Sunrise, Florida

Sunrise, Florida
City
An aerial photograph of Sunrise, looking towards the north.
Seal
Nickname:  The Center of South Florida
Coordinates: 26°9′26″N80°17′10″W / 26.15722°N 80.28611°W / 26.15722; -80.28611
Country	United States
State	Florida
County	Broward
Incorporated as Sunrise Golf Village (city)	June 22, 1961 [1]
Incorporated as Sunrise (city)	March 2, 1971
Government
• Type	Commission-Manager
•  Mayor	Michael J. Ryan
•  Deputy Mayor	Joseph A. Scuotto
•  Commissioners	Jacqueline A. Guzman, Mark A. Douglas, and Assistant Deputy Mayor Neil C. Kerch
•  City Manager	Mark S. Lubelski
•  City Clerk	Felicia M. Bravo
Area [2]
• Total	18.12 sq mi (46.94 km2)
• Land	16.20 sq mi (41.95 km2)
• Water	1.92 sq mi (4.98 km2)  1.25%
Elevation	0 ft (0 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	97,335
• Density	6,008.70/sq mi (2,320.04/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes	33313, 33319, 33322-33323, 33325-33326, 33345, 33351
Area code(s)	954, 754
FIPS code	12-69700
GNIS feature ID	0291850 [3]
Website	www.sunrisefl.gov

Sunrise is a city in central-western Broward County, Florida, United States, and is a principal city of the Miami metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 97,335.

History

Early history

In 1960, Iowa-born developer Norman Johnson paid $9 million for 2,650 acres of land in southwestern Broward County. By 1961, this community of 1.75 square miles—which Johnson named Sunrise Golf Village—had fewer than 350 residents.

It has been reported that the community was to be named Sunset Village—but this did not occur because of objections from residents who felt that "sunset" was too final. Originally called "Sunset," the name did not sit well with the retirees whom developers wanted to attract, ^[4] so a change was made to "Sunrise." Dykstra developed and built an "upside-down house" to lure prospective property buyers. The home was completely furnished, and the carport featured an upside-down automobile. Public interest was aroused through numerous news stories—including a feature in Life magazine. The structure became a national attraction that drew thousands to the Village. People came to stand on the ceiling—and many stayed to make their home in the community.

In 1961, Norman Johnson was appointed by Governor C. Farris Bryant as the first Mayor of Sunrise Golf Village.

According to "City of Sunrise Golf Village," a booklet produced by the City in 1969: "On January 10, 1967, (a date called for by City Charter) Sunrise Golf Village emerged from a developer's operation into a free city under complete control of its residents. Also, on this auspicious date, the City elected a Mayor and seven Councilmen to four-year terms of office. The City of Sunrise Golf Village which comprises 3 1/2 square miles, has no air pollution or drainage problems, all paved streets, and street lighting throughout the entire City."

That first elected mayor was John Lomelo Jr., a former Miami nightclub owner who was drawn to Sunrise Golf Village by the Upside-Down House.

Growth

Originally known as Sunrise Golf Village, the City had a population of 4,300 and comprised just 1.75 square miles by 1967. Then, during the 1970s, as Broward County began to push west, the city experienced its first real growth.

In 1971, the city, by referendum, changed its name to the City of Sunrise. Through annexation, Sunrise eventually expanded to its current boundaries—encompassing more than 18 square miles, reaching the Everglades and dropping south of I-595/State Road 84. The City is situated approximately six miles west of Fort Lauderdale, and is adjoined by the communities of Weston, Davie, Tamarac, Lauderhill, and Plantation.

By October 1984, the city had reached an estimated population of 50,000. In the mid-1980s, growth gave way to challenges, as the City was faced with financial difficulties, limited economic opportunities and a lack of adequate civic amenities. In the early 1990s, Sunrise worked to put its financial house in order, rebuild its infrastructure and establish itself as a center for business headquarters. It is the site of Sawgrass International Corporate Park, which is on a 612-acre lot, the largest corporate park in South Florida.

