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Category: 2024 Press Releases
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October 23, 2024
— This ‘paw-sitively’ spooky event draws attention to the tie between preserving Biscayne Bay and responsible pet ownership —
Miami Beach, FL – Dress up your four-legged fur baby and join your neighbors for a costume party unlike any other when the City of Miami Beach hosts its annual Yappy Hour celebration on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 5-7 p.m. at Flamingo Park.
“Let’s raise a paw for our furry friends while we protect our precious waters,” shared Miami Beach Vice Mayor Alex Fernandez. “The message behind this fun event is don’t be ‘ruff’ on the bay as we are hoping to call attention to the tie between protecting Biscayne Bay and responsible pet ownership.”
The event at 13 Street and Michigan Avenue will feature dog adoptions, free caricatures with pets, pet supply vendors and an opportunity to interact with water quality experts on three key messages related to the city’s We ♥ Biscayne Bay campaign:
- Don't be Ruff on the Bay: Pet waste can take a huge toll on the environment if not cleaned up and disposed of properly. If pet waste enters the waterways, it affects water quality because it contains bacteria as well as nitrogen and phoshporus, which can deplete the oxygen that marine life needs to survive.
- Don't Fertilize the Bay: Excessive or incorrect fertilizer usage has been found to lead to algal blooms. When it rains, fertilizers are carried as runoff into our waterways. Improper fertilizer use not only impacts our waterways but can also lead to long-term degradation of the soil.
- Don't be Trashy: It is important for everyone to do their part in minimizing the amount of pollution that enters the city's vast system of streets, interconnected waterways and sensitive marine habitats. Litter that ends up on the street or ground can eventually make its way into bodies of water.
For more information on Yappy Hour, visit www.mbrisingabove.com/events. For information about the We ♥ Biscayne Bay campaign, visit www.mbrisinabove.com/biscaynebay.
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October 18, 2024
— A portion of 9 Street between Ocean Drive and West Avenue will be named Commissioner Nancy Liebman Way on Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m. —
Miami Beach, FL – Preservationist, community activist and former Miami Beach Commissioner Nancy Liebman, who has been described as a force of nature in protecting Miami Beach’s rich architectural history, will make history herself as one of the first women to have a street named after her in the city. A ceremony will take place on Monday, Oct. 21 at 3:30 p.m. at Ocean Drive and 9 Street.
“From her tireless efforts to protect South Beach’s unique art deco architecture for future generations to saving what is now the Miami Beach Feinberg Fisher K-8 Center from the wrecking ball, Commissioner Liebman is being honored for her many contributions to the City of Miami Beach,” explained Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt, who sponsored the Miami Beach City Commission resolution honoring Liebman. “She was a trailblazer and modeled for other community activists how to be a fierce and fearless advocate for the causes in which she believed. Our community is better for it.”
In addition to serving as a city commissioner from 1993 to 2001, Liebman also served as executive director of the Miami Design Preservation League, co-founded citizens group Miami Beach United and served as president of the Miami Modern Biscayne Boulevard Association that was created to preserve the Miami Modern architecture along Biscayne Boulevard. Liebman also served on the Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board and spearheaded an effort to require one of the seats on the Miami Beach Planning Board to be set aside for a historic preservationist.
Most notably, Liebman fought for the designation of a 1-square mile area of South Beach to become a National Register District in 1979 and later a local historic district.
A similar resolution sponsored by Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins to honor Liebman, was approved unanimously by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. Under the Miami-Dade charter, the county must approve the co-naming of all platted, public roads in the county.
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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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October 14, 2024
— Miami Beach first responders will provide public safety assistance to one of the hardest-hit counties in the state —
Video: Miami Beach First Responders
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach sent a team of first responders today to Florida’s hard-hit Hillsborough County following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in recent weeks.
“Supporting our neighbors during this critical time is essential – people are in dire need and Miami Beach is ready to help,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner. “We’ve sent valuable resources and personnel to ensure we provide the aid that’s needed now.”
Officers from the Miami Beach Police Department were deployed to Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. The county suffered severe flooding and other damage from the two major hurricanes that struck Florida less than two weeks apart. Another contingent of Miami Beach police personnel completed a deployment on Oct. 8 in the nearby Gulf Coast City of Treasure Island in Pinellas County.
