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Category: 2024 Press Releases
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August 14, 2024
-New on-demand, eco-friendly rides provide locals and visitors easy access to South Beach restaurants participating in GMCVB’s Miami Spice Restaurant Months Program-
Miami Beach, FL – The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and the City of Miami Beach have announced an exciting partnership with Freebee to provide residents and visitors with complimentary transportation during Miami Spice Restaurant Months. This collaboration aims to make it easier for diners to indulge in the diverse culinary offerings available in South Beach.
“Our partnership with Freebee reaffirms our commitment to providing sustainable mobility solutions for our community,” says City of Miami Beach Commissioner Laura Dominguez. “This new transportation service will not only reduce local traffic and long valet queues but also help drive business for our restaurants.”
Starting Aug. 14, Freebee’s eco-friendly vehicles will offer free on-demand, door-to-door rides via the Freebee app from homes, residential buildings, hotels and city garages within the designated service area to over 60 participating Miami Spice restaurants. The service ensures that diners can explore South Beach’s vibrant food scene without the hassle of transportation concerns.
During Miami Spice Restaurant Months, Freebee will operate in the designated service area of South Beach south of 17 Street, an area with the highest concentration of Miami Spice participating restaurants in the city. The service will run Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Friday from 5 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Five city parking garages in the South Beach area are available to Miami Spice diners as a Freebee pickup location. These garages include 13 Street and Collins Avenue, 7 Street and Collins Avenue, 15 Street and Washington Avenue, 12 Street and Drexel Avenue, and 17 Street and Convention Center Drive. Diners can easily park at these garages at the regular hourly rate and catch a free Freebee ride from these locations to their South Beach restaurant destination, making the entire Miami Spice experience seamless from start to finish.
“This partnership with Freebee makes it easier than ever to enjoy Miami Spice with this new, complimentary transportation option in South Beach," says David Whitaker, President and CEO of the GMCVB. "This convenience adds another layer of value to the Miami Spice program, which was designed to support our local restaurants and inspire diners to indulge in our destination’s world-class cuisine at affordable prices.”
From Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, both locals and visitors can savor Miami and Miami Beach's finest eateries, enjoying prix fixe, three-course meals for just $30 or $35 for lunch and brunch, and $45 or $60 for dinner. In addition to preset menus, diners can also go beyond the Miami Spice deals to experience signature dining experiences. Sponsored by Woodford Reserve and Saratoga Spring Water, this year's program encourages exploration of Greater Miami and Miami Beach's thriving food scene, promising unforgettable culinary adventures. For a complete list of over 330 special offers available through Miami Spice, visit MiamiSpice.com.
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About The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is an accredited not-for-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and Miami Beach for leisure, business, meetings, and conventions. For a vacation guide, visit our website at www.MiamiandMiamiBeach.com or call 1.888.76. MIAMI (US/Canada only) or 305.447.7777. To reach the GMCVB offices, dial 305.539.3000. Meeting planners may call 1.800.933.8448 (US/Canada only) or 305.539.3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com. To get further engaged with Miami, join the conversation by following us on our social media channels at Facebook.com/visitmiami, Twitter.com/visitmiami, Instagram.com/visitmiami.
About The City of Miami Beach
World-famous Miami Beach welcomes millions of visitors each year to its sandy beaches, turquoise waters and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its art deco and MiMo architecture, the island offers some of the finest dining, arts and entertainment attractions, and health and wellness experiences along a 7-mile stretch of South Florida paradise. Visit the city’s official website to get the latest information on upcoming cultural events as well as programs and services. www.miamibeachfl.gov.
About Freebee
Headquartered in South Florida, Freebee pioneers on-demand, 100% electric transportation. With a growing fleet of over 175 electric vehicles, it offers transformative transportation to over 40 municipalities and campuses within Florida and Virginia. Delivering over a million free rides annually, Freebee reshapes local mobility and strengthens community ties. The service not only provides accessible, eco-friendly transit but also helps connect people to their destinations, local businesses, and their community. Freebee inspires a new way of experiencing your community. To learn more, visit www.RideFreebee.com.
Media Contacts
Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau:
Mariana Kellogg, Marketing Communications Manager
305.539.3023
City of Miami Beach:
Melissa Berthier, Director of Marketing and Communications
305.673.7575
melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
Freebee:
Seth Brown, Head of Sales and Marketing
954.798.2250
To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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August 5, 2024
— Miami Beach resident Jared Firestone will share his Skeleton sport dreams with summer campers —
Miami Beach, FL – The Paris Games may be taking center stage, but 2026 Winter Olympic hopeful Jared Firestone plans to share his dreams for wintry gold with a group of Miami Beach summer campers.
