Ocean Drive Open to Pedestrians Only for New Years

A 24-hour hotline, 305.673.7400, will be in operation throughout the weekend.

Park Going to the Dogs

Saturday, December 2, is Responsible Dog Owners of Miami Beach Day, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Flamingo Bark Park. Demonstrations and participation; raffle and contests and many more happenings. More...

The Miami Beach Commission on the Status of Women is accepting nominations for the Women Worth Knowing awards until January 26, 2007.

Women Worth Knowing honors three local women for their contributions to the community. Nominees should be involved in civic or professional activities that have changed the community. The woman must either be a resident of Miami Beach for at least five years or own or work in a business in the community for at least five years.

E-mail nominations to mariamartinez@maimibeachfl.gov, or mail to the City of Miami Beach, Attn: Maria E. Martinez, Assistant City Clerk, 1700 Convention Center Drive., Miami Beach, Fl. 33139. For information call Maria E. Martinez at 305-673-7411. Click here for the nomination form.

North Shore Park's Teens Club Takes an Exciting Three Day Trip to Tampa, Florida. Miami Beach, FL - The City of Miami Beach believes that coming together as ONE TEAM is the key to making our community a better place. This year, the Parks and Recreation Department invited fifty members of the North Shore Park Youth Center's Teen Club to a three day trip as a reward for the time, effort, and hard work that the children have displayed at various community events.

Shopping on Miami Beach is one more thing that makes this strip of sand one of the hottest destinations under the sun. Click here for more.

Miami Beach Bond Rating Raised to “Aa3”

Miami Beach, FL – Earlier this month, Wall Street’s Moody's Investors Service, one of the nation’s bond-rating services, upgraded the City of Miami Beach’s General Obligation Rating from A1 to Aa3.

Click here for information

Flamingo Park Renovates it’s Basketball Courts

Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department’s basketball courts at Flamingo Park have a new and improved look. The basketball courts, winner of the 2005 best basketball court from the New Times, Best of Miami series are now even better! How? On September 26, 2006, the two side by side full basketball courts were shut down for repair and repainting. A few days later, on September 30, 2006, with much anticipation, the courts re-opened to a waiting crowd of regulars. “The courts are an extremely popular place to play and it was time to provide those users with a repaired and repainted product,” said Flamingo Park Manager, Andrew Plotkin.

Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in your Recreation Review, call our offices at 305-673-7730 or visit our new and improved website at www.miamibeachparks.com.

Water Aerobics for Men and Women

Miami Beach, FL – If you are 55 or older and willing to take the plunge and use water buoyancy to enjoy a low impact cardiovascular activity, the Scott Rakow Youth Center is the place to be. “Water aerobics makes it so easy to exercise,” said instructor Bobbye Wayne. “Taking the class in a group is a great experience. We are always making new friends, and going out together during the week.”

Water Aerobic classes are offered for FREE on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 to 11:30 am in a 25 yard heated pool at the Scott Rakow Youth Center. Interested individuals can register at Nautilus Middle School Monday - Thursday 1:30 pm – 9:00 pm or Friday’s from 9:30-5:30 pm. For more information please contact the Scott Rakow Youth Center at 305-673-7767.

Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in your Recreation Review, call our offices at 305-673-7730 or visit our new and improved website at www.miamibeachparks.com.

“Batter up” with the Adult softball league at Flamingo Park

Miami Beach, FL – Going, going, gone! The Miami Beach Parks and Recreation Department’s adult softball league third season at Flamingo Park took the field for league play on September 26, 2006. 10 co-ed teams with up to 15 adults per team are registered. Miami Beach Parks and Recreation co-ed league requires that at least one female player take the field and come to bat every inning. Games are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings with the first pitch at 7:30 pm. Come support your community players at the Flamingo Park softball field located between 13th and 14th Street on Meridian Avenue. For more information on adult leagues please contact Cesar Vezzoso at 305-673-7766.

Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in your Recreation Review, call our offices at 305-673-7730 or visit our new and improved website at www.miamibeachparks.com.

Miami Beach Voters to Consider Three Ballot Questions

Miami Beach, FL -- On Tuesday, November 7, 2006, the City of Miami Beach will hold a Special General Election to present voters with the candidates for Group V Commission seat and three ballot questions dealing with issues which affect and involve the interests of the City and its citizens.

