A Deeper Look at the Work Happening Behind the Scenes

We often get asked, “What does the Biscayne Neighborhoods Association actually do?”

The truth is—we don’t love to brag. Much of our work happens quietly, behind the scenes, and that can sometimes make it less visible. But the impact is real, measurable, and deeply connected to everyday life in Edgewater.

So here it is, clearly and honestly.

Public Safety & First Responders

In December, BNA brought together neighbors, police officers, and firefighters for a community meeting at Maman. The turnout was strong, and the conversations were even stronger. Residents learned more about neighborhood security, response times, and how first responders support Edgewater day in and day out.

Beyond events, we remain in constant contact with City departments to:

• Monitor the growth and staffing levels of our police force
• Track departmental changes and leadership shifts
• Advocate for continued support as Edgewater grows

With a new mayor now in office, this monitoring is critical. Ensuring Edgewater remains properly staffed and supported is essential to maintaining safety and quality of life.

Traffic Advocacy & Street Safety

Traffic is one of the most frequent concerns we hear—and one we actively work on.

• BNA holds quarterly calls with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to stay informed and push for solutions.
• After years of advocacy, new lane restrictors were installed at Exit 2B from I-95 onto Biscayne Boulevard, addressing unsafe merging patterns.
• We are now working to extend those restriction poles so vehicles cannot merge too suddenly, improving safety for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Additionally, the City has begun traffic studies along North Bayshore Drive to add more crosswalks and improve pedestrian safety—another long-standing neighborhood priority.

Condo Legislation & Board Support

Condo legislation directly affects most of our members, and BNA stays closely appraised of every major change.

• We actively track and explain new laws, including legislation such as HB 13, which significantly impacted reserve requirements, inspections, and budgets.
• We recently recorded an in-depth interview with David Haber of Haber Law, answering real questions from board members.
• This interview will be released on our YouTube channel in January.
• Additional legislative guidance will be provided at our January 15 Legislative Meeting at the Miami Woman’s Club.

Baywalk Progress & Waterfront Advocacy

In 2025, BNA helped secure significant funding toward completing missing sections of the Baywalk.

This progress required sustained coordination with:

• City, County, and State officials
• Environmental agencies
• Florida Inland Navigation District (F.I.N.D.)

Currently, environmental and marine studies are underway to ensure construction does not damage marine life, reefs, or water quality. If all continues on schedule, construction could begin in the second half of 2026.

Parks, Cleanliness & Community Life

BNA continues to advocate for the long-term remodel of Margaret Pace Park, while also addressing immediate improvements.

Thanks to collaboration with park staff, the board, and Park Manager Melba Leiman, residents are seeing:

• Cleaner bathrooms
• Better-maintained sidewalks
• A more welcoming park environment

We are now working to secure additional park rangers, including enforcement authority for quality-of-life issues such as dogs off leash.

Farmers Market & Weekly Community Activation

BNA also helped East Coast Marketplace obtain the necessary permits to launch the Edgewater Farmers Market, now enjoyed by the community every Sunday at Margaret Pace Park—a meaningful addition to neighborhood life and local commerce.

Events That Bring the Community Together

In December, BNA brought holiday cheer to Margaret Pace Park in a way that had never been done before.

Through last-minute coordination and funding, we secured:

• A Christmas tree and menorah
• A tree lighting ceremony
• A special visit from Santa

The event resulted in over 200 professional photos, delighted hundreds of residents, and created a new holiday tradition for the neighborhood.

Civic Engagement & Government Accountability

BNA has also played a key role in strengthening local democracy.

In 2025, we hosted a mayoral debate featuring City of Miami candidates:

• Televised on Telemundo and NBC 6
• Moderated by the Miami Herald

This event helped inform voters and directly contributed to increased civic participation citywide.

Education Through Media

We’ve also expanded how we communicate.

BNA has officially launched its YouTube channel, where residents can learn more about the vendors and professionals who support daily life in our community—from engineers and insurers to legal and infrastructure experts.

This is about transparency, education, and empowerment.

The Bottom Line

So—what does the BNA do?

A lot.

And it’s important to remember:

This work is done by a small group of dedicated volunteers, driven not by profit or politics, but by genuine care for the community.

With 23 condominium associations now part of BNA—and more joining as Edgewater grows—this is what a neighborhood association making real impact looks like.

Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your support.

Together, we are making a difference in the City of Miami.