Surfside mayor navigates challenges, chaos
Charles W. Burkett, a University alumnus, is serving his third term as mayor of Surfside.
Photo: TJ Lievonen/University of Miami
By Janette Neuwahl Tannen
Photo: TJ Lievonen/University of Miami Surfside mayor navigates challenges, chaos By Janette Neuwahl Tannen
07-30-2021
Mayor Charles W. Burkett, a University of Miami alumnus, is leading the town of Surfside out of an unthinkable tragedy.
Charles W. Burkett has spent his entire life on the barrier island that encompasses Miami Beach, Surfside, and Bal Harbor. He prefers it that way.
Even while studying business at the University of Miami, he commuted from his parents’ Miami Beach house. Then in 1997, a historic home attracted him north to Surfside, where he is now serving a third term as mayor.