83° 
Category: 2024 Press Releases
Share:
for immediate release
April 1, 2024
- The second annual event takes place on Saturday, April 20 at Altos Del Mar Park -
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach will celebrate the annual arrival of sea turtle nesting season on Saturday, April 20 from 3-6 p.m. at Altos Del Mar Park with a “turtley awesome” day of family-friendly activities, sea turtle experts, beach cleanups, craft activities, games as well as food and beverages from local vendors. The park is located at 76 Street and Collins Avenue.
Sea Turtle Season is April 1 to October 31 for the City of Miami Beach. The second annual Turtle Fest follows start of sea turtle nesting season and coincides with the launch of the city’s new “Flip the Switch” campaign to reduce the use of artificial lighting along the beachfront. Improper artificial lighting confuses sea turtle hatchlings, leading them to mistakenly crawl toward the artificial lights instead of heading to the ocean. The campaign is intended to educate property owners, managers, residents, and visitors about precautions they can take to avoid disturbing sea turtles during their annual nesting season, which runs now through Oct. 31 (the season begins one month earlier in Miami Beach than other parts of the state).
“It’s up to all of us to protect these beloved sea creatures by keeping lights low along the beachfront and using long-wavelength bulbs whenever possible in hues of amber, orange or red,” explained Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak. “We urge residents and visitors to do their part by not disturbing sea turtles and taking down sand castles when they leave the beach and by filling in any holes they might have created.”
The first documented loggerhead nest in Miami Beach this year was discovered on March 31. Once hatchlings break free of their soft golf ball-like shells, they must find their way to the ocean to increase their chances of survival. The process can be filled with peril as a result of predators, pollution, human-made obstacles, climate change, disease and harsh lights along the beachfront.
Miami Beach is home to three of the five species of sea turtles found in Florida — loggerheads, leatherbacks and green turtles. The City is committed to protecting this spectacular endangered species.
For more information on Turtle Fest and sea turtle nesting season, visit www.MBRisingAbove.com/SeaTurtles.
Share:
for immediate release
March 27, 2024
- Public Safety is Priority #1 -
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach proudly acknowledges the remarkable success of this year's spring break. Various local and state law enforcement agencies will be in attendance to receive the Law and Order Award.
Mayor Steven Meiner and the Miami Beach City Commission will host the ceremony and press conference on Tuesday, April 2, at 3 p.m. at Ocean Rescue Headquarters, located at 1001 Ocean Drive.
Throughout March, designated as a high-impact period in Miami Beach, comprehensive measures were implemented to maintain public safety.
What: Law and Order City Award Ceremony and press conference by Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner and the Miami Beach City Commission
When: Tuesday, April 2 at 3 p.m.
Where: Ocean Rescue Headquarters, 1001 Ocean Drive
RSVP: DaphneSaba@miamibeachfl.gov | (786) 920-6217
###
Share:
for immediate release
March 21, 2024
- Resilience projects will be spread throughout the city over the next decade -
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Commission has unanimously adopted a major update to the city’s 2011 Stormwater Master Plan, which prioritizes $95 million for 20 critical resilience projects throughout the city over the next decade in areas prone to flooding, in parallel with the continued implementation of water quality treatment improvement projects and longer-term neighborhood improvement projects.
“Upgrading our aging infrastructure is unquestionably a public safety issue,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “Ultimately, we need to get this done which will save us more in the long run.”
The city has already completed $103 million in stormwater resilience projects since the master plan was first approved 13 years ago. These include projects on Palm and Hibiscus islands, Indian Creek Drive from 26 to 41 streets as part of a joint project with the Florida Department of Transportation, new pump stations at 10, 14 and 17 streets as well as projects on lower North Bay Road and Sunset Islands 3 and 4.
“Obviously, a lot has changed from 2011,” acknowledged Miami Beach Public Works Director Joe Gomez, noting the plan has been updated for the next generation of residents. “Sea level projections have changed. A lot of other areas have been addressed.”
This master plan update incorporates findings from recent studies such as the Blue-Green Stormwater Infrastructure Concept Plan, Road Elevation Study and the Neighborhood Improvement Project Prioritization. The updated stormwater model indicated that for the entire City to mitigate a 10-year, 24-hour storm, 83 new stormwater pump stations as well as the construction of approximately 104 miles of large stormwater pipes is required. The master plan is a critical component of the city’s holistic resilience strategy that also includes the Resilience Code, private property adaptation, seawall elevation, and nature based infrastructure such as the seven-mile protective dune system and beach, living shorelines, hybrid artificial reefs, and blue and green infrastructure in parks.
