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Category: Latest News 2024
STRIVE305 Small Business Saturday Empowers Local Entrepreneurs
with RISE Loan Program Insights
On October 19, 2024, Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County STRIVE305 initiative hosted a Small Business Saturday event at the Miami Beach Regional Library. The theme of the event was financial empowerment for local entrepreneurs, and focused supporting small businesses and fostering a thriving local economy.
The keynote speaker was George Joseph, President and CEO of the Dade County Federal Credit Union. Mr. Joseph presented the RISE (Re-Investing in our Small Business Economy) Miam-Dade Fund (“Rise Program”). The RISE Program consists of affordable, flexible financing accessible loans (up to $75,000) created for local Miami-Dade small businesses, particularly businesses who have experienced difficulty securing conventional loans. The RISE Program provides critical financial support, enabling business owners to invest in equipment, hire employees, and cover operating costs. The Rise Program's low-interest, flexible options empower businesses to grow, create jobs, and reinvest within their local communities.
The City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County partnership highlights a strategic effort to break down financial barriers and support sustainable small business growth. By offering entrepreneurs practical financial solutions through the RISE loan program, the event equipped attendees with resources to secure a more stable financial future and build resilience in today’s competitive market.
The event was the first of a series under the STRIVE305 initiative, aimed at driving economic development and providing business owners with actionable tools. For more information on the RISE Program and to explore how it can support your business goals, visit dcfcu.org/rise. The next STRIVE305 Small Business Saturday event will be held on November 9, 2024 in Coral Gables at Books & Books.
This Month in Miami Beach History:
Miami Beach Botanical Garden’s Renewal – A November Transformation
In November 2011, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden reopened its gates to the public after a significant renovation that transformed it into a lush, sustainable oasis in the heart of the city. Originally established in 1962, the garden had served as a green space for decades, but its redesign brought fresh life and purpose to the area. Landscape architect Raymond Jungles led this revitalization, incorporating native Florida plants, water-conserving features, and a layout that encourages visitors to experience Miami Beach’s unique natural beauty up close.
As we mark this November milestone, we celebrate the garden’s evolution from a modest public space into an essential part of Miami Beach’s identity. Now a beloved spot for residents and tourists alike, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden serves not only as a space for relaxation and recreation but as a center for environmental education, cultural events, and community connection.
1. A Green Renewal with Environmental Impact
The garden’s redesign was driven by a vision to create a sustainable landscape that would thrive in Miami Beach’s subtropical climate. Raymond Jungles’s approach emphasized native plants, drought-resistant vegetation, and the use of natural materials to minimize environmental impact. The garden’s water features, shaded walkways, and native flora all contribute to an eco-friendly design that conserves water, provides habitats for local wildlife, and encourages sustainable practices.
This focus on sustainability reflects Miami Beach’s commitment to green initiatives, reinforcing the city’s appeal to environmentally conscious residents and businesses. Today, the garden stands as a model for eco-friendly urban spaces, inspiring visitors and local enterprises to adopt green practices.
2. A Hub for Community and Cultural Events
Since its reopening, the Miami Beach Botanical Garden has become a vibrant hub for cultural and community activities. It regularly hosts art exhibitions, workshops, and public gatherings, drawing both locals and visitors. From yoga sessions to plant markets and educational programs, the garden offers diverse programming that caters to a wide range of interests. This approach aligns with Miami Beach’s vision of creating inclusive spaces that enhance community engagement and cultural appreciation.
For local businesses, the garden’s events attract new audiences, increasing foot traffic in the area and providing opportunities for partnerships. Businesses in the hospitality and retail sectors, in particular, benefit from the steady stream of visitors seeking unique experiences within the city.
3. An Educational Resource for Sustainable Living
The garden’s educational initiatives are a cornerstone of its mission. It provides interactive programs on sustainable gardening, native plant species, and environmental conservation, making it an invaluable resource for students, families, and eco-conscious visitors. The garden’s layout itself serves as a living classroom, showcasing plants that flourish in Miami Beach’s climate and promoting biodiversity.
Local schools and organizations frequently collaborate with the garden to offer hands-on learning experiences, reinforcing Miami Beach’s role as a community committed to environmental education. This outreach effort contributes to a growing awareness of ecological issues and sustainable practices within the Miami Beach community.
The November 2011 reopening of the Miami Beach Botanical Garden represents more than just a physical transformation; it symbolizes Miami Beach’s dedication to preserving green spaces, promoting environmental education, and fostering a community-centered approach to city planning. As the garden continues to bloom, it reminds us that investments in sustainable design and public spaces yield lasting benefits, strengthening Miami Beach’s identity as a forward-thinking, eco-conscious city.
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This Month in Miami Beach History: The Opening of the Fontainebleau Hotel
On October 20, 1954, the Fontainebleau Hotel opened its doors, marking a pivotal moment in Miami Beach’s transformation into a global hub of luxury, culture, and business. With its striking design by Morris Lapidus, the Fontainebleau quickly became a magnet for the world’s elite, setting the stage for Miami Beach’s rise as an iconic destination.
