Resolution 2021-31748 RESOLUTION NO. 2021-31748
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME SELECTION COMMITTEE, AND RATIFYING
THE INDUCTION OF TONY GOLDMAN, MITCHELL WOLFSON, JR., DR.
SOLOMON S. LIGHTER, JORGE M. GONZALEZ, MICHAEL ALLER AND
STEPHEN MUSS, AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME.
WHEREAS, on September 25, 2017, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution
No. 2017-29987, approving the creation of a Miami Beach Hall of Fame to be located on the South
Concourse Wall of the Miami Beach Convention Center, and the creation of a selection committee
and selection process; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2020, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No.
2020-31301, creating a nine-member City Commission-appointed Hall of Fame Selection
Committee (Selection Committee), including two (2) at-large members from the local community,
for the year 2020; and
WHEREAS, the current Miami Beach Hall of Fame selection process is as follows:
1. Hall o f Fame Selection Committee
• The Mayor and Commission may each designate one appointee, with two
members being nominated at-large; and
• Selection Committee appointees could be knowledgeable in the following fields of
expertise: Business, Education, Arts & Entertainment, Philanthropy, Sports, Public
Service and Literature/History; and
2. Hall of Fame Eligibility
Hall of Fame nominees must meet the following criteria for consideration:
• must have significant ties to the City, including being born in Miami Beach or having
made Miami Beach his/her place of residence,or business;
• must have made substantial contributions to their respective area as an Artist,
Architect, Designer, Scientist, Athlete, Business Leader, Civic Leader, or Family
Legacy;
• must have a history of demonstrating strong character and integrity while acting as
an ambassador for the City of Miami Beach;
• must have had a direct and significant positive impact on the City of Miami Beach;
and
• must be in good standing in the community at the time of selection by the City
Commission; and
Ineligibility:
• No sitting elected or appointed public official shall be eligible for nomination; a
moratorium for a period of five (5)years after leaving office shall be placed on the
nomination of elected and appointed officials;
• Members of the Selection Committee may not submit nominees or be considered
for nominations; and
• Individuals cannot nominate themselves; and
3. Nomination Process
Hall of Fame nominations were open on July 1, 2020. The original deadline to submit
nominations was August 30, 2020. In order to allow for additional applications, the
deadline was extended through November 30, 2020. Following the first Selection
Committee meeting, the deadline was extended for a third time to March 23, 2021.
4. Selection of Inductees:
• The Tourism and Culture Department reviews the completed nomination package
and serves as liaison to the Selection Committee;
• The Selection Committee reviews all completed applications and then makes its
recommendations to the City Commission, and the City Commission ratifies the
inductees; and
•,, The City has established a repeating selection process, which occurs on a bi-
annual basis, with a celebratory event to induct new honorees; and
WHERAS, to recognize individuals who have made a positive and lasting impact on Miami
Beach over the years, beginning on July 1, 2020,the City asked the public to nominate deserving
individuals for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame and a total of seventeen (17)completed applications
were submitted by the March 23, 2021 deadline; and
WHEREAS, the Selection Committee considered previous nominations from the 2018 Hall
of Fame recommendation process, as such consideration is not prohibited, which resulted in a
total of twenty-five (25) applicants for consideration; and
WHEREAS, the Selection Committee was established to review the applications,
deliberate and decide who deserves this coveted recognition; and
WHEREAS, the Selection Committee held a total of five meetings; and
WHEREAS, on April 26, 2021, the Selection Committee held their fourth meeting to allow
members of the public to comment on the nominations, with each member of the public allowed
two minutes to speak before the Selection Committee, resulting in over an hour of public
comment; and
WHEREAS, on May 13, 2021, the Selection Committee reconvened for their final
meeting to recommend inductees based on total averages determined from the scoring rubrics,
which was due to staff on May 5, 2021; and
WHEREAS, a motion was unanimously passed to recommend the following four inductees
into the Hall of Fame:
Nominee Score
Tony Goldman 97.14285714
Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. 95.57142857
Dr. Solomon S. Lichter 91.71428571
Jorge M. Gonzalez 89.28571429
WHEREAS, a second motion was passed by a 4/7th vote to consider the addition of two
nominees that tied with fifth (5th) place scores, noted as follows:
Nominee Score
Michael Aller 85.42857143
Stephen Muss 85.42857143
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2021, the Chair of the Committee, Victor Diaz, presented the
following Committee recommendations relating to the process for future recommendations:
• Continue outreach based upon the 2020 level of community outreach, as the
standard, widely publicizing the process and casting a wide net; involving the
Committee members in the process to conduct additional outreach;
• Establish distinct applications for families vs individuals;
• Provide guidance as to whether or not prior applicants/nominated individuals may
be considered;
• Provide guidance as to whether or not prior City staff may be considered;
• Provide clarification as to qualification criteria and selection criteria; is it a City Hall
of Fame, where there is selfless contribution and services to the community; or a
Tourism Hall of Fame, where there is contribution to the brand of the City, with the
Selection Committee recommending that the former be given more weight; and
• Improve scoring standards by establishing a range or scoring criteria, with initial
qualification of candidate being determined, followed by the scoring process; and
WHEREAS, on June 23, 2021, the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No.
2021-31748, approving the recommendations of the Hall of Fame Selection Committee and
ratifying the induction of Tony Goldman, Mitchell Wolfson, Jr., Dr. Solomon S. Lichter, Jorge M.
Gonzalez, and Michael Aller and Stephen Muss into the City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame, and,
based upon the recommendations of the Selection Committee, referring a discussion relating to
the process of future recommendations to the Neighborhood & Quality of Life Committee.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby approve the recommendations of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame Selection
Committee, and ratify the induction of Tony Goldman, Mitchell Wolfson, Jr., Dr. Solomon S.
Lichter, Jorge M. Gonzalez, Michael Aller and Stephen Muss, as members of the Miami Beach
Hall of Fame.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 23rd day of June, 2021.
Dan Gelber, Mayor
ATTEST:
L 3Acn-I APPROVED AS TO
Rafael E. Granado, Cit CI k FORM &LANGUAGE
y &FOR EXECUTION
(1)7 1 — 2t ^ z-1
City AttorneyDate
Resolutions - R7 E
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE: June 23, 2021
2:05 p.m.
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA,ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF
THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME SELECTION COMMITTEE AND
RATIFYING THE INDUCTION OF TONY GOLDMAN, MITCHELL
WOLFSON, JR., DR. SOLOMON S. LICHTER AND JORGE M. GONZALEZ
AS MEMBERS OF THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME, WITH A SEPARATE
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSIDER MICHAEL ALLER AND STEPHEN
MUSS AS ADDITIONAL INDUCTEES.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration recommends accepting the recommendations of the Hall of Fame
Committee and ratify the induction of Tony Goldman, Mitchell Wolfson, Jr, Dr. Solomon S.
Lichter and Jorge M. Gonzalez as members of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame and to consider
Michael Aller and Stephen Muss, who tied with fifth place scoring, as additional inductees.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
On September 25, 2017,the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2017-29987 approving
the creation of a Miami Beach Hall of Fame to be located on the South Concourse Wall of the
Miami Beach Convention Center, and the creation of a selection committee and selection
process, as follows:
1. Hall of Fame Selection Committee
A nine-member Commission-appointed Selection Committee for the Hall of Fame, plus two (2)
at-large members from the local community. The Mayor and Commission may each designate
one appointee,with two members being nominated at-large.
Selection Committee Appointees could be knowledgeable in the following fields of
expertise:
Business
Education
Arts & Entertainment
Philanthropy
Sports
Public Service
Page 944 of 1884
Literature/History
2. Hall of Fame Eligibility
Hall of Fame nominees must meet the following criteria for consideration:
• Must have either been born in City of Miami Beach, have substantial connections to the City of
Miami Beach, or be a resident of the City of Miami Beach.
• Must have made substantial contributions to their respective area as an Artist, Architect,
Designer, Scientist, Athlete, Business Leader, Civic Leader, or Family Legacy. Must have a
history of demonstrating strong character and integrity while acting as an ambassador for
the City of Miami Beach.
• Must have had a direct and significant positive impact on the City of Miami Beach.
• Nominees must be in good standing in the community at the time of selection by the City
Commission
Ineligibility:
• No sitting elected or appointed public official shall be eligible for nomination.A moratorium, for
a period of five (5) years after leaving office, shall be placed on the nomination of elected and
appointed officials.
• Members of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame Selection Committee may not submit
nominees or be considered for nominations.
• Individuals cannot nominate themselves.
3. Nomination Process
• Hall of Fame nominations were open on July 1, 2020. The original deadline to submit
nominations was August 30, 2020. In order to allow for additional applications, the deadline
was extended through November 30, 2020.
• Nomination forms (Attachment 1)include the following:
• Nominee's name, contact information and, if applicable, date of death
• Biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and connection to Miami
Beach, including the major accomplishment(s) of the nominee and how they
relate to Miami Beach.
• Two letters of recommendation which demonstrate how the nominee is
relevant and valuable to Miami Beach.
• Nominators must identify themselves and their relationship to the nominee.
4. Selection of Inductees:
• Once the application is completed and submitted, the nomination package will be reviewed by
the Tourism and Culture Department. Staff will serve as liaison to the Hall of Fame Selection
Committee.
• The Hall of Fame Selection Committee will review all complete applications and
determine how many inductees to recommend each year. Potentially, three (3) inductees
each, with at least one induction being a posthumous honor.
• The Selection Committee would then make its recommendations to the Commission, and the
Commission would ratify the inductees.
• The City has established a repeating selection process, which occurs on a bi-annual
basis,with a celebratory event to induct new honorees.
ANALYSIS
To recognize remarkable individuals that have made a lasting and significant impact on Miami Beach
Page 945 of 1884
over the years, on July 1, 2020,the City asked the public to nominate deserving individuals for the
Miami Beach Hall of Fame. The application deadline was twice extended,with the final deadline of
November 30, 2020,which resulted in total of six(6)completed applications.
On January 14, 2021 the Hall of Fame Committee held their first meeting and made the following
motions:
1. Motion to reopen the nomination process to obtain a more diverse and broader spectrum of the
community and invite a greater opportunity for people of the community to nominate.
2. Motion to seek additional means of disseminating information regarding the nomination process
and seeks a more aggressive and community-based advertising and outreach effort to include local
organizations and standing City Committees that represent different segments of our community.
On January 28, 2021, The Hall of Fame Committee reconvened to discuss the motions noted above.
Following the recommendations of the Hall of Fame Committee, the deadline was extended through
March 23, 2021.
The Department of Communications performed significant efforts in conducting a Hall of Fame
application marketing communication campaign. The campaign included:
• A press release.
• Dedicated e-blasts and social media marketing,which generated 27,000 impressions.
• A promotional video that ran on MBTV and was posted on social media.
• A postcard announcing the opportunity electronically and in print.
• Additional email blasts were sent to all members of the City's Boards and Committees, as well
as neighborhood associations, the Chamber of Commerce, Dade Heritage Trust and History
Miami.All communications were distributed in English and Spanish.
On March 30, 2021, the Hall of Fame Committee held their third meeting to discuss the scoring rubric
and review the 2020-21 Hall of Fame Nominees, noted as follows:
Nominee Person Submitting Application
1. Muhammad Ali Raquel Pacheco and Alex Daoud
2. Michael Aller(2018, 2020) Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber
3. Russell Galbut(2018, 2020) Pamela D. Brumer
4. Dr.Ari J. Ciment Sharon Budwick
5. Tony Goldman Office of the Mayor
6. Jorge M. Gonzalez(2018, 2020) Alex J. Fernandez
7. Bob Goodman Collins Park Neighborhood Association
8. Leonard Horowitz Miami Design Preservation League
9. Dr. Solomon S. Lichter Beverly Heller
10. Norman Litz Ronni Litz Merkin
11. Liliam Lopez(2018, 2020) Elsa M. Urquiza
12. George Neary Linda Borst Koliko and MBVCA
13.Abe Resnick and Family Hispanic Affairs Committee
14. David Wallack Gregory Branch
15. Commissioner Elayne Weisburd John Elizabeth Aleman
16. Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Beth Dunlop
Page 946 of 1884
1 17. Marjorie York 1 Catalyst Miami/Gretchen Beesing
The Hall of Fame Committee recommended previous nominations from the 2018 Hall of Fame
would be considered. Eligible 2018 Hall of Fame nominations were noted as follows:
Nominee Person Submitting Application
Michael Aller(2018, 2020) Sally Heyman, George Neary, Max Sklar
Ray Breslin Debi Quade
Sabrina Cohen Charlotte Libov
Russell Galbut(2018, 2020) Jerry Sokol, Robin Jacobs, Michal Simkins
Barton Goldberg Michael S. Goldberg
Jorge Gonzalez(2018, 2020) Leslie Swanson
Jerry Libbin Daniel Diaz
Lilliam Lopez(2018,2020) Miguel Ortiz **
Stephen Muss Yechiel Ciment
Clark Reynolds Matti Bower
Harold Rosen Judie Rosen
Frank Del Vecchio Herb Frank, Jo Manning
**Ms.Lopez was a member of the 2018 Hall of Fame Committee and withdraw her nomination at that time
On April 26, 2021 the Hall of Fame Committee held their fourth meeting to allow members of the
public to comment on the nominations. Each member of the public was allowed two minutes to speak
before the Committee, which resulted in over an hour of public comment.
On May 13, 2021, the Hall of Fame Committee reconvened to recommend inductees based on total
averages determined from the scoring rubrics, which was due to staff on May 5, 2021.A motion was
unanimously passed to recommend the following four inductees into the Hall of Fame:
Nominee Score
Tony Goldman 97.14285714
Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. 95.57142857
Dr. Solomon S. Lichter 91.71428571
Jorge M. Gonzalez 89.28571429
A second motion was unanimously passed to consider the addition of two nominees that tied with fifth
(5th)place scores, noted as follows:
Nominee Score
Michael Aller 85.42857143
Stephen Muss 85.42857143
Nomination packages have been included as attachments for the top five candidates.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
NA
CONCLUSION
The Administration recommends the Mayor and City Commission approve the
Page 947 of 1884
recommendations of the Hall of Fame Committee and ratify the induction of Tony Goldman,
Mitchell Wolfson, Jr, Dr. Solomon S. Lichter and Jorge M. Gonzalez as members of the Miami
Beach Hall of Fame and to consider Michael Aller and Stephen Muss, who tied with fifth place
scoring, as additional inductees.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a"Residents Right Does this item utilize G.O.
to Know" item.pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
No No
Strategic Connection
Prosperity - Market and promote Miami Beach as a world class arts, culture, and quality
entertainment destination.
Legislative Tracking
Tourism and Culture
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
❑ Hall of Fame Nomination Criteria
❑ Tony Goldman
❑ Mitchell Wolfson, Jr.
D Dr. Solomon S. Lichter
D Jorge M. Gonzalez
❑ Michael Aller
D Stephen Muss
Page 948 of 1884
m\1LWIBE AC"
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME NOMINATION FORM
General:
The City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame was established in 2018 to honor legendary people who
have made a significant contribution to the City of Miami Beach. Nominees come from all walks
of life and have made distinguished achievements across a variety of fields, including arts,
architecture, design, science, athletics, business, and community leadership. Nominees must be
well known in their field of expertise and recognized as a leader. Nominations can be made
posthumously.
The City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame is designed to honor up to 5 distinguished Miami Beach
leaders annually.
The deadline to submit nominations is March 23, 2021. Completed nominations must be
submitted via the online application form available at: https://mbhalloffame.gosmart.aro/.
Categories:
Artist/Architect/Designer/Scientist
Outstanding artist, architect, designer, or scientist who has brought credit and recognition to the
City of Miami Beach through a substantial body of work. Such extraordinary individual should
have developed a state, national, or international reputation.
Athlete
Outstanding athlete who has represented the City of Miami Beach commendably by attaining
exceptional results and whose example of exemplary sportsmanship has brought credit to the
sport and high regard for the individual.
Business Leader
Outstanding businessperson who has shaped the City of Miami Beach's economic landscape.
The nominee exhibits outstanding leadership in establishing, building, or running a business,
while improving the community.
