By: Alyce Hanson, Administrative Services Director

Sunny Isles Beach residents and visitors will soon be able to catch the waves by surfing not just in the ocean but in all city parks. The waves will be free unlimited internet waves and surfing will be with a different kind of board – a computer with a wireless card.

On Monday, July 14, 2008 all city parks will be WiFi Hotspots where internet connectivity will be FREE, wireless and commercial-free. The infrastructure utilizes the network standard 802.11 – the current standard for wireless network connectivity.

The city parks include Bella Vista Bay Park, Pier Park, Samson Oceanfront Park, Town Center Park, Senator Gwen Margolis Park, Golden Shores Community Park, Pelican Community Park and Heritage Park. The map shows all of the addresses and locations of these parks.

There are security issues when accessing the internet at a WiFi Hotspot. Edel Fonseca, Information Technology Department Director for the city of Sunny Isles Beach warns that “…it is very important to understand that this is an open network, and an open network is a shared network and not private. Make sure that any system being used for internet connectivity has all of the proper security features enabled and anti-virus and anti-spyware software installed, as well as a software firewall.”

Fonseca goes on to say, “Regardless of the level of security you have enabled, it is never wise to transmit private information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account information, etc. over any open network. For users needing access to private networks, a virtual private network (VPN) connection is recommended.”

For more information regarding the city’s WiFi Hotspot project, contact the city of Sunny Isles Beach, Information Technology Department at 305.792.1709.