Sun rising over the ocean and birds perched on lifeguard tower next to 4 palm trees.

A Message from the Mayor – January 2022

By Dana Robin Goldman, Mayor

(Friday, January 7, 2022) – I want to start out by wishing everyone a Happy New Year. I hope you were able to enjoy the holidays and celebrate with family and friends. January is the perfect time to reflect on the previous year and move forward with new opportunities and experiences. As we embark on a new year, we are also starting anew in Sunny Isles Beach. I am honored to be your mayor and have already hit the ground running. There is much to do and we can only accomplish it all with your help.

Citizen engagement is more important now than ever. Your input and your feedback are what drive the Commission’s priorities. We want to hear from you. What changes do you want to see? What are your concerns? How can we improve your quality of life? As part of our civic participation initiative, we are holding workshops where you are invited to participate. We held the first workshop on December 14, 2021 and will be holding a condominium workshop this month. Stay tuned for more information regarding upcoming workshops.

One of the reasons I ran for mayor was to tackle important matters that impact all of us living in Sunny Isles Beach: pedestrian safety, traffic and sustainability are just a few. I am working closely with the Police Department to put more officers on the streets and at expanded hours both for traffic enforcement and education. There are also several projects in the works with the Florida Department of Transportation and others to be planned that will enhance safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.

If you know me, you know that preserving our natural environment and combating the effects of climate change are my top priorities. We need to act smart and swiftly with sustainability measures and initiatives. For example, just last month, the City removed invasive species that were invading the dune areas at Samson Oceanfront Park and Pier Park. Next month there will be a dune restoration project along the beach outside Oceania Condominiums. Adopt a Dune and Oceania Condominiums are working together to restore the dune with new plants and volunteers are needed. Stay tuned for more details coming soon. I am committed to preserving our beach and enhancing our beach integrity for generations to come and look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas.

At the December 2021 Commission Meeting I introduced an ordinance to create the Mobility and Pedestrian Safety Advisory Committee and the Environment Sustainability Advisory Committee. These two committees will propel our safety and sustainability efforts forward through thoughtful and engaging discussion. Applications are easy to complete and can be found on our website at sibfl.net/committees. This is an opportunity for residents to work closely with your local government on issues related to pedestrian and mobility safety, green initiatives, and sustainable development. Members of each committee will serve a two-year term from January 2022 through December 31, 2023. Submissions will be accepted through January 7, 2022. The ordinance will be presented at the next Commission Meeting for second reading and we will make the appointments to each committee.

My door is always open and I invite you to reach out to me. Send me an email or give me a call to set up a meeting. Or drop by City Hall on Fridays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. for open office hours. Let’s solve your problems and make improvements you want to see. I’m ready to work with you to create meaningful change.

Contact Mayor Dana Robin Goldman at mayor@sibfl.net or 305.792.1753.