###
Share:
for immediate release
March 19, 2024
- A joint ceremony will be held on March 21 in Collins Park -
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach and Consulate General of Mexico in Miami will celebrate Mexican revolutionary hero and former president Benito Juárez during a ceremony on Thursday, March 21 at 4 p.m. in collaboration with the city’s Hispanic Affairs Committee.
The celebration will take place in Collins Park at 21 Street and Collins Avenue by the permanent, 2-foot bronze bust of Juarez, which was gifted to the city by Mexico’s government last year.
“Benito Juárez is considered one of the most highly regarded presidents in Mexico’s history,” explained Miami Beach City Manager Alina T. Hudak. “More than 150 years after his death, the Mexican people still refer to him as hero of the Americas.”
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.
"It is an honor that Mexico is present with the figure of Benito Juárez, who was a tireless defender of equal rights for all people without distinction of origin, race or color,” shared Consul General of Mexico in Miami Eliel Campuzano. “Equality that is such lived without a doubt here in the emblematic City of Miami Beach, where diversity, plurality, and freedom of expression are recognized.”
###
Share Press Release:
for immediate release
March 15, 2024
- Beginning tonight, March 15 through Monday, March 18 -
Miami Beach, FL - Citing widespread Spring Break crowds and a continued commitment to protecting public safety, the City of Miami Beach has imposed a weekend curfew from 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 15 until Monday, March 18 at 6 a.m.
“In consultation with our public safety leadership, we have determined that a midnight curfew is necessary and appropriate to assist in maintaining public safety on this Spring Break weekend,’’ said Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak. “We did not make this decision lightly, but it should not come as a surprise. We have been very clear about our intent to protect the public from the dangerous mayhem that has accompanied Spring Break crowds in recent years.”
The Miami Beach City Code grants the City Manager authority to impose discretionary emergency measures for up to 72 hours unless an extension is granted by the Miami Beach City Commission.
The City Commission passed a resolution last year endorsing the City’s intent to declare a curfew to protect public safety during Spring Break 2024. City leaders also have publicly warned local businesses to “expect curfews’’ during Spring Break 2024, particularly during this weekend, when South Beach historically has experienced the highest level of disturbance and violence.
The following emergency measures are being imposed:
- Effective each night from March 15, 2024 through March 18, 2024, from 11:59 p.m. until 6 a.m., a curfew will be imposed for that area of the city bounded by 23 Street and Dade Boulevard on the north (including properties fronting the north side of 23 Street or Dade Boulevard), Government Cut on the south, Biscayne Bay on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east. Businesses within the affected area must close sufficiently in advance of the curfew so patrons can avoid violating the emergency measures.
- Public safety officers will patrol the curfew area to ensure compliance by businesses, visitors and citizens. People will be asked to immediately vacate the streets and return to their homes, hotels or other accommodations.
- Businesses may continue to operate from 11:59 p.m. to 6 a.m. for delivery services only, and all city residents requiring access to or from their homes, guests requiring access to or from their hotels, and employees of business establishments requiring access, including business deliveries, are permitted. The curfew does not apply to designated essential services, such as fire, police and hospital services, including the transportation of patients, utility emergency repairs and emergency calls by physicians. The curfew also does not apply to people traveling to work or returning to their homes after their work has concluded.
- The sale or distribution of any alcoholic beverage(s) for off-premises consumption — with or without payment — will be prohibited in the curfew area after 6 p.m. each day.
The curfew will be in effect in the following highlighted area:
Additionally, a Special Event Zone has been designated beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 15 until 7 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2024 for the following area: 17 St. on the North; Washington Ave. on the West; South Pointe Park on the South; the Erosion Control Line on the East; in addition to the entirety of 5 Street from MacArthur Causeway on the West to the Erosion Control Line on the East.
This zone includes Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue and all side streets within the designated area.
Within this zone, the city holds the authority to double fines for noncriminal traffic infractions and impound vehicles for violations.
