- Ocean Drive full pedestrianization approved 7-0 (R7-U): Commission directed staff to pursue full pedestrianization (Option 3) with county approval, or fall back to a hybrid one-way/pedestrian design (Option 4). Eight-month design timeline begins after county permitting. This is the biggest land-use decision on this corridor in years.
- Oolite Arts grant reinstated 6-1 (R7-I): Commissioner Suarez dissented after an extended confrontation over whether taxpayer dollars should fund a nonprofit with $120M in assets and a CEO earning $345K. Grant reinstatement was paired with a FERC referral to overhaul grant eligibility criteria -- the real policy shift happens downstream.
- North Meridian and Chase Avenue bike paths killed (C7-U): Commission discontinued both multi-use path projects, abandoning ~$900K in city spending and $1.2M in FDOT grant funding. Directed staff to study traffic calming and sharrows as alternatives. Commissioner Suarez led the effort; Commissioner Dominguez flagged sunk-cost concerns.
- Chief Wayne Jones extended via DROP program, first reading passed 7-0 (R5-U), second reading March 18. Violent crime down 9%, full sworn officer staffing achieved.
- Beach alcohol pilot program advanced (R5-A, second reading passed 6-0, Fernandez out): Amends Chapter 70 to allow open-container consumption in designated beach areas. Framed as revenue generator and tool to undercut illegal beach vendors.
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Lobbyist Activity
Lobbyist registration requirements were read into the record at opening. The following individuals or representatives identified themselves during the meeting:
- Chelsea Law, Florida Power & Light -- spoke on R9-AD (FPL easement/Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge coordination). FPL's representative addressed the underground transmission project and bridge coordination, emphasizing FPL treated the bridge project "as a priority to coordinate."
- Damien Gallo, "Permit Doctor" -- spoke on C2-B-A (lease non-renewal at City Hall). Not a registered lobbyist; spoke as affected tenant. City is reclaiming space for internal department use after 20-year tenancy.
- Adam, Rhythm Foundation -- spoke in support of arts/culture funding and Byron Carlyle performing arts center.
- Lori Balkam, Power Access / South Beach Jazz Festival -- spoke against R7-D (arts funding cuts).
- Bruce Horwitz, Chairman of Miami Beach Pride -- spoke on C7-L (Pride sponsorship).
- Joel Steadman, Twist Nightclub -- spoke on C7-L.
- A.J. Prescott, Palace Bar & Restaurant -- spoke on C7-L and Ocean Drive.
- Miles Davis, SAVE (advocacy org) -- spoke on C7-L.
- John Daley, CEO, Oolite Arts -- testified on R7-I. Confirmed salary "about the same" as reported (~$345K).
- Elias Hane, Associated Parking Systems -- spoke on Ocean Drive valet relocation.
- Calvin Giordano (consultant) -- presented on Ocean Drive pedestrianization feasibility study. Referenced throughout R7-U discussion.
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Key Actions & Votes
R7-U: Ocean Drive Corridor Pedestrianization
- The ask: Approve full pedestrianization of Ocean Drive (5th-15th St) as preferred option, with hybrid one-way/pedestrian fallback if Miami-Dade DTPW rejects turnaround designs.
- Vote: 7-0 approved.
- Procedural: Resolution. Staff recommendation accepted.
- Key reasoning:
- Commissioner Fernandez: "The future of prospering cities is accommodating pedestrianism... This is the future, and I think that this will actually support and help the economy of the businesses along this road."
- Commissioner Magazine: "I do have a caveat... I think we need to look at... a comprehensive plan or vision." Pushed for the "linear plaza" vision rather than incremental half-measures.
- Commissioner Suarez raised public safety concerns, referencing stampedes and overcrowding during COVID-era full closures. Asked Chief Jones about unintended consequences.
- Commissioner Dominguez expressed concern about parking loss on side streets and hotel access: "How are we going to accommodate the businesses there that do rely on a front door and drop off pickup?"
- David Wallach (public comment) cited Mango's Tropical Cafe losing $770,000 in six weeks during a prior full closure.
- Operational details: Two-way traffic on all side streets. Loss of on-street parking for loading zones and rideshare staging. 18-wheelers restricted from Ocean Drive access. Active vehicle barriers (retractable bollards) for emergency access. Freebie electric shuttle service for guest transport under discussion. Calvin Giordano designing turnaround at 100 block east of alley to avoid Lummus Park (eliminates countywide referendum trigger).
- Timeline: ~8 months design after county permit process begins; existing one-way permit must be closed first.