Firestone, a Miami Beach resident, hopes to represent Team Israel in the Skeleton sport competition at the Milan Winter Olympics. Skeleton athletes take running starts before hopping on a one-person sled and plunging headfirst down a steep ice track.
“We are so proud of Jared’s many accomplishments in the sport of skeleton racing and wish him great success in his quest for gold at the Milan Winter Olympics,” shared Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez. “Jared learned about the sport while he was facing a serious medical condition. He had to work hard just to be able to compete.”
Firestone will visit with campers at the Scott Rakow Youth Center on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon at 2700 Sheridan Ave. He will also demonstrate Skeleton sport-related exercises.
“As a community, we are thrilled to support Jared and celebrate his incredible journey,” added Miami Beach Commissioner Laura Dominguez. “His visit is a wonderful opportunity for our young campers to learn about perseverance and the spirit of Olympic competition firsthand.”
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To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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July 25, 2024
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach is planning a medal-worthy send-off for city employee Antwan Terry as he makes his way to the City of Lights to watch daughter Twanisha “TeeTee” Terry compete in the upcoming Summer Olympics for Team USA.
“We are hoping to send some Miami Beach love to ‘TeeTee’ as she goes for the gold in track and field,” shared Miami Beach City Manager Eric Carpenter. “Like her father, we are all extremely proud of TeeTee’s accomplishments and wish her an amazing Olympic experience.”
Members of the media are invited to join Miami Beach elected officials and city employees on Friday, July 26 at 2 p.m. in the North Shore Park and Youth Center gymnasium (501 72 Street, Miami Beach) as the city hosts an Olympic send-off event.
Young summer camp participants will display signs made to cheer on TeeTee in her Olympic run while also participating in Olympic-style relays and other fun activities.
Please don’t spoil the surprise for Antwan. He doesn’t know about this event.
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To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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July 25, 2024
— The event will take place on Friday, July 26 —
Miami Beach, FL – Despite a mostly sunny forecast, the City of Miami Beach wants to help residents prepare for the next flooding event with a sunny-day sandbag distribution at two locations on Friday, July 26.
“We don’t want to wait until we experience another flooding event to help our residents get prepared,” said Miami Beach City Manager Eric Carpenter. “As a barrier island, we face flooding threats from rain, storm surge, high groundwater levels and even sea level rise throughout the year, so why wait?”
Each Miami Beach resident can obtain up to four pre-filled sandbags with proof of residency via a government-issued identification or utility bill while supplies last. The sandbags will be available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the municipal parking lots at 2100 Collins Ave. and 225 79 St.
The city’s recently published “Flood Awareness and Safety Tips” guide to use before, during and after a flood will also be distributed at the event.
As a reminder, only dry sandbags should be stored for reuse. When exposed to floodwaters, sandbags may come in contact with contaminants or pollutants. Used sandbags should be placed curbside during a city-announced pickup. They should never be emptied on beaches or in drains. Using sand from city beaches is prohibited.
For more information on flood safety in Miami Beach, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/flood-awareness.
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To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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July 24, 2024
— City officials will unveil the new initiative at a press conference on Monday, July 29 —
Miami Beach, FL – Join Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, City Commissioners and community leaders on Monday, July 29 at 3:30 p.m. in front of Miami Beach City Hall as the city unveils Operation Summer Relief. The monthlong initiative is aimed at encouraging the city’s homeless population to take advantage of available programs and initiatives, including access to shelters, regular meals and treatment options for mental illness or drug and alcohol addiction.
“During the month of August, Miami Beach will see an extra boost in efforts and resources dedicated to addressing homelessness with a goal of not having any homeless person living on our streets,” Mayor Meiner explained. “My initiative aims to help the homeless and provide a lifeline, but we will also vigorously enforce our laws against sleeping on public property.”
Operation Summer Relief will include a community action team consisting of city staff, health care professionals, nonprofit organizations, representatives from the business community and volunteers. The team will provide water, access to medical care, shelter, social services and information on additional resources.
The community action team will also provide regular reports to the mayor and Miami Beach City Commission throughout August as well as a final report at the conclusion of the operation that will detail outcomes, successes and areas for improvement.
