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Category: Business
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.
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.
Pagio’s & Associates, LLC: Pioneers of Change
Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities throughout the year, from September 15 to October 15, we give extra recognition to the many contributions made to the history and culture of the United States, including important advocacy work, vibrant art, popular and traditional foods, and much more. The theme for 2024 is “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together.” In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, this business spotlight focuses on Pagio’s & Associates, a Hispanic-owned business.
Once upon a time, in the vibrant city of Lima, Peru, two sisters named Paola and Giovanna Guerra, dreamed of a future filled with opportunity and success. Despite facing obstacles and challenges along the way, their determination never wavered. With a shared passion for numbers and a deep sense of ambition, they decided to embark on a new adventure together. In 2008, Paola and Giovanna made a bold decision to leave their homeland and pursue their dreams in Miami Beach, Florida. With nothing but a suitcase with a few possessions and full of hopes and aspirations, they set out to establish their own accounting firm. The journey was not easy, as they encountered language barriers and cultural differences, but their strong bond and unwavering belief in each other propelled them forward. Founded in 2009, their business blossomed from a humble endeavor into a thriving hub for immigration, tax, and accounting services.
With over 15 years of experience and counting, together they have developed clientele who can trust them to provide exceptional service. “Opening a business as a Hispanic entrepreneur can be daunting, but our strong sense of community and family support helps us navigate through the toughest challenges with grace and perseverance,” states Paola. Their mission is to meet the current and future needs of their clients and help them to cultivate long-term success. They strive to provide incomparable services while maintaining the highest levels of integrity and professionalism, and to respect their staff and those they serve as professionals and individuals. Their ultimate goal is to maintain an environment that encourages giving back to their community. Through hard work and perseverance, Paola’s and Giovana’s accounting firm began to flourish.Their dedication to providing top-notch services and building lasting relationships with clients earned them a stellar reputation in the business community. As the years went by, their client base grew, and their business expanded beyond their wildest dreams. They specialize in divorces, marriages, pre-nuptial agreements, notarizations, power of attorney, wills, travel permits and translations.
Now, sixteen years later, Paola’s and Giovanna’s accounting firm stands as a testament to their tenacity and resilience. From humble beginnings in Peru to a thriving business in Miami Beach, they have proven that with sisterly love and steadfast resolve, anything is possible. With a dedicated team of 11, they expanded to a second office in Sunny Isles Beach in 2021, continuing to serve their community with integrity and expertise. Their story inspires others to reach for the stars and never give up on their dreams. As the sun sets over the sandy shores of Miami Beach, Paola and Giovanna look back on their journey with gratitude and pride. Together, they have built a legacy that will stand the test of time, showing the world that two Hispanic sisters from Peru can conquer any challenge, achieve greatness, and give back to the country that gave them this opportunity.
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.
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.
A Sparkling Gem in the Heart of South Beach: Chandelier Shelley
Black Business Month is celebrated in the month of August, and it is a time to acknowledge and celebrate Black-owned businesses. Creating a diverse economy is how Miami Beach maintains a dynamic and resilient community, and why it is important to share the accomplishments of Chandelier Shelley and other Black business owners and entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economy of Miami Beach.
Cory and Ashley Nelson opened Chandelier Shelley, in the heart of South Beach, in January 2024. By embracing the symbolic meaning of what a chandelier represents: abundance, enlightenment, and beauty, Chandelier Shelley’s design mesmerizes and draws patrons into a trendy and chic bar and lounge, in the lobby of The Hotel Shelly, a popular South Beach boutique hotel.
“Hospitality has been our passion for years. We have opened restaurants and eateries, in New York, and creating innovative and creative dining experiences comes naturally to us”, says Cory. “Our move to Miami Beach, is an extension of our appetite to transform culinary experiences, and we love the idea of opening a light and luxurious bar/lounge concept in one of the best vacation destinations in the world.”