S.R.Y.C. has a new addition to their After school program

Miami Beach, FL – Children registered in the after school program at the Scott Rakow Youth Center can now enjoy a newly renovated area known as “The Hot Spot.” The area promotes recreational and educational programs, while offering a variety of children’s magazines, books and stimulating activities for children in 4th to 12th grade.

With its elaborate décor and relaxing atmosphere children are anxious to pull up a beanbag and take part in the many activities that take place. “The coolest thing about the room is that I get to read books under the canopy and I have a quiet place to do my homework,” said Victoria Pike, an after school member.

The children registered in the Scott Rakow Youth Center after school program can also enjoy ice skating, swimming, bowling, indoor beach volley ball, arts & crafts, access to the game room and a variety of gymnasium activities. Please contact the S.R.Y.C at 305-673-7767 for more information.

Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in your Recreation Review, call our offices at 305-673-7730 or visit our new and improved website at www.miamibeachparks.com.

Fire Prevention Week - Prevent Cooking Fires Miami Beach Fire Rescue is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and thousands of other fire departments across North America to commemorate Fire Prevention Week, October 8-14, with the theme, “Prevent Cooking Fires – Watch What You Heat.” This theme reminds us that leaving food cooking unattended and other unsafe kitchen practices are a recipe for disaster.

First Annual Pumpkin Patch At North Shore Park

Miami Beach, FL – Known for uniting children and adults of all ages, the autumn season is here and full of events and activities. For the very first time, North Shore Park will host its very own Pumpkin Patch from October 13th – 30th, 2006. Teen club members from North Shore Park will be on site ready to assist Miami Beach residents as they walk around a pumpkin farm and shop for pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Pumpkin prices start at $1.50/ lb with all proceeds benefiting the North Shore Teen Club. Come out and support the North Shore Teen Club and pick out one of the best pumpkins in town! For more information please call (305) 861-3616.

Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in your Recreation Review, call our offices at 305-673-7730 or visit our new and improved website at www.miamibeachparks.com.

Kids Basketball League

Miami Beach, FL – Children now have the chance to join the Jr. NBA / Jr. WNBA Basketball League at the Scott Rakow Youth Center, 2700 Sheridan Avenue. This program will be offered nine consecutive Saturdays beginning October 21, 2006, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 pm. The program will focus on learning the fundamentals of basketball, sportsmanship, and having a great deal of fun. The cost per child is $129 and includes a jersey and awards. For more information, please contact Tony Fryer at 305-692-1661.

Look for future events and other Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programming in your Recreation Review, call our offices at 305-673-7730 or visit our new and improved website at www.miamibeachparks.com.

Miami-Dade County’s Annual Chlorination Process of Water Begins Monday

Miami Beach, FL -- The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department will temporarily change its method of chlorination at each of its regional water treatment facilities. Specifically, free chlorine treatment will be used to provide a somewhat stronger disinfection process than the combined chlorine treatment which is normally used at the regional water plants. This change in treatment will occur October 9, 2006 through October 22, 2006.

A consumer may experience unusual chlorine taste or odor in the tap water during this period. However, these temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects. This periodic change in chlorine treatment has taken place annually and will provide additional protection against bacteria.

Miami-Dade County provides water to the City of Miami Beach customers. The City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County regrets any inconvenience customers may experience during this period. This task is part of the ongoing efforts to provide a safe, potable water supply to the public.

For more information, call the City of Miami Beach Water & Sewer Division at 305-673-7625 or Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department at 305-520-4738.

City of Miami Beach Launches “Arts in the Parks” Program

Tango Conspiracy and Conjunto Progreso Perform FREE Concert in North Shore Open Space Park

Miami Beach, FL -- A 2005 community survey and focus groups conducted earlier this year indicated that Miami Beach residents would like to see more free cultural events. In response, the City of Miami Beach will launch “Arts in the Parks” – a program that will offer a free family-friendly monthly arts event in a city park – beginning later this month.

The first Miami Beach “Arts in the Parks” event will feature a free concert with the electrifying bands, Tango Conspiracy and Conjunto Progreso, on Saturday, October 28, 2006, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at North Shore Open Space Park, located at 79-86 Streets and Collins Avenue (near the 85th Street entrance). Free tango lessons will also be offered prior to the concert at 3:00 p.m.

