Community Newspapers SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958
MARCH 14, 2011
Safe at Home BY BARI AUERBACH ver since the Sunny Isles Beach Police Department became operational on August 1, 1998, residents, business owners and visitors have appreciated enhanced public safety. Now, the city is welcoming back Police Chief Fred Maas after he recently rescinded his decision to retire. “We’re happy Chief Maas’ retirement was very short and that his first decision in 2011 was an excellent decision to come back and be part of the Sunny Isles Beach family,” Mayor Norman S. Edelcup said. Vice Mayor Lewis Thaler added,” There’s only one problem [with the Chief’s employment agreement] it’s not long enough!” Great expectations are laying down the law that remarkable crime reduction statistics and progressive community policing programs will continue under the leadership of Maas - creating even more cause to celebrate the rewards of feeling “safe at home.” . CRIME DOWN, SERVICE UP “When [the late] Mayor David Samson first spoke with me, he said he promised the people the very best police department,” Police Chief Fred Maas said. “To fulfill that objective, I felt we had to recruit committed police officers - and today, I’m proud to say we have.. Our force now has 48 sworn officers serving and protecting the city of Sunny Isles Beach; and there has been a significant reduction in major and violent crimes as compared to [the days before the city’s own police department became operational].”
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–––––––––––––––––––– See SAFETY, page 20
S unny I sles B each Sun
VOL. 29, NO. 11
Employee Recognition Program honors SIB’s best
BY STEPHANIE DETHOMAS
Public Information/Events Specialist
T
he City of Sunny Isles Beach recently launched an Employee Recognition Award Program. At the February City Commission Meeting three employees were honored for their work and service to the City of Sunny Isles Beach. These included Public Work’s Mike Fiorey, Public Works/Pelican Community Park’s Joel Grunzweig and IT Department’s Mike Tribby. Public Works Mike Fiorey was acknowledged for the work he has done in completing the City’s History Hall. Mike Fiorey joined the City in 2004 as a temporary lifeguard then served as a City Shuttle driver and is now a valued member of the Public Works team.
––––––––––––––––––––––– See EMPLOYEE AWARD, page 4
L to R: Commissioners Isaac Aelion and George “Bud” Scholl, Joel Grunzweig, Mike Tribby, Mike Fiorey, Commissioner Jeanette Gatto, Vice Mayor Lewis J. Thaler, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup.
SIB congratulates its Under-14 Basketball team SIB Space Jam for winning the championship game The team went undefeated with a record of 12-0, including its playoff games, and was coached by Wesley Desa. This is the first time that the city had a basketball team remain undefeated. The season runs from mid-January to mid-March. It plays against the City of North Miami and Surf-Bal-Bay PAL. The city also has an Under 8 and Under 11 age group teams. Congratulations to all! (More photos on page 10)
The City of Sunny Isles Beach, Cultural & Human Services Department, presents the following upcoming events. See inside for details on these and more
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 Golden Era Movie “The Maltese Falcon” Pelican Community park – 10:00 am
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 Sunny Serenade Concert Samson Oceanfront Park 7:30 – 9:00 pm