Surfside’s Flamingo Garden Park Awarded 2025 Viva Florida Grant to Expand Native Landscaping

The Florida Wildflower Foundation has awarded the Town of Surfside a 2025 Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden grant to enhance native plantings at Flamingo Garden Park, a pocket park beloved by walkers and cyclists alike.  Located in the heart of the residential district at 92nd Street and Bay Drive, it offers a charming, tranquil space for reflection amongst scenic greenery.  The grant application was spearheaded by Commissioner Vildostegui.

The grant will support the installation of Florida native wildflowers and plants, including beach verbena (Glandularia maritima), Jamaican caper (Quadrella cynophallophora), and American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). The additions aim to showcase the beauty and ecological value of native flora in urban settings, while supporting pollinators and local wildlife.

Located on a barrier island, Surfside is uniquely positioned to model resilient and sustainable coastal landscaping practices. The project aligns with the Viva Florida program’s mission to educate the public on the importance of native plants and demonstrate their use in both public and home gardens.

“This award reflects our Town’s commitment to sustainability, community beauty and environmental education,” said Town Manager Mark Blumstein. “By expanding our native landscaping at Flamingo Garden Park, we’re not only enhancing the space for residents and visitors, we’re also supporting the ecosystem that surrounds us.”

The updated garden, which already features a pergola, bench, lending library, and sculpture, will serve as a demonstration site for environmentally conscious planting that thrives in small urban spaces.