The City of Miami Beach recently received two high investment grade ratings from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) and Moody’s on its 2023 Arts & Culture General Obligation (G.O.) bonds as well as its outstanding 2019 G.O. bonds — with both agencies incorporating risks from climate change, severe weather events, and cyber security into their credit rating analysis.

S&P has assigned its “AA+” long-term rating to the city’s 2023 Arts & Culture bonds and affirmed its “AA+” long-term rating on the outstanding 2019 G.O. bonds. The “AA+” rating reflects a very strong economy, strong budgetary performance, very strong management, very strong liquidity, and a very strong budgetary flexibility.

The S&P’s credit rating report states that “management maintains detailed forward-looking policies and practices, and continues to make significant capital investments, particularly in the areas of infrastructure resiliency and insulating the city from potential risks due to its barrier island location on the Atlantic Ocean.” The stable outlook is a reflection of Miami Beach’s very strong economic base and adherence to its formal financial policies, which is likely to lead to continued balanced operating results and maintenance of very strong reserves and cash balances.

Moody’s assigned its “Aa2” long-term rating to the city’s 2023 Arts & Culture bonds and affirmed its “Aa2” long-term rating on the city’s outstanding 2019 G.O. bonds. The “Aa2” rating reflects a strong financial position, very strong governance, an expanding economic base, strong and growing full value per capita, very strong finances, a strong tourism-reliant economy, conservative budgeting and formal policies.

Moody’s said that the city “has invested substantially in raising sidewalks and streets and stormwater and water and sewer infrastructure. City management participates in the 100 Resilient Cities network and is a Steering Committee member of the South Florida Climate Compact. Management includes sea level rise assumptions in all capital planning and will continue to invest in climate change mitigation.” The firm also notes that “the city’s demonstrated policy credibility and effectiveness and prudent budget management” is incorporated into the issuer profile score. The stable outlook reflects Moody’s view of the city’s ongoing trend of positive financial performance driven by strong management and policies.

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Starting July 3, the City of Miami Beach is accepting applications for grants totaling $90,000 that will be shared among local organizations focused on environmental work. The application period for Miami Beach Rising Above grants closes on July 31 at 5 p.m.

“We’re looking for local organizations with interesting environmental projects that will make a difference in the community,” explained Miami Beach Chief Resilience Officer Amy Knowles. “In the past, we funded waterway cleanups, an imperiled native orchid display and even a composting program at one of our local elementary schools.”

The funds are made possible through the city’s agreements with Boucher Brothers and franchisee waste haulers. The grant is intended to assist community-based organizations that have the capacity and experience to undertake environmentally focused projects and programs.

Previous grant recipients include Debris Free Oceans, Dream in Green, Miami Waterkeeper, Miami Beach Botanical Garden, North Beach Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, Surfrider Foundation and VolunteerCleanup.org. Past proposals have focused on plastics education, dune restoration and the installation of rescued beehives.

Grant recipients will work with the city to engage the community and ensure all projects have the greatest impact. To apply, visit www.mbrisingabove.com/grants.

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A young photographer who gained national prominence by photographing daily life in Miami Beach during the late 1970s and early ‘80s will be honored on Friday, June 30 at 11 a.m. when city officials rename a portion of 14 Street at Ocean Drive as Andy Sweet Street.

“Andy Sweet’s photography represents a time capsule of life in South Beach during a key period in the city’s history,” explained Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who sponsored the street-naming measure.

Sweet, along with best friend Gary Monroe, began a decade-long Miami Beach Photographic Project with an emphasis on the city’s predominantly Jewish seniors at the time. South Beach entered a period of gentrification shortly thereafter to become an international destination.

Sweet was killed in 1982 at the age of 28. His work was later featured in “Miami Beach: Photographs by Gary Monroe and Andy Sweet,” published after his death and in the 2018 documentary, “The Last Resort.”

“Although he was taken from us at a young age, Andy Sweet’s work proved to be a timeless and endearing legacy to his artistic vision,” Fernandez added.

The street-naming ceremony will take place on 14 Street at Ocean Drive.

