By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Tuesday, January 29, 2019) – In my quarterly and monthly messages, I often discuss the larger, capital improvement projects we are working on, such as the Utility Under-grounding project, pedestrian bridges, or storm drainage projects. I would be remiss if I did not mention and recognize the extraordinary people behind the operation; the …
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Update on Short Term Vacation Rental Registrations
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Thursday, January 24, 2019) – When we would think about vacations or time away from home, it used to be about getting settled into a hotel room or maybe a relative’s beach house if budget was tight. Nowadays, the game plan is completely different. Some years ago, a couple of friends sharing a …
Read More »Reflections on the Past Year & Looking Forward
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Friday, December 28, 2018) – January is typically the time to make resolutions, look toward the future, and set new goals. I want to first reflect on the great progress we made last year, and then discuss our plans for the upcoming year. Throughout the last couple of years, we have made remarkable …
Read More »Utility Undergrounding Project Moves Into Next Phase
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Monday, December 3, 2018) – The Utility Undergrounding Project has entered the next phase, the Collins Avenue Street Lighting Enhancement Phase. As you may recall, the City has been working for over three years to lay underground conduit the entire length of Collins Avenue. This caused some disruption and we are grateful for …
Read More »A Vision for Public Art in Sunny Isles Beach
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (November 18, 2018) – On September 4, 2018, the City convened a joint workshop of the City Commission and the newly formed Public Arts Advisory Committee to discuss and develop a vision for planning public art in Sunny Isles Beach. During that workshop, there was a lengthy discussion about the City’s shared community …
Read More »Traffic & Pedestrian Safety in Sunny Isles Beach
By Dwight Snyder, Former Police Chief (Saturday, November 3, 2018) – Normally this article is reserved for our City Manager who keeps us informed on capital projects and future innovative developments currently in the planning stages, which makes this a world class and cutting-edge community. This month the manager graciously gave his article space to the police department, so we …
Read More »Budget Message for the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (October 5, 2018) – In Accordance with Article IV Section 4.5 of the Charter of the City of Sunny Isles Beach, it is my honor and privilege to submit the Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2018 -2019. The filing of the 2018-2019 Fiscal Year Budget represents my thirteenth Budget as your City Manager. Our …
Read More »Car Show gets a new Twist as Gateway Park Becomes a Hub for Cultural Events
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Thursday, August 30, 2018) – In January of 2013, we introduced the inaugural Car Show in Sunny Isles Beach. Five years later, this event has grown to be one of my favorites. Every car is unique and tells its own story. Our most recent Car Show held in May found a new home …
Read More »The Importance of Succession Planning
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Friday, July 27, 2018) – I think we all know that a common objective, commitment, dedication, and consistent management are key to a productive and successful organization. A little over six years ago upon my return as City Manager, it was stressed by the then City Commission that we must have qualified backup …
Read More »Sunny Isles Beach Coming of Age
By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (July 26, 2018) – The common definition for the term coming-of-age is a description of the transition between childhood and adulthood. For some cultures, coming-of-age is determined at a specific age when a child is no longer a minor. Well, as of this past June, our City is no longer a child and has …
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