SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958
Community Newspapers MARCH 16, 2009
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE HURRICANE PREPARENESS SHOPPING LIST Page 6
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SENATOR GWEN MARGOLIS PARK Page 6
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MARINE MAMMAL PROTECTION AND RESCUE BASIS
Page 10
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ORGANIZATION NEWS Page 18
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RELIGIOUS NEWS Page 20
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SUN
S unny I sles B each
VOL. 27, NO. 11
‘You can quote me’ BY BARI AUERBACH These “on the record” quotes highlight proactive initiatives and current events happening in Sunny Isles Beach: MAYOR NORMAN S. EDELCUP “It is my pleasure and privilege as Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach to report to you, the citizens of this wonderful city, that the state of the city’s financial condition is very secure and strong. We have been able to maintain our funding on scheduled capital improvements this past year; and at the same time maintain a healthy general fund reserve balance of 17 million dollars.” Despite the state of the economy, Sunny Isles Beach is perpetuating a “history of prosperity.” At a City Commission meeting on Feb. 19, 2009, Jerry Chiocca of the accounting firm Rachlin, LLP, presented a report based on an audit of the city’s financial status for fiscal year 2007/2008 (ending Sept. 30, 2008). Chiocca emphasized, “There are healthy balances throughout all balance sheets…Positive numbers in all categories show the mark of an excellent city…this is a very healthy position to be in…[The city] has used money wisely…this is a balanced budget with no material weaknesses…a very ‘clean audit.’” POLICE CHIEF FRED MAAS “Remember, property can be replaced and vehicles can be fixed but NO ONE, NO ONE, can replace a lost life… Call the police and be a GOOD WITNESS!!” Dating back to when the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department became operational shortly after the city incorporated, crime statistics have remained low thanks in part to community policing outreach initiatives. According to Chief Fred Maas, “I assure you that you will not find a more dedicated, hard working, caring and loyal support staff than currently in place.” The following excerpt is from a “letter of commendation” for Police Chief Fred Maas that appeared in the Herald Neighbors section. The letter was written by a proud parent
whose child attends the Sunny Isles Beach Community School: GREG CAMBURN, SIB RESIDENT “This morning when I dropped off my 6-year-old son at Sunny Isles Beach Elementary school, I witnessed something noteworthy: Instead of the usual police officer who typically supervises the drop-off of elementary school children at the school, there was a different police officer. In fact, it was Sunny Isles Beach Police Chief Fred Maas. How many police chiefs in Miami-Dade County (or in the state of Florida for that matter) get up in the morning to go make sure the children at the local elementary school are safely unloaded from their parents’ cars and make it safely inside the school?... In a world where the stereotype of a cop in a doughnut shop or sleeping in his squad car behind a billboard is too often accurate, we need to recognize a man like Fred Maas who truly gives honor to the uniform.” ROBERT C. SOLERA, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR “Code Enforcement informs and educates the public in many different areas to assure the protection and well-being of the community, seeking compliance more than penalties. Prior to issuing civil violations, Code Enforcement issues warnings and disseminates information regarding new regulations adopted by the City Commission through local newspaper articles and via mass letters.” Proactive code enforcement procedures were recently put into action following the City Commission’s approval of an ordinance requiring commercial/retail establishments, apartments and condominiums with 20 or more off-street surface parking spaces to provide security lighting. City Attorney Hans Ottinot reported, “The ordinance imposes compliance dates and penalties for noncompliance Specifically, commercial/retail establishments, apartments and condominiums with 20 or more off street surface parking spaces are required to comply within 120 days of enactment and failure to comply will result in a fine of $500 per violation.” It was noted the city’s Code Enforcement
department will be sending out notices to affected properties including details about the ordinance and compliance procedures. RON POLLI, ‘08 OFFSHORE SUPER SERIES POWERBOAT RACING ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT “This race site was originally made famous back in the ‘70s by racers such as Don Aronow and we are thrilled that the City of Sunny Isles Beach and
–––––––––––––––– See SAFE, page 2
P I A NO S E R E N A D E Featuring award-winning international Russian pianists... Maxim Mogilevsky & Svetlana Smolina Wednesday, March 18, 2009 7:30pm – 9:00pm Pelican Community Park First Floor Multi-purpose Room 18115 North Bay Road Tickets: Residents - $5.00 Non-residents - $10.00
Maximum of 4 tickets can be purchased per person. Tickets can be purchased at Pelican Community Park (18115 North Bay Road). The free City Shuttle service will making stops according to the “Special Events Schedule” beginning at 6:00pm
For more information call 305-792-1706.