Doral Community Newspapers is pleased to announce its endorsement of Juan Carlos “JC” Bermudez in his election bid for the seat of mayor of the city.
As the founding mayor of Doral during the municipality’s first nine-and-a-half years, Bermudez proved himself to be masterful in his leadership and management of the city, an organization of nearly 400 employees and an annual budget of $72 million. He has demonstrated a governing philosophy based on transparency, efficiency, responsible growth and fiscal responsibility.
Bermudez and his administration saw great improvements in quality of life in Doral during his terms in office. As a result, Doral recognized internationally, nationally, and statewide for being one of the best places to live and work in the USA.
Under his leadership, the city added over 121 acres of playgrounds, ball fields, and recreational facilities, while using grants and funds to purchase an additional 45 acres of parkland. It was also under Bermudez’s leadership, the city also began to build one of the most extensive urban bike trails in the county.
We are also very impressed – as are so many residents – that it was during Bermudez’s tenure that more than 3,000 new trees were planted in the major thoroughfares and areas of the city. Subsequently, Doral became one of the youngest cities in the country to be named a “Tree City USA” by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Also during his time as mayor, Bermudez led the fight in Tallahassee to eliminate the onerous “mitigation tax.” After a long battle with Miami-Dade County both in the legislature and the courts, the City of Doral successfully eliminated this unfair tax which was in place for perpetuity and would cost the city over $10 million a year if in place today. His administration also went to court to successfully claim its fair share of the half-penny sales tax which the county was denying to the city. That successful battle led to the creation of the Doral Trolley System, which today helps alleviate the traffic throughout the city of Doral and adjoining areas.
Mayor Bermudez’s administration also built the brand new Doral City Hall and Government building found in the heart of Downtown Doral, one of the largest privately built and master planned sub-urban downtown areas in the region.
Additionally, working with the Miami-Dade County School Board and local PTAs and PTOs, Doral was the only city in Miami-Dade County to have all of its public schools rated “A Schools” during his tenure. He also led the fight along with local and state leaders to keep the U.S. Southern Command in Doral and to get the Federal funding to build the new facilities that now house SouthCom.
Bermudez received his undergrad degree from the University of Miami and his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He has practiced law in South Florida for the past 28 years, and is a member of the Florida Bar and the American Bar Association. He is a partner at Lubell Rosen, LLC in Coral Gables.
The Bermudez campaign slogan is “With your help we can Get Doral Back on Track” – and we agree.
Bermudez possesses strength of character, integrity, and determination that is needed to continue positioning Doral as a leader in international trade, technology, transportation, and tourism, and cultural diversity. He has an unquestioned record of honesty and integrity combined with the managerial and political experience needed to lead this growing community. Bermudez encourages and listens to different points of view and prides himself on putting professionalism ahead of politics.
The City of Doral will be well served by allowing Bermudez to serve once again as mayor of Doral and we wholeheartedly endorse him.
Please note that the Run-Off Election in for the City of Doral takes place Dec. 13. For additional information, contact the Office of the City Clerk at 305-593-6730 or at cityclerk@cityofdoral.com. You may also visit the city website at https://www.cityofdoral.com/government/city-clerk/election-information/.
Thank The Lord we moved out of Doral to West Kendall …. more than 1300 more residential units to be considered to be built in Downtown Doral South ???!!! Doralians voted Luigi Boria into office four years ago and see what he has done to your quality of life!! Vote JC Bermudez for Mayor in the runoffs!!
Why is there nothing in this article about law enforcement? With Doral growing everyday, violent crime will definitely be increased. How will JC Bermudez protect the citizens and visitors of Doral? Under his last administration, the police department was unappreciated and morale was low. Will he change his views on the importance of law enforcement in the community or is it more important to have pretty parks where narcotics can be sold?
Great article! And on point. Go JC!!!