The Miami Beach team will assist local public safety agencies with recovery operations, traffic control, crime deterrence as well as other duties as needed under a regional relief task force made up of personnel from Coral Gables, Miami and Miami Beach through the Miami-Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police, Florida Police Chiefs Association and Florida Division of Emergency Management.
The Miami Beach contingent includes 13 police offices, four sergeants, a lieutenant and captain, who departed Monday, Oct. 14. The team also includes a victim advocate and K-9 along with an employee of the department’s Property and Evidence unit, a fuel truck operator as well as two maintenance mechanics and two maintenance workers from the city’s Facilities and Fleet Management Department. The team is equipped with a Miami Beach Police Mobile Command vehicle.
Team members are expected to remain in the area for one week but may be extended or replaced by the regional task force.
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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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October 8, 2024
— The beloved performer got his show business break on Collins Avenue —
Miami Beach, FL – Known for his timeless TV catchphrases like “Lucy, I’m home” and “Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do,” beloved entertainer Desi Arnaz will be honored by the City of Miami Beach nearly 90 years after the Cuban immigrant got his big break at a nightclub on Collins Avenue.
“Desi Arnaz represents the ultimate American dream,” shared Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who sponsored a resolution to partially fund a Florida historic marker in honor of Arnaz that will be placed in Collins Park. “As a proud Cuban American, Desi was a role model for future generations, including mine.”
The marker will be unveiled on Tuesday, Oct. 15 during a 4 p.m. ceremony in Collins Park (2200 Liberty Ave.) — the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month and the 73rd anniversary of the “I Love Lucy” premiere on Oct. 15, 1951. Together with Lucille Ball, his wife of 20 years, the couple won the hearts of America in what became the country’s most popular television show of its time.
“Miami Beach has been — and continues to be — home to so many who have come from elsewhere to make their marks on American culture,” added Miami Beach Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt. “Desi Arnaz remains not only a timeless pop icon, but also a visionary producer and innovator. Commemorating his story in the city which shaped him, at the site where he first started making his mark, is a deeply fitting tribute.”
Born to a family of privilege in 1917, Arnaz found himself at the other end of the economic spectrum when he arrived in South Florida from Santiago, Cuba. The man who would go on to introduce the “one, two, three — kick” conga dance craze to America at the then Park Avenue nightclub on Collins Avenue and 23 Street, cleaned canary cages for 25 cents apiece to help make ends meet while attending St. Patrick Catholic School in Miami Beach.
“When I thought how Desi began his life in Miami Beach — penniless and without the ability to speak English, yet within four years he's leading a band and making a name for himself as "King of the Conga' — I really felt he deserved something aside from the two Hollywood Walk of Fame slabs of pavement, pieces which say nothing about his story,” added Gary McKechnie, an author, speaker and former comedian, who led a three-year effort that will culminate with the Collins Park ceremony. McKechnie raised $800 to put toward the historic marker largely from his own funds and donations from his family.
Arnaz enjoyed success as a band leader, star of television and motion pictures as well as owner of Desilu Productions and RKO Radio Pictures with Ball. He died in 1986 at the age of 69.
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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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October 2, 2024
— City officials will mark the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel Monday, Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. —
Miami Beach, FL – Mayor Steven Meiner and members of the Miami Beach City Commission will reaffirm support for Israel at a ceremony on Monday, Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m. to mark the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack. Nearly 1,200 Israelis were murdered, including women and children. As many as 100 of the more than 250 hostages abducted a year ago are still being held captive.
“We stand with Israel now and forever,” said Mayor Steven Meiner. “In this moment of profound pain, we reaffirm our steadfast and unshakable support for freedom, democracy and the core values that bind us. The October 7 attack is Israel’s 9/11 — an unimaginable tragedy that will never be forgotten — and only strengthens our resolve to stand united with Israel in the face of evil.”
The event will be held outside Miami Beach Fire Station No. 2 at 2300 Pine Tree Drive.
The eight Miami Beach firefighters who volunteered to travel to Israel shortly after the massacre plan to attend the ceremony. The firefighters filled in for some of the country’s first responders who were called to military service.
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WHEN: Monday, Oct. 7 at 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Miami Beach Fire Headquarters at Fire Station No. 2
2300 Pine Tree Drive, Miami Beach.
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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September 27, 2024
— The free cultural series brings a new slate of family-friendly entertainment to a massive outdoor projection wall —
Miami Beach, FL – The SoundScape Cinema Series arrives back in Miami Beach for its 15th season beginning this October through May. This season’s lineup features all new weekly movies that will be projected onto a 7,000-square-foot wall outside New World Center via a state-of-the-art projection and sound system in SoundScape Park.