“Our residents wanted more free cultural activities in the community and we listened,” said Miami Beach City Manager Jorge M. Gonzalez. “Miami Beach already offers a diverse range of cultural arts activities and events, and the new ‘Arts in the Parks’ program further increases Miami Beach’s role as a leading cultural arts city.”

Future Miami Beach “Arts in the Parks” events will feature concerts, plays, musical performances and other acts, and are open to residents and visitors of all ages. The events will take place at alternating city parks.

The new Miami Beach “Arts in the Parks” program hopes to increase the community rating of cultural activities, which is part of the City’s overall strategic plan.

For more information, visit miamibeachfl.gov or call 305.604.CITY.

Click here for related information.

Miami Beach Residents Get First Chance at Hot Tickets

There is good news for Miami Beach residents this year as The Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival is offering Miami Beach residents the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to the Publix Grand Tasting Village before they go sale to the general public and at a discounted price. During the special pre-sale period between October 2 through October 15, Miami Beach residents can purchase tickets to the Publix Grand Tasting Village and receive a 15 percent discount off the regular ticket price of $137.50.

Miami Beach Police Department Promotes Nine Officers

The Miami Beach Police Department welcomed a new major, and new captains, lieutenants and sergeants at a promotion ceremony held earlier this month.

Join the Hispanic Heritage Festivities at North Shore Park

The City of Miami Beach will host its first annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Friday, October 13, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The event, free and open to the public, will focus on the celebration of achievements and contributions of Hispanics from past to present. Come and enjoy a variety of activities such as a salsa & merengue dance contest, an empanada contest, dance performances, music, rides, authentic cigar rolling, and a mini-tasting village.

Staying in Touch with Special Needs Residents
Miami Beach Launches Telephone Reassurance Program. During an emergency, such as a hurricane, it can be especially frightening for the elderly and for those that require special living needs. The City of Miami Beach currently has 172 registered residents that require special needs during an emergency. Special needs residents are those who on a daily basis require skilled nursing care, assistance with daily living, or have life-saving medical equipment dependent on electricity.

My Safe Florida Home Program. To help Floridians identify how they can strengthen their homes against hurricanes and to reduce hurricane damage exposure in our state, the Florida Comprehensive Hurricane Damage Mitigation Program is offering free home inspections by qualified hurricane mitigation inspectors to eligible homeowners.

Participate Miami Beach: A Week of Service. The life-altering events of September 11, 2001 proved that the spirit of America cannot be broken. Keep the spirit of democracy alive and the fabric of the nation strong by participating in one of the many civic activities planned for Participate Miami Beach September 11 – 17, 2006.... More Information

Learn the Fundamentals of Conducting Condominium Meetings. The City of Miami Beach Neighborhood Services Department and the Ad-Hoc Condo Reform Task Force invite you to a free workshop with a representative from State of Florida’s Condo Ombudsman’s Office on Tuesday, September 12, 2006 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m..

Miami Beach Prepared for Busy Holiday Weekend and NFL Kick-Off The Labor Day holiday weekend is traditionally a busy one in Miami Beach, and this year is no different. Miami Beach officials are working diligently with other agencies to ensure a safe, clean and successful weekend for its residents and visitors, as it does for other major event weekends..... More Information

TWO MUNICIPALITIES SELECT TERREMARK'S NAP OF THE AMERICAS TO HOUSE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE Terremark Worldwide, Inc. (AMEX:TWW) a leading operator of integrated Tier-1 Internet exchanges and a global provider of managed IT infrastructure solutions for government and private sectors, today announced that the City of Miami Beach and the City of Doral have each signed a contract for collocation services at the NAP of the Americas facility..... More Information

Miami Beach Parking Department is on the move Miami Beach Parking Department is Relocating to a New Location at:
309 23rd Street (Palm Court), Suite 200
(corner of Liberty Ave., just one block west of Collins Ave.)

Parking Offices Closed:
Friday, September 8, 2006

Offices Re-opening at the New Location:
Monday, September 11, 2006.

