Local entrepreneur pitches 'SunnyFlex' micro‑transit to Sunny Isles Beach commission

A Sunny Isles resident and entrepreneur presented a private micro‑transit proposal to the commission calling the service “SunnyFlex.”

Leonardo Dovagno, founder and CEO of Magis, described a two‑phase plan for an on‑demand mobility service the company says can supplement fixed‑route options, increase ridership and reduce emissions. The initial proposal included a six‑vehicle fleet (EV or hybrid/autonomous options), branded resident registration with free rides for residents, geofenced pick‑up and drop‑off areas inside the city and digital booking options including a smartphone app and WhatsApp integration.

Dovagno said Magis operates in multiple countries and cited industry figures comparing micro‑transit trip cost and predicted a 49% reduction in cost per trip versus traditional fixed‑route buses if the system is implemented as proposed. He outlined optional north and south feeder routes to regional hubs such as Aventura Mall, Aventura Hospital, Mount Sinai and the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, and proposed a phased evaluation based on six months of generated operational data.

City staff and the city attorney advised caution: the presentation was recorded as a proposal and not an acceptance or procurement decision. The attorney urged awareness of procurement rules and cautioned vendors that certain actions could affect their ability to bid if the city later issues an RFP. No formal procurement or pilot authorization occurred during the meeting.

The commission thanked the presenter and noted staff had not previously vetted the full presentation; several commissioners asked staff to review the concept and determine procurement next steps if the commission wants to pursue a pilot.