South Dade’s Leaders Share Their Vision for the Future

On July 15, 2026, ChamberSOUTH hosted one of its signature events, the Meet the Mayors Luncheon, bringing together municipal leaders from across South Dade for an afternoon of meaningful conversation about the future of their communities. Moderated by Pinecrest Mayor-Elect Shannon Del Prado, the forum provided attendees with a rare opportunity to hear directly from the elected officials responsible for shaping the region’s future.
Unlike a traditional political debate, this discussion focused on collaboration, leadership, economic development, public safety, youth engagement, and the shared challenges facing South Dade. Each speaker brought a unique perspective while reinforcing a common message: although every municipality has its own identity, they all succeed when they work together.

ChamberSOUTH President Rick Alberty Opens the Conversation
The luncheon began with welcoming remarks from Rick Alberty, President of ChamberSOUTH. Standing before a packed room, Alberty emphasized ChamberSOUTH’s commitment to creating opportunities where government, business, and community leaders can engage in meaningful dialogue.
He reminded attendees that strong communities are built through partnerships. Bringing six municipal leaders together in one room allows residents and business owners to better understand the priorities, challenges, and opportunities facing South Dade.
His opening remarks established the tone for an afternoon centered on cooperation instead of competition.

Moderator Shannon Del Prado
Mayor-Elect, Village of Pinecrest
As moderator, Shannon Del Prado guided the discussion with professionalism, allowing every panelist equal opportunity to explain their vision while keeping the conversation engaging and informative.
Drawing upon her legal background and years of community leadership, Del Prado encouraged thoughtful discussion instead of political talking points. Her questions focused on issues residents genuinely care about, including responsible growth, quality of life, infrastructure, community engagement, and regional cooperation.
Throughout the forum, she maintained an atmosphere of respect, allowing each leader to highlight both the accomplishments and future goals of their municipality.

Joseph M. Corradino
Mayor of the Village of Pinecrest
Mayor Joseph Corradino discussed the importance of long-term planning and responsible development.
As both an urban planner and longtime public servant, he explained that successful communities are not created overnight. They require consistent planning, infrastructure investment, and a willingness to make decisions that benefit future generations rather than short-term interests.
He also emphasized regional cooperation among municipalities, noting that transportation, economic development, and environmental stewardship are issues that extend beyond city boundaries.
His remarks reflected decades of experience balancing growth while preserving the character that has made Pinecrest one of Miami-Dade County’s most desirable communities.

Karyn Cunningham
Mayor of the Village of Palmetto Bay
Mayor Karyn Cunningham focused on community engagement and the importance of listening to residents.
Having spent much of her professional career in education, she spoke about building trust between local government and the people it serves. She emphasized transparency, accessibility, and ensuring that citizens remain active participants in local decision-making.
She also highlighted the importance of maintaining high-quality public services while carefully managing growth to preserve Palmetto Bay’s family-oriented character.
Her comments reflected a leadership style centered on collaboration, education, and public involvement.

Tim Meerbott
Mayor of the Town of Cutler Bay
Mayor Tim Meerbott brought decades of community experience to the discussion.
He spoke passionately about preserving Cutler Bay’s unique identity while embracing responsible growth and new opportunities.
Meerbott emphasized that local government succeeds when elected officials remain visible and accessible. Building relationships with residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations creates stronger neighborhoods and better long-term decisions.
His comments also reflected pride in Cutler Bay’s accomplishments while acknowledging the importance of continually improving infrastructure, quality of life, and economic opportunity.

