LTC 195-2002 CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No.
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~, , A ~
Cl~ ~i ~n aRge~ra ti o n s~I~'v0
Date: August 19, 2002
The purpose of this Letter to the Commission is to inform you of a recent organizational
change I have made in the Administration.
As you may have noticed, media and press interest in issues and activities initiated by our
City or taking place in our City has steadily increased over the past twelve to eighteen
months. This enhanced interest has generally led to very positive and complimentary
pieces for the City in television/radio coverage, print stories and editorials in various
newspapers. Some examples include the intense scrutiny we received during both
Memorial Day 2001 and Memorial Day 2002, our efforts to reduce the incidence of
homelessness, Art Basel- Miami Beach, the N'SYNC and friends benefit concert, our
recent review and renegotiation of the GMCVB contract, the tragic abduction and murder of
Ana Maria Angel on Ocean Drive, and the recent Bad Boys II filming.
Notwithstanding the generally positive coverage we received, I believe we can improve our
communications efforts.
In light of this increased coverage and in an effort to ensure that accurate and timely
information is provided to everyone, the Media Relations Division (our Public Information
Officers) will be relocated both organizationally and physically to the City Manager's Office.
This change will allow us to be more proactive in working with the media to inform them of
the good work and progress being made in our City. At the same time, this change will
ensure that all information provided to the media will be coordinated and validated through
the City Manager's Office. By having direct access to the Assistant City Managers or me,
all communications will receive a more coordinated review and a more complete response
with the proper context included.
In addition, we have asked all members of the media to initiate any contacts or requests
through this office to ensure that they receive the most timely and accurate information.
I would ask that you and your office staff avail yourselves of this new resource and direct
any media related inquires through the City Manager's Office. I am sure you will find that
this change will enhance our ability to share information with the public. Should you
require additional information on this matter, please feel free to contact me directly.
JMG:ptw
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