SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958
Community Newspapers SUN
JUNE 29, 2009
S unny I sles B each Independence ‘Hey-Day’ VOL. 27, NO. 24
INSIDE THIS
BY BARI AUERBACH
ISSUE SECOND GRADE SUCCESS STORY Page 8
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METERS AT PARK
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12th ANNIVERSARY
ver since Sunny Isles Beach declared independence from Miami-Dade County in 1997, the city has flourished thanks to the dedication of elected officials, the expertise of city staff members, the vigilance of police officers and the contributions of concerned citizens. The following “old days” vs. “glory days” retrospective highlights just some of the reasons why there will be even more cause to celebrate “what’s really working” when fireworks light up the sky on July 4th…
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Old Days…“There were mostly seniors living here and families with kids could only choose from schools outside city limits.” Glory Days…“One of the greatest new additions to the city is the K-8 Sunny Isles Beach Community School, where kids are getting a great education…Even more good news is that according to the state Department of Education’s recently released school grades, the Sunny Isles Beach Community School has received an “A Grade” for 2009 with 86% of students meeting high standards in English; 87% meeting high standards in math; and 97% meeting high standards in writing… The school is also helping to attract more permanent residents since a ‘good school’ is one of the primary factors families consider when moving to a new community.” Old Days…“It used to take Metro Dade Police a long time to respond to calls…there
were so many people speeding down Collins…and crime was on the rise.” Glory Days…“Establishing the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department was one of the best benefits resulting from the decision to incorporate…Now, there’s fast response times to police calls…people know they’re going to get tickets if they speed…and crime statistics are so low, everyone feels really safe walking around at night and enjoying community activities.” Old Days…“Except for the beach, there really wasn’t any place to take the kids to play, have some outdoor fun with pet dogs, or sign up for all kinds of entertaining and enriching activities for residents of all ages.” Glory Days…“Now Sunny Isles Beach has many parks, including one with a designated area for dogs – and even more parks are coming soon …The new Pelican Park Community Center offers a fitness center, indoor gym, a little league field and great classes like karate, ballroom dance and fine art for youths…The Cultural and Human Services Department is always planning exciting trips, great concerts, movie nights, teen parties, holiday events and much more!” Old Days…“All the old motels were really rundown, the streets flooded when it rained, there wasn’t any pretty landscaping and ‘technology’ was far from advanced.” Glory Days…“Today, luxurious developments have replaced the rundown motels…Shops on the west side of Collins now look much nicer because they have to
have uniform signage…It’s also exciting to see Sunny Isles Boulevard being revitalized…The improvements just keep on coming as the city invests millions in capital improvements, undergrounding utilities, stormwater, streetscsape and beautification projects…And now, everything is so hightech – from free WiFi at the parks – to the informative city website sibfl.net that’s always being updated and improved.” Old Days…“Properties were falling into disrepair, the streets weren’t so clean and there weren’t any guidelines established to ensure developers would help improve the community.” Glory Days…“Now, Sunny Isles Beach code enforcement officers issue warnings and fines if properties don’t comply with regulations created to help maintain an upscale image for the city…the Public Works Department makes sure the city is ‘clean and pristine’…and the city’s Land Development Regulations help maintain optimal, controlled development while establishing guidelines for developers to provide amenities like beach access points, art in public places and green open space.” Old Days…“Before Sunny Isles Beach incorporated, there weren’t any elected officials serving on the City Commission to look out for the best interests of residents.” Glory Days…“Elections are now held to elect a mayor and commission members so
–––––––––––––––––––––– See HEY-DAY, page 2
Page 16 SUNNY ISLES BEACH DEALS
The City of Sunny Isles Beach Wishes You a Safe Fourth of July
BY: HOMEXPERTS 305.351.8628
<< FOR SALE
33160 2/2 1,024 sq-ft.
$210,000 29% below value
FOR RENT>> 33160 3/3 1,840 sq-ft.
$4,500/mo Annual Rent is 4% of Estimated Value Based on Info from SEFML as of 6-29-09. Details and more undervalued homes at:
www.communitynewspapers.com
JULY 4 — BBQ — 9:30 A.M. (See ad on page 4)
Reminder fireworks are prohibited in Sunny Isles Beach which includes the beach and hotel area. Florida State Statute 791.01. Violators of this statute may be subject to arrest.