By Bari Auerbach

Twelve years ago, June 16, 1997 was the date
progress followed the decision to incorporate

Sunny Isles Beach became a city to residents’ delight
and a Commission was elected to start things off right

Thanks to visionary civic activists the path was paved
to make Sunny Isles Beach “the jewel of Miami-Dade”

Support was tremendous from officials beyond compare
like Sen. Gwen Margolis, former county Commission Chair

A charter was drafted by concerned citizens with determination
but the bright future was beyond anyone’s wildest imagination

Revitalization quickly resulted as promises made came true
Sunny Isles Beach was a new mecca for “Life With a View”
 
A benefit of incorporation and having a destiny to control
was starting a Police Department with more officers on patrol
 
The city’s new shuttle bus system was next to arrive
creating great services was always the Commission’s drive
 
With so many multi-million dollar properties staring to rise
the city forged a Comprehensive Plan to keep things the right size

“Beach access,” “tall and skinny” were zoning key phrases
making controlled development a priority earned high praises

From new bus benches to improved street lighting
the goal was to make the city much more inviting
 
Undergrounding utilities and adding landscaping more lush
were among all the new projects adding just the right touch

City departments created streamlined consolidation
from Code Enforcement and Public Works- to Zoning Administration

Then almost as fast as day turns to dark
the city started developing lots of new parks

A tremendous new trend was a sign of the time…
the population’s median age started to decline!

Families with children were getting the notion
to live in Sunny Isles Beach – right by the ocean

With the younger demographic starting to rule
the city wisely acquired land to build a new school

Cultural activities were planned for the community…
all ages looked forward to special events creating unity

The City Commission feels a great sense of pride
as news about this renaissance spreads far and wide

International jetsetters have now come to stay
“Florida’s Riviera” is the best place to live, work and play

Luxurious properties now grace the city’s oceanside
and the tax base is staying at perpetual “high tide”

Now Sunny Isles Boulevard is next to be updated
The prospect of even more parks has everyone elated!

Carrying the torch for the inaugural Commission
today’s leaders continue bringing progress to fruition  
 
Mayor Norman Edelcup has never been wrong 
declaring the “State of the City” stable and strong

Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler makes public good the top goal  
along with  proactive Comm. George “Bud” Scholl

For Comm. Gerry Goodman public service is heaven –
a sincere sentiment shared by Comm. Roslyn Brezin

City department heads, staff and police all strongly agree…
“We’re dedicated to making the city the best it can be!”
 
In twelve years so much has been achieved
it’s almost too incredible to even be believed

The benefits of incorporation have been so great
yet the city still has one of the lowest tax rates

Property values have gone up – rising to all time new heights
and thanks to sound financial planning the future looks bright

There is so much to celebrate in the city’s twelfth year…
plans for a festive anniversary party are now in high gear

The venue will be Samson Oceanfront Park  
Sunday, June 14 from noon to 4 p.m. is the time to enter

Enjoy food, music, games, rides for the kids and lots of fun
reveling in Sunny Isles Beach - the best place to live under the sun!
And what will put even bigger smiles on everyone’s faces?
Over at the beach everyone’s invited to watch power boat races!