Dania Beach: Dania Beach Meeting
Summary. The City Commission of Dania Beach held its regular meeting on March 24, 2026, with all commissioners present. The meeting included significant recognition ceremonies, important development discussions, and a major leadership transition announcement. The finance department received the prestigious Triple Crown Award for excellence in financial reporting, budget presentation, and annual financial reporting - marking their second consecutive year winning this honor. The commission also honored Corinne LaJoy for her 24 years of service as the longest-serving female city leader. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to contentious public hearings regarding rezoning applications for Griffin Holdings properties, which generated substantial community input and concerns about code compliance, parking, flooding, and transparency. After extensive public comment and discussion, these items were continued to April 28, 2026, to allow staff time to review revised plans. The meeting concluded with a historic moment as Mayor Davis recommended Deputy City Manager Candido Sosa Cruz to succeed retiring City Manager Ana Garcia, with the commission unanimously approving his appointment as the next city manager.
Agenda Items
3.1. Triple Crown Award Presentation to Finance Department
Nicole Gasparri, president of Florida Government Finance Officers Association, presented the national Triple Crown Award to the finance department for excellence in financial reporting, budget presentation, and popular annual financial reporting.
- Second consecutive year winning this prestigious award
- Recognition of hours of preparation and review required
- Acknowledgment of finance team working behind the scenes
- All team members were either hired or promoted by current administration
3.2. Proclamation Approvals
Three proclamation requests were approved: Irish American Heritage Month (March 2026), Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month (April 2026), and Paralyzed Veterans of America Awareness Month (April 2026).
- Irish American Heritage Month sponsored by Commissioner Ryan
- Esophageal Cancer Awareness Month sponsored by Commissioner Romoli
- Paralyzed Veterans Awareness Month sponsored by Mayor Davis
- Unanimous consensus achieved
3.3. Women's History Month Recognition
City Manager Garcia honored Corinne LaJoy for her 24 years of service as the longest-serving female city leader, recognizing her expertise in planning and quiet leadership strength.
- LaJoy hired in 2002, promoted in 2020
- Recognized for planning expertise and professional presentation skills
- Acknowledged as amazing employee and mother
- Daughter attending Florida State University
4.2. Irish American Heritage Month Proclamation Reading
Commissioner Ryan read the proclamation recognizing March 2026 as Irish American Heritage Month, highlighting Irish contributions to American independence and Dania Beach community.
- 300,000 Irish nationals immigrated by 1776
- Five signers of Declaration of Independence were of Irish descent
- Irish families settled in Dania in early 1900s including Ryan family
- Recognition of cultural contributions through music, dance, language, and food
10.1. Mamamedi Shalom Academy Site Plan and Variances
Approval of site plan modification and two variances for the religious school to add parking spaces and install an 8-foot security fence.
- Request for 53 parking spaces with dead-end design (variance from 21 maximum)
- 8-foot fence height variance from 6-foot maximum for student protection
- Property has mixed zoning districts
- Community outreach meeting held virtually in February
10.2/12.1. Griffin Holdings Rezoning and Site Plan
Contentious application for rezoning and site plan modification for properties on Griffin Road and surrounding streets, involving clubhouse, pool, and dog park amenities.
- Alternative concept presented day of meeting without staff review
- Extensive community concerns about code violations, parking, flooding
- Questions about synagogue operations vs. clubhouse use
- Staff recommended continuance for proper technical review
- Planning and zoning board previously recommended denial 4-1
13.1. Public Art Artist Selection
Approval of artist ranking and selection of 'Ocean in a Drop' mosaic project for City Hall fountain from top three finalists.
- 30 artists initially responded, shortlisted to 8, ranked by advisory board
- Three top projects: Underwater Dania Beach, Ocean in a Drop, Olsen Middle School mural
- Concerns about school board stability eliminated Olsen option
- Budget allows for one $50,000 project this fiscal year
- Discussion about spreading public art throughout city vs. centralizing at City Hall
13.2. City Manager Recommendation
Mayor Davis recommended Deputy City Manager Candido Sosa Cruz as the next city manager to succeed retiring Ana Garcia, with unanimous commission approval.
