‘Things Change’
For the better in Sunny Isles Beach
By Bari Auerbach

Mayor Norman S. Edelcup recently said, “Things change” in reference to news that the site of the landmark Rascal House could be changed to feature a new luxury residential development and gourmet market - but his “quote of the day” featured in the 5 Minute Herald could also apply to a plethora of things changing for the better in Sunny Isles Beach – heralded as “Florida’s Riviera.”

The saying, “Change is good” especially applies to the city’s upwardly changing $1 billion tax base increase (reaching $4.8 billion). But one thing residents hope will never change is one of the lowest property tax rates in Miami-Dade: $2.95 per $1,000 of taxable assessed value.

Changing Demographics

With so many younger families with children moving to Sunny Isles Beach, the City Commission voted in favor of donating a total of $10 million to the Miami-Dade County School Board towards the acquisition of land at 182nd Drive and North Bay Road – soon to be the site of a kindergarten through eighth grade public school accommodating 1,600 students now living within city limits. The school is scheduled to open by August 2008.

The influx of families has also inspired the city’s Cultural and Human Services Department to plan a series of community events for residents of all ages including movie nights, bocce tournaments, holiday parties, Sunny Serenade concerts and sports activities held at the city’s ever-growing number of parks.

Changing Landscape

Enhancing the city with more open “green space” has become one of the city’s major goals. At the Jan. 18 City Commission meeting, resolutions were approved naming four city parks...The park at 17200 Collins Avenue was officially christened “Town Center Park”; the park at 215 191st Terrace will be known as “Golden Shores Park”; the park coming to 19200 Collins Avenue will be named “Heritage Park” in honor of the city’s historical legacy; and the active park coming to North Bay Road, featuring a little league baseball field, will take flight as “Pelican Park.”

The city has also purchased a one acre site at the southwest corner of Sunny Isles Boulevard and discussions are underway for a proposed future water taxi site that could change the way people travel around town.

In keeping with the desire to change the city’s aesthetic appearance, artists were commissioned to create sculptures at city parks. One at the entrance to Samson Oceanfront Park is aptly named “The Family” and another at Town Center Park is named “Rising Horizons” – a theme expressing the city’s bright future.

‘Signs of Change’

A “sign of the times” highlighting change for the better and the renaissance of Sunny Isles Beach is the city’s commitment to ensure businesses have upscale, uniform signage. Regulations were created based in part on model sign ordinances adopted by Coral Springs and Weston. At the Jan. 19 City Commission meeting, it was noted merchants will be required to go through a sign permitting and approval process. “We want to avoid ‘sign pollution,’” said Commissioner Danny Iglesias. ”

New signs will also soon be making a “grand entrance” to designate the entrances to Pier Park, Town Center Park, and Sen. Gwen Margolis Park plus various communities including Arlen House, Winston Towers, and Golden Shores.

Changing Technology

As modern technology advances, so are efforts being made by the City Commission and city staff to change antiquated systems and be on the “cutting edge” of innovations that enhance quality of life and public safety.

Working in conjunction with consultants from IBM, The City Commission is currently researching the feasibility of providing wireless Internet access throughout Sunny Isles Beach. The undergrounding of utility lines, another citywide project that will help prevent power outages and eliminate unsightly poles, is expected to begin in February starting along Collins Avenue.

‘New Wave’ Changes

Beyond budgeting for additional lifeguards to create safer beaches and adopting a new ordinance to regulate how beach chairs are being placed in public areas, the City Commission has made sure the changing face of Collins Avenue includes a proliferation of beach access points. As old motels are replaced with luxurious new properties, developers have been required to provide beach access areas as well as other amenities benefiting the community in exchange for zoning bonuses such as streetscape enhancements and art in public places.

Perhaps one of the biggest changes taking place in the city right now is the revitalization of Sunny Isles Boulevard – an integral part of the Sunny Isles Beach “Town Center Renaissance Re-Development” initiative.

Positive changes have started on the south side of Sunny Isles Boulevard with the construction of St. Tropez and Sunny Isles Beach Marina. The lushly landscaped St. Tropez development will feature three Mediterranean-style residence towers and new retail shops. Sunny Isles Beach Marina will be comprised of a 19-story highrise, restaurants, a built-in automated marina and a boardwalk planned for the bayside. The City Commission has also approved a two-tower condo and marina project just west of St. Tropez.

‘Winds of Change’

To help minimize potential hurricane damages and foster an upscale image, the city has amended city codes to include stricter ordinances pertaining to unsafe structures and securing construction sites. Today, dilapidated buildings are disappearing and developers are complying with guidelines established by the city to promote public safety and maintain optimal aesthetic appearance while properties are being built.

Even more proactive changes at Government Center pertaining to personnel, compensation, upgrading equipment, improving operations and developing community outreach programs are facilitating rapid progress. Today, changing perceptions about Sunny Isles Beach are also being spurred by the achievements of outstanding individuals who are great “team players.”

After changing his title from Deputy City Attorney to City Attorney, Hans Ottinot was honored by the Haitian Lawyers Association for his leadership and contributions. Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred Maas was also honored once again by the Miami-Dade Police Benevolent Association; and in recognition of his many years of leadership, a special award, now named “The Fred Maas Outstanding Law Enforcement Leadership Award,” will be presented annually by the PBA.

‘Keep the Change’

Gone are the days when grand openings were being held for bikini and sundry shops...Now Sunny Isles Beach is home to lavish events like Acqualina’s recent star-studded celebration featuring an Emillio Pucci fashion show for the opening of the exclusive ESPA and Costa Grill eatery. And now, the city is gearing up for its gala 10th Anniversary party in June including a family fun festival and fabulous fireworks display.

In keeping with the commitment to keep positive change in motion, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup recently earned residents’ vote of confidence in his State of the City Address: “On behalf of your City Commission, Police Department, City Staff and myself, we pledge our continued loyalty and dedication to the citizens of Sunny Isles Beach. By working together, we will continue to raise the quality of life for the residents in our community and to make our city known throughout the world as Sunny Isles Beach – Florida’s Riviera.”

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