Greater-Miami-and-the-Beaches-Named-Finalist-for-DNC2020
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City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, Tel: 305.673.7575 PRESS RELEASE
Tonya Daniels, E-mail: tonyadaniels@miamibeachfl.gov
Melissa Berthier, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2018
Greater Miami and the Beaches Named Finalist for 2020 Democratic
National Convention
— Ultimate Battleground Location Proves to be the Best Option —
Miami Beach, FL – Greater Miami and the Beaches is no stranger to large conventions,
extravagant parties and events that leave attendees with memories to last a lifetime.
With 29 electoral votes and a state full of passionate, energized and action-oriented
residents, Florida is the clear option for the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
“We are a city of immigrants, living in a country of immigrants. We truly represent all
Americans. Our Miami Ellis Island, the Freedom Tower, looks out at the American
Airlines Arena and serves as a reminder every day of what we fight for in our Nation. We
believe whatever party you belong to, as Americans, we have a responsibility to lift each
other up and help our neighbors,” noted City of Miami Beach Mayor, Dan Gelber.
Greater Miami and the Beaches represents all Americans. As an area that is colorful
and diverse, the fight for equality and acceptance shows its strength and passion –
proving that everyone deserves a chance to make a better life for themselves.
"We are a swing state, and, in recent history, as Florida goes, so does the rest of the
nation. So, I think it's smart for the DNC to pick Miami-Dade," said Miami-Dade County
Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "Further, we have the infrastructure needed for something of
this magnitude."
People visit Greater Miami and the Beaches, the Magic City, because of its beautiful
surroundings, and while the delegates are working, their families will surely enjoy the
gorgeous sandy beaches, cultural institutions and unique parks throughout the Miami
area. The region has the most iconic venues in the country. From National Parks like
We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.
the Everglades with its unparalleled landscape to world-class museums like the Perez
Art Museum located near the arena and the Institute for Contemporary Art in the Design
District; concert venues like SoundScape Park in Miami Beach and Liv at the
Fontainebleau Hotel; Vizcaya Gardens and open-air venues like Wynwood Walls. Our
spaces are unique and lend themselves to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. All of this, in
addition to the culturally tantalizing restaurants and luxurious shopping experiences.
“Greater Miami and the Beaches is the ideal place to host the 2020 Democratic National
Convention. Not only do we offer incredible weather and amenities, but we are also part
of a battleground state,” expressed City of Miami Mayor, Francis Suarez. “With a wealth
of diversity and multiculturalism, our region is uniquely positioned to galvanize the
message of hope and equality we need for our country.”
As an easy travel destination from almost anywhere in the U.S., Miami boasts one of the
country’s largest airports located only 15 minutes away from its downtown. Greater
Miami and the Beaches is the ultimate destination for large-scale events. In 2020, they
will host their 11th Super Bowl, surpassing all other host cities. And in December 2019,
will welcome Art Basel for the 17th consecutive year - expecting more than 70,000
visitors from 35 countries.
Miami’s economy is fueled by tourism, and they have mastered the craft of rolling out the
red carpet for their visitors. It is consistently one of the top tourist destinations in the
world with more than 15 million overnight visitors each year.
“We are humbled to be chosen as one of the locations on the shortlist. We know that a
presidential nominating convention presents unique challenges, however, we are a
region of problem solvers known for our can-do attitude,” added Mayor Gelber.
Just like Greater Miami and the Beaches, DNC venues should be spectacular. The
American Airlines Arena sits on downtown waterfront property and serves as the perfect
location for the 2020 DNC. The Convention Center, where the Caucus, Council and
Committee meetings will take place during the day, is a newly renovated $615 million
facility located in the heart of Miami Beach, just one block from the ocean and
showcases $6 million in public art installations – all fronted by a 6-acre park (completion
date 12/19).
There is truly no location that is better suited to host the 2020 Democratic National
Convention.
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