Collaboration

By Fabiola Stuyvesant, Commissioner

(Tuesday, September 5, 2023) – When it comes to governing, it is less what we can do alone and more what we can achieve together. Elected officials need to be made aware of what the issues are, reach out to the proper agencies and become agents of change in search of a solution.

In January 2023 I participated in a public meeting at our NSE SIB K-8 school to discuss issues affecting our children’s educational experience. As a result, a “taskforce” was created with representatives from MDCPS, SIB community leaders and parents. Many steps were promptly put into action to address cleanliness, teacher shortages, security, etc. However, despite the progress made and due to the overcrowding situation, MDCPS made the decision to put a cap on new enrollments. It is extremely unfair for residents of SIB to be denied enrollment in our school because students from other cities are taking their spots. Another school must be built. Nevertheless, we in the taskforce continue to look for short and long-term solutions.

In another instance, residents of Poinciana Island (my home residence) approached me seeking help in communicating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and DERM regarding their finger pier applications. I am proud that after several meetings and reviews with these agencies, we were able to update the permit process to bring the unpermitted structures to compliance and for owners to apply directly to the agencies to build their finger pier.

Nonetheless, so much work continues to be done, but working together we will be able to accomplish more. Please do not hesitate to reach out – we can only help if we know what the issues are.

Contact Commissioner Fabiola Stuyvesant at seat3@sibfl.net or 305.792.1751.