The press conference will include representatives from our community partners, such as Camillus House, Lazarus Project, Lotus House, Miami Rescue Mission, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New Hope C.O.R.P.S. and the Salvation Army.
Behind-the-scenes footage will be provided at the press conference. Media outlets planning to attend should RSVP to DaphneSaba@miamibeachfl.gov or call 786.920.6217.
What: Operation Summer Relief Press Conference
Where: Miami Beach City Hall, 1700 Convention Center Drive
When: Monday, July 29 at 3:30 p.m.
###To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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July 24, 2024
— The veteran public servant has held multiple roles in the city since 2013 —
Miami Beach, FL – Longtime public servant Eric T. Carpenter has been appointed city manager of Miami Beach. Carpenter, who has held multiple high-level positions in the city over the past decade, replaces Alina T. Hudak, who resigned in March after becoming the first woman to serve as city manager.
"Eric Carpenter is the best person for this job,” explained Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “I am confident that Eric’s depth of knowledge regarding the city and his relationships with residents and the community make him the ideal choice to help lead more than 2,300 employees and two dozen departments.”
Carpenter, a licensed professional engineer, joined the city in 2013 as public works director. He was promoted to the position of assistant city manager in 2015 and deputy city manager in 2021. During his tenure, he has overseen a wide range of departments and divisions within the city, including Building, Capital Improvement Projects, Code Compliance, Economic Development, Environment and Sustainability, Facilities and Fleet, G.O. Bond and Miami Beach Convention Center Hotel, Parks and Recreation, Parking, Public Works and Transportation.
“I’m honored and humbled to serve as city manager for one of the greatest destinations in the United States,” Carpenter said. “With more than a decade of experience in Miami Beach government, I have a deep understanding of city issues, infrastructure, service delivery and projects that I will be able to draw upon to elevate our resident services to the next level.”
Prior to joining the City of Miami Beach, Carpenter served as director of Public Works for the City of Doral from 2006 to 2013. He was recognized as the 2010 Government Engineer of the Year by the Miami-Dade Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Carpenter attained a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering with a minor in chemistry from the University of Maryland in 1997. He also holds an OSHA-40 (plus 8-hour OSHA Supervisory Training) Certification and a Florida Department of Transportation Intermediate Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) Certification as well as a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Construction Quality Management for Contractors Qualification.
He is an active member of the South Florida Branch of the American Public Works Association, where he served as executive board chairman from 2017 to 2019.
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To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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July 23, 2024
— A change-of-command ceremony is planned for July 31 at 4 p.m. in the Miami Beach Convention Center —
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach invites the public and media to attend a swearing-in and change-of-command ceremony on Wednesday, July 31 at 4 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center (Sunset Vista Ballroom) for the first woman ever appointed fire chief in the history of Miami-Dade County.
Chief Digna Abello, a 19-year veteran of the Miami Beach Fire Department, started her career with the agency as a firefighter and worked her way up through the ranks — becoming the 14th chief in the agency’s history. The Miami Beach Fire Department is one of only slightly more than 1% of the 37,983 participating fire agencies in the United States that have attained the prestigious ISO Class 1 rating from the Insurance Services Office.
“We are very proud to be in a city that rewards leadership and hard work, and promotes from within when we have a deserving candidate like Chief Abello,” said Miami Beach Interim City Manager Rickelle Williams. “We look forward to making history as the first municipality in Miami-Dade County to appoint and swear-in a woman as fire chief.”
The Miami Beach City Commission unanimously approved Abello’s appointment on June 26, 2024. Abello replaces Chief Virgil Fernandez who retired after more than 10 years with the department and four decades of service with fire agencies in South Florida.
As a firefighter, Abello distinguished herself, rising to the rank of lieutenant with a focus on recruitment and administration. She was subsequently named division chief of support services, division chief of training and division chief of rescue — all three major divisions of the department. Prior to being appointed chief, she served as deputy chief of administration beginning in 2020, where she was involved in all significant department matters with Fernandez.
She holds a bachelor's degree in emergency management from Barry University as well as numerous certifications, including fire inspector, fire officer, fire instructor, National Fire Academy leadership certification, incident command system certification and accreditation manager through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.
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To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
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— Recipients will be recognized at an awards ceremony in October —
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee is seeking nominations for the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Awards by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2. The committee will honor recipients at an awards ceremony in September.
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15. The Hispanic Heritage Month Awards are intended to honor members of the Hispanic community who live or work in the City of Miami Beach and who have made a positive contribution to the community in their respective professions.
