The Village of Palmetto Bay named the street in front of Chabad of Palmetto Bay & Deering Bay "Chabad Way" after a unanimous Village Council vote.

Mayor Karyn Cunningham, the vice mayor and all council members approved the designation, which was celebrated at a ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Local officials, rabbis and residents attended, according to an account published in Community Newspapers and written by Rabbi Zalman Gansburg, who leads the organization.

"Chabad Way is much more than a street name or a sign," Cunningham said at the event. "It represents the Chabad way, a way of warmth, love and belonging."

Cunningham said her relationship with Chabad began 12 years ago, when she was a schoolteacher first running for public office. The outgoing mayor is term-limited and will leave office after the November 2026 election.

Community member Suzanne Levitas spoke on behalf of residents, describing how Chabad has been present for her family during celebrations and during difficult times.

Gansburg addressed candidates for public office who attended the ceremony. He encouraged them to focus on what they can offer the community rather than criticizing opponents, saying the key to winning an election and succeeding in life is focusing on the positive.

The ceremony was not just speeches.

Village Manager Nick Marano was honored with the dedication of a page in Chabad's community calendar. The Palmetto Bay Police Department's commander, sergeant and lieutenant were recognized and presented with copies of "Positivity Bias," a book about the Lubavitcher Rebbe's approach of finding goodness and possibility in every person and situation.

Chabad of Palmetto Bay has a long relationship with the village. Village records show the organization received fee waivers in 2026 for events at Thalatta Estate, including Spanish Torah classes and a Jewish music event. As far back as 2017, Cunningham promoted Chabad's Chanukah Festival of Lights at Coral Reef Park, calling it "one of my favorite holiday events."

The street naming follows a June 5 ceremony when the village named a street "Greg Zawyer Street" to honor a longtime community educator.