BY BARI AUERBACH E ver since Sunny Isles Beach incorporated in 1997, the City Commission and mem- bers of city staff have been committed to drafting fiscally responsible budgets with the goal to maintain the highest level of services along with the lowest possible property tax rates. In a recent progress report published in the Sunny Isles Beach Sun, Mayor Norman Edelcup noted, “Unlike cer- tain local governments in Miami-Dade County, [Sunny Isles Beach] has oper- ated within its means during this tough economic period. The City Commission has made a genuine effort over the years to spend your tax dollars wisely… We have invested your tax 2011 Summer Sports Camp SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958 Community Newspapers Community Newspapers S unny I sles B each Sun S unny I sles B each Sun VOL. 29, NO. 31 AUGUST 1, 2011 Celebrating Independence at 100! –––––––– See PROSPERITY, page 21 The City of Sunny Isles Beach, Cultural & Human Services Department, presents the following upcoming events. YELLOW GREEN FARMERS MARKET HOLLYWOOD SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011 T AIWAN CONFERENCE PG. 6 ••••••••••••• SUMMER STRINGS PG. 10 INSIDE THIS ISSUE ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See INDEPENDENCE, page 19 FESTIVAL FLEA MARKET POMPANO BEACH THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011 History of Prosperity T his summer the Cultural and Human Services Department, Athletics Division offers a variety of sports camps. One can choose from basketball, soccer, soccer showcase, volleyball, baseball, elite basket- ball, flag football, cheerleading, and Olympic sports camp. The camps focus on drills in each respective sport as well as learning new ones and refining old ones. Toward the end of the week, they have scrimmage games against each other giving them an opportunity to use their new skills. Each Friday, the camp goes on a field trip with lunch provided. Daily the soccer camp practices at Senator Gwen Margolis Park, however on Wednesdays the camp goes to the beach, not only for some fun in the sun, but also to play beach soccer. When the camp returns to Pelican Community Park they play indoor soccer in the RK Sports Center Gymnasium. The basketball camp tends to be one of the most popular sports camp. The elite basketball camps will focus on games against each other. The baseball camp will emphasize the proper techniques of hit- ting, throwing, and catching. The cheer- leading camp teaches the cheerleaders chants, cheers, and dances. The volleyball camp teaches the proper techniques of serving and hitting. Flag football, a new camp this year, teaches the basics of blocking, passing, and running with the ball, as well as defensive techniques. And lastly, the Olympic sports camp empha- sizes a different sport each day, which includes soccer, basketball, volleyball, baseball and flag football. We hope that everyone has enjoyed their experience and has learned a new skill to be used during the fall/winter/spring sports programs. To learn what sports are being offered in the fall, please visit Pelican Community Park, 18115 North Bay Road, (305-792- 1706), or our webpage at www.sibfl.net. Enjoy the rest of your summer. (See more photos on page 14) S unny Isles Beach resident Isabel Herrera celebrated her 100th Birthday on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at her home with neighbors, friends, family and the Mayor of Sunny Isles Beach. Isabel was born on July 6, 1911 in Havana, Cuba and she moved to the United States in 1960. Married to her husband Albert for 50 years before his passing, she remains very close to her daughter Isabelle Herrera Couceiro and her three grandchil- dren, Joseph, Ana, and Maria and her great grandchildren Elizabeth and Chelsey. Isabel has been a resident of Marian Towers, an adult apart-
Transcript
BY BARI AUERBACH
EE ver since Sunny IslesBeach incorporated in1997, the CityCommission and mem-
bers of city staff have been committedto drafting fiscally responsible budgetswith the goal to maintain the highestlevel of services along with the lowestpossible property tax rates.
In a recent progress report publishedin the Sunny Isles Beach Sun, MayorNorman Edelcup noted, “Unlike cer-tain local governments in Miami-DadeCounty, [Sunny Isles Beach] has oper-ated within its means during this tougheconomic period. The CityCommission has made a genuine effortover the years to spend your tax dollarswisely… We have invested your tax
2011 Summer Sports Camp
SERVING MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SINCE 1958
Community NewspapersCommunity NewspapersSunny IslesBeach SunSunny IslesBeach Sun VOL. 29, NO. 31AUGUST 1, 2011
The City of Sunny Isles Beach, Cultural & Human Services
Department, presents the following upcoming events.
YELLOW GREEN FARMERS MARKET
HOLLYWOODSATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011
TAIWAN CONFERENCE
PG. 6• • • • • • • • • • • • •
SUMMERSTRINGS
PG. 10
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– See INDEPENDENCE, page 19
FESTIVAL FLEA MARKETPOMPANO BEACH
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011
HHiissttoorryy ooffPPrroossppeerriittyy
TThis summer the Culturaland Human ServicesDepartment, AthleticsDivision offers a variety ofsports camps. One can
choose from basketball, soccer, soccershowcase, volleyball, baseball, elite basket-ball, flag football, cheerleading, andOlympic sports camp. The camps focus ondrills in each respective sport as well aslearning new ones and refining old ones.Toward the end of the week, they havescrimmage games against each other givingthem an opportunity to use their new skills.Each Friday, the camp goes on a field tripwith lunch provided.
Daily the soccer camp practices atSenator Gwen Margolis Park, however onWednesdays the camp goes to the beach, notonly for some fun in the sun, but also to playbeach soccer. When the camp returns toPelican Community Park they play indoorsoccer in the RK Sports Center Gymnasium.
The basketball camp tends to be one ofthe most popular sports camp. The elite
basketball camps will focus on gamesagainst each other. The baseball camp willemphasize the proper techniques of hit-ting, throwing, and catching. The cheer-leading camp teaches the cheerleaderschants, cheers, and dances. The volleyballcamp teaches the proper techniques ofserving and hitting. Flag football, a newcamp this year, teaches the basics ofblocking, passing, and running with theball, as well as defensive techniques. Andlastly, the Olympic sports camp empha-sizes a different sport each day, whichincludes soccer, basketball, volleyball,baseball and flag football.
We hope that everyone has enjoyed theirexperience and has learned a new skill to beused during the fall/winter/spring sportsprograms.
To learn what sports are being offered inthe fall, please visit Pelican CommunityPark, 18115 North Bay Road, (305-792-1706), or our webpage at www.sibfl.net.
