Surfside Explores a Biophilic Future with Youth Council Leadership

Surfside is taking steps toward becoming a biophilic city, an urban environment that puts nature at its heart. Inspired by the global Biophilic Cities Network, the Town is exploring ways to integrate more greenery, natural elements, and eco-conscious design into its public spaces. With the support of the Youth Council, Surfside is gathering ideas that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and meaningful connections to the natural world. This collaboration empowers the next generation to help shape a greener, healthier, and more vibrant community.

From the Youth Council and Sustainability Committee

The Town of Surfside was incorporated in 1935 as a beautiful pedestrian-friendly oceanfront community nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County. Surfside's natural beauty and subtropical paradise integrates nature into its urban environment through its pristine mile-long public beach, walking and bike paths, lush public spaces, and parks, providing residents and visitors with daily opportunities to connect with nature. Sustainability and green initiatives are a large focus in Surfside. The town’s designation as a "Tree City USA” reflects its commitment to preserving and expanding its urban tree canopy, which reduces heat, improves air quality, and provides habitats for wildlife. Public art projects, like the Turtle Walk sculptures, celebrate loggerhead sea turtles, strengthening the community’s connection to nature while raising awareness about conservation. With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, thoughtful urban planning, and a deep connection to nature, Surfside continues to lead by example–showing how small communities can make a big impact in the movement toward sustainability and resilience. 

Town Spotlights 

● In November 2024, Surfside hosted Platform Surfside; Flood Mitigation and Resilient Strategies for Coastal Communities, an interactive exhibition highlighting innovative approaches to flood mitigation, climate adaptation, and sustainability. The event featured Conceptual proposals and research from students at Syracuse University and the University of Miami School of Architecture, through workshops, presentations, and roundtable discussions, that engaged residents, leaders, and professionals in exploring sustainable solutions for coastal living.
● The Town’s Turtle Walk, a public art installation, celebrates Surfside’s connection to local wildlife– particularly the loggerhead sea turtle– while raising awareness for marine conservation and the importance of coastal ecosystems.
● Surfside participates in the Resilient305 Strategy, a regional collaboration focused on preparing Greater Miami and the Beaches for climate change. This program takes a forward-thinking, adaptive approach to addressing climate change by strengthening both natural and built environments. By improving utility efficiency and reducing local climate impacts, it helps Surfside align with regional resilience strategies across South Florida.
● Surfside’s Dune Renourishment Project is actively restoring and elevating dunes along a
three-block stretch of the town’s beachfront. These strengthened dunes will serve as natural buffers against storm surge, flooding, and erosion, while also creating vital habitat for native vegetation and coastal wildlife.
● Each year, Surfside hosts the Earth Day Resource Fair and Plastic Fishing Festival to celebrate sustainability and environmental awareness. The Resource Fair offers residents hands-on activities and tools to support eco-friendly living, while the Plastic Fishing Festival invites the community to collect beach litter and turn it into art. Together, these events promote conservation, creativity, and community engagement. 
● Surfside’s 2019 Climate Crisis Report and Action Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy to address climate change impacts through adaptation, mitigation, and resilience. It serves as a dynamic roadmap guiding the Town’s efforts to safeguard its coastal environment and community well-being.
● Surfside recently reconvened its Sustainability and Resiliency Committee to spearhead local climate initiatives and community engagement. This advisory group helps connect residents, town leadership, and technical experts to advance sustainability projects.
● A town wide bike-share program makes it easier for residents and visitors to choose
low-emission transportation options. The program supports Surfside’s goal of promoting healthy, sustainable mobility.
● Surfside recently adopted legislation to promote sustainability and resiliency to include mandating green building practices in accordance with LEED standards. LEED silver and SITES design criteria were also implemented during the 96 Street Park design phase in order to construct a more sustainable and environmentally friendly community space.
● Surfside’s Freebee on-demand electric shuttle service provides residents and visitors with sustainable public transportation and supports car-free mobility around town.