2000s: September 11th Era
Miami Springs population in 2000: 13,712
October 3-4, 2000: “No-Name Storm”
The most direct and physically damaging event to hit the immediate area was the “No-Name Storm,” an intense meteorological event that later developed into Tropical Storm Leslie. A stalled frontal boundary collided with a tropical wave, dumping 12 to 18 inches of rain across South Florida within a 24-hour period.
-
Severe Flooding: Due to their low-lying topography and proximity to the Miami River basin and local canal networks, both Miami Springs and Virginia Gardens experienced significant flooding. Floodwaters inundated homes, submerged vehicles, and lingered in the streets for days, causing prolonged disruptions.
Fortunately, Miami Springs benefitted from infrastructure and drainage upgrades installed after the October 1991 flood.
FLASHBACK PHOTO – Incoming Swing Bridge Circa 2003
Notice the trees and foliage on the Hialeah side that don’t exist today. Also notice the wooden beams in the water that were designed to help guide boats.
2001: Curtiss Mansion added to National Registry
September 11, 2001 – Attack on America
FLASHBACK PHOTO – Outgoing Vertical Lift Bridge Circa 2003
Notice the denser foliage on the Hialeah side including the tall pines east of the Vertical Lift Bridge. In this photo you can also see the wooden beams in the Miami Canal.
FLASHBACK PHOTO – Miami Springs Police Department Circa 2003
2003: Annexation Attempts Begin
Here’s a look back to the early maps and the over 20 year attempt by Miami Springs to annex and grow our little city.
FLASHBACK PHOTO: Mayor Richard Wheeler 2003
FLASHBACK PHOTO: Honoring our Troops Ceremony on the Circle
The legendary “Rick Shaw” was the emcee for a special ceremony on the Circle honoring our troops and veterans.
FLASHBACK PHOTO: July 4, 2003
Notice the old Miami Springs Rec Center in the background. We wish the modern 4th of July Parade would start at the Rec Center once again.
March, 2004: Cities Fight to Annex Unincorporated Enclave
You can see the evolution of Miami Springs’ annexation attempts. 22 years later. Medley grew. Doral grew. Miami Springs and Virginia Gardens…Nada.
Article from Mar 7, 2004 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
Article from Jul 19, 2004 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
December 15, 2004: Stadnik Passes Away
Pioneer resident and founder of the Stadnik Miami Springs Pharmacy on the Circle passed away on Wednesday, December 15, 2004.
Article from Dec 18, 2004 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida) Obituary
August 25, 2005: Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina hit Miami Springs on the evening of August 25, 2005. It was a Category 1 hurricane with 75 MPH maximum sustained winds.
October 24, 2005: Hurricane Wilma
Just two months after going through Hurricane Katrina, Miami Springs was about to experience a Major Hurricane in the form of Category 3 Hurricane Wilma.
THANKSGIVING DEBRIS FIRE: NOVEMBER, 2005
The aftermath of Wilma created a major local crisis. To manage the overwhelming cleanup, the city temporarily dumped storm debris in a residential area near Dove and Quail Avenues. On November 23, 2005, the massive debris pile caught fire and caused an explosion, threatening nearby homes and covering the neighborhood in soot. The incident triggered severe community pushback over air quality and safety, dominating local government meetings as officials and contractors scrambled to haul away the material.
Article from Dec 4, 2005 The Miami Herald (Miami, Florida)
FLASHBACK PHOTO: July 4, 2006
Notice the old Miami Springs Rec Center in the background. We wish the modern 4th of
December 29, 2006: Woman Dies in Miami Springs Canal Accident
After this tragic incident, Miami-Dade County installed guard rails all along North Royal Poinciana Boulevard. However, many have argued the county screwed up. When the county installed the guard rail, they blocked off access to the bike trail. They placed a barrier preventing pedestrians and cyclists from accessing most of the bike trail. 🤦♂️ All the county had to do was place the guard rail on the other side of the bike trail. They didn’t. As a result, the North Royal Poinciana Boulevard bike trail is the least used bike trail in Miami Springs. Lesson: Don’t trust the county “experts” to do what is best for the Miami Springs community.
FLASHBACK PHOTO: April 16, 2007
Miami Springs Vertical Lift Bridge with American Flag in the background. This is after the expansion of Okeechobee Road. Notice the lack of trees on the Okeechobee side. By the way, we also miss seeing the American flag flying by our beautiful bridge. It’s a tragedy the cell phone companies aren’t required to keep the flag flying.
2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS: September 15, 2008
The typical home price across the Miami-Dade Market was $118,450 in 2000. By 2006, the peak of the housing bubble, prices had reached roughly $460,000 or 4X the price in just six years.
In 2008, the real estate market crashed hard. Values fell in Miami-Dade County to an average of $200,000 by the end of ’08 and $155,000 by the end of ’09. That left many Miami Springs residents underwater.
It wasn’t until 2019 that prices finally recovered to the 2006 level.
FLASHBACK PHOTO: March 2, 2008
The incredible wooden fort playground at Prince Field. The best playground the City of Miami Springs ever had.
FLASHBACK PHOTO: March 2, 2008
A young Natalia Suarez playing at Prince Field with the old Rec Center visible in the background.
UGLY MIAMI SPRINGS: 2008
Despite having a network of alleyways, the City of Miami Springs was never able to get recycling pickup in the alleys. Starting in 2008, Miami-Dade County issued new and significantly larger recycling bins. That was a good thing. However, don’t tell me it looks beautiful. It’s ugly. If you don’t have an alleyway, just like your trash, you have no choice, but to put the recycling in the front. But residents with an alley have their trash and garbage in the back and the recycling in the front. Why not put it all in the alley?
FLASHBACK PHOTO: March 8, 2009
Opening day parade for Miami Springs Little League.