The Nelsons’ journey to Miami Beach had its peaks and valleys, and the chandelier and quest to be unique concept drove the voyage. Inspired by their travels and desire to create a space that is more than aesthetic appealing but is a place they want to spend time, the young couple installed sixteen (16) chandeliers, that captivate diners with sparkling and intricately detailed crystals surrounding an elegantly designed lounge. The result is a beautiful space that is warm, relaxing, inviting and sophisticated.
“When I saw how the chandeliers added a dash of drama and created a welcoming atmosphere, I knew we created something special,” shared Cory. “Prior to the transformation of the space, like every entrepreneur, we had doubts, but now we are excited to join the illuminating and iconic South Beach libation scene.”
Serving a host of unique and innovative potions that mix traditional liqueurs with a variety of flavors such as elderflower, mint, lemon-lime, pumpkin spice, caramel, Reese’s Peanut Butter and expresso, coupled with cool music, Chandelier Shelley has become one of the highest rated bar and lounge in South Beach. Honored as the top Miami Beach expresso martini, the Nelsons have created a new vibe on the beach.
Check out Chandelier Shelley at 844 Collins Avenue and follow them on Instagram @chandeliershelley!
THE IMPORTANCE OF A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT: WHY YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO IGNORE IT!
As a business owner, there are many important documents you need to keep track of to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. One of the most critical documents is the business tax receipt (BTR).
A BTR, formerly known as an Occupational License, confirms that a business has paid its taxes in full for a specific period. The BTR serves as proof that the business has complied with its tax obligations and is up to date with its tax payments.
Maintaining a valid BTR is crucial for several reasons:
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- Compliance with Tax Laws – a BTR is proof that your business has met its tax obligations, which helps to ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations. Without a valid BTR, you may be subject to fines, penalties, and even audits from the tax authorities.
- Bank Account Opening - many banks and financial institutions require a valid BTR as part of the process for opening a business bank account. Without a valid BTR, you may not be able to open an account or may face restrictions on your business accounting activities.
- Government Contracts - when bidding for government contracts, a BTR is often required as part of the bidding process. This ensures that the government can verify your business compliance with tax laws and regulations before awarding the contract.
- Supplier and Vendor Requirements - many suppliers and vendors require a valid BTR, before they will do business with your business, to ensure your business is financially stable and compliant with tax laws.
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How to obtain a Business Tax Receipt in the City of Miami Beach?
The City of Miami Beach Finance Department provides clear steps, expectations and a thorough explanation of BTR requirements that are user friendly. A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and Certificate of Use (CU) may be necessary prior to occupancy of any commercial, industrial, or office location. If you are doing interior remodeling or alterations that require a permit, you will need to complete the work and obtain all final inspections prior to applying for the CO and/or CU. Then the business may apply for the BTR, which is proof of payment of the business tax and is required before a business opens or starts.
CO applications are reviewed by the Building Department, CU applications are reviewed by the Planning Department, and BTR applications are reviewed by the Finance Department Customer Service Center team. The BTR and CU application process emulates how other municipalities and counties administer their business licenses.
All businesses wishing to operate in the City of Miami Beach must first obtain a CU
To apply for a CU online, please follow the instructions below:
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- Go to: http://www.mbselfservice.com (note: application reviews may result in a request for additional information/documentation).
- Request a Fire Inspection via Citizen Self Service Portal (CSS) at http://www.mbselfservice.com.
- Once the Fire Inspection is approved, the CU will be automatically issued, and business may apply for your
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To apply for a BTR please follow these instructions:
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- Go to the Citizen Self Service Portal (CSS) at: http://www.mbselfservice.com
- The following is required for a BTR application to be reviewed:
- Valid CU
- Florida Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM)* approval
- Valid Lease/Recorded Warranty Deed
- Articles of Incorporation
- Federal Identification Number (FEIN)
- Fictitious Name (if applicable)
- Additional documentation may be required based on business type.