###
Share:
for immediate release
March 14, 2024
— Including LPR details, restricted beach access and more —
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach is continuing the implementation of strong measures aimed at putting an end to spring break. These include restricted beach access, license plate reader and DUI details, and heightened police enforcement for consumption of alcohol in public, drug possession and violent behavior.
The entire month of March has been designated as a high-impact period in Miami Beach, which has resulted in additional measures being taken with respect to traffic, staffing and public safety.
The following high-impact measures will be in place this weekend:
- A License Plate Reader (LPR) detail on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways will be implemented by the Miami Beach Police Department on March 22 and March 23. Motorists should expect significant traffic as eastbound travel lanes will be reduced.
- Police officers will be patrolling the city to detect and arrest drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- A flat parking rate of $30 will be in effect at city parking garages in the Entertainment District — including the garages at 7 Street and Collins Avenue (G1), 12 Street and Washington Avenue (G2), 13 Street and Collins Avenue (G3) and 16 Street between Collins and Washington avenues (G4) — with entry to garages closing at 6 p.m. to all visitors.The flat parking rate and 6 p.m. entrance restriction does not apply to residents, access card holders or authorized employees.
- The nonresident towing rate will be $516 — double the normal rate — plus a $30 administrative fee for vehicles towed in South Beach within the boundaries of 23 Street and Dade Boulevard on the north (including properties fronting the north side of 23 Street or Dade Boulevard), Government Cut on the south, Biscayne Bay on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
- Beach entrances on Ocean Drive are limited to 5, 10 and 12 streets and will have security checkpoints to ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the beach. These entrances will close at 6 p.m. Coolers, inflatable devices, tents, tables and similar objects will not be permitted on the beach. Amplified music without a city-issued permit will be restricted. As a reminder, alcohol and smoking are always prohibited on city beaches.
- Ocean Drive will only be accessible to vehicles via 13 Street with a sole exit at 5 Street on March 21-24. Barricades will line Ocean Drive to reduce the potential of pedestrians coming into contact with motor vehicles.
- Packaged liquor stores in the Entertainment District will strictly adhere to the 8 p.m. regular closing time.
- Businesses renting or leasing golf carts, low-speed vehicles, autocycles (i.e. slingshots), motorized scooters, mopeds, motorcycles powered by motors of 50 cubic centimeters or less and motorized bicycles will be suspended from operating on March 21-24.
- Additionally, a Special Event Zone has been designated from 6 a.m. on March 21 until 7 a.m. on March 25, 2024, for the following areas: Dade Blvd. and 23 St. on the North; Washington Ave. on the West; South Pointe Park on the South; the Erosion Control Line on the East; in addition to the entire 5 Street corridor from MacArthur Causeway to Washington Avenue and all streets south of 5 street to South Pointe Park.This zone includes Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue, Washington Avenue, and all side streets within the designated area. The city has the authority to double fines for noncriminal traffic infractions and impound vehicles for violations within this zone.
Traffic Plan
The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) is implementing a traffic plan beginning at 6 p.m. each Friday through Sunday in March to reduce traffic impacts around the South of Fifth (SOFI), West Avenue and Flamingo Park neighborhoods. Motorists can access the SOFI neighborhood via Alton Road, Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue. The Flamingo Park neighborhood can only be accessed via Alton Road. Local access restrictions will be enforced on some city streets to limit traffic and improve mobility for residents and business patrons.
Parking
The city will conduct enhanced parking enforcement and increased towing throughout the month of March — with priority attention given to residential areas.
Parking will not be allowed on Collins Avenue from 5 Street to Española Way and Washington Avenue from 5-16 streets starting at 6 a.m. on March 21-24.
Parking along the 100 blocks of 6-14 streets will be restricted 24 hours per day on March 21-24. Residential Zone 5 parking permit holders are exempt from these restrictions, unless noted otherwise on signs.
Parking along the 200 blocks of 6-15 streets will be restricted nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. on March 21-24. Residential Zone 5 parking permit holders are exempt from these restrictions unless noted otherwise on signs.
Staffing
Staffing levels for Miami Beach Police, Fire Rescue, Ocean Rescue, Code Compliance, Park Rangers, Parking and Sanitation are significantly enhanced throughout the month of March.
MBPD is being supplemented by the Florida Highway Patrol, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami-Dade Schools Police Department and other municipal law enforcement agencies.
