Sunny News

The Importance of State Legislation

Florida Flag

By Alex Lama, Commissioner (Monday, March 25, 2019) – The 2019 Legislative Sessions began on March 5 in Tallahassee and will continue for 60 days. Here are some proposed bills that may impact our daily lives: The Use of Wireless Communication Devices While Driving: this bill would make texting and driving a primary offense and allow law enforcement officials to …

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Behind the Scenes with Public Works: Storm Drainage Projects

Sunny Isles Beach Public Works Truck

(Monday, March 25, 2019) – The City is working on two major storm drainage maintenance projects to improve the citywide drainage system prior to the start of the rainy season. The first project is the cleaning of multiple storm drainage wells in the Golden Shores and Central Island areas. These wells allow stormwater runoff to discharge into the shallow aquifer …

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Make the Right Decision When Hiring a Contractor

View looking up at Sunny Isles Beach building in black and white

(Tuesday, February 26, 2019) – Hiring unlicensed contractors may provide a quick fix in the short term, but it can result in serious and lasting consequences. Keep these tips in mind when hiring a contractor: Ask to see a state-issued license. Ask for references. Beware of contractors who claim to be the fastest or cheapest. Make all payments by check …

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Combating Condo Corruption: The Battle Continues

Aerial view of condominiums and the Intracoastal in Sunny Isles Beach.

By Dana Goldman, Commissioner (Tuesday, February 26, 2019) – Shining a spotlight on condo corruption at the recent Miami-Dade County League of Cities Best Practices Seminar has yielded results. Directly resulting from a condo corruption panel I moderated and in conjunction with the League of Cities, State Senator Jason Pizzo has introduced important new condo reform legislation for criminal acts …

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Sun, Sand and Safety: Thanks to our Ocean Rescue Division

Ocean Rescue Lifeguard Stand

By Dwight P. Snyder, Police Chief (Tuesday, February 26, 2019) – The City of Sunny Isles Beach is a community which offers many outstanding amenities to our residents and guests such as an abundance of parks, social activities and an outstanding quality of life for everyone. But the crown jewel of our community will always be our beach. Keeping our community …

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174 Street Pedestrian Overpass

Rendering of 174th Street Overpass bridge, bird's eye view.

In 2016, the City along with the assistance of the community, industry consultants, and varying research developed a Transportation Master Plan. This plan identified the City’s transportation and transit deficits and developed a blueprint of solutions to address the community’s desire for enhanced multimodal options to accommodate transportation needs. This included a Pedestrian Park Bridge at Collins Avenue and 174th …

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Employee Altruism in Sunny Isles Beach

Government Center in background with art installation or world in foreground.

By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Tuesday, January 29, 2019) – In my quarterly and monthly messages, I often discuss the larger, capital improvement projects we are working on, such as the Utility Under-grounding project, pedestrian bridges, or storm drainage projects. I would be remiss if I did not mention and recognize the extraordinary people behind the operation; the …

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Update on Short Term Vacation Rental Registrations

Short Term Vacation Rental Licenses. Three condominiums in Sunny Isles Beach.

By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Thursday, January 24, 2019) – When we would think about vacations or time away from home, it used to be about getting settled into a hotel room or maybe a relative’s beach house if budget was tight. Nowadays, the game plan is completely different. Some years ago, a couple of friends sharing a …

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State of the City 2019

State of the City Address 2019 - Mayor George "Bud" Scholl

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor (Friday, January 25, 2019) – Citizens of Sunny Isles Beach, I am pleased to present the 2019 State of the City address. First, I would like to convey how humbled I am by your faith and confidence in the office of the Mayor, which was demonstrated by my reelection without opposition this past November. Thank you …

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New Year, New Opportunity

Kids grouped together for picture for Breast Cancer Awareness event

By Larisa Svechin, Vice Mayor (Thursday, January 24, 2019) – Each New Year is an opportunity to live a more fulfilling life. It could be a commitment to living a healthier lifestyle, possibly becoming a volunteer or devoting more time to your family. It is sparked with an idea. Recently, my daughter was passionately writing an essay protesting smoking; the glint …

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