In 1990, the first phase of Sawgrass Mills opened in Sunrise. Due to its continued popularity and expansion, the shopping and entertainment center has grown to almost 2.3 million square feet. It features 350 outlet and value retailers; food courts and full-service restaurants; movie theater and family entertainment venues.

The National Car Rental Center, now the Amerant Bank Arena, opened in 1998. The arena is the home of the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers, and hosts top entertainers and events.

Thanks in large part to these shopping and entertainment destinations, Sunrise has become one of Florida's top tourist draws. Its location at the center of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties—in close proximity to the Florida Turnpike and I-95, and bordered by the Sawgrass Expressway, I-75 and I-595—makes Sunrise accessible to area residents and visitors alike.

Sunrise operates its own utility services, including water, wastewater, and natural gas, as well as municipal fire-rescue and police departments. The city also maintains its own system of parks, as well as a soccer club, golf course, tennis club, playgrounds and swimming pools. The Sunrise Civic Center includes a 300-seat theater, an art gallery, an athletic club, and banquet facilities. Sunrise is also home to eleven public schools.

Google Maps loss incident

In September 2010, Sunrise was "lost" by Google Maps. Individuals attempting to get driving directions or locate a business in Sunrise were redirected to Sarasota, Florida. ^[5] This was the third time this occurred in Sunrise's history. ^{[6] [7]}

Recent history

Main article: 2021 Sunrise, Florida shootout

On February 2, 2021, a shootout occurred between a gunman and several FBI agents at an apartment complex in Sunrise. At the time, the agents were serving a federal warrant related to a child exploitation case. Two FBI agents were fatally shot and three others were injured. The gunman, who was the subject of the warrant, was later found dead after barricading himself inside the apartment. ^{[8] [9]} The shootout was the most violent incident in the FBI's history since the 1986 shootout that left two agents dead and five others injured, and it was also the first time an agent was fatally shot in the line of duty since 2008. ^[10]

On January 20, 2024, The new City Hall was built. Sunrise City Hall is a modern, five-story, 95,000-square-foot building consolidating most City departments and services. Additional enhancements to the Sunrise municipal complex will include the construction of a new 500-space parking garage, as well as an expanded amphitheater.

Geography

The approximate coordinates for the City of Sunrise is located at 26°9′26″N80°17′10″W / 26.15722°N 80.28611°W / 26.15722; -80.28611 .

It’s about 30 miles northwest of Miami and 12 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and is on the edge of the Miami urban development boundary.

Climate

Sunrise has a tropical monsoon climate (Am) with hot, humid summers and warm winters.

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1970	7,403		—
1980	39,681		436.0%
1990	64,407		62.3%
2000	85,779		33.2%
2010	84,439		−1.6%
2020	97,335		15.3%
U.S. Decennial Census [11]

Historical demographics	2020 [12]	2010 [13]	2000 [14]	1990 [15]	1980 [16]
White (non-Hispanic)	25.2%	36.7%	57.0%	82.2%	95.0%
Hispanic or Latino	35.0%	25.6%	17.1%	8.6%	3.5%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	31.1%	30.7%	20.0%	7.1%	0.7%
Asian and Pacific Islander (non-Hispanic)	4.1%	4.1%	3.1%	1.9%	0.8%
Native American (non-Hispanic)	0.1%	0.2%	0.1%	0.1%
Some Other Race (non-Hispanic)	1.0%	0.6%	0.5%	0.1%
Two or more races (non-Hispanic)	3.5%	2.0%	2.2%	N/A	N/A
Population	97,335	84,439	85,779	64,407	39,681

