Palmetto Bay Candidate Forum
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Around Palmetto Bay to Host 2026 Palmetto Bay Candidate Forum
Community invited to meet candidates, hear directly from those seeking local office, and submit questions for the forum
PALMETTO BAY, FL — September 28, 2026 — Around Palmetto Bay, founded by local community advocate Lisa Merkin, will host a Palmetto Bay Candidate Forum & Meet and Greet on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Central Makers at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33177.
The nonpartisan community event will give Palmetto Bay residents an opportunity to meet and hear directly from candidates running for Mayor and Council Seats 1 and 3 ahead of the Village of Palmetto Bay municipal election.
The forum is designed to provide residents with an informative and welcoming environment where they can learn more about the candidates, hear their views on issues affecting Palmetto Bay, and get answers to questions that matter most to the community.
Residents Are Invited to Submit Questions
Around Palmetto Bay is asking residents to help shape the conversation.
Residents are encouraged to submit any questions they would like the candidates to answer during the forum. Questions may address Village issues, community concerns, priorities for Palmetto Bay, or other topics residents believe candidates should discuss.
Please email your questions in advance to Lisa Merkin at lmerkin@me.com.
Submitted questions will help Around Palmetto Bay identify the issues residents most want to hear candidates address during the forum.
“Local government has a direct impact on our everyday lives, and residents deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the people asking to represent them,” said Lisa Merkin of Around Palmetto Bay. “We also want residents to have a voice in this forum, which is why we’re asking the community to send us the questions they want answered. Our goal is to help Palmetto Bay residents become informed and engaged before they cast their votes.”
Candidates will be given designated time to respond to questions, providing residents with an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office.
The Candidate Forum will take place in conjunction with Central Makers at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, featuring local artisans, food vendors and family activities.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Palmetto Bay Candidate Forum & Meet and Greet
Hosted by: Around Palmetto Bay — Lisa Merkin
When: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Where: Central Makers @ Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Address: 12450 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33177
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE CANDIDATES?
Palmetto Bay residents are encouraged to submit questions they would like answered at the Candidate Forum. Email questions to: lmerkin@me.com
Residents are encouraged to attend, bring their questions and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the candidates seeking to represent their community.
Media are welcome to attend and cover the event.
ABOUT AROUND PALMETTO BAY
Around Palmetto Bay, founded by Lisa Merkin, is a community-focused platform dedicated to connecting Palmetto Bay residents with local events, businesses, organizations and information that matters to the community. Around Palmetto Bay seeks to strengthen community connections and encourage residents to become involved in the place they call home.
MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Merkin
Around Palmetto Bay
Phone: 305-690-1988
Email: lmerkin@me.com
