1000 Friends of Florida, an organization of unique and outstanding leadership on major issues involving the future, present, and past of Florida, honored Paul Novack for his courage, dedication, and public service. From the publications of 1000 Friends of Florida:
Community Steward Award–Public Servant—Paul Novack, Mayor, Town of Surfside
Paul Novack received the Community Steward Award for his steadfast advocacy for effective growth management in Surfside. In 1992, Surfside residents overwhelmingly supported a referendum to prevent a twenty-story beachfront condominium. For more than a decade since then, Novack served as mayor of this small Dade County community for the grand fee of one dollar per year. Throughout his tenure (1992-2004), Mayor Novack and the town’s commissioners consistently denied any requests for height and density variances, maintaining heights at twelve stories east of Collins Avenue, and five stories to the west. Nominator Charlotte Greenbarg wrote that, thanks to Mayor Novack, “the town’s zoning code has been consistently, fairly and effectively enforced.” Besides that, Novack maintained a balanced budget without raising property taxes, a one-minute emergency police response time, and garbage picked up six days a week for a nominal fee. During the selection process, 1000 Friends was impressed with Mayor Novack’s steadfast determination to uphold the planning and development standards needed to maintain Surfside’s distinctive character and scale, noted Pattison. “With his dynamic leadership abilities, commitment to sound planning, and concern for the residents of Surfside, Mayor Novack exemplifies the qualities of a true community steward.”