Message from Mayor George “Bud” Scholl on Zika Virus Initiatives

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor

(Tuesday, August 2, 2016) – Given the recent identification of the first Zika virus cases that were locally acquired, I wanted to update you on our ongoing efforts to address this issue within our City.  First and foremost, no locally acquired cases of Zika have been identified in or near Sunny Isles Beach.  We are simply conveying this message to let you know how we are being proactive in our approach to mitigating Zika.

For the past several months, our Building and Code Enforcement departments have been routinely inspecting properties for standing water throughout the City to ensure they are compliant with our code. Any findings of non-compliance are addressed to the full extent of our authority. In cases where a remedy is not immediately available, that area is treated to mitigate the breeding of mosquitoes. In addition to the above, the City is taking extra measures by treating both our stormwater retention areas and our drainage catch basins throughout the City to prohibit mosquitoes from breeding.  We have also contracted with a licensed and environmentally friendly mosquito control company which will be servicing the City during the early morning hours.  We will continue to be vigilant on behalf of all of our residents and visitors.

More information on Mosquito Control in Sunny Isles Beach

In addition to all that we are doing, we are asking our residents to be proactive as well. Follow the recommendations from the Florida Department of Health “Drain and Cover” Program.  Also, help us identify any areas of concern.  If you see standing water that has not been removed within 24 hours, please report it to our Code Enforcement Division at 305.792.1760. If you have any technical questions regarding the removal of standing water, call the Building Department at 305.792.1735.

We will continue to work towards minimizing mosquito breeding in Sunny Isles Beach. In light of everything we are doing, there is still a Zika virus concern in certain specific areas of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Be sure to take these personal precautions to protect yourself:

• Drain standing water wherever it collects
• Cover bare skin with clothing and repellent
• Cover doors and windows with screens

For up to date information on the Zika Virus, visit the Florida Department of Health website: www.floridahealth.gov.

Working together we can ensure that we are doing all we can to address the health and welfare of our residents and visitors.