Alert System. Emergency information and evacuation routes are available on the Town’s website at townofsurfsidefl.gov. In the event of a hurricane, all residents are required to evacuate when ordered by the Mayor of Miami-Dade County. Each resident should make plans well in advance of the emergency. Public emergency shelters should be your last resort. Sign up for “Alert Surfside” on the town’s website by clicking on “Sign Up For Alerts” or from the Surfside Police Department by calling 305-861-4862 ext. 210, or text SURFSIDE to 88877 to register The Surfside Resident Storm Hotline number is (305) 993-1070.

Protect Your Property from Flood Damage

• Clear drains, gutters and downspouts, trim trees, secure loose outdoor items or take them inside.

• Raise furniture and electrical equipment off the floor, and unplug electrical equipment that is not needed for the emergency.

• Check your building for water entry points, such as doors, low windows, and dryer vents. These can be protected w ith low walls, berms, or temporary shields.

• Call the Town Building Department at (305) 861 -4863 for more information or search the Miami-Dade County Library catalog for the “flood damage prevention” subject or “FEMA” as author.

Flood Insurance

Two types of flood insurance coverage are available; building and contents coverage Renters and owners should purchase contents coverage. Flood insurance coverage on a building may be mandatory for some mortgage or home improvement loans. Be sure to purchase contents coverage. FEMA has implemented Risk Rating 2.0: Equity in Action, that considers rebuilding costs as well as a property’s unique flood risk. Purchase flood insurance now, as there is usually a 30-day waiting period before a flood insurance policy takes effect.

For more information on flooding and flood safety, visi t these links: townofsurfsideFL.gov and click on, “BE HURRICANE & FLOOD READY” Ready.gov

Miamidade.gov/global/emergency/prepare-flood.page

POLICE

mystic force foundation and the broward sheriff’s office 3rd annual gold ribbon parade

The Mystic Force Foundation in conjunction with the Broward Sheriff’s Office hosted the 3rd Annual Gold Ribbon Parade on Dec. 2 beginning at 11:00 a.m. A caravan of Broward Sheriff’s Office and Law Enforcement vehicles from across South Florida decorated with Gold Ribbons traveled from Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital to Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital in support of our littlest Heroes battling childhood Cancer. Officer Andres Mendoza participated in this momentous event with his Surfside Police vehicle proudly displaying gold ribbons in support of childhood cancer awareness.

19th citizens police academy graduation

The 19th Citizens Police Academy proudly graduated on Nov. 16 in front of their families, the Surfside Police Command Staff, members of the Town Commission, and instructors from the program. The classes beginning on Sep. 7 included a Body Worn Camera Presentation, Basic Life Support (BLS)/CPR, K-9 Demonstration, Fundamentals of Law, Homicide Investigations, SWAT, Gun Safety, and Crime Scene Investigations. The class also took fieldtrips to the Indian Creek Police Department for Marine Patrol, the Miami-Dade College North Campus for the Driving Range, and the North Miami Beach Police Department for a Use of Force presentation and experience firsthand the Firearms Simulator.

POLICE

On Dec. 11 the Town of Surfside and Station Dog Officer Mike thank all who joined the 5th birthday celebration event oat the Farmer’s Market. Attendees of all ages came out to congratulate Mike on turning a nickel!

Mike first arrived in Surfside this past February after receiving specialized training by veteran-support organization K9s For Warriors.

Hundreds came out with their dogs and joined Mayor Danzinger, Commissioners Landsman and Meischeid, and Town staff at the Surfside Farmers Market to see Officer Mike in all his birthday glory. There was an array of gifts and giveaways including a raffle for Officer Mike plushies, holiday ornaments, Pupuccinos from the local Surfside Starbucks and more.

Precious adoptable puppies from Jamie’s Rescue and kittens from Molly’s Kittens were also on hand in search of forever homes. Pet parents also got to spice up their holiday portraits with free professional pet photography from Lorena Cora.

