\section{Ike’s Diner Now Open on Harding}
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Joining the list of popular culinary establishments in the downtown district is Ike’s Diner, located at 9476 Harding Avenue. The Diner was created by a partnership between long-time restaurateur Samir Elmonamy and Kosher Chef Yossi Horowitz. The diner serves breakfast all day, pastas, salads, pizzas, fish, sandwiches, ice cream by the scoop and delicious iced coffees. Ike’s Diner is serving from 7:30 a.m. -- 11 p.m. every day except Saturday. Home deliveries are available. For more information, call (305) 397-8559.

\subsection{Other businesses scheduled to open soon}
In the near future look for these news businesses in downtown district:
\begin{itemize}
\item Starbucks -- 9560 Harding (late August opening)
\item Harvest Moon -- 9427 Harding
\item Tiberius -- 9472 Harding
\item Yogurt Spot -- 9519 Harding
\end{itemize}

\section{Business Improvement District in Planning}
On July 17th a public meeting was held to discuss the possibility of creating a Business Improvement District (BID) for Downtown Surfside. Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) presented information on how BIDs work and described possible BID programs for Downtown Surfside. Similar to a Homeowners Association, but for commercial properties, a BID formalizes a process for property and business owners to work together to improve a commercial district.

Property and business owners will finalize plans for a BID and bring the project for approval by the Town Commission. For more information, contact Duncan Tavares - Tourism, Economic Development and Community Services Director - at 305-864-0722.

\section{Isaac Bashevis Singer Street Sign Unveiled}
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Isaac Bashevis Singer, a 1978 winner of the Nobel Prize for literature and a leading figure in Yiddish literature, was a resident of the Town in the 1980s. Now the Surfside street named in his honor has new, more prominent signage. A brief ceremony attended by residents and Town officials marked the unveiling of the signs on 95th Street. In addition to the Nobel prize, Singer also won two National Book Awards for his novels and short story collections. He died on July 24, 1991.

\section{Parking Lot Renovations Planned}
The Town Commission has approved renovations and new landscaping for two major parking lots in the downtown Surfside district. The first is the Abbott lot between 95th and 96th Streets (west of Harding Avenue behind the CVS and Flanigan’s). The other is the 94th Street lot (on the southeast corner of 94th and Harding Avenue). Contractors Lunx Construction and Luke’s Landscaping will be working with Public Works to complete the renovation. The project is scheduled to begin before the end of August.

\section{Streetscape Improvement Takes Next Step}
The plans for the Harding Avenue Streetscape are now being reviewed by the Florida Department of Transportation, since Harding Avenue is a state-owned street. The Town is planning to start the project as soon as it is approved by the Florida DOT.

Designed by the firms of Stantec and Rosenberg Gardner, the Harding Avenue Streetscape plan will transform the downtown area with Medjool palms, colorful tropical shrubs and pocket parks with benches, pavers and street crossings.