Enjoy the rest of your summer.(See more photos on page 14)
SS unny Isles Beach resident Isabel Herrera celebratedher 100th Birthday on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at herhome with neighbors, friends, family and the Mayor of
Sunny Isles Beach. Isabel was born on July 6, 1911 in Havana, Cuba and she
moved to the United States in 1960. Married to her husbandAlbert for 50 years before his passing, she remains very close toher daughter Isabelle Herrera Couceiro and her three grandchil-dren, Joseph, Ana, and Maria and her great grandchildrenElizabeth and Chelsey.
Isabel has been a resident of Marian Towers, an adult apart-
Page 2 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
• • • 2011 Summer Camp • • •
PHOT
OS B
Y M
IKE
TRIB
BY
Camp Tot Lot campers hopping in a circle
Camp Tot Lot Bend and Stretch In Lego Robotics Camp the competition is fierce
Lego Robotics Camp planning the construction
Lego Robotics campers selecting the parts
Camp SIB Juniors visit City Hall
Summer camp Seniors kayaking at Oleta
(SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 14)Art of Superheroes Specialty Camp
Student receives instruction at Art of Superheroes
Sumer camp Seniors preparing for kayaking at Oleta
Concentrationis needed inthe Art ofSuperheroes
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 3
Bill is a highly respected man in his com-munity. Involved in many benevolent deeds.Always refers to his upbringing and hismother for same. However his mother mightnot agree with him by his behavior growingup. He was slightly post Boomerand had watched his folks smokingpot on occasion. When he got intohis teens he felt he should experi-ment openly and smoked pot infront of his parents. When they triedto admonish him he reminded themthat they had smoked in front ofhim.
He went to college but got intotrouble with wild parties full of dope and youguessed it: was thrown out in his junior yearfor selling drugs to students. He went homeand his parents tried helping him with jobsbut he messed up every time. They finallytold him that unless he went for help, theywouldn’t continue to support him.
So he went for help and drug counseling.He appeared to be oked but quietly had adrug business going on the side. His parentsthen got him into a private counseling outfit
where he had to live in their facilities. Lastedabout six months and then stole out onenight; his mother finally found him livingunder a bridge.
She brought him home and watched overhim for two years, never leaving his side.
It finally seemed to work. In fact when hewent to live with a relative a few states away,
somehow began to get work andlittle by little got himself straight-ened out.
He started in a new firm andmoved up right through this grow-ing company. He would tell every-one that his mother really was hisinspiration for his growth.
He got a call from his father thathis mother was very sick and want-
ed to see him. He thought it over and thencalled his father and told him that if he camehome and saw his mother in such bad shapethat it might set him back in his thinking.
His mother died shortly thereafter.Nowadays when he talks about his success
he says it was about his mother making ithappen. Then, he sadly says that his motherdied suddenly and he never had a chance totell her how he felt about her. He says thiswith a straight face.
Wandering & Pondering
DAN PALMER
Succefull ManSuccessfull Man
BY BARI AUERBACH
As the city prepares forupcoming budget meet-ings in September, hereare some innovative sug-gestions on how to makethe best even better “on abudget” for fiscal year2011/2012…
**LLiimmiitt bbuuddggeett iinnccrreeaasseess aanndd ooppeerraatt--iinngg ccoossttss:: Wouldn’t it would be wise toadd just a few extra budget line items?After all, there should always be fundingavailable for residents to enjoy luxurieslike designer sun visors with the SunnyIsles Beach logo – or free beach cabanasstocked with unlimited supplies of sun-tan lotion!
**CCoonnssoolliiddaattee ddeeppaarrttmmeennttss:: Justimagine if the city’s BuildingDepartment merged with the Culturaland Human Services Department…thenthere could be big parties complete withlavish displays of fireworks when newdevelopments passed all their inspec-tions.
**BBrriinngg BBrrooaaddwwaayy ttoo CCoolllliinnss:: Patronsof the arts would certainly condone put-ting more money into the budget to fundcultural events – especially if residentscould get discounts on tickets toBroadway hits…Mamma Mia! Can youimagine getting all dressed up and usingextra Hairspray without feeling Wicked
or Les Miserables about splurging onentertainment?
**IImmpprroovvee ttrraaffffiicc qquuaalliittyy:: To relievecongestion and generate revenue, the citycould create Sunpass lanes on CollinsAvenue…Another good idea to preventaccidents would be to up the fines whencameras catch red light runners so viola-tors would have to forsake trust funds orstock dividends.
**GGeett mmoorree eennvviirroonnmmeennttaallllyy--ffrriieennddllyyvveehhiicclleess:: If the city were to dig deep,they could come up with a way to replaceshuttle buses with a fleet of “Go-Green”limos that would truly be in keeping withthe Sunny Isles Beach reputation for ulti-mate luxury!
**PPrroovviiddee ffuunnddiinngg ffoorr llaannddssccaappiinngg;;To accomplish this goal, the city couldrecruit volunteers to sell flowers on streetcorners to help boost revenues!
**PPuurrcchhaassee nneeww ppoolliiccee vveehhiicclleess:: Toenhance response times, perhaps it wouldmake more “horse cents” to rent thefastest thoroughbreds from GulfstreamPark - specially trained not to trample onany new landscaping!
**CCoonnttiinnuuee aaddooppttiinngg ‘‘’’GGoo GGrreeeenn’’’’iinniittiiaattiivveess:: Even more money could betrimmed from the budget if the city keptre-printing the same exact good newsabout Sunny Isles Beach since it justkeeps “recycling!”
Page 4 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
• • LIFE IN THE CITY • • On a Budget
GENERAL PROVISIONS: Every issue of Community Newspapers is fully copyrighted, and all property rights, including advertisements produced by Community Newspapers. Artwork and/or typography furnished or arranged for/by us, shall be the property of
Community Newspapers. No such ad or any art thereof may be reproduced without the prior consent of Community Newspapers.
www.communitynewspapers.comWe will not return solicited or unsolicited editorial material including stories, columns and or photographs. If you send us anything, make sure that you have duplicate copies of the material.
