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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.

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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The TEDx Miami 2024 event, sponsored by the City of Miami Beach, was an inspiring gathering that celebrated the power of resilience and the transformative impact of thought leadership. Held at the iconic Miami Beach New World Center, the event drew a diverse audience, of more than 600, eager to hear the theme, “Stories of Resilience”. Each speaker shared their unique journey of overcoming adversity and pushing boundaries. From entrepreneurs, who rebuilt their businesses after devastating losses, to community leaders who have fostered unity in the face of division, to the stories highlighted the indomitable human spirit and its capacity for renewal and growth.

The event underscored the importance of thought leadership in shaping the future of Miami Beach. By fostering a culture of innovation and resilience, the city positions itself as a beacon for progress and a hub for creative minds. Thought leaders are not only catalysts for change but also essential contributors to the economic and social fabric of the community.

Miami Beach’s support for TEDx Miami exemplifies its commitment to nurturing an environment where businesses and individuals can thrive. The insights shared during the event offered valuable lessons for local entrepreneurs and business leaders. Emphasizing adaptability and forward-thinking strategies, the speakers provided actionable advice on navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in an ever-evolving market.

Andrew Parker, Founder and CEO, Papa: Andrew’s journey began with a personal mission to support his grandfather, which led to the creation of Papa, a platform providing companionship and support to older adults and families. His story emphasized the importance of empathy and innovation in addressing social needs.

Daniel Betts, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder, Blue Frontier: Daniel shared his vision for revolutionizing air-conditioning through Cleantech, showcasing how perseverance in research and development can lead to groundbreaking solutions that address climate challenges.

Mike Pell, Envisioneer, Author, Director, The Microsoft Garage – NYC: With over three decades in the tech industry, Mike’s talk on disruptive innovation highlighted the importance of bold thinking and relentless pursuit of breakthroughs in driving technological advancements.

Scott Shigeoka, Curiosity Expert, Speaker, and Award-Winning Author: Scott’s insights into the power of curiosity underscored how fostering inquisitive mindsets can enhance well-being and relationships, driving personal and professional growth.

Beena Ammanath, Author, Founder, Humans for AI: Beena’s work in AI ethics and responsible tech ecosystems demonstrated how technology, when guided by strong ethical principles, can lead to sustainable and impactful innovations.

Victoria Pelletier, Founder and CEO, Unstoppable You: Victoria’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion provided a powerful example of how authentic leadership and a focus on community can create inclusive and thriving business environments.

Dr. Leila Allen, Associate Teaching Professor, Director of the Behavioral Neuroscience Undergraduate Program, FIU: Dr. Allen’s pioneering research in translational neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Disease showcased the importance of scientific resilience in tackling some of the most challenging health issues.

Kunya Rowley, Artistic Director, Hued Songs: Kunya’s dedication to accessible arts and community building through a multicultural lens highlighted the role of the arts in fostering social cohesion and celebrating cultural diversity.

TEDx Miami 2024 was more than just a series of talks; it was a celebration of resilience and a testament to the power of ideas to shape our future. Sponsored by the City of Miami Beach, the event highlighted the critical role of thought leadership in fostering a dynamic, resilient, and prosperous community. As the city continues to support platforms for innovation and inspiration, Miami Beach solidifies its reputation as a leader in both business and thought leadership.

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eMerge Americas 2024 celebrated its 10 year anniversary by showcasing the vibrant tech ecosystem of Greater Miami. The two-day conference, held at the Miami Beach Convention Center, drew approximately 20,000 participants and showcased Miami Beach as an evolving tech scene.

