Dear Neighbor,
It’s hard to believe two years have already passed since our organization was founded—time certainly flies! WakeUp NMB continues to grow and make a meaningful impact in our city, and we are incredibly grateful for your ongoing support as we work to “shine a light on local government.”
January: We kicked off the year with our Monthly General Membership Meeting (MGMM), where City Manager Mario Diaz shared his experiences from his first seven months overseeing the city’s operations. Mario not only provided a clear view of his work but also took the time to engage with our members, listening to their concerns and suggestions.
February: Our MGMM featured Crime Prevention Specialist Richard Rudow, who, alongside his colleagues from the North Miami Beach Police Department, provided helpful safety tips. They covered a wide range of topics, from protecting ourselves on the streets to safeguarding against online scams. Additionally, several of our members participated in a “Coffee with a Cop” event, fostering stronger connections with local police officers and getting to know both the command staff and patrol officers who regularly visit our neighborhoods.
March: Eileen Demaso from Coastal Waste and Recycling, joined us at our MGMM with a detailed presentation on waste management practices. She clarified many misconceptions about what can and cannot be recycled, leaving us with a deeper understanding of how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. WakeUp NMB continues to advocate for clarity and transparency in waste management to ensure that services are being used effectively.
April: Our MGMM drew an impressive crowd, requiring us to move to a larger venue to accommodate everyone. Although State Representative Christopher Benjamin canceled at the last minute, the meeting sparked important discussions around the Live Local Act, Home Rule, vacation rentals, and code enforcement. One of the most poignant topics centered around the residents displaced from Crestview Towers, who have now faced nearly three years of uncertainty since their evacuation.
May: Mayor Evan Piper was the guest speaker at our MGMM. He shared detailed updates on city finances, including capital projects, the five-year CIP plan, and staffing challenges. Mayor Piper also discussed the police department’s new software system, which will improve communication and safety within the community. His emphasis on the importance of civic engagement was especially inspiring, as he encouraged residents to volunteer for city boards and use their expertise to support local government.
At the May 21st City Commission meeting, many WakeUp NMB members voiced their concerns over a proposal to hire an outside PR firm for nearly $400,000. Given the city’s need for more staff in areas such as code enforcement and public safety, we felt the proposal was excessive. Our collective efforts, including emails, phone calls, and our presence at the meeting, resulted in a decision to pursue a more modest approach, with a temporary consultation contract while commissioners assess the city’s public relations needs. WakeUp NMB remains a strong advocate for maintaining an in-house PR department, which we believe is key to fostering stronger connections between City Hall and the community.
June: We introduced a new agenda at our MGMM, giving members the floor to share their thoughts on the city’s state. Additionally, we discussed a documentary about Karl Anderson, a former NMBPD sergeant, highlighting his dedication and challenges faced during his career.
July: We took a short break to recharge for the second half of the year, just as many residents were enjoying their summer activities.
August: Our MGMM welcomed Ricardo Castillo, the city’s Chief Information Officer, who introduced Fix It NMB, a user-friendly civic engagement platform that allows residents to submit service requests directly to City Hall. From potholes to noise complaints, residents can now report issues easily and efficiently. This new tool is an exciting development, and we encourage all residents to take advantage of it.
August also marked the start of campaign season in North Miami Beach, with candidate qualifying concluding and the stage set for the November election.
September: Senator Jason Pizzo joined our MGMM to discuss the findings of the recent state audit of North Miami Beach. The audit revealed significant financial mismanagement under the previous administration, and Senator Pizzo emphasized the urgent need for reforms. He also covered rising insurance rates, new condominium regulations, and the ongoing issues faced by residents of Crestview Towers, who may soon be able to return home after nearly three years of displacement. Senator Pizzo’s commitment to our community was clear, and his thoughtful responses during the Q&A session were both reassuring and informative.
October: We had planned a Candidate Meet and Greet, but it was canceled due to Hurricane Milton’s uncertain weather. In lieu of the event, WakeUp NMB endorsed candidates based on their responses to our Mayor and Commissioner Candidate Questionnaires. We prioritized candidates who demonstrate consistent involvement in city matters, a strong understanding of fiscal responsibility, and a commitment to addressing the needs of all neighborhoods. Our endorsements went to:
- Evan Piper for Mayor
- Hubert Dube for Group 3
- Ketley Joachim for Group 5
- Lynn Su for Group 7
Fortunately, another local organization hosted a Meet the Candidates event, where topics such as leadership, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure, and community development were discussed. Residents also voiced their frustration over the lack of progress in improving local amenities, such as lodging, dining, and shopping options.
November: WakeUp NMB focused on the November 5th election. While many of our endorsed candidates did not win, there was a bright spot: in the runoff election, WakeUp NMB Board member Lynn Su was elected to the Commission. This election also marked a historic moment for the city, with the election of our first Black Haitian American Mayor and our first Asian American Commissioner, ensuring greater diversity on the Commission.
December: We held an open discussion at our MGMM reflecting on the November election and the priorities we hope our Commissioners will focus on moving forward. Many valuable suggestions were made, and Commissioner Smith, who attended the meeting, took note of the ideas shared.
Also this month, in the spirit of the holiday season, WakeUp NMB participated in the city’s annual Snowfest Parade, spreading festive cheer throughout the community. We also delivered our third annual holiday gift basket to the North Miami Beach Police Department, expressing our gratitude for their unwavering commitment to keeping our city safe throughout the year.
December marked a new beginning for North Miami Beach as newly elected commissioners were sworn into office on December 10th during a celebratory ceremony. However, the atmosphere quickly changed at the first Commission Meeting. During the meeting, Mayor Joseph announced a controversial change to the public comment process, limiting residents to speaking only during the general public comment period and restricting their remarks to three minutes. This change has sparked concerns as it significantly reduces public participation and limits residents’ ability to address specific agenda items.
What a way to end the year!
We wish all our residents a joyful, healthy, and peaceful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. May the upcoming year be an improvement over what was witnessed at the recent meeting. We look forward to seeing greater transparency, accountability, and progress from our elected officials.
Barbara Kramer