Press Release: Mayor Meerbott Hosts 2019 State of the Town Address
Mayor Meerbott Hosts 2019 State of the Town Address
CUTLER BAY, FL—On Wednesday, December 11, 2019, Mayor Tim Meerbott hosted his first State of the Town Address at Town Hall. The Mayor highlighted the many ways that the Town Council, Town staff, residents, and community partners work has contributed to the overall success of this community.
The event received a full house audience consisting of residents, Town staff and Council Members, community partners and elected officials. Among the elected officials present were former Cutler Bay Vice Mayor Ernest Sochin, Pinecrest Mayor Joseph M. Corradino, Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham, newly elected homestead Mayor Steven D. Losner, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava. Additionally, representatives for Senator Marco Rubio, Congresswoman Donna Shalala, Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and Commissioner Esteban Bovo were in attendance.
The State of the Town Address commenced with a brief speech by the Master of Ceremonies and Town Manager, Rafael G. Casals. Mr. Casals then introduced the Presentation of Colors by the Miami-Dade County Police Department Honor Guard. Next came the Pledge of Allegiance led by Boy Scout Troop 357, followed by Cutler Bay Senior High SharkApella’s rendition of the National Anthem.
During his address, Mayor Meerbott touched up on the Town’s greatest accomplishments and initiatives over the last year—such as becoming the second municipality in Florida to reach a Community Rating System Class 4, being awarded the Real Estate Achievers and Leaders (REAL) Awards in the “Municipality, Community or Public Sector” category and becoming the second municipality in Florida to have an Age Friendly Action Plan approved by AARP and the World Health Organization.
“As we look around us to the never-ending change and fast pace of our times, we have somehow preserved the familial, small-town feel we all know and love that has become the character of Cutler Bay. Our residents have ‘planted their roots’ here, making Cutler Bay their forever home,” stated Mayor Tim Meerbott. “But no community is free of challenges... It’s how we deal with them that will determine our success to continue to blossom and thrive as we have. Let’s continue to work together to keep Cutler Bay as one of the best places to plant your roots not only in Miami-Dade County, but in our entire nation.”
Mayor Meerbott discussed some of the challenges that the Town must navigate to attain a viable and sustainable future such as traffic, lack of mass transit and the concern for overdevelopment. He then touched up on what some of the actions and solutions he and the Council have prepared in response to those challenges—such as the building moratorium that was adopted this year, the “land swap” deal that is in its final stages and joining initiatives such as Resilient305 to become stronger as a community. The State of the Town Address ended with a brief video that went over the highlights and initiatives for the Town.
The address was followed by a reception in the Town Hall Penthouse where attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres provided by Delicious Catering, Music by DJ Ivan and live performances by Cutler Bay Senior High’s SharkPAC Band.
The Town acknowledges and thanks the sponsors who made this event possible:
Gold Sponsors: Calvin, Giordano & Associates, Inc.; VisualScape; Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, P.L.
Silver Sponsors: Acosta Tractors, Inc.; Mercedes Benz Of Cutler Bay; CAP Government; East Ridge at Cutler Bay; Envirowaste Services Group; FPL; R. J. Behar & Company, Inc.; The Corradino Group
Bronze Sponsors: Brightview; Caballero Fierman Llerena + Garcia LLP: ConvergeGA; MARLIN Engineering Inc.; Stantec Consulting Services; Sunstate Bank.
To view the 2019 State of the Town Address Video, visit the Town’s website at http://cutlerbay-fl.gov/town-council/mayor/mayor-s-annual-state-of-the-t... to view the 2019 Year in Review booklet which was given to event attendees and discusses the Town’s highlights, initiatives and upcoming projects and events visit: http://cutlerbay-fl.gov/home/showdocument?id=14865.
For additional information regarding upcoming events please visit the Calendar on the Town’s website at www.cutlerbay-fl.gov or contact the Town Hall at (305) 234-4262.
