The City Commission Workshop held on March 20, 2025, in Sunny Isles Beach focused on the upcoming holiday season's design and budget, revealing a significant increase in costs and new features for the city's festive decorations. The proposed budget for this year's design is $221,580, reflecting an increase of $52,500 from the previous year's cost of $169,080.
Key additions to this year's holiday display include a large centerpiece, described as a "Wow piece," measuring over 30 feet tall and 40 feet wide, which aims to attract visitors and serve as a photo opportunity. The design also features redesigned trees with red and gold accents, new snowflakes on the stage, and a sit-through bench. The walk-through tunnel from last year will be relocated to Heritage Park, and additional decorations will be installed at various parks throughout the city.
Commissioners expressed concerns regarding the balance of holiday symbols in the decorations. Some residents had requested more traditional Christmas elements, while others noted that the display appeared overly focused on Jewish symbols. The city plans to address these concerns by incorporating a mix of decorations, including dreidels and other festive items, while also considering the feedback received from the community.
The workshop concluded with a call for further feedback from the commissioners, with plans to finalize the design and present a resolution for approval in the following month. The discussions highlighted the city's commitment to enhancing its holiday celebrations while balancing diverse community sentiments.