MILLER PUBLISHING and COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS are proud to publish the following newspapers:Aventura News, Biscayne Bay, Coral Gables News, Doral Tribune, Kendall Gazette, Cutler Bay News, Palmetto Bay News,
Pinecrest Tribune, South Miami News, Sunny Isles Beach Sun
PUBLISHER ........................................................................................................................................................................... Grant Miller
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ..............................................................................................................................................................Michael Miller
WRITERS, COLUMNISTS...................................................................................Bari Auerbach, Ron Beasley, Lee Stephens, Al Sunshine,
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES.................................................................................................. Albie Barnes, Beatriz Brandfon, Roberta Bergman,
Ana Caceres, Celia Canabate, Diane Chasin, Enrique Chau, Sharon Christian,
Lori Cohen, Diane Maddox, Ann Robbins-Udel, Fara Sax, Diane S. Schiller, Korinna Soave
PUBLISHER EMERITUS.............................................................................................................................................................. Ron Miller
David P. Samson Commission Chambers, Government Center, 18070 Collins Avenue
Jane A. Hines, CMC, City Clerk* New Item
All persons are invited to attend these meetings. If a person decides to appeal any decision made at such meeting or hear-ing, they will need a record of the proceedings and, for such purpose, may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the pro-ceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, all persons who are disabled and who need special accommoda-tions to participate in any meeting because of that disability should contact the City Manager at 305-947-0606, no later than48 hours prior to the proceeding; if hearing impaired, please telephone the TDD line at 305-940-2366 for assistance.
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 5
BY DENISE RUBIN
I remember when themajority of my clientelecame from up north. They allwanted to get away from thecold winters and have sec-ond homes in Sunny SouthFlorida and the weather
translates into sales. Aventura was and is apopular destination due to it being so cen-trally located. 20 minutes to South Beachand 20 minutes to Ft. Lauderdale. Theymake up made up 80% of my clientele andthe rest were of foreigners. They still comebut the tables have turned. Now 80% of myclients are from all over the globe and only20% are Northerners and Americans.Fortunately I have a multilingual team, TheDenise Rubin Group, that in addition toEnglish speaks Russian, Portuguese,French, German, Hebrew, and Spanish. It’sa good thing because 12 of my last 14 dealswere to foreigners, two from Brazil, twofrom Venezuela, one from China, oneCanadian, one from Russia, one fromEcuador, one from London, one fromMexico, and one from Chile. I did sell 2Americans who were the only 2 of 14 to get
a mortgage. The other 12 bought all cash.The economy in Brazil is especially pros-pering now so we are seeing a huge amountof money coming from there.
We sure are a special place, a melting potof everything interesting, and all differentcultures that mesh as one. They come forthe unbelievable weather. They comebecause they think it is a buyers market buton the contrary I have made multiple recordbreaking sales. The white picket fence stillexists and people wherever they may befrom have dreams of what they envision forthemselves. They picture themselves enjoy-ing looking at panoramic beautiful oceanand Intercostal views of the city and golfcourses and stunning vistas. They see them-selves on boats docked in their backyardsand soaking up rays by their pools. Theydreamed beautiful decors like pictures frommagazines. And, they fall in love. Thereforethey don’t always get that steal or deal theyexpected, but decide to go for their dream.It’s very exciting because I’ve been settingrecord breaking sales.
Call Denise Rubin at 305-409-0019 forall your real estate needs and visitwww.deniserubin.com for listings and vir-tual tours.
Denise Rubin Talks Real EstateRecord Breaking Sales
The Cultural & Human Services depart-ment hosts events throughout the year.Here you will find a listing of the upcomingcity events, and any important informationyou should know in order to attend.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
BINGO, WEDNESDAY, AUG. 3, 20113:00 – 4:00 PM, SUNNY ISLES BEACHGOVERNMENT CENTER, COMMISSIONCHAMBERS, (18070 COLLINS AVENUE)Come with friends and neighbors and enjoysome friendly games of bingo. Cash prizesand gift cards to bingo winners.Participation is $2 per person but call aheadto 305.792.1706 to reserve your seat.
YELLOW GREEN FARMERS MARKETSATURDAY, AUG. 6, 2011. HOLLYWOOD, FL
BUS LEAVES 10:00 AM FROM THE GOV’TCENTER, 18070 COLLINS AVE.BUS DEPARTS THE MARKET AT 3:00 PM.South Florida’s largest Farmer’s Market,300 venders, baked goods, produce, arts andcrafts, and much more. Tickets can be pur-chased for $10 for residents and $15 fornon-residents at Pelican Community Park,18115 North Bay Road or the Visitor Centerat the Government Center 18070 CollinsAvenue. HHeeaavvyy WWaallkkiinngg RReeqquuiirreedd.. Forinformation call 305.792.1706.
SUMMER CONCERT STRINGS PROGRAMWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10, SUNNY ISLESBEACH COMMUNITY SCHOOL, 201 – 182 DRIVE 7:30 – 9:00 PMPresenting the fourth concert in our FourSeasons Cultural Series, this summer con-cert features a classical string quartet. This
series is designed to make classical artsaccessible to all ages in our community atthe reasonable price of $10 for residentsand $15 for non-residents. Tickets can bepurchased at Pelican Community Park,18115 North Bay Road or the VisitorCenter at the Government Center 18070Collins Avenue. For information call305.792.1706.
FESTIVAL FLEA MARKETTHURSDAY, AUG. 18, POMPANO BEACH, FLBUS LEAVES 10:00 A.M. FROM THEGOVERNMENT CENTER, 18070 COLLINS AVE.BUS DEPARTS THE MARKET AT 3:00 PM.Enjoy a day of summertime shopping withyour friends in Pompano Beach. Ticketscan be purchased for $10 for residents and$15 for non-residents at Pelican
Community Park, 18115 North Bay Roador the Visitor Center at the GovernmentCenter 18070 Collins Avenue. HHeeaavvyyWWaallkkiinngg RReeqquuiirreedd.. For information call305.792.1706.
BINGO, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 20113:00 – 4:00 PM, SUNNY ISLES BEACHGOVERNMENT CENTER, COMMISSIONCHAMBERS, (18070 COLLINS AVENUE)Come with friends and neighbors andenjoy some friendly games of bingo. Wingift cards and cash prizes. Participation is$2 per person but call ahead to305.792.1706 to reserve your seat.
SIB promoted in Montreal to Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of North America with 450 attendees ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Where in the world is the Sunny Isles Beach Sun?Perhaps... in Montreal, Canada
Would you like to appear in an issue of the paper? When you travel, take a copy of the Sunny Isles Beach Sun newspaper with you, pose with the paper in front of a landmark orwith your group. Send the photo with the highlights of your trip to the address below.
If you would like your original photograph returned, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your correspondence.
SECURITY NOTICEAll persons entering the City of Sunny Isles Beach Government facilities
may be subject to an electronic metal detector screening/search forweapons. Any individual refusing to be screened/searched for weaponsbefore being allowed access to the city facility and/or meeting will beturned away and advised to leave the premises.