Join the Miami Beach Community Bike Ride You have seen them pedaling swiftly along the streets in packs. Now, you too can join the tour. The monthly Miami Beach Community Bike Ride begins on Saturday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m..... More Information

Miami Beach Seeks Nominations for Hispanic Heritage Month Awards The Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee seeks nominations for the 2006 Hispanic Heritage Month Awards. The Committee will select a winner in one of each of the following categories: educator, businessperson, public safety hero &/or provider, social services provider, artist, and youth (community activism)..... More Information

Miami Beach Proposes Largest Millage Reduction in 15 Years The Miami Beach City Commission meeting last week set the City’s tentative total millage rate for next year. The rate was reduced by 0.4 mills, which represents the largest reduction in more than 15 years.... More Information

Noise Ordinance Update

The City Commission once again made amendments to the new noise ordinance to address, among other things, issues relating to construction noise and noise violations that occur during illegal, commercial uses (commercially sponsored parties in private homes)...More Information

First Annual Exhibit of National Arts Program® Opens at City Hall Gallery Nearly 100 works of art created by City of Miami Beach employees and their families are currently on display in the First Annual Exhibit of the National Arts Program® in the City Hall Fourth Floor Gallery through August 31, 2006. The juried exhibit is judged by professional artists and arts professionals, and winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on Friday, July 21, 2006, at 5:00 p.m.... More Information  |   Winner Information   |   Photos

Free Spay/Neutering Services For Your Pet View the Miami-Dade Mobile Animal Clinic (M.A.C.) Schedule....

Miami Beach Opens Registration for Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Members To actively participate in the community as a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member, one must attend all of the free training sessions held by the Miami Beach Fire Department. Training sessions will be held on five consecutive Wednesdays beginning August 2 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Miami Beach Fire Station #2, 2300 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach.... More Information

Closed Captioning Available on City of Miami Beach Commission Meetings The City of Miami Beach will offer real-time English and Spanish closed captioning service on live telecasts of commission meetings on the City's government access cable channel 77 beginning July 12. The City is also the first municipality in the country to offer Spanish-language closed captioning.... More Information

Miami Beach Stars in New Court TV® Show "Beach Patrol: Miami Beach," a documentary show highlighting the City of Miami Beach's Ocean Rescue Division, will premiere on Court TV® Monday, July 10 at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The six-episode series depicts public safety agencies (police, fire rescue and ocean rescue) working together in Miami Beach.... More Information

Miami Beach Community Prioritizes City Improvement Projects In a series of community outreach meetings held in May by the City of Miami Beach, the local community provided feedback to help prioritize capital improvement projects, which include park improvements, neighborhood improvements, alley improvements, as well as traffic and transportation improvements.... More Information |  Meeting Summary

Miami Beach Fourth of July Celebration 2006

The City of Miami Beach proudly presents its annual Fourth of July patriotic celebration of music and fireworks on Tuesday, July 4, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the beach at 10th Street, South Beach. The event is free and open to the public...More Information |  Pictures

Portions of Normandy Park Re-Open

The City of Miami Beach re-opened the western portion of Normandy Park on June 7, 2006. To mark the occasion, an appreciation and dedication ceremony was held and City officials thanked Florida International University for securing the grant to renovate the park. The rest of Normandy Park is still undergoing renovations and is expected to re-open later this year.

Condominium Information Workshop Representatives from the State of Florida Condominium Ombudsman’s Office will be present and available for questions. Please come and bring your questions.....
More Information    Mas Informaçion

Refresher Training Scheduled for CERT Members All former Miami Beach Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) graduates are invited to attend refresher training on Saturday, June 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Miami Beach City Hall, first floor conference room, located at 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach.....
click here for more

Miami Beach's Washington Avenue Re-Opens After an intense reconstruction and beautification, the City of Miami Beach marks the completion of the $12 million Washington Avenue project with a ceremony for the new and improved "AveNEW" on Wednesday, May 22, 2006, at 10:00 a.m..... click here for more  |  Pictures

Construction of 63rd Street Flyover Project (63rd St Project Site) The City of Miami Beach will provide a third northbound lane on Collins Avenue from 63 Street to 71 Street to ease traffic congestion during the construction of the 63rd Street Flyover Project....click here for more | Map

Queens and Kings MIAMI BEACH --- (May 4, 2006) --- ArtCenter/South Florida curates exhibition for Gay Pride Month Queens and Kings, on view at the Miami Beach City Hall 4th Floor Public Gallery, Thursday, June 1, 2006.

Miami Beach Awards Excellence in Public Service
Every year, the City of Miami Beach honors employees that have demonstrated excellence in several categories. Employees are nominated by their peers and selected by the Personnel Board.

Click here for details.

