Surfside Community Watch is an independent group of engaged and caring residents. While we are not officially affiliated with the Town of Surfside, our mission is to keep the community informed about local events and happenings.
A Mayor’s Vendetta: Integrity on Trial for Surfside’s Finest
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Tuesday's Commission agenda is steeped in controversy, and yet another alarming issue is being quietly buried: Mayor Burkett's continued targeting of our police officers through the misuse of town resources. This time, the victims are two distinguished former Police Chiefs—Surfside resident Chief John Healy and Chief Antonio Marciante—who served under the prior administration. After retiring with distinction from over 29 years in law enforcement, Chiefs Healy and Marciante joined the Surfside Police Department in 2018, where their leadership ultimately earned them the rank of Police Chief. Both are military veterans, with Chief Marciante having served in the United States Coast Guard and Chief Healy in the United States Air Force. Their careers are marked by integrity and selfless service. However, following a divisive mayoral election in March 2024, Mayor Burkett directed the Town of Surfside to file baseless lawsuits against these veterans, challenging the benefits they received upon their separation from the Town. These benefits were clearly stipulated in employment agreements approved by the then-serving Town Manager, HR Director, and Town Attorney. Notably, similar agreements were also approved by a previous Town Manager who served under Burkett, highlighting the selective nature of this attack. The current administration, led by Burkett, has taken an aggressive stance against the Surfside Police Department, using frivolous legal actions to undermine agreements that were legally executed in good faith. This politically motivated move tarnishes the reputations of two officers who dedicated over 34 years to law enforcement and played crucial roles during the tragic Champlain Towers collapse. Chiefs Healy and Marciante are nationally recognized for their distinguished careers and significant contributions to public safety. For them to now face baseless accusations, forcing them to defend their honor in the twilight of their careers, is nothing short of disgraceful. This latest act by Mayor Burkett represents yet another calculated attack on the Surfside Police Department. It is unjust, politically motivated, and deeply damaging to two honorable law enforcement and military veterans. Residents deserve better than this misuse of town resources and betrayal of public trust. We are urging all residents to attend the Commission meeting on Tuesday, January 14, 2024, to voice your opposition to these outrageous initiatives and support the men and women of Surfside law enforcement. When: Tuesday, January 14, 2024 — 7:00 PM Make your voice heard—our town’s future depends on it. Sources: |
Surfside Community Watch
Surfside Community Watch is an independent group of engaged and caring residents. While we are not officially affiliated with the Town of Surfside, our mission is to keep the community informed about local events and happenings.
Surfside has once again become an embarrassment as the dysfunction of our current Commission was on full display last month. In a reckless and stunning move, Commissioner Tina Paul moved to fire Town Manager Mark Blumstein without any plan or qualified replacement in place. What followed was a humiliating moment for our town: Commissioners looking out to staff in the audience and begging, “Will someone help us out?” At that point, one by one, employees declined to step into the leadership...
Surfside is in the middle of a full-blown leadership crisis. Our Town employees are leaving in waves, and the silence from our elected officials is deafening. Just last week, three key staff members abruptly resigned. Adrian Hernandez, who stepped in as Parks & Recreation's new Director after Tim Milian’s August departure, quit less than a month into the job. Deputy Public Works Director Frantza Duval resigned shortly after her Director, Randy Stokes, walked away earlier this year. In perhaps...
Reprinted from an open letter posted on NextDoor – August 11, 2025 - - - - - - - From: Shlomo DanzingerFormer Mayor, Town of Surfside, FLTo: Charles W. Burkett, MayorTina Paul, Vice MayorRuben A. Coto, CommissionerNelly Velasquez, CommissionerGerardo Vildostegui, Commissioner August 11, 2025RE: Formal Notice of Legal and Personal Liability Regarding Proposed Undergrounding ProjectDear Mayor and Commissioners,I am writing to place each of you on formal notice regarding the proposed Utilities...