Civic Leader
Outstanding individual who has demonstrated exemplary leadership or service to an
organization(s) or government institution(s), which has brought credit to the City of Miami Beach
for activities and benefits that have a local, statewide, national, or international impact. This
category includes coaches, educators, former elected officials, scientists, sponsors, volunteers,
and other local leaders.
Family Legacy
A family that has brought outstanding recognition and created a legacy in the City of Miami Beach
through generations of innovative leadership or charitable contributions.
Page 949 of 1884
Eligibility:Nominees must meet the following criteria for consideration:
• Must have either been born in City of Miami Beach, have substantial connections to the City
of Miami Beach, or be a resident of the City of Miami Beach.
• Must have made substantial contributions to their respective area as an Artist, Architect,
Designer, Scientist, Athlete, Business Leader, Civic Leader, or Family Legacy.
• Must have a history of demonstrating strong character and integrity while acting as an
ambassador for the City of Miami Beach.
• Must have had a direct and significant positive impact on the City of Miami Beach.
• Nominees must be in good standing in the community at the time of selection by the City
Commission.
Ineligibility:
• No sitting elected or appointed public official shall be eligible for nomination.A moratorium for
a period of five"5"years after leaving office shall be placed on the nomination of elected and
appointed officials.
• Members of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame Selection Committee may not submit nominees or
be considered for nominations.
• Individuals cannot nominate themselves.
Selection:
• Once the application is completed via Go Smart,the nomination package will be reviewed by
the Tourism and Culture Department where staff will serve as liaison to the Hall of Fame
Selection Committee.
• The Selection Committee, a nine-member Miami Beach City Commission-appointed
Committee, plus two at-large members from Miami Beach, will review all complete
applications and recommend up to 3 inductees.
• The Miami Beach City Commission will approve the inductees.
Timeline:
March 23,2021- Hall of Fame Nominations Deadline
January 14, 2021 - First meeting of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame Selection Committee
March 30, 2021 — Hall of Fame Selection Committee meeting
April 15,2021 —Hall of Fame Selection Committee Meeting- Recommendation of Inductees
May 12, 2021 -Selection Committee recommendations presented to Miami Beach City
Commission for approval
Hall of Fame 2020 Inductees will be honored with a ceremony in 2021, date to be determined.
The Hall of Fame is located on the South Concourse of the Miami Beach Convention Center
Recognition: Nominees will be recognized via:
• Formal presentation during the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
• Press release of the event provided to local media.
• A portrait/plaque with a biography will be displayed on the Hall of Fame Wall located in the
South Concourse of the Miami Beach Convention Center.
• If after the induction into Miami Beach Hall of Fame, the person is subsequently convicted or
adjudicated guilty of a felony, the name, portrait/plaque, and biography of the person may be
removed from the Hall of Fame at the City Commission's sole option and discretion. Neither
the City, nor any of its officers, employees, contractors, or agents, shall have any liability to
the person recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee(including,without limitation, if such person
Page 950 of 1884
is deceased, his/her heirs, relatives, successors, or assigns), and/or any other party(ies), for
any costs or claims resulting from such removal.
Instructions:
Complete the City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nomination Form and all required attachments
via the online application form available at: https://mbhalloffame.Qosmart.orq/by March 23,2021.
All sections of the nomination form must be completed. Please refrain from sending petitions,
photographs, books, resumes, Curriculum Vitaes (CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination
form. If additional materials are requested by the members of the Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Selection Committee, you will be contacted. Be sure to include complete citations of sources of
information used to write the nomination (reference books, periodicals, etc.)
Nominations that are deemed incomplete or submitted after the deadline will not be accepted or
reviewed the Miami Beach Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
Questions:
Persons having any questions regarding this process should contact the Tourism and Culture
Department at 305-673-7577 or send an email to Brandi Reddick at
brandireddick@miamibeachfl.gov.
•
Page 951 of 1884
Nominee's Information
Nominee's Name:
Nominee's Category of Expertise:
❑ Artist/Architect/Designer/Scientist
❑ Athlete
El Business Leader
Cl Civic Leader
❑ Family Legacy
Date of Death (if a posthumous nomination):
Questions I — 5: Fully explain your answers for all questions. Please put the nominee's
accomplishments in context; show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach.
1. Enter a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and connection to Miami
Beach.
2. Describe the nominee's lasting contributions to Miami Beach.
3. Describe the significant impact of the nominee's achievements. Quantify the answer where
possible.
4. Present evidence that the nominee's achievements have (or will have) enduring value to
Miami Beach. Where applicable, focus your comments on change that has been or will be
created and how that change is expected to last over time.
5. Enter a list of the nominee's significant awards.
6. Provide two letters of Recommendation
Page 952 of 1884
Submitter's Information
Nomination Submitted By:
Address:
Email Address:
Telephone Number:
Relationship to Nominee: (Example: friend, colleague, student, employee, relative, etc.)
Nomination Package Checklist:
Before submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form via Go Smart, make sure you have
done all the following:
❑ Completed the nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books,
resumes, Curriculum Vitaes (CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form.
❑ Included two letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation must be submitted in
conjunction with the nomination form.
F:\CLER1$ALL\Hall of Fame Miami Beachl20201ApplicationlCity Clerk Hall of Fame(PDC).docx
Updated on June 9, 2020
Page 953 of 1884
MiA.MiBEACH
HALL of FAME
Nominee's Name: Tony Goldman
Nomination Submitted By: Adrian Chamberlin
Page 954 of 1884
: iBEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL. FAME Adrian Chamberlin
Application #HOF0012
Primary Contact: Mr. Adrian Chamberlin
Phone: (786) 914-5306
Email: adrianchamberlin@miamibeachf
I.gov
Applicant Profile
Applicant Type Individual
Legal Name Adrian Chamberlin
Address 1700 Convention Center Drive
Office of the Mayor
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
UNITED STATES
Telephone (786) 914-5306
Primary Contact Mr. Adrian Chamberlin
Phone: (786) 914-5306
Email:adrianchamberlin@miamibeachfl.gov
#H0F0012 Page 1 of 6
Page 955 of 1884
:BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL,!F F A ME Adrian Chamberlin
Application #HOF0012
Primary Contact: Mr. Adrian Chamberlin
Phone: (786) 914-5306
Email: adrianchamberlin@miamibeachf
I.gov
Nominee's Information
1.Nominee's Name:
Tony Goldman
2.Nominee's Category of Expertise:
Business Leader
3. Date of Death:
(if a posthumous nomination)
2012-9-11
#HOF0012 Page 2 of 6
Page 956 of 1884
BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL,fFAME Adrian Chamberlin
Application #HOF0012
Primary Contact: Mr.Adrian Chamberlin
Phone: (786) 914-5306
Email: adrianchamberlin@miamibeachf
I.gov
Nomination Package
1.Please provide a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and
connection to Miami Beach.Please put the nominee's accomplishments in context and
show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach.
Tony Goldman was born December 6th, 1943, in Wilmington, Del.,to a single mother, and was adopted at
birth by Tillie and Charles Goldman of New York City, who named him Richard Anthony Goldman and raised
him in New York City,along with a brother and a sister.Goldman's first job was at 15,working at his father's
coat factory in New Jersey,where he learned the basic understanding of how important every member of a
team is, from a dishwasher to the person running the company. He went on to study drama at Boston's
Emerson College,where he met Janet,whom he married in 1966, divorced in 1977, and remarried in 1986.
Goldman served in the U.S.Army during the Vietnam War era, and later learned the way of real estate from
an uncle in New York, and went into business for himself in 1968.
Shortly thereafter, in the 1980s, he first became famous for a real estate maneuver in New York City-
purchasing 18 properties in disrepair in New York's South of Houston area: known now as SoHo, a trendy
residential neighborhood. By all accounts Goldman was able to see past the grime present at the time and
envision the value of the neighborhood-vision he showed once again after visiting Miami Beach in 1985,
when he purchased one Art Deco property along Ocean Drive every month for 18 months. Goldman
reportedly liked to invest in an area "five to seven years before it happens"and saw major similarities
between Miami Beach and SoHo, which he described as having "architectural integrity, a small scale and the
community was obsessed with preservation."Goldman was drawn to the character of Ocean Drive as much
as its potential, saying in an interview with The Miami Herald in 1986 that"It's spicy. It brings life to the old
and wisdom to the young. But you have to give people a place to come, a clean, reasonably priced product.
And that's my expertise."
According to Goldman's daughter,Jessica Goldman Srebnick, his childhood inspired his passion for saving
old buildings,which he did prolifically in New York City and Miami Beach. She described her father, saying
"He never felt like he had his own roots.Historic preservation is about preserving roots. He didn't know his
own history so preserving history was very important."That philosophy was reflected in his investment in
Miami Beach on Ocean Drive, which revitalized the area without losing its Art Deco History while still in sync
with the vision of Barbara Baer Capitman. Goldman is widely credited with bringing prosperity and vitality to
Miami Beach by making Ocean Drive the international icon it became, as well as recognized for his visionary
investments in SoHo in New York and the revitalization of Wynwood in Miami. In 2009, Goldman opened the
first full-service restaurant in Wynwood and created the iconic Wynwood Walls,a permanent art installation
of three sprawling courtyards of art by the country's top graffiti artists. In 2010,when Goldman won the
National Trust for Historic Preservation's highest honor,the Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award,Trust
#HOF0012 Page 3 of 6 1
Page 957 of 1884
:t.BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL of FAME Adrian Chamberlin
Application #HOF0012
Primary Contact: Mr. Adrian Chamberlin
Phone: (786) 914-5306
Email: adrianchamberlin@miamibeachf
I.gov
president Stephanie Meeks said, "At its core, preservation is about recognizing the value of historic buildings
and neighborhoods,and restoring life to places that define and enrich our communities.That is what Tony
Goldman does."
Via Miami Herald
2.Provide a letter explaining the nominee's accomplishments in context,provide a reason
and state eligibility for the nomination;and show how they are relevant and valuable to
Miami Beach.
ThomasMooney_TonyGoldmanLetter.pdf
Letter of Recomendation 1
JessicaGoldmanSrebnick-TonyGoldmanLetter.pdf
Letter of Recommendation 2
NancyLiebman TonyGoldmanLetter.pdf
#HOF0012 Page 4 of 6 I
Page 958 of 1884
::,,sEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL 4f FAME Adrian Chamberlin
Application #HOF0012
Primary Contact: Mr. Adrian Chamberlin
Phone: (786) 914-5306
Email: adrianchamberlin@miamibeachf
I.gov
Submitter's Information
1.Nomination Submitted By:
Mayor Dan Gelber
2.Submitter's Address:
1700 Convention Center Drive,4th Floor, Office of the Mayor and Commission
Miami Beach FL 33139
3.Submitter's Email Address:
DanGelber@MiamiBeachFL.Gov •
4.Submitter's Telephone Number:
786-914-5306
5. Relationship to Nominee:(Example:friend,colleague,student,employee,relative,etc.)
N/A
#HOF0012 Page 5 of 6
Page 959 of 1884
sAcr+ City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL tF FAME Adrian Chamberlin
Application #HOF0012
Primary Contact: Mr. Adrian Chamberlin
Phone: (786) 914-5306
Email: adrianchamberlin@miamibeachf
I.gov
Nomination Package Checklist
Before submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form via Go Smart, make sure you
have done all the following:
Completed the nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books, resumes,
Curriculum Vitaes(CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form.
Included two (2) letters of recommendation.The letters of recommendation must be submitted in conjunction
with the nomination form.
I #HOF0012 Page 6 of 6
Page 960 of 1884
I am honored to have the opportunity to support the nomination of Tony Goldman to the City of Miami
Beach's Hall of Fame.
Of the many people I have known throughout my years of involvement with the city,Tony is, by far, star
quality.
Tony left a grand legacy in South Florida. He was a true leader who brought the world to Miami Beach
and beyond.
I look forward to celebrating Tony as his name is placed in memory on our city's Hall of Fame.
Nancy Liebman
Former Commissioner, City of Miami Beach
Page 961 of 1884
In 1993 I began my employment with the City of Miami Beach as a Senior Planner overseeing
the Design Review and Historic Preservation process for the City. One of the first people I met
was Tony Goldman. He was a person that embodied the very rare combination of vision, design
sense and a high standard for business practice and ethics. He was someone who I would have
wanted to work for in the private sector.
Tony was one of the 2 most important persons in the re-birth of Miami Beach in the early
1980's.The reason is that he was able to take the vision and appreciation Barbara Capitman
had for the special architecture in South Beach and apply much needed private sector
investment. His purchase of the Park Central Hotel in 1984 forever changed the trajectory of
urban development, as well as the image and brand of in the City.
I could write a tome on the impact that Tony has had on Miami Beach, but the simple summary
is that the induction of Tony Goldman into the Miami Beach Hall of Fame is both well-deserved
and well earned.
Tom
Thomas R. Mooney, AICP
Planning Director
Planning Department
1700 Convention Center Drive-2r o Floor, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel:305-673-7000 x6191 / tmooney@miamibeachfl.gov
www.miamibeachfl.nov
Page 962 of 1884
4
F
■ T H E GOLDMAN PROPERTIES C O M P A N Y •
December 4,2020
Letter of Recommendation for Tony Goldman into the Miami Beach Hall of Fame.
My father fell in love with Miami Beach the moment he turned the corner on Ocean Drive and
Fifth Street in 1986. He felt as though he had discovered the American Riviera. From that moment on,it
was a love affair that continued for decades and a city he poured his heart into. He was a two term
chairman of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau,the Chair of the Ocean Drive
Association, received the Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence for our Private Public Partnership
with the City of Miami Beach for the public Garage built on Collins Avenue and 7th street, and before his
death the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce awarded him with the 2012 Lifetime Achievement
Award.
Awards have been named in his honor as he was a leader like no other. He was a pioneer,a
passionate contributor,a visionary thinker,a pure optimist,a devoted husband and friend and a
magnificent father.At the end of his life, it was important to him that people knew that"Tony was
here". He certainly changed the landscape of Miami Beach for the better,helping to elevate our city into
a globally recognized International destination and made an imprint on the lives of millions.
Thank you for considering my father,Tony Goldman for this extraordinary and well-deserved honor.
Our family is deeply grateful.
Wit Gratit •e,
Jessica G. dman Srebnick
2214 NW 1st Place • 2nd Floor . 1 *3 o 1rE. 33127 • Phone (305) 531 -4411
rMIAMI B EACH
HALL of FAME
Nominee's Name: Mitchell Wolfson Jr.
Nomination Submitted By: Beth Dunlop
Page 964 of 1884
City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
BEACH
HALL,r FAME Beth Dunlop
Application #HOF0007
Primary Contact: Ms. Beth E Dunlop
Phone: (305) 509-1843
Email: beth.dunlop@gmail.com
Applicant Profile
Applicant Type Individual
Legal Name Beth Dunlop
Address 5851 N Bay Road
N Bay Road
Miami Beach, Florida 33140
UNITED STATES
Telephone (305) 509-1843
Primary Contact Ms. Beth E Dunlop
Phone: (305) 509-1843
Email:beth.dunlop@gmail.com
•
#HOF0007 Page 1 of 5 I
Page 965 of 1884
":BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL t FAME Beth Dunlop
Application #HOF0007
Primary Contact: Ms. Beth E Dunlop
Phone: (305) 509-1843
Email: beth.dunlop@gmail.com
Nominee's Information
1.Nominee's Name:
Mitchell Wolfson Jr.
2.Nominee's Category of Expertise:
Civic Leader
3. Date of Death:
(if a posthumous nomination)
1900-1-1
#HOF0007 Page 2 of 5
Page 966 of 1884
:' ,`;'9 H City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL e FAME Beth. Dunlop
Application #HOF0007
Primary Contact: Ms. Beth E Dunlop
Phone: (305) 509-1843
Email: beth.dunlop@gmail.com
Nomination Package
1.Please provide a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and
connection to Miami Beach.Please put the nominee's accomplishments in context and
show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach.
