About Michael



   Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I began my service for the people of Miami Beach nearly ten years before I decided to run for office volunteering my time to many civic, governmental, and charitable organizations.  In 2006, I was given the opportunity to serve as a Commissioner for Miami Beach for a one year term.  Thank you for entrusting me now with a full four year term to ensure I have ample time to use my experience to benefit the entire Miami Beach community.  Miami Beach needs leaders with experience now more than ever and I vow to serve you with effectiveness and integrity.

My prior experience as a Miami Beach Commissioner allowed me to learn the ins and outs of our local government. Now I am at work applying my abilities and energies to the job of serving the people of Miami Beach.  I have hit the ground running, serving our community immediately upon taking office. I am ready to make difficult decisions that have to be made. I welcome this challenge and I am confident that I will exceed your expectations!  Please continue to support me with your ideas and involvement.

Sincerely yours,

My qualifications to serve were gained over a ten year period of time.

Experience / Credentials

Governmental
  • Miami Beach City Commissioner, 2006-2007 and 2009 to 2013
  • Member, Miami-Dade County Safe Parks Oversight Committee, 2009 
  • Member, Miami Beach, Zoning Board of Adjustment
  • Member, Miami Beach, Design Review Board  
  • Special Magistrate, Miami Dade County, Value Adjustment Board for Property Tax Appeals
  • Special Master, Miami Beach Code Enforcement
  • Member, Miami Beach, Condominium Reform Task Force
  • City of Miami Beach Mayor's Blue Ribbon Tourism Taskforce, after 9/11
  • Vice Chair, City of Miami, Code Enforcement Board

Civic
  • Chairman, Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach, 2007-2009
  • Member, Board of Governors, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce
  • President, Miami Beach Bar Association 2007 during which time the stated goal of re-opening the North Beach Pro Bono Law Clinic was accomplished
  • President (3 terms), Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce
  • Director, Advisory Board for Neighborhood Lending Partners, (Affordable Housing)

Professional
  • Attorney at Law, Partner, Community Association Law and Litigation, Lead Community Association Litigator
  • Owner/Operator of Miami Beach Law Firm, 2001-2005  
  • Legal Advisor, CAMACOL/ Latin American Chamber of Commerce

Educational
  • Juris Doctor (Law Degree), University of Miami, Cum Laude, 1994

Distinctions
  • Business Leader Events 2009 South Florida Movers & Shakers Award
  • Florida Trend's Florida Legal Elite 2009 - please see below
  • Daily Business Review, Special Report:  New Partners Recognition of Promotion to Partner 2009   
  • City of Miami Beach Key Recipient in Recognition of Outstanding Service, 2003 & 2007 
  • "Power 50," SunPost Newspaper, 2003
  • "Next Gen Leader," South Florida CEO Magazine, 2006

Credenciales y Experiencia
  • Comisionado Miami Beach 2006-2007
  • Member, Miami-Dade County Safe parks Oversight Committee, 2009 
  • Chairman, Environmental Coalition of Miami Beach, 2007 to 2009 
  • Special Master, Miami Beach Code Enforcement
  • Special Magistrate, Miami Dade County, Value Adjustment Board / Property Tax appeals.
  • Miembro, Miami Beach, Condo Reform Task Force.
  • Miembro, Miami Beach, Zoning Board Adjustment.
  • Miembro, Miami Beach, Design Review Board.
  • Miembro, Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Tourism Task Force (Despues de 9/11)
  • Presidente (3 ejercicios) Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce.
  • Asesor Legal, CAMACOL/Latin American Chamber of Commerce.
  • Vice Presidente, Ciudad de Miami, Code Enforcement Board.
  • Abogado, Becker & Poliakoff, Community Association Law and Litigation.
  • Presidente, Miami Beach Bar Association.
  • Propietario y Abogado de una Firma de Abogados con Oficinas en Miami Beach desde el año 2001 al 2005.
  • Recibió la Llave de la Ciudad de manos del Alcalde  en apreciación por los servicios prestados a la ciudad de Miami Beach.
  • "Power 50", SunPost Newspaper, 2003
  •  "Next Gen Leader" South Florida CEO Magazine, 2006
  • Daily Business Review Recognition of promotion to partner, Becker & Poliakoff, P.A., 2009 
  • Juris Doctor (Diploma de Abogado) Universidad de Miami, Cum Laude, 1994
The success of Miami Beach is no accident. Vision to move forward and foresight to protect it are needed for the future.  Where there is concern there is hope. That's why I'm running for Miami Beach Commissioner. I have concern and I have hope because I believe in a bright future. Miami Beach is a great city, now. We need to work together for the future.  I am asking for your vote. Give me an opportunity to work with residents and city officials to resolve the tough issues facing Miami Beach.


 



Michael Gongora Day December 2007



Please contact me at:

Commissioner Michael Gongora
1700 Convention Center Drive
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Legislative Aide:  Diana Fontani Martinez

(305) 673-7103 - Office

Website:  michaelgongora.com 

Email:  michael@miamibeachfl.gov