LTC 044-2022 March 2022 Operations UpdateMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. L TC# 044-2022 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Alina T . Hudak, City Manag~
February 1, 2022 if\ '\t J
March 2022 Operations Update
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to provide an update on the City's
preparations for March 2022, including programming and departmental operations plans.
Multiple City departments have been meeting weekly in preparation for March to ensure
we are implementing a comprehensive and coordinated major events plan for the safety
and enjoyment of residents and visitors alike.
Our city-produced Miami Beach Live! weekend-long programming is scheduled between
March 1 -March 29, 2022, which includes Carillon Wellness village, family zone, art
wall, basketball court, dog park activation, Friday night movies on the beach, Saturday
night ticketed concerts, Sunday Dine arounds and more. Additional updates on planned
programming will be disseminated via future updates to the Commission.
DEPARTMENTAL PLANS
Police
The Police Department has gathered a comprehensive list of spring break schedules for
colleges across the country to determine peak periods and is keeping track of
hotel/vacation rental occupancy rates. Additionally, they are closely monitoring open-
source information for parties at nightclubs, bars and party-homes. PD is working
collaboratively with Code Compliance to address any violations.
Police will be increasing its daily staffing levels with extended hours from February 22 -
April 3, 2022. Residents, business owners and visitors can expect to see an increased
police presence along the causeways, 5th Street corridor, Washington Avenue, Collins
Avenue, Ocean Drive, and the beach. Uniformed officers will proactively patrol in
vehicles, ATVs, mules, bikes, and on foot. Additionally, the Motor Unit will conduct
proactive traffic enforcement details throughout the City.
Marine Patrol officers will have enhanced staffing and additional vessels on the water
and will also work additional hours to maximize visibility on the waterways. PD will
continue to collaborate with the U.S. Coast Guard to address the illegal charters and
other maritime issues. Marine Patrol will have enhanced coverage 7 days a week during
the month of March.
The City already has 16 fixed License Plate Readers (LPRs) along our causeways and
main thoroughfares that will be monitored throughout the month. Additionally, mobile LPRs
will also be deployed along the 5th Street corridor during peak weekends in March.
These mobile LPR's manned by Police officers will add an additional layer of safety and
visibility.
The MBPD has requested assistance from surrounding law enforcement agencies and
anticipates the support we've received in years' past. Mutual aid from the Miami-Dade
County Police Department as well as other agencies has been requested to augment
visibility along Collins and Washington avenues and the causeways into the City.
The Police Department will coordinate the deployment of the Goodwill Ambassadors
comprised of volunteers from Miami-Dade County's Office of Community Engagement
as well as City of Miami Beach employees.
Fire
Miami Beach Fire will also have augmented staffing throughout South Beach. Fire
Inspectors will conduct nightly inspections on weekends throughout the Art Deco
Cultural District (ADCD). Ocean Rescue will double staff the lifeguard towers between 4
and 14 streets as needed and Public Safety Communications will add one additional
dispatcher assigned specifically to South Beach. Emergency Management will monitor
public safety and operations departments and coordinate their response as necessary.
Code Compliance
The Code Compliance Department will have enhanced staffing starting on February 28,
2022. Staff will be assigned on foot, ATVs and bicycles in the ADCD . In addition,
proactive patrols will be assigned to address conditions citywide. Coverage of both the
ADCD and Short-Term Rental (STR) dedicated teams will be increased with uniform and
plainclothes Code officers to provide maximum coverage to address conditions,
including clubs and party houses. Miami Beach Marina Code coverage will be increased
from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m., 7 days a week with 12-hour shifts. Teams will also be doing
outreach to the clubs prior to March to advise on the regulations regarding
promoted/self-promoted events.
Transportation
The Transportation & Mobility Department will be monitoring traffic conditions on major
thoroughfares and will work with the Police and Marketing & Communications
departments to manage congestion and disseminate information on major traffic
incidents throughout the City.
Together with our Parking Department, the Transportation & Mobility Department is
developing a comprehensive transportation plan for the Miami Beach Live! event. The
plan will leverage various parking garages in the area to serve as park-and-ride facilities
shuttling patrons to and from the event using either an on-demand transit service or the
City's trolley service. The City is also exploring designating rideshare pick-up area(s) in
proximity to the event.
Our City departments continue to augment and update plans in real time and I will ensure
that the Commission is kept continuously informed. It is the intention of the
Administration to be as prepared as possible to maintain resident quality of life as we
welcome our March visitors who have chosen to vacation in Miami Beach, while
reminding them how to have a safe and responsible time. Thank you for your support.
ATH