Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Proclamations And Awards topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Miami Beach issues multiple proclamations honoring residents, students and small businesses
Summary
At its May 6 meeting the Miami Beach City Commission proclaimed days and presented certificates for John Stewart, Francine Lee, local artists and businesses, student achievements and community projects including the 'Names Not Numbers' Holocaust documentary program and the reinstated rainbow sidewalk at Lummus Park.
The Miami Beach City Commission spent the bulk of its May 6 meeting recognizing local residents, artists, students and small businesses with proclamations and certificates of appreciation.
Among the proclamations, the commission declared May 6, 2026, in honor of John Stewart for decades of service in historic preservation and arts collaboration; Francine Lee for her work in local culture and education; and Sid Daniels for his contributions to fashion and the arts. The commission also recognized Laura Donna Pasarello for winning an international pizza competition and Katana restaurant for 33 years as a North Beach culinary staple.
Students and educators were singled out: Miami Beach Senior High’s Academic World Quest team placed first in Miami-Dade and second in the nation, and teacher Russ Rywell and the student competitors received certificates. The commission also honored the "Names Not Numbers" documentary project, which pairs students with Holocaust survivors to record testimony and produce oral-history films; survivors and student participants described the program’s impact and the importance of preserving testimony.
Commissioners used the meeting to highlight neighborhood and community initiatives. They recounted the city’s role in supporting the documentary effort and underscored community-led projects such as West Avenue resiliency efforts and the reinstallation of rainbow-themed sidewalk pavers and benches in Lummus Park after state removal of the Ocean Drive crosswalk. Commissioners credited multiple staff members and aides for coordinating the crosswalk project and other community events.
Quotes included remarks about civic engagement and the value of programs that prepare residents for municipal service. The mayor noted the Neighborhood Leadership Academy as “the starting point for those who want an active role in shaping the future of Miami Beach,” and students and honorees thanked the commission for supporting education and small business.
The meeting was ceremonial in nature; no votes or ordinance actions were recorded during the recognitions portion. The commission adjourned after presenting the final certificates.
