MAYOR DANZINGER SEEKS GLOBAL SOLUTIONS FOR A SAFER, STRONGER COASTAL SURFSIDE
Mayor Shlomo Danzinger recently traveled to Israel to join mayors from around the world at MUNI EXPO 2026, Israel’s premier municipal innovation conference, held in Tel Aviv. The event brought together mayors, municipal leaders, and industry innovators to explore the future of cities and share solutions to shared urban challenges. The trip was fully sponsored by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at no cost to Surfside taxpayers.
The conference held particular meaning for Surfside. As a coastal community still healing from the Champlain Towers collapse, one of the most difficult chapters in the Town’s history, Surfside understands the weight of recovery in ways few communities do. Mayor Danzinger brought that lived experience into conversation with Israeli municipal leaders who have spent recent years navigating their own recovery from frequent missile attacks, rebuilding communities, restoring local economies, and helping residents heal psychologically after sustained periods of loss and fear. Those exchanges offered practical insight into community healing, economic recovery, and infrastructure built to withstand the unexpected, lessons directly relevant to a Town working to strengthen both its buildings and its residents for whatever comes next.
The relationships Mayor Danzinger built at MUNI EXPO also opened the door to infrastructure and environmental collaboration that goes beyond what’s typically available locally or nationally, including resilient building design and sustainable coastal planning approaches shaped by necessity. For a community like Surfside, where rising sea levels, aging infrastructure, and building safety remain ongoing concerns, these international partnerships offer access to ideas and technical expertise that can directly inform how the Town plans for its future.
For Surfside, the trip reflects the kind of initiative that defines Mayor Danzinger’s leadership: seeking out hard won knowledge and global partnerships, wherever they exist, to bring new resources and tested strategies home, without spending a single taxpayer dollar to do it.
September 10 - 13
September 26 - 30
October 7 - 13
October 24 - 30*
November 6 -9
November 23-26
*Denotes Highest Predicted Tide
SAFETY MEASURES:
Do not drive through floodwater. It may be deeper than it appears, or it could contain debris that may damage your vehicle.
King Tides can be observed 1.5-2 hours before and after peak times. Do not park your vehicle in low lying areas. Properties in low lying areas should use flood mitigation options such as sand bags.
Prohibit children from playing in flood water. Again, there may be debris, in addition to wildlife or pollutants picked up from the environment.
News From Town Hall
The Surfside Town Commission recognized the members of the 2025-2026 Surfside Youth Council during a special presentation at its meeting on July 16. Mayor Shlomo Danzinger honored the students for their leadership, dedication and commitment to serving the community.
SURFSIDE CONGRATULATES BAY HARBOR ISLANDS ON GRAND OPENING OF NEW TOWN HALL TOWN COMMISSION RECOGNIZES 2025-2026 SURFSIDE YOUTH COUNCIL
The members recognized were:
Sophia Butori, Sofia Chavez, Ella Garcia, Jonah Epstein, Lucia Lecour, Jack O’Malley, Isaac Pack and Deniz Temeltas.
The Youth Council provides students with an opportunity to learn about local government, participate in civic activities and share ideas that benefit the Surfside community.
The Town of Surfside congratulates the 2025-2026 Youth Council members and thanks them for their service, leadership and commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
The Town of Surfside extends its congratulations to the Town of Bay Harbor Islands on the grand opening of its new Town Hall and the unveiling of its new Town seal. Surfside Vice Mayor Dayana Benmergui and Commissioner David Weingot attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on behalf of the Town of Surfside, joining elected officials, residents and community members in celebrating this significant milestone.
The new Town Hall symbolizes Bay Harbor Islands’ continued investment in public service and its commitment to meeting the needs of residents for generations to come.The Town of Surfside wishes the Town of Bay Harbor Islands continued success and looks forward to strengthening the longstanding partnership between our neighboring communities.
HONORING THE 98: REMEMBRANCE TORCH EXTINGUISHED
On July 20 at 8:03 p.m., the Town of Surfside extinguished the symbolic Remembrance Torch, which had been lit at 1:22 a.m. on June 24 in honor of the 98 lives lost in the Champlain Towers South tragedy.