Charlotte Thompson
Mayor of the City of Florida City
One of the afternoon’s most memorable moments came from Mayor Charlotte Thompson, whose passion for community service was evident throughout her remarks.
She shared that she currently mentors fifteen young girls ranging in age from three to seventeen, many from single-parent households. Two of the children, she proudly noted, are “beautifully different,” reflecting her commitment to ensuring every child has opportunities to succeed.
Mayor Thompson described Florida City’s first youth flag football tournament, thanking retired Miami Dolphins tight end Oronde Gadsden for helping make the event possible. For many of the participating children, it was their first opportunity to experience an organized athletic event supported by community leaders.
She also discussed creating a Youth Council that would allow young people to have a direct voice in local government.
Rather than simply telling young people what adults think they need, Thompson explained that she wants to hear directly from them.
“I’m that mayor that wants you to tell me what to do. But make it make sense.”
Her passion extended beyond youth programs.
She also expressed her deep commitment to Florida City’s senior citizens and described regularly seeking partnerships that provide experiences many local children might never otherwise have. Whether asking organizations to help send fifty children to a Miami Heat game or a Miami Dolphins game, she made it clear that she is never hesitant to advocate on behalf of the city’s youth.
As Florida City’s first Black female mayor, Thompson described herself as a hands-on leader who enjoys visiting neighborhoods, talking with children while they play outside, and reminding residents that public service begins with personal relationships.
Her remarks drew one of the afternoon’s strongest rounds of applause.

Juan Fernández-Barquín
Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller
Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller Juan Fernández-Barquín expanded the conversation beyond municipal government by discussing the importance of civic engagement and understanding the role of county government.
He explained how transparency, accountability, and efficient public service strengthen confidence in government institutions.
Fernández-Barquín also encouraged residents to become more involved in local government, emphasizing that informed citizens help create stronger communities through participation, education, and civic responsibility.
His remarks reminded attendees that county and municipal governments work together every day to serve the residents of Miami-Dade County.

The Final Question That Stole the Show

A Memorable Closing Moment

The final question of the luncheon came from 15-year-old Jayden Sampedro, a student at Hialeah-Miami Lakes Senior High School.
Rather than asking about budgets, infrastructure, or economic development, Jayden asked Florida City Mayor Charlotte Thompson what inspired her deep commitment to helping young people.
The thoughtful question shifted the conversation from policy to purpose.
Mayor Thompson responded with heartfelt sincerity, sharing that she mentors 15 young girls, ages 3 to 17, many from single-parent households. She spoke about organizing Florida City’s first youth flag football tournament with the support of former Miami Dolphins tight end Oronde Gadsden, creating a Youth Council to give young people a voice in local government, and personally seeking opportunities to expose children to experiences beyond their community.
She also shared her passion for serving senior citizens and emphasized that true leadership means meeting people where they are, listening to them, and opening doors for the next generation.
As the first Black woman elected Mayor of Florida City, Thompson encouraged everyone to “get out of our own way” and invest in people through action, compassion, and service.
Her inspiring remarks brought the ChamberSouth Meet the Mayors Luncheon to a meaningful and memorable close, earning a standing ovation from the audience and leaving attendees with a powerful reminder that leadership is measured not only by policies but by the lives we choose to impact.

A Unified Vision for South Dade
Although each municipality faces unique opportunities and challenges, every speaker shared a common belief: collaboration is essential to South Dade’s continued success.
Whether discussing responsible growth, youth engagement, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, or transparent government, the panel demonstrated that effective leadership begins with listening and continues through partnership.
Events like ChamberSOUTH’s Meet the Mayors Luncheon allow residents and business leaders to hear directly from those shaping the future of South Dade while reinforcing the importance of civic participation.
As the applause faded and conversations continued throughout the room, one message remained clear: the future of South Dade will be strongest when its communities continue working together.

Editorial Disclosure: Wilson Alvarez attended the ChamberSouth Meet the Mayors Luncheon on July 15, 2026, as a member of the media on behalf of MiamiBusiness.com. This article was prepared from the author’s notes, photographs, and observations during the event. Speaker comments have been summarized and, where appropriate, condensed for clarity and readability while preserving their original intent. The opinions and viewpoints expressed are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of MiamiBusiness.com.