Former Mayor Eli Tourgeman Brings a Little Azúcar to Surfside
For longtime resident Eli Tourgeman, idle hands are just not an option. Surfside’s first Hispanic Mayor has always been characterized by his passion for public service, community and activities. Tourgeman was also the first Hispanic person to be elected to Surfside’s Commission in 1986 after serving on the Town’s Planning and Zoning Board. Throughout the mid-90s and 2000s, he spearheaded many initiatives on the Tourist Board, introducing Resort-Tax-funded special event entertainment to the community and championing the Harding Avenue business district.
Following this year’s spring election, coming back to the Tourist Board was a no-brainer. “I love serving this Town and making sure that our visitors make lasting memories while they’re here, and I think we have more work to do” he said. Tourgeman has always advocated for beach events as they highlight the Town’s most beloved natural asset. “It’s the number one reason why visitors come.”
His first venture as Chair of the refreshed Tourist Board was proposing a new beach concert in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15–Oct. 15), highlighting the legendary Celia Cruz on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 5 p.m. “Celia was truly larger than life. A real visionary who broke barriers and revolutionized the way Hispanic music was recognized in the United States.” Cruz went on to win multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, including a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the National Medal of Arts, presented by President Bill Clinton in addition to being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “Our Town is so diverse; it’s one of our strengths. We hope everyone has an incredible time at the concert and enjoys a little Azucar!”
The Town of Surfside wishes our residents, visitors and neighbors a very Happy Hispanic Heritage Month. We are proud to celebrate the rich cultures, traditions and contributions of the Hispanic and Latino communities that help make Surfside such a vibrant and diverse place to live, work and visit.
