Message from the City Manager
Published on January 03, 2025
As we begin a new year, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on my three years of service as City Manager for the City of Sunny Isles Beach. During this time, we have faced complex issues, celebrated significant milestones, and laid the foundation for continued progress. I am proud to share some of the key moments that have defined our efforts together.
When I was appointed in December 2021, the city was experiencing significant leadership gaps. At that time, there was no Police Chief, Finance Director, or Assistant Finance Director. Soon after, several other key positions, including the Cultural and Community Services Director, Planning and Zoning Director, and City Planner, became vacant, adding to the challenges we needed to address.
Through a comprehensive recruitment process, we successfully filled all these positions with professionals who bring a wealth of expertise. These dedicated individuals have worked tirelessly to elevate our services, whether through innovative programs or new finance software that streamlines our budgeting process.
Early in my tenure, I conducted a thorough financial analysis and identified approximately $758,500 in arrears. Additionally, we reviewed and canceled unnecessary contracts, saving the city nearly $113,000.
Beyond these financial accomplishments, we repurposed the Turnberry sales center trailer into a much-needed teen center, providing a safe and engaging space for our teen residents. Rather than spending on demolition, we transformed the trailer into a vibrant facility, further aligning with our commitment to better serve the youth in our community.
Despite these challenges, we have achieved several significant outcomes for our staff, residents, businesses, and visitors. We are proud to have appointed the first Hispanic female command staff member and the first female motor officer in the city's history. These milestones serve as a beacon of hope for young girls, showing them that the sky is not the limit, but merely the starting point for their aspirations.
We also launched a successful pilot program promoting a lifeguard and a dispatcher to police officers, fostering growth and opportunity for our employees. In the realm of public safety, our Police Department has earned accreditation, ensuring we meet the highest standards of service.
To increase transparency and public participation, we have established a successful and well-attended annual Residents' Academy, organized community outreach events, and revamped our Commission meetings to ensure a more efficient and inclusive process. We also introduced monthly agenda review workshops open to the public, as well as workshops for discussion items and special presentations.
Additionally, the city launched the My Sunny Isles Beach Mobile App, providing instant access to city news, service updates, and important links right at your fingertips. The app also allows residents to report issues, including the option to attach pictures for easier identification. Staying connected with the City of Sunny Isles Beach has never been more convenient. We also launched a new website with a fresh, user-friendly design. In 2024, our Building Department went fully digital, streamlining the permit submission process for greater convenience.
As your City Manager, my priority is to ensure the well-being of the city. Looking ahead, I am focused on expanding our city’s spaces. This includes the additional parcel of land now owned by the city, located adjacent to Pelican Community Park, which will allow us to extend the park. The construction of our Intracoastal Sports Park will provide much-needed recreational space for our residents.
Furthermore, our Building Department is in the process of becoming accredited, and our permit clerks are actively working toward their certification. With these exciting developments, I am confident that our city will continue to thrive and improve, enhancing the quality of life for all our residents.