Micky Wolfson could have been nominated in almost any category He is a son of Miami Beach whose father
was a prominent businessman, philanthropist and mayor. In his own right he created, endowed, and made
public one of the city's foremost cultural institutions, The Wolfsonian Museum. He hasalso been a leader in
the city's historic preservation movement and as a world traveler,an unofficial (but maybe the world's best)
ambassador for Miami Beach across the globe. Please see the nomination letter attached below. It is from
longtime Miami Beach resident and writer Beth Dunlop,world-renowned artist and Miami Beach born and
bred Michele Oka Doner, and former longtime Wolfsonian director Cathy Leff.There are three letters of
support(overkill perhaps, but many people wanted to write on his behalf,which is another testament to his
importance.
2.Provide a letter explaining the nominee's accomplishments in context,provide a reason
and state eligibility for the nomination;and show how they are relevant and valuable to
Miami Beach.
NOVEMBER 28 NOMINATION OF MITCHELL WOLFSON JR. TO THE MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME.docx
Letter of Recomendation 1
MW Hall of Fame--final edit(1).docx
Letter of Recommendation 2
Micky.docx
#HOF0007 Page 3 of 5
•
Page 967 of 1884
:BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL of FAME Beth Dunlop
Application #HOF0007
Primary Contact: Ms. Beth E Dunlop
Phone: (305) 509-1843
Email: beth.dunlop@gmail.com
Submitter's Information
1.Nomination Submitted By:
Beth Dunlop(along with Michele Oka Doner and Cathy Leff)
2.Submitter's Address:
5851 N Bay Road Miami Beach Florida 33140
3.Submitter's Email Address:
beth.dunlop@gmail.com
4.Submitter's Telephone Number:
3055091843
5.Relationship to Nominee:(Example:friend,colleague,student,employee,relative,etc.)
longtime writer, editor, architecture cultural critic;artist, museum director
I #HOF0007 Page 4 of 5
Page 968 of 1884
BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL°f FAME Beth Dunlop
Application #HOF0007
Primary Contact: Ms. Beth E Dunlop
Phone: (305) 509-1843
Email: beth.dunlop@gmail.com
Nomination Package Checklist
Before submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form via Go Smart, make sure you
have done all the following:
Completed the nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books, resumes,
Curriculum Vitaes (CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form.
Included two (2) letters of recommendation.The letters of recommendation must be submitted in conjunction
with the nomination form.
#HOF0007 Page 5 of 5 I
Page 969 of 1884
Two additional letters of support
Micky Wolfson
To Whom it May Concern,
In recent years, much the been made of the term "privilege." In these conversations, privilege
often has connotation of undeserved special advantage. But life is always more complicated.
Micky Wolfson is, by any reasonable definition, a privileged person. Born to wealth, superbly
educated, and blessed with good health and energy, Micky has used those privileges primarily
to benefit his own cultural community, Miami Beach.
The Wolfsonian-FIU, a museum dedicated to the presentation of"North American and European
art, propaganda, architecture, and industrial and graphic design dating from 1850 to 1950,"
would simply not exist without the donation of Micky's life-long work of collection. His public-
spirited generosity also supplied the venue for the exhibition of these unique objects. This one-
of-kind museum fits superbly into the modernist architectural heritage of Miami Beach. The
presence of the Wolfsonian-FIU on Miami Beach marks the city as a one-of-kind place. Micky
could have put the museum anywhere, but he chose Miami Beach.
One final note. When I told a prominent member of the Miami Beach cultural community that I
was writing this letter, she responded: "Why wasn't Micky in the first group selected for the
(Miami Beach Hall of Fame)?
Jeff Donnelly
Public Historian
Miami Design Preservation League
To whom it may concern,
I am a Miami Beach resident for more than 30 years and a friend and neighbor of
Mickey for about the same period of time. I am previous board member of the
Wolfsonian Museum for many years. I also am currently a trustee of the Smithsonian
Cooper Hewitt National Design museum, serving on its board for 8 years and have a
passion for architecture and design.
Mickey Wolfson is an icon in my world. His passion for Miami Beach, cultural
improvement of the city , and positive public relations for our city of Miami Beach is
second to no other citizen in my opinion. He is the the epitome of a positive citizen who
has a deep love for our city. There is no citizen of Miami Beach that deserves this honor
more than Mickey, even though that has never been his motivation.
I sincerely hope that you consider him got this honor.
Sincerely,
Page 970 of 1884
Alberto Eiber M.D.
Page 971 of 1884
•
A nomination of Mitchell Wolfson Jr.for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame
This nomination is being submitted by Michele Oka Doner,Beth Dunlop,and Cathy Leff-(DID TH€-NAM€S
AL-4114A—LV)
Mitchell Wolfson Jr.,known to most of us as Micky,has been a key figure in the cultural transformation
of Miami Beach,most significantly with the founding of the world-renowned Wolfsonian,a museum and
research center uniquely devoted to the roles of architecture,design and the decorative arts in creating
the modern world. Micky endowed the museum with his remarkable 91,000-object collection and an
unparalleled rare book library of more than 200,000 items.Prior to the public launching The Wolfsonian,
he created •• • .. •..... .. _ •-• .
• - -= the prestigious scholarly Journal of Decorative and Propaganda
Arts,which is published in Miami-New-and can be found in the ie-most important libraries and
museums worldwid• -•: •• - -••
The rand-the-museum's opening?!19956 attracted international attention,bringing art and design ,- --.Formatted:Not Highlight _ .
lovers,along with prominent scholars from around the world to Miami Beach. The importance of
Micky's(and thus the Wolfsonian's)collection cannot be understated—and objects from it are often
essential efactsparts of travelling exhibitions shown in museums around the world as well advanced
research in the humanities.:
Micky's architectural transformation of the former Washington Storage Building into a museum also led
the way for the sensitive adaptation of other buildings within the Art Deco Historic District.He was
among the early proponents and activists who advocated for the designation of the Art Deco Historic
District. He also was responsible for the preservation of the landmark Mediterranean-revival former .•- Formatted:Not Highlight
Southern Bell Building(c.1926)""—b""'"g with its unique-for-Miami-Beach glazed terra cotta tile
ornament and the Sterling Building on Lincoln Road,which also involved required-his active engagement
in the revitalization of that then-blighted pedestrian mall.fr rm.r
The Wolfson family had arrived in Miami in 1925 where his father led family businesses largely focused
on the newly emerging entertainment industry including the Wometco Movie Theater chain and the
city's first television station,W1VJ,the Miami Seaquarium,and several other enterprises.Micky grew up
in the family house on North Bay Road in a home that was built and sold to the Wolfson family by Carl
Fisher.
®rHian4his father was a two-term Miami Beach city commissionedr before becoming the city's
first Jewish mayor in 1943 and the family has been among the founders and supporters of Mount Sinai
Hospital..Continuing his father's legac}_and commitment to education(Mitchell Sr founded and
endowed what is now Miami Dade College),Micky donated his singular land priceless)collection and
Miami Beach real estate holdings on Washington Avenue to Florida International University(FIU),with
the assurance and commitment it would remain on Miami Beach.In doing so he has contributed also to
Page 972 of 1884
the economic and creative economies,as the Wolfsonian employs close to 50 staff members and offers
a wide range of programming that both enriches the community and attracts tourists as well as
exhibitions that engage international attention in the media.ctaff..
Micky remained in the family house for many years.until 1997,, , NECESSARY, ...• Formatted:Not Highlight
enhancing it and caring for it(a major feature is the giant Ficus tree in the front yard,known to many as
one of the most formidable and beautiful in the city). His world travels(and second home in Genoa,
Italy)meant that numerous worldwide figures in the arts and letters were drawn to Miami Beach,as he
always carried information on Miami Beach and promoted it globally., His affection for the city was and
continues to be infectious. For several years he led early-morning treks through Miami Beach,popping
in to visit friends for impromptu discussions of a wide array of subjects and quick tours of local art
collections.
In 2007,Micky and Michele Oka Dongr(a co-nominator here)published the book,Miami Beach:Portrait
of an Eden,which was highly reviewed for offering a unique perspective of that was at once personal
and universal with material drawn from family archives,historical sources,and personal memory. The
book(beautifully designed and illustrated)offered a view of Miami Beach that was at once intimate and
universal and is an important addition to our understanding of the city.
Mic ele,-ne?
We all believe Micky has be an important figures,positively enhan:ipg Miamii Beach's image not only as
a destination of escape and fantasy but as a center for the study and appreciation of decorative arts,
design,and architecture.
•
Page 973 of 1884
DAVID F. FRANKEL, MD
November 25,2020
To Whom It May Concern....
We write this letter in support of Mitchell Wolfson Jr.'s(Micky)nomination to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame.
There is no one more deserving.
The Hall of Fame"salutes those who have had a significant and positive impact on the City of Miami Beach." Micky
Wolfson has championed those things that contribute to the fabric of the community for decades. Through his
cultural,educational and preservation endeavors,Micky has helped establish Miami Beach's uniqueness not only
locally but nationally and internationally.
Active in founding the Miami Beach Architectural District aka the South Beach Art Deco District,Micky served as
president of the first board of the Miami Design Preservation League in 1978. As owner of the historic Sterling
Building on Lincoln Road,he was one of the first property owners to invest in the renaissance of the Road and
established the seminal Foundlings Club. By the 1990's,Micky purchased and renovated the Washington Storage
Building and the Wolfsonian Annex(the former Southern Bell building). Both are marvelous examples of sensitive
and successful adaptive reuse of commercial buildings.
After a lifetime of collecting objects from around the globe,in 1995 Micky opened The Wolfsonian,a museum and
research center in his native city in the Washington Storage Company building on Miami Beach.This well-known
collection draws not only residents,but visitors and scholars from around the world to our city.In 1997,Mitchell
Wolfson Jr.made the largest single gift ever to the State of Florida with his donation of the Washington Storage
and Annex buildings and vast museum collections to Florida International University.
A global ambassador for Miami Beach since the 1960's,Micky established a satellite museum,the Wolfsoniana, in
Genoa-Nervi Italy.The Wolfsonian Alliance was established in 2008 to support the exchange of scholarship and
exhibitions between Miami's Wolfsonian—FIU and Genoa's Wolfsoniana and promotes cultural tourism to each
respective city.
The Wolfson family arrived in Miami in 1916. Mitchell Wolfson Sr.was elected mayor of Miami Beach in 1943,
endowed what is now Miami Dade College,and was among the founders of Mt.Sinai Hospital. As a trustee of the
Mitchell Wolfson Senior Foundation, Mitchell Wolfson Jr.has continued to support educational and health issues.
Mitchell Wolfson Jr.sits on The Wolfsonian—FIU Advisory Board and is a director emeritus of the Florida
International University Foundation,Miami;the International Council of the Museum of Modern Art,New York;
the International Council of Les Arts Decoratifs,Paris,France;the advisory council of the Department of
Comparative Literature,Princeton University;and the advisory council of the Paul N. Nitze School of Advanced
International Studies,Johns Hopkins University.
Most important of all,Mitchell Wolfson Jr.is a global ambassador for Miami Beach. His devotion and investment
in the City throughout the decades have been inspirational and extraordinary. Wherever he travels,Miami Beach
is always at the heart of who he is. He should be in the Hall of Fame.
Very truly yours,
Dr.David F.and Linda Frankel
43 STAR ISLAND DRIVE, MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
Page 974 of 1884
N\AMIBEACH
HALL of FAME
Nominee's Name: Dr. Solomon S. Lichter
Nomination Submitted By: Beverly Heller
Page 975 of 1884
`• MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME APPLICATION
>>>Please Type All information<<<
Nominee's Name: Dr.Solomon S. Lichter
Nominee's Occupation, Field of Achievement or Title: Education,Civic Leader
For what achievement(s) is the nominee best known? As principal of Miami Beach Sr. High from 1966-1977,
transforming the school into one of the leading educational institutions in the country
Established the Miami Beach Community School
Co-Founder and Former President, Stanley Myers Community Health Canter, nik/a Miami Beech Community Health Center
Established and helped run the Mazon program through Temple Beth Shalom,which fed the homeless and underserved on
Miami Beach
Nomination Submitted by: Beverly Heller n
Signature of Submitter: _ e2J I/ Date: '3 -(9 - ,)- 1
Title/Occupation of Submitter: Educator
Affiliation/Association to Nominee: Friend,co-colleague
(example:friend, colleague, student, employee, relative, etc.)
Address of Submitter: 5916 LaGorce Drive, Miami Beach,FL 33141
Telephone: (Day) (305)864-1539 (Evening)
(Fax)
E-Mail Address: beverlyheller@icloud.com
i
Page 976 of 1884
Biography of Dr. Solomon S. Lichter
b. 1921, New York City; d. 2014, Aventura
married: Muriel Lichter, 1946. Married for 67 years
US Air Force: 1942-1946, Honorable Discharge (Sergeant)
Education:
Undergraduate: City College, NY
MA, Education: University of Miami
Ph.D., Education, New York University
Employment:
Teacher: Nautilus Jr. High: 1951-57
Principal: Ada Merritt Junior High: 1957-1962
Principal: Ida M. Fisher Jr. High: 1962-1966
Principal: Miami Beach Sr. High: 1966-1977
Principal: Nautilus Middle School: 1977-1982
Principal 8s Teacher: Temple Beth Shalom religious school
Honors:
Outstanding Teacher of the Year, City of Miami Beah
George Washington National Educator's Award
Felix McCool American Legion Award
B'nai Brith Outstanding Citizen's Award
Phi Delta Kappa (education honor society) Service Award
Keys to the City: City of Miami Beach
Community Service:
President, Co-Founder and Board Member: Stanley Meyers Community Health Center
n/k/a Miami Beach Community Health Center
Founder, Mazon (feed the hungry) Program
Chair, Dade County School Board Advisory Committee on Dropout Prevention
Chair, Advisory Council for Students at Risk
Chair, Miami Beach Feeder Council
Chair, Temple Beth Sholom School Board
Founder, Operation Re-Entry for Youth Rehabilitation Center
Dade County Community Schools Foundation
Miami Beach Children's Bureau
Central Agency for Jewish Education
Mt. Sinai Medical Center Board of Trustees
Dade County Library Board
Officer and member of Board of Directors, Temple Beth Sholom
Page 977 of 1884
sal 11344
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` WMarch 19,2021
iii• rie Brandi Reddick,Cultural Affairs Manager
Tourism and Culture Department
1755 Meridian Avenue,Suite 500
11645 Biscayne Boulevard,Suite 207 Miami Beach FL 33139
North Miami,FL 33181
305.538.8835
305.892.6625 Fax Dear Ms.Reddick:
www.mbchc.org
BOARD OFFICERS Re: Solomon S. Lichter, PH. D.
Mitchell Rubinson,Chair
Therese Gibb,Vice Chair I had the honor aridrivile a of knowingDr.Lichter when he served on the Board of Directors of the
Myriam Notkin,Secretary p 9
David Chamberlain,CLU,ChFC, Miami Beach Community Health Center. He had previously served as president of the Board and was a
Treasurer
patient of the health center as well. Many Board members and several employees at the Miami Beach
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Community Health Center were students at Miami Beach Senior High School when he was principal. He
Melvin Deutsch,DC was always the consummate gentleman.
David M.Gersten,Esq.
Pete A.Gutierrez,MD,MMS,PA-C
Barbara Lambert,EA Dr. Lichter's passion was children's health. His mantra was,"Sick children can't learn." .
David Massey,Esq.
Denise Novack During his long and distinguished career,Dr.Lichter was the principal of several schools,including the
Beverly J.Pentell Miami Beach Senior High School where he served as principal 1966--1977. When the Miami Beach
S.Yvonne Saint Gerard
Jose David Suarez,MD Community Health Center opened a school-based health center at Miami Beach Senior High School in •
ADVISORY COMMITTEE 1995,it was named the Solomon S. Lichter Hi-Tides Health Center in his honor. The health center
served the uninsured,underinsured,and medically needy school children in Miami Beach.
Janyce Dyer,Ph.D.
Jane Dee Gross
Mona Green In addition to being the principal at Miami Beach Senior High School 1966-1977,he was also a teacher
Saul Gross,Esq.