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Drones and fireworks will fill the skies over Miami Beach on July 4 to cap off the city’s annual Fire on the Fourth celebration powered by Cox Media Group in honor of the nation’s 247^th birthday.

“The Fourth of July is a time that we can all celebrate what it means to be American and honor the freedoms that we sometimes take for granted,” said Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak. “I encourage everyone to come out and experience Fire on the Fourth for a family-friendly day of fun.”

Fire on the Fourth kicks off at 3 p.m. in North Beach on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 at 73 Street and Collins Avenue with activities, food trucks and events in and around the Miami Beach Bandshell. This year’s event includes a family zone from 3-7:30 p.m. with a climbing wall, mega obstacle course, giant soccer dart game and even an imagination playground with Jenga, Connect 4 and cornhole.

The bandshell itself will also be transformed into an outdoor roller disco from 3-9 p.m. featuring music by the Bandshell Allstars for those with a pair of roller skates, or you can borrow a pair on site courtesy of Faena Arts. A limited number of roller-skating reservations will be accepted at www.MiamiBeachBandshell.com/. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability and capacity.

Music performances take the stage from 5-9 p.m. with DJs as well as The Miami Beats led by Jacin Paul and his nine-piece band. Paul is a guitarist for Ricky Martin and Enrique Iglesias. Fire on the Fourth culminates with a drone show and fireworks display on the beachfront starting at 9 p.m.

In addition to the festivities in North Beach, the Ocean Drive Association will host its annual Independence Day Fireworks & Patriotic Concert in South Beach on Ocean Drive and 12 Street commencing with an orchestra performance by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival at 8:30 p.m. The fireworks display will launch at 9 p.m. midconcert. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations at one of the many alfresco restaurants or bring their beach chairs, blankets and picnic fare.

Transportation to Fire on the Fourth in North Beach

A free, dedicated shuttle service will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. between the 42 Street garage (stop located along southbound Sheridan Avenue north of 41 Street) and the Miami Beach Bandshell (stop located at Collins Avenue south of 73 Street), departing approximately every 15 minutes. In addition, attendees can use the free citywide trolley service from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Service frequency for the trolleys is approximately every 20 minutes. To track both services in real time, please use the trolley tracker mobile application. For more details, visit www.miamibeachtrolley.com.

Parking

The Miami Beach Bandshell is located across the street from the city’s surface parking lot at 258 73 St. between Collins and Harding avenues. In addition, metered street parking is available along Collins Avenue.

What Not to Bring

Your own fireworks, Styrofoam, drones, glass containers and alcoholic beverages are prohibited. The city encourages all attendees to do their part with recycling to #KeepMBClean.

For the complete schedule visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/event/fire-on-the-fourth/.

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Watch Mario and his brother, Luigi, as they negotiate an underground labyrinth to save a princess as “The Super Mario Bros Movie” hits the beach along iconic Ocean Drive tonight, June 15, for a free outdoor showing of the blockbuster hit movie to kick off the new season of Miami Beach OnStage!

“The Super Mario Bros Movie” starts at 8:30 p.m. in Lummus Park at 14 Street and Ocean Drive.

“This summer our parks and public spaces once again come alive with beautiful music, dance and cultural events at no cost to our residents and visitors through Miami Beach OnStage!,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.

In addition to “The Super Mario Bros Movie,” which is part of the Miami Jewish Film Festival, the Spam All-Stars and DJ Kumi take over Normandy Fountain Plaza in North Beach on Friday, June 16 from 7-9 p.m.

