The area known as Indian Creek was first developed in 1928. The island is located alongside other exclusive municipalities such as Bal Harbor and Surfside in Biscayne Bay. Mid-Western socialites purchased the lots from the government with the objective to build a country club and sell the lots surrounding the club and its courses. Creators of the island planned for the development to serve as an enclave for the rich and famous. The atmosphere would resemble the English countryside and it would be one of the most exclusive communities in the nation. The Village of Indian Creek incorporated officially in 1938. Since incorporation, the village has surpassed all of its early expectations. At the time of its incorporation, 17 residents resided on the island, while the country club had 180 members. Today the island is comprised of estate residences, a private country club, and a golf course. The only way on an off the island is by boat or ferry. A guard at the bridge protects the island with 24-surveillance and police officers patrol the islands main thoroughfare. The only way to gain entrance onto the island is to be a resident or invited by a resident. No bridges connect Indian Creek Village with other islands or any portions of Miami-Dade County. Only one road is on the island that winds around the community connecting its residents. According to the 2000 census, the village had a 29 percent poverty rating, statistics village officials deny and blame the outcome on the low response rate of it citizens and the high seasonal population.
The Village of Indian Creek is one of the most affluent communities in the nation. It serves as home to former Miami Dolphins Coach, Don Shula and popular Latin singer Julio Iglesias. The islands unique location adds to its exclusiveness. The 2000 census reported that the village had a population of thirty-three and the per capita income was $137,384. The demographics of Indian creek differ greatly from many of Miami-Dade county’s other municipalities with an eighty-eight percent white non-Hispanic population. Indian Creek is one of only two municipalities in Miami-Dade County with less than 100 citizens. The least expensive home on the island is valued at $1.4 million. Indian Creek residents pay the second highest property tax in the county, only preceded by the predominately black municipality of Opa Locka. The rate is set just below the state limit at $9.80 per $1,000 taxable value of the home. These taxes contribute to the community’s 2.5 million dollar budget, which primarily fund the police department. The police department, which has been in existence since incorporation, currently employs ten officers and four civilians. As a result, the community has one if the highest police-resident ratios in the country. Along with the security guards, there is a security system set up to detect anyone attempting to climb the village gates. There are plans to create an invisible perimeter around the island to prevent anyone from entering undetected. As expected, crime is almost inexistent in the community, the village reported one crime between 2002 and 2004, a stolen cellular phone. The village council voted to outlaw six-breeds of dogs, including Doberman Pinschers and Pit Bulls. Little has changed in this community since its incorporation; Indian Creek Village remains a municipality limited to its residents and their guest, off limits to all uninvited visitors.
Allman, T.D.(1987) Miami: City of the Future. New York City, New York. The Atlantic Monthly Press.
Calderon, J. (2002) Indian Creek is like Stepping back in time. The Miami Herald. February 3,2005 http:// infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=print&p_docid=0F3494F90….
Henderson, T.,Yardley,W. (2002) Census Links Tony Island with Poverty. The Miami Herald. February 3,2005 infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=print&p_docid= 0FD7BA2…..
Nesmith, S. (2003) Serving South Florida’s Rich and Famous. The Miami Herald. February 3,2005 http:// infoweb.newsbank.com/iw-search/we/InfoWeb?p_action=print&p_docid=0FD7BA2
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