The torch remained illuminated throughout the annual remembrance period and was extinguished at the exact time that marked the conclusion of the heroic search and recovery efforts on July 20, 2021, when the final victim was recovered. The moment served as a tribute to the lives lost and to the first responders whose dedication brought comfort and hope during one of the community’s darkest chapters.
Police Beat
SURFSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT WELCOMES OFFICER LOVENSON BEAUBIEN
The Town of Surfside Police Department proudly welcomed its newest officer, Lovenson Beaubien, during a swearing-in ceremony held July 10. Officer Beaubien took the oath of office, administered by Chief Press, during a ceremony attended by his family, fellow officers, Town employees, Acting Town Manager Mario A. Diaz and Commissioner Gerardo Vildostegui.
Originally from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and raised in South Florida, Beaubien brings a strong commitment to public service and a passion for helping others. Before joining the Surfside Police Department, he served as a correctional officer at the South Florida Reception Center and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Beaubien said his passion for law enforcement was inspired by mission trips through his church, where he saw firsthand the impact of serving others. Guided by the belief that even small acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference, he is committed to serving the Surfside community with integrity, compassion and professionalism. The Town of Surfside congratulates Officer Beaubien on joining the department and looks forward to the positive contributions he will make in protecting and serving the community.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF POLICE CHARLES R. PRESS
On behalf of the members of the Surfside Police Department, I would like to thank the community for its patience and support during our efforts to host FIFA’s V.V.I.P.s. I have received a tremendous number of positive messages from FIFA personnel regarding their experience in our Town.
Your cooperation, understanding and warm hospitality played a vital role in making this event a success. From residents and businesses to visitors and Town staff, the entire Surfside community came together to showcase the professionalism, safety and welcoming spirit that define our Town. We are proud to have represented Surfside on the world stage and grateful for the opportunity to serve our community throughout this historic event.
Our officers remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents, visitors and our international guests while minimizing disruptions whenever possible.
THANK YOU, SURFSIDE!
Police Beat
HONORING OUR FINEST: SGT. ALEJANDRO LORENTE
The Surfside Police Department is proud to recognize Sgt. Alejandro Lorente for his outstanding leadership, professionalism and commitment to serving the Surfside community.
As administrative sergeant, Lorente oversees the department’s Quality of Life Unit, Parking Enforcement Officers, Community Service Aides, Parking Department and Field Training Program. His role helps ensure the department continues to provide high-quality service while supporting the daily operations that keep Surfside safe.
Lorente began his law enforcement career in 2005 and joined the Surfside Police Department in 2012. He was promoted to sergeant in 2019 and served as a patrol sergeant until 2025 before transitioning to his current administrative leadership role.
Throughout his career, Lorente has held several key assignments, including detective in the Criminal Investigations Unit, Neighborhood Resource Officer, Honor Guard member, Field Training Officer and Field Training Supervisor. These diverse roles have allowed him to mentor new officers, strengthen community relationships and contribute to the department’s continued success.
His dedication has been recognized with numerous commendations and Officer of the Month awards. Most recently, he was honored for 13 years of service with the department’s Honor Guard, reflecting his long-standing commitment to both the agency and the profession.Outside of work, Lorente enjoys spending time with his family and proudly considers being a husband and father among his greatest accomplishments.
The Town of Surfside thanks Sgt. Lorente for his years of dedicated service, leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community.
SURFSIDE POLICE PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL HOMELESS OUTREACH OPERATION
The Surfside Police Department recently partnered with the Miami Beach Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Unit for a coordinated outreach operation focused on connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with available services and shelter resources.
During the operation, Surfside officers worked alongside members of the Miami Beach Homeless Outreach Unit, gaining firsthand experience in outreach strategies and community partnerships that support individuals in need. Officers engaged with people experiencing homelessness, providing information about shelter placement, medical care, mental health services and other programs designed to help individuals achieve long-term stability.
The collaboration highlighted the importance of a compassionate, service-oriented approach to addressing homelessness. By working with an agency that has a dedicated homeless outreach program, Surfside officers strengthened their knowledge of best practices and expanded their ability to connect vulnerable individuals with critical resources.
The Town of Surfside extends its appreciation to the Miami Beach Police Department and its Homeless Outreach Unit for partnering with the Surfside Police Department and sharing their expertise in support of this regional effort.
