Reflecting on 2023

By Larisa Svechin, Mayor

(Monday, December 4, 2023) – May the spirit of this wonderful season be with you and your loved ones. As I reflect on the last 12 months as your Mayor, I look back with gratefulness. I am humbled by your overwhelming support and active participation during City Commission meetings and town halls. I remember the excitement and awe during our annual city anniversary party. I look forward to the upcoming Chanukah events and Winter Fest Park Lighting. However, what I will remember and treasure the most will be the connections I made with you – the new faces in the crowd during Booogie by the Beach, the packed house at the weekly bingo games, seeing you dance at the concerts, enjoying the food trucks, and the many calls I received from you all.

Like any other year, this was not without its challenges. Rising costs and household bills have impacted us all, bringing new worries and pressures. Yet, it’s important to remember that we are not alone.

Throughout the year, I’ve had the privilege of visiting individuals and organizations who volunteer to help others. I’ve been heartened by the abundance of generosity, as they perform acts of kindness and freely give of their time.

This is the season of goodwill, a time when we extend our hands to help others. Once again, Farm Share will be distributing free groceries to those in need. Organizations like the St. Vincent de Paul Society have partnered with the city to collect canned goods so they can help residents.

It is the sense of community, friendship, and togetherness that we will carry with us into the new year. Every day presents an opportunity to share and bring light to others. It was my great privilege to invite Holocaust survivor Judy Rodan to share her story with students. Her grace, patience, and generosity, despite enduring unspeakable horrors, is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and emphasizes the importance of sharing our stories.

As I remain mindful of the hardships facing many in Sunny Isles Beach, I pray for the hostages in Israel to come home. It is my hope that anyone who is struggling finds comfort in knowing that they are not alone.

On behalf of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, I extend my warmest regards and best wishes to everyone. I wish all a peaceful Chanukah and Christmas, and a healthy and happy new year. May the spirit of this wonderful season be with you and your loved ones.

Contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at mayor@sibfl.net or 305.792.1753.

—

The views, opinions, representations, information, or statements made or expressed by any individual contributor in this newsletter are those of the individual contributor only and do not represent the views or beliefs of the City of Sunny Isles Beach or those of the broader community. The views, opinions, representations, information, or statements by individual contributors are provided on an “as-is” basis with no guarantees of completeness or accuracy, and the City of Sunny Isles Beach assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omission therein, or for the consequences of any action or inaction on the basis of any views, opinions, representations, information or statements made or expressed by individual contributors.