[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6082482,"mediaKeyId","2937919-aea7d3fd0603cdead2e71b04aa971d7f","parentId",2937919,"title","Miami Beach presents awards: arts, cultural institutions, community programs and recognitions","audioSeconds",2742,"startMs",1008000,"endMs",3750000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2937919-aea7d3fd0603cdead2e71b04aa971d7f&start=1008&end=3750","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2937919-aea7d3fd0603cdead2e71b04aa971d7f/thumbnail_1008000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6082482/Miami-Beach/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Miami-Beach-presents-awards-arts-cultural-institutions-community-programs-and-recognitions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082482-dd2f8f16e4578243049822fc33c706cb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164407&Signature=QdPf49oS07v-r9DwDkOk~cGiUagkD4WL9RIWr~K0Hysvc1Kt7cOqjUhKLzm5cMbHOmfBU6IzHXt32i8NmKWeWzdDlo12g4W5PKNxPTFoo2HIJW7jfHpUbK8HCA9Ob-2w6cTHhfG8V7CvVoVG78a8U09Ii8BjqcaZnMIm6QQq7ZVIPjHE40y2rtOtoQFaoedDfCgQmedzJSotrgmFQX9Eo0u2c~wQd0GpFjqXuBJ0uiYhPlFwRl4~SXfAMLuBz-vz48L5k3wSjmH0Rbwn6kVm7aJ6ZriK7Qrfc~xm~bHFA~gd~Td5P-W60uYivNGPYZhJpk9euP9jlKPmswoTRe46rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Miami Beach, FL","date","2025-04-09T19:17:40Z","article","The City of Miami Beach on April 9 used its awards and presentations meeting to recognize a broad set of arts, cultural and community programs and to honor public servants and volunteers.

Nut graf: The session included proclamations and certificates honoring Michael Tilson Thomas and the New World Symphony, recognitions for Black History Month and related events, awards to museum curators involved in a Harlem Renaissance exhibition, certifications for local festivals and community programs (including a vegan food festival and scholastic chess programs), and tributes to individual public servants and volunteers whose work touches youth, safety and civic engagement.

Michael Tilson Thomas and New World Symphony: Commissioner Bhatt and Vice Mayor Tanya Katzofbott noted Michael Tilson Thomas’s role in co-founding the New World Symphony and his contribution to Miami Beach’s cultural revival. Neeson Kasdan (board chair) and Howard Herring (president and CEO) accepted the proclamation on Thomas’s behalf and described his role in creating the New World Center and Soundscape Park. \"MTT's vision and entrepreneurial spirit continue to define the art form and our community,\" Vice Mayor Tanya Katzofbott said.

Black History Month and local programming: The commission proclaimed April 9, 2025, as the city’s recognition date for Black History Month events (the awards meeting had been delayed past February). Commissioners and members of the Black Affairs Advisory Committee described a calendar of events and a short commemorative video; Glenn Hall, representing the committee, and other speakers emphasized cultural programming that included a Creole Festival, the American Black Film Festival, Juneteenth observances and additional events.

So Vegan Food Festival and community fairs: The commission presented a certificate to the organizers of the So Vegan Food Festival (also referenced as a vegan/seafood festival) and thanked Parks and Recreation for co-sponsoring events that showcased African American and Caribbean-inspired cuisine and promoted health and cultural pride. Festival organizers said the event began nearly a decade ago, grew incrementally, and now attracts chefs and families from across the region.

Museum curation and the Harlem Renaissance: The Wilsonian FIU Museum curatorial staff, curator Christopher Norwood and curatorial consultant Dr. Sean Christian received recognition for the silhouettes: image and word in the Harlem Renaissance exhibition. The Wilsonian and partners provided objects, first editions and loans that the speakers said highlight literary and visual work from the Harlem Renaissance and connections to regional histories including Overtown.

Police Athletic League and remembrance of Officer Arthur \"Big Art\" Martinu: The commission received a sympathy resolution and recognition from the office of Congresswoman Frederica Wilson honoring the late Arthur Martinu for his work with the Miami Beach Police Athletic League (PAL). Charles C. Scott, director of outreach for Congresswoman Wilson, read the congressional sympathy resolution; Deborah Martinu and PAL staff accepted the recognition. Speakers recalled Martinu’s leadership at PAL, his role helping youth access scholarships and community events, and the organization’s role in youth development.