A hurricane is a storm with violentwinds, rain, thunderstorms and tornados.If it occurs in the Western ocean it iscalled a cyclone. One of the characteristicsof these storms is the Eye. The eye is acalm region in the center of the storm. It isan area that has clear skies, light windsand no rain. The eye is surrounded by theEye Wall which contains the most severeweather.
Many people’s lives are full of turbu-lence and commotion. They are surround-ed by raging storms. They are caught inthe furor of the whirlwinds swirlingaround them. They are assailed by theangry feelings or outbursts of the tempes-tuous people and situations in their lives.
These violent disturbances threaten anindividual’s well-being and cause feelingsof unrest, discord and strife. It is a con-fused and tortuous state. The only protec-
tion is to get out of the gale and uproar andget into the “eye of the storm.” Everyhurricane has an eye. The more intense thestorm the smaller the eye but there isalways an eye. The eye is a less tumul-tuous state. It is an intrinsic state of calm-ness with lower pressure. In the eye youcan be free from the storm and the fierceand disruptive conditions around you.You can be free from the disorder, agita-tion and intensity that accompanies suchdisturbances.
The eye of the storm is a quiet and safeenvironment. You will feel composed andself-controlled in all your moods and situ-ations. Find the eye inside of you. If youcannot find it, create an eye inside of you.Once you are in the eye relax. Enjoy thepeace and serenity. Remain unruffled,serene and tranquil. Once you are in theeye you must remain alert and aware thatthe stormy forces are still around you.They are still violent and dangerous. Theystill pose a threat to you. Once you are inthe eye of the storm do not leave.
Patricia Frank is a LicensedPsychotherapist. She can be reached at305-788-48, 212-308-0309.
The Eye of the Storm
FRANKLY SPEAKING
Patricia C. Frank
Page 8 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
Conference in Montreal
Vice Mayor Thaler meeting with Minister Wu, YY, Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission. From left to right:Fang Oliver, Minister Wu, Vice Mayor Lewis, Keith Oliver
Vice Mayor with Trump Royal snow bird resident, William Chiang from NJ. From left to right: WilliamChiang, Keith Oliver, Fang Oliver, Vice Mayor Thaler
Sunny Isles Beach resident Fang Oliver with Chairperson Lu, World Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce fromSouth Africa, and Chairperson candidate, Mr. Lee from Malaysia
Vice Mayor Thaler meeting Mayor of Addison, TX, Joe Chow, director of WTCC, and SIB residents Keithand Fang Oliver, From left to right: Keith Oliver, Vice Mayor Thaler, Fang Oliver, Joe Chow
Sunny Isles Beach OceanRescue lifeguards report daily onthe conditions of the city’s beach.Call the Beach Condition Hotlineat 305.792.1940 for high and lowtides, air and water temperatures,wind speed and direction. Getinformed about possible rain,lightning, waves or rip currents
and any beach closures. You can also find out the UV
Index for the day. The UV infor-mation is also posted at each life-
guard stand. Find out the color ofthe warning flags posted at ourlifeguard towers and if there areany types of dangerous marine lifein the water, such as jellyfish. Alsolearn some beach safety tips.
Beach conditions are also avail-able daily on the City’s officialwebsite at www.sibfl.net.
(See complete story on page 20 –––––––––––––––––– )
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 9
The Subaru Tribeca continues as a favoritecrossover SUV with American consumerseven though there are virtually no changesfor the new 2011 model.
All three trim lines — Premium, Limitedand Touring — now carry seven passengers.Subaru added the Touring model to the line-up last year and gave it several additionalluxury features over the Limited.
Increased customer demand for more com-fort in crossover SUVs prompted Subaru toadd the design features and luxury amenitiesin the Touring model. They include HIDheadlights, monochrome exterior paintscheme, power moonroof; rear vision camerawith monitor in auto-dimming mirror, silver-painted roof rails, a silver-painted frontunderguard and seven-spoke alloy wheels. ABluetooth hands-free phone module also isstandard on the Limited and Touring lines, asis XM satellite radio.
On the road, Tribeca delivers a positive
driving experience, thanks to VehicleDynamics Control (VDC) and four-wheeltraction control (TCS) that enhance thecapabilities of the standard Variable TorqueDistribution (VTD) version of Subaru’sSymmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Tribeca alsocomes with Brake Assist on its standardABS brake system, which analyzes the forceon the brake pedal and increases hydraulicboost to provide enhanced emergency brak-ing, even activating the ABS system early ifneeded.
On the outside, Tribeca has a crisp, aero-dynamic design with a swept-back wind-shield. Up front, the grille is integrated intothe front bumper and has a chrome spread-wing design, with the Subaru star clusterbadge as the focal point.
Under the hood, the Subaru 3.6-liter, 256hp Boxer engine produces powerful low-endtorque and its use of regular-grade fuel helpslower operating costs. The Active ValveControl System (AVCS) variable valve tim-ing is used on both the intake and exhaustcamshafts and the engine sustains at least225 pounds-feet of torque from 2,000 to6,000 rpm. Mated to a specially tuned five-speed automatic transmission, Tribeca hasgood acceleration and is exceptionallysmooth and responsive in everyday driving.
Tribeca is built around the Ring-ShapedReinforcement Frame structure proven inSubaru models for over a decade. It isequipped with occupant-sensing, dual-stagedriver and passenger airbags, front seat-mounted side impact air bags and standardcurtain side air bags (front and second rows).A rollover sensor can detect a potential vehi-cle rollover and deploy the standard side cur-tain airbags.
The National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration (NHTSA) gave the Tribecaits highest five-star rating in all of New Car
Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests anda four-star rating in tests for rollover resist-ance. Tribeca also was a Top Safety Pick bythe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety(IIHS).
Pricing on the 2011 Subaru Tribeca startsat $31,220.
Ron Beasley is the automotive editor forMiami’s Community Newspapers. He may becontacted by calling 305-662-2277, ext. 261,or by addressing email correspondence to<[email protected]>.
Subaru Tribeca a crossover loaded with safety features
LET’S TALK CARS
Ron BeasleyAUTOMOTIVE EDITOR
Tribeca grilleis integratedinto the frontbumper in a
chromespread-wing
designaround the
Subaru starcluster badge.
