LTC 053-2024 Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) MotionsM IA M I B EA C H
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
NO. LTC # 053-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner Members of the City Commission
~( FROM: Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk~-~~ zc::; _
REGIS BARBOU 1=
DATE: February 13, 2024
SUBJECT: Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) Motions
The purpose of this Letter to Commission is to provide the memo from the Marine and Waterfront Protection
Authority (MWPA) Board meeting that occurred on February 13, 2024.
Docu Si g n En vel ope ID: ED84 F512-D B884 -4 37E-B934 -9AD 0F 7391D6 7
MIAMI BEACH
MARINE AND WATERFRONT PROTECTION AUTHORITY BOARD
TO:
FRO M:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Board
December 12, 2023
Unanimous Vote to Ban Fireworks Display from Vessels in lntracoastal/
Biscayne Bay waters of Miami Beach
The purpose of this memo is to advise the Mayor and Members of the City Commission of the
Board's recent vote in support of the Marine Waterfront Protection Authority's (MWPA)
unanimous vote advocating the prohibition of fireworks displays launched from vessels within
the lntercoastal and Biscayne Bay areas of Miami Beach.
Our decision is informed by the bay's ecological significance and the detrimental effects of
fireworks on our local ecosystem and community. The release of hazardous substances
(chemicals such as sulphur, copper and lithium to name a few) and the resultant debris (e.g.,
paper casings, plastics and metallic materials) from such displays pose considerable risks to
the bay and marine life, disrupting their natural behaviors and polluting their habitat. Moreover,
the loud noises disrupt marine life behaviors essential for navigation, communication, and
feeding, leading to broader ecological disturbances. Of course, the substances and debris as
well as noise impact the residential neighborhoods near the vessels launching the fireworks
displays.
In view of these concerns, the MWPA strongly recommends that the City Commission enact an
ordinance to ban these fireworks displays. Such action is critical to safeguarding Biscayne Bay's
environmental health and the well-being of our community.
The MWPA sincerely thanks you for your consideration.
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MWPA Vice Chair
2/13/2024 12:48 PM PST