The committee will select individuals or businesses from the following categories:
Individual — Educator, public safety personnel, social service provider, artist, youth (under 18 involved in community service), adult contributing to the success of youth and any Hispanic Miami Beach community member.
Business — Business, business owner, or employee of a qualified business (must have at least 51% Hispanic ownership).
Each nomination must include the nominee’s full name, address, phone number and a detailed explanation of the nominee’s contribution to the community. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. The awards will be presented during the Miami Beach Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in September.
Nomination forms are available by clicking here. Completed forms can be submitted via email to leonorhernandez@miamibeachfl.gov or via mail to Leonor Hernandez, City of Miami Beach, Hispanic Affairs Committee Liaison, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL, 33139.
The Hispanic Affairs Committee serves as an advisory capacity to the City Commission and the Administration with respect to matters pertaining to the Hispanic community of the City of Miami Beach. For more information, send an email to leonorhernandez@miamibeachfl.gov.
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July 22, 2024
— This year’s ceremony on July 25 will highlight Ecuador’s independence —
Miami Beach, FL – Join the City of Miami Beach for its sixth annual celebration of Simón Bolívar y Las Americas Day on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 4 p.m. Bolivar was born on July 24, 1783 in Caracas, Venezuela and his accomplishments are celebrated throughout Latin America.
“Simon Bolivar left us one of the greatest legacies of humanity,” said Chairwoman Carmen Datorre of the Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee. “Although being born from a privileged home, he always fought for equality, dignity and freedom — focusing on education as a means.”
“El Libertador” as he is known in Spanish (The Liberator) played a central role in the South American independence movement. His efforts set forth the creation of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Peru.
The Miami Beach ceremony will take place at Bolivar’s Miami Beach monument in Collins Park and will be followed by cafecito.
The monument, which is located at 21 Street and Collins Avenue, commemorates Bolívar’s courageous effort. The festivities will include an invocation and wreath-laying ceremony from the Office of the Mayor and Commission. Every year, the Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee highlights a country Bolivar helped become independent. This year’s ceremony will honor the experience of Ecuador.
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WHAT: Simón Bolívar y Las Americas Day
WHEN: Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Simón Bolívar monument at 21 Street and Collins Avenue
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July 17, 2024
— Professionals from around the country come together to exchange ideas and learn about new innovations in keeping our communities safe —
Miami Beach, FL – The 19th annual National Homeland Security Conference (NHSC) will be hosted jointly by the City of Miami Beach, the City of Miami and the National Homeland Security Association on July 22 – 25 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Previously known as the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) Conference, the event got its start in 2007 in Miami at the Intercontinental Hotel and was attended by fewer than 250 people. Nearly 20 years later, the conference has grown to an expected 1,800 participants.
The NHSC brings together professionals in homeland security, law enforcement, fire rescue, EMS and emergency management including officials in all levels of government agencies, nonprofit agencies, business owners, universities and decision makers. The focus of the conference is to learn about emerging trends in homeland security, public safety and emergency management as well as to experience new equipment and technology available to support their mission.
Although the conference is only open to registered attendees, media is invited to attend the Asset Display on Wednesday, July 24 at the Miami Beach Convention Center and a Demonstration of South Florida public safety regional assets in action on Wednesday, July 24 at PortMiami. Details can be found below.
Wednesday, July 24
Asset Display, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Asset Display will be on Convention Center Drive between 18 and 19 streets (west side of Miami Beach Convention Center). The display will showcase first responders’ apparatus and equipment from the Southeast Florida region.
Note: The bus lane east of the median on Convention Center Drive will be closed between 18 and 19 streets from 6:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
South Florida Public Safety Regional Assets in Action Exercise/Demonstration,
6:15 p.m., expected to last 40 minutes
In Biscayne Bay between Cruise Terminal J at PortMiami and Bayfront Park
Join the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County public safety agencies along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as they perform a demonstration showcasing an active threat response incident in Biscayne Bay between Bayfront Park and Cruise Port Terminal J at PortMiami. Special response teams will be taking part to demonstrate land, water and air capabilities.
Note: Simulated gun fire, explosions, and use of a helicopter are part of this demonstration.
Media Instructions: Media viewing area will be set up at PortMiami Cruise Terminal J.
For additional details, visit www.nationalhomelandsecurity.org.
For additional information on emergency preparedness information, visit:
City of Miami Beach Division of Emergency Management
City of Miami Division of Emergency Management
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To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).