Page 10 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
The last performance of our 2010 – 2011 FourSeasons Cultural Series will be held on Wednesday,August 10, 2011 at the Norman S. Edelcup SunnyIsles Beach K-8 School. This series brings highquality, cultural performances to residents and visi-tors at an affordable price making culturallyenriched concerts available to all. The upcomingconcert will feature a standout group of internation-al musicians as follows:
DDeeyyaa DDeeyynnoovvaa: First soloed with an orchestra atage 10. 2nd Prize winner - Bulgarian NationalMusic Competition “Svetoslav Obretenov” (1982),a 1st Prize winner (gold medal) - InternationalMusic Competition “Katya Popova,” (1984) a 3rdPrize winner - Czech International CelloCompetition “Heran” (1984). Performs with localorchestras and chamber music groups. Cello instruc-tor at Gulliver Academy.
LLiiuubboovv--OOhhrriimmeennkkoo: From Miami Symphony &Assistant Concertmaster of the Miami Lyric Opera -1st prize winner at the violin solo competition atMiami-Dade College 2011.
SSttuuaarrtt MMaaccDDoonnaalldd: From Miami City Ballet &Assistant Concertmaster with Alhambra Orchestra –graduate of Manhattan School of Music – and acareer which includes year with the HoustonSymphony Orchestra & Principal second violinist -Florida Philharmonic & Florida Grand Opera.
PPaauull SSttrraassssbbuurrgg: Principal violist of MiamiLyric Opera and Alhambra Orchestra. For 10 yearshe was a principal violist of Miami Symphony & the2nd youngest member of the Florida Philharmonic-Founder of the International String Quartet.
Join us for a delightful evening of classical musicwith world renowned musicians brought together foran intimate performance. Patrons holding a SIBResident ID Card can purchase tickets for $10, Non-residents pay $20. Tickets are on sale at PelicanCommunity Park, 18115 North Bay Road and theVisitor Center in the first floor lobby of the SIBGovernment Center, 18070 Collins Avenue. Theshow begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets may also be pur-chased at the door the evening of the performance.
This fall will kick off the 2011- 2012 FourSeasons Cultural Series on Wednesday, November30, featuring FFIIUU PPiiaanniisstt iinn RReessiiddeennccee,, KKeemmaallGGeekkiicc at the Norman S. Edelcup SIB K-8. In thewinter, spring and summer three additional perform-ances are planned as follows:
FF rreenncchh GGrraanndd OOppeerraa AArriiaass, Wednesday,January 18, 2012, 7:30pm – 9:00pm, Sunny IslesBeach Community School
Single tickets for each of the four individual per-formances in the series and season tickets availablenow at the two locations listed above. Tickets foreach performance are $10 for Residents and $20 forNon-residents. Save on the purchase of the series,Resident series tickets $30 and Non-resident seriestickets $60.
The City of Sunny Isles Beach Finance Department accepts the Government Finance OfficersAssociation Distinguished Budget Award for their 2010-2011 Budget. Left to right: MinalShah - Assistant City Manager Finance Division, Francesca Pellot – Accounting Technician,Mayor Norman S. Edelcup, David Blanco - Office Assistant, Michael Quesada - Controller.
Employees of the Quarter left to right: Vice Mayor Lewis J. Thaler, Mayor Norman S. Edelcup, Assistant City Clerk MauricioBetancur, Officer Rey Zamora, Corporal Reuben Zamora, Office Assistant Agustina Graddick, Commissioner George “Bud”Scholl, Commissioners Isaac Aelion & Jeanette Gatto.
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 11
Page 12 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
Unless otherwise indicated*, all Miami-Dade County Sunny Isles Beach Branchclasses and programs are held in the firstfloor Meeting Room of the Sunny IsleBeach Government Center, 18070 CollinsAvenue. For more information about theclasses below, call: 305-682-0726
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
AADDUULLTTOONNGGOOIINNGGBook Discussion GroupTuesday, August 16, 20116:30-7:30 p.m.
CCoommppuutteerr BBaassiiccssFriday, August 5, 201110:00 – 11:00 a.m.Seniors
RRuussssiiaann SSoocciiaall CClluubb**Saturday, August 13, 20114:00 – 5:30 p.m.
SpecialBack to School Arts and CraftsWednesday, August 17, 20113:30 – 4:30 p.m.Grades K- 6
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
SIB Branch Library Programs – August 2011Summer time is here and although stu-
dents are not bringing home from schoolenvironmental reminders, we must notneglect our surroundings so; remember tokeep your storm drains clean by:
Not littering and properly disposing ofcans, paper, plastic bags and cigarettebutts,
Properly disposing of pet waste,Disposing of chemicals such as deter-
gents, automotive fluids, batteries and fer-tilizers at collection centers located in
Miami-Dade County at 8831 NW 58 Streetor 23707 SW 97 Avenue between the hoursof 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Wednesday thruSunday. For additional questions aboutthe centers please call Miami-DadeCounty’s Answer Center at 311.
Remember take pride in our environ-ment, let’s keep our city clean.
For information or to report problemswith storm drains or pollution within ourCity call the Public Works Department at305.792.1711.
Only Rain Down the Drain NEW!
Town Center Park New Skate Park Hours
Effective Friday, June 17, 2011Sunday – Friday
1:00 – 7:00 pm ALL SKATESaturday
11:00 am to 1:00 pm – pre-teen instructional session only1:00 pm – 7:00 pm ALL SKATE
For questions or information, call Cultural and Human Services at 305.792.1706.
The fall 2011calendar is available for ppiicckk uupp at the Community Center, Pelican Community Park, 18115 North Bay Road or at the Sunny IslesBeach Government Center, 18070 Collins Avenue.
The fall catalog lists activities, classes and events for all ages. These include concerts, family-oriented events, classes, after-school programs, cul-tural event trips, athletic programs. The booklet also contains information on park amenities, memberships at the community center, youth activi-
ties, adult and senior activities and a listing of special events.
You can also view or download the Calendar of Programs and Event, fall 2011, at the City’s official website -- wwwwww..ssiibbffll..nneett (on the Home Page, under Residents, click on Cultural & Human Services).
RReeggiissttrraattiioonn HHoouurrssLLooccaattiioonn:: Community Center, Pelican Community Park, 18115 No. Bay Road
With the hot summermonths upon us, we’re allshowing a bit more leg thanusual, particularly at thebeach. So it is common tobecome more aware andconscious of unsightly spi-
der veins, those small, red jagged linesoften seen in the legs.
Spider veins result from venous insuf-ficiency — weak or damaged valves insmaller veins, which can cause blood toleak, collect and become visible. Whenthis condition occurs in larger veins, theyare known as varicose veins.
