Town of Cutler Bay Earns National, State, and Local Awards

Cutler Bay, FL – June 11, 2026 - The Town of Cutler Bay is proud to announce that its Public Works Department has earned multiple prestigious local, state, and national awards recognizing the Town’s continued excellence in floodplain management, transportation infrastructure, public service, and administrative support.

Leading the list is the Town’s national recognition from the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) with the James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management, one of the most significant honors in the field. The award was presented during the ASFPM Awards Luncheon in Milwaukee on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

Established in 1986, the James Lee Witt Local Award has recognized outstanding local programs and activities at the front lines of floodplain management for 40 years. Cutler Bay’s recognition places the Town among only three Florida organizations to ever receive the award and makes it the first Florida municipality to earn this honor. The two previous Florida recipients were Sarasota County in 2002 and Hillsborough County in 2006.

The award is named after former FEMA Director James Lee Witt in recognition of his efforts to strengthen and support local floodplain management capabilities. For Cutler Bay, the national recognition reflects the Town’s ongoing work to reduce flood risk, strengthen resilience, protect residents and property, and advance responsible floodplain management practices at the local level.

“These awards reflect the kind of thoughtful, results-driven work that has become a standard in Cutler Bay,” said Mayor Tim Meerbott. “Our Public Works Department continues to deliver projects that make a real difference in our neighborhoods, from stronger floodplain management to safer streets. We are proud of the entire Public Works team for representing Cutler Bay at such a high level.”

The Town also received state and regional recognition from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Chapter and the APWA South Florida Branch, highlighting the Town’s commitment to delivering high-quality projects and programs that improve safety, mobility, resilience, and quality of life for residents.

The Town’s SW 200 Street and SW 103 Avenue Traffic Roundabout Project received the APWA Florida Chapter Project of the Year Award in Transportation for projects under $2 million. The project was recognized for its impact on traffic safety and mobility in a residential neighborhood, transforming a high-volume intersection by installing a modern roundabout and related improvements.

The project included upgraded drainage, sidewalks, ADA ramps, resurfacing, signage, and landscaping. Located near a pedestrian bridge frequently used by families and students, the roundabout has improved pedestrian safety and addressed unsafe driving behaviors at the intersection. The project was completed on time and under budget, saving more than $80,000, with zero safety incidents.

The same project also received the APWA South Florida Branch Transportation Project of the Year Award, further recognizing its successful implementation of traffic calming measures and its positive impact on residents, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

In addition to the project awards, Cassandra Silva, Administrative Coordinator of the Town’s Public Works Department, was honored with the APWA South Florida Branch Exceptional Performance Award for Administrative Support. With more than 15 years of government service, Silva was recognized for her outstanding contributions to public works administration, including her role in modernizing internal processes, improving interdepartmental coordination, strengthening fiscal oversight, and enhancing customer service.

“These awards show the depth of work happening across our Town,” said Rafael Casals, Town Manager. “From floodplain management to traffic safety to the administrative systems that keep everything moving, our staff is focused on serving the community with care, professionalism, and accountability. It is an honor to see that work recognized by our peers at the national, state, and regional levels.”

These latest recognitions build on Alfredo Quintero Jr.’s recent selection as the 2026 Public Works Director of the Year by the APWA Florida Chapter. Since joining the Town in 2012, Quintero has helped lead and deliver infrastructure, drainage, transportation, and resiliency projects that have had a lasting impact on the community. He has also been recognized for overseeing more than 30 award-winning projects in Cutler Bay.

Together, these honors reflect the Town’s continued commitment to thoughtful planning, strong project management, fiscal responsibility, and excellence in public service.

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For media inquiries, please email media@cutlerbay-fl.gov.