Kaisa Levine at Nautilus Junior High 1951-1957,principal at Ada Merritt Junior High 1957-1962,principal at
Jeffrey Mandell Nautilus Middle School 1977-1982,and the principal as well as a teacher at Temple Beth Shalom.
Arnold Notkin,
Board Member Emeritus
EXECUTIVE STAFF His commitment to children endeared him to many who looked upon him as a role model. He was
Mark L.Rabinowitz,MD,FACOG respected by parents and guided their children as he would guide his own children.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lichter retired from school administration in 1982 but remained active in many community-based
Sorangely Menjivar,RN,MIN endeavors. He received a Certificate of Recognition for his service to the Hispanic community on Miami
Chief operating Officer
Chief of Patient Services Beach in October 2001. He was also honored,along with his lovely wife Muriel,with the B'Nai B'rith
Award for Outstanding Citizenship. He also received the Miami Beach Senior High School Hall of Fame
Johann Torres,MD
Chief Medical Information Officer Award. He also devoted his time to feeding the homeless and hungry.
Alan P.Layng
Chief Financial Officer For these reasons and so many others,I nominate Solomon S. Lichter, PH.D.,for membership in the
Dennis Cadiz Hall of Fame for the City of Miami Beach.
Chief Information Officer
Interim Compliance Officer
Sincerely,
Bruce Leslie,MBA
Chief of Strategy
LarrctiAte,M. Vcai note
LOCATIONS
Stanley C.Myers Health Center
710 Alton Road Lorraine M. Valinote
Miami Beach,FL 33139 Historian
Beverly Press Health Center Miami Beach Community Health Center
1221—71"Street
Miami Beach,FL 33141
Miami Beach Community
Health Center North
11645 Biscayne Boulevard
North Miami,FL 33181
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Page 978 of 1884
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Page 979 of 1884
The Contributions Having Value to the Development of Miami Beach
"I have always looked upon my friend Sol as one of the great assets
in this community and as a shining star that parents and children
could always visualize as a spirit and model"
-Hon Seymour Gelber, former Mayor of Miami Beach (April 25, 2014)
• Dr. Sol Lichter pioneered the first community school program in Miami
Beach enabling all children to have access to after school enrichments,
sports, tutoring, counselling and a plethora of learning experiences
which helped them over the years educationally, socially, physically and
psychologically.
Additionally, the Community School offered classes for older adults so
they too could learn and develop life-long skills. Classes such as
Reading for Adults, ESOL (English as a Second Language), Exercise and
hands on Career offerings, which are still offered today in such Miami
Beach Schools as Biscayne Elementary, Fienberg-Fisher K-8 and Miami
Beach Senior High, enabled the adults, many of whom came from other
countries, to function on higher levels, obtain jobs and provide for
themselves and their families.
The impact of the Community School initiated by Sol Lichter was so great
and the need so necessary that the program drew hundreds of students
each year and became the largest such program in the State of Florida
bringing recognition to Miami Beach and enriching the lives of the Miami
Beach residents.
• Dr. Sol Lichter, as principal of Nautilus Junior High, Ada Merritt, Ida M.
Fisher Junior High and Miami Beach Senior High School recognized the
importance of a diverse staff and refused to adhere to the predominant
discriminatory actions demonstrated during this period which presented
significant barriers to otherwise qualified teaches, and instead hired a
staff based on ability regardless of race, religion or sexual orientation.
The result was that the students of Miami Beach learned to get along
with and accept all types of people, reject stereotyping and understand
the negative impact discrimination can have. Additionally, because the
staff was exceptionally qualified and involved, Miami Beach Senior High
and Miami Beach won repeated national recognition, the students
learned well, were able to get into top universities, (90% of the student
body got into national colleges and universities) and succeed in their
fields of endeavor.
• Dr. Sol Lichter installed the first school free clinic in Miami Beach Senior
High (which now bears his name) for students who needed medical care
and might not be able to afford it. This enabled any student to get
1
Page 980 of 1884
medical help when needed and thus to remain in class and learn rather
than spending time at home due to lack of medical care or coming to
class sick and infecting the other students.
• In addition to the free clinics, Dr. Sol Lichter initiated and coordinated
the efforts of the Health Centers Consortium on Miami Beach. These
health centers also provided health care for children and were vital in
ensuring free immunizations for all children entering school.
The positive impact of these Free Clinics has resulted in Free medical
services now being available in all Miami Beach Feeder pattern schools
so that all Miami Beach children are immunized and they and their
families may have access to free medical care when needed.
• During the late 1960s and early 1970s, drug abuse became a significant
problem affecting young teens across the country; Miami Beach was no
exception. To combat this problem, Dr. Lichter was a founding member
of Operation Re-Entry for Youth Rehabilitation Center. Operation Re-
Entry provided a safe space for kids who were troubled by drug use, and
provided counselling and peer group activities to help them overcome
their issues with drug abuse.
• Dr. Sol Lichter, realizing that children need more than an academic
education to develop into well rounded individuals, encouraged the
development of a robust enrichment program in the Miami Beach
schools. While principal of Miami Beach High, offerings such as Drama,
Art, Debate, and Journalism flourished and the nationally-recognized
Rock Ensemble under the leadership of Mr. Doug Burris, was formed.
These enrichment classes helped many creative students stay in school,
develop their talents and go on to bring entertainment and joy to many
others. In fact, the school repeatedly won national and state debate titles
under the tutelage of Ralph Carey, a teacher Dr. Lichter recruited, and
won wide acknowledgement for the innovative plays the school put on
under the guidance of Jay Jensen, another of Dr. Lichter's recruits.
• Dr. Sol Lichter understood that to enable students to participate in
academics and enrichments, extra time had to be allocated, so he
pioneered the seven-period day within the regular school time. This
creative arrangement of class offerings encouraged students to diversify
their subjects and provided them with the opportunity to explore and
investigate interests and areas they might not have been able to without
the extra time. Because of the success of the seven-period day, Miami
Beach Senior High now offers an eight-period day which has expanded
the opportunities for students even further. Other schools have emulated
this successful innovation by offering eight periods and are providing
more opportunities for more students.
2
Page 981 of 1884
• Dr. Sol Lichter identified another means for increasing world knowledge
and understanding in Miami Beach students. He did this by creating a
gateway between Miami Beach Senior High and the High School in Israel
program. He provided the means for students from Miami Beach Senior
High to go to Israel and take high school classes there while learning
about another culture, political system and way of life. Bonds were
forged, memories made and life lasting understanding, attitudes and
knowledge formed -- a benefit for all.
• Dr. Sol Lichter was concerned about all children, so he volunteered his
time and leadership abilities to also help children with problems. He
chaired the School Board Advisory Committee on Drop Out Prevention
and the Advisory Council for Students at Risk. He was the liaison
between the Dade County Community Schools Foundation and the
Miami Beach Children's Bureau and because of his commitment and
caring, positive strategies and solutions were detected and utilized and
many children who would otherwise have been dropouts stayed in school
and graduated. It was quite common to hear former students say things
like "Dr. Lichter saved my life;" or "Dr. Lichter cared when no one else
did."
• Dr. Sol Lichter for many years served on the Library Board first for the
City of Miami Beach and then for Dade County. He actively encouraged
Miami Beach to merge with the Dade County Public Library System so
that residents of Miami Beach could utilize and enjoy libraries
throughout Dade County and gain access to all the extras that a large
library system can provide. Now with their library card, residents of
Miami Beach can enjoy free books, computers, movies and entertainment
at any library in Dade County.
• Dr. Sol Lichter, as noted, cared about all people, but he was especially
affected by those in need. Consequently, he established the Mazon
Program in South Beach which helped, and continues to help feed
thousands of homeless and less fortunate individuals on Miami Beach.
Every week with other volunteers he and his late wife Muriel would
provide food to all who came and this program continues today and is
being emulated by the Dade County Public Schools which provides free
daily meals for families so they can survive.
Dr. Sol Lichter also had an eye on the future. He realized that technology was
an up and coming innovation, so he sought out and bought the newest, most
modern electric typewriters for the Miami Beach High business department
3
Page 982 of 1884
which enabled our business students to get better paying jobs. Needless to
say, technology today remains necessary and worthwhile and Miami Beach
High's usage and involvement, continues to expand so our students can
compete and succeed in our technological world.
We, on Miami Beach, are fortunate to have had such a caring, farsighted,
innovative, educational leader as Dr. Sol Lichter whose involvement,
contributions and goodness continue in so many ways to affect all of us and
make an everlasting positive difference.
The Impact of Achievements
Dr. Sol Lichter served first as a teacher on Miami Beach and then as principal
at Nautilus Junior High, (Miami Beach Nautilus Middle School) and Ada
Merritt Junior High and Ida M Fisher High (now Miami Beach Fineberg-Fisher
K-8) where he pioneered the first and largest in the state community school
program, and Miami Beach Senior High where he served for over 10 years
bringing the school during this time repeated national recognition. One of Dr.
Lichter's favorite phrases at assemblies and over the P.A. was "We're from
Beach and We Couldn't Be Prouder!"
Briefly, Dr. Lichter hired the best teachers he could find, regardless of race,
ethnic background, religion or sexual orientation, which at that time presented
significant barriers to otherwise qualified teachers. He established the
community school, pioneered the seven-period day, the quinmester and created
the gateway from Beach High for the High School in Israel program. His
innovation and leadership won for Miami Beach national recognition. Some of
the awards honoring his contributions to the school and Miami Beach, other
than the keys to the City, include Miami Beach's Outstanding Teacher, the
George Washington National Educator's Award, the American Legion Award,
the B'nai Brith Outstanding Citizens Award, and the Education Honors Society
Service Award.
Dr. Lichter helped establish and served as President of the Stanley Meyers
Community Health Center, n/k/a the Miami Beach Community Health Center.
Dr Lichter was a member of the Temple Beth Shalom for over 60 years.
Through involvement in these Miami Beach institutions and committees, Dr.
Lichter contributed greatly to the development of the City of Miami Beach and
its residents. In the next portion I will describe in more detail some of Dr.
Lichter's major valuable enduring achievements that impacted and continue to
impact the City of Miami Beach.
Evidence of Achievements Having Enduring Value
to City of Miami Beach
1. Community School Program -This program is still in existence in
all Miami Beach Public Schools. It is available to all ages from infant care at
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Page 983 of 1884
Fienberg Fisher Elementary to Adult Education at Miami Beach Senior High. It
includes after school care, tutoring, adult education and continues to be
utilized, needed and highly successful.
2. Stanley Meyers Community Health Center n/k/a Miami Beach
Community Health Center: As noted, Dr. Lichter helped establish and later
served as President of the Miami Beach Community Health Center ("MBCHC").
This center is a fully-integrated ambulatory care medical facility which has
been providing primary health care in Miami-Dade County since 1977. Its
mission is to provide patients a patient-centered medical home with high-
quality, affordable primary health care and specialty services, chronic disease
management and support services. Free medication is available for patients
who qualify, along with free transportation and translation services. In 2019,
MBCHC provided services to 52,174 patients, more than 86% of whom belong
to a racial or ethnic minority, 89.7% have incomes less than or equal to 200%
of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and 80.3% having incomes less than or
equal to 100% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
As the former Chief Medical Officer and now CEO of the MBCHC, Dr. Mark
Rabinowitz put it: "Dr. Lichter was a blessing in my life. I know of no other
who offered himself as did Sol."
3. Diversity, Equity, Non-Discrimination- Miami Beach is now more
than ever a city of diversity. Our school staff, student and community reflect
this. Sol Lichter led the way. He hired a number of gay, Latin and Black
teachers at a time when few were doing so because he was committed to hiring
the best. Perhaps this was the result of his own early experience at Beach
High, where he was first turned away in 1951 as a teacher because the school
had filled its "Jewish quota" for that year. Many of his former students still live
in Miami Beach and are leaders in the community, including our current
Mayor, Dan Gelber (whose mother was one of those hired as a teacher by Dr.
Lichter). All of them remember the inclusion and acceptance that was initiated
and encouraged under Dr. Lichter's leadership. These learnings continue
today in Miami Beach's acceptance of differences regarding issues such as
color, race, religion and sexual orientation.
4. Free School Clinics- Our Miami Beach students can thank Dr. Sol
Lichter and the Children's Trust for this much used and successful
convenience. Dr. Lichter's commitment to student health care stretches back
to 1961, when the first wave of Cuban migration occurred. Many of the
children of these new arrivals were not vaccinated, and the school system and
City at the time was not particularly interested in seeing that the kids were
inoculated. As a result, Dr. Lichter packed a school bus with the kids, drove
them to a local medical center, and threatened to call the Miami Herald and
disclose this sad state of affairs unless the kids received their shots. They were
vaccinated, much to their benefit and that of the City.
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Page 984 of 1884
Free health clinics are now available in all our Miami Beach schools for
all children to access as necessary and to enable them to learn with healthy
bodies in a safe institution. Over a thousand children on Miami Beach have
used the free clinics and can continue to do so because of Dr. Lichter's
foresight and involvement. Additionally, regardless of financials, all Miami
Beach children can get free vaccinations so they can enter school safely with
the knowledge that they are immune from such deadly diseases as polio,
tetanus, meningitis and diphtheria.
5. Expanding and Enhancing Enrichment Programs- Because of our
support of enrichment programs over the years, Miami Beach can boast world
famous individuals in sports, theater, music and areas not commonly falling
within "academics". Our Miami Beach Senior High students today continue to
win awards in Speech and Debate, Music, Drama and The Arts. All our schools
offer The STEM program and Miami Beach Senior High has a Hospitality
magnet program. Miami Beach is the only city in the United States which
enables all its Miami Beach students to graduate with an International
Baccalaureate degree which is recognized all over the world.
6. Seven Period Day-The expansion of the offerings for students
under Dr. Lichter's leadership was so successful that now Miami Beach Senior
High has grown to an eight-period day which enables students to add even
more enrichments to their academics, providing all students, regardless of
financial ability, with free activities that increase their knowledge and
experiences.
7. Free Counselors at Every School- Every school on Miami Beach
and in Dade County now offers counselling for students and parents who
need/want help. Every school has counsellors who advise students on
academic selections, assist with college applications, work choices, dating
problems, drug issues, family concerns and a myriad of issues which help
them stay in school, cope with life and succeed.
8. High School in Israel- This program initiated and supported by
Dr. Lichter is still in existence and enables students the chance to travel to
another country, learn other cultures, gain better understanding and expand
their horizons. Many Miami Beach students have and continue to take
advantage of this program which is recognized throughout the United States
and has enriched our Miami Beach children's lives.
9. Free Food For the Needy- Children cannot learn nor families
function if they are hungry. Dr. Lichter's Mazon program established through
Temple Beth Shalom which helped bring food to all who wanted and needed
food on Miami Beach continues today in a variety of ways. Free food is still
being disseminated. Miami Beach schools as well as all Dade County Public
School provide free breakfast and lunches for children whose household
incomes are below the norm. During the pandemic, free food was provided on
Miami Beach to all needy families of Miami Beach school children. Miami
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Page 985 of 1884
Beach continues to follow Dr. Lichter's legacy and feed our community so they
can survive, grow and thrive without the fear of starvation.
10. Multi-Faceted Library-Visit any of the libraries on Miami Beach
and realize how fortunate we are to be part of the Dade County Library system.
Miami Beach residents have access to books, films, tapes, classes, etc. from all
over Dade County, thus greatly increasing our opportunities and choices. We
can go to any Dade County library and using our library card, access
thousands of materials, all because with Dr. Lichter's urging, we joined the
Dade County Library system.
Sources of Information:
-Personal Memory
-Merritt, Rosalind, Miami Beach High!Journey Among Decades of Fame (2019)
-Notes from Hon. Seymour Gelber and Dr. Mark Rabinowitz, provided by David
Lichter, Dr. Sol Lichter's son
7
Page 986 of 1884
5916 LaGorce Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33140
March 14, 2021
Brandi Reddick
Cultural Affairs Manager
Tourism and Culture Department
City of Miami Beach
1755 Meridian Avenue,Suite 55
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Nomination of Dr.Solomon S. Lichter for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Dear Ms. Reddick and the Hall of Fame Selection Committee:
Over 50 years ago,as an expectant parent attracted by the warm weather,
affordable housing and highly recommended schools, I choose Miami Beach as the
place to live and raise my family, a decision made by many others in the 1960's and
1970's. It was a good decision as my daughter, granddaughter and I still live, have a
business and benefit from the fine weather,robust economy and outstanding school
offerings envisioned and implemented by Dr. Sol Lichter on Miami Beach.
