'Happy Anniversary Sunny Isles Beach'
By Bari Auerbach

Seven years ago, June 16, 1997 was the date
rapid progress followed the decision to incorporate

Sunny Isles Beach became a city to residents' delight
and a Commission was elected to start things off right

Thanks to first Mayor David Samson the path was paved
to make Sunny Isles Beach "the jewel of Miami-Dade"

Support was tremendous from officials beyond compare
like Sen. Gwen Margolis, then County Commission Chair

A charter was drafted by concerned citizens with determination
but the bright future was beyond anyone's wildest imagination

Revitalization quickly resulted as promises made came true
Sunny Isles Beach was a new mecca for "Life With a View"

A benefit of incorporation and having a destiny to control
was starting a Police Department with more officers on patrol

The city's new shuttle bus system was next to arrive
creating great services was always the Commission's drive

With so many multi-million dollar properties staring to rise
the city forged a Comprehensive Plan to keep things the right size

"Beach access," "tall and skinny" were zoning key phrases
making controlled development a priority earned high praises

From new bus benches to improved street lighting
the goal was to make the city much more inviting

Undergrounding utilities and adding landscaping more lush
were among all the new projects adding just the right touch

City departments created streamlined consolidation
from Code Enforcement and Public Works- to Zoning Administration

A new City Manager was hired with a talented knack
for balancing the budget and staying "in the black"

Then almost as fast as day turns to dark
the city dedicated Samson oceanfront park

A tremendous new trend was a sign of the time.
the population's median age started to decline!

Families with children were getting the notion
to live in Sunny Isles Beach - right by the ocean

The younger demographic made such a mark
the city soon dedicated Sen. Gwen Margolis Park

Cultural activities were planned for the community.
all ages looked forward to special events creating unity

Progress yields growth, so soon came the call
for a bigger, magnificent, brand new City Hall
Tony Roma's was the site selected
and now construction is nearly perfected

The City Commission feels a great sense of pride
as news about this renaissance spreads far and wide

International jetsetters have now come to stay
and all the old motels are quickly fading away

Luxurious high rises now grace the city's east side
and property values are staying at perpetual "high tide"

The Trumps of Williams Island added to the high acclaim
Turnberry Associates was attracted by the city's new fame

Then "The Donald" himself landed on Sunny Isles Beach.
Trump's partnership with the Dezers had world-wide reach

The benefits of incorporation have been so great
yet the city still has one of the lowest tax rates

In seven short years so much has been achieved
it's almost too incredible to even be believed

Enjoying the highest quality of life in a city that's second to none.
residents agree Sunny Isles Beach is the best place to live under the sun!


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