Eight Years of Service, A Lifetime of Gratitude

Published on November 02, 2026

By: Jeniffer Viscarra, Vice Mayor 

It has been a tremendous honor to serve as Commissioner for Seat 4 in Sunny Isles Beach for the past eight years. My goal when I took office was simple: to leave our city better than I found it. I believe I have done that, one initiative, one partnership, and one opportunity at a time.

I have always sought to support our Police Department and bring forward ideas to benefit our entire community. Before I was elected, as Chair of the City Advisory Committee, I introduced our Police Department to the CARD program, promoting training to help officers interact with neurodivergent individuals and avoid unnecessary escalation. That initiative evolved into autism certification for our Police Department and Ocean Rescue. Another PD-related initiative was actually one of the first things I ever put on an agenda -- exploring red-light cameras to improve pedestrian safety. Despite initial resistance, the program has been a resounding success, with a 100% scorecard on challenges and approximately $1M in revenue paid largely by non-residents. My Police Athletic League initiative eventually became IPAL (thanks to Chief Santiago!)—the Intracoastal Police Athletic League—in partnership with Aventura. I look forward to remaining on its board as our teens enjoy affordable volleyball, basketball, jiu-jitsu, and mentorship.

I am particularly proud of our Residents’ Academy. I developed its curriculum and volunteered to teach a seven-week course empowering residents with a deeper understanding of city government so they would not be misled by disinformation that seemed to be taking root in our politics. Watching two Academy graduates run for office this year, proudly citing the program as an accomplishment, was especially rewarding. I hope to continue volunteering, teaching, and empowering SIB residents one session at a time.

When Academy students asked, “What’s next?” I helped develop a legislative advocacy platform, supported in part through my personally funded newsletter, The SIB Ajenda. Today, we establish legislative priorities as a Commission and publicly track them online. I worked with city staff, our lobbyist, and collaborated with the Florida League of Cities to protect Home Rule, an important aspect of the Florida Constitution for local governments. Consequently, I am proud to be the only elected official in Sunny Isles Beach history recognized as a Home Rule Hero for four consecutive years (2023–2026). Legislative advocacy efforts led me to represent our community through leadership and committee service with the Miami-Dade County, Florida, and National Leagues of Cities. As a result, in 2025, I was named Elected Official of the Year by the American Society of Public Administration South Florida, which was another extraordinary honor.

My English-major heart also brought an initiative forward —Poetry in the Park, which city staff helped bring to life through a partnership with the Miami Book Fair. I am also very proud to have initiated Adaptive Beach Day so all our residents have an opportunity to enjoy our beach. I look forward to seeing that initiative grow as discussed at a recent Commission meeting.

Lastly, last month, it was a great privilege to present the Key to the City to the Archdiocese of Miami and Archbishop Thomas Wenski, recognizing their help, leadership, and partnership with Sunny Isles Beach since its earliest days. I could have never imagined that I would stand at a podium asking the Archbishop and parishioners to pray for the Pope (he had surgery the day before). It was surreal and quite wonderful.

Eight years have brought challenges, including a pandemic, but the positive far outweighs the negative. I am proud to have served while leading by example and without resorting to negative campaigns because, as a single mom, I play to an audience of one, though I hope it also pleases the rest of the community.

I leave office with invaluable lessons, a full heart, and deep gratitude for the opportunity to serve our beautiful city.

Thank you, Sunny Isles Beach.

Contact Vice Mayor Jeniffer Viscarra at seat4@sibfl.net or 305.792.1750.