But as this introduction is to tell why I believe Dr. Sol Lichter deserves to be
recognized and honored by Miami Beach, let me be more explicit. It wasn't until a few
years after moving to Miami Beach,joining Temple Beth Sholom, working for the
Miami Beach Jewish Community Center and then at Fienberg-Fisher
Elementary/Community School that I came to fully understand the tremendous impact
Dr.Sol Lichter's creativity,compassion and leadership had on the entire Miami Beach
Community.
My first cognizance occurred when I was employed by the Miami Beach Jewish
Community Center, which at that time was comprised mostly of elderly and needy
individuals.They often required mental and physical care which they could not afford;
however;however, because of Dr. Sol Lichter's foresight and perseverance their needs
were invariably met. We were able to send our seniors to the Stanley Meyers
Community Health Center,which Dr.Sol Lichter had helped established,where our
mostly senior pensioners were provided with full high quality affordable health care,
free medications if needed, free transportation and as the area changed, translation
services.
I came to appreciate Dr. Sol Lichter's contributions to our community even more
when I became an educator in the early 1980's at Fienberg-Fisher Elementary. The
school and area at this time was mainly inhabited by Cuban refugees fleeing from
1
Page 987 of 1884
Castro. Most of the residents in South Beach did not speak English and many lacked an
education so had difficulty getting jobs. For these refugees, the Community School
Program initiated by Dr. Sol Lichter was a life saver and life changer because at the
Community School they could learn English,learn a trade and rely on safe, affordable
before-and-after care for their children while they worked and earned money to live
without fear. Additionally, the Community Center started by Dr.Sol Lichter offered
homework help and tutoring so the area children had a place where they could
comfortably interact,get help when needed, and learn/do homework under the eye of
licensed and informed personnel.
Moreover, because of Dr. Sol Lichter's work with the Children's Trust,Fienberg-
Fisher offered free health care for Miami Beach residents where they were able to get
vaccinations,checkups,vision and hearing screenings, glasses/hearing aids and care,
regardless of their finances. This enabled the students in my class,the entire school and
Miami Beach residents to live a safe, healthy life and focus on education, family and the
future.
One extra observation, but a very very important one that made me appreciate
Dr.Sol Lichter even more, was his attitude regarding people- all people. Dr. Sol
Lichter throughout his entire life included and accepted everyone no matter their race,
religion, mental/physical appearance or sexual orientation. He cared about everyone!
He treated everyone with respect! He was considerate,courteous and believed in the
goodness of people.
Coincidently, during this time, there was much prejudice in Florida and Miami
Beach was no exception. Many of the refugees who came from Cuba were well
educated and/or talented but could not get jobs, Valuing individuality and inclusion,
Dr. Lichter hired them for his school which thus provided the students with
outstanding and talented Cuban educators and role models, increased the Miami Beach
students' language abilities and demonstrated clearly the defectiveness of stereotyping.
My most memorable moments,however,some of the only ones where I actually
interacted with Dr. Sol Lichter, were while participating in the Mazon Program which
Dr.Sol Lichter established through Temple Beth Sholom and which provided free food
for needy families/individuals on Miami Beach. All week,every week, Dr. Lichter
would go out into the community and get stores to donate food as well as companies
and caring people to donate funds so Miami Beach residents would not go hungry.
And every week for long hours, Dr. Lichter and his wife Muriel would stand in South
Beach with me and many other volunteers giving out life-saving food to the many who
came, talking to them, making and renewing friendships,and deeply caring. Needless
to say,this program was and continues to be necessary and indispensable especially
during this time when so many people are out of work.
2
Page 988 of 1884
As for myself, over the years, my ' daughters who all attended Miami Beach
public schools and my granddaughter who now attends Nautilus Middle School,
continue to benefit from Dr. Sol Lichter's contributions and input in relation to Dade
County Public Schools and especially the Miami Beach public schools. They enjoyed
learning in air--conditioned classrooms, got help from the nurse in the school clinic
when they got hurt or felt sick,were able to take enrichments such as drama, speech
and debate,chorus, violin and cooking, be in the gifted program or students with
disabilities program and take out books/computers from any library in Miami-Dade
County, all because of Dr. Lichter's leadership and actions. My children and grandchild
were taught by a variety of teachers offering a great education and they have learned
acceptance and understanding as they interacted within their classes- important
lifelong lessons.
Presently,watching the news and as a representative on the Diversity and Equity
Advisory Committee for Dade County Public Schools, I realize how malignant and
hurtful prejudice is and I am truly grateful that Dr. Sol Lichter was a man who lead the
fight for diversity and equity in Miami Beach, for affordable mental and physical health
care, support and food for the needy and well-rounded excellent education for all ages.
For me the main reason I believe Dr. Sol Lichter is worthy of being honored by Miami
Beach is for his lifelong caring, kindness, leadership and enduring valuable
contributions from which we benefit every day and which positively impact the lives
and attitudes of our Miami Beach residents.
Beverly Heger
3
Page 989 of 1884
�' Temple
Ii Beth Sholom
or5v me n5'np
March 22, 2021
To Whom It May Concern,
My name is Gary A. Glickstein. I was Senior Rabbi of Temple Beth Sholom, Miami Beach, Florida,
1985-2018 when I became Rabbi Emeritus. I was privileged to know and work with Dr. Lichter until
his death in 2014.
When I arrived at Temple Beth Sholom on November 1, 1985, Dr. Lichter was already a legend in our
community. While he continued to serve on our Board of Trustees and remained actively involved in a
myriad of projects and committees until his last days, I was immediately impressed with what he had
already accomplished in Miami Beach and in our Congregation. Although I am aware of his
prodigious work with our public schools, library, and health clinics, l will concentrate on his activities
at Temple Beth Sholom.
Dr. Lichter was one of the leaders of our Temple Justice Committee work in the 1950s through the
1970s. At that time, he guided members in their efforts to remove religious prayer and Bible readings
from the public schools, oppose proliferation of nuclear arms, and support integration in our society.
In fact, he was the Co-Chair of our Religious School for Living Judaism with Phyllis Miller, when we
established a Human Relations Program to further the process of integration through student
involvement. Dr. Lichter and Mrs. Miller also worked with our congregation to pilot an accredited high
school program with an Israeli school. The initial group of five students included three of our
members. This pilot program led to the eventual partnership which is now the nation-wide Alexander
Muss High School in Israel.
During my tenure, Dr. Lichter spearheaded our Mazon feeding program on South Beach in the 1980s
and 1990s. Hundreds of hungry individuals were fed weekly by Sol and his stalwart group of
volunteers. Today, that program continues through our work with the Chapman Partnership.
Dr. Lichter was also a life-long learner, attending classes, and teaching courses at our congregation
for many, many years. He remained curious and open to new ideas to the very end of his life.
Dr. Lichter remained active in our Tikkun Olam Committee, helping to establish Mitzvah Day as one
of the most important days on our religious calendar. Dr. Lichter along with his wife Muriel were
honored a number of times by our congregation for their devotion and unstinting commitment.
4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach. Florida 33140 305.538.7231 tbsmb.org
Page 990 of 1884
Personally, I often solicited his advice and guidance. He always gave me his time and shared with me
his wisdom and generosity of spirit. Dr. Lichter was a mensch and a sensitive, quality human being. I
feel privileged to have had him as a mentor and a congregant. Dr. Solomon Lichter is a person who
changed thousands of fives for the better and impacted our entire community. He was one of those
who bent the arc of history toward justice and righteousness.
I am so honored to recommend Dr. Solomon Lichter for selection into the Miami Beach Hall of Fame.
Gary Glickstein
Rabbi Emeritus
Temple Beth Sholom ( Clergy
1 Grove Isle 1803
Miami, FL 33133
786-512-6699Shalom,
4144 Chase Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33140 305.538.7231 tbsmb.org
Page 991 of 1884
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DAN GELBF.R
MAYOR
Dear Members of the Committee:
I commend to the Committee the nomination of Dr.Solomon Lichter for admission into the Miami Beach Hall
of Fame.I don't think it is an understatement to declare that no person in the history of our City has done
more to inspire the children of our community than Dr.Lichter,and few have contributed to our civic life as
he did.His body of work,spanning nearly a half century,is impressive not only in its length but also in its
depth.After service in World War II he commenced a career in education as a teacher and principal.Teaching
in the 1950's at Nautilus,he soon became the principal of Ida Fisher,then Miami Beach High and,finally,
Nautilus. He also had similar roles at the Temple Beth Sholom school.I was fortunate to experience"Dr.
Dynamite's"leadership while I was a student at Miami Beach High.To this day I can recall him striding the
halls stopping to ask students how they were doing. Not just the"star"students, but more often the ones
struggling.He enthusiastically cared about every kid nomatter where they came from or who their parents
might be.He took an interest in their lives,took the time to learn about them,and directed his skills at
helping them reach their potential.That is what made him so special.
My mother,Edith,was privileged to be a colleague of Dr.Lichter.She taught Spanish,French and Latin in our
feeder pattern for decades.She would always accompany Dr.Lichter to each of his principal assignments
because she believed his talents as an administrator and leader created a climate that allowed her to best
follow her profession.
Dr.Lichter was the principal of the high school during integration. Frankly, it was challenging and our
community,at times,had difficulty navigating the change.But Dr.Lichter never wavered in his belief that all
kids deserved equal and exceptional opportunities.Even when the change brought out the worst in some, Dr.
Lichter was intent in appealing to the best in our nature.
In his later years, he continued his community work.While he chaired or founded(or both)so many of the
child and education advocacy groups so critical to our community's growth,it was his unwavering
commitment to help feed the homeless that tells you what you need to know about Dr. Lichter. Most
weekends well into his older years, he would be there,on a food line(in a program he created),scooping
food to feed the homeless,helping those who had no one fighting for them or likely even caring.
You can judge a community by how it treats its most vulnerable residents.And by that measure,our City
excels.You can see and feel our tradition of compassion and caring in our food drives,in the beach clean ups,
and our senior meal plans.This is why Dr.Lichter should be among our great citizens. He spent a lifetime
directing his exceptional talents to uplift,protect and inspire our children,our seniors and our poor. His
inclusion among the truly exceptional residents who have done so much,would reflect well on him but even
moreso on our City.
l<72-2# 1-------___,
Dan Gelber
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH. FLORIDA 33135
305 673 7035 • OANGELBER@MIAM:BEACHFL.GOV
Page 992 of 1884
MiAMIBEACH
HALL of FAME
Nominee's Name: Jorge M. Gonzalez
Nomination Submitted By: Alex J. Fernandez
Page 994 of 1884
MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME NOMiNATION FORM
>Please Type All Information«<
Nominee's Name: Jorge M.Gonzalez
Nominee's occupation,Field of Achievement or Title:
Civic Leader:City Manager and Resident,City Beach, 2000.2021
S13BMl t'kH INFORMATION
Nomination Submitted by: Alex J.Fernandez
Trtle/Occupation of Submitter Public Servant
Relationship to the Nominee: colleague
(trample:friend, colleague, student, empbyee.relative, etc.)
Address of Submitter: 3200 Chase Avenue,Miami Beach,FL 33140
(Street Address, City, Stale,Zip Cade)
Telephone: (Day) 786-9995662
(Evening) 786.9994662
(Fax)_ nla
E•tllfail Address: femandezalexiiD! Wixom
Sigimbire of Submitter. �" e4C
Y• Date: March 21,2021
Page 995 of 1884
Biography Jorge M. Gonzalez
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Jorge M. Gonzalez is a professional public administrator with more than 30 years
experience in the field serving at the highest levels of local government administration.
He has served as the Village Manager of Bal Harbour Village since November 12. 2013.
Mr. Gonzalez is responsible for providing executive level leadership, vision and
guidance to the organization, providing recommendations to the Village Council and
implementing policy directives in an efficient and effective manner -- all part of an
incredibly diverse and dynamic community
Previously, Mr. Gonzalez served as the City Manager of the City of Miami Beach from
August 21, 2000 through September 30, 2012, becoming the City's 19th Manager since
its incorporation in 1915. To date he was the youngest and longest-serving City
Manager in the City's modern era. Miami Beach has a rich history as an entertainment
and cultural destination, and during his tenure. Mr. Gonzalez made significant '
contributions to ensure the City's position as a world-Gass destination, while confronting
the challenges of managing and servicing approximately 90.000 residents, along with
an average daily population of more than 160.000 and over 15 million visitors per year.
Prior to joining the City of Miami Beach, Mr_ Gonzalez was the Senior Assistant Chief
Administrative Officer (CAO) for Montgomery County. Maryland. the highest position in
the County merit employment system. As Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officer,
Mr. Gonzalez was part of the County's management team and was responsible for the
coordination, direction and guidance of all aspects of the organization's operations, with
special focus on technology. budget_ personnel and labor/management issues.
From 1995-1999. Mr. Gonzalez was an Assistant County Manager for Arlington County,
Virginia. While at Arlington County, he helped to coordinate the functions of a variety of
departments. developed the County's plan and budget to prepare for Y2K, and was the
County's point person on all interactions with Arlington Public Schools. In addition, he
served concurrently as acting director of the Human Resources Department for almost
two years.
From 1990 — 1595, Mr Gonzalez held a number of positions with Miami-Dade County.
including Assistant Director of Administration for the Center for the Fine Arts;
Management Consultant with the Audit and Management Services Department: and a
Management Trainee with the Office of the County Manager_
In 2004. Mr. Gonzalez received the first-ever City Manager of the Year Award from
the Florida League of Cities. This award was created to honor a city manager in the
state of Flonda who displays exceptional excellence in the areas of judgment, initiative,
integrity, innovation. professionalism, commitment, and citizen relations. The Florida
League of Cities presented this award to Mr_ Gonzalez in recognition of his commitment
to public service, innovative thinking, and results-oriented accomplishments. In 2005
the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce presented Mr. Gonzalez with the Citizen of the
Year Award. In 2002. Mr. Gonzalez received the Miami-Dade City/County Management
Association's first ever Leadership Award. This award was established to honor
t
Page 996 of 1884
Biography Jorge M. Gonzalez
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
individuals who by force or initiative, innovation and perseverance have made an
outstanding and significant contribution to the public interest in the area of government
performance, leadership. ethics and policy. In 2009 Mr. Gonzalez received the Public
Official of the Year from the South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and in 2010
the Member of the Year Award from the International His_panic Network. In 1999, Mr.
Gonzalez was named by the Washingtonian Magazine among the "704 People to
Watch in the New Millennium".
Mr. Gonzalez received a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Affairs and a Master
Degree in Public Administration from the University of Miami_ He is a graduate of the
University of Virginia's Senior Executive Institute and both Leadership Washington, D.C.
and Leadership Florida.
Mr. Gonzalez is a member of the International City/County Management Association
(ICMA), Florida City/County Management Association (FCCMA), and the Local
Government Hispanic Network (LGHN). Mr. Gonzalez also serves as an Adjunct
Professor at the University of Miami, since 2010_ As a result of his distinguished career
and record of achievement. Mr. Gonzalez has been invited to speak at various
international, national and state conferences on a range of topics.
Mr. Gonzalez contributes his experience and leadership by actively serving/leading on
the governing boards of several national, state and local organizations including: Miami
Beach Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Governors, Greater Miami and the
Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (Executive Committee), Bass Museum of Art
(Executive Board), Wolfsonian-FIU, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach United Board of
Directors, Adopt A Classroom. United Way of Arlington County, St. Patrick Catholic
Church and School (Parish Council and Finance Committee), as well as professional
organizations such as: ICMA-RC Client Advisory Board, ICMA Task Force on the
Future of the Profession, ICMA International Committee. iCMA Strategic Planning Task
Force, Local Government Hispanic Network, the Miami-Dade City/County Management
Association and the Florida City/County Management Association Board of Directors
(District V Representative).