R7-I: Oolite Arts Grant Reinstatement
- The ask: Reinstate suspended grant agreement with Oolite Arts (fka South Florida Art Center) and lift the funding pause imposed by Resolution 2024-33265 after anti-Semitic artwork incident.
- Vote: 6-1 (Suarez opposed).
- Key reasoning:
- Commissioner Suarez presented financial data: Oolite holds $120M total assets, $109M in publicly traded securities, investment income of $4.7M nearly covers entire $4.8M operating budget. CEO compensation $345K. "How dare you come to us asking for money when you have all this?"
- Commissioner Fernandez: "When we make a public commitment to an organization that we ask them to work with us to fix problems... and they come to the table and they work with us, then we have to keep our word."
- Commissioner Bhatt: "I am not a fan of Lucy pulling the football away from Charlie Brown every time."
- Commissioner Magazine: "Don't expect it'll just be this evergreen ongoing support for me... taxpayer money is going to be finite and only needs-based."
- FERC referral: Expanded referral to Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to establish needs-based criteria for all cultural grant recipients, including executive compensation thresholds. FY27 cultural arts grant applications closed February 20; Cultural Arts Council review begins April.
- Grant amounts: $30,000 annual ($15K per disbursement), matching grant requirement. Total cultural arts program: $1.25M funding 57 organizations generating $330M economic impact.
R5-U: Chief Wayne Jones DROP Extension
- The ask: First reading -- ordinance extending Chief Jones's participation in the Deferred Retirement Option Program to ensure leadership continuity.
- Vote: 7-0 (first reading). Second reading March 18.
- Key metrics cited: Violent crime down 9%; property crime declining; homicides declining; full staffing of all budgeted sworn positions achieved -- "a remarkable accomplishment" at a time when agencies nationwide struggle to recruit.
- Commissioner Magazine commitment: Pressed Chief Jones on record for continued improvement in petty theft enforcement and officer visibility. Jones committed publicly.
- Drone program: Referenced first-responder drone arriving at scene before officers in a recent incident.
C7-L: Miami Beach Pride Sponsorship
- The ask: Approve $250,000 city sponsorship of Miami Beach Pride and Pride Festival.
- Vote: 7-0 approved.
- Procedural: Pulled from consent by Commissioner Suarez. Extensive public comment period. Item was sponsorship approval, not a defunding action, though public comment treated it as such.
- Key reasoning:
- Commissioner Suarez (who pulled): "I'm not anti-gay... considering two factors that we as a city have agreed to shrink our budget by 5% for year 27, and notwithstanding the fact that the state is also targeting... pride festival through other means, I think it's worthy of a discussion."
- Commissioner Fernandez: "Pride is here today... because of all of you, the straight allies of this dais, who over the years made pride happen and who over the years have sustained it from with funding."
- Commissioner Magazine: Committed as co-sponsor. "I do think that this is an incredible event and organization for Miami Beach."
- Commissioner Bhatt: Recounted conversations with both Jewish and gay residents asking to be kept safe: "These two communities that are so different, but this is their home and they both deserve to feel safe."
- A.J. Prescott (Palace Bar): "Pride week generates nearly 100% increase in revenue compared to an average week. It is the single most impactful week of the year for us."
- State preemption risk: Multiple commissioners raised concern about Tallahassee potentially restricting Pride funding. Corporate sponsorships already declining due to fear of state retaliation.
C7-U: Discontinue North Meridian & Chase Avenue Multi-Use Paths
- The ask: Cancel both bicycle/pedestrian multi-use path projects adjacent to Miami Beach Golf Club.
- Vote: Approved (voice vote, no recorded dissent). Plus after-the-fact resolution directing study of traffic calming and sharrows on Meridian as alternatives.
- Key reasoning:
- Commissioner Suarez: "When I called you about this... concerns I had from our residents was when a golf ball accidentally hits a car or a window... the golf course isn't liable." Safety netting would be "visually intrusive and completely inconsistent with a world class golf course."
- Commissioner Fernandez: "If it is safe for someone for us to build a shared use path so close to the golf course, but we already have a path there, just let people use that path. But today when people try to use that path... they're kicked off the golf course because they're told that it's not safe."
- Commissioner Dominguez: Flagged $900K+ in sunk costs ($300K Meridian + $600K Chase) plus loss of $1.2M FDOT funding ($700K Meridian + $500K Chase): "Canceling projects at the 11th hour when we spent so much money of taxpayer funds is troubling."
- Commissioner Bhatt: Supported infrastructure but noted neighborhood character concerns. Referenced 30,000 cyclists measured south of Dade on Meridian.
- Matthew Tarnoff (public): "This is deeply frustrating. It's a project that's been approved twice."
