Our 1st Lunch & Meet of the Year featuring Miami Shores Village Manager Esmond Scott
- msfriendlyvillager
- Jan 13
- 2 min read
On January 6, 2026, we kicked off the year with our first Lunch & Meet, featuring Village Manager Esmond K. Scott, who shared updates on major projects shaping the Village’s future. He was accompanied by his team.
Our meeting began with a new year invocation shared by Lisa DePriest, sighting "The Optimist Creed", in short, a promise to yourslef to be strong - not allowing anything to disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all of your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and to make your optimism come true.
Soon thereafter, we welcomed Mr. Scott. We are very grateful for his time, and love the updates to start off the year with important information about our Village. This will be his second year visiting the Miami Shores Friendly Villagers and we look forward to next year.
“Miami Shores Village has made meaningful progress on several major initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, enhance environmental resilience, and improve quality of life for residents. Through strategic planning and strong partnerships with Miami-Dade County, state agencies, and regional utilities, the Village continues to demonstrate responsible governance and a forward-looking approach to community investment.” -Emond K. Scott, Miami Shores Village Manager
A major highlight is the septic-to-sewer conversion in Shores Estates, replacing aging septic systems with centralized sewer service to protect groundwater and Biscayne Bay. The project has received $3.13 million in grant funding, with additional phases underway following an $8 million state award through the Biscayne Bay Water Quality Improvement Grant Program.
The Village also achieved a higher Community Rating System (CRS) score, resulting in a 25% reduction in flood insurance premiums for residents.
To strengthen coastal resilience, Miami Shores is constructing a new seawall, supported by $3.125 million in grant funding. The project includes a living seawall component designed to encourage marine life while protecting shorelines from sea level rise and storm surge.
Additional updates included the release of an RFP for management of the Miami Shores Golf & Country Club, along with continued investments in roadways, stormwater systems, parks, and public facilities.
Over the last four and a half years, the Village has secured $33.3 million in grant funding, leveraging local dollars at nearly a 3-to-1 ratio. Recent awards also include $8.7 million for future sewer conversions and $375,000 for a Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
Operational improvements were also highlighted, including police department accreditation, upgraded body-worn cameras with live translation, and enhanced radio systems ##
Our next meeting is on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026. Bring a friend!
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