“This is truly an exceptional outdoor theater experience,” explained Miami Beach City Manager Eric T. Carpenter. “We invite our residents and visitors to discover one of the city’s most popular cultural experiences in SoundScape Park.”
The visual and audio system is capable of projecting movies at a resolution that is multiple times greater than high definition.
A different movie will be shown each Wednesday at 8 p.m. on the southwest corner of Washington Avenue and 17 Street. The season debuts on Oct. 2 with music biopic “Bob Marley: One Love” followed by “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” on Oct. 9, “The Garfield Movie” on Oct. 16, “Hocus Pocus 2” on Oct. 23 and 1931 Halloween classic “Dracula” on Oct. 30 starring screen legend Bela Lugosi.
Click here for more information and a listing of upcoming movies.
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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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September 24, 2024
–Miami Beach Public School to Begin Design Process as New School Year Begins–
Miami Beach, FL – The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has announced its successful Community Schoolyards program is expanding to the City of Miami Beach for the 2024-2025 school year.
The City of Miami Beach and Miami-Dade County Public Schools have selected Miami Beach’s Biscayne Beach Elementary, a jointly owned school field, for the city’s first project. The design process is underway, and the North Beach school field will be the first in the district to partner on a Community Schoolyard site.
“We are excited about expanding our schoolyards program to Miami Beach to create a safe and inviting green space in Miami-Dade County,” said Director of Urban Parks for Trust for Public Land Jay Wozniak. “Hundreds of families will benefit from having greater access to nearby outdoor recreation and a safe place to gather.”
The Community Schoolyards program is a national effort by Trust for Public Land designed to expand community access to schoolyards during non-school hours and increase the percentage of people who live within a 10-minute walk of a park, as well as transforming these spaces to address climate impacts and improve educational outcomes. In the case of Miami Beach, the enhancements would add to the available green space in the area.
Enhancing schoolyards and parks with trees, gardens and engaging play equipment delivers an abundance of benefits to students, from emotional to academic to health. Teachers and school administrators have reported that attendance, behavior and test scores improve following schoolyard renovations.
Renovated schoolyards can also help communities address climate vulnerabilities, with landscaped gardens and porous surfaces absorbing stormwater and creating cooling shade.
“We are thrilled to begin this partnership and to provide new and updated outdoor spaces for our families,” said Miami Beach City Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez.
“Miami-Dade County Public Schools is looking forward to engaging students, staff, and community members in the process of designing an inviting, accessible and safe space for school-day play and after-hour recreation,” said Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools Dr. Jose L. Dotres.
The designs created for the campus are being shaped by the students and the school community through TPL’s participatory design process to ensure these spaces benefit residents for years to come. Trust for Public Land, along with its partners and donors, educate students about the value of parks and the careers that shape these community spaces. Biscayne Beach Elementary will conduct community engagement in early fall 2024.
Potential plans for the Biscayne Beach Elementary schoolyard may include spaces for learning experiences, outdoor musical instruments, seating areas with shade structures as well as new climbing equipment.
Access to the outdoors for sport and play is a fundamental human need, essential to our health and well-being, and is an important tool in mitigating the effects of climate change. And yet, 100 million people, including 28 million kids, do not have access to a quality park within a 10-minute walk from home. Community Schoolyards projects are a low-cost, effective solution to this park access gap.
For nearly 30 years, Trust for Public Land has worked with cities and school districts across the country to design schoolyards.
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About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,420 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $94 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 9.7 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
About Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), an A-rated district, is the nation’s third largest school system with more than 400 schools and a diverse enrollment of more than 330,000 students from over 160 countries. Our ongoing tradition of groundbreaking achievement has earned top recognition at the national and international levels. M-DCPS also recently reached a landmark graduation rate of 92 percent. For five decades, M-DCPS has been a leader in Choice, now offering more than 1,000 cutting-edge, award-winning programs designed to prepare students for 21st century learning in the age of innovation and technology. Students and their families play an active role in choosing educational opportunities that foster academic excellence, school-to-career pathways and real-world learning.
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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September 23, 2024
— Recipients will be honored at the Sherry Frontenac Oceanfront Hotel —
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Hispanic Affairs Committee has announced the winners of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Awards, which honor individuals and businesses from the Hispanic community who live or work in Miami Beach and have made a positive contribution to the community.
