Charles W. Burkett, 45, was born and grew up in Miami Beach. He moved to Surfside in 1995. Mr. Burkett went to St. Patrick’s School and then Archbishop Curley High School before graduating from the University of Miami and beginning a career as a preservationist, renovating art-deco properties on Miami Beach. The Federal Government has recognized many of his properties as Historic Renovation Projects. Development and preservation through the restoration of older and historic properties is his only occupation. He has built a company that renovates, owns and operates income property nationwide.
Locally, he has served as a Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Board Member and as Chairman of its Code Enforcement Committee for many years. He served on Miami Beach’s Nuisance Abatement Board, and was President of the North Beach Development Corporation while North Miami Beach underwent its complete streetscape program. He has served on the Community Development Block Grant Board, allocating federal monies to needy organizations like Meals on Wheels and Log Cabin Nursery for the disabled in North Beach. He served as Commissioner of the Miami Beach Housing Authority for eight years, including four years as Chairman, where he managed a $22 million budget and staff of 40. At the Housing Authority Charles led the organization from probationary status back to high performer, slashed a huge deficit to virtually zero, streamlined and increased efficiency within the staff and improved services to its clients while encouraging self sufficiency and accountability from all. As a board member and officer of the LaGorce Drive and Pinetree Drive homeowners association, he undertook and participated in the redesign of both streets to calm traffic.
He was a founder supporter of the Surfside Coalition following the elections of 2004 to bring positive change to Surfside and has been active for years with the Miami Beach Police Athletic League and Citizens Police Academy. Charles is the proud single father of William Michael Burkett, age 3.
Message From Mayor Charles W. Burkett