Both spider and varicose veins can becaused by hormone changes, sun exposure,pregnancies or injuries. These conditionsoccur in approximately half of all men andwomen over the age of 50. Spider veins arenot dangerous to one’s health, but can beunattractive and can spread, if left untreat-ed. If untreated leads to further vein break-downs.
Candidates for Laser TreatmentThe most effective treatment for spider
veins is laser vein therapy. This procedurepresents the most favorable results and hasbeen used for more than 30 years.
The laser uses a focused beam of light.In the treatment of veins, the wavelength oflight is targeted to the pigment in the bloodand the laser heats up the small vein andcollapses it.
All individuals are evaluated prior to
laser therapy. Spider veins generally do notcause symptoms, but are diseased, incom-petent veins that can spread and affectother adjacent veins. For those who experi-ence discomfort from bulging veins andother symptoms, further investigation isdone to determine whether they are indeedsuffering from varicose veins or other mal-adies.
Effective and virtually painless proce-dure without anesthesia
Laser treatment causes the lining ofthe blood vessels and the blood within theblood vessels to absorb the light energy.The resulting heat creates a coagulation ofthe blood, which is subsequently absorbedby the body. The laser beam is focused anddoes not damage the nearby skin tissue.The vein is reabsorbed by the body and dis-appears over a period of four to six weeks.
Three decades of technologicaladvances have made this laser therapy asafe and painless in-office treatment. In thehands of a trained medical practitioner,laser vein therapy is a routine procedurethat literally makes unsightly spider veinsdisappear.
Dr. Charles Mutschler is Owner,Medical Director and On-Staff Podiatristat Advanced Footcare of Aventura. He isresponsible for every aspect of patientcare, administers injections, performs in-office surgery, and conducts all laser treat-ments. Advanced Footcare offers the latestgeneration laser equipment for spider veinremoval. For more information, call 786-428-3668.
Nursing Home Medicaid • Elder Law & Estate PlanningFlorida Medicaid Planning & Eligibility
Asset Protection • Wills, Trusts, Living WillsPowers of Attorney • Guardianships
Probate: Estate Administration
Serving Dade, Broward & Palm Beach CountiesTel.: 305.932.2293 Miami-Dade County
954.760.7077 Broward Countywww.buxtonlaw.com
Be smart,read a book!
Page 14 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
Sports Camps
PHOTOS BY MIKE TRIBBY
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 15
L U X U R Y F U L L R A N G E B E A U T Y S A L O N F O R L E S S !
HAIR (Starting at)
Organic Keratin treatmentSingle process colorHighlights half head
$75 $150$29 $ 65$45 $ 90
New customers prices
17086 COLLINS AVENUE - SUNNY ISLES
305-974-0030BEHIND RK PLAZAwww.VoiMiami.com
All prices are for new customers only. We reserve the right to change the prices without notice.
Regular
Page 16 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 17
Page 18 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
ment building operated by theArchdiocese of Miami in Sunny IslesBeach. Jose Valle, Resident ServiceCoordinator planned a party to cele-brate the country’s Independence Dayas well as Isabel’s 100th Birthdaywith her family, friends and neighborsin the community.
At 100 years old, Isabel is proudthat she can still live independently inher own apartment with a little helpfrom some friends and medical aids,giving special meaning to “independ-ence day” to her as she enjoys having“her own place” to call home. Herdaughter, also named Isabelle, lives atMarian Towers just one floor belowher mother and can keep an eye on herwhile giving her plenty of space toremain ‘independent’.
“Eating small portions is the key toliving a long and healthy life” isIsabel’s advice to her friends thatwant to have as a fulfilling life as shehas had.
In honor of her birthday, Sunny Isles Beach Mayor Norman S. Edelcup presentedher with a proclamation proclaiming Wednesday, July 6, 2011 as Isabel Herrera Dayat her party at Marian Towers.
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 19
INDEPENDENCE, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Dial the Answer Centerat 311 (305.468.5900) toschedule special servicesor to find the hurricaneevacuation center (HEC)nearest to your home.
The Answer Centeroperates from 7:00 a.m. –8:00 p.m., Monday -Friday and 8:00 a.m. –5:00 p.m. Saturday,closed Sundays and holi-days. If you are calling to the Answer Center from outside ofMiami-Dade County, call (888) 311-DADE.
Remember Pre-registration is required for special needs shelters
Page 20 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM August 1, 2011
Sunny Isles Beachoffers residents andvisitors free WiFithroughout thecity’s parks as partof a Wireless IslandProject. All of thecity parks are WiFiHotspots whereinternet connectivityis free, wireless,and commercial-free. The city parksthat are WiFiHotspots include Bella Vista Bay Park, Pier Park, SamsonOceanfront Park, Town Center Park, Senator Gwen MargolisPark, Golden Shores Community Park, Pelican Community Park,and Heritage Park.
WiFi is also available at the Sunny Isles Beach GovernmentCenter.
There are private companies that offer WiFi services for afee in condominiums or private homes.
Minutes from Downtown Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood and other attractions!
Feel at home at CClloouudd 333333, featuring:• Mountain view • Pet Friendly • Wrap-a-round Deck with Gazebo • Bar BQ
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• Extra large kitchen • W/D • Coming soon... Internet Access!
Go to <www.cramerscreeksidecabins.com>Toll Free: 1-877-357-1777 / Tennessee: 1-865-277-8142
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SUMMER IS HERE!
Sunny Isles Beach (SIB) Vice MayorLewis Thaler and SIB resident Fang Oliverthe upcoming Vice President of TaiwaneseChamber of Commerce Miami (TCCM) andowner of Fang Oliver International Realtyattended the conference in Montreal, Canadaat Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce NorthAmerica (TCCNA) Conference. The 23rdannual conference was three days of meet-ings from June 24th to June 27th with threebuses and fourteen days of tours followingthe meetings.
At the convention, Fang Oliver introducedSunny Isles Beach to over 480 Taiwanese busi-ness owners and politicians from USA,Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand,Malaysia, Central and South America. Thepresentation included a slide show featuring500 beautiful SIB pictures and promotionalgiveaways including 132 Titleist golf balls, 480SIB luggage tags, post cards, pencils andBaklava pastry favors for everyone.
TCCNA members were impressed withthe beauty, story and hospitality of SunnyIsles Beach. Vice Mayor Thaler, a frequentvisitor to Taiwan was honored guest speakerand welcomed all TCCNA members to visitSunny Isles Beach where Taiwanese leaders
are already invested in our SIB lifestyle. Members are pleased to learn of the Sunny
Isles Beach participation in the 9th annualDDrraaggoonn BBooaatt RRaaccee FFeessttiivvaall. WhereTaiwanese, Chinese and junior members willjoin this upcoming festival held in HauloverPark on Saturday, September 24th. Dragonboat teams from Montreal and around the USAwill compete. The festival entrance is free andall are welcome to enjoy the stage entertain-ment, traditional foods and races. A simultane-ous classic Auto show is planned at the festival.