In addition to these affiliations, as a resident Jorge has supported the community
through the North Beach Elementary PTA, Friends of North Beach. and the St Patrick
Home and School Board Association.
Mr. Gonzalez was born and raised in South Florida, and has made Miami Beach his
home for the past twenty years with his wife and children.
2
Page 997 of 1884
Nomination Jorge M. Gonzalez- Civic Leader
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
it is with great pleasure that I nominate Jorge M. Gonzalez for the City of Miami Beach
Hall of Fame in the category of Civic Leader.
Jorge has been a resident of Miami Beach for over 20 years. making Miami Beach his
home upon relocating his family.to our beautiful coastal city in 2000. Since arriving in
Miami Beach, Mr. Gonzalez has served the community in both personal and
professional capacities_ For twelve (12) of these years. from August 21, 2000, through
September 30, 2012, he served as City Manager of Miami Beach, where he was
instrumental in establishing programs and legacy projects that have transformed our
community in long lasting and meaningful ways. These efforts have contributed to
making Miami Beach a highly desirable place to be for residents and visitors alike_
Miami Beach has a rich history as an entertainment and cultural destination, and during
his tenure, Mr. Gonzalez made significant contributions to ensure the City's position as
a works-class destination, while confronting the challenges of managing and servicing
approximately 90,000 residents, along with an average daily population of more than
160,000, and over 15 million visitors per year.
Positioning the City as a cultural destination, Mr. Gonzalez successfully negotiated to
make the City of Miami Beach the home of Art Basel Miami Beach. the sister event of
the world's most prestigious art show. Art Basel. The City has hosted the most
important art show in the Western Hemisphere, bringing an exclusive selection of more
than 250 leading art galleries from North America. Latin America, Europe, Asia and
Africa to exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2.000 artists. He secured the
permanent home for the Miami City Ballet and spearheaded the New World Center,
home to the New World Symphony, the Country's Orchestral Academy, and oversaw
the region's only convention center, which encompasses one million square feet Mr.
Gonzalez' leadership and initiative led to the newly reimagined convention center
renovation and convention center hotel projects, which resulted in a $600 million plus
investment in the facility, completed in 2019. Mr. Gonzaloz was also instrumental in
attracting and promoting high-profile special events for the destination, ranging from
Super Bowl (2007 and 2010), the Latin Grammys, MTV Latin Music Awards, the
SOURCE Awards, the Latin Billboard Awards, and the ever-popular Food Network &
Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival, celebrating its 204' anniversary
this year. As a result, the City of Miami Beach continues to enjoy a reputation as a
trend-setting destination.
Leading the City of Miami Beach into a number of exciting joint partnerships. Mr.
Gonzalez successfully negotiated and entered into a joint development agreement with
the New World Symphony in 2004 to develop a six-acre site. consisting of a symphony
building, a public garage designed by world-renowned architect Frank 0. Gebry, with a
total construction value in excess of$200 million, and the spectacular Soundscape park
designed by the Dutch firm, West 8. The project's unique design allows enjoyment of
indoor concerts and performances. which can be broadcast outdoors into Soundscape
Page 998 of 1884
Nomination Jorge M. Gonzalez— Civic Leader
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Park. Soundscape Park continues to be programmed nearly year-round with free
outdoor concerts, movies and other events for residents and visitors to enjoy.
In addition, the City of Miami Beach was in an enviable position with the two top
producers of live music, AEG and Live Nation, and a world-renowned brand, Cirque du
Soleil, competing to use and manage the Jackie Gleason Theater. In 2007, Mr.
Gonzalez successfully negotiated a management agreement with Live Nation.
considered the world's largest producer of live music, which brought the City over $1
million in distributed proceeds in its first full year. Re-branded in its newest reiteration,
the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater opened in October 2007 and
continues to offer live entertainment in Miami Beach.
As the Chief Executive Officer of a full-service urban community, Mr. Gonzalez was
responsible for the development and oversight of an operating budget of approximately
$400 million and more than 1.700 employees. His twelve year tenure resulted in the
City's highest bond ratings from Moody's and Standard and Poor's in the City's history,
the City's lowest tax rates in decades, the City's highest reserves in history, a lesser tax
burden on residents by having more of the City budget supported by non- property tax
revenue, and successful navigation through the 2008 financial crisis — one of the most
challenging economic periods for local governments in our generation.
This strong fiscal management enabled the City to attract investment, and undertake a
Five Year Capital Improvement Plan of more than $1 billion to both renovate the City's
aging infrastructure, as well as design and develop new parks, facilities and signature
green spaces. Projects revitalized all areas of the City, fortified underlying
infrastructure. activated new spaces, and beautified public places. It is difficult to
imagine our city today without the renovated and iconic South Pointe Park and Baywalk,
credited with accelerating the revitalization of the South of Fifth neighborhood.. Or the
Collins Park Cultural Campus with its new Miami Beach Regional Library. renovated
Bass Museum of Art, and public art installations offering open green space and views of
the ocean. Or without Soundscape Park and the Frank Gehry designed New World
Symphony concert hall and parking garage. Or the reimagined Miami Beach Botanical
Garden redesigned by noted landscape architect Raymond Jungles, the renovated
North Beach Band Shell Park that is programmed with concerts and events, or the
signature Miami Beach Beachwalk. the seven-mile paved pathway that runs from South
Beach to North Beach. The Miami Herald reported on January 27, 2021 the last and
final scgrnont of the Beachwalk is scheduled to be completed in 2022. "Our beaehwalk
is one of the great amenities of our community," Mayor Dan Gelber said in a statement.
Having an uninterrupted path down the entirety of our ocean front will be spectacular."
Neighborhood streets and roadways were improved and traffic calming measures were
added to several neighborhoods. Hundreds of millions of dollars were invested in
neighborhood improvements including road, lighting, landscape and beautycation, and
the much less visible but no less important aging water and sewer fine replacement.
Recreation facilities were added or renovated from Flamingo Park Pool and Tennis
Page 999 of 1884
Nomination Jorge M. Gonzalez— Civic Leader
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Center to Scott Rakow Youth Center to Normandy Pool and North Shore Park and
Youth Center. New tot lots with shade structures were constructed at 53rd & Collins,
46th & Collins, South Pointe Park and Lummus Park, and shade structures became
standard with every park renovation to allow for year-round enjoyment and protection
from the sun. Bark Parks were added for our four-legged companions. Bus shelters
were redesigned and new ones were added. Golfers enjoy the renovated Miami Beach
Golf Club and Normandy Shores Golf Club, with newly constructed clubhouses and
courses redesigned by golf course architect Arthur Hills. Seven new parking garages
were constructed at Alton & 5th. 10th & Collins, 16th & Washington, Jefferson & 17th,
the Frank Gehry designed garage at the New World Symphony. the public/private
Sunset Harbor parking garage, and the City Hall parking garage at 17th & Meridian. If
parking is a challenge today, imagine what it would be like without the addition of these
thousands of new parking spaces. As an added benefit for residents, the Administration
established a resident discount program for reduced rate parking at City owned
garages. meters and parking lots. Residents and visitors enjoy all of these
improvements today and will continue to do so for decades to come.
Under Jorge's leadership, the City developed a comprehensive sustainability plan that
began with the early work of the Green Committee in 2007 anti culminated with the first
Sustainability Master Plan approved by the Commission in 2011. The plan was a
roadmap to help the City sustain our natural resources, reduce consumption and
educate the community. Under this plan, the Administration developed the first
Stormwater Master Plan and the first Urban Forestry Master Plan. Beaches were
renourished and dunes were restored and enhanced. Mr. Gonzalez developed and
negotiated energy conserving alternative transportation programs, including the
Decobike/CitiBike shared bike program and the Hertz On Demand shared car program,
as well as affordable transportation options, including the South Beach Local bus
service and the Airport Express Airport Shuttle. The City partnered with Ameresco in an
energy savings performance contract to identify energy savings and efficiencies in
buildings and operations that resulted in more than $1 million reinvested annually In the
city. In 2009, the United Nations Livable Communities recognized the City with a Gold
Award as one of the most livable communities in the world.
Projects and accomplishments of this scope and scale do not happen without a high
performing team working under your direction. In addition to recruiting top talent for
leadership positions, Mr. Gonzalez raised the standard for all City employees and City
departments to achieve professional accreditation. During his tenure, several City
departments worked towards and achieved professional accreditation including Police.
Fire, Parks and Recreation and Public Works. meeting national standards in their
respective areas.
During his twelve-year tenure. Mr. Gonzalez developed and implemented the City's
strategic planning framework, establishing a formal planning process and fostering an
organizational culture focused on teamwork, performance measurement effectiveness
and out-of-the box thinking. This focus resulted in the City of Miami Beach's recognition
Page 1000 of 1884
Nomination Jorge M. Gonzalez—Civic Leader
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
for a variety of projects and initiatives, including one project selected as the Governor's
Florida Sterling Council 2007 Quality Team Showcase State Champion. That program—
the Public Area Cleanliness Program —was created to address community feedback on
cleanliness throughout the City, and was recognized as the project that imparted the
greatest community impact. The American Planning Association (APA) Gold Coast
Section also recognized the value and effectiveness of the Citys strategic planning
process in 2007, as they selected our City's Strategic Planning Process to receive the
Award for Excellence for an Outstanding Strategic Planning Project or Study.
Being a resident of the city, while serving as City Manager, gave Mr. Gonzalez a unique
perspective in understanding the community and its needs beyond City Halt. In 2008,
he developed and negotiated a comprehensive Education Compact with the Miami
Dade Public School system, which has become the model for Miami-Dade County.
Included among the elements is the signature component, a Kindergarten through 12th
grade, non-magnet, international Baccalaureate (IB) Programme implemented in every
school, in every grade. available to every student in the Miami Beach feeder pattern
culminating in the highly rigorous International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
in high school —the first of its kind in the nation. All students in public schools on Miami
Beach can derive the benefit of this inquiry-based learning program. Under his
leadership, the Parks Department expanded recreational programming and made it
affordable for families. Parks were programmed with family oriented movies, carnivals,
and special events. The City's pools and parks, and the popular tot Learn to Swim
program, were made free for residents_ For teens, the Administration created the Teen
Club at 21`c Street. a free after-school program funded by a federal grant from the
Department of Juvenile Justice. Parks programming was expanded to include more
after-school programs and regular and specialty summer camps. Scholarships were
made available to ensure program access for all children and that no one was turned
away for financial reasons.
Mr. Gonzalez made it a priority to engage Miami Beach residents in local government.
To bring government closer to its citizens the Administration created the Miami Beach
A-Z Guide for New Residents, a comprehensive guide to city services. In 2005 the
Administration debuted a bi-monthly, bi-lingual news magazine, MB Magazine, with
feature articles on people and places on Miami Beach and information on City programs
and services Including the Recreation Review and Summer Camp guide. Published
continuously and mailed to all households on Miami Beach since 2005, the most recent
Winter 2021 edition just arrived in mailboxes in January.
To develop future civic leaders and improve residents' participation in Miami Beach
government, in 2002 Mr. Gonzalez created the Miami Beach Neighborhood Leadership
Academy, an interactive civic and public information program to educate residents on
City programs, services and functions. By 2011 the program had more than 550
graduates. A testament to the success of this program, several Miami Beach elected
officials as well as numerous members of the City's boards and committees are
graduates of the program. In 2003, Mr_ Gonzalez' efforts resulted in the City of Miami
4
Page 1001 of 1884
Nomination Jorge M. Gonzalez—Civic Leader
City of Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Beach receiving the 'All America City"Award from the National Civic League, the only
community in the state of Florida and only one of 10 from around the country, to receive
this prestigious. national award that recognizes communities that leverage civic
engagement, collaboration, inclusiveness and innovation to successfully address local
issues. Towards the end of his tenure, the City experienced the lowest crime rates and
the City's highest community satisfaction ratings from residents and businesses. In the
Citizen Satisfaction Survey conducted in early 2012, 89% of residents rated their Quality
of Life as Excellent or Good,
Mr. Gonzalez has demonstrated that his commitment to the City of Miami Beach went
beyond his employment. He continues to serve the Miami Beach community by sharing
his knowledge and experience to ensure that the community thrives in changing
economic and political environments. Locally Mr. Gonzalez serves on the Miami Beach
Chamber of Commerce Executive Board of Governors, the Miami Beach United Board
of Directors, and the St Patrick Catholic Church and School Parish Council and
Finance Committee.
Although his tenure as City Manager came to an end, Jorge's love and commitment to
the community never wavered_ He made good on his promise when he became City
Manager he left Miami Beach better than he found it. He had a direct impact on quality
of life for residents, while, at the same time, promulgating Miami Beach as a global
brand, and ensuring the financial health of the City. That was a difficult balancing act,
which many times seemed easy to the casual observer_ He left the City well-positioned
financially and structurally, to continue its trajectory of success under new leadership_
Mr. Gonzalez's mark on the community is visible and palpable. In his over twenty years
of living and working on Miami Beach, Mr. Gonzalez has certainly become part of the
community fabric, today and for many generations to come.
•
Page 1002 of 1884
March 17,2021
Miami Beach Hall off-ante Nominating Committee
L)e frarlmrnt of Tourism and Culture
1755 Meridian Avenue, 5'1" Floor •
Miami Bach FL ;ii;9
Dear Sir.'Madatt:
It is with great pleasure that we. Miami Beach United.submit this leiter of support for Mr.Jorge
Cioniaki' nomination as a Civic Leader to the Miami Beach flail of Fame.
Mr. Gonzalez served for the twelve years as Citi Manager.the youngest person with the longue
tenure olany City Manager in our City-'s history_ lie has consistently demonstrated exemplary
leadership and contributed to Miami Beach in ways that will endure.for generation;to come and
which positioned our City to become the world-class destination it is today,
Among his many accomplishments_Mr. (ionralcz was instrumental in the development of our
City's strategic planning,framework which established a formal planning process and fostered
an organizational culture focused on teamwork.performance measurement e {ecitCOCSS and
out-of-the box thinking.and which was recognised by the American Planning Association
(APA)Cold Coast Section for its value and effectiveness in 2007.
Mr. Gonzalez secured a pan-anent home for the Miami City Ballet and spearheaded the New
World Center.home to the New World Symphony.the Country's Orchestral Academy.He
successfully negotialed to make the City of Miami Beach the home of Art Basel Miami Beach.
the sister event of the worid-s most prestigious an show.Art Basel.and reimagincd tis;
convention center renovation project and convention center hotel projects.which was
instrumental in attracting and promoting high-profile special cvents for the destirtatiort.ranging
from Super Bowl (2007 and 2010)_the Food Network's South Beach Food & Wine Festival. the
Latin Granrnws.MTV Latin Music Awards.the SOURCE Awards.and the Latin Billboard
A wards.
Mr.Gonjslez successfully negotiated a management aureemcnt with i.ive Nation(2007),
considererd the world's largest producer of live music.which brought the City over Si million in
distributed proceeds in its first full year. Re-branded in its newest reiteration.the Fillmore Miami
Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater opened in October 2007.
Bans a resident of the city< while serving!as City Manager ea%e Jorge unique perspective in
understanding the community and its needs. In 2008.Jorge de\eloped and negotiated a
comprehensive Education Compact with the Miami Dade Public School system which has
become the model for Miami Dade County. included among the elements is the signature
component.a Kinderktarten through 12th grade.non-magnet. International Baccalaureate(in)
Programme icnpkmented in every school. in every grade.available to every student in the Miami
Meech fader pattern culminating in the hizltlh rigorous International E3accalaw-eale(l131
Page 1003 of 1884
•2009-Gold Award presented to the City of Miami Reach for being one of the most li%able
communities in the world by the United Nations I,ivahle Communiti s.
•2007-Quathy Team Showcase Siate Champion aboard presented to the City of Miami fetch
by the Governor's Florida Sterling Council.
•2.005- Citizen of the Year Award presented to Mr_Gonzalez by the Miami Beach Chamber of
Commerce.
•2004- City Manager of the Year Award presented to Mr.Gonzalez by the Florida League of
C.itics.
• 2003-AllAmerica City Award presented to the City of Miami Beach by the the Naiiorw:
Civic League.the only community in the state of Florida and only one of 1(1 from around the
country.to receive this pttcstigious.national award.