For the business community, the Fontainebleau wasn’t just a hotel—it was an economic engine. Its allure brought a steady stream of affluent tourists and high-profile events, helping to ignite Miami Beach’s hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors. As one of the most sought-after venues for conferences, conventions, and international gatherings, the Fontainebleau remains integral to the city’s economy today, driving year-round business activity and supporting local restaurants, boutiques, and cultural institutions. This legendary hotel stands as a beacon of Miami Beach’s evolution, symbolizing the intersection of innovation, luxury, and opportunity that continues to fuel the city’s business landscape.
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The Future of the Miami Beaches event by Bisnow, held at the Lincoln Road Eatery, saw the City of Miami Beach take a leading role as a sponsor, reinforcing its commitment to transforming the city’s economic landscape. With a focus on attracting businesses in key sectors like health, tech, finance, and the arts, the event highlighted the city’s strategic push towards creating a vibrant, multifaceted business environment that balances innovation, commerce, and culture.
Mayor Steven Meiner opened the event with powerful keynote remarks, emphasizing the city’s pivot away from its former party-centric image toward becoming a destination that fosters sustainable growth and attracts businesses that value the city’s unique live-work-play balance. He underscored the city’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly climate while retaining the cultural vibrancy that has long made Miami Beach iconic.
A standout moment during the event was the Retail Renaissance: The Future of Beachfront Commerce panel, where Commissioner Joe Magazine shared exciting news that Edglrd, a creative company, is in the process of moving its headquarters to Lincoln Road. This move is a clear signal of Miami Beach’s evolution into a hub for innovative and creative industries. Magazine further highlighted that collaboration between the city and businesses is essential for long-term, sustainable economic growth.
Lincoln Road, once known primarily for retail and dining, is undergoing a transformation into a space where creativity and commerce intersect. By attracting companies like Edglrd, the city is positioning itself as a destination for forward-thinking businesses that value not just location but a holistic lifestyle experience that includes work, culture, and leisure.
The event showcased Miami Beach’s efforts to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and the ongoing need for sustainability. Discussions ranged from the latest retail trends and hospitality innovations to beachfront development strategies and climate resilience. With luxury retailers, creative firms, and other key players gravitating toward the area, Miami Beach is setting a new standard for economic diversity and community engagement.
The City of Miami Beach’s Economic Development Department continues to play a critical role in driving this transformation by cultivating a business ecosystem that thrives on innovation and resilience. As the city evolves into a hub for industries like health, tech, finance, and the arts, it remains committed to creating opportunities for growth, collaboration, and cultural integration. Events like The Future of the Miami Beaches highlight the city’s proactive approach in shaping a dynamic future, making Miami Beach a premier destination for business and lifestyle.
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On the Road to Preparedness
Disasters impact the workplace — beyond physical damage, they affect both the people who work there as well as business operations. After a disaster, workplaces cannot recover without their people and people cannot recover without a job to go back to.
When it comes to preparing for a disaster, your organization can have influence over employee behavior in important ways. For example, when employees are encouraged by their employers to be prepared for disasters, employees are 75 percent more likely to take action. And with more than 63 percent of the U.S. population aged 16 or older in the labor force, the workplace is one of the most effective environments for educating and encouraging people to take steps to be ready for disasters. Businesses that plan ahead are more prepared, more resilient, and more important, can avoid becoming a statistic. According to FEMA, 40% of businesses never recover after a disaster and 62% of business owners do not have an emergency plan in place. A resilient business is one that can quickly and effectively address adversity. Resilient businesses experience fewer or shorter disruptions caused by a disaster, can resume regular operations sooner, recover faster, and adjust for the future.
September is National Preparedness Month. Take the time to evaluate your preparedness levels, update your emergency plans, and equip yourself with the necessary tools and knowledge to face adversity. To get your business started on the road to resiliency, FEMA offers excellent resources literally available at your fingertips at Ready.gov/business. There you will find hazard specific Ready Business Toolkits, Ready Business Plans, Trainings and Exercises, as well as other business resources.
Another excellent way to be prepared is to organize a Business Emergency Response Team (BERT). A BERT program can support and enhance existing capabilities, and BERT employees/volunteers can participate in efforts to increase the preparedness and resilience of the workplace and community. A Workplace BERT program equips employees with skills that enable them to perform basic disaster response operations in an emergency. Having trained staff volunteers available helps protect the health and safety of people at your workplace.
Workplace BERT employees are trained using the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Basic Training curriculum. The 24-hour FEMA-approved training covers Disaster Preparedness, Emergency Response Team Organization, Disaster Medical Operations, Stop-the-Bleed, Disaster Psychology, Fire Safety and Utility Controls, Light Search and Rescue Operations and response to Terrorism.