At the conference, current WorldTaiwanese Chambers of Commerce (WTCC)Chairperson Mr. Lu arrived from South Africawith the next chairperson candidates fromMalaysia, and Australia campaigning duringthis convention for the next WTCC chairper-son election in Taipei, Taiwan this October.
Minister Wu, Ying-Yi, OverseasCompatriot Affairs Commission Minister ispleased to assist in selection of a SIB/Taiwansister city, saying Taiwan’s economy is tak-ing off dramatically, especially tourism, tran-sit, development and technology. Taiwan isdemocratic country with no dollar limitationfor investment in the USA. The 13,903square mile island has a population of 23
million. In 2010, Taiwan’s economic growthtopped 10%, the highest rate in almost 30years. International trade jumped more than39% to US $526.04 billion; and the job mar-ket has turned a rosy picture with most busi-nesses set to recruit. As a result, IMF esti-mated Taiwan’s 2010 GDP per capita at overUS $34700, surpassing that of Finland,France and Japan all at once. Taiwan alsoshows her humanity to Japan by donatingover $30 million to help Japan March 11th,2011 earthquake.
This year seven million visitors areexpected to visit Taiwan when Taiwan cele-brates their 100th Independence Day. FangOliver Int’l Realty team will attend the cele-brations and promote Sunny Isles Beachwith opportunity to meet Taiwan countryPresident and Mayors for promoting mutualcommerce and culture exchanges.
The WTCC was established in September1994 as a federation of the world’sTaiwanese Chambers of Commerce to pro-mote the exchange of business information.It is the umbrella body that is structured overthe Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce inNorth America, Asia, Europe, Africa,Central & South America, and Oceania,
encompassing more than 56 countries andcovering more than 100 metropolitan areaswith a combined total membership exceed-ing 50,000 people.
Chairperson of TCCNA, Mr. Su, andnewly elected Chairperson Jeff Yao fromChicago recognize the Taiwanese Youthserve as the Chambers’ future. Therefore,new Taiwanese Junior Chambers ofCommerce divisions have been establishedand funded all over the world. The MiamiJuniors Taiwanese Chamber of Commercelove the beach and recently held their firstevent in Trump Towers on Sunny IslesBeach. Winnie Tang and Fang Oliver recent-ly accepted a city Proclamation designatingeach May as Asian Pacific Heritage Monthin Sunny Isles Beach.
In October, Mrs. Fang Oliver will join aMiami delegation to attend the WTCC meet-ings in Taiwan for the 2011, 100th
Anniversary of Republic of Taiwan democ-racy celebrations. The Taiwan Chamber ofCommerce Miami has donated for a sectionof a local park with plants labeled and desig-nated in a “Dragon Cactus, Orchid &Butterfly Garden”. For more garden infor-mation contact [email protected].
SIB Promoted in Montreal, Canada at Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce North America
August 1, 2011 COMMUNITYNEWSPAPERS.COM Page 21
dollars in capital projects to enhance the marketvalue of your home and to create amenities forresidents.
“Additionally, this year we were thrilled tofind out from Miami-Dade County that [SunnyIsles Beach] was one of ten municipalities thathad an increase in property values. Propertyvalues in the city increased by 8.3% from theprevious year. The increase in property valueswere due to numerous factors but we can pointto our green initiative and infrastructureimprovements as factors in keeping propertyvalues on the rise.
“As a consequence of increased property val-ues, the city will be able to keep its tax ratesteady and unchanged. The city has one of thelowest tax rates in Miami-Dade County.”
At the July 21st City Commission meeting aresolution passed establishing the City of SunnyIsles Beach proposed ad valorem tax millagelevy rate at 2.8860 mills per $1,000 of taxableassessed value. The public is invited to attendupcoming 2011/2012 budget hearings sched-uled for Sept. 6 and Sept. 20, 6 p.m. atGovernment Center.
The city’s “history of prosperity” is evi-denced by the following tax rate retrospective:
The Sunny Isles Beach City Commissionapproved the 2010-2011 fiscal year budgetwithout cutting services, tapping reserves oreliminating employees – good news manyother municipalities and counties round thecountry had not been able to report given thestate of the economy.
Thanks in part to franchise fee revenues fromnew construction and a minimal increase in theproperty tax rate, the city was able to avoid theelimination of programs and services. The 2.89millage rate remained one of the lowest inMiami-Dade County (in neighboring GoldenBeach, the millage rate was 8.50).
The budget further reflected the CityCommission’s commitment to attaining optimalcost efficiency as the fiscal year 2010/2011$27.8 million budget was about comparable tothe previous year’s $27.5 million budget – andeven lower than the $29.2 million budget forfiscal year 2008-2009.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2008/2009:$2.48
A reduction in city revenue forecasts, mostlyfrom property taxes, created the need to reducestaffing, consolidate departments and delaysome capital projects. In order to help balancethe ‘08/’09 budget, the tax rate was raised from$2.398 to $2.48 per $1,000 of assessed propertyvalue – still remaining one of the lowest proper-ty tax rates in Miami-Dade County (the millagerate for neighboring Golden Beach was $8.50per $1,000 of assessed property value in ‘07).
The Sunny Isles Beach ‘08/’09 budgetincluded funding for a plethora of capitalimprovements and services including: First-year operations for the city’s new PelicanCommunity Park; phased replacement of policeand public service vehicles; completing a com-
puter backup system for disaster recovery;Government Center modifications; parkupgrades; landscaping work; Sunny IslesBoulevard improvements; undergrounding util-ities; enhanced signage; and construction proj-ects including the Newport Fishing Pier, apedestrian/emergency vehicle bridge andHeritage Park garage.
TTaaxx RRaattee ffoorr FFiissccaall YYeeaarr 22000077//22000088:: $$22..339988 While other local cities were worrying how
tax reform would affect ’07-’08 fiscal yearbudgets, Sunny Isles Beach leaders anticipatedthe city would be “exempt” from major proj-ect/service cuts thanks to new constructionadding nearly $1 billion to tax rolls and impactfees paid by developers. According to a Heraldarticle, “Only Miami, which is more than 20times the size of Sunny Isles Beach, had morenew buildings to pad its tax rolls in SouthFlorida.”