- Daniel Giraldo (public): Alleged Commissioner Suarez has conflict of interest as Bayshore resident.
- FDOT risk: Staff confirmed FDOT withdraws funding when project scope changes. Cited 17th Street bike lane precedent.
R5-A: Beach Alcohol Open Container Pilot
- The ask: Second reading -- amend Chapter 70, Section 70-87 to create exceptions allowing open-container alcohol consumption in designated beach areas under a pilot program.
- Vote: 6-0 (Commissioner Fernandez out). Second reading passed.
- Key reasoning: Commissioner Magazine framed as revenue opportunity and tool to displace illegal beach vendors. Commissioner Suarez noted vendors "selling drugs out of their backpacks... on a minute by minute basis."
R7-V: Suspend Mooring Field Project
- The ask: Indefinitely suspend Capital Project #65422 (mooring field installation and anchoring limitation signage).
- Vote: 7-0 approved (as amended to preserve existing permits).
- Key reasoning: Commissioner Suarez led effort, noting derelict boat problem already resolved through state law changes. Watson Island mooring field 60% empty. Estimated $3M to build. Amendment preserves pending Army Corps/DERM permits (awaiting approval in 2-3 months) without further spending beyond $12K outstanding fee.
R7-A/R7-B: Third Amendment to FY2026 Operating and Capital Budgets
- Vote: 7-0 as amended (+$15K for rainbow crosswalk).
- Key items in budget amendment:
- $120,000 -- Rainbow crosswalk replica in Lummus Park (general fund reserves)
- $111,000 -- Pre-K scholarship expansion for 37 families on waiting list
- $80,000 -- Additional commissioner aide funding (transfer back from sanitation)
- GO Bond Tranche 2 allocation for infrastructure bonds
- Multiple capital project adjustments for cost overruns:
- Dade Boulevard water main: bid $1.4M over estimate ($6.49M budgeted, $7.92M bid)
- Stormwater outfalls water quality: $1.18M over ($2.8M to $4M)
- Bayshore traffic calming: $1.3M over ($2.5M original)
- Normandy Island traffic calming: $100K under budget
- Citywide raised crosswalks: $231K over
R7-F: Traffic Signalization Authority
- The ask: Request Miami-Dade County amend County Code Section 2-96.1 to give Miami Beach traffic signal timing control as a 2-year pilot.
- Vote: Approved (voice vote). Plus after-the-fact resolution on repair reimbursement from county.
- Key context: City has ~200 traffic signals. County maintains backlog of faulty detection devices, some damaged "for several years." Commissioner Suarez described calling county mayor personally to fix signal timing at Meridian/15th-16th. Boca Raton cited as precedent for local signal control.
R7-C: Flamingo Park Baseball Field Naming
- The ask: Name field after Stanley "Skip" Bertman (5/7ths vote required per Section 82-504(a)).
- Vote: Approved.
R9-R: Modified Muffler / Noise Enforcement
- The ask: Direct police enforcement at three checkpoint locations (MacArthur, 41st/Indian Creek, 71st St) from 10pm-5am.
- Vote: Approved.
- Key data: 675 noise citations in 2025, up from 423 in 2024. On pace for 30-40% increase in 2026. 164 tickets written already. State legislative priority: get authority to issue citations via noise cameras (currently data-only). NYC model cited.
- Companion item: Passed on consent supporting Miami-Dade County Commissioner Steinberg's effort to reduce the 100-foot noise enforcement rule to 25 feet.
R7-Q: Byron Carlyle Theater
- Deferred to March meeting. Commissioner Suarez: "We're still working through that."
R9-AD: Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge / FPL Easement Reconsideration
- The ask: Discuss possible motion to reconsider FPL easement votes from February 5, 2026 (C7-A and C7-M).
- Vote: Approved 7-0. Direction to City Manager: sign easements only when comfortable all parties have exhausted coordination efforts.
- Key issue: Pedestrian bridge design team has had to redesign foundations at least twice due to inaccurate utility location data. FPL directional drill location under MacArthur at 30-40ft depth remains uncertain. USACI locate company providing "very inconclusive information." FPL agreed to soft-dig their line from Alton Road to determine location.
- Risk: GO bond-funded project viability threatened by continued delays and redesigns.
R7-L: Electioneering at City-Sponsored Senior Events
- The ask: Restrict political electioneering at city-sponsored events, particularly senior programs.
- Vote: 7-0 as amended (to allow county/state elected officials representing Miami Beach to participate if part of the program).
