United Through Wilma
By Commissioner Roslyn Brezin

Until I reached the Town Center Park, it didn’t feel like a sunny day even though the sin was shining. There was so much damage caused by Wilma the day before. Our beautiful Town Center Park was OK. The children were happy playing and enjoying the new equipment as their parents watched gratefully that they were occupied and not bored.

We live in a very special community. In spite of the fact that apartments and homes were damaged, had no water, electric or telephone service, neighbors were helping neighbors. They knocked on doors to see if the occupants were OK. Residents shared what they had with each other and offered emotional support that helped them through this terrible time.

Manny and Doris Fernandez at the Arlen House carried buckets of water from the pool (and later from one working outside hose) to apartments so people could flush toilets. They and other younger people helped the elderly close shutters and offered assistance wherever needed.

Hurricane Wilma taught our citizens a vital lesson in the necessity of being prepared. We learned how important it is to follow directions provided by the government, the media, and the weather bureau.

All Sunny Isles Beach departments responded to this emergency with such efficiency, we were a model for other cities. We are especially proud of our Police Department who worked long, tiring 12 hour shifts. The Government Center and offices of the Mayor and Commissioners were open as soon as possible to respond to our citizens requests.

We hope that you are well. Things are returning to normal. Supermarkets, restaurants, shopping malls are open. We hope that your problems in relation to the storm are now being taken care of.

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