To prepare your employees, the City of Miami Beach Division of Emergency Management offers the CERT/BERT training curriculum. Employers and employees can register for the training by going to the Miami Beach CERT website and selecting which set of trainings that will work with their schedule. Emergency Management can also work with your business to plan your own set of trainings. If you have questions, please feel free to email CERT@miamibeachfl.gov or call 305.673.7736.
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The Business Concierge and Licensing Day event on August 15 was a resounding success, bringing together a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders in Miami Beach. Held at City Hall, the event provided a streamlined, one-stop experience for local businesses to obtain or renew their licenses and tax receipts, simplifying what is often a complex process.
Attendees were guided through licensing procedures by knowledgeable city staff, who provided valuable resources and answered questions to ensure compliance with local regulations. The event made it easier for both new and established businesses to efficiently meet their obligations.
The event featured active participation from various city and county departments, each offering expertise to enhance the attendee experience. The Miami Beach Planning and Zoning Department provided guidance on zoning regulations, while the Building Department offered insights on permit requirements. The Customer Service/Finance Department managed business tax receipts and other essential documentation.
Additionally, the Miami Beach Procurement Department enrolled businesses as city vendors, creating new opportunities for local companies to engage in city projects. The City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department shared information about the city’s business support services and programs designed to help businesses succeed.
On the county side, the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s Office clarified tax obligations, and the Miami-Dade Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) addressed environmental regulations. The County Office of Innovation and Economic Development, the Small Business Division, and the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT) also offered support and resources to help small businesses grow.
This collaborative effort between city and county departments ensured comprehensive support for business owners, making the licensing process more accessible. The event underscored Miami Beach’s commitment to fostering a thriving business environment by providing the necessary resources for compliance and growth.
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In September 1926, Miami Beach was struck by one of the most catastrophic events in its history: the Great Miami Hurricane. This formidable Category 4 storm brought winds exceeding 150 mph and a storm surge that inundated much of the city. The devastation was immense, with hundreds of lives lost and over $100 million in damages—a sum equivalent to billions today. Buildings were flattened, neighborhoods were submerged, and the once-thriving city was left in ruins.
The impact of the 1926 hurricane was a turning point for Miami Beach, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness. The lessons learned from this tragedy have shaped the city’s approach to emergency management and resilience planning.
As we observe Disaster Preparedness Month this September, the memory of the Great Miami Hurricane reminds us of the vital importance of being ready. The legacy of that storm underscores the necessity of preparing for the unexpected, ensuring that our community can withstand and recover from future disasters. Reflecting on this history, we are reminded that preparedness is not just a precaution—it’s a responsibility to protect our city and its residents.
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In August 1976, the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) was established by Barbara Baer Capitman and her son John Capitman, along with designers Leonard Horowitz and Lillian Barber. Their mission began as a project to honor the United States’ bicentennial by preserving a unique concentration of 1930s buildings in South Miami Beach. This area would become recognized as a historic district of 20th-century architecture.
Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving, protecting, and promoting the cultural, social, economic, environmental and architectural integrity of the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District and all other areas of the City of Miami Beach where historic preservation is a concern.
For businesses, MDPL’s work is significant as it has helped to preserve the architectural charm and cultural heritage of Miami Beach, attracting tourists and fostering a vibrant community. The preservation efforts have contributed to the area’s economic development, making it a prime location for businesses to thrive. The historic district not only enhances the city’s appeal but also supports local businesses by drawing visitors interested in its rich history and unique design.
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Celebrate the Story of LGBTQIA+ in Tech
eMerge Americas and the City of Miami Beach invite you to an extraordinary #MiamiTech Happy Hour pop-up event, celebrating the vibrant intersection of LGBTQIA+ and technology within our dynamic community.
In partnership with Chris Adamo and Natalia Martinez-Kalinina, this unique event promises an evening filled with networking, music, light bites, and drinks. Attendees will also enjoy an exciting live startup pitch competition judged by Miami Beach Vice Mayor Laura Dominguez.
Connect with eMerge America’s 2024 Startup Alumni, who will be showcasing the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that make Miami Beach a growing #MiamiTech ecosystem
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Medium Cool Cocktail Lounge, 1690 Collins Ave #2, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with fellow tech enthusiasts and celebrate the diverse voices that drive our tech community forward. The City of Miami Beach is committed to fostering a tech-friendly environment and is proud to support events that highlight the innovation and inclusivity of the #MiamiTech community.
Register here!
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On June 2020, the City of Miami Beach held an important ceremony, in Pride Park, to commemorate the 155th Juneteenth Independence Day or Freedom Day. The commemoration marks June 19, 1865, the end of Black enslavement in the United States and the announcement of the end of the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston Bay, Texas.
The event, featured remarks from community leaders and marked the country’s second independence day. The historical legacy of Juneteeth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times. To honor the monumental event, a Rainbow Eucalyptus tree was planted to symbolize and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to Miami Beach, and be a community space where this spirit of hope lives on. This June 19, 2024, now a federal holiday, embrace the rich history of self-determination, citizenship and democracy, that magnified the hopes and dream of those Texans who held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.
