Sunny News

The People of Pelican Community Park: Norelli Liguori

Pelican Community Park Community Services Manager, Norelli Liguori.

How One Manager is Transforming Lives (August 28, 2018) – For Norelli Liguori, making a difference in the community by developing and changing lives of young children has always been her passion. In February 2008, she discovered the City of Sunny Isles Beach’s Afterschool Care Program part of the then-Cultural and Human Services Department. As a Recreation Leader, Norelli developed …

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The Mayor’s Technology Challenge Continues with Launch of SIBAlert

SIBAlert

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor (Thursday, August 23, 2018) – We live in a world where staying connected is extremely simple. Computers, tablets, smartphones, and smart watches all place information at your fingertips. We established the “Mayor’s Technology Challenge” in 2016 to improve our residents’ and visitors’ quality of life and communication through innovative technologies. During the fall, we plan …

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Celebrating Pelican Community Park’s 10th Anniversary

Pelican Community Park aerial.

Ten years might seem like a lifetime or just a blink of the eye depending on your perspective. For the last 10 years, Pelican Community Park has offered a place to play, new skills or sports to learn, and endless memories just waiting to be made. On August 23, 2008, Pelican Community Park celebrated its grand opening quickly becoming the hub for …

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SIB Police Department Begins a New Era

Police Chief Fred Maas and newly sworn-in Police Chief Dwight Snyder.

By George “Bud” Scholl, Mayor (Friday, July 27, 2018) – Last month, our Chief of Police, Fred Maas, retired after 43 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, 20 years with us in the City of Sunny Isles Beach. It was not always easy and it was not always fun, but Chief Maas helped build the Sunny Isles Beach Police …

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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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