Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy R. Bell hosted the 2016 State of the Town Address at Town Hall on Wednesday, Jan. 25. The town’s accomplishments were presented by Mayor Bell, highlighting the success of each department and town council.
A standing-room-only audience consisting of residents, community partners and elected officials, packed Town Hall to listen as Mayor Bell praised the progress of the town council and staff over the past year, and laid out an ambitious vision of the future.
Among the elected officials present were Miami-Dade County Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava, former Cutler Bay Mayor Paul Vrooman, former Cutler Bay Vice Mayor Ernest Sochin, South Miami Mayor Phillip Stoddard, North Miami Vice Mayor Alix Desulme, and Palmetto Bay Councilmember Karyn Cunningham.
The State of the Town Address commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Cutler Bay High senior Melissa Quiros. Quiros is Cutler Bay High’s first ever AICE Diploma recipient as a student who exhibits the “gold standard” in Cambridge Internal Studies. She also has received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Tufts University because of her academic excellence.
Maria Victoria Diaz, friend of Mayor Bell, then sang The National Anthem.
The mayor and town council presented former Vice Mayor Sochin with an award for his 10 years of service to the Town of Cutler Bay.
Additionally, Sochin was presented with a replica of a plaque to name the Saga Lakes Park tennis courts in his honor.
Mayor Bell highlighted the improvements on Caribbean Boulevard, the addition of eight special events, and awards received by the town for roadway improvement projects, LEED Certification and financial presentations. The town has made great strides in every department, establishing a transparent and efficient government. The town’s new mobile app, increased number of zoning development applications and the decreased crime rate have added to the quality of life.
The mayor introduced the 2016 State of the Town Address Video, produced by Alejandro Renteria of Thinking Monkeys. The video further detailed the progress the town has made in the past year, and goals for the future. County commissioner for District 8 Daniella Levine-Cava presented Mayor Bell and the town council with a proclamation to express Cutler Bay’s contribution to making life “Great in 8.”
The audience then moved to the Town Hall Penthouse for hors d’oeuvres and moving live performances by the Cutler Bay High “Shark Pac” Band.
The town thanked event sponsors: Florida Power & Light, Baptist Health South Florida, Acosta Tractors Inc., Calvin Giordano & Associates Inc., Alberni Caballero & Fierman LLP, EnviroWaste, Gomez Barker & Associates, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami, The Corradino Group, Kimley-Horn, Marlin Engineering, Sime Realty, and International Data Consultants.
To view the 2016 State if the Town Address Video, visit the mayor’s page on the town’s website at www.cutlerbay-fl.gov.
For additional information regarding upcoming events visit the town’s website at www.cutlerbay-fl.gov or contact Town Hall at 305-234-4262.