2020 census

Sunrise, Florida – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000 [17]	Pop 2010 [18]	Pop 2020 [19]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White (NH)	48,863	31,016	24,490	56.96%	36.73%	25.16%
Black or African American (NH)	17,176	25,950	30,270	20.02%	30.73%	31.10%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)	113	159	109	0.13%	0.19%	0.11%
Asian (NH)	2,602	3,374	3,929	3.03%	4.00%	4.04%
Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH)	55	65	70	0.06%	0.08%	0.07%
Some other race (NH)	460	543	1,010	0.54%	0.64%	1.04%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	1,855	1,711	3,420	2.16%	2.03%	3.51%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	14,655	21,621	34,037	17.08%	25.61%	34.97%
Total	85,779	84,439	97,335	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 97,335 people, 34,356 households, and 21,852 families residing in the city. ^[20]

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 84,439 people, 31,906 households, and 20,586 families residing in the city. ^[21]

2000 census

As of 2000, 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.2% were non-families. 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.12.

In 2000, in the city, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the city was $40,998, and the median income for a family was $47,908. Males had a median income of $35,706 versus $28,147 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,713. About 7.3% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.3% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.

As of 2000, speakers of English as a first language accounted for 71.92%, while Spanish was 16.75%, French Creole was at 2.53%, Yiddish at 1.14%, Portuguese at 1.01%, Italian at 0.84%, French at 0.83%, Hebrew at 0.61%, and Chinese at 0.59% of the population. ^[22]

As of 2000, Sunrise had the 107th highest percentage of Cuban residents in the US, at 2.29% of the city's population, ^[23] and the sixtieth highest percentage of Colombian residents in the US, at 2.44% of the city's population (tied with Weehawken, New Jersey.) ^[24] It also had the fourteenth most Jamaican-populated area in the US, with 7.6% of all residents, ^[25] and the fifty-third highest concentration of Haitians (tied with Lake Alfred and Miami Gardens' Bunche Park neighborhood) at 2.8% of the population. ^[26]

Economy

Panoramic aerial view of Sawgrass Corporate Parkway in Sunrise, showing the American Express offices with the Everglades and Weston visible in the background

Sunrise's tax base includes Amerant Bank Arena, Sawgrass Mills, Sawgrass International Corporate Park, IKEA and other commercial developments. Quality job creation through corporate attraction has long been a priority in the City.

Air France's United States reservations call center is located in the Sawgrass Technology Park in Sunrise. ^{[27] [28]}

CIGNA Healthcare has a large service and operations center in Sunrise.

Emerson Electric Company announced on July 26, 2011 that it would locate its Latin America headquarters at Sawgrass International Corporate Park. ^[29]

The City of Sunrise announced a New Homebuyer Incentive Program on January 20, 2012. Under this innovative new program, The City of Sunrise will reimburse homebuyers up to $2,000 for select improvements to a newly purchased single-family foreclosure or short sale home. The new program is an effort to attract new residents to Sunrise - and benefit existing residents by helping to improve the appearance and property values in Sunrise neighborhoods. ^[30]

Arts and culture

Sunrise hosts events throughout the year in celebration of holidays, seasons and other occasions. Highlights include:

Earth Day Festival: This celebration of green living sponsored by the city's Utilities Department. The Earth Day Festival features live music; children's rides and activities; a farmer's market; unique, handcrafted goods, ethnic and traditional foods, and eco-conscious organizations. Giveaways include BPA-free water bottles that can be filled throughout the day at the City's complimentary water station.

Cultural Festival: Designed to celebrate, highlight and unify the diverse cultures represented in the City, the festival showcases multi-ethnic foods, music, art, and dance. This event is held each November in City Park.

Harvest Festival: Held each October, this festival includes costume contests, horse-drawn hayrides and an old fashioned pumpkin patch.

Fourth of July Parade & Fireworks: This regional celebration begins with a patriotic parade, followed by a family-friendly party with free food, rides and live entertainment. The evening's events – made possible by a public/private partnership with the former Bank Atlantic Center, now BB&T Center – include fireworks and live music.

Woodstock: This annual event features hand-made crafts from local artists. Held the first weekend in December, it is a popular event and also features local musical talents, among other entertainment.

Sports

Pre Game at a Florida Panthers 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs game in Sunrise.