The following is the complete performance and location schedule:

• June 15, 8:30 p.m.: “The Super Mario Bros Movie” — Lummus Park (14 Street and Ocean Drive)
• June 16, 7 p.m.: Spam AllStars and DJ Kumi — Normandy Fountain Plaza (7802 Rue Vendome)
• June 22, 8:30 p.m.: “Grease” — Collins Park (2100 Collins Avenue).
• June 29, 8:30 p.m.: “The Sandlot” — Collins Park (2100 Collins Ave)
• June 30, 7 p.m.: Cortadito, Nestor Torres, and DJ Le Spam — Normandy Fountain Plaza (7802 Rue Vendome)
• July 6, 8:30 p.m.: “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” — Lummus Park (6 Street and Ocean Drive)
• July 13, 8:30 p.m.: “Luca” — Altos Del Mar Park (76 Street & Collins Avenue)
• July 14, 6 p.m.: Locos Por Juana, Electric Piquete, and Mr. Pauer — Collins Park (2200 Liberty Ave)
• July 20, 8:30 p.m.: “Finding Nemo” — Altos Del Mar Park (76 Street & Collins Avenue)
• July 27, 8:30 p.m.: “Mrs. Doubtfire” — Altos Del Mar Park (76 Street & Collins Avenue)
• August 3, 8:30 p.m.: “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” — Lummus Park (6 Street and Ocean Drive)
• August 10, 8:30 p.m.: “Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret?” — Lummus Park (14 Street and Ocean Drive)
• August 12, 7 p.m.: Javier Garcia — Collins Park (2100 Collins Ave)
• August 17, 8:30 p.m.: “The Birds” — Lummus Park (14 Street and Ocean Drive)
• September 3, 7 p.m.: Gafieiria Rio Miami — Normandy Fountain Plaza (7802 Rue Vendome)
• September 15, 7 p.m.: Tango Dreams — Normandy Fountain Plaza (7802 Rue Vendome)

Participating cultural presenters for Miami Beach OnStage! include the Miami Jewish Film Festival, Community Arts & Culture and the Global Arts Project. Free events are planned at Lummus Park, Normandy Fountain Plaza, Collins Park and Altos del Mar Park from now through September.

Click here for more information on Miami Beach OnStage! events.

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The owner and tenant of a multimillion-dollar “party house” at 1776 Bay Drive will cease offering short-term rentals and pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in outstanding fines to the City of Miami Beach.

“Upon review of the complaint and injunction motion, each of the defendants agreed to stipulate to a consent injunction that protects the city from any further nuisance conduct and provides for the payment of fines, the total amount of which will approximate $389,000,” Miami Beach City Attorney Rafael A. Paz said on Friday, June 9.

The City of Miami Beach filed suit against the property owner and tenant on Thursday, June 8 in Miami-Dade County Court seeking a temporary and permanent injunction to enjoin the defendants from “maintaining a public nuisance” on the property together with court costs. The defendants were accused in the suit of operating an illegal short-term rental business with rates up to $7,650 per night. Short-term rentals are defined by the Miami Beach City Code as any rental for fewer than six months and a day.

“This is a victory for the law-abiding residents of Miami Beach who had to put up with endless parties and raucous behavior in this single-family neighborhood,” said Miami Beach City Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who sponsored a resolution earlier this year endorsing efforts by the city to file lawsuits if necessary to enforce quality-of-life ordinances, including short-term rental and noise regulations. “We’re ready, willing, and able to strongly fight against the illegal commercial use of residential property to protect the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

The suit named property owner Stephen Krause, The Nightfall Group LLC and Scott Weissman as defendants. Kraus purchased the property for $6.5 million in 2020 while The Nightfall Group LLC was identified as the agent for the property and Weissman was identified as the tenant. Weissman will have to move out of the property no later than June 15 under the consent decree signed by all of the parties.

Under the agreement with the city, Krause agreed to “vet, in a manner to be approved by the city” any prospective tenants for the property to confirm that they do not intend to use or advertise the property for short-term rentals or other nuisance events.

Weissman agreed not to hold “any possessory or ownership interest in any property within the city’s territorial jurisdiction” for one year and not host any commercial parties or events at any residential property in Miami Beach for three years from the date of the consent decree.

Court documents said Weissman had a total rent obligation of $616,000 — or about $84,000 per month — under a seven-month lease that began in November 2022. The property had been listed by various names in short-term rental advertisements, including Villa Bay, The Bay Villa and Villa Valena.

