NewsIslander News (Key Biscayne)September 13, 2026Miami-Dade County
Rafael Conte wins Key Biscayne's first mayoral election by 60 votes against Betty Sime
Photo: Islander News (Key Biscayne)
Rafael Conte defeated Betty Sime by 60 votes to become the first mayor of Key Biscayne in the September 3, 1991 election, with six others securing council seats out of fourteen candidates.
Read the full story at Islander News (Key Biscayne)Why It Matters
This historical account establishes the leadership figures of Key Biscayne's first municipal election, which determined the initial political officers for the local government.
Key Facts
- Fourteen candidates competed in the first Key Biscayne Council Election on September 3, 1991.
- Rafael Conte defeated Betty Sime for mayor by a margin of 60 votes.
- Cliff Brody, Mortimer Fried, Michael Hill, Luis Lauredo, Joe Rasco, and Ray Sullivan also secured positions in the election.
Who's Mentioned
PersonRafael Conte“Won the first Key Biscayne Council Election for mayor against Betty Sime.”PersonLuis Lauredo“One of the first trustees of Key Biscayne.”PersonJoe Rasco“One of the first trustees of Key Biscayne.”PersonCliff Brody“One of the first trustees of Key Biscayne.”PersonRichard Cromartie“Secretary of Key Biscayners for Responsive Government.”PersonMortimer Fried“One of the first trustees of Key Biscayne.”PersonMichael Hill“One of the first trustees of Key Biscayne.”PersonBetty Sime“Ran for mayor in the first Key Biscayne Council Election.”PersonEugene Stearns“Registered 'Key Biscayners for Responsive Government' with the State of Florida ”PersonRay Sullivan“One of the first trustees of Key Biscayne.”locationKey Biscayne“The municipality whose history and incorporation are detailed in the article.”PersonBill Croysdale“Wrote to the Miami Herald and became president of Key Biscayners for Responsive ”