- Key debate: Commissioner Magazine drove the item, calling the status quo "grotesque." Commissioner Suarez argued restrictions create incumbent advantage. Vice Mayor Mateo-Salinas shared her campaign experience attending senior events. City Attorney noted First Amendment concerns with treating elected officials differently from candidates.
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Regulatory & Compliance Flags
New Ordinances (First Reading -- Second Reading March 18)
- R5-U: DROP program extension for Police Chief.
- R5-S: Amends Section 2-18 ("Stop the Pause Policy") to establish minimum voting thresholds for pausing or changing capital improvement projects above a stated cost threshold at advanced stages of completion. Closes loopholes in earlier version that "carved out many exceptions." Referred to Neighborhood Resiliency Projects Committee (March 12, 4:00 PM) before second reading.
- R5-P: Amends Section 2-190.4 to reduce the Commission for Women from 21 members to 14 (each commissioner and mayor appoints 2 instead of 3). At the committee's own request.
- R5-N: Expands Budget Advisory Committee scope to conduct granular review of cumulative departmental spending, not just incremental commission-driven spending.
- R5-M: Amends Chapter 14, Division 2 (Demolition) -- creates Section 14-422 requiring one-way trapdoor installation prior to demolition to protect wildlife (cats, wildlife displacement). Originated from Animal Welfare Committee.
- R5-R: Creates Section 10-21, Chapter 10 (Animals) -- prohibits interference with authorized Trap-Neuter-Vaccination-Return (TNVR) activities, including feeding interference, trap tampering, and harassment of caretakers/volunteers. Penalties: $50/$100/$200 for first/second/third offense.
- R5-Q: First reading passed (public hearing item -- details not fully captured in transcript). Second reading March 18.
Passed (Second Reading)
- R5-A: Chapter 70, Section 70-87 amended -- beach alcohol open container exceptions for pilot program. Creates new compliance obligations for authorized vendors and establishments regarding premises boundaries.
Consent Agenda (Approved en masse)
- All consent items passed excluding those separated (C7-R, C7-U, C7-Z, C4 items, C7-L). Addendum items heard after 5:00 PM.
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Litigation & Risk Signals
- Ocean Drive pedestrianization (R7-U): Multiple speakers raised concerns about business impact. David Wallach cited Mango's $770K loss during six-week closure and referenced Judge Buchko ruling that reopened Ocean Drive after Mayor Gelber's closure was deemed illegal. Prior precedent of legal challenge to pedestrianization exists. FDOT and DTPW approval still required.
- C7-U bike path cancellation: Loss of $1.2M in FDOT funds after project scope change. Staff confirmed FDOT considers scope changes to "taint" the process, withdrawing funds (17th St bike lane precedent cited). Conflict of interest allegation raised by public commenter regarding Commissioner Suarez's residence in Bayshore neighborhood. Inspector General was present in audience.
- C7-AB: Resolution opposing HB 399 (state preemption of local development review). Passed 7-0. Commission placing on record its opposition to state legislation that would foreclose existing opportunities for public input on development applications.
- R9-AD FPL easement: Utility location uncertainty for FPL transmission lines under MacArthur Causeway creates liability risk for bridge foundation drilling. Third redesign potentially needed. City Manager noted USACI locate data has been repeatedly inaccurate. FPL directional drill at 30-40ft depth, location still unconfirmed.
- Sea grape cutting (C7-Z): Public commenter cited Florida law Section 370.041 prohibiting cutting of sea grapes without FDEP permit. Alleged city has previously engaged contractors to cut without permits. Item discussed as addendum.
- Senior event electioneering (R7-L): City Attorney flagged First Amendment concerns with allowing elected officials but not candidates to attend city events, noting this creates "a kind of open forum" issue. Amended to include county/state officials "as part of the program" to reduce legal exposure.
- Oolite Arts (R7-I): Commissioner Suarez's extended public questioning of CEO compensation during meeting may raise concerns about chilling effect on grant applicants. Multiple commissioners acknowledged the need for systemic reform rather than ad hoc targeting.
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Contract & Procurement
- Dade Boulevard Water Main Replacement: Low bid $7.92M vs. $6.49M budgeted. Seven bids received. Budget amendment approved to transfer funds. Chief Procurement Officer Kristi Bada confirmed independent cost estimates required for projects over $5M.
- Stormwater Outfalls Water Quality: Bid over by $1.18M ($2.8M to $4M). Funds transferred from existing projects.
- Bayshore Traffic Calming: Bid over by $1.3M ($2.5M original).
- Fifth and Alton Garage: $285,000 for waterproofing from parking funds. $24,000 for CCTV upgrades and 70 new licenses. City owns 48% of the garage; remainder owned by Edens. Padel court agreement with Edens in legal revision.