Officer Mike was delighted and can’t wait for next year’s party!

TOURISM AND COMMUNICATIONS

officer mike’s 5th birthday celebration!

Authentic Japanese inspired cuisine made with fresh ingredients sourced globally.

Kosher 9454 Harding Ave. 786-897-3247 www.tyosushi.com @ tyosushimiami

Word of Women (WoW) The Concept is a women-ran boutique with items produced by women for women.

9507 Harding Ave. 305-763-8894 @wowtheconcept

PUBLIC WORKS BULLETIN

surfside resiliency

The Town of Surfside is partnering with Miami-Dade County and the #Resilient305* strategy. This county-wide initiative will prioritize, evaluate and implement long-term resiliency projects for community sustainability. This program is a progressive and adaptive approach to mitigating climate change by enhancing natural and urban systems, improving utility efficiency and reducing the effects of climate change to our community. Below are projects embarked to show its commitment to building a resilient Surfside.

Green Infrastructure & Green Space

o Dune Re-nourishment Project

• Three-phase project that eradicates invasive species, promotes native plant diversity by raising canopies and plants native landscaping that reinforces dune soils.

Water Conservation & Management

o Converting Irrigation on Town Properties to Smart Irrigation

• Grant funded upgrades to various irrigation controls in the Right of Way and Town properties to smart irrigation which tracks rain patterns and watering habits for more efficient water use.

o Eyes on Water Advance Metering System

• Three-year phase out of current meter system which will allow residents to monitor their daily water consumptions and set alerts for leaks, high water use and historical data accessible through a cloud-based platform.

Energy Management & Efficiency

o Converting Town Right of Way lighting from Conventional Fixtures to LED

• Various fixtures throughout town have been converted to LED efficient fixtures with additional conversions projected in 2023. LED efficient and solar technology is the Town standard for new fixtures within the Right of Way and Town properties.

o Converting Town Facilities lighting from Conventional Fixtures to LED

• Town Hall was converted to LED lighting to increase energy efficiency. Additional Town facilities will be converted to LED during fiscal year 2023.

Infrastructure

o Abbott Avenue Drainage Improvements

• Town collects recycling through a single stream system which is sorted and sold as renewable materials.

o Seawall Replacement Project

• The Town replaced all Right of Way seawalls that were in poor structural condition with a design option to increase the concrete cap if needed.

o Outfall Check Valve Installation

• Installed check valves on all Town-owned outfalls to minimize tidal inflow into the Town’s drainage systems.

PUBLIC WORKS BULLETIN

Building & Planning

o Ordinance 22-1722 which allows for Non-Habitable Understory

• A construction design method which creates open areas under structures within the single-family residential area making houses more resilient to water hazards such as flooding.

o Increasing permeable space requirements on properties from 30 to 40 percent

• Increases required permeable space on private properties from 30 to 40 percent to be consistent with Florida Friendly landscaping requirements.

o 96 Street Park Construction LEED Silver & SITES Requirements

• LEED silver and SITES design criteria were implemented during the 96 Street design phase in order to construct a more sustainable and environmentally friendly park.

Solid Waste Practices

o Zero Waste to Landfill

• Town final destination for all waste is the COVANTA landfill which converts all waste to a fuel source to create electricity that is re-introduced into the electrical grid. This process is called Waste-to-Energy.

o Recycling Program

Town collects recycling through a single stream system which is sorted and sold as a renewable material.

Infrastructure Study & Planning

o Collins Avenue Water Main Design

• Design phase of a new water main to be installed within Collins Avenue to serve multi-unit buildings. Current water main is over 70 years old and under-sized.

o Utilities Undergrounding Project Design Phase

• Design currently ongoing for a Town-wide conversion of all above ground utility lines to below ground in order to make the Town more resilient to intense natural events.

o Stormwater Master Plan and Flood Adaptation Strategies

• Comprehensive review of the Town-wide stormwater infrastructure to determine weak points and propose improvements. Review current and future surface water hazards an make recommendations based on findings.

o Seawall Elevation Criteria

• Review of existing seawall elevation allowed by Town Ordinance and recommend an elevation that is consistent with current hazards. Elevation recommendation to be adopted as Town standard for all properties.

o Dune Resiliency Plan

• Study the current dune system elevation and develop permit proposal for higher elevation that is more resilient to storm surges. Incorporate additional features such as diverter dunes and implement a beautification plan within impacted areas.

