Mayor Svechin

By Larisa Svechin, Vice Mayor (Friday, April 26, 2019) – Safety is every parent’s priority. As a parent of four school-age children, I understand this first hand. Safety education and activism has turned into a passion for me. During this current and last legislative session, I have been advocating for legislation in Tallahassee and Washington DC, supporting distracted driving laws, …

By Larisa Svechin, Vice Mayor (Thursday, January 24, 2019) – Each New Year is an opportunity to live a more fulfilling life. It could be a commitment to living a healthier lifestyle, possibly becoming a volunteer or devoting more time to your family. It is sparked with an idea. Recently, my daughter was passionately writing an essay protesting smoking; the glint …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Saturday, November 3, 2018) – As a parent of four school-age children, safety is my priority. After the tragedy that occurred in Parkland on February 14, 2018, where 17 students and staff members were killed, Florida passed the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. Here are some key points of the law: 1) raise …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Monday, October 8, 2018) – Sunny Isles Beach is a magnificent world class destination. We are unique; with a plethora of nationalities, languages, ages, and interests. Nonetheless, we are still young, even now finding our vibe. There is inspiration everywhere you turn. From one end of the City to the other, on the east or west …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Friday, April 27, 2018) – This June marks the 21st Anniversary of Sunny Isles Beach. We also celebrate the 10 year anniversary of our school, Norman S. Edelcup / Sunny Isles Beach K-8, the first school in our City. The history goes back more than 15 years. The vision and determination of local officials both in …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Friday, January 26, 2018) – As residents and visitors of this magnificent City, who take pleasure in the natural beauty, the parks, and amenities, it is incumbent on each of us to practice good citizenship. Civilly monitoring public areas, sharing valuable information, or picking up a piece of trash every day, are just some examples of …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Monday, October 30, 2017) – Winter is a time for days off of school, travel, and visiting with family. It is a time for welcoming tourists and friends. Reflecting on 2017, I asked residents what interests them. Unanimously, they asked for an update on the City-sponsored, school address verification initiative. Our community school is crowded; so …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Monday, October 2, 2017) – Sunny Isles Beach is profoundly diverse and unique. For many reasons, this is the only city I would live in. Yet, it was not until Hurricane Irma that I realized how true this statement is. As a community we proved what I suspected: that we are resilient yet patient, not perfect …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Sunday, June 4, 2017) – By and large, we are a City of condominiums. Sunny Isles Beach has more than 22,000 residents, including children, retirees, vacationers and snowbirds, In March, this Commission, Police Department, City staff, and the Mayor, met with Senator Rene Garcia, who was introducing a Condo Reform Bill, HB 1237. That bill has …

By Larisa Svechin, Commissioner (Tuesday, April 25, 2017) – Spring is finally here, which means there are 6 weeks left of school. Children are excited about summer and advancing to the next grade. Two hundred and forty-one 8th graders will be going on to high school. Parents and residents have asked about future school building plans. Recently, the Miami Herald …