City Services

No Grease Down the Drain

No Grease down the Drain

Do not pour fats, oils and grease down the drain. The Problem Grease hardens when cooled, and along with fats and oils, forms globs that stick to walls inside sewer pipes. This restricts wastewater flow and can clog the pipes leading to sewer overflows into parking lots and streets. Foods that float in the dish water should not go down the …

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Sunny Isles Beach Elevates City Services by Embracing Technological Initiatives

Aerial view of Sunny Isles Beach

By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Friday, November 1, 2019) – For the last several years, the City of Sunny Isles Beach has been breaking barriers and driving technological advancements to the forefront of our agenda. In late 2015, Mayor George “Bud” Scholl launched the Mayor’s Technology Initiative, challenging city staff to develop ideas to keep our city on …

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Behind the Scenes with Special Events

Hispanic Heritage Celebration - flamenco dancer

(Wednesday, October 30, 2019) – Many of you have been to one of our spectacular special events throughout the year. From last month’s Halloween celebration, Booogie by the Beach, to twice-monthly Bingo sessions, to live performances at Gateway Park, the special events division is behind each and every event you see on our calendar. This past year they hosted 108 …

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Behind the Scenes with the Building Department

View of Golden Shores neighborhood, Collins Ave and City skyline.

(Saturday, October 5, 2019) – The City of Sunny Isles Beach is particularly susceptible to flooding from major rain events and storm surge. SIB lies close to sea level and its underground water supply is just below the ground surface. Therefore, major rain events sometimes leave rainwater nowhere to drain, causing occasional flooding. Your property may be high enough that …

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Renew Your Short-Term Vacation Rental License

Short-Term Vacation Rental License Renewals

(Thursday, September 5, 2019) – Beginning September 2, you can renew your short-term vacation rental license with the Planning and Zoning Department. All licenses expire on September 30, 2019, and owners or responsible parties must submit renewal applications. Licenses can be renewed online through your portal account. The license renewal fee is $400 each, which includes the Short- Term Vacation …

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Sunny Isles Beach: Then and Now

People walking on the beach access path through Samson Oceanfront Park.

By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Tuesday, July 30, 2019) – If you held up a snapshot of Sunny Isles Beach 22 years ago next to one taken today, the City would almost be unrecognizable. From the replacement of run-down motels with modern high-rises on the east side, to the development of City parks and public facilities on the …

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Legislative Success

View of residential houses and condominium complexes in Sunny Isles Beach.

By Alex Lama, Commissioner (Tuesday, July 30, 2019) – Recent legislative action, which falls into the win column for local government, was the defeat of SB 824 (Diaz) and CS/CS/HB 987, Short-Term Rentals. This bill would have taken away the right of local municipalities, including Sunny Isles Beach, to regulate short-term rentals in their communities. With this bill, the state …

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Unflushable Items Cause Major Problems for our Pump Station

Sunny Isles Beach high rises reflect off waterway.

By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Friday, May 24, 2019) – We take showers, wash our clothes and flush toilets multiple times a day with little to no thought about where our wastewater goes. It only crosses our mind when something doesn’t work, as we have recently experienced this past February. Many of you may have heard about the …

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The Mayor’s Technology Challenge Continues with Launch of SIBAlert

SIBAlert

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor (Thursday, August 23, 2018) – We live in a world where staying connected is extremely simple. Computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart watches all place information at your fingertips. We established the “Mayor’s Technology Challenge” in 2016 to improve our residents’ and visitors’ quality of life and communication through innovative technologies. During the fall, we plan …

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The IT Department: Providing Information & Technology Services in Sunny Isles Beach

Lifeguard tower with new solar panels for free wi-fi on the beach.

By: Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Friday, January 26, 2018) – One of the least acknowledged, but quite important, departments in the City of Sunny Isles Beach is the Information Technology Department. Leading the IT Department is Chief Information Officer, Derrick Arias, who boasts more than 25 years of experience in this industry, starting with IBM and later founding his …

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