The Miami Beach Fire Department has augmented staffing, including Fire Inspectors who will be conducting nightly, weekend inspections for occupancy loads and life safety systems at nightclubs and other establishments.
Goodwill Ambassadors wearing pink “Take Care of Our City” T-shirts are deployed throughout the Entertainment District to answer visitor questions, provide directions and give tips on how to enjoy the city.
For additional information, visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/breakup.
###
Share:
for immediate release
March 12, 2024
- Surf Camp runs from March 25-29 at South Pointe Park -
Miami Beach, FL – Making new friends, the occasional wipeout and even noodle arms are all part of the fun when the City of Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department partners with the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) to host the 16th Annual Surf Camp for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) between March 25-29. This year’s Autism Surf Camp is made possible by the generous support of Mowi USA, LLC.
“Everyone who spends time with the children in this beautiful event comes away with a profound feeling of joy,” said Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak. “The kids look forward to coming here all year long and so do the lifeguards who make sure everyone remains safe in the water.”
Children will spend the week focusing on swimming skills, basic oceanography, meteorology, open water surfing and developing their own abilities. The educational component of the camp will be held at South Pointe Park while the surfing component will be held on the beach adjacent to the park.
The event has been held every year since 2008 with the exception of two years during the pandemic.
“We are honored to be co-hosting the 16th annual Autism Surf Camp with our remarkable partners at the Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department,” said Dr. Michael Alessandri, CARD executive director. “Each year, this unique collaboration positively impacts the lives of our campers, their families, our counselors and volunteers. The commitment of Miami Beach to programming for those with unique abilities has been unwavering and we are delighted to keep building on this partnership in this and other ways going forward.”
ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn and behave, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Although autism can be diagnosed at any age, symptoms generally appear in the first two years of life.
WHAT: Surf Camp
WHEN: 9 a.m. daily from March 25-29, 2024
WHERE: South Pointe Park
1 Washington Ave.
Day of Media Contact: Michelle Costa, Communications & Community Outreach CARD Manager: 305.301.4387
###
About CARD
CARD stands for the Center for Autism & Related Disabilities at the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University. CARD’s mission is to provide support and assistance with the goal of optimizing the potential of people with autism and related disabilities.
CARD offers support at no cost to families within the natural contexts of settings, including the home, child care programs and schools, businesses, and the larger community, and provides this support across the entire lifespan, from early childhood to adulthood. CARD in collaboration with The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation, supports adults on their journey to find meaningful employment and works with South Florida companies to create these opportunities. CARD empowers the community with training and resources to make their places and spaces more inclusive through its Autism Friendly Initiative. CARD serves families and individuals in Miami-Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. To learn more, visit www.card.miami.edu.
CARD is part of a statewide network of seven CARD centers at leading universities throughout Florida, including the University of Miami and Nova Southeastern University in South Florida.
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).
Share:
for immediate release
March 8, 2024
- Uber is warning drivers to expect busier than usual traffic and potential road closures -
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach has teamed up with ride-sharing market leader Uber to prepare the company’s many drivers and passengers to expect major traffic delays during the entire month of March as the city imposes an unprecedented crackdown on unruly spring break crowds.
Drivers and riders will receive emails, in-app messages and push notifications that will link directly to Uber safety tips and the Miami Beach website.
“Uber drivers and riders should be prepared for significant traffic congestion as they enter Miami Beach over the next two weekends,” said Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who spearheaded the collaboration with Uber. “We’re urging drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. They should expect curfews and be aware of our comprehensive public safety measures including road closures, parking impacts, license plate readers and DUI checkpoints, all aimed at ensuring the safety of everyone in the city.”
Fed up with disorderly crowds, lawless behavior and a string of violent acts in recent years, the entire month of March has been designated as a high-impact period in Miami Beach. The periods between March 7-10 and March 14-17 are expected to generate the largest spring break crowds, and as such more stringent measures are being implemented during these two weekends.
Uber has advised drivers and riders to plan ahead to avoid the disruptions caused by the spring break measures. Visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/breakup for additional details.
###
Share:
for immediate release
March 5, 2024
City of Miami Beach and Oolite Arts Present Short Films on Climate Change for 2024 Aspen Ideas: Climate Event
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach and Oolite Arts have commissioned three short films on climate solutions through the Climate Commissions program to debut at the 2024 Aspen Ideas: Climate event on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Miami Beach Convention Center Hall C Breakout 1 Stage.