“We are excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month once again in the City of Miami Beach,” said Carmen Datorre, Chairperson of the Hispanic Affairs Committee. “This occasion allows us to honor the exceptional Hispanic individuals and businesses in our community who enhance our safety, education, culture and health. We are proud to recognize the achievements of all award recipients and to celebrate their contributions.”
The 2024 Hispanic Heritage Award winners will be honored on Thursday, Sept. 26 during a 6 p.m. ceremony at the Sherry Frontenac Oceanfront Hotel (6565 Collins Ave.).
Adult Contributing to Success of Youth
- Melisa Andrea Yanes, Miami Beach Parks & Recreation
Artist - Singer
- Maylu Hernandez
Artist - Sculptor and Performance Artist
- Daniela Viotti
Business
- Ole Ole Steakhouse & Tapelia Spanish Restaurant
Business Owner
- Eduardo Araoz
Educator
- Karlowa Lopez Rodriguez
Hispanic Community Member
- Maria Monserrat Riani-Smith
Public Safety Personnel
- Lieutenant Giancarlo Garcia, Miami Beach Fire Department
- Lieutenant Claudio Navas, Miami Beach Fire Department
Public Servant
- Rafael E. Granado
Social Service Provider Supporting Seniors
- Sixto Antonio Acea
Social Service Provider Supporting Homeless
- Roberto Morales
Trailblazer Award Hispanic Community
- Father Roberto Cid
Honorary Mention - Architectural Contribution to the City of Miami Beach
- Touzet Studio
The Hispanic Affairs Committee is an advisory body to the Miami Beach City Commission and the administration on matters pertaining to the Hispanic community in the City of Miami Beach.
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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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September 12, 2024
— He will be responsible for overseeing all building permits and building inspections —
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach City Commission has unanimously approved the appointment of Vince Seijas as the city’s new building director.
“Vince has extensive experience in construction permitting for both the private and public sectors,” said Miami Beach City Manager Eric T. Carpenter. “I am confident he will be able to streamline the city’s permitting process, which has been one of our top priorities. I am delighted to welcome Vince as the city’s next building director.”
Seijas previously worked as the Miami-Dade County building inspector and senior code officer as well as the building official and floodplain administrator for the City of Doral.
“I look forward to using my skills and expertise to lead the building department’s transition into a more user-friendly organization,” according to Seijas. “Every step of my career has prepared me for this challenge.”
He is the recipient of the 2024 Building Official of the Year award from the Building Official Association of Florida and was also recognized as the Building Official of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by the South Florida Building Official Association.
Seijas served in the U.S. Marine Corps between 1997 and 2005. He was honorably discharged with numerous medals, awards and letters of commendation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida International University and has completed other educational programs and certifications. Seijas is a certified member of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the Building Officials Association of Florida and the South Florida Building Officials Association.
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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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September 12, 2024
— She will be responsible for all procurement-related contracting in the city —
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach City Commission has unanimously approved the appointment of Kristy Bada as chief procurement officer. The 17-year veteran of public sector procurement had been serving as interim chief procurement officer since May.
“I’m very proud to recommend Kristy as our new chief procurement officer,” said Miami Beach City Manager Eric T. Carpenter. “Not only is she well qualified, she also has a demonstrated track record of excellence during her nine years with the city.”
With more than eight years of leadership experience, Bada will oversee all procurement-related contracting, compliance and supplier initiatives for the city. She holds a master's degree in public administration and a bachelor's in criminal justice from Florida International University.
“I’m honored to take on the role of chief procurement officer,” said Bada. “I am committed to leading our efforts to ensure responsible, efficient and innovative procurement practices that deliver value and serve our community.”
Bada has played a key role in a number of process improvements within the department, including innovative procurement strategies to enhance cost efficiency while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
She has also excelled in building collaborative relationships with both internal and external stakeholders to include the Florida Department of Transportation and other federal and state entities.
Bada is a certified Procurement Professional by the National Institute for Governmental Procurement (NIGP) and a certified Public Procurement Officer and Professional Public Buyer by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council.
Prior to joining the city, she held various positions in the Village of Palmetto Bay, where she led all solicitations for the Public Works Department and became the community’s first purchasing agent.
In 2023, the Miami Beach Procurement Department was awarded Quality Public Procurement Department accreditation by the NIGP — the largest public procurement organization in the United States and Canada.
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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).
