The Sunny Isles Beach
‘ Thanksgiving Story’
By Bari Auerbach

Just as the Pilgrims set foot in the New World on December 11, 1620, pioneers dedicated to taking control of their own destiny and forging the City of Sunny Isles Beach accomplished their goal on June 16, 1997 and ever since, there has been much to be thankful for.

‘Pioneers of progress’
One of the most proactive chapters in the Sunny Isles Beach “Thanksgiving Story” dates back to the early 1990’s when Miami-Dade County still ruled and citizens subject to paying property taxes were not reaping the rewards associated with living in their own city.

A group of people rallying for incorporation, known as “Concerned Citizens of Northeast Dade” were led by civic activists including the late Mayor David Samson. Brave and persistent, they made a pilgrimage downtown and secured support from a strong ally - former Miami-Dade Commission Chair Sen. Gwen Margolis.

After freedom fighters formed a Charter Commission and drafted a Charter there was a landslide vote in favor of incorporation and the City of Sunny Isles Beach was officially born. But this was just the start of greater things to come. In 1997, Samson, the first elected Mayor, joined by members of a newly formed City Commission began the challenging task of transforming a declining tourist destination into a vibrant, progressive city.

‘A New World of difference’
One of the first promises kept by the City Commission was the formation of a first-class Police Department now led by the wise Chief Fred Maas. Thanks to a tribe of officers known as “the best in blue,” criminals behaving like wild Indians no longer posed a great threat to peace and security; state-of-the-art patrol cars could ride like the wind to respond to calls; and a philosophy of community policing prevailed.

With motorcycles, all terrain vehicles, jet skis and boats, vigilant patrols were always looking out for the welfare of citizens. Positive changes were happening fast…the only thing slowing down was traffic on Collins Avenue and around interior neighborhoods welcoming reduced speed limits.

From the startup of a convenient shuttle bus service and a U.S. post office at City Hall to the creation of a Cultural and Human Services Department planning trips, concerts and special events for the whole community to enjoy, the wheels of progress continued to turn. As more and more Sunny Isles Beach settlers including many families with children moved to the “City of Sun and Sea,” the Commission realized the need for city parks. A continued effort to acquire land for open green space and grant funds made the dream come to fruition as park dedications and celebrations ensued.

Like emerging colonies, distinct city departments were also established – each with a proactive mission based on promoting the highest quality of life. Public Works started cleaning up the streets and removing overgrown brush; Code Enforcement and Licensing encouraged citizens to be law abiding and promote an upscale image; the Building Department recruited a team of expert officials and inspectors; the Finance Department helped the City Manager draft feasible budgets; a highly qualified Zoning Administrator was put in charge of maintaining controlled development; and a Cultural and Human Services was established to plan enriching, entertaining “community unity” events for residents of all ages to enjoy.

‘Planning for the future’
Pioneers of progress were called into action once again when a Citizens’ Planning Advisory Committee was formed to help draft a Comprehensive Plan shaping the future of development in Sunny Isles Beach. Working late into the night at City Hall, residents, business and community leaders discussed pivotal issues such as beach access and zoning codes designed to foster optimal development along Collins Avenue and Sunny Isles Boulevard.

Soon, old rundown motels along the east side of Collins Avenue started to disappear and multi-million dollar developments began to rise. Relics of the past like Colonial Inn were replaced with the futuristic Pinnacle, Millennium, Ocean One…Two…and Three. Soon after, international publications announced the triumphant news that Donald J. Trump, Williams Island, Turnberry Associates and other world-famous developers were landing on Sunny Isles Beach.

As property values continued to climb, taxes stayed low - but adhering to the motto “good isn’t good enough,” the City Commission voted to embark on another ambitious initiative supporting the goal to make Sunny Isles Beach the jewel of South Florida.

‘Sweeping capital improvements’
While residents of Golden Shores were cheering a much needed stormwater drainage and street paving project, pow wows at City Hall were being held and the City Commission ultimately voted for a “feast your eyes on this” comprehensive capital improvement plan that will benefit the entire city and take place over the next eight years.

Primarily targeting beautification, park development, a streetscape plan, future property acquisitions and road resurfacing, the capital improvements were slated to be supported by revenues from property tax rates - yet Sunny Isles Beach would still maintain one of the lowest property tax rates in Miami-Dade County.

In keeping with the pioneer spirit, the Sunny Isles Beach Civic, Cultural and Beautification Trust was also formed to help make Collins Avenue more aesthetically pleasing and recommend public amenities. After enlisting support from developers, funds were raised to start installing majestic palms and lush foliage now gracing center medians from the southern to northern borders of the city.

Embarking on yet another visionary project, a gala groundbreaking ceremony at the Tony Roma’s site marked the beginning of construction for a magnificent new Government Center anticipated to be complete by early 2005.

A Thanksgiving pledge to keep on ‘giving’
In 1676, the town council of Charlestown, Massachusetts officially declared a day of Thanksgiving and now in 2004, the Sunny Isles Beach City Commission has pledged to continue forging ahead with progressive improvements to be thankful for.

Wishing all Sunny Isles Beach residents and visitors a happy and healthy holiday season, the following messages from the City Commission highlight a commitment to service and personal expressions of gratitude.

Mayor Norman Edelcup: “I am thankful for… the 2004 hurricanes sparing South Florida and in particular Sunny Isles Beach… the continued economic boom which has made Sunny Isles Beach the destination of choice for its new residents who have come from all parts of the world. … a forward thinking Commission and City Staff who have worked diligently to improve the quality of life in Sunny Isles Beach.”

Vice Mayor Gerry Goodman: “I am thankful… the election is over, the people spoke, now we all have to come together and make and keep America the greatest country in the world… Happy Thanksgiving, God Bless America!”

Commissioner Roslyn Brezin: “I’m thankful for the love and encouragement from my devoted family. I’m thankful for the privilege of working with the mayor, my fellow commissioners, the city manager, city attorneys, and a wonderful staff. I’m thankful for all that we’ve achieved and all that is yet to come for our beautiful city. I’m thankful to live in a community where residents are proud to share in the joy of these accomplishments. It’s my pleasure as your commissioner and neighbor to talk to you about your new Government Center, your parks, your, future school, your programs. I hope that you have as much to be thankful for as I have.”

Commissioner Danny Iglesias: “I am thankful for the love of my family, good health and that the good lord allows us to live in this great city and free country.”

Commissioner Lewis Thaler: “I am thankful that Sunny Isles Beach and its residents were spared from any harm and damage from all the hurricanes this season. I am thankful that the citizens of Sunny Isles Beach are so caring and interested in their city and that it showed when over 4,000 came out to vote. I am very thankful that my family is healthy and enjoying life and that we, Madi and I, will have our seventh grandchild next year.”

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