Since Feb. 8, 2022, the landlord and/or tenant had been cited with at least 45 violations of the City Code, according to the city’s lawsuit.

“While parties raged on at the property, including a birthday celebration with a cake featuring the City’s cease and desist notice on decorative frosting, the City’s Code Compliance Department and City Attorney’s Office were quietly amassing the documentary record necessary to establish that the property is a ‘public nuisance’ and that a court order was appropriate to enjoin any further unlawful conduct on the property,” Paz added.

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The whimsical Collins Park Garage with its unique crossword puzzle design has been selected by the International Parking and Mobility Institute to receive the organization’s award of excellence in mixed-use parking and mobility facility design.

“This award proves that local governments can create structures that serve a utilitarian purpose while also beautifying the surrounding neighborhood,” explained Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak.

As the world’s largest association of professionals in parking, transportation and mobility, IPMI deemed the Miami Beach parking garage to have achieved excellence through “creative, innovative and sustainable programming and design” that ultimately enhances the user experience.

Award winners will be recognized at a ceremony on June 13 at the 2023 IPMI Parking & Mobility Conference & Exposition in Fort Worth, Texas.

Located at 340 23 St., the seven-floor garage includes a mix of commercial retail space on the ground level as well as bicycle parking and electric vehicle charging stations.

The building’s façade is made up of metal perforated cladding featuring words arranged in the form of a crossword puzzle. It opened in 2021 in close proximity to The Bass, Miami City Ballet and the Regional Library. The construction was performed by KVC Constructors under a contract with the city.

Last year, the facility received a 2022 award of excellence from the Florida Parking & Transportation Association Board of Directors. As the city’s second project to achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold building certification, the Collins Garage also received a Parksmart Silver certification.

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The City of Miami Beach has filed a lawsuit and Emergency Motion for Temporary Injunction against the owner and tenant of a property at 1776 Bay Drive asserting that the property has become a nuisance “party house” and illegal short-term rental that has amassed hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid fines and code violations.

“Despite the single-family residential character of the RS-4 district, tenant has been using the subject property as a ‘party house,’ causing frequent and reoccurring disturbances to neighbors,” according to the lawsuit, which was filed in Miami-Dade County Court on June 8. “Landlord has not taken any action to cease tenant’s disruptive parties and, on information and belief, has actually encouraged such use.”

The suit names property landlord Stephen Krause, The Nightfall Group LLC and Scott Weissman as defendants. Kraus purchased the property for $6.5 million in 2020 while The Nightfall Group was identified as the agent for the property and Weissman was identified as the tenant.

The city is seeking a temporary and permanent injunction enjoining the defendants from “maintaining a public nuisance” on the property together with court costs. The defendants were accused in the suit of operating an illegal short-term rental business with rates up to $7,650 per night. Short-term rentals are defined by the Miami Beach City Code as any rental for fewer than six months and a day.

“Since Feb. 8, 2022 alone, landlord and/or tenant have been cited with at least 45 violations total of the City Code based on activities at the subject property and have incurred substantial fines in connection with many of these violations,” the lawsuit stated.

Court documents said Weissman has a total rent obligation of $616,000 — or about $84,000 per month — under a seven-month lease that began in November 2022. The property has been listed by various names in short-term rental advertisements, including Villa Bay, The Bay Villa and Villa Valena.

“Despite there being hundreds of thousands of dollars due and owing to the city, and with interest accruing, the substantial fines imposed by Code Enforcement and the special magistrate still are not an adequate deterrent to stop landlord’s and tenant’s flagrant violations of the City Code,” the lawsuit charged.

In the coming months, the City also plans to amend its lawsuit to foreclose on liens on the property arising out of the unpaid fines. The City will seek to have the nuisance home sold at auction if the fines remain unpaid.

Click to find copies of the complaint and Plaintiff’s Verified Emergency Motion for Temporary Injunction filed today. ____________________

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Several events are planned around Miami Beach to mark the 157^th Juneteenth Independence Day, which honors the contributions of Black Americans while remembering the emancipation of those who had been enslaved.

