Mayor Q & A: Juan Carlos Bermudez

South Florida CEO, Sept, 2005

SouthFloridaCEO interviewed Doral Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez about the city's progress, current challenges and future plans.

SFCEO: What are some of the city's accomplishments since incorporation?

Bermudez: We have approved a comprehensive master plan ... and all our city's departments are up and running. We have been able to maintain the fourth-lowest millage rate in Miami-Dade, even though we are paying $7.5 million to the county each year in mitigation fees. This is an issue we need to revisit with the county.

SFCEO: What are the highlights of the city's master plan?

Bermudez: We've committed to adding more parks and other green spaces. We're also taking some of the older industrial areas and making them mixed-use, bringing an exciting live and play dimension to our city.

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SFCEO: How are you creating a sense of community?

Bermudez: Our Parks Department is building our first baseball and soccer fields and basketball courts. On July 4th we held our annual parade, and a great fireworks display that was viewed by more than 20,000 people. We have placed a "Welcome to Doral" sign at every major entrance to our city with "Thanks for Visiting" on the back. It may seem like a small thing, but it helps to create that sense of community.

SFCEO: What kind of relationship does the city have with the local business community?

Bermudez: Doral is a business-friendly city. Our council and our residents understand the importance of business. We are committed to bringing more international and national companies to our area, to the betterment of all Miami-Dade County.

SFCEO: What are the major challenges facing Doral?

Bermudez: We need to work with the county and state on our transportation issues. We have Miami International Airport on the east and the rock mining industry and the Everglades on the west. That means we have to weigh the concerns of our residents and businesses, as well as those of the rock mining companies and the powerful economic engine of the airport, to find a middle ground that improves the traffic flow.

SFCEO: Has incorporation made a difference for Doral?

Bermudez: Without a doubt, the answer is yes. Things like our parks, a planned increase in single-family homes and the downtown overlay district could not have been done without cityhood. Now, working concurrently with the state and the county, we can determine our own future.