PUBLIC WORKS BULLETIN

manhole rehabilitation project

The Public Works Department will be starting a Town-wide manhole rehabilitation project during the first week of January. Please expect minor delays in residential areas, Collins Ave. and Harding Ave. over the duration of the project. Periodic notifications regarding location of work will be sent to residents on a weekly basis.

The project locations will start near the Isle of Biscaya and progress north until completion in the spring.

PROPOSED LOCATIONS FOR MANHOLE IMPROVEMENTS >

new and improved town hall

We are excited to unveil the new Front Office Lobby at Town Hall this month of January as we start the new year. The fully reimagined space has a bright new aesthetic and layout that will result in an enhanced customer service experience.

Visit the Town website for the latest information!

CODE COMPLIANCE CORNER

pedestrian safety

Pedestrian safety is of extreme importance for any community especially here in Surfside. We have many residents and visitors enjoying a morning or evening walk. In addition, kids walk to and from school, and stores and dining are within walking distance from any residence in Town.

Walkability improves the quality of life, reduces carbon footprint, and is often linked to economic development; that is why everyone must contribute to a more walkable neighborhood.

When planting new hedges, please ensure that the full root ball and average span of the branches are contained within the property lines. In general, hedges should be planted 1.5 to 2 feet behind the property line. In the front yard, the hedges must face the street with any fence behind them. You should refer to your property survey if you are unsure exactly where your property line falls.

If your property currently has hedges or any other type of heavy vegetation, you must maintain all greenery in a way that does not obstruct the clear visibility of any street signs, including stop signs. Additionally, vegetation and hedges must be kept in a way that doesn’t block the clear visibility of vehicles or pedestrians.

The safety of the community is of high importance. Therefore, we all need to contribute to a safe environment and ask that you ensure your property is maintained to prevent unsafe conditions.

PARKS & RECREATION

96th st park groundbreaking ceremony & winter wonderland

Community members, Surfside Commissioners and Town employees gathered to usher in a new era for the Town, celebrating the start of construction for brand new park facilities that will enhance the quality of life for Surfside residents of all ages.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Dec. 18, during the annual Winter Wonderland holiday festivity.

movie

The Town of Surfside Parks and Recreation Department hoasted a free Movie Under the Stars, showing the movie The Grinch to celebrate the holidays.

After a two-year hiatus, the Parks and Rec team welcomed back senior community members on Friday, Dec. 9, for a brunch and bingo gathering at the Community Center. The event was a tremendous success and will kick off the monthly brunch series which starts in 2023.

under the stars the return of senior brunch

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.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Festival Flea Market Mall

COST: Residents: $15.00 Non-Residents: $20.00

*Registration required by Wednesday January 18, 2023

REFRESH YOUR BEACH SAFETY KNOWLEDGE

Bus departs from Surfside Community Center, 9301 Collins Avenue at 9:30AM and will return approximately at 3:30PM *Transportation provided Proof of residency required at time of registration Registration will take place at the Surfside Community Center

excitement of an open-air, old-world market Combine that with the variety of brand name products at bargain prices and that’s what makes the Festival Flea Market Mall the great Florida shopping experience it is today a true shopping emporium! For more information contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (305) 866 - 3635 or visit www townofsurfsidefl gov

*Conditions available during beach tower operations.

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

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

The Scarlet Letter - 9425 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

PB & B - 9486 Harding Ave

Roast - 9441 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

The Greek Place - 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