To date Mr.Gonzalez continues to contribute his experience and lcadcrship by actively
scrving`kading on the governing Board of several national.state and local organizations including:
Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce.Greater Miami and the Beaches Convention and Visitors
Bureau(Executive Committee). €iass:s Museum of Art (Executive Board). W'olfsonian-H1.1. Miami
City Ballet. Miami Bich United.Adopt A Classroom. United Way of Arlington County.and St.
l'atrick's Church and School (Parish Council and Finance Committer).
Mr.Gonzalez is an extremely competent and ethical leader who has a concrete history of making
uutstanding. sipif icarn and lasting contributions to our City.Itis work has directly positioned our
City to he the world-class destination we are today and deserves to be recogniicd in our City's
histo .
We strongly urge you to award Mr.Gonzalez with this prestigious award and assure you that it is
mast deserted_ .
Sincerely__---
Ra achcco
hair
Miami Beach United
2021 'ABU Board of Directors
ottic.rs
RGCuet P checo.Pte$ideni
Saul Gross, Treasurer
ROr Stockman,Government A:foes
Tanya K.Shaft.Marketing
Nor?ensc Dc Castro.rvEcv bc'shio
Rhea D'Souza.AdrninistraTian
•
Directors
kvan gorros
C'oyic Dunham
Herb Fronk
Jorge Gonrct8ez
Jock Johnson
Adam Kravitz
Salah Leddick
Scott Neredeirrnn
Kirk Pcskal
• Murtniiiy Sutu[ui
Page 1004 of 1884
A
MIAMI BEACH
CHAMBER Of COMMERCE
- :t x' .11 Vis.. .. •• • `i-: ... ..
;• I
Page 1005 of 1884
Saul Gross
2900 Flamingo Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33140
March 19, 2021
City of Miami Beach Hail of Fame
Office of City Clerk
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
To Whom It May Concern:
Jorge Gonzalez served as the City Manager for twelve years and during this time
he was responsible for major accomplishments that benefitted the quality of life of
Miami Beach residents, including the following:
Brought the International Baccalaureate Program to all Miami Beach schools.
thereby enhancing the quality of education for every Miami Beach student.
Expanded parks programming to include more after school programs and summer
camp programs, with scholarships available so that no one was turned away: free
arts in the parks programs including Opera in the parks.
Re-imagined and reinvested in South Pointe Park, to make it one of the finest
waterfront parks in the country and safeguarded the park for resident use,
Renovated the Flamingo Park Pool and the Normandy Isle pool and made there
admission-free for residents.
Renovated Scott Rakow Youth Center and built the North Beach Youth Center.
Conceptualized, secured funding for and began construction of the Beachwalk
creating a pedestrian path along the Ocean to interconnect the entire length of
Miami Beach.
Managed, funded and implemented hundreds of miliions of dollars of capital
improvements including renovating two fire stations, two golf courses; the Collins
Park library, the North Beach Senior Center, Band Shell Park and the Botanica
Garden; expanding the Bass Museum of Art. and building 4 new neighborhood
parks and 6 new parking garages.
Under Jorge's tenure. almost every residential neighborhood received
improvements to their water, sewer and storm water systems, roads, lighting and
landscaping, updating infrastructure that was 60 years old.
Page 1006 of 1884
Jorge's accomplishments were appreciated by residents as evidenced by the
results of Citizen Satisfaction Surveys in which 89% rated their Quality of Life as
Excellent or Good and 80% would recommend Miami Beach as a place to live.
Jorge significantly enhanced Miami Beach's reputation as a cultural, entertainment
and tourism capital highlighted by the following accomplishments:
Helping secure and support Art Basel Miami Beach which is now one of the world's
premier art fairs. The economic impact of this fair including the ancillary events and
satellite fairs, has been estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars per year,
Working cooperatively with F lU to establish South Beach Food and Wine Festival
. which now has more than 80 events over the course of five days. The Festivals
collective media outreach has amassed more than 2.3 billion impressions.
Coordinating the master planning and creation of the New World Symphony
campus including the Frank Gehry designed New World Center and Soundscape
Park, a former parking lot' which has become the living room of Miami Beach,
where residents come together to experience walicasts of free music and movies.
Strikingly. Jorge was able to accomplish so much while maintaining tight control of
the City's finances. The professional, open and accessible budget process he
created was a mode! for other cities. During Jorge's tenure, Miami Beach had the
highest bond credit ratings in its history and the lowest miilage rate in decades.
Jorge successfully navigated the City through the Great Recession of 2008- 2009.
and amazingly during this most challenging economic period in 80 years. the City
had 2 bond rating upgrades. Jorge twice renegotiated the Convention
Development Tax Agreement with Miami Dade County securing additional funding
of more than $500 million, which was instrumental in later financing the renovation
of the convention center.
But budgets and projects don't tell the full story of Jorge Gonzalez Jorge relocates
his family and bought a house in Miami Beach, living in the community he was
managing. He re-shaped the City s work force to be more professional, more
diverse and more reflective of our community. And he created a leadership
academy to educate residents about City government and train future community
leaders. Jorge accomplished all of this with his calm demeanor, his compassion
for the less fortunate and his ability to bring out the best in others around him. He
must have done a lot of things nght to be'the longest-servino City iManager in the
City's modem era!
I proudly nominate my friend, Jorge Gonzalez, to be installed in the Miami Beach
Hall of Fame.
,a \ 4.7,Former Miami Beach City Commissioner 2001-2009
Page 1007 of 1884
1 f f1 f Sl 1 �A f, I1 ( p �1/� 4� 1 rHI.
JOSE SMITH, ESQUIRE
OF COUNSEL
887 N. Shore Drive
Miami Beach, Florida 33141
March 19, 2021
TO: Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nominating Committee
Department of Tourism and Culture
1755 Meridian Avenue, 5th Floor
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
Dear Sir or Madam:
During my tenure as Miami Beach City Commissioner, one of my proudest
achievement was hiring Jorge Gonzalez as City Manager; a position he held with
honor and distinction for 12 years. Upon his hiring, I referred to him as our
"future Dan Marino"; a superstar in the making.
It soon became evident that Jorge was a perfect fit. In addition to
intelligence and superb managerial skills,Jorge brought a vision that would make
Miami Beach a world class destination, recognized as a mecca for fine arts,
culture, and historic preservation. He made Art Basel possible by amending the
Convention Center Booking Policies, working with prominent local art collectors
and leading several delegations of city leaders to Basel Switzerland.
Jorge balanced the tension between a tourist based economy and
development interests while preserving the residents' quality of life. Controlled
growth, insisting on excellent architecture and fixing a crumbling infrastructure
became his top priorities_ Every neighborhood in the city received a much
needed face lift,every park was improved, and all development projects drew
world class architects, like Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid. South Point Park, the
Page 1008 of 1884
-2-
New World Symphony,the North Beach Youth Center, our popular golf courses,
our Beach and Bay Walks and much more became a reality.
His negotiation and managerial skills with vendors, developers and other
government entities brought us many public benefits and fiscal savings_ I was in
awe of his ability to negotiate the best possible deals for the city. His "Interlocal
Agreement"with Miami-Dade County governing the South Point Redevelopment
Agency was a stroke of genius. It became the most successful RDA in history after
beginning with scandals, and mismanagement in its early days.
During Jorge's tenure,the city was fiscally sound despite economic
downturns, even in the aftermath of 9/11. Our reserves grew,the tax millage was
reduced, our bond rating improved (to an all time high), reducing the cost of
borrowing. We diversified our economy and grew our tax base.
Jorge's creativity and "out of the box" ideas introduced yearly commission
"retreats" improving collegiality,communication, and good governance,a
"Citizens' Academy" to explain to residents how government functions, and other
initiatives enhancing transparency and public participation.
I will always be indebted to Jorge because he helped me become a better
Commissioner and a better City Attorney, indeed a better person_ I dare say that
Jorge was by far the best manager in the City's history.
For these and many other reasons, I am proud to endorse,support and
recommend Jorge Gonzalez to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame under the"Civic
Leader" Category
4)._,_ft
e..
ose I , q.
Former City Commissioner
and City Attorney
Page 1009 of 1884
NOMINATION PACKAGE CHECKLIST;
el COMPLETED NOMINATION FORM
NO BIOGRAPHY ON NOMINEE
LETTER OF NOMINATION
TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Page 1010 of 1884
830 Raymond Street
Miami Beach,FL 33141
March 21,2021
Miami Beach Hall of Fame Nominating Committee
Department of Tourism and Culture
1755 Meridian Avenue,5th Floor
Miami Beach,FL 33139
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing in support of the nomination of Jorge Gonzalez to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame, in the category of •
Civic Leader. In his professional capacity,his volunteer contributions,and his overall comportment as a resident of
our city,Jorge is exemplary in a multitude of ways,and his legacy will serve our city well for decades to come. In
addition to highlighting his professional impact for the greater good,this letter will confirm his contributions as an
engaged resident and neighbor.
Mr. Gonzalez' list of accolades and accomplishments for the City of Miami Beach is long, impressive and well-
known. To list but a few highlights:
• Mr. Gonzalez served for 12 years as the Manager of the City of Miami Beach,the youngest city manager
in the history of the city and the longest tenure of any city manager in our history.
• Mr. Gonzalez' tenure resulted in the City's highest bond ratings from Moody's and Standard and Poor's,
the City's lowest tax rates in decades, the City's highest reserves in history, the City's lowest crime rates
and the City's highest community satisfaction ratings from residents and businesses.
• Mr.Gonzalez was instrumental in developing and implementing a formal planning process and fostering an
organizational culture focused on teamwork, performance measurement, effectiveness and out-of-the box
thinking, and which was recognized by the American Planning Association(APA)Gold Coast Section for
its value and effectiveness in 2007.
• Mr. Gonzalez was also instrumental in making Miami Beach a world class arts destination, by securing
permanent homes for the Miami City Ballet, the New World Symphony (including developing a six-acre
site which features the symphony building and a public garage designed by world-renowned architect
Frank O. Gehry,and the spectacular Soundscape park),and the Art Basel/Miami Beach global art fair. He
also negotiated a management agreement with Live Nation, the largest global producer of live music, and
rebranded the venture as the Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater, which opened in
October 2007.
• Mr. Gonzalez attracted and oversaw significant special events, including such high-profile"high impact"
draws with national and global exposure,ranging from festivities around the Super Bowl in 2007 and 2010,
the Food Network's South Beach Food& Wine Festival,the Latin Grammys,MTV Latin Music Awards,
the SOURCE Awards,and the Latin Billboard Awards.
• While under Mr. Gonzalez' Ieadership, the City of Miami Beach,or Jorge himself,received the following
awards acknowledging various aspects of urban excellence:
o The first-ever City Manager of the Year Award from the Florida League of Cities,created in 2004
to honor a Florida city manager who displays exceptional excellence in the areas of judgment,
initiative, integrity, innovation, professionalism, commitment, and citizen relations. The Florida
League of Cities presented this award to Mr. Gonzalez in recognition of his commitment to public
service,innovative thinking,and results-oriented accomplishments.
o The Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year Award in 2005
c The "All America City" Award was presented to the City of Miami Beach in 2003 from the
National Civic League,the only community in the state of Florida and only one of 10 from around
the country,to receive this prestigious,national award.
o The Governor's Florida Sterling Council, in 2007, awarded the City its Quality Team Showcase
State Champion award.
Page 1011 of 1884
o The United Nations Livable Communities recognized the City with a Gold Award as one of the
most livable communities in the world 2009.
Jorge has also devoted a significant amount of time to volunteer and educational endeavors. The list of
organizations to which he donates his considerable expertise and wisdom include, but are not limited to, Miami
Beach Chamber of Commerce, Greater Miami and the Beaches Convention and Visitors Bureau (Executive
Committee), Bass Museum of Art (Executive Board), Wolfsonian-FIU, Miami City Ballet, Miami Beach United,
Adopt A Classroom,United Way of Arlington County,St.Patrick's Church and School(Parish Council and Finance
Committee). As well as professional organizations such as: ICMA-RC Client Advisory Board,ICMA Task Force
on the Future of the Profession, ICMA International Committee, ICMA Strategic Planning Task Force, Local
Government Hispanic Network,the Miami-Dade City/County Management Association and the Florida City/County
Management Association(District V Representative).
His experience before and after having been City Manager for Miami Beach shows that he has been consistent in his
excellence, from his early academic days to his roles in Miami Dade County and in the states of Maryland and
Virginia. He continues on his path of stewarding livable communities,putting the needs of the residents first, as
Village Manager of Bal Harbour Village since November 12,2013.
While we no longer enjoy Jorge's professional capabilities at City Hall,we continue to benefit, as a community,by
Jorge's commitment as an engaged active resident. I have had the pleasure of knowing Jorge since the early 'OOs,
when I met his wife Lesley as a fellow member of the Friends of North Beach Elementary board. I met Jorge shortly
thereafter at an event;having moved recently from Boston,where one didn't just"interact with"one's civic leaders,
I was impressed with his welcoming yet straightforward demeanor,affability,and knowledge. He was encouraging
and generous with his input, upon request, for various endeavors we undertook to fund-raise for the elementary
school. Since that time, I got to know him further, as a friend and fellow board member on the Bayshore
Homeowners Association,and as fellow board members of Miami Beach United. When I was elected President of
that organization, I would often draw on Jorge's experience, expertise, wisdom, and insight to help navigate the
shoals of policy,politics,best practices,and practical advice.
Mr. Gonzalez is firm,fair,friendly,and an excellent advocate for civic leaders,both professionally and on his own
time. His integrity and ethical modus operandi is a model for civic leaders everywhere. As a leader within the City
of Miami Beach's government,his public record of making significant,long-lasting contributions to our city,in the
form of enhancing our city's attractions, advocating for quality of life issues, and implementing strong leadership
protocols has enhanced our city's appeal in the long-term. His ongoing dedication to serving the community in
which he lives and has raised his family reinforces that his professionalism, advocacy, and commitment are still
serving his city well. His stellar record as a manager and as a neighbor have had,and will continue to have, a great
impact and make a lasting contribution to the unique character of this city, and for that he should be included in the
Hall of Fame.
I encourage you to recognize Mr.Gonzalez with this prestigious award.
Sincerely,
Croolr
Tanya K.B tt
City of Miami Be,ch P arming Board—Historic Preservation Seat
Miami Beach United—Board Member,past President and on-going Marketing
Miami Design Preservation League—Board Member
Page 1012 of 1884
M Nv\BEACH
HALL of FAME
Nominee's Name: Michael Aller
Nomination Submitted By: Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian
Chamber of Commerce/ Steve Adkins
Page 1013 of 1884
BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL FAME Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Application #HOF0009
Primary Contact: Mr. Steve Adkins
Phone: (305) 673-4440
Email: steve@gaybizmiami.com
Applicant Profile
Applicant Type Organization
Legal Name Miami Dade Gay&Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Date of 501(c)3 incorporation 12/01/1999
Address 1130 Washington Ave
1st Floor North
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
UNITED STATES
Telephone (305)673-4440
Primary Contact Mr. Steve Adkins
President CEO
Phone: (305) 673-4440
Email:steve@gaybizmiami.com
FEIN/TAX ID 65-0997245
Date Organization Formed 12/01/1999
•
#HOF0009 Page 1 of 5
Page 1014 of 1884
•
BEACH City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL,f FAME Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Application #HOF0009
Primary Contact: Mr. Steve Adkins
Phone: (305) 673-4440
Email: steve@gaybizmiami.com
Nominee's Information
1.Nominee's Name:
Michael Aller
2.Nominee's Category of Expertise:
Civic Leader
3.Date of Death:
(if a posthumous nomination)
1900-1-1
#HOF0009 Page 2 of 5 1
Page 1015 of 1884
."BEACH
City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL,1r FAME Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Application #HOF0009
Primary Contact: Mr. Steve Adkins
Phone: (305) 673-4440
Email: steve@gaybizmiami.com
Nomination Package
1. Please provide a brief biography highlighting the nominee's personal history and
connection to Miami Beach. Please put the nominee's accomplishments in context and
show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach.