At the time, property value assessmentsincreased by 12 percent in Sunny Isles Beach(up from $251,450 to $324,735); and the2007/2008 fiscal year budget featured a lowertax rate – dropping 19 percent from $2.95 per$1,000 of assessed property value to $2.398.
Despite the lower tax rate, the city stillincreased budget allocations for capitalimprovements by 94 percent (over $30 millionup from $15.6 million), funded mostly byimpact fees paid by developers. Projects slatedinclude drainage enhancements, underground-ing of utilities and upgrades to Sunny IslesBoulevard as well as Town Center Park.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2006/2007:$2.95
In 2006, the city’s total assessed propertyvalue had soared from $3.9 billion to $4.87 bil-lion.
Even more good news for residents was thatthe property tax rate remained one of Miami-Dade’s lowest at $2.95 per $1,000 of assessedvalue. Less than 10 years since incorporating,the average assessed property value in SunnyIsles Beach increased by 17% in just the ’05-’06fiscal year alone – escalating from $209,718 to$251,450.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005/2006:$2.95
The City Commission unanimously approvedlowering taxes to $2.95 per $1,000 of a proper-ty’s assessed value from the previous rate of$3.35. The City Manager noted, “The growth ofour tax base has also been consistent…The cityhad a 21 percent increase…for this proposedbudget we went from about $3.2 billion to $3.9billion which gave us the ability to propose areduction in the tax rate.”
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR2004-2005:$3.35
During a budget workshop held on August10, 2004, it was announced the tax rate for the2004-05 fiscal year would yet again be one ofthe lowest in Miami-Dade County - $3.35 per$1,000 of assessed property value.
While the tax rate remained in the lowest 25or 30 percentile of [Miami-Dade County], the
city was still at the height of growth and devel-opment evidenced by an impressive rise inproperty values.
Over the previous year, the average assessedvalue of Sunny Isles Beach property rose by 18percent to $205,916. Due to increased propertyvalues, homeowners ultimately wound up pay-ing slightly more in property taxes to the city –but the dividends were a plethora of expandedservices and the continuation of sweeping capi-tal improvement/beautification projects.
At this time, the city’s tax base exceeded $3.2billion – up from about $2.5 billion in 2003.This was the biggest [approximately 27%]increase in any single year that the city hadsince incorporating in 1997 - representing over$2.2 million of increased revenue. The [city’s]revenue from property tax was estimated to gofrom a little over $8 million to over $10.3 mil-lion.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2003/2004:$3.35
The Sunny Isles Beach City Commissionapproved the fiscal year 2003-2004 budget withno increase in taxes thanks in part to escalatingassessed property values topping $2.5 billion atthe time. While different points of view aboutissues such as view corridors and other zoningregulations continued to be debated at CityCommission meetings, census data showed[single family] home values rose 100 percent inSunny Isles Beach – the greatest increase inMiami-Dade and Broward within the previousdecade.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2002/2003:$3.35
In order to fund sweeping capital improve-ments, the City Commission approved a $3.35property tax rate – up from $2.650 the previousyear. The City Manager explained, “Revenuesfrom the $3.35 property tax rate (about $1.4million) will be utilized totally to fund capitalprojects…The city will still have one of thelowest (the fourth lowest) property tax rates inMiami-Dade County.”
The late Mayor David Samson noted at thetime, “The [$3.35 property tax] increase onlycomes on the municipal tax and the amount is‘infinitesimal.’ We all want to ensure this citywill be a ‘beautiful thing to behold’ and we’redoing it for pennies.”
Current Mayor Norman Edelcup, then aCommissioner, added “Based on the current taxbase, which is making us fiscally sound, we’renot depending on any future growth to fundthese improvements…Surveys also show themagnitude of improvements can increase prop-erty values by about 20% beyond the alreadyescalating market.”
It was also pointed out that growth pertainingto assessed values was better than anticipated –rising from $1.8 billion to about $2.2 billion – a$400 million increase.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001/2002:$2.65
In Fiscal year 2001/2002, the millage rateincreased slightly. The City Manager explainedat the time, “After giving taxpayers a break for
several years, we had more services and steadi-ly brought the millage rate back up. This meansthe average Sunny Isles Beach property owner(with a $25,000 homestead exemption) paidabout $34 more in taxes to the city - but risingproperty values also played a role in theincrease.”
According to the Miami-Dade County prop-erty appraiser’s office, an average Sunny IslesBeach home [during this time] was assessed at$122,000 - $8,000 more than the previousyear’s assessed value of $114,000.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2000/2001:$2.50
At this time, there was an accompanyingincrease in costs associated with providing newservices and the 2000-2001 budget was the firsttime they were being fully funded. Therefore,the city’s budget called for a millage rate adjust-ment from $2.303 to $2.50 per $1,000 ofassessed property value.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/1999:$2.399; FISCAL YEAR 1999/2000: $2.303
In ‘98, the city dropped the millage rate to$2.399 per $1,000 of assessed property value;and then again to $2.303 in ‘99. This was adecrease of over 15 percent from the days ofMiami-Dade County’s $2.683 millage rate priorto incorporation - however the reduction hap-pened at a time when the city was not yet fund-ing or providing the level of services residentsbegan appreciating.
TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 1997/1998:$2.683
In 1997, Sunny Isles Beach became a newlyincorporated city and residents were lookingforward to receiving higher levels of serviceabove and beyond what was previously provid-ed by Miami-Dade County.
CONTINUED PROSPERITY Today, the proposed property tax rate for the
2011/2012 fiscal year is $2.8860 per $1,000 ofassessed property value – and virtually every-where you look around Sunny Isles Beach theongoing quest to make the city “first rate” ismore evident than ever.
In recognition of the city’s outstanding“financial expertise,” for the second time, theGovernment Finance Officers Association(GFOA) recently presented Sunny IslesBeach with a “Distinguished BudgetPresentation Award” (for fiscal year2010/2011). This award is the highest form ofrecognition in governmental budgetingreflecting the commitment of the governingbody and staff in meeting the highest princi-ples of governmental budgeting.
Mayor Norman S. Edelcup noted, “[Onceagain, this budget award] proves everything wetry to do here in Sunny Isles Beach is ‘firstclass’ – and we strive to be ‘number one.’ We’reproud to have achieved this goal in the area offinance and look forward to more opportunitiesto show our staff’s outstanding achievements.”
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PROSPERITY, from page 1 ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
