Bear Cut Bridge

Thank you to all our residents who participated in the recent Bear Cut Bridge Public Meeting. Miami-Dade County officials, engineers, and our engaged residents discussed the future of one of our community’s most critical lifelines.

The meeting was a clear reminder of how important it is for the Village of Key Biscayne to work hand-in-hand with the County to ensure the successful reconstruction of the Bear Cut Bridge. This project impacts everything from our daily commutes to emergency services and evacuation routes. As such, it demands a shared commitment to transparency, collaboration, and thoughtful planning.

One major takeaway that I'd like to remind residents is that the Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study is an important step to protect our local environment and to be able to apply for federal grant funding.

As Mayor, I believe that progress happens when we come to the table as partners. That’s exactly what we’re doing—leveraging the County’s resources and expertise while making sure the voices of Key Biscayne residents are heard and respected. We will continue to advocate for a project that improves our safety and continues to connect us with the rest of Miami-Dade County.

Together, with open dialogue and mutual respect, we can build a stronger, safer future for our community. Please visit the County's project website (click here) and take their survey.

Earth Month Celebrations

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Earth Week in the Village of Key Biscayne! From planting trees and celebrating our new Community Garden to learning about coral reefs and zero-waste living, your participation shows just how much our community cares about protecting this beautiful island we call home. Let’s keep that spirit going all year long—every small action we take makes a big difference for our environment and future generations.

Bringing County Services Closer to Home

We’re always looking for ways to make life easier and more convenient for our residents. That’s why I was pleased to meet with Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez and his team to discuss how we can expand access to County services right here on the island.

We had a productive conversation about the many services the County’s Mobile Tax Collector Unit can provide in the short term, while we also explore opportunities for a more permanent solution in the long term, such as:

• Issuing driver licenses and ID cards (excluding skills tests, knowledge tests, and CDL endorsements)
• Motor vehicle and vessel registrations
• Real estate and tangible personal property tax payments
• Local business tax applications and renewals
• Hunting and fishing permits
• Disabled and baby stroller parking permits

Our goal is to bring these services directly to Key Biscayne—saving residents time and improving access. We also discussed the possibility of establishing a permanent service location on the island to offer more services and greater convenience.

Thank you to Tax Collector Fernandez and his team for their partnership. I look forward to continuing this collaboration and sharing more updates with the community soon.

Change of Command at the Key Biscayne Fire Rescue Station

On April 30, the Village of Key Biscayne honored a proud legacy while beginning a new chapter for our Fire Rescue Department. Our community came together to recognize the leadership and dedication of Chief Eric Lang on his final day of service as Fire Chief. We are deeply grateful to Chief Lang for his 32 years of committed service and excellence to the Village.

We also welcomed Chief Joe Fernandez, who we are confident he will lead with the same dedication and continue to elevate our Fire Rescue Department into the future.

Thank you to everyone who attended the event and made it a special day.

Improving Resident Services: New Website

I’m excited to share that the Village has launched a new website designed to better serve you—our residents. This new site is meant to be more than just a place for information; it’s a central hub where you can easily find what you need, stay informed, and connect with your local government.

Visit KeyBiscayne.Fl.Gov and explore the new website, today!

Our staff put a lot of thought and care into making the website more user-friendly and service-oriented, and I truly believe it reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility, transparency, and responsiveness. I encourage you to explore the new keybiscayne.fl.gov and see how it can help you stay connected to the heart of our community.

Around the Village

Being Mayor is a true honor. One of the best parts is attending many community events, from the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce's Good Neighbor & Giving Tree Awards (left), to the recent SolarTogether signing event with FPL and the Hermanos de la Calle fundraiser, April was a busy month. I also participated in the Village's Bring Your Child to Work Day and recently met with the Consul General of Argentina, Marcelo Gilardoni on ways we can collaborate.

These events are a chance to celebrate what makes our Village so special and connect with the incredible people who call it home.

I welcome your input. Please reach out and let me know your thoughts, ideas, or feedback. Write to me at jrasco@keybiscayne.fl.gov.

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