MEETING SUMMARY: SoBe West Community Meeting & Candidate Forum – June 9, 2026
Meeting Title: SoBe West Community Meeting & Candidate Forum
Date: June 9, 2026
Location: The Waverly at South Beach
Duration: 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Host: Tim Carr President, Board Members Robert Primavera, Nancy Duke, and Flavio Rausei
Participants: Neighborhood condo board, residents, Mayor Minor, Commissioners Suarez, Bhatt, District 106 candidates Lucia Baez‑Geller & Ashley Diego Litwin, and Candidates District 5 County Commission Vicki Lopez (current commissioner) and Joe Sanchez
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The SoBe West community meeting provided neighborhood updates, recognized local businesses, and hosted two political candidate forums.
Key local issues covered included support for small businesses, public safety, homelessness, storm‑water projects, and legislative housing policy.
Two main candidate sessions followed: first between Commissioner Vicki Lopez and Joe Sanchez (County District 5) and then between Lucia Baez‑Geller and Ashley Diego Litwin (State House District 106). Residents were urged to vote in the August 18 primary.
NEIGHBORHOOD ANNOUNCEMENTS
Community Engagement & Business Support:
Residents encouraged to patronize local restaurants (e.g., Cho Asian Bistro) during the slow summer season; cited closure of Maritaki Greek Restaurant as a cautionary example.
Public Space & Safety:
Fencing placed at 14th and 10th Street Ends removed after outreach to Commissioners Suarez and Baugh.
Army Corps of Engineers mooring‑field notices clarified – no construction funded soon; noted cleaner bay waters.
Homeless Outreach: Team present; increased patrols at Canopy Park, distributing brochures, advising residents to report issues.
Upcoming Events:
July 15 – Cafecito with the Cops at Pura Vida (9 a.m.)
Upcoming 250th Anniversary ceremony at the beach, and World Cup‑related activation and Ocean Drive closures.
Support urged for upcoming elections and continued civic participation.
CITY AND COUNTY UPDATES
Mayor Meiner’s Remarks
Announced enhanced security and staffing for major summer events (Memorial Day, Air & Sea Show, World Cup).
Promoted the Water Taxi service expanding north to Edgewater and potentially south of Fifth and North Beach.
Emphasized city collaboration, cleanliness, and safety programs; thanked commissioners for teamwork.
CANDIDATE FORUM 1: COUNTY DISTRICT 5
Participants
Commissioner Vicki Lopez (incumbent)
Rose Sanchez (challenger)
Selected Topics & Key Points
Live Local Act:
Lopez – Supports legislative revisions to restore municipal control; described Tallahassee process, affordable‑housing intent, and upcoming effort to amend law for barrier‑island exceptions.
Sanchez – Strongly opposed Act; says it hurts quality of life by empowering developers and undermining local zoning.
Condo Safety & Assessments:
Lopez – Explained her authored safety bill (milestone inspections + reserves) and credit‑line option for associations to ease financial strain.
Sanchez – Backs financial‑aid or low‑interest loan programs for older residents; warned of displacement risks.
West Avenue Phase 2 Stormwater Project:
Lopez – Identified $8 M shortfall; working with city and state for grants via Department of Environmental Protection and legislative “water projects.”
Sanchez – Argued delays could have been prevented; urged bonding and faster permitting coordination.
Reflection on Past Legislation:
Lopez – Regrets voting for preemption and against prevailing‑wage measures; vows to resist state overreach.
Sanchez – Defended support for the Marlins Park project; stressed misinformation during prior investigations.
Unpopular Decisions:
Lopez – Supports eminent‑domain action for the Fisher Island fuel farm to protect port operations despite local opposition.
Sanchez – Advocates integrity over developer influence, describing refusal of special‑interest funding.
Measuring Success:
Lopez – Cites tangible infrastructure outcomes (Ocean Drive closure plan, 4‑way stop, traffic‑safety projects) and direct accessibility to residents.
Sanchez – Pledges fiscal discipline and continued hands‑on engagement at neighborhood forums.
CANDIDATE FORUM 2: STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 106
Participants
Lucia Baez‑Geller (School Board Member)
Ashley Diego Litwin (Attorney, community advocate)
Opening Messages
Baez‑Geller – Miami Beach native, long‑time educator; focused on education, infrastructure, affordability, and leadership ready from day one.
Litwin – Attorney and cancer survivor; emphasized personal motivation to address regression on rights, affordability, safety, and equity.
Major Issues And Positions
Live Local Act & Local Control:
Both criticized the Act for removing local authority and worsening congestion; called for amendments and tailored zoning for barrier islands.
Condo Assessments & Safety:
Both support zero‑interest loan or state fund programs for condo residents to afford mandated repairs while maintaining building integrity.
Taxes & Public Services:
Litwin – Warned against cutting property‑tax revenue that funds essential services like police and fire.
Baez‑Geller – Committed to stand up to special interests, including developers and insurance companies; protect public schools.
Traffic, Homelessness, Public Safety:
Baez‑Geller – Backed comprehensive transportation plan, restoring gun‑safety laws, and increased mental‑health resources.
Litwin – Proposed regional master planning across coastal municipalities and job‑training/ID‑access programs for homeless populations.
Measuring Success (2‑Year Outlook):
Baez‑Geller – Improved daily life, lower insurance, stronger schools, accessible leadership.
Litwin – Collaboration across parties, practical legislative progress on infrastructure and resiliency.
CLOSING NOTES
Voters were urged to participate in the August 18 primary elections.
The association plans to share meeting transcripts online for residents who could not attend.