Honoring Service in Palmetto Bay

Key takeaways

• Public service is celebrated over politics as Palmetto Bay honors long-serving leaders who shaped the community.
• Infrastructure and environment matter with a drain vac truck and environmental advocacy highlighted.
• Leadership continuity is recognized through the naming of facilities and long-term stewardship.
• Practical recognition is used when symbolic honors meet laws and funding realities (The Woods vs. nature trail name).

Marsha Matson: Founding Palmetto Bay advocate

Marsha is one of the original founders of Palmetto Bay, a badge that places her in a rare category. While policy debates and personal style often drew public attention, she remained a tireless advocate for the environment—protecting green space, preserving the village’s character, and defending natural assets that give Palmetto Bay its distinctive feel. Her leadership underscores the depth of civic commitment required to sustain local identity.

Councilmember Cody initially proposed naming The Woods in her honor, a symbolic gesture that makes sense to many. County regulations complicate naming the preserve itself, but the village is funding a nature trail installed in The Woods that will bear Marsha Matson’s name, a practical solution that honors her legacy within the framework of the law.

Patrick Fiore: Infrastructure leadership

Known as the Infrastructure Councilmember, Fiore answers residents’ calls on potholes, sidewalks, and drainage, delivering tangible improvements. His leadership prompted the village to purchase a drain vac truck, a decision with a measurable impact: it strengthened Palmetto Bay’s Community Rating System score, translating into millions of dollars saved in flood insurance premiums for residents over time. That achievement is the kind of public service that moves beyond politics and into real-world resilience.

After twelve years of service, the Public Services Building bears his name, recognizing sustained dedication to the village’s daily operations and safety.

Karyn Cunningham: Continuity and leadership

Mayor Karyn Cunningham stands as the longest-serving current public official in Palmetto Bay, with twelve consecutive years of public service—four as Councilmember and eight as Mayor. Her steady leadership guided the village through growth, conflicts, the pandemic, hurricanes, and budget challenges. She has been described as the village’s chief ambassador, crisis manager, and often the adult in the room, bringing balance and steadiness to difficult conversations. The village plans to name the new Community Center in Coral Reef Park after Karyn, a testament to institutional knowledge and ongoing public trust.

Call to action and contact

The article notes that Grant Miller emphasizes honoring dedicated public servants rather than political theater. For questions or concerns, readers can reach the author at 305-323-8206 or via email at grant@communitynewspapers.com.

In summary, Palmetto Bay’s recognition of Matson, Fiore, and Cunningham reflects a community choosing service, continuity, and tangible progress as its guiding principles.