Individual recognitions and community programs: The commission presented certificates to a range of individuals and programs, including Nicholas Rosenthal and the National Scholastic Chess Foundation for youth chess programs and tournaments in the city; Officer Julio Blanco was recognized for 24 years as a neighborhood resource officer and cited onstage statistics the citation listed for 2024 (49 arrests, 250 uniform traffic citations, 227 written warnings) as part of his record of community policing; Ocean Rescue lifeguard Mateo Morais received a certificate after stopping to provide first aid to a bleeding resident on an off-duty day; the Neighborhood Leadership Academy celebrated graduating participants after a 16-week program; and Alejandra Rey Jimenez was proclaimed in recognition of international figure-skating achievements representing the Dominican Republic.

What the actions mean: Most items were ceremonial proclamations and certificates; the transcript records no votes, ordinances or budget actions tied to these recognitions. Several recognitions emphasized partnerships between the city and nongovernmental cultural institutions (New World Symphony, Wilsonian FIU, National Scholastic Chess Foundation) and reinforced the role of PAL, Parks and Recreation and other city divisions in delivering programs.

Ending: The April 9 awards session was largely ceremonial but provided a forum for the commission to showcase cultural institutions, community events, youth programs and public servants. The record shows honors and public acknowledgements rather than policy decisions or votes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission Meeting Presentations & Awards 4.9.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners presented proclamations and certificates honoring arts institutions, community festivals, youth programs, museum curators and individual public servants.","taxTitle","Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida","taxId",2893,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6082487,"Miami Beach declares National Public Works Week; officials highlight stormwater infrastructure after heavy rains",64,5199000,5263000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2937919-aea7d3fd0603cdead2e71b04aa971d7f&start=5199&end=5263","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2937919-aea7d3fd0603cdead2e71b04aa971d7f/thumbnail_5199000.jpg","/articles/6082487/Miami-Beach/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Miami-Beach-declares-National-Public-Works-Week-officials-highlight-stormwater-infrastructure-after-heavy-rains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082487-0087ddc2a03e61e98fad457f0b82d9c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164407&Signature=l5UhKRC4F8pUXhoCpJ06Vlqb7Ahj1Ut1y-MatKaHhjv1qmUWcSsdAwSU3kQjqhVcm0b3xzLe2nr9MYwhp-0sSOIQbu465NIzHq81HvhX9Qp8esnqO8~blLOPH-41ra6UptewyAGwi8LcTtUBuC2KVa6PrpBS~ahCxmrehx2-FY6xoBOEqhfvbLPudZT~~7FHwMlzxhzYv~PH19HQcfQfgzFJVfFjMV2lEgd2H3I29k9VvtkkbhMtBq8aEDJPRnRONcywtdboQpw94UQTmD4X9bs9UWRZkxCXW3kcSELIgUggEha4dWsij8Q0Suk1-3yhDAwSapJ5pi1QArJzya2RyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Miami Beach on April 9 proclaimed May 19–25, 2025, as National Public Works Week and used the award to highlight local stormwater infrastructure and ongoing response to heavy rainfall.

Brad Kane, interim public works director for the City of Miami Beach, joined the commission to accept the recognition and describe recent operational challenges. He said the department manages numerous pump stations and vacuum trucks, and runs a 24/7 control room residents can contact during flooding incidents.

Nut graf: The discussion tied a national recognition week to local operational needs. Officials used the proclamation to recount the city’s stormwater assets and to remind residents of a 24/7 control line during episodes of heavy rain.

Kane told commissioners the city operates 48 stormwater pump stations, 23 sewer pump stations and six water pump stations, and maintains four stormwater vacuum trucks. He identified a 24/7 control-room phone number for residents to report stormwater problems as (305) 673-7625.

The proclamation also thanked individual public works staff and unions, and emphasized the department’s role in sanitation, engineering, green-space maintenance and flood response. Mayor and commissioners said the volume and intensity of recent rains had made the department’s work more visible to residents and neighborhood groups, and they described recent meetings with neighborhood associations to address flooding concerns.

No new appropriations or emergency ordinances were proposed or voted on during the proclamation. Discussion focused on operational capacity, the department’s staffing and equipment, and the need to continue infrastructure maintenance.