Sunrise's Amerant Bank Arena is the home of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League. The arena also hosts concerts, circuses, ice shows and other events. The venue's 2011 first-quarter, non-hockey attendance numbers ranked No. 4 in the United States and No. 17 in the world based on calculations by entertainment trade publication Pollstar. On June 24, 2024, the Panthers won their first Stanley Cup, with a 2-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers, in the seventh game of the finals, on home ice in front of their fans. ^[31]

In 2015, the local girls youth soccer club Sunrise l9veSC recorded 3 state championships out of 6 age groups (U14, U15, and U17). In 2016, the U15 and U17 teams qualified for the US Youth Soccer National League with the U15 finishing second and the U17 finishing third.

In 2010, Sunrise finished the complete renovation and rebranding of its executive course, Seven Bridges at Springtree Golf Club. The 67-acre facility first opened in 1972. It now features a 7,000-square-foot clubhouse with a pro shop, locker rooms and a 120-seat dining area available for breakfast, lunch and catered events.

The City also operates the 15-court Sunrise Tennis Club, three pools, and more than 250 acres of park land.

The Sunrise Suns Wheelchair Basketball Team originally began as a recreational team under the umbrella of Spinal Cord Injury Support Group, Broward chapter. Dr Lauren Lerner, Fran Wade and Sue Krinsky all of HealthSouth Sunrise Rehabilitation Hospital as well as members of the board of directors for the Spinal Cord Injury Support Group saw a need to develop a wheelchair basketball program for the disabled.

Government

A Broward County Transit Bus in Sunrise.

The City of Sunrise operates under a commission/manager form of government, led by a mayor and four city commissioners who are elected to four-year terms on a non-partisan basis. The deputy mayor and assistant deputy mayor are selected on a rotating basis in March of each year.

It is the commission's responsibility to set policy, establish laws and adopt the city's budget. The commission-appointed city manager oversees the day-to-day operations of Sunrise.

Commission meetings are typically conducted on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month in City Hall. Live and archived video of public meetings is available on www.sunrisefl.gov. Meetings are also rebroadcast on local Comcast Cable Channel 78.

Sunrise is a full-service city with a comprehensive array of departments, including: Finance and Administrative Services, City Attorney, City Clerk, City Manager, Community Development, Leisure Services, Information Technology, Human Resources, and Utilities.

Education

Sunrise is home to 11 public schools – eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school – operated by Broward County Public Schools. ^{[32] [33]} Higher education is offered by nearby public and private institutions, including Broward College, Barry University and Nova Southeastern University.

Elementary schools

An aerial photograph of Sawgrass Elementary School.

• Banyan Elementary School (It opened c. 1981. ^[34] In 2012, a $1.3 million media center was installed. ^[35] )
• Discovery Elementary School
• Horizon Elementary School
• Nob Hill Elementary School
• Sandpiper Elementary School (Opened 1989)
• Sawgrass Elementary School (Opened 1993)
• Village Elementary School
• Welleby Elementary School

Middle schools

• Bair Middle School ^[36]
• Westpine Middle School ^[37]

High schools

• Piper High School ^[38]

Private schools

• Franklin Academy
• Harvard Academy
• Nob Hill Academy
• Salah Tawfik Elementary & Middle School

Infrastructure

The Sunrise Utilities Department operates a water and wastewater system that spans approximately 70 miles and serves more than 200,000 residential and commercial customers. The system consists of over 500 miles of water distribution mains; over 600 miles of sewer piping and mains; 200 wastewater and pump stations; three water treatment facilities; four water re-pump facilities and three wastewater treatment plans.

The Utilities Department also oversees the sixth largest municipal gas system in Florida, serving nearly 10,000 homes and businesses.

