From The Desk of Lewis J. Thaler
By Vice Mayor Lewis J. Thaler

I hope you all joined us in the celebration of Sunny Isles Beach’s 10th Anniversary, June 14, 15, and 16. The kick-off on Thursday evening of the Havazalot-Netanya dancers was energetic and exciting. Friday’s Family Fun Fest night at the Senator Gwen Margolis Park had families entertained with face painting, rides and games. The T-shirt contest for children was a great success with three children’s paintings put on t-shirts for all to wear. The winners in each of category were: Jessica Brady, Grades K-5; Valentino Leidi, Grades 6-8; and Jennifer Cartagena, Grades 9-12. Thanks go to the Sunny Isles Beach Branch Library Manager, Sky King, for organizing this fun project.

Saturday afternoon started off sunny and beautiful and we were able to have the ceremony of dedication of the mangrove area in the Town Center Park to Harvey Baker Graves, founder of the Sunny Isles Beach area. After the dedication, there were games, rides, and food at both the Town Center Park and Samson Oceanfront Park for everyone. The Netanya dancers performed again in Samson Oceanfront Park despite the rain, and at 8:30pm there was a magnificent fireworks display. Thanks for all the hard work of the 10th Anniversary Committee.

Another named landmark, Christine Lee’s restaurant has closed its doors. We will always remember its great food and the baby grand piano which has been donated to the City.

The opening of Pelican Community Park, which will house a little league ball field, community rooms for various activities, and a full indoor basketball court, is on schedule for opening the end of this September. Sunny Isles Beach Camp has over 270 children enrolled in all its programs. This is up from 200 children enrolled last year. It is hoped that with the new Pelican Community Park, we will have many more children enrolled in camp next year.
Madi and I extend our condolences to the Samson family on the loss of Marion Samson.

We hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July and that you enjoy the rest of the summer.

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