Ending: The commission declared National Public Works Week, recognized the city crew’s response to recent heavy rainfall, and reminded residents of the public control-room number for stormwater issues; no funding or policy changes were recorded at the April 9 meeting.","Commission proclaimed National Public Works Week and interim public works leaders described operations and stormwater assets — including pump station counts and a public 24/7 control room phone line — amid recent heavy rainfall and flooding concerns.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6082491,"Miami Beach credits coordinated citywide effort for safe Spring Break 2025",297,327000,624000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2937919-aea7d3fd0603cdead2e71b04aa971d7f&start=327&end=624","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2937919-aea7d3fd0603cdead2e71b04aa971d7f/thumbnail_327000.jpg","/articles/6082491/Miami-Beach/Miami-Dade-County/Florida/Miami-Beach-credits-coordinated-citywide-effort-for-safe-Spring-Break-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6082491-d80087f6ce828c6ed59cd4c0b579a5e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164407&Signature=E7z~2vbj4sd7aKKXW~fIK3Qtdh8enjr2aiYrJspIqhvmiGaHhQzuBOUPi0k-cIiBQeqmkIyI1Mt-XJa8pi81GbkJ1ZRJOwRsaYIg9o37lRcEC3iH7dlCzbhjwWME9qqKJU-c8lS~UQQ2he515rlNkMoVHF3I2lWkmmPImV4i9EiUVDmu4HTrxN1QpxYYlRjYsL0TkW7JCGIM~XRWpv6UywNBcX1I9aWsdiGRdFOTIEOXzXKPkHSLgfrPqBuonpHwnIwu15tdUQzuWAR-Y~f99ohUP3NoHx4CvRhhnM-2OurkwfnnAxmLvI5FPisJlf3HWA9-KgdBltdAImG8ucg7Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor and commissioners of the City of Miami Beach on April 9 credited a coordinated, citywide effort with producing a “healthy” Spring Break 2025 that officials said had few serious incidents and helped local businesses.

The mayor opened the awards session by saying the city’s approach — which included measures adopted a few years ago and a wide deployment of city and partner resources — yielded a positive result. “Our businesses did well,” the mayor said, and “we really didn't have any…incidents to speak of,” attributing the outcome to cooperation among departments and partners.

Nut graf: City officials told the awards and presentations meeting they consider the spring break result an operational success, describing a multiagency deployment that combined enforcement, emergency services, visitor management and communications. Officials said the measures adopted by the commission in prior years remained in effect and were central to the city’s approach.

More than a dozen city divisions and outside partners were singled out during the presentation. The mayor read an award listing departments that contributed, including the Miami Beach Police Department, Miami Beach Fire Department and Ocean Rescue, code compliance, communications and marketing, emergency management, facilities and fleet, human resources, Goodwill Ambassadors, parking, parks and recreation (and parks rangers), public works and sanitation, tourism and culture, transportation, and the city manager’s executive team. The mayor also thanked the county, state and the sheriff’s office for support.

City officials described the spring break plan as a mix of prevention, enforcement and hospitality: public safety teams focused on deterring high-risk conduct, while tourism and communications efforts emphasized hospitality and local business support. The mayor said the effort included “so many different departments” and highlighted volunteers such as the civilian volunteer patrol.

The commission presented a formal certificate titled “City of Miami Beach spring break 2025 success” dated April 9, 2025, acknowledging the departments’ “vital role in a coordinated citywide effort to uphold safety, order, and hospitality.”

Officials did not present new changes to the spring break rules at the meeting. Discussion at the awards session referenced measures the commission put in place in prior years and said those earlier policies were implemented and enforced during the recent period. No vote or ordinance was recorded in the transcript on April 9 concerning spring break policy.

Ending: City leaders described the spring break outcome as the product of continued multi-department coordination and existing policies; they did not announce new rules at the April 9 awards and presentations meeting.","City officials credited a coordinated multi-department response for a largely incident-free spring break, praising police, fire, ocean rescue, code compliance, tourism and other departments while noting the measures adopted in prior years helped limit harm.","actionData","errors"]

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Miami Beach presents awards: arts, cultural institutions, community programs and recognitions

Miami Beach declares National Public Works Week; officials highlight stormwater infrastructure after heavy rains

Miami Beach credits coordinated citywide effort for safe Spring Break 2025