References

1. "Broward-by-the-Numbers (pages 3-5)" (PDF). www.broward.org. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 10, 2015. Retrieved May 12, 2015.
2. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 2, 2021.
3. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
4. "Florida Keeps Up Its Name Image". The Miami News. March 5, 1976. p. 1C. Retrieved June 26, 2024– via Newspapers.com.
5. US city erased from Google maps BBC World News America. 27 September 2010. Retrieved on 1 October 2010
6. Chan, Casey (September 29, 2010). "If A City Disappears From Google Maps, Does It Still Exist?". Gizmodo . Archived from the original on October 2, 2010.
7. Sutter, John D.: Google Maps 'loses' major Florida city CNN.com, September 22, 2010. Last accessed 2010-12-31
8. Campbell, Josh; Levenson, Eric; Flores, Rosa; Weisfeldt, Sara (February 2, 2021). "Two FBI agents killed and three agents injured in shootout in Sunrise, Florida". CNN. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
9. Yancey-Brigg, N'dea; Johnson, Kevin (February 2, 2021). "FBI identifies 2 agents killed in Florida while serving warrant in 'violent crimes against children case'". USA Today. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
10. Perkins, Chris (February 2, 2021). "Among the deadliest: Past incidents that killed FBI agents". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
11. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
12. "P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT ... - Census Bureau Table". P2 | HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
13. "P2: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT ... - Census Bureau Table". P2 | HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
14. "PL002: HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT ... - Census Bureau Table". PL002 | HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE [73]. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
15. "1990 Census of Population General Population Characteristics Florida Section 1 of 2" (PDF). Florida: 1990, Part 1. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
16. "General Population Characteristics FLORIDA 1980 Census of Population" (PDF). 07553445v1chA-Cpt11sec1ch002.pdf. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
17. "P004 Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Sunrise city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
18. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Sunrise city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
19. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Sunrise city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
20. "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2020: Sunrise city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
21. "S1101 HOUSEHOLDS AND FAMILIES - 2010: Sunrise city, Florida". United States Census Bureau .
22. "MLA Data Center Results of Sunrise, Fla". Modern Language Association . Retrieved October 24, 2007.
23. "Ancestry Map of Cuban Communities". Epodunk.com. Retrieved October 24, 2007.
24. "Ancestry Map of Colombian Communities". Epodunk.com. Retrieved October 24, 2007.
25. "Ancestry Map of Jamaican Communities". Epodunk.com. Retrieved October 24, 2007.
26. "Ancestry Map of Haitian Communities". Epodunk.com. Retrieved October 24, 2007.
27. "Welcome to Air France career opportunities." Air France. Retrieved on February 13, 2010.
28. "The Broward Alliance E-Newsletter." The Broward Alliance. January 30, 2008. Retrieved on February 13, 2010.
29. Marcia Heroux Pounds (July 26, 2011). "Emerson jobs: 21 to start, 75 by 2015". Sun Sentinel. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2012.
30. "Fort Lauderdale Real Estate|New Homebuyer Initiative Spurs Home Sales in Sunrise, FL | Fort Lauderdale Foreclosures". fortlauderdaleforeclosures.org. Archived from the original on July 8, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
31. Fox, Luke (June 24, 2024). "Panthers win Stanley Cup for first time after defeating Oilers in Game 7". Sportsnet. Toronto: Rogers Communications. Archived from the original on June 25, 2024. Retrieved June 25, 2024.
32. "City of Sunrise, FL : Schools & School Programs". www.sunrisefl.gov. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
33. "Zoning Map". Sunrise, Florida. Retrieved May 10, 2020. - Compare this to school boundary maps.
34. Lilly, Christiana (January 28, 2011). "Banyan celebrates 30 years of excellence in education". South Florida Sun Sentinel . Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
35. Lilly, Christiana (February 17, 2012). "Banyan Elementary to get long-awaited media center". South Florida Sun Sentinel . Archived from the original on September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2018.
36. "Bair Middle School" (PDF). Broward County Public Schools . Retrieved May 10, 2020.
37. "Westpine Middle School" (PDF). Broward County Public Schools . Retrieved May 10, 2020.
38. "Piper High School" (PDF). Broward County Public Schools . Retrieved May 10, 2020.

External links

• City of Sunrise official site