1962
Officially a city
In the early 1960s, Miami Springs experienced a boom thanks to the rapid expansion of the airline industry at Miami International Airport. As airline employees flocked to the area, the town saw a surge in construction and an influx of new residents. This growth set the stage for a historic decision in 1962: by a narrow vote of 841 to 826, the Town of Miami Springs was incorporated as a city. Shortly thereafter, in a vote of 1268 to 776, residents removed parking meters from city streets, marking another unique milestone in the city’s evolving character.
once a hawk,
always a hawk!
1964
In 1964, Miami Springs Senior High School opened with a record-breaking $2 million price tag—making it one of Florida's largest and most advanced schools. It was the first school in the state to be fully air-conditioned, including its gymnasium and auditorium, and was hailed by the Miami Herald as the "school system’s best equipped and most beautiful." Built to relieve overcrowding at Hialeah High, the school served southern Hialeah, Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, and Medley. Known for their mascot the Golden Hawk, the school has produced notable alumni like Florida State Senator Manny Diaz, NFL star
T.Y. Hilton, and World Series Champion
John Cangelosi. Though originally designed for 2,500 students, rapid population growth led to chronic overcrowding, at times peaking at 4,750. Today, however, MSSH has transformed into a top-rated A magnet school with a more manageable enrollment of around 1,500, standing as a testament to the community's resilience and commitment to educational excellence.
1964
a bold vision and a costly lesson
In 1964, council member and former mayor R.B. Fordyce dreamed up a dazzling fountain for Miami Springs. Despite his passionate pitches, the idea was repeatedly outvoted—until persistence won in 1968. Construction began in April 1968, and by September 1969 the fountain was complete, with a formal dedication following in March 1970. The project, however, was not without controversy; engineering contracts and cost overruns sparked heated debates. The biggest surprise came after completion: what was promised to cost under $5,000 a year ended up costing between $20,000 and $30,000. Ultimately, the fountain shone for only a short time before it was taken down, leaving behind a memorable, if costly, chapter in Miami Springs history.
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