The Town of Cutler Bay recently announced that its Public Works Department had received awards at the local, state and national levels for excellence in floodplain management, transportation infrastructure, public service and administrative support.
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The top recognition came from the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) with the James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management. That award was presented during the ASFPM Awards Luncheon in Milwaukee, WI, on Thursday, June 4. Cutler Bay is one of only three Florida organizations and the only municipality ever to receive the award. The other two awards went to counties.
Named for former FEMA director James Lee Witt, the award was established in 1986. The town also received state and regional recognition from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Florida Chapter and the APWA South Florida Branch.
“These awards reflect the kind of thoughtful, results-driven work that has become a standard in Cutler Bay,” said Mayor Tim Meerbott. “Our Public Works Department continues to deliver projects that make a real difference in our neighborhoods, from stronger floodplain management to safer streets. We are proud of the entire Public Works team for representing Cutler Bay at such a high level.”
One important project noted by the APWA Florida Chapter Project of the Year Award in Transportation included the SW 200th Street and 103rd Avenue Traffic Roundabout Project, which was completed on time and under budget, saving more than $80,000, with zero safety incidents.
Besides the project awards, Cassandra Silva, administrative coordinator of the town’s Public Works Department, was honored with the APWA South Florida Branch Exceptional Performance Award for Administrative Support. She was recognized for her outstanding contributions to public works administration, including modernizing internal processes, improving interdepartmental coordination, strengthening fiscal oversight and enhancing customer service.
“These awards show the depth of work happening across our town,” said Rafael Casals, town manager. “From floodplain management to traffic safety to the administrative systems that keep everything moving, our staff is focused on serving the community with care, professionalism and accountability. It is an honor to see that work recognized by our peers at the national, state, and regional levels.”
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The APWA Florida Chapter also recognized Alfredo Quintero Jr. as the 2026 Public Works Director of the Year. He has overseen more than 30 award-winning projects in Cutler Bay.
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