Building Better Communities: Highlights from the Board Member Roundtable
Last Thursday, board members and community leaders gathered at Fleming’s for an engaging and solutions-driven roundtable discussion. The evening was filled with insightful conversations on the pressing challenges facing condominium associations, from rising insurance costs to city infrastructure concerns. With a strong turnout from condos like the Icon, 500, Nordica, Solaris at Brickell, Courvoisier Courts, Brickell Key, Courts Brickell Key, Two Tequesta, Bristol Tower, The Mark, Brickell Biscayne, Gallery Art, and others, this event proved to be an invaluable opportunity for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and proactive planning for the future of our communities.
A special thank you to our sponsors, Hotwire Communications and Brown & Brown Insurance, whose support made this gathering possible. Their dedication to our community and commitment to providing valuable expertise continue to empower board members in making informed decisions. We deeply appreciate your generosity, insights, and the meaningful role you play in shaping the success of these discussions. Thank you for being such integral partners in fostering stronger, more resilient condominium communities.
If you’d like to connect with them, you can reach out via email or LinkedIn. Here are their contact details:
Brown & Brown Insurance:
Derrick Karadi, CRIS – Senior Vice President, Commercial Insurance Advisor | Derrick.Karadi@bbrown.com
Kelly Ahearn – Commercial Lines Account Executive, Property & Casualty Insurance | kelly.ahearn@bbrown.com
Erika Seelin – Brown & Brown Insurance |Erika.Seelin@bbrown.com
Kyle Frain – Brown & Brown Insurance | Kyle.Frain@bbrown.com
Hotwire Communications:
Marilyn Linero – Sr. Regional Director, Launch Department and Revenue Growth | LinkedIn
Gus Garcia – Launch Account Manager
Tony Bayate – Business Development Executive
A few discussion items were the following:
Leaks & Water Damage – One of the primary concerns raised was how to effectively handle leaks, mitigate damage, and navigate insurance claims. Board members shared experiences, and solutions were discussed to improve response times and preventative measures.
Emotional Support Animals & Condo Policies – Addressing the complexities of accommodating emotional support animals in condo communities was a key topic of discussion. Attendees shared insights on balancing resident needs with legal obligations, ensuring compliance with regulations, and implementing fair policies that align with both federal and local guidelines.
Upcoming Residential Developments– With continued growth in our area, we discussed nearby residential projects and their potential impact on traffic, property values, and overall community dynamics.
City Politics & Upcoming Elections for District 3 – The discussion also touched on the upcoming elections for District 3 and how policy changes may impact condominium communities. Board members shared their perspectives on the local political landscape and the importance of staying informed and engaged.
Poor Lighting on Brickell Avenue – Attendees raised concerns about inadequate lighting along Brickell Avenue and discussed potential improvements for pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian Safety: Challenges with Walkers, Bikes, Scooters, and Dogs– The discussion covered the increasing conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, scooter users, and dog walkers, emphasizing the need for better infrastructure and regulations.
Brickell Key Traffic – The group examined ongoing traffic congestion issues on Brickell Key and potential solutions to improve traffic flow.
Insurance Problems & Solutions – A significant portion of the discussion focused on rising insurance costs and potential strategies for securing better coverage and reducing premiums.
Beyond these key topics, the conversation covered various other concerns that board members face daily, reinforcing the importance of these roundtable discussions as a platform for shared knowledge and strategic planning.
It was another engaging and productive event, bringing board members together to learn, collaborate, and find solutions to common challenges. We appreciate everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion!
Stay tuned for details on our next Board Member Roundtable—we look forward to seeing you there!
