Pursuant to Section 82-504 of the City Code, please place on the February 22, 2023 City Commission agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Qualify of Life Committee (PSNQLC) for a discussion and recommendation for the naming of a field or other portion of Flamingo Park to commemorate Arnold Notkin, known by many as “Arnie,” who perished in the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021.   

I understand that Mr. Notkin contributed to the City of Miami Beach for approximately 40 years as a physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now the Fienberg Fisher K-8 Center).  He was also a long-time coach at Flamingo Park and President of the local Police Athletic League and beloved by the countless students and children he impacted over many years.   

Last year, the City of Miami Beach honored Manuel Lafont, a former coach at North Shore Park, who also died in the Champlain Towers collapse, by naming the North Shore Park baseball fields in Mr. Lafont’s honor.  I propose that the City Commission consider a similar naming in honor of Arnold Notkin and his legacy of serving students and children in the City of Miami Beach.   

Please do not hesitate to contact me or my aide Robert Novo if you have any questions.