- Recognition of Garcia's 7 years of transformational leadership
- Sosa Cruz's 15 years municipal experience, 6 years in Dania Beach
- ICMA credentialed manager with MBA in strategic management
- Marine Corps veteran with values of discipline and service
- Concerns raised about process vs. direct appointment
- Strong resident and staff support noted
- Discussion of succession planning and organizational stability
Motions & Votes
Motion to approve the consent agenda
Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Llewellyn
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve item 10.1 - Mamamedi Shalom Academy site plan and variances
Moved by Commissioner Ryan, seconded by Commissioner Llewellyn
Passed unanimously
Motion to continue items 12.1 and 10.2 until April 28, 2026 meeting
Moved by Commissioner Llewellyn, seconded by Commissioner Romoli
Passed unanimously
Motion to approve the eight artist ranking and select artist number two (Ocean in a Drop project)
Moved by Commissioner Llewellyn, seconded by Commissioner Romoli
Passed unanimously
Motion to appoint Candido Sosa Cruz as the next city manager
Moved by Vice Mayor Salvino, seconded by Commissioner Llewellyn
Passed unanimously
Motion to appoint Broward League of Cities representatives with Mayor Davis as director, Commissioner Romoli as first alternate, and Commissioner Ryan as second alternate
Moved by Vice Mayor Salvino, seconded by Commissioner Romoli
Passed unanimously
Action Items
Review alternative concept plans for Griffin Holdings development
Assigned to Community Development Staff · Due April 28, 2026
Prepare contract for new city manager appointment
Assigned to City Attorney · Due Next meeting after 5-day advertising requirement
Proceed with Ocean in a Drop public art project at City Hall fountain
Assigned to Community Development/Public Art Advisory Board
Transmit Broward League of Cities appointments
Assigned to City Clerk
Frequently Asked Questions
What was decided at this meeting?
The City Commission of Dania Beach held its regular meeting on March 24, 2026, with all commissioners present. The meeting included significant recognition ceremonies, important development discussions, and a major leadership transition announcement. The finance department received the prestigious Triple Crown Award for excellence in financial reporting, budget presentation, and annual financial reporting - marking their second consecutive year winning this honor. The commission also honored Corinne LaJoy for her 24 years of service as the longest-serving female city leader. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to contentious public hearings regarding rezoning applications for Griffin Holdings properties, which generated substantial community input and concerns about code compliance, parking, flooding, and transparency. After extensive public comment and discussion, these items were continued to April 28, 2026, to allow staff time to review revised plans. The meeting concluded with a historic moment as Mayor Davis recommended Deputy City Manager Candido Sosa Cruz to succeed retiring City Manager Ana Garcia, with the commission unanimously approving his appointment as the next city manager.
What was on the agenda?
This meeting covered 8 agenda items: Triple Crown Award Presentation to Finance Department; Proclamation Approvals; Women's History Month Recognition; Irish American Heritage Month Proclamation Reading; Mamamedi Shalom Academy Site Plan and Variances; Griffin Holdings Rezoning and Site Plan; Public Art Artist Selection; City Manager Recommendation.
How many motions were voted on?
6 motions were voted on during this meeting. See the Motions & Votes section above for each motion and its result.
What action items came out of this meeting?
4 action items were identified. See the Action Items section above for details and who they were assigned to.
Who attended this meeting?
8 members were recorded as present: Mayor Davis, Vice Mayor Salvino, Commissioner Llewellyn, Commissioner Romoli, Commissioner Ryan, City Attorney Boutis, City Manager Garcia, City Clerk.
Where can I watch the full recording?
The full video recording is available on YouTube or embedded at the top of this page.
What county is Dania Beach in?
Dania Beach is located in Broward County, Florida. Browse other Broward County meeting summaries to see what local governments across the county are working on.
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