To quote Winston Churchill:

“Defeat is never fatal. Victory is never final. It’s courage that counts.”

As I reflect on a (courageous) campaign led by my remarkable team, it’s time to reach out and share my thoughts with our friends and supporters. While our results may not have unfolded in the way we had hoped, it is important to come together and celebrate the journey we undertook in pursuit of a brighter future for our beloved city.

We came close, but we came up short. But let me make one thing clear - every moment of this campaign has been a blessing - to have new and old friends support me, to meet bright and caring voters across this city, to hear their ideas and their hopes for the future.

We ran a campaign dedicated to improving Miami Beach, with independent leadership that answered to you and you alone. Our vision for the city aimed to define its identity, making it the ultimate global destination for safety, smart development, innovation, arts and culture, and a healthy lifestyle. We were committed to addressing homelessness with compassion and taking decisive action, as well as leading the way in innovative solutions for sea-level rise.

We began this race at 4 percent awareness rising to 80% after only 2 months. We achieved significant progress, which is the result of all of you who supported us, worked for us, and believed it was time for the city to take a new direction.

And here is my message –that battle is far from over. The only way the city government will address our challenges is if every day, we hold those in charge accountable and demand the change we all want. I plan to stay engaged, and you should too. This is the city we love - and it’s on all of us to make it better.

In all our campaign travels, we found the heartbeat of a vibrant city – creative, diverse, engaged, strong-willed, fun-loving, concerned, hard-pressed and hopeful. It confirmed what I know to be true that this is the greatest city in the world – and I believe you deserve leaders as good as you are.

The things we fought for remain both necessary and urgent. A city government where the best people work, free from special interests. Where good ideas are embraced. Where there is transparency in our government. And where there is energy and commitment to drive meaningful, effective change.

I want to thank the wonderful people of Miami Beach. I’ve been inspired when we’ve met at your homes while canvassing door to door, at the countless Mayoral Forums, at our Meet and Greet gatherings in neighborhoods across the city. It has been a truly amazing experience.

You are what makes this city so unique. That’s the city we are all fighting for – and that fight continues.

Listen to your hearts. My single mom proved to me that dreams do come true, with hard work and a commitment to public service.

Let’s make the Miami Beach dream come true.

With much love and gratitude for the experience of a lifetime,

Bill Roedy