Uptown FunTown
SUMMER SUNDAYS KICKS OFF WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE FINAL WATCH PARTY
The Surfside Tourist Board welcomed residents and visitors to the beach behind the Community Center at 93rd Street on Sunday, July 19, for the kickoff of its Summer Sundays series with a Final Watch Party for the World Cup.
Set against the backdrop of Surfside’s beautiful shoreline, attendees gathered to watch the world’s biggest sporting event on a large outdoor screen while enjoying the excitement of championship soccer in a truly one-of-a-kind beachside setting. The afternoon brought together soccer fans of all ages, creating an energetic atmosphere as the final match unfolded just steps from the southern Atlantic Ocean.
Guests enjoyed complimentary food and refreshments throughout the event, while a live DJ kept the energy high before kickoff and during breaks in the action. Familyfriendly entertainment and activities added to the festive atmosphere, making the watch party an enjoyable experience for residents, visitors, and families alike.
Members of the Town Commission and Tourist Board joined the celebration, spending time with attendees and helping welcome the community to one of Surfside’s signature summer events.
The successful kickoff of the Summer Sundays series set the stage for additional beachside events throughout the summer, continuing the Tourist Board’s commitment to creating engaging experiences that support local tourism while bringing the community together.
Join us on the sand this month on Sunday, August 16 for Kites & Bites, from 3 - 6 p.m!
Uptown FunTown
IT’S A SURFSIDE THING: A NEW VIDEO SERIES SHOWCASING THE HEART OF SURFSIDE
The Surfside Tourist Board is proud to introduce “ It’s a Surfside Thing”, a new social media video series created to celebrate the people, places, and experiences that make Surfside unlike anywhere else in South Florida.
The series, created in partnership with Gabba Visuals, is designed to tell authentic stories about the community through engaging, short-form videos that highlight Surfside’s
unique character. It serves as an overarching creative theme for storytelling on social media, inviting viewers to discover the qualities that make Surfside so special. It is not a new slogan for the Town.
Throughout the series, audiences will be introduced to the locations, traditions, and everyday moments that define life in Surfside. The series will also feature interviews with community members whose passion and dedication help shape Surfside’s identity. Their stories will provide an authentic look at the people behind the places that residents cherish and visitors return to year after year.
Whether someone is planning their first visit or has called Surfside home for decades, It’s a Surfside Thing offers an opportunity to experience the community through the voices and stories of those who know it best.
All images by Gabba Visuals.
SURFSIDE CELEBRATES AMERICA’S 250
As America began celebrating its 250th anniversary in July, Surfside joined the nationwide commemoration with patriotic street banners displayed throughout Town. The custom banners feature the official America250 mark reimagined in Surfside’s signature coastal color palette—blending national pride with our unique beachside identity.
The celebration continues after sunset, with Town Hall illuminated in red, white, and blue in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Keep an eye out as you explore Town, and join us as we celebrate 250 years of America’s story, together.
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REFRESH YOUR BEACH SAFETY KNOWLEDGE
HOW TO BREAK
THE GRIP OF THE RIP:
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•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.
• Always swim in a lifeguarded area.
• Never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE
*Conditions available during beach tower operations.
• Keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities.
• Be aware of weather and water conditions and heed warnings. For daily beach conditions, contact the Community Center at (305) 866–3635.
It Starts In Parks
CELEBRATING JULY 4TH WITH JOINT COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Residents and visitors gathered in Surfside on July 4 for a day of patriotic celebration featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment and a spectacular drone show and fireworks finale.
The celebration began at the Surfside Community Center, where families enjoyed swim races, games, giveaways, food trucks and activities for all ages. Throughout the afternoon, residents came together to celebrate Independence Day while enjoying music and
In the evening, the celebration moved to 96th Street Beach for a united Independence Day celebration held in partnership with Bal Harbour and Bay Harbor Islands for an evening of live music, a DJ, family activities and beach front festivities.
The celebration concluded with a synchronized drone show followed by a fireworks display over the Atlantic Ocean, drawing hundreds of spectators from across the three communities.
The Town thanks its residents, visitors, police, performers, vendors and staff members whose efforts made this year’s Independence Day celebration a success. The annual Independence Day celebration continues to be one of Surfside’s signature community events, bringing residents and visitors together to celebrate the nation’s birthday while fostering community pride.
