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Category: 2024 Press Releases
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April 4, 2024
- Motorists have the option of paying with the two most popular parking apps in South Florida -
Miami Beach, FL – Residents and visitors now have a choice of using either PayByPhone or ParkMobile to pay for parking when their plans take them to and within global travel destination Miami Beach.
“The addition of PayByPhone as an accepted form of payment is making parking in Miami Beach a no-hassle experience at our 66 surface lots and dozens of on-street parking meters,” explained Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who urged parking officials to expand available payment options. “In the near future, motorists will also be able to use PayByPhone in the 12 city-operated garages as customers are already able to do so via the ParkMobile app.”
PayByPhone and ParkMobile are the two most widely used mobile parking apps in South Florida. In addition to Miami Beach, PayByPhone is accepted at all Miami-Dade County parks as well as nearby municipalities like Miami, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale and the Town of Surfside.
Both parking apps will share the same location numbers in Miami Beach to ensure a seamless extension of the city’s payment options for motorists accustomed to using ParkMobile throughout the city. The PayByPhone app and service soft launched in Miami Beach on April 1 as it undergoes testing and the installation of new signage to reflect the addition of PayByPhone.
Available on both iOS and Android platforms, PayByPhone allows motorists to park without registering for a free account though registered users are able to access a greater number of features. App features include text message reminders prior to parking expiration, the ability to extend parking sessions remotely within the specified time limit and emailed receipts after each app transaction.
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April 4, 2024
- Rickelle Williams will temporarily assume the city’s top job as officials begin a national search -
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach City Commission voted on Wednesday, April 3 to appoint Assistant City Manager Rickelle Williams to become interim city manager as officials prepare to launch a national search to find a permanent replacement for Alina T. Hudak, who resigned on March 28. Hudak became the first woman to serve in the city’s top administrative job when she was appointed three years ago after serving as an assistant city manager and holding senior leadership positions in Miami-Dade County government for more than three decades.
“I want to thank the Miami Beach City Commission for the recognition and the trust they placed in me, and I particularly want to thank City Manager Hudak for being a great leader and role model,” shared Williams, who was promoted to the role of Assistant City Manager in 2022 after joining the administration two years earlier as director of economic development.
In her role as assistant city manager, Williams’ portfolio of departments included Economic Development, Housing and Community Services, Parking, Planning, Transportation and Mobility, and Tourism and Culture. She has also been responsible for oversight of the City’s two community redevelopment agencies, Miami Beach Convention Center operations, and providing leadership to the City’s partnership with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Prior to joining the city, she also served as executive director at the Dania Beach Community Redevelopment Agency and as the economic development manager with the Miami-Dade Economic Advocacy Trust, a county agency devoted to developing and implementing initiatives that promote individual and business success. In addition, Williams has worked as a project development analyst at the Housing Finance Authority of Miami-Dade County and as a capital improvement projects coordinator with the City of Miami Gardens.
“For me, it’s very important that the city have clear leadership on major decisions and initiatives that will be coming up,” noted Hudak, who will stay on in an advisory capacity through the conclusion of her service. “I have complete confidence in Rickelle’s leadership abilities, judgement and her capacity to make informed decisions.”
Since coming to Miami Beach, Williams played key roles in various projects aimed at strengthening the local economy and diversifying the city’s business footprint. She helped bring the North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) to life and administered multiple grant programs to assist local businesses in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. She has also negotiated multiple public-private partnerships to promote workforce housing, Class A office and cultural facility development.
Last year, Williams was honored with the biennial 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award, which recognizes rising stars under 40 in the economic development field. Williams holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and graduate certificate in Community Development from Florida International University (FIU) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Mass Communication from the University of Florida. She is active with the Miami-Dade City and County Management Association, is a proud Miami-Dade County resident and enjoys volunteering and spending time with her husband and two children.
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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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April 3, 2024
- The Vista Breeze development will feature 119 affordable rental units -
Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Office of Housing and Community Services in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Miami Beach and Atlantic Pacific Companies will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, April 8 at 9:30 a.m. at 280 South Shore Drive to mark the start of construction on the island’s largest affordable housing community for seniors in 45 years.
Located in the Normandy Isles neighborhood of the city’s North Beach area, the development includes two, four-story buildings at 280 South Shore Drive and 185 South Shore Drive, a short walk away from the Normandy Shores Golf Course. The project will be constructed on vacant land with courtyard style housing. One building will be called Vista and the other Breeze.
The new studio units will be available to people 62 years of age or older who meet financial eligibility requirements based on 80% of the area median income. The 2023 area median income for Miami-Dade County is $74,700. Monthly rents will range per year as determined by tenant income.
“It is nearly impossible to build affordable housing in a luxury real estate market like Miami Beach, but we are committed to creating housing for everyone,” shared Miami Beach Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez who also chairs the City’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. “Most seniors are on fixed incomes and cannot afford to pay market rents. This project offers an opportunity for seniors to focus on living their lives and aging gracefully in a home they can be proud of.”
In 2023, Miami Beach broke ground on the first-of-its kind Collins Park Artist Workforce Housing Project in the Collins Park Cultural District at 23 Street and Collins Avenue — steps away from the Miami City Ballet School and performance studio. The eight-story facility will include six dormitories on the second floor that can house as many as 30 ballet dancers and 80 apartments on higher floors that will be prioritized for Miami Beach artists, educators and employees who meet the building’s financial eligibility requirements at 120% area median income.
“The city has allocated more than $1 million of our federal entitlement funds to alleviate a critical affordable housing shortage for seniors through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program,” explained Miami Beach City Manager Alina Hudak.
News organizations wishing to cover the groundbreaking should RSVP via email to events@apcompanies.com.
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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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April 3, 2024
- The ceremony will take place outside City Hall at 6 p.m. on April 4, 2024 -
Miami Beach, FL – The City of Miami Beach welcomes the 16th installment of Miami Beach Pride on Thursday, April 4 at 6 p.m. with a ceremonial raising of the Progress Pride Flag outside City Hall to kick off this year’s annual celebration that will feature lavish floats, a queer art showcase and celebrity guests of honor.
“LGBTQIA+ communities throughout the country — even in parts of Florida — are facing unprecedented levels of hostility,” said Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, who is an openly gay elected official. “While we want everyone to feel embraced, valued and celebrated at Miami Beach Pride, we also want to encourage everyone who attends our celebration to take a moment to reflect on the trailblazers, whose courage paved the way for the tremendous progress that many of us have seen in our lifetime.”
The Progress Pride Flag flies alongside the American flag year-round outside Miami Beach City Hall, which is located at 1700 Convention Center Drive. Unlike the traditional Rainbow Flag, the Progress Pride Flag incorporates black and brown stripes to represent communities of color along with the pink, light blue and white colors that make up the Transgender Pride Flag. Additional elements form an arrow that points toward the right in a forward movement to symbolize future progress.
The flag-raising ceremony will be followed by Pride Lights the Night event at the nearby Lincoln Road, Euclid Oval (700 Lincoln Road). Sponsored by the Lincoln Road Business Improvement District, the 7:30 p.m. event will debut a vibrant public art installation titled “PRIDE247” by artists AMLGMATD as well as an annual lighting ceremony honoring the memory of the Pulse Nightclub and Club Q shootings, which profoundly affected the LGBTQ+ community.
Miami Beach Pride, which runs through April 14, brings together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, their friends, allies and supporters to celebrate the unique spirit and culture of the LGBTQ+ community in Miami Beach. For more information, visit www.miamibeachpride.com.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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