Life in the City
By Bari Auerbach

‘Wit and Wisdom’

These astute observations and commentaries made by illustrious past and present-day dignitaries really “hit home” when applied to life in the City of Sunny Isles Beach...

“America is a land where a citizen will cross the ocean to fight for democracy and won’t cross the street to vote in an election.” Journalist Bill Vaughan, quoted in the East Brunswick, N.J. Home News Tribune
Eliminating the need for voter turnout, in Sunny Isles Beach, “votes of confidence” go to members of the City Commission who have gone unopposed in municipal elections including Mayor Norman S. Edelcup, Vice Mayor Roslyn Brezin and Comm. Danny Iglesias.

Considering the commitment, time and effort that goes into being a public servant, it’s no wonder so few candidates opt to run for Commission seats...Think about it – would you rather have the responsibility of constantly considering what’s best for the city’s entire population – or the dilemma of deciding which level of sunblock protection to buy for your days lounging at the beach?

“You can tell the ideals of a nation by its advertisements.” British author Norman Douglas, quoted in the New York Times
You can also tell a lot about the ideals of a community by the kind of ads displayed around town – so Sunny Isles Beach has adopted a new sign ordinance with regulations encouraging a uniform, aesthetic design promoting an upscale image. Wonder if this means there will no longer be signs like: “Buy One Bikini – Get One Free!”; “Try Our Early Bird Specials!”; and “Ask About Low Room Rates!”

“Every revolutionary idea evokes three stages of reactions: 1) It’s completely impossible 2) It’s possible but it’s not worth doing 3) I said it was a good idea all along.” Arthur C. Clarke, quoted in the London Times
Thanks to revolutionary ideas conceived by all those involved in drafting the Sunny Isles Beach Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Regulations, the city now has great amenities like public parks, beach access points and art in public places. Wouldn’t it be cool if civic activists would come up with even more big ideas like how to reduce traffic on Collins; get people to stop jaywalking; and completely eliminate hurricane season!

“Drive thy business or it will drive thee.” Benjamin Franklin, quoted in the Montreal Gazette
Thanks to business leaders with drive, membership in the Aventura/Sunny Isles Beach Chamber of Commerce is on the rise. Local printers are especially pleased all the networking functions have created a surge in requests for business cards; and restaurants where Chamber events are held always appreciate the vast quantities of hors d’oeuvres consumed.

“The vanity of being known to be trusted with a secret is generally one of the chief motives to disclose it.” Samuel Johnson, quoted in Computerworld
The fact that Sunny Isles Beach is now one of South Florida’s most desirable places to live, work and play is no longer going to be a “best kept secret” now that the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau is partnering with the city to promote “Florida’s Riviera.”

A new video highlighting the many attributes of Sunny Isles Beach as well as a 10th anniversary book chronicling the city’s past to present-day success story are also in the works. Guess this means that soon, the only secrets that might still be kept will be about “unauthorized” condo pets; how fast you were really going in the 35 mph zone; and just how much your significant profit would be if you sold your Sunny Isles Beach home – but then again, can you really put a price on “paradise”??

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