Sunny Isles Beach Residents' Academy Returns

Published on February 02, 2026

by Jeniffer Viscarra, Vice Mayor

I am happy to announce that the SIB Residents’ Academy is back! Over the course of seven weekly sessions, starting on Wednesday, February 4, and running through March 18, participants will interact with our guest speakers and learn about the city’s different departments, operations, elections, and more.

The presentations are interactive and designed to improve participants’ civic engagement and connection to local government. To keep it fun, we will even include a little friendly competition. The program is free, and if you can make the time commitment, I encourage you to join. So far, we’ve had a lot of fun!

With the input of students, guest speakers, and Department Heads, the Academy's content continues to improve. I am happy to share that FIU's Maurice A. Ferre Institute for Civic Leadership will once again join us for our first session as the Academy’s only out-of-city guest speaker.

Furthermore, in the interest of broader inclusion, we are opening spots for high school students who are at least 17 years old. While I welcome our high schoolers to join for the sheer joy of learning, successful completion of the program can also earn them community service hours.

Participating in the Residents’ Academy is an opportunity for civically inclined locals to work and grow together, and perhaps make new friends. That has certainly been the case in previous sessions. In addition, successful participation in the Academy will help foster an environment of civic engagement and service in the community. Ideally, it will allow for informed and productive conversations that can adequately address residents’ concerns beyond the classroom. I hope to see you in attendance!

Contact Vice Mayor Jeniffer Viscarra at seat4@sibfl.net or 305.792.1750.