State of the City Address
By Mayor Norman S. Edelcup

Dear Citizens of Sunny Isles Beach:

The charter of our City provides that the Mayor presents a “State of the City” message on an annual basis in January. This brings to the office of the Mayor the ability to pass on important information to the citizens of our city, and an explanation and meaning of items and issues that came before your City Commission during the past year.

It is my pleasure and privilege as Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach, to report to you the citizens of our wonderful city, that the “State of the City’s Financial condition is very secure and strong. This condition allowed us the ability to complete all of the scheduled Capital Improvement Programs.

This past year was a milestone in our History of many successful accomplishments, beginning with the Grand Opening of the new Sunny Isles Beach Government Center on February 25, 2005, located at 18070 Collins Avenue. This beautiful four-story, 58,000 sq. ft. building is the working home for your City Commission, Police Department and City Staff. Scheduled Commission Meetings are held in the “David Samson Commission Chambers”.

We are also pleased to announce that Sunny Isles Beach Government Center is the New Home for a 7,500 sq. ft. Library Branch of the Miami-Dade County Library system, along with 1,200 sq. ft. United States Post Office on the first floor.

Along the beaches of Sunny Isles Beach, an additional four new modern lifeguard stands, for a total of five have been built for your swimming protection. Our lifeguards are fully trained and are working on a full time basis.

Our new Bus Shuttle routes have been extended to seven days a week. There are two different bus routes which includes the Aventura and Intracoastal Malls.

Former Deputy City Attorney Hans Ottinot was appointed City Attorney replacing Lynn Dannheisser who resigned during the year after completing eight years of service to the City.

A new City Manager John Szerlag was appointed by the City Commission in December, 2005. Mr. Szerlag comes from Troy, Michigan where he has been City Manager for the past six years, and Assistant Manager prior to that. Troy has a population of 85,000 covering an area of 35 square miles. Our new City Manager will begin in early March, 2006.

One of the highlights of 2005 was the signing of the Sister City Agreement with Netanya, Israel on May 19, 2005. The Mayor of Netanya, Miriam Fierberg Ikar along with Consul General Dr. Yitschak Ben Gad visited Sunny Isles Beach for several days of planned ceremonies along with a beautiful boat parade in honor of this special occasion.

During this past year, the City Commission approved a grant to the Miami Dade County School Board in the amount of $8.5 Million Dollars. This money will be transferred to the County at the time of the County’s purchase of land in Sunny Isles Beach on which grade K thru 8 Elementary school will be built to accommodate the 1,600 children living in our city.

It is not often that a City is able to collect, preserve, store and maintain History items which include photos and general information of the time for future viewing. The City Commission approved in 2005 a “20 year Time Capsule” to be opened on February 5, 2025. This stainless steel capsule was built into the interior wall within the David Samson Chambers. Of course we expect everyone to be there at this opening in twenty years.

Because of the collection of representative historic photos, places and events depicting the eighty five year history of Sunny Isles by historian Richard C. Schulman, the City Commission decided to choose an area within the Government Center for this historic display. A seventy five foot hallway on the first floor was selected, and forty one framed historic pictures were placed for public viewing. The “History Hall” is now open for your viewing pleasure.

The beautiful Town Center Park located at 17200 Collins Ave, was opened on October 20, 2005 for our citizens enjoyment. This Park represents the cornerstone of the new Renaissance Development which is taking place from 172nd to 163rd Street.

A few days after opening Town Center Park, Hurricane Wilma visited South Florida. Even though this area suffered strong winds, there was little flooding and water damage. We did suffer tree and landscaping damage around the city. Our power was also down for some time. We are very proud of our Police Department led by Police Chief and Interim City Manager Fred Maas during this time for maintaining order and stability within our city.

Important City Elections were held this past year. Roslyn Brezin and I ran for an additional term, and were unopposed. Commissioner Gerry Goodman was opposed by Mr. Jack Cohen, President of Winston Towers 700. Commissioner Goodman won the election by fifty eight votes.

New Holiday decorations were installed on light poles on Collins Avenue, between 159th and 174th streets. These beautiful snowmen, flowers and candles reflect the spirit of the Holidays.
The success of this Administration during the year 2005, in terms of planning and fiscal responsibility, is reflected in the decisions by your City Commission for Tax relief for the property owners of Sunny Isles Beach. This past year, our tax base was increased by 21% from the previous year to $3.9 billion dollars. The Commission enacted a millage rate reduction from 3.35 to 2.95 per $1,000 Dollars. This resulted in reduction in our City Tax Rate.

As we enter the New Year of 2006, on behalf of your City Commission 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 the “American Riviera”.

Lastly, we wish everyone in our community a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. Thank you…
God Bless you, and God Bless America!

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