Resolution 2024-33055RESOLUTION NO., 2024-33055
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,
FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO WORK WITH THE OFFICE OF U.S.
CONGRESSWOMAN FREDERICA WILSON TO ENGAGE IN THE FORMAL PROCESS WITH
U.S. COAST GUARD TO MODIFY THE CURRENT OPERATING OF THE 63RD STREET
DRAWBRIDGE SCHEDULE FROM OPENING ON THE HOUR AND HALF-HOUR TO ONLY
OPENING ON THE HOUR TO ASSIST WITH ALLEVIATING VEHICLE CONGESTION DUE TO
DRAWBRIDGE OPENINGS
WHEREAS, the 63rd Street Bridge (the "Bridge") is a double -leaf bascule bridge with an 11 foot vertical
clearance; and
WHEREAS, currently, the operating schedule that governs the Bridge and codified in 33 C.F.R. § 117.293
provides that every day of the week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., except Federal holidays, the draw should open on the
hour and half-hour; and
WHEREAS, although located within the City's territorial jurisdiction, the Bridge is owned and maintained by
the Florida Department of Transportation ("FDOT"), which manages a contract with a third -party providerfor bridge
tender services; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Coast Guard establishes and regulates the Bridge's operating schedule, along with
any restrictions; and
WHEREAS,. the Bridge serves as a vital corridor for residents and visitors traveling to and from South
Beach to North Beach and other jurisdictions such as North Bay Village, City of Sunny Isles, and City of Aventura;
and ,
WHEREAS, the Bridge opening causes severe traffic congestion in the area on a regular basis, with no
relief for area residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, modifying its current schedule from opening every hour and every half-hour to opening every
hour would significantly reduce traffic congestion and dramatically improve our residents' quality of life.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYO RAND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City Commission hereby direct the city administration to work
with the office of U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson to engage in the formal process with the U.S. Coast
Guard to modify the current operating of the 63rd street drawbridge schedule from opening on the hour and half-
hour to only opening on the hour to assist with alleviating vehicle congestion due to drawbridge openings.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 15, day of M*y 2024.
91
ATTEST:
MAY 2 1
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
202ete n Meiner, Mayor
(sponsored by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez)
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner David Suarez
Co -Sponsored by Commissioner Joseph Magazine
APPROVED AS TO
FORM & LANGUAGE
& FOR EXECUTION
-CityAttcrney
s'-%IOiao Z*_
Date
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Ricardo J. Dopico, City Attorney
DATE: May 15, 2024
SUBJECT: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,
FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO ENGAGE IN THE FORMAL PROCESS
WITH THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD TO REQUEST AN EXEMPTION FROM THE
FEDERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE 63RD STREET BASCULE BRIDGE REGARDING ITS
DRAWBRIDGE OPERATING SCHEDULE, OR, IN THE ALTERNATIVE, MODIFY ITS CURRENT
DRAWBRIDGE OPERATING SCHEDULE TO ASSIST WITH ALLEVIATING VEHICLE
CONGESTION DUE TO DRAWBRIDGE OPENINGS.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in
lobbying? No
If so, specify name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): N/A
ANALYSIS
The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez.
The Resolution will be submitted via Supplemental Agenda.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
N/A
Is this a "Residents Right to Does this item utilize G.O.
Know" item,_pgrsuant to Bond Funds?
City. Code Section 2-14?
No No
Legislative Tracking
Office of the City Attorney
Sponsor
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
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