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?”

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At that point, one by one, employees declined to step into the leadership vacuum — until, only after repeated pleas, the Town Clerk reluctantly agreed to temporarily fill the most critical executive role in our government.

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​The whole thing was embarrassing, and yes — it made the news. See coverage here: Miami New Times — “Surfside Fires Town Manager, Starts Cold-Calling Replacements from Dais”​Miami New Times​

Let’s not forget: this Commission hand-picked Mr. Blumstein, rewarding him with a $250,000+ salary — a massive jump from the previous manager’s $180,000 — despite his lack of municipal experience and a documented record of misconduct, including reprimand by the Florida Supreme Court. It surprised no one when project after project collapsed, costing taxpayers millions and stalling essential infrastructure and community services.

Even Commissioner Velasquez admitted publicly at the October 22nd meeting: “We haven’t accomplished anything this year.” That speaks volumes.

After former Parks & Recreation Director Tim Milian, who resigned last August, declined the role, the Commission appointed yet another temporary manager — Mario A. Diaz — on a consulting basis for $20,000 per month. Diaz is now the seventh individual to hold the Town Manager role since this Commission took office in March 2024.

Surfside Town Managers: March 2024 — Present

1. Hector Gomez – resigned
2. Marisol Vargas – fired
3. Peter Jankowski – fired
4. Henry Doce – interim
5. Mark Blumstein – fired for cause
6. Sandra McCreedy – interim/resigned
7. Mario A. Diaz – current

This revolving door of leadership is more than embarrassing — it’s destructive. Combined with record staff turnover, the loss of experienced personnel, and the inability to attract or retain qualified professionals, Surfside is in a staffing crisis directly caused by this Commission’s instability and poor decision-making.

Seven managers in under two years — this isn’t leadership, it’s chaos. A toxic culture, poor judgment, and zero accountability have turned our Town Hall into a carousel of incompetence. Surfside deserves a Commission that plans, not panics; leads, not begs; builds, not breaks. It’s time for residents to step up, speak out, and demand better — because if we don’t, nothing will change.