New City Attorney Jose Smith Not So New to the Dais
Well-respected Miami Beach City Attorney Murray Dubbin retired last week after over 10 years of public service in Miami Beach, paving the way for former City Commissioner Jose Smith who was unanimously appointed as the new city attorney. Smith was sworn in last week and brings with him years of City experience and service.

Return on Investment: Miami Beach Homeowner's Dividend Fund
In an effort to share the fruits of the City's economic success with residents, the Miami Beach Homeowner's Dividend Fund was created for Miami Beach homesteaded residents. Checks in the amount of $200 are in the mail.

EDUCATION FAIR
Tuesday, May 2, 2006 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Miami Beach City Hall Third floor Breezeway
1700 Convention Center Drive.

Hosted by the City of Miami Beach & the Higher Education Partnership of Southeast Florida.

National Youth Service Day (NYSD) is the largest service event in the world, engaging millions of young Americans and focusing national attention on the amazing leadership of young people.

The second annual Miami Beach Earth Expo will be held Sunday, April 30, 2006 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Lummus Park, between 8th and 10th streets, South Beach. .

Miami Beach Honors Women Worth Knowing - In celebration of Women's History Month, the City of Miami Beach Commission on the Status of Women will honor local women for their contributions to the community in a ceremony on Thursday, March 30, 6:30 p.m., at the South Beach Marriott, 161 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.

The City of Miami Beach celebrates it's 91st Birthday on Sunday, March 26, 2006. The history of Miami Beach is a very intricate story of a handful of people who had a vision of creating a world-class city, and the ingenuity and financial backing to achieve it.

On May 1st, the City of Miami Beach in partnership with the American Cancer Society will be hosting the First Annual Miami Beach Relay for Life Golf Tournament. You are invited to attend this fundraising event which will honor Estelle and Jim Furlong (Ronnie Singer's parents), and will greatly benefit the American Cancer Society's signature event -- Miami Beach Relay for Life.

Click here for details. Please register as soon as possible, but not later than April 21st. The cost is $200 per person (tax write-off). This includes a box lunch and dinner. The corporate package for a foursome includes a sign of the corporation's name at one of the 18 holes.

If interested in participating and this great event, please register with Raysa De Leon of the American Cancer Society. Raysa may be reached at 305.213.1509; or via e-mail: raysa.deleon.cancer.org.

FOCUS Miami Beach - In 2005, the City of Miami Beach conducted a broad-based survey to gather opinions and attitudes regarding services provided to its vibrant and historic community. The results of this study have now been reported citywide and the City is systematically working to address issues that were identified as key concerns in the results. The City has increased police presence in neighborhoods, increased service levels for cleaning the streets and sidewalks, particularly in business areas, and increased programming and free offerings in the parks, as some examples.

Miami Beach Truancy Prevention Program a Success

Personal computers (PCs) were donated to 50 third and fourth graders from Fienberg-Fisher Elementary and Biscayne Elementary who are currently enrolled in the Miami Beach Truancy Prevention Program, a program that seeks to improve academic achievement, personal development and organizational skills to at-risk students. The children were recognized for their academic achievement and personal progress. Approximately 75 percent of the youth involved in this program have lowered their absences by 20 percent and 65 percent have increased their GPAs by 0.15.

The program is administered by the City of Miami Beach Neighborhood Services Department, Office of Community Services, and staffed by interns from Barry University and Miami-Dade College. The program also includes tutors from Miami Beach High Scholar Academy with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, as part of the Teen Job Corps partnership.

The refurbished PCs, valued at about $300, are courtesy of the Dwight Stevenson Foundation. The Truancy Prevention Program is made possible by a $200,000 grant by the Children’s Trust.

Scholarships Available for Tourism and Travel Students - Tourism and travel scholarships are available for Miami Beach residents and graduates of Miami Beach High School that are interested in pursuing an education in the food and hospitality industry. Deadline to apply is Friday, April 14, 2006.

SPECIAL GOLF RATES FOR MIAMI BEACH RESIDENTS! - Please join us for a beautiful day on the course. Reduced rates for Miami Beach residents are available:

• Mondays - $50.00 plus tax , Miami Beach Golf Club, 2301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33140 , Phone: 305-532-3350
• Tuesdays - $40.00 plus tax - Miami Shores Golf Club, 10000 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami Shores, FL 33138, Phone: 305.795.2366

Tee times for residents can be made at either facility up to five days in advance, are subject to availability and good until April 30, 2006. Proof of residency required.

