Located across Biscayne Bay in Miami-Dade County Florida, Bay Harbor Islands consists of two islands surrounded by waterways.  The west island contains exclusively single-family homes in Bay Harbor Islands and the east island contains a commercial real estate, condominiums, and townhomes.

With a population of over 5,100 residents and 2,500 homes, the Bay Harbor Islands cover a total area of only .6 square miles, just over the waterway from Bal Harbour and Miami Beach waterfront properties on the Atlantic Ocean.  Land mass is only four-tenths of a square mile and two tenths is water.  The roadway leading into Bay Harbor Island, Broad Causeway, honors founder Shepard Broad.  The excellent location between the Miami Beach real estate and mainland North Miami prompted Broad to use his own funds to fill in the swampy terrain. 

At the age of 14, Broad came to America from Pinsk, Russia in 1920.  Within seven years, he earned a degree from New York Law School and he practiced lay in New York until 1940.  After moving his family to South Florida, Broad acquired the undeveloped mangrove swamp, which became the Bay Harbor Islands in 1945.  As he sold lots, he invested the down payments and personal funds to fill in the islands.  Prominent businessman Benjamin N. Kane joined the venture.  

The Town incorporated in 1947 under a Council-Manager form of government with seven elected Council members that serve for $1 a year.  The community elected Broad as the first mayor and he served for 26 years until retiring.  He initiated the concept of zoning that has kept the 103-acre West Island open only to single-family dwellings.  The business district is similarly in one area.  Within four years, the town had a population of 550 citizens living in 46 private residences.  When the Broad Causeway opened in 1951, the islands connected to the mainland.

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