Michael Aller was born in Detroit, Michigan in 1940. Aller's family spent 6 months out of the year(winter) in
Miami Beach and, upon graduation, he moved here permanently. Aller started his career path in the nursing
home industry, establishing his lengthy track record of community service.When he"retired," he made the
permanent move to Florida and proceeded to try on a variety of hats. Longtime residents might remember
him running a Polo shop in the Miami Beach Burdines department store or his mid-'80s stint as the star
performer of Michael Aller's Floating Piano Bar,a 60-foot catamaran based across from the Fontainebleau.
But it was his round-theclock dedication to the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce that prompted the city to
make its stars-aligning job offer;volunteering as membership director, newsletter founder and editor,
Business expo chairman and networking chair. Devoting himself full-time to the city made sense for its No. 1
fan."It's not a job,"says Aller. "This is a passion."
Aller became Tourism Director and Chief of Protocol for the City of Miami Beach in 1991 and has greeted
presidents of the United States, more than 40 other heads of state and countless celebrities. Michael, it is
commonly remembered was the first openly gay employee hired by the City of Miami Beach. He was
nicknamed"Mr. Miami Beach"because, as Mayor Matti Herra Bower noted,"If anything is going to happen
anywhere in Miami Beach, it is Michael Aller who can make it happen."His cell phone doubled as the Miami
Beach tourism hotline and he would field questions from visitors at all hours, 365 days a year. Aller
considered it his greatest contribution. "We have a hotline that's 24 hours,seven days a week, answered by
a person, not a machine. I hate when you call, and they say, 'Now press 1.'The City of Miami Beach shows
that we care for our residents."
2.Provide a letter explaining the nominee's accomplishments in context,provide a reason
and state eligibility for the nomination;and show how they are relevant and valuable to
Miami Beach.
Application Letter-Aller Accomplishments.docx
Letter of Recomendation 1
nomination letter-Neary.pdf
Letter of Recommendation 2
Nomination-Michael Aller to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame.pdf
I #HOF0009 Page 3 of 5
Page 1016 of 1884
�.BEACN City of Miami Beach - Hall of Fame - Hall of Fame 2020
HALL of FAME Miami Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Application #HOF0009
Primary Contact: Mr. Steve Adkins
Phone: (305) 673-4440
Email: steve@gaybizmiami.com
Nomination Package Checklist
Before submitting the City of Miami Beach Nomination Form via Go Smart, make•sure you
have done all the following:
Completed the nomination form. Please refrain from sending petitions, photographs, books, resumes,
Curriculum Vitaes(CV), etc. in lieu of completing the nomination form.
Included two (2) letters of recommendation.The letters of recommendation must be submitted in conjunction
with the nomination form.
#HOF0009 Page 5 of 5 I
Page 1018 of 1884
Yek'rr*Ile.
GAY 4 LE:',1-3IAN
CHAMBERP±
COMMERCE
4 o9T•FoR•PROFIT C"RPORCTION
Letter of Accomplishments—Michael Aller
November 2020
I would propose that there is not a person alive over 40 years old, living or working of Miami
Beach who does not know of Mr. Miami Beach--Michael Aller. This nomination could not be a
bigger"slam dunk" for the Miami Beach Hall of Fame and let us discuss the reasons why.
Michael Aller or as most know him, "Mr. Miami Beach," has devoted the last few decades to
promoting tourism in Miami Beach. The love affair with Miami Beach dates to his childhood,
when the Detroit native spent six months out of the year in Miami Beach at the Fontainebleau
with his snowbird parents. He still remembers his first impression-which never fails to dazzle
him even now. "Every time I come over the Julia Tuttle [bridge] and I get to the top of the crest,
it is thrilling to see the skyline of Miami Beach, the ocean, the bay, the hotels," he says.
Aller started his career path in the nursing home industry, establishing his lengthy track record
of community service. When he "retired," he made the permanent move to Florida and
proceeded to try on a variety of hats. Longtime residents might remember him running a Polo
shop in the Miami Beach Burdines department store or his mid'80s stint as the star performer
of Michael Aller's Floating Piano Bar, a 60-foot catamaran based across from the
Fontainebleau. But it was his round-theclock dedication to the Miami Beach Chamber of
Commerce that prompted the city to make its stars-aligning job offer; volunteering as
membership director, newsletter founder and editor, Business expo chairman and networking
chair. Devoting himself full-time to the city made sense for its No. 1 fan. "It's not a job," says
Aller. "This is a passion."
Aller became Tourism Director and Chief of Protocol for the City of Miami Beach in 1991 and
has greeted presidents of the United States, more than 40 other heads of state and countless
celebrities. Michael, it is commonly remembered was the first openly gay employee hired by the
City of Miami Beach. He was nicknamed "Mr. Miami Beach" because, as Mayor Matti Herra
Bower noted, "If anything is going to happen anywhere in Miami Beach, it is Michael Alter who
can make it happen." His cell phone doubled as the Miami Beach tourism hotline and he would
field questions from visitors at all hours, 365 days a year. Aller considered it his greatest
contribution. "We have a hotline that's 24 hours, seven days a week, answered by a person, not
a machine. I hate when you call, and they say, 'Now press 1.' The City of Miami Beach shows
that we care for our residents."
Page 1019 of 1884
Michael's dedication and passion for Miami Beach have resulted in numerous accolades, from
the South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year in 2005 by the Academy of Hospitality and
Tourism to the Twelve Good Men of Miami Award in 2008 by the Ronald McDonald House. The
Chamber annually awards a scholarship in his name to an Academy of Hospitality and Tourism
student, and the City National Bank Hi-Tides Outstanding Achievement Award at the Miami
Beach Chamber of Commerce's 91st Annual Dinner Gala. (taken from Community Newspaper
article, May 2013)
Some of Michael Aller's Milestones
• Created (and staffed)the Miami Beach Tourism Hotline
• Helped establish the annual Hurricane Preparedness program on Miami Beach (now
county-wide)
• Board member of(partial list)
o Red Cross
o GMCVB Executive
o GMBHA
o Miami-Dade Gay& Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
o National LGBTQ Task Force
o ASPCA
o Miami Beach Chamber
Page 1020 of 1884
,
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O.AY L.E B°--
CHAMBER::
COMMERCE
City of Miami Beach
Miami Beach, FL 33139
RE: Hall of Fame Nomination—Aller
To whom it may concern:
I have known Michael Aller for close to 30 years and there is not a better candidate for the
Miami Beach Hall of Fame. Known throughout the region as"Mr. Miami Beach," Michael has
lived his adult life in service to this community. As the first openly gay person to be hired by the
City of Miami Beach to being the voice of Miami Beach Tourism, Michael created an aura like no
one could have.
Hired in 1991 by then Mayor Seymour Gelber, Michael Aller was the first Director of Tourism
and Chief of Protocol. He created the Miami Beach Tourism Hotline and would rise at 3 am
each morning to start fielding calls and directing inquiries. Michael always carried his flip phone
everywhere he would go and the phrase"Miami Beach Tourism Hotline, Michael Aller speaking"
could be heard everywhere. With a "bigger than life"personality, Michael personified Miami
Beach as an over-the-top destination that lived life 24 hours a day and was welcome to
everyone!
I was proud to serve on the board of the Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
where we dedicated the conference room at the newly opened LGBT Visitor Center in 2010 to
Michael. A tribute to his style and commitment to the city are memorabilia from his time at the
city. A fan of Disney, you will find lots of Mickey Mouse characters throughout the display.
Michael Aller should be in the Miami Beach Hall of Fame and I am pleased to submit his name
for consideration.
V- truly y. v.,
A
1
P•- l!-- .- ,1 -. Or
61
r
Page 1021 of 1884
/1///I. COEVEN Oq&
COEA' fl C?V 3
!ns ron.`i PURE-4U
The Official Accredited Destination Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and the Beaches
November 18, 2020
City of Miami Beach
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139
To Whom It May Concern:
RE: Nomination of Michael Aller to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame
It gives me great pleasure to support the nomination of Michael Aller to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame.
Well known as-Mr. Miami Beach,"Michael Aller has passionately dedicated decades to promoting tourism
in Miami Beach, elevating the destination's recognition as a welcoming, diverse community for visitors
from around the world.
Aller's tenure with the City of Miami Beach began in 1991 when he became Tourism Liaison and Chief of
Protocol for the City. He has greeted multiple U.S. presidents and other heads of state,as well as countless
celebrities for official visits,conventions, meetings and special events.
Keeping visitors top of mind led Michael to create the Miami Beach Tourism Hotline directed to his cell
phone to field questions from visitors 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
His passion to serve the community's visitors also led to Alter spearheading efforts for the Annual Hotel
Hurricane Preparedness Program hosted by the City ofMiami Beach in conjunction with the Greater Miami
Convention& Visitors Bureau and the Greater Miami &The Beaches Hotel Association.
Michael's dedication and achievements on behalf of Miami Beach and tourism are reflected in the too
numerous to name awards. From the South Florida Tourism Professional of the Year in 2005 by the
Academy of Hospitality and Tourism to the Twelve Good Men of Miami Award in 2008 by the Ronald •
McDonald House, the diversity of the organizations is reflective of Michael's ability to be an outstanding
ambassador for Miami Beach and the Tourism Industry.
In 2010, the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce dedicated its Community Conference
Room to Michael Aller for his commitment and support of the LGBT community. The Miami Beach
Chamber annually awards a scholarship in his name to an Academy of Hospitality and Tourism student,
and in 2013 recognized Michael with the City National Bank Hi-Tides Outstanding Achievement Award.
Michael Aller's extraordinary achievements on behalf of Miami Beach and tourism make him the ideal
addition to the Miami Beach Hall of Fame.
Sincerely,
14_46..P42.4.44—ilf
William D. Talbert, IIl
President& CEO
701 Brickell Avenue, Suite 2700 • Miami, FL 33131 • USA • 305.539.3000 • MiamiandBeaches.com
Interna anal Qaces: Argentina • Braze • Canada • Cdorni)Pa • Ecuacor • Frarce • Germany • Mex,co • Peru • United Kincydorn • Venczueie
Page 1022•of 1884
Miami Beach Hall of Fame
Nominee's Name: Stephen H. Muss
Nomination Submitted By: Yechiel Ciment
Page 1023 of 1884
MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME APPLICATION
>>>Please Type All Information<<<
Nominee's Name: Stephen H. Muss
Nominee's Occupation, Field of Achievement or Title: Real Estate Developer/Hotelier
For what achievement(s) is the nominee best known? At one point in time being the largest
landowner in Miami Beach and saving the Fontainebleau Hotel from bankruptcy
Nomination Submitted by: Yechiel Ciment
Signature of Submitter: Date:
Title/Occupation of Submitter: Real Estate
Affiliation/Association to Nominee: Relative
(example:friend, colleague, student, employee, relative, etc.)
Address of Submitter: 4101 Pine Tree Drive, Apt. 1414 Miami Beach, FL 33140
Telephone: (Day) 305.458.8332 (Evening) 305.458.8332
(Fax)N/A
E-Mail Address: YCiment@gmail.com
Page 1024 of 1884
MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME APPLICATION
>>>Please Type All Information<<<
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Please provide essential information about the nominee. Essential
information includes: major accomplishments and/or contributions and honors/awards received. DO
NOT ATTACH ANOTHER 610, RESUME OR ARTICLE AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR USING THIS FORM.
AH information in this section should be stated in narrative form.A list of references and citations will
not be considered complete biographical information.
Stephen Muss's accomplishments have contributed significantly to the fields of humanities,medicine,
environment, peaceful coexistence,Jewish education,and the strengthening of the relationship between
Israel and the Diaspora.
Stephen Muss was born to a Jewish family in 1928 and raised in Brooklyn. He is one of the 37 grandchildren
of Isaac and Annie Muss. Isaac Muss was a carpenter who arrived in the United States in 1898.He built his
first house in Brooklyn in 1894.All six of his sons went into the real estate business.Stephen's father,
Alexander Muss,built in New York and Florida.
Stephen Muss is best known for leading the resurgence and redevelopment of Miami Beach,Florida. He
joined the family business supervised the building of homes and apartment buildings in Brooklyn, Queens,
Long Island, New Jersey, and Florida throughout the 50's and 60's.In 1967 he moved to Miami Beach and
began developing properties that would eventually lead to his becoming Miami Beach's single largest
landlord and taxpayer. In 1978,Stephen bought the Fontainebleau Hotel out of bankruptcy, renovated the
property, and brought along Hilton as manager in order to attract large scale conventions and meeting
bookings.This would be the beginning of putting Miami Beach back on the map as a hospitality destination.
In 1980,Stephen endowed the Alexander Muss High School in Israel (AMHSI)in memory of his father to
help support Jewish education for American youth and has been one of its primary supporters since that
time.The school has provided a study abroad program in Israel for almost 30,000 students since its
inception...most of whom are Americans. It now operates under the JNF umbrella and continues to be one
of the most important institutions contributing to the concept of Jewish continuity.Aside for being a past
recipient of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation Friend of Israel Humanitarian Award, he has also been
honored as a Man of the year by the City of Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce along with various other
philanthropic and civic recognition.
Questions 1 -3: Do not repeat the information given previously. Please put the nominee's
accomplishments in context: show how they are relevant and valuable to Miami Beach. •
1. Describe the ways in which the nominee's contributions have been of the greatest value for
the development of the City of Miami Beach. While there are many notable and respected
figures in Miami Beach, I am confident that very few will have contributed to the development of
Miami Beach as significantly as Stephen Muss. Stephen was responsible for the building of many
notable buildings in Miami Beach such as The Alexander Hotel, Seacoast Towers, Tower House,
Font:aineb eau Irandlil and-is most well=known for the saving of"tFie-Fontarne6 e1 au FfofeT-IClami
Beach is currently an investment hotspot and travel destination. When Stephen Muss bought the
Fontainebleau out of bankruptcy, he did so more as a civic gesture to the city he adopted as his
own, than any sort of business maneuver. His investment in the city during that precarious time in
the city's history was a stamp of approval that the city was still open for business with plans to thrive
Page 1025 of 1884
•
MIAMI BEACH HALL OF FAME APPLICATION
as a destination. Stephen Muss also donated one of the most well-known and widely used parks in
our city, 'Muss Park". Additionally and most importantly, Stephen was the one responsible for
instituting a "hotel bed tax" in Miami Beach against most business owners wishes in order to pay for
most of the city's current infrastructure (including the Miami Beach Convention Center). Additionally,
as Chair of the South Beach Redevelopment Agency, we was instrumental in securing South Pointe
as we know it today, from the Army, which was using it as a training base before deeding it over to
the city.
2. Describe the significant impact of the nominee's achievements. Quantify the answer where
possible. The nominee's achievements set the foundation for Miami Beach to grow and flourish as
the destination we have come to love and appreciate today. The hotel bed tax instituted by Stephen
Muss has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the city and has paid for much of the
infrastructure we love and enjoy using. When Stephen decided to dedicate Muss Park in honor of
his father, he did so because at that point in time the city was thinking of scrapping plans for the
park in favor of allocating funds towards a different cause. Stephen has consistently put his money
where his mouth is for the betterment of our city and very often, at his own expense, and the
expense of his various business ventures. When he saved the Fontainebleau Hotel, no one
believed in Miami Beach as a city, but Stephen believed (correctly) that the city would go as the
Fontainebleau went. Thus, he bought the hotel and continued to own it for close to 30 years.
3. Present evidence that the nominee's achievements have (or will have) enduring value to the
City of Miami Beach. Where applicable, focus your comments on change that has been or
will be created and how that change is expected to last over time. Who can imagine a Miami
Beach without the Fontainebleau Hotel? Muss Park? South Pointe?The Convention Center?These
are all city institutions that have been preserved; secured, and bettered through the business, civic,
and philanthropic largesse of Stephen Muss. He has significantly contributed to Miami Beach's
quality of life and will remain one of Miami Beach's most important figures for eternity.
Sources of Information: Be sure to include complete citations of sources of information used to write
the nomination (reference books, periodicals, etc.).
https://en.wikipedia.orq/wiki/Stephen Muss among others.
Page 1026 of 1884