In the February/March issue of MB magazine . . . It's Your City, Get Involved... 91+ Years of Miami Beach...A Feast of Festival...and more.

City of Miami Beach Launches MB -- Free bi-monthly, bi-lingual magazine for residents -- In an effort to bring the community more news and information about Miami Beach, the City of Miami Beach is launching MB magazine, a new bi-monthly, bi-lingual publication for residents.

Miami Beach Celebrates the Completion of Lummus Park Improvements - The overall Lummus Park Facilities Project was comprised of the widening of the existing 5’ wide sidewalks to 10’ wide along Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 14th Lane, concrete and paved plazas, curb and gutter replacement, irrigation, landscaping, utility relocation and adjustment, installation of Master Meter slabs, bike racks, trash receptacles, and benches, demolition of the existing restroom facility located at 1401 Ocean Drive, and construction of a new restroom at that same site.

Revitalizing North Beach Oceanfront Parks through Placemaking - Community Planning Meeting - March 22, 2006 - At the community workshops held on December 1 and December 3, 2005 approximately 100 local citizens, public officials, design professionals, members of civic and cultural institutions, and representatives of private sector interests gathered together to generate a vision for the future of North Beach’s parks which would assure their evolution into great civic spaces, public places and neighborhood destinations. Click here to view the draft report, dated February 2006

Typeface Testing Project - March 21 - 24, 2006, The Visual Communication Research Institute and the City of Miami Beach are searching for citizens to participate in a research project to test road sign visibility.
City of Miami Beach Wayfinding & Signage Program
Road Sign Test Route 
Notice to Residents

Condo Workshop - Attention Condo Owners: Learn your rights and responsibilities with the State of Florida Condo Ombudsman Dr. Virgil Rizzo. The free workshop will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. at Miami Beach City Hall. More Information, Mas Informaçion

Notice of First Community Workshop

16th Street Operational Improvements/Enhancement Project
Wednesday, March 22, 2006, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Police Department Conference Room
1100 Washington Avenue

Project Consultant will introduce the 16th Street Conceptual Plan Options for discussion and input.

Celebrate Bike to Work Week March 6-11th with the City of Miami Beach! - During Bike to Work Week, consider taking your bike to work rather than your car! Not only will you save money on your commute, but you will also benefit from the exercise and fresh air. Come learn more about the benefits of bicycle commuting and on the importance of bicycle safety. South Florida Commuter Services will be providing information on their services and offering free giveaways. This will also be an opportunity for you to learn about what the City of Miami Beach is doing to make your City more bicycle friendly.

2006 Miami Beach Black History Month Exhibition - Black to Black:

A discourse about color and race.
At City Hall, 4th Floor Public Gallery, Curated by ArtCenter/South Florida

January 16th – February 28, 2006

The City of Miami Beach Answer Center is committed to providing excellent customer service to our community. To better assist our callers, our hours of operation will be extended until 6:00 pm; Monday through Friday, beginning February 6, 2006.

New Place to Play at Muss Park - The City of Miami Beach unveiled yet another new playground last week with the grand opening of the Muss Park Tot Lot, 4400 Chase Avenue. The ribbon-cutting festivities were held on Wednesday, January 18, 2006. City officials and over 100 children from the Park’s after-school program were on hand to officially cut the ribbon and celebrate the completion of the new playground.

The playground has two large multi-activity play centers that include rock climbing, numerous slides, play toys and a swing set area. The entire facility is surrounded by an innovative safety surface. All residents are invited to come and enjoy the new park!

For information on this or any Parks and Recreation facilities or programs please call 305.673.7730, or click here.

The new playground at Flamingo Park sports three times more opportunities for fun than the older equipment thanks to the Miami Beach G.O. Bond Program and a grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Recreation Development Assistance Program. The new playground includes areas and activities for specific ages, swing sets, and a rock-climbing wall. This is just one of several improvements planned for Flamingo Park in the near future. Opening soon... new playground at Muss Park.

City Honored with Distinguished Budget Presentation Award - Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) awarded the City of Miami Beach its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget for the years 2003, 2004 and 2005. This reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. Award recipients have pioneered efforts to improve the quality of budgeting and provide an excellent example for other governments throughout North America.