The filmmakers — all South Florida-based — received $15,000 to create a 10-to-12-minute film on the climate crisis. They are:
- The Mango Movie by Jayme Gershen
Through a tapestry of observation, personal anecdotes, and collective reflections, The Mango Movie, a short documentary about how people eat mangos, adopts an emotional lens, delving into the heart of Miami's beloved mango season and its intricate connection with climate.
Jayme Gershen, an award-winning filmmaker and photographer whose short film “Six Degrees of Immigration” (2019) is featured on the New York Times’ Op-Docs channel, won a regional Emmy and aired on PBS stations around the country. Gershen is currently a fellow of the ITVS Humanities Documentary Development Fund, supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
- Ripples by Joshua Jean-Baptiste
Luz, a passionate environmental researcher, discovers her community is at risk of being flooded by an impending development. Opposing her mentor's cautious approach, she sparks a grassroots discussion that threatens to derail the lucrative investment.
Joshua Jean-Baptiste, a Haitian-American writer with a diverse background in the film industry. He co-wrote the feature film “Ludi” (2021), which was awarded the Cinematic Arts Residency from Oolite Arts and premiered at both the Miami Film Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW).
- Before the Flood by LeAnne Russell
‘Before the Flood’ is a portrait of a man reflecting upon his youth before the end of the world as he knew it.
LeAnne Russell, a Miami native, actress and filmmaker who is developing her first feature film. She has a master’s from the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University and received a Special Jury Mention for her application to the 2022 Cinematic Arts Residency at Oolite Arts.
Oolite Arts, Miami-Dade’s largest artist support organization, helps fast forward the careers of South Florida filmmakers through its Cinematic Arts Program. Learn more about Climate Commissions at oolitearts.org/climatecommissions.
Aspen Ideas: Climate brings hundreds of leaders and climate innovators together with the public to focus on climate solutions. The event features a range of public art commissions by Miami-based artists including film screenings, installations and performances highlighting issues related to climate change and sea level rise.
For media: Journalists interested in attending Aspen Ideas: Climate as covering reporters are invited to apply for press credentials here.
For more information, visit www.aspenideasclimate.org.
###
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 colorful art deco and MiMo architecture, the 7-mile island offers some of the finest dining, lifestyle and health and wellness experiences anywhere. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, the city is often described as a living laboratory for climate change. As a result, Miami Beach is also at the forefront of identifying workable solutions to meet the challenge of sea level rise.
About Oolite Arts
Oolite Arts strives to empower South Florida-based artists and enrich communities.
Established in 1984, Oolite’s mission is to support artists and advance the knowledge and practice of contemporary visual arts. Oolite Arts creates opportunities for experimentation and innovation and encourages the exchange of ideas across diverse cultures through residencies, exhibitions, public programs, education and outreach.
Exhibitions and programs at Oolite Arts are made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council; the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; the City of Miami Beach, Cultural Affairs Program, Cultural Arts Council; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; the National Endowment for the Arts; the Jorge M. Perez Family Foundation at the Miami Foundation; the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Family Foundation; and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. For more information, visit oolitearts.org. Follow @oolitearts on social media.
About the Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.
Share:
for immediate release
March 5, 2024
- Lummus Park Exhibit Celebrates Madonna, Franklin, Estefan, Streisand and others -
Miami Beach, FL – Ten female stars of screen and stage, who have all performed in Miami Beach at least once during their careers, are being honored at a new exhibit in Lummus Park for Women’s History Month.
Titled “Ten Women Superstars,” the exhibit celebrates cabaret singer and social activist Josephine Baker, Miami Beach’s own Gloria Estefan, “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, Hollywood legend Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Madonna, Broadway’s Chita Rivera, Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand and Tina Turner.
“These women have defied conventions, shattered barriers, and left an indelible mark on the music industry,” shared Lynette Long, who chairs the Miami Beach Commission for Women, which is sponsoring the exhibit along with the Miami Design Preservation League.
“Ten Women Superstars” can be viewed 24 hours a day throughout the month of March in Lummus Park between 13 and 14 streets. The official ribbon-cutting for the exhibit will take place on Friday, March 8 at noon.
###
