City of Sunny Isles Beach Turns 8 in a Flash and Sparkle
By Susan Simpson, Cultural & Human Services Director

On Saturday, June 18, 2005 the city celebrated its 8th anniversary of incorporation in grand style at Samson Oceanfront Park. A live band, great food, rides and games for children and adults, mingling with neighbors, and a fabulous fireworks display completed the evening.

At the April 14 commission meeting, the city commission requested that the city manager arrange to have the city’s anniversary party on the third Saturday of June each year starting with this year. They additionally requested that the city provide fireworks at the event for the entire community. The Sunny Isles Beach Resort Association assisted in the process and generously donated $5,000.00 to make it a reality. Their support allowed the city to provide a high quality, dramatic fireworks display that could only be produced from a barge in the ocean in our small city. The city thanks Bill Lone and the Resort Association for their continued support of our programs.

During his welcome speech, Mayor Norman Edelcup asked the audience which city was the best in all of South Florida. They answered with a resounding chant of Sunny Isles Beach. Mayor Edelcup highlighted the many accomplishments and rapid growth the city has experienced since incorporation. He also told them to look forward to a very successful future with many more great things yet to come. Residents and visitors were continuously thanking the commission and staff for such a great event. Children enjoyed a miniature Ferris wheel, and a rock climbing wall. They especially liked the foam pit and the bungee jumping trampolines. Guests of all ages played games and won prizes at the game trailers as well as the city sponsored dominoes, checkers and chess tournaments. Everyone enjoyed the great food and the live band. All ages were up and dancing, having a fantastic time. Most of them with their faces painted with vibrant colors from two face painting clowns named Silli Milli and Razzberry. Jazzy the clown created and passed out balloon animals to hundreds of guests.

The Administrative Services Department was on hand to pass out the city’s official 2005 posters and post cards. Alyce Hanson, Administrative Services Director, created a calendar of different city views that was handed out at the opening of the government center. Using some of these same photos, she created a special city poster produced along with matching post cards. Attendees couldn’t get enough of the postcards to send to friends and family around the globe to show them how beautiful Sunny Isles Beach is.

Guest attendance was estimated to be between 900 and 1,000 throughout the course of the evening with over 1200 meals served. 500 chairs were set up in addition to the seating that is throughout the park and those that guests brought themselves. The weather cooperated with nothing more than a light shower earlier in the afternoon. Even though the skies looked ominous, at party time they cleared for a typical breezy summer evening in South Florida.

For events such as these the Police Department plays a very important role. Public safety is the first priority for any city sponsored events. This year the police went all out with staff in the water, on the beach, on the street, and in the park. Everyone was well protected which made for a most enjoyable evening.

The Public Works Department put in several hours preparing the park for the event days ahead of time. They were also on hand the day of the event to set up the tables and chairs, assist the sound technician with his electrical needs, prepare coolers with ice and water, assist the caterer and game rentals with their needs, as well as continuing to keep the park looking neat throughout the event and finally packing it up and putting it all back together once the event was over. It was a long day for these employees who play a crucial role behind the scenes of such a successful event with little recognition. We couldn’t do it without them.

Volunteers, Jasmine, Mauricio, Elena, Vianka, Yael, Brenda, Barbara, Alayne, and Ivonne, who represent nearly every department in the city, came out to assist with the events special activities. They handed out posters and postcards, sold the special Sunny Isles Beach water, assisted with the caterers, and facilitated the chess, checkers, dominoes, and bingo games. Things could not have run so smoothly without their participation. We are all grateful for their dedication to the city and the success of our events.

With all of the positive feedback that the city has received, it is sure to be an annual event. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss out on all of the fun that is already being planned for next year. Remember, the third Saturday in June. Next year’s party will be on Saturday, June 17, 2006. See you there!

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