Dear Neighbors,


Yesterday, I did a walkthrough of our new Bayshore Park ahead of Sunday’s grand opening…and wow! I was excited, felt proud, and incredibly grateful. Entering the park, I was even at a loss for words and can’t wait for you to see it yourself as we officially celebrate its opening.

Bayshore Park is simply spectacular. It offers something for everyone… Shaded walking paths, a butterfly garden, exercise areas, tennis courts, dog parks, playgrounds, and plenty of open green space.


At the heart of Bayshore Park is a resiliency lake designed to manage tremendous amounts of stormwater, framed with beautiful overlooks. And, Mother Nature is already moving in. Turtles, ducks, and butterflies are quite literally making themselves at home.


Anchoring the over 19 acres of park space stands a majestic banyan tree - one of the largest in the southeastern United States. You can literally feel the temperature drop as you walk beneath its canopy. Walking through the park you see how it’s has been carefully designed around the shade of mature trees.

Yesterday at Bayshore Park with our incredible Capital Improvements team and the contractor, Buslam Company Partners, Inc.

As many of you know, residents here have been waiting decades for this park. Some moved into the Bayshore neighborhood hoping to take their babies to play at the park and now those babies now have children of their own. That’s how long Miami Beach has been waiting for Bayshore Park.


When I arrived at City Hall in 2021, the project faced a multimillion-dollar funding deficit. With the support of my colleagues at the time, we made closing those gaps a priority, and I was proud to push to ensure this beautiful gem was fully funded.

At Bayshore Park with Assistant City Manager David Martinez in August 2024, in the middle of construction — hard to believe this is finally reaching completion!

On Sunday, as we cut the ribbon, we will also honor the legacy of a dear friend to Miami Beach, our late Commissioner Jorge Exposito, dedicating a dog park in his memory and remembering his work toward this milestone.


Please join us this Sunday, September 28, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a celebration of this long-awaited achievement.


I promise you’ll fall in love with Bayshore Park!!


Sincerely,

Alex Fernandez

Miami Beach City Commissioner

Next month is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, honor survivors, and remember those we have lost.


As part of this month of reflection and action, I will once again be recognizing Cancer Caregivers at the 9th Annual Open Panel Discussion on Cancer organized by H3: Health. Hope. Healing. These recognitions are meant to honor the unsung heroes in our community who give strength, compassion, and hope to those battling breast cancer.


I invite you to help us shine a light on these extraordinary individuals by submitting a nomination in one of the following categories:


1. Caregiver of the Year – A family member or friend who has shown extraordinary dedication in caring for a loved one battling breast cancer.


2. Nurse of the Year – A nurse whose compassionate care has made a profound difference for breast cancer patients.


3. Oncology Treatment Provider of the Year – A professional (radiation therapist, chemotherapy administrator, physician’s assistant, etc.) who has delivered care with skill and empathy.


4. Advocate of the Year – An individual who has driven awareness, education, or policy changes that positively impact breast cancer care.


5. Spirit of Hope Award – A survivor who inspires others through courage, positivity, and unwavering strength in their fight against breast cancer.


To nominate, please email Alex@miamibeachfl.gov by Friday, October 3, 2025 with:

• The nominee’s full name and contact details

• Their role in cancer care

• A short description (500 words or less) of why they deserve to be honored


Recipients will be recognized on Thursday, October 23, 5 pm, at The Gallery of the Betsy Hotel South Beach, during an evening of inspiration, live music, and storytelling that will highlight the resilience of patients of all ages.


The evening will feature a special reception with live Brazilian Bossa Nova music, performed by the renowned Brazilian Diva Rose Max and her husband Ramatis, one of the finest guitarists in the genre.


The H3 Panel:


Lisa Blumetti, ERPR+, HER2+, has been a stage IV breast cancer conqueror for almost 20 years. She is the Chairperson on the Board of Directors for H3 and has tried to use her cancer experiences to help further their mission of improving wellness through education about conventional and non-conventional modalities.


Baruch Jacobs, MD, FACS, is a leading Miami plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. An Assistant Clinical Instructor at the University of Miami and former Chief of Plastic Surgery at the Miami Heart Institute, he is board-certified in both Plastic and General Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a frequent contributor to media, publications, and professional forums. For more details, visit https://www.miamibeachplasticsurgery.com/.


Tamara Filgueiras, LCSW, is a Cancer Survivor, Psychotherapist, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is the founder of Oasis Counseling & Wellness in Hollywood, FL, where she offers mental health counseling to adults, adolescents, and children, as well as to couples and families. She specializes in Anxiety & Mood Disorders, Coping with Trauma & Illness, as well as Stress Management. For more information about her work, visit www.ocwtherapy.com.


H3’s Founder and Director, Janinha Piazzetta, is moderating the discussion panel. Each participant will address the question below from their unique perspective. Towards the end, the audience will have an opportunity to participate with questions.


Please consider nominating someone who has made a difference in your life or in the lives of others so we can honor those who embody compassion, expertise, and hope in the fight against cancer.

2025 Home Rule Hero Award

I’m so honored to have been recognized by the Florida League of Cities with a 2025 Home Rule Hero Award for my efforts to protect our community during this year’s state legislative session. Click here to read more about the award.

Contact our office:


Alex Fernandez, Commissioner

Alex@Miamibeachfl.gov

305-673-7030


Kara Petrella, Legislative Aide

KaraPetrella@Miamibeachfl.gov


Sydney Alonso, Esq., Commission Aide

SydneyAlonso@miamibeachfl.gov