Previous PostAs a Miami native, Mayor of Key Biscayne Mayra Lindsay has held a lifelong passion for her community. She’s been a champion for preserving Virginia Key’s and Biscayne Bay’s natural ecosystems, a voice for her constituents, and, when she gets a free minute, an avid boater.
Read on to learn more about Mayor Lindsay’s background, her favorite spots on Virginia Key and more!
What was your path to becoming the Mayor of Key Biscayne?
I’m a lifelong resident of Miami-Dade and have lived on Key Biscayne for 24 years. Over that span, I became more involved in community programs and events and began giving back through organizations like the Junior League of Miami, the Girl Scouts, Inn Transition North, the Key Biscayne Community School and Key Biscayne citizen boards. My decision to seek elected office grew from this involvement. A community is only as strong as the time that residents are willing to put in. That’s how local democracy works best. I ran for office after chairing the Key Biscayne Youth Advisory Board, where I saw how budgets and policies were made. I figured growing my participation in local government was the best path to enacting more change, and that led to running for Village Council.
Were there any surprises about the Village that you encountered after earning elected office?
Going back to my first campaign seven years ago, I was constantly struck with the level of engagement in the Key Biscayne community. When I eventually took office, I was amazed at how hands-on our residents and businesses were in their local government. People know the issues, share their concerns, attend meetings and most important, they bring ideas and solutions to the table.
Residents of Key Biscayne pass through Virginia Key more than anyone else – what does the island mean to your community?
Virginia Key is our connection to the rest of Miami-Dade County. Driving through the island is a daily reminder of how lucky we are to have Biscayne Bay in our backyard and a unique and fragile ecosystem so close to our urban core. It’s also a reminder that we are all stewards of our local environment. Thankfully the vast majority of Virginia Key is still undeveloped, so it’s really a critically important piece of our natural habitat. Ongoing efforts to restore the living shoreline by planting native mangrove seedlings is a huge boost for the island’s coastline.
What are some of your favorite places to go boating?
My go-to spots are a closely-held secret. Just kidding! I love being in the Bay during sunset, with the Miami skyline framing the perfect backdrop. I also enjoy waterskiing in the Marine Stadium basin. That’s where I learned how to get up on skis and ultimately taught my daughters.
Where will we find you on a Sunday afternoon? Any ‘best kept secrets’ that you care to share?
I’ll probably be walking on Crandon Beach, which is really one of Miami’s natural gems. And after that, I’ll be at the Key Biscayne Yacht Club enjoying a glass of wine with friends and neighbors, watching the sunset and enjoying some downtime before the busy week ahead.