America’s Idol
Why the World’s Singing the Praises of Sunny Isles Beach
By Bari Auerbach

…And now in breaking news - the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department was recently inundated with calls about unusually loud noise emanating from the city…Further investigation revealed the source of the racket was all the singing going on in Sunny Isles Beach showers as residents enjoying an enviable high quality of life vocalized their perpetual bliss…According to reliable sources, city amenities and services everyone’s so happy about have the whole world “singing the praises” of Sunny Isles Beach!

‘You Are My Sunshine”
Bright and Shiny Progress
Thanks in great part to the Sunny Isles Beach Code Enforcement and Public Works Departments, unsightly sites have been cleaned up and eye-sores have segued to soaring property values.

Today, rundown Sunny Isles motels have become a relic of the past, replaced by luxurious developments overlooking “you are so beautiful” beaches, majestic palms and lush landscaping…The city has even instituted a “keep off the grass” policy to curtail parking on lawns. Multi-million dollar capital improvement projects initiated by the City Commission are also serving to enhance the beauty of a city virtually singing: “I feel pretty!”

‘Everything Old Is New Again’
Luxury on the Rise
Ever since demolition projects served to “shake, rattle and roll” out old motels, magnificent new developments have been on the rise in Sunny Isles Beach, transforming the east side of Collins Avenue into a “millionaire row” mecca for international jetsetters.

All the exciting new residential and resort choices by prestigious developers such as The Related Group, J. Milton & Associates, Turnberry Associates, Fortune International, the Dezer/Trump partnership and the Trumps of Williams Island have garnered global acclaim – positioning Sunny Isles Beach as one of the world’s most desirable places to live and visit for “sentimental reasons” plus sound financial investments.

‘My Kind Of Town’
Vibrant Town Center District
East side – west side and all around the city’s Town Center district, all the upscale new developments in Sunny Isles Beach will have everyone “dancin’ in the streets!” When the City Commission adopted new zoning regulations for the Town Center district (the west side of Collins Avenue from 172nd Street to and inclusive of Sunny Isles Boulevard) the stage was set for “new attitude” revitalization already underway.

On April 14, the Commission approved the first site plan presented for the Town Center District: St. Tropez will be a six-story, 17-unit condominium slated for the west side of Collins Avenue at 179th Drive.

Ultimately, the vision for the Town Center district is to create an aesthetically pleasing, pedestrian friendly Mizner Park type attraction with mixed-use residential and commercial components enhancing the “nothing could be finer“ image of Sunny Isles Beach.

‘I’ll Be There’
Responsive City Government
Members of the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission pride themselves on being available to meet with citizens for “what’s goin’ on” discussions as long as they’re able to do so without violating Sunshine Laws or ex-parte communication regulations.

When the need arises, Town Hall meetings are scheduled to provide forums for sharing information about issues affecting the community; and “express yourself” public hearings are routinely held on Commission agenda items to let citizens voice their opinions.

The Commission has also established the “Mayor’s Advisory Council” comprised of committees with a Commission liaison. Designed to encourage “that’s the way I like it” suggestions, the Advisory Council creates a flow of input from residents so the committees can give the City Commission input concerning initiatives people want to see come to fruition.

‘Working 9 To 5’
Excellent City Staff
“Nobody does it better” best describes Sunny Isles Beach city staff members working to help ensure residents enjoy the highest quality of life. From public works, planning/zoning, the building department, code enforcement and cultural and human services – to administrative services, finance, the city manager’s office and city attorney’s office - everyone at Government Center will do what it takes to get the job done – even if it means they have to “rock around the clock!”

‘Someone To Watch Over Me’
Best in Blue Police Force
“I’ll Be There” could be the theme song of the dependable, responsive Sunny Isles Beach Police Department. Dedicated Police Chief Fred Maas will soon be celebrating his sixth anniversary of leadership with the Department - along with “best in blue officers” revered for award-winning accomplishments.

At the 2004 “Officer of the Year” program presented during the annual Police Benevolent Association’s Gala, Sunny Isles Beach made history - becoming the only municipal police agency to ever win the “Officer of the Year” award twice when Officer Javier Estevez received the prestigious award for his heroic rescue of a drowning victim and a lifeguard who was in trouble himself.

