Author Jerry Fisher Endorses Daniel Ciraldo, Citing Threats to Carl Fisher’s Legacy and Local Control

June 4, 2025

Above: Carl Fisher on his speedboat in Biscayne Bay, 1920. Original black and white image courtesy of State of Florida Archives

Miami Beach, FL – June 4th, 2025 — Daniel Ciraldo, candidate for Miami Beach City Commission Group 1, has earned the endorsement of Jerry Fisher, author of The Pacesetter: The Complete Story, the definitive biography of his relative Carl Fisher—the visionary founder of Miami Beach.

Fisher’s endorsement comes amid growing concerns about Tallahassee’s efforts to strip local governments of their ability to protect historic neighborhoods and manage zoning decisions. These state-level preemptions are threatening the unique character of Florida’s most iconic communities—including Miami Beach.

“Carl Fisher built Miami Beach on vision, imagination, and local ingenuity,” said Jerry Fisher. “Now, that legacy is being chipped away by overdevelopment and politicians in Tallahassee who think they know better than the people who actually live here. Daniel Ciraldo is fighting to protect what makes Miami Beach—and so many of Florida’s historic towns—truly special.”

Ciraldo, a preservation advocate and former longtime executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League, has been a vocal opponent of state overreach and unchecked development.

“Miami Beach belongs to its residents, not to Tallahassee power brokers or special interests,” said Ciraldo. “I’m honored to have Jerry Fisher’s endorsement, and I’ll continue to fight for home rule, thoughtful planning, and the preservation of the places that make Florida worth living in.”

For more information, visit DanielForMiamiBeach.org.

To read more about The Pacesetter, visit carlfisherfamily.com

About the Candidate

Daniel Ciraldo is a longtime advocate for Miami Beach, former Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation League, and a candidate for City Commission – Group 1. His platform focuses on transparency, preservation, and community-first policies.

All views and policy positions expressed on this website are those of Daniel Ciraldo, candidate for Miami Beach Commission, and do not reflect the views of any organization, endorser, or client with which he may be affiliated.

Daniel's Top Priorities

A City That Works for Residents
Keep Miami Beach Livable & Walkable
Smart Growth, Not Tall Towers
Safer Streets & Stronger Infrastructure
Transparent, Resident-First Leadership

Endorsements

Because he is a powerful force behind historical preservation and will stand up to developers while protecting our city and state against overdevelopment.

Daniel has been a superb leader of MDPL, and will be an equally terrific addition to the City Commission. He is principled, smart and deeply loves his hometown of Miami Beach. He will be a commissioner who will always keep the needs of residents uppermost. I enthusiastically endorse him for City Commission.

Because he is such a great guy and community leader!

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