The City of Sweetwater is located in Western Miami-Dade County. Sweetwater was incorporated on October 10, 1941, and the population has grown from 25 to approximately 20,994 residents. According to Miami Herald staff writer Darrell Eiland, Sweetwater’s first residents were a group of Russian circus performers known as the “Royal Russian Midgets.” In 1938, Clyde Andrews acquired most of the “Sweetwater Groves” tract and began to market lots. Among his buyers were the “Royal Russian Midgets” performers seeking a place to retire after their circus career. During 1941, the little people along with thirteen other residents voted to incorporate Sweetwater. A charter was signed and Joe Sanderlin was elected as the first Mayor. Fast forward to the 1970s, the development of Florida International University and the construction of two major expressways popularized Sweetwater. The growth and development which was precipitated by these occurrences attracted residents and the City grew more than double in population.