Silvia Tarafa, a longtime public school administrator and former principal of Key Biscayne K-8 Center, is seeking a seat on the Key Biscayne Village Council in the Nov. 3 election.

Three council seats are open.

Voters may choose up to three candidates. Tarafa faces Fernando Vazquez, Luis de la Cruz and Oscar Sardinas in the nonpartisan race. Claire London withdrew, although her name remains on the ballot, the Key Biscayne Independent reported.

Tarafa told the Miami Herald the time is right because she remains dedicated to Key Biscayne and wants to continue serving the community.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Key Biscayne Village Council (one of three seats)
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Residence: Key Biscayne, Florida
  • Background: Tarafa said she worked in public education for more than 37 years as an educator and administrator, according to the Islander News. She grew up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, where she became the first student representative on the Board of Education, the Islander News reported.
  • Family connection to Key Biscayne: Tarafa said her family began summer trips to Key Biscayne in the mid-1970s. She said she met her husband Tony on the beach there; their families had previously been summer friends in Cuba.

Experience and public service

Tarafa served as principal at Key Biscayne K-8 Center, according to the Islander News. She also served as principal at Motivating Minds Academy, according to the Key Biscayne Independent.

The Islander News reported she received the Principal of the Year award three times, was a finalist for Miami-Dade County Public Schools' Center Region Principal of the Year and was named Teacher of the Year for Region IV.

As of August 2024, Tarafa served as vice chair of the Village of Key Biscayne Education Advisory Board, according to village records.

Tarafa said her community involvement has included advocating for the Village Green, supporting the Community Center, serving on the Key Biscayne Community Foundation at its founding, participating in sailing regattas and serving on the Board of Governors for the Key Biscayne Yacht Club.

On the issues

Village infrastructure: Tarafa told the Miami Herald her priorities would include rethinking and improving flood control projects, undergrounding utility lines, addressing local traffic concerns and carefully reviewing bridge-related projects.

Public school funding and enrollment: Tarafa told the Key Biscayne Independent she is a strong supporter of public schools while acknowledging parents want choices. "There's just a lot of choice for parents, and not everybody wants that whole traditional type of an education, but I am a big believer in public school," she said, according to the Key Biscayne Independent.

Government transparency: Tarafa told the Islander News the first change she would like to see is a continued commitment to open, respectful and transparent communication between the Village government and residents. Good decisions begin with listening, research and collaboration, she said.