# Michael’s Monthly Newsletter of Miami Beach News and Events – August 2012

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/michaels-monthly-newsletter-of-miami-beach-news-and-events-august-2012/
- Published: 2012-08-16T10:47:59-04:00
- Author: EAN

**Dear Friends and Neighbors,**

 

I hope you are enjoying this hot Miami Beach summer. Although the Miami Beach Commission
doesn’t formally meet in August, we have many important committee meetings coming
up. Please check the calendar below for a list of upcoming meetings. I also thought
it was important to reach out to you concerning the elections earlier this week.
Many important elections were decided in the August 14th Miami-Dade County elections.

 

First, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez was re-elected by a wide margin with
roughly 54% of the vote with seven candidates running. As of election night his 
main rival had not conceded defeat despite getting roughly 31% of the vote. With
a margin of over 50,000 votes between the two, it is safe to conclude that Mayor
Gimenez will enjoy a full four year term in office. I endorsed Mayor Gimenez based
on his performance in this short term since winning election last year. Also, Miami-
Dade’s top prosecutor Katherine Fernandez-Rundle took 60% of the vote in the Democratic
primary ensuring another full term for our State Attorney.

 

Next, with regard to the Miami-Dade County Commission District 5 race which covers
South Beach and the strip of Collins Avenue up to the northern boundary of the City
of Miami Beach, incumbent Commissioner Bruno Barreiro ended election night seemingly
avoiding a run-off by just nine votes over the 50% margin necessary. However, a 
review of additional absentee ballots showed Commissioner Barreiro missing the needed
50% vote by eleven votes. State Representative Luis Garcia garnered 33% of the vote
in the four-way race. At this time, the Canvassing Board will convene on Friday 
to count provisional ballots and determine whether there will be a run-off election
between Barreiro and Garcia.

 

With regard to Miami Beach ballot questions, 75% of voters approved amending the
Charter to allow a majority of Miami Beach Commissioners to convene a commission
meeting. Also, a very important measure to allow for an additional 1% bed tax on
hotel rooms for improvement of the Miami Beach Convention Center passed by a wide
margin with 67% voting in favor. This measure was endorsed by the Miami Visitors
and Convention Authority, Greater Miami & the Beaches Hotel Association and just
about every tourism leader. These monies will not be collected until the City Commission
passes an ordinance and determines how to move forward with the convention center.

 

Last, Democrat, David Richardson, took 33% of the vote and was the highest vote 
getter in newly created State House District 113 which includes all of Miami Beach.
With no Republican opponent David Richardson is now poised to become the first openly-
gay State Representative ever in the State of Florida. Congratulations David on 
this achievement!

 

Speaking of LGBT causes, this weekend marks a couple of milestones being celebrated
in Miami Beach. On Saturday, August 18th Pridelines Youth Services is celebrating
its 30th year of service in the LGBT community with a celebration at Casa Casuarina–
the former Versace mansion. Pridelines Youth Services is dedicated to supporting,
educating and empowering South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and
questioning youth in a safe and diverse environment. Also on August 18th, Score 
Nightclub on Lincoln Road celebrates its milestone 14 year anniversary with a block
party on Lincoln Lane followed by festivities throughout the night with DJ Abel,
Tracy Young and Real Housewives of Miami’s Elaine Lancaster. Congratulations to 
Gary, Billy and Luis on your anniversary!

Last, I want to wish my very close friend Christine Morales a very happy birthday
on August 20th!

Until next month I remain very truly yours,

 

![](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NTVkGQ2mV6I/Txyvh6l2TQI/AAAAAAAAlSY/3_pAB70szZU/
s290/mg%252520sig.jpg?gl=US)

 

**Michael**

**Your Miami Beach Commissioner**