The creativity within and around the conference was unlimited, including dancing robots from Nova Southeastern University’s Levan Center of Innovation, setting an innovative tone.  Local to global thought leaders emphasized the importance of creating an adaptable ecosystem to meet the challenges of rapid technological change, reflecting on Greater Miami’s evolution from Miami 1.0 to sought after tech hub.

eMerge Americas 2024 focused on the growing impact of AI and health tech with panels and discussions examining the latest innovations. Keynote speaker Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, delivered an inspiring talk on the importance of embracing imperfection and bravery, especially for women in tech. She highlighted the need to bridge the opportunity gap and empower women in technology and beyond. Armando Christian Pérez, ne’ Pitbull, shared his insights on local tech growth and his initiatives to support education, highlighting his involvement in Sports Leadership Arts Management (SLAM) schools. He also shared his foray into NASCAR, as a means to unite people through a universal language.

Attention to Startups was paramount, with pre-conference Founder mentoring for 110 companies participating in the eMerge Americas Startup Showcase. Notable startups included Tukki, which simplifies the US immigration process, and Blue Saturn, which offers AI-powered analysis for job applications. The Startup Showcase culminated with a pitch competition, with the top five (5) startups competed for a grand prize of $520,000. EVQLV, a Miami-based AI-powered venture focused on antibody discovery, emerged as the winner, and demonstrated the growing prowess in life sciences. Commissioner Joe Magazine served as a judge in the university track of the pitch competition which awarded Autoket, a Miami-based B2B automotive marketplace.

Miami Beach’s Make A Bold Move booth returned to the eMerge Americas exhibition floor showcasing new and expanding business innovations, cutting-edge technologies and business incentives, demonstrating Miami Beach’s commitment to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem.

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For more than 60 years, the National Small Business Week (April 28 – May 5, 2024) has applauded and celebrated the contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses.  This is a time that we acknowledge the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication small businesses and their influence our economies and communities.

Economic Development Week (May 6-10, 2024) is an opportunity to acknowledge the programs, best practices and special individuals, teams, and organizations that positively impact our residential and commercial communities. In Miami Beach, we promote and share the numerous efforts created to support, attract, and retain businesses in our emerging community to create a more economically vibrant and livable neighborhoods and diverse business corridors.

The City of Miami Beach Economic Development Department and local, regional, and national partners and stakeholders, including, but not limited to the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, Lincoln Road Business Improvement District, 41^st Street Business improvement District, Normandy Fountain Business Association, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Miami Dade Economic Advocacy Trust,  and Espanola Way Association, are the driving force behind numerous programs and initiatives designed to help entrepreneurs, investors, enterprising professional, and small businesses open, relocate and grow.

If you are interested in starting a business or expanding your business, Miami Beach offers business concierge services, technical assistance programs, and business incentives and grants. Please call us at 305.673.7572 or email us at MBBiz@miamibeachfl.gov.

For more information on these programs, please visit www.MBBiz.com and subscribe to the Economic Development Newsletter and stay connected and discover the tools available to build an ambitious, prosperous and productive business.

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The vibrant atmosphere of Miami Beach is enhanced by the timeless allure of its Art Deco architecture. Pastel hues and avant-garde shapes give the city a unique and iconic character.  This month marks the 42nd anniversary of the Miami Beach Architectural District’s listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Often referred to as the Art Deco District, this area was recognized as the nation’s first urban 20th-century Historic District, which marked a pivotal moment in our city’s preservation efforts.

Buildings constructed in the 1920s were designed in the Mediterranean Revival Style with bell towers, archways, awnings, and balconies among their standout attributes. On the other hand, those budlings constructed in the 1930s were designed in more traditional Art Deco fashion, with curved edges and corners, neon lighting, round porthole windows, and other distinctive quirks.

Led by passionate advocate Barbara Baer Capitman, the district’s historic recognition faced substantial opposition. Despite all of it, on May 14th, 1979, over 800 buildings were listed, affirming our area’s national significance. This milestone was not merely symbolic, providing tangible benefits for property owners, including tax advantages and low-interest loans for restoration work down the line.

As we reflect on this historic occasion, let’s remember the dedication of those who fought for preservation. Let’s honor their legacy by continuing to cherish and protect the Miami Beach Art Deco District for generations to come. The maintenance of Art Deco is not solely the outcome of government efforts through zoning regulations, but also stems from individuals’ commitments within the community to preserve the area’s authenticity.