Resolution 2024-33137 RESOLUTION NO.. 2024-33137
A'RESOLUTION OF THE.MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
PREPARE A LETTER TO COMMISSION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30,
2024, DESCRIBING THE NECESSARY REGULATORY APPROVALS AND
FEASIBILITY OF CREATING A MIAMI BEACH MARINE PARK OR MARINE
CONSERVATION AREA FROM SOUTH POINTE PIER TO SIXTEENTH;
STREET.
WHEREAS, the Miami Beach shoreline just beyond the swimming buoys from South
Pointe Pier to Sixteenth Street and extending for up to 1600 feet from the shore is home to
nurse sharks, endangered green sea turtles, endangered queen conch, seahorses, endless
schools of tropical fish, and an impressive mix of hard coral, some of which is endangered; and
WHEREAS, the Miami Herald recently featured a front-page story dedicated to this little-
known ecosystem just off the City's shores. The article can be accessed at
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/underwater-jewel-lies-lust-off-093000365.html; and
WHEREAS, this rare and fragile component of the City's natural resources could
become a valuable asset if protected with adequate safeguards and could attract residents and
desirable ecotourists who could provide an economic boost as they stay in our hotels, eat in our
restaurants, and charter dive shops in the area; and
WHEREAS, advertising billboard vessels as well as recreational boaters often traverse
the area where this nascent reef and ecosystem exist, sometimes dragging anchors and
sometimes endangering snorkelers and divers that the City wishes to encourage to visit and
enjoy the reef; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Commission desire for the City Administration to explore
the regulatory approvals necessary, and the feasibility of, creating a Miami Beach Marine Park
or Marine Conservation Area from South Pointe Pier to Sixteenth Street, with the understanding
that the role of the City may be to advocate for such a park or conservation area with Miami-
Dade County and State of Florida agencies.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE . MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, that the Mayor and City
Commission hereby direct the City Administration to prepare a Letter to Commission on or
before September 30, 2024, describing the necessary regulatory approvals and feasibility of
creating a Miami Beach Marine Park or Marine Conservation Area from South Pointe Pier to
Sixteenth Street.
PASSED and ADOPTED this 024 day of , 202 1/.
ATTEST:
11J1 ® 3 2024 Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO
"g" , FORM &LANGUAGE
&FOR EXECUTION
(sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez, = �' , ,
co-sponsored by Commissioner David Suarez) ': .
`•.INtOAP OAATED;
Co-Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K Bhatt -, ;^�= r S�j'2 o2. —
CH"26 City Attorney n Date
Resolutions -C7 BE
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: City Attorney Ricardo J. Dopico
DATE: June 26, 2024
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, , FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
PREPARE A LETTER TO COMMISSION ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 2024,
DESCRIBING THE NECESSARY REGULATORY APPROVALS AND FEASIBILITY
OF CREATING A MIAMI BEACH MARINE PARK OR MARINE CONSERVATION
AREA FROM SOUTH POINTE PIER TO SIXTEENTH STREET.
ANALYSIS
This Resolution is presented for consideration by the Mayor and City Commission by the sponsor,
Commissioner Laura Dominguez. It is cosponsored by Commissioner David Suarez.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Project?
No No
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 the name of lobbyist(s)and principal(s):
Department
City Attorney
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Co-sponsor(s)
Commissioner David Suarez
Page 973 of 1862