Sunny News

The Importance of Succession Planning

Aerial view of the street and Pelican Community Park and SIB Government Center with City skyline in the background.

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 …

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Let There Be Light

Holiday decoration snowflakes on lightpost

By Isaac Aelion, Commissioner (Wednesday, July 25, 2018) – When the City of Sunny Isles Beach was incorporated in 1997, we inherited the street lights that existed at that time. With the development of the City and improvement of its infrastructure, the need for improved lighting increased. Throughout the past 21 years, the City has undertaken projects to meet this …

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Sunny Isles Beach Coming of Age

Aerial view of Samson Oceanfront Park during Anniversary event.

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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Capital Projects Update

FDOT Roadway Construction Project

By Christopher J. Russo, City Manager (Friday, June 29, 2018) – We’ve come a long way since December when I last updated you on citywide capital projects. At this time I’m happy to report that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is in the process of completing the paving of Collins Avenue through our City. They have milled the old …

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Vacation Rentals & Condominium Living: A Dichotomy?

Buildings in Sunny Isles Beach

By Isaac Aelion, Commissioner (Friday, June 29, 2018) – The tourism industry is an important part of the Sunny Isles Beach economy. While the City’s hotels are a natural venue for tourists to stay in, vacation rentals in condominiums are becoming more popular for lengthier stays. Increasingly so, short-term vacation rentals in condominiums are affecting the quality of residential living. …

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Chief Fred Maas Inducted into Law Enforcement Officers’ Hall of Fame

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Hall of Fame Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred A. Maas

By Jeanette Gatto, Commissioner (Thursday, June 28, 2018) – The residents of Sunny Isles Beach know that our Police Chief, Fred Maas, is a very special person. He serves with integrity, compassion and humility. His main priority is always our safety. He will personally help anyone with a problem, large or small, and never hesitates to get out there to …

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Honoring Former Commissioner Gerry Goodman

Headshot of Gerry Goodman.

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor (Thursday, June 28, 2018) – Last month we received the sad news that on May 30, 2018, our friend and colleague, former City Commissioner, Gerald “Gerry” Goodman passed away. My fondest memories of Gerry go back to my earliest days over 10 years ago when we were serving on the City Commission together. One night, late …

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Important Information on the Building Permitting Process

Building Permits online portal - Smart Gov.

By Christopher J. Russo, Former City Manager (Monday, June 4, 2018) – May was Building Safety Month. Interestingly, the City issues more than 5,000 building permits each year. Many of these permits relate to average home or condominium renovations to a kitchen, bathroom, or replacement of a door or window. The most common concern of residents living in single-family homes …

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House Bill 631 & Our Beach

Aerial view of the neatly grated beach and shoreline with white beach chairs lined up.

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor (Wednesday, May 30, 2018) – On March 23, Governor Scott signed House Bill 631 into law. This generated a lot of sensationalistic media stories around the public’s right to use Florida’s beaches. It also generated a lot of phone calls and email messages to my office regarding how this will affect Sunny Isles Beach. The …

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Neat Streets Tree Planting Project

Neat Streets Tree Planting Project

NEAT STREETS MIAMI GRANT: The Neat Streets Grant provides funds for municipalities and organizations in Miami-Dade County to plant trees. In 2017, the City of Sunny Isles Beach was awarded a $14,000 grant. TREE PLANTING LOCATION: Over the summer, 49 trees were planted along 172 street, 182 Drive, 181 Street and North Bay Road. PROJECT GOAL: To provide a safer …

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