- North Meridian/Chase Avenue Multi-Use Paths: Approximately $900K in city spending to be written off. $1.2M FDOT grants forfeited.
- Mooring Field: $3M estimated project cost suspended. $12K fee outstanding for Army Corps permit (to be paid to preserve permit).
- Permit Doctor lease (C2-B-A): City reclaiming leased space in City Hall after 20-year tenancy; six-month extension granted for transition. Space to be used for city department offices.
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Timeline & Deadlines
| Date | Item |
|------|------|
| Feb 20, 2026 | FY27 Cultural Arts Council grant applications closed |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Council Towers North/South re-grand opening (EDOC senior housing), 11 AM & 12:30 PM |
| Mar 12, 2026 | Neighborhood Resiliency Projects Committee meeting, 4:00 PM -- R5-S "Stop the Pause" review; Inspector General to present |
| Mar 18, 2026 | Second reading public hearings: R5-U (Chief Jones DROP), R5-S (Stop the Pause), R5-P (Commission for Women), R5-Q, R5-N (Budget Advisory), R5-M (demolition trapdoor), R5-R (TNVR protection) [multiple] |
| Mar 2026 | Byron Carlyle (R7-Q) deferred to March meeting |
| Apr 2026 | Cultural Arts Council begins FY27 grant application review |
| TBD (2-3 months) | Army Corps and DERM permits expected for mooring field (to be preserved but not acted upon) |
| ~8 months from county approval | Ocean Drive construction document completion timeline |
| TBD | FPL soft-dig of transmission line from Alton Road under MacArthur -- results expected "next couple of weeks" |
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Threads Across Meetings
- Ocean Drive corridor has been under various configurations since COVID-era closures. R7-U is the culmination of the ACDC committee process, Shulman Plan (2016), GO Bond (2018), Blue Ribbon Panel, and Calvin Giordano feasibility study. May 2025 update established commission preference for full pedestrianization. Prior FDOT/DTPW meetings identified impacts to Collins, Washington, and Alton.
- Oolite Arts grant was suspended via Resolution 2024-33265 after an anti-Semitic artwork incident in a Walgreens storefront. Conditions for reinstatement: new executive director hired + statement of internal controls. Both met. FERC referral for broader grant criteria reform is the next chapter.
- Byron Carlyle Theater (R7-Q) deferred again. Commissioner Suarez hosted town hall at Miami Beach Bandshell last month; strong support for multi-use performing arts center over movie theater reversion. Resolution text would reject demolition/housing plan and revert to GO Bond renovation. Conflict between 2022 GO Bond referendum language and current project direction.
- FPL easements (C7-A, C7-M) were originally approved February 5, 2026. R9-AD was placed on this agenda after Public Safety Committee revealed coordination problems with Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge. The easement question is now tied to bridge viability.
- Derelict boats/waterways -- Commissioner Suarez previously led state-level effort to change anchoring laws. Four-county implementation cited as successful. Mooring field project was initiated by former Commissioner Arriola. Watson Island mooring field (county) at 60% vacancy demonstrates demand issue.
- Chase Avenue multi-use path has been contested since at least 2013-2014. Inspector General report previously cited. Former Commissioner Joy Malakoff worked on iterations. Project approved twice by prior commissions. Now canceled by current commission.
- Noise enforcement / modified mufflers -- Commissioner Magazine brought noise camera item multiple times. Commissioner Dominguez co-sponsored pilot program. State preemption blocks citation issuance via noise cameras. City's legislative priority in Tallahassee. County Commissioner Steinberg advancing 25-foot rule reduction.
- R5-S "Stop the Pause" builds on ordinance passed last fall requiring supermajority to pause/change CIP projects over $1M at 60% design. This version closes exceptions. First version "only applied to a small fraction of projects."
- Beach alcohol -- R5-A is the second reading of the pilot program. Earlier discussion referenced by Commissioner Magazine. Hotels already allow beach consumption informally; this formalizes it for designated vendor areas.
- Homestead property tax exemption referenced by Commissioner Suarez as potential state legislation: "The state of Florida is already considering tax cuts or removing property taxes in general." Budget impacts if enacted would be severe.
- $500 homesteaded tax refunds being issued ahead of schedule. Budget Director Tamika Stewart acknowledged.
Lobbyist Registrations
Lobbyist
Principal
Subject
Filed
Robert Sarenpa
Bilzin Sumberg
71st Street Partners LLC
71st Street Corridor zoning amendments (R7-A through R7-D)
2026-02-20
Neisen Kasdin
Akerman LLP
Dezer Development
71st Street Corridor zoning amendments (R7-A through R7-D)