Michael Capponi, the Miami-raised founder of one of the nation's largest disaster relief nonprofits, will receive a Key to the City from the Sunny Isles Beach Commission on Thursday.
Commissioner Stuyvesant is leading the presentation during the commission's 1:30 p.m. workshop at Commission Chambers, 18070 Collins Ave.
From Miami Beach Nightlife to Global Aid Work: Who Is Michael Capponi?
Capponi grew up on Key Biscayne after moving from Belgium at age 6. He founded Global Empowerment Mission, or GEM, in 2011, turning a career in Miami Beach nightlife and real estate into full-time humanitarian work. GEM has deployed on more than 382 disaster relief missions across 74 countries and all 50 states, reporting $162.7 million on its 2024 tax filing. The nonprofit holds a four-star Charity Navigator rating.
On June 29, Capponi appeared on CNN discussing GEM's aid mobilization to Venezuela after twin earthquakes. He previously received Keys to the City from Miami in 2018 and Doral in 2024. The Sunny Isles Beach honor will be his first from that municipality.
Police Promotions, Student Art Highlights Also on July 16 Workshop Agenda
The afternoon workshop also features a Police Department promotion ceremony, a Park and Recreation Month 2026 proclamation, and a presentation of student art contest winners from Norman S. Edelcup/Sunny Isles Beach K-8 school. Commissioner Joseph is leading the student art item.
The regular Commission meeting follows at 6:30 p.m. at the same location. Evening items include a final vote on the city's e-bike ordinance, two Florida Department of Transportation use-and-occupancy agreements for new parking at 500 Sunny Isles Blvd., a $75,000 surveillance equipment contract for Pier Park, a $1.84 million amendment for the city's Drone as First Responder program, and setting the proposed property tax millage rate at 1.6514 mills for fiscal year 2026-2027.
How Residents Can Weigh In
Residents can attend either meeting at 18070 Collins Ave. or contact the city clerk at 305-947-0606 for agenda materials. People needing disability accommodations should contact the clerk at least 48 hours before the meeting.