The Police Department received more accolades at the annual Law Enforcement Awards Gala with four officers up for awards and three who won trophies or medals. Chief Maas was also pleased to recognize Officer Rob Ostrov and K-9 “Zaro” for receiving commendation from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Unit for their contribution to the agency by local law enforcement.

‘Girls (& guys) Just Want To Have Fun’
Community Activities For All Ages
The City’s Cultural and Human Services Department is always planning “I had the time of my life” events ranging from trips and tours – to holiday celebrations, sports programs and day camps for the city’s ever-growing population of youths.

The city’s “Sunny Serenade” concert series has become one of the most popular cultural programs – and according to preliminary results of a recent survey, an overwhelming majority of those surveyed want to hear oldies/’50s and ‘60s music – with classical music a close second. Based on the results, the city is planning classical as well as old time rock and roll concerts for the near future.

Surveys are still being conducted and will assist the Cultural and Human Services Department in scheduling concerts for next season. If you would like to participate, log on to the city’s website www.sibfl.net, download and fill out the survey and return it to the City of Sunny Isles Beach, Cultural and Human Service Department, 18070 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.

‘Take Me Out To The Ballgame’
City Goes To Bat For Recreation
From a little league baseball field – to a 12,000 square foot recreation center and a 10,000 square foot indoor gymnasium, the two-acre active park coming soon to North Bay Road and 181st Drive is sure to be a homerun hit prompting residents to cheer, “We are the champions” thanks to the city’s commitment to enhancing parks and recreation amenities.

Last year, the City Commission also passed resolutions to acquire property by the Golden Shores Park as part of a comprehensive plan to assemble parcels; and to accept conveyance of the “Casino” property - making it possible for the city to transform the site, located on the west side of Collins Avenue at 172nd Street, into a 3.46 acre public park.

In the spirit of the classic hit “Unforgettable,” on the east side of the city, the oceanfront park on Collins Avenue and 174th Street has been renamed the “Samson Oceanfront Park” in honor of the late Mayor David Samson and his family.

‘Ticket To Ride’
Convenient Shuttle Bus Service
Just like the catchy kid’s tune “the wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round,” the city’s community shuttle bus service takes passengers all around town seven days a week with three different convenient routes.

The Mall Line runs Sunday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the Orange Line runs Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the Blue Line runs Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Handicapped Services: Shuttle buses are handicapped accessible and are available for such use when a reservation is made at least 24 hours in advance. To make a reservation for handicapped Community Shuttle pick-up, phone 305-957-1306.

‘Simply The Best’
Modern New Government Center
“ Movin’ on up” - the City of Sunny Isles Beach recently relocated headquarters from an RK Shopping Center to the magnificent new Government Center complex on Collins Avenue at 180th Street.

City departments including the Police Department are based at Government Center – also home to the offices of City Commission members - and soon, a U.S. Post Office and public library will be opening.

‘Holiday – Celebrate!’
Happy Anniversary SIB
Sunny Isles Beach will be celebrating its 8th anniversary since “the start of something big” incorporation in 1997 this June. At a recent City Commission meeting it was agreed that in lieu of Fourth of July fireworks, a festive anniversary party should feature an elaborate fireworks display at a yet to be determined appropriate city location. The theme of the big bash could be “wonder of wonders – miracle of miracles” when it comes to dramatic Sunny Isles Beach revitalization and progressive development taking place in record time.

‘Food Glorious Food’
Fine Dining Establishments
Whether you’re in the mood for one of the Rascal House’s famous overstuffed sandwiches or an upscale dining experience, one of the many fine restaurants all along Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach can satisfy just about anyone’s craving…In fact, the city’s own Burger King is thinking about changing the name of the Whopper with cheese to the “cheeseburger in paradise!”

‘It’s A Small World After All’
Great Cultural Diversity
The population of Sunny Isles Beach reflects South Florida’s great “we are the world” cultural diversity, proving residents originally from Russia, South America, France, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, the U.S.A. and just about everywhere else on the map share a universal love for the “city of sun and sea.”

‘Sunrise – Sunset’
Endless Contentment
From dawn ‘til dusk, Sunny Isles Beach residents appreciate living in one of the world’s most beautiful and vibrant cities, surrounded by what many fans the world over consider the best combination of luxury and lifestyle. For anyone looking “somewhere over the rainbow” for an enviable “there’s a place for us” home, Sunny Isles Beach is where to live the high life – and of course the fact the city has one of Miami-Dade’s lowest property tax rates is always music to everyone’s ears!

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