*DERM approval is required for all businesses, except professionals, home-based businesses, short-term rentals, and mobile car washes. For more information on how to apply to get a DERM inspection for your CU, click here
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Applications meeting all the above requirements, upon verification, will be approved and issued a BTR immediately. All BTRs must be renewed, annual, by September 30th of each year.
To apply online for a BTR, please visit our Citizen’s Self Service.
For an on-line directory of current Business Tax Receipts please click here.
If you would like to apply in person, but need an application click here.
Applicants with questions may contact the City of Miami Beach at 305.673.7420 or mbhelp@miamibeachfl.gov.
UNITY in CommUNITY!
Pride Month is a month-long celebration that recognizes the LGBTQ+ community and their contributions to society. It is a time to acknowledge the challenges faced by this community and to stand in solidarity with their fight for equality, acceptance, and human rights. Pride Month is a joyful and colorful display of love, unity, and resilience, with events and activities that promote inclusivity, educate the public, and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. In honor of Pride Month, we sat down with Herb Sosa, the Executive Director of Unity Coalition to learn more about how the organization is assisting the LCBTQ community in Miami Beach.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to call Miami Beach your home:
I was born in Miami to Cuban exile parents who met/married here. My journey so far has taken me from living in Palm Springs, Hialeah, North, Kendall, and Little Havana to where I call home – Miami Beach.
Professionally, I was the creative director of Burdines department stores for many years, and I designed across Florida and later nationwide with Federated stores. I then opened my own company for branding & design and later started Ba=BaLU Shops – a collection of Cuban-themed boutiques. Voted one of Condé Nast magazine’s top 10 destinations in the world! I have always had a passion for architecture, history, and social conscience. As executive director of Miami Design Preservation League and Art Deco Weekend, president of Dade Heritage Trust, and chairing the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board, I have led a lifelong commitment to my community and its legacy and a passion for making things better. This led to both establishing an online monthly bilingual publication – AMBIENTE digital magazine, since 2003 and co-founding Unity Coalition|Colación Unida – a Florida nonprofit dedicated to the leadership of Latinx/Hispanic & Indigenous LGBTQI+ communities, with programming across South Florida and Colombia, since 2002.
What is Unity Coalition?
Unity Coalition is an organization for the Latinx|Hispanic & Indigenous LGBTQ+ community, advancing Equality & Fairness, through Education, Leadership and Awareness, since 2002, With programming in Miami Beach & Bogotá. Most of our programming has been created and focuses on the ever-changing and evolving needs of our community. We are proud to also have a truly diverse and professional board of directors, advisors and volunteers that listen, respond, and lead with actions and solutions to the many challenges we face. Some great examples of this came during the global pandemic of 2019. We recognized that one. Of course, we are thrilled to call Miami Beach home since 2001, and much of our programming has roots right here.
What is your annual fundraiser? - Our (14) annual Celebrate ORGULLO Hispanic & Indigenous PRIDE Festival, held every October, was an initiative created in unison with Mayor Matti Herrera-Bower to shed light on Miami Beach's diverse population and cultural heritage, and brings Art, Music, Theater and Pride events for 15 days, across South Florida. In 2022 the Celebrate ORGULLO Festival was named #4 of TripSaavy's 13 unique LGBT Events around the world!
What are some of your 2024 initiatives?
1. TRANSART Conference & Artists Showcase: Showcasing the talent, vision and possibilities within the transgender community, the 10th annual TRANSART brings together a collection of talents, individuals & artistic genres to create awareness, nurture aspiring artists and enlighten the public.
3. MicroGIVING Incubator FUND: This fund proudly brings MicroGiving to the South Florida LGBTQ+ community, with focus on what individuals need RIGHT NOW, and the opportunity to help you get one step closer to stability, prosperity, giving back and fulfilling your dreams – over $72,000 given out to date. Applications available online, year-round, for Seed Funding & Mentoring, and offered as a onetime award in the following categories: Personal Well-Being & Needs Based; -Educational Development; -Start Ups, -Visioning and Community Building.
For mor information, please visit www.unitycoalition.org
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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!