On Saturday, June 17, the Soul Vegan Festival takes over Lummus Park from 6 to 7 streets at 600 Ocean Drive. The rain-or-shine event runs from 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and features plant-based African American and Caribbean dishes created by talented chefs from across the nation, activities for children, live entertainment and more. Entry to this event is free, but food and drinks are available for purchase onsite. For more information, visit www.soulveganfestival.com.

On Monday, June 19, FIU Miami Beach Urban Studios (420 Lincoln Road, Suite 440) exhibits “Reflecting Black to the Future: Celebrating Emancipation and Freedom” by Dr. Valerie L. Patterson at 9 a.m. This event offers a retrospective with mixed media, including digital technology.

On Monday, June 19 from 4-10 p.m., the City of Miami Beach will be celebrating the 4^th annual Juneteenth Celebration at Bandshell Park (7275 Collins Ave). The event begins at 4 p.m. with a jazz picnic and performances by the New World School of the Arts Jazz Ensemble and The Harden Project. Next, the gates to the Miami Beach Bandshell open at 6 p.m. for short film screenings at 6:30 p.m. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber will address the audience during a civic program that begins at 7:40 p.m. ahead of an 8 p.m. live performance by Hued Songs, who will present the Juneteenth Experience, a free multidisciplinary celebration of Juneteenth. The entertainment features a diverse cast of local artists, including Miriam King, J’Von Brown, Jasmine Williams, Arsimmer McCoy, Darius Manuel, Eden Marte, Chauncy Riley and King Friday with members from Zest Dance Collective under the direction of Artistic Director and Choreographer Gentry George. Tickets are free and available to the public through Eventbrite.

“The theme of the performance is belonging,” according to artistic director Kunya Rowley. “Juneteenth is a day about freedom and belonging is a critical ingredient toward that.”

The Juneteenth Experience will be live streamed on MBTV, channel 660 on Breezeline, 99 on AT&T U-verse, or on the city’s website.

All nonessential Miami Beach government offices will be closed on Monday, June 19 in observance of the holiday.

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The City of Miami Beach will unveil a bust of Mexican hero, revolutionary and former president Benito Juárez during a ceremony planned for Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m. in collaboration with the Hispanic Affairs Committee.

The 2-foot bronze bust, which is being gifted to the city by Mexico’s government, through the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami, will be permanently displayed in Collins Park at 21 Street and Collins Avenue near the monuments for Simón Bolívar, who played a central role in the South American independence movement against Spanish rule and Cuban national hero and poet José Martí, whose writings on freedom and independence continue to inspire Cuban Americans and Latin Americans.

Benito Juárez led a liberal political and social revolution in Mexico during the 1800s. The Mexican statesman later defeated Maximilian of Austria who sought to rule the nation of Mexico. His legacy was the reform laws that gave rise to secular education, as well as freedom of religion.

“We accept this gift as a testament to the strong and cherished relationship we have with Mexico,” expressed Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “It serves as a reminder of the profound cultural, historical, and emotional connections that unite us.”

Juárez briefly lived in New Orleans from December of 1853 to June of 1855 when conservatives took control of Mexico.

Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who sponsored the unveiling, said the constitutional reforms Juárez pursued in his day laid the foundation for today’s democratic republic form of government in Mexico.

“Juárez demonstrated that freedom should never be taken for granted and must be defended at all costs,” Fernandez said. “I am particularly proud of the fact that his first elected position was on a municipal council.”

“It’s an honor to witness the presence of Mexico with the figure of Benito Juárez, a tireless fighter for equal rights for all people without distinction of origin, race or color, values ​​that are intertwined right here in the emblematic city of Miami Beach, where we recognize the values ​​of diversity, plurality and freedom of expression as Juárez mentioned in his immortal phrase ‘among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace,’ ” shared Consul General of Mexico in Miami, Jonathan Chait.

The Consulate General of Mexico in Miami expects a number of Mexican mayors to attend the unveiling on Monday, June 12 at 6 p.m. The mayors will already be in the area to attend the World Travel Expo in Miami.

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