LTC 340-2024 HISPANIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTIONMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
NO.LTC #LETTER TO COM M ISSIO N
TO:Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner.:?'?'r~the City Commission
FROM,Rah E.Granado.cy cerk @Clan4
DATE:August 8,2024
SUBJECT:HISPANIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MOTION
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC)is to inform the Mayor and City
Commission of the following Motions passed by the Hispanic Affairs Committee at their
July 18,2024 meeting:
Members present:
Carmen Datorre,Rosary Plana Falero,Elba Machado,Gustavo Briand,Natasha
Fernandez and Julian Linares
Members absent:None
Staff Present:Leonor Hernandez,Commission Liaison
MOTION:
After a presentation to the Committee by Mr.Gary McKechnie,a Motion to support the
placing of a Desi Arnaz Marker at Collins Park with a dedication ceremony to take place
during Hispanic Heritage Month,either on October 3°or October 15,2024 or as
agreed by City Administration and City Mayor &Commissioners.(See additional
information attached hereto).
Motion made by Julian Linares
Motion seconded by Gustavo Briand
Motion unanimously approved by all members present
MOTION:
Motion urging the City Commission to direct the City Administration to produce and
record a historical archive interview segment for an MBTV Segment to be aired on
MBTV77 during Hispanic Heritage Month 2024.The Committee recommends the
following person:
Luis Fuente -Founder/Owner of Cafe Avanti
Motion made by Rosary Plana Falero
Motion seconded by Julian Linares
Motion unanimously approved by all members present
cc:Members of the Hispanic Affairs Committee
REG/lh
340-2024
Mena Caceres,Keila
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Gary McKechnie <gary@garymckechnie.com>
Thursday,August 8,2024 12:00 PM
Hernandez,Leonor
Desi Arnaz Marker Possible Location
Desi Arnaz Marker Possible Location.png
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Hello Leonor.
I believe Commissioner Fernandez,Debbie Tackett,and their team found a location in
Collins Park where the marker could be placed.This is a slide I used in my Art Deco
Weekend Desi presentation showing what I think was the site they selected.It would be
on the sidewalk leading into Collins Park from the pedestrian mall,midway between the
ballet and the library and near the museum so visitors at the park and at any of those
three locations will be able to see it.
Gary McKechnie
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(352)383-2679 (landline)•(407)647-4031 (mobile)
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Mena Caceres,Keila
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Gary McKechnie <gary@garymckechnie.com>
Wednesday,July 17,2024 11 :21 AM
Matteo-Salinas,Monica;Hernandez,Leonor;Bhatt,Tanya;Fernandez,Alex;Pedreira,
Daniel;Tackett,Deborah
Desi Marker Meeting Advance Notes
Follow up
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Hello Everyone.
In advance of tomorrow's online meeting and to make sure I don't forget anything,I
wanted to present a few thoughts related to the dedication;some of which I've touched
on previously.Although this will be be relatively brief,the reality is that its reach and
effects on tourism will be ongoing through media coverage and fans who will visit this
site for decades to come.
•I believe it's agreed the dedication should take place during Hispanic Heritage Month.
During that period,two dates tied into Desi's life include October 15,1951 when 'I Love
Lucy'premiered (and is the last day of Hispanic Heritage Month),and October 3,1954
when Desi and Lucy were honored on the television program and Desi recalls his time in
Miami and concludes with "Thank you.Thank you,America"-which are the final lines
on the marker.If that date is chosen it would be the 70th anniversary of that broadcast.
Whichever day is selected,I suggest the City name this 'Desi Arnaz Day'with an
appropriate proclamation noting his contributions to America.
•It would be very fitting to welcome and host Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz,Jr.as the
City's honorary guests.More than a year ago I extended an invitation to Lucie through
her agent,but was politely dismissed.However,should the City of Miami Beach,Visit
Miami,the Hispanic Affairs Committee,Miami-Dade College,St.Patrick Catholic School
(his alma mater)or other prominent organization contact them,I'm sure that elevated
prominence would convey the City's appreciation and increase their interest (as well as
media attention)significantly.
•During my Art Deco Weekend talk several members of the audience mentioned
connections with Gloria and Emilio Estefan whose lives and careers were influenced and
inspired by Desi Arnaz.Their presence at the dedication would exponentially increase
the reach of media,promotion,and marketing.Others whose attendance would increase
buzz for the event would be Amy Poehler,who produced a documentary about Lucy and
Desi;Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem,who played Lucy and Desi;and Aaron Sorkin
who wrote and directed the Kidman-Bardem film.For celebrities who cannot attend,
perhaps their comments could be read on their behalf.
•To reflect the broad interests and influences of Desi,local actors,musicians,television
and film personalities and industry professionals,Desi and Lucy look-alikes,and notable
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Cuban-American figures should be invited.Historians,too,should be asked to comment
on Desi's innovations and influence on the development of film and television.The Miami
City Ballet now occupies the site of the Park Avenue Club where Desi brought the conga
line to America.Could some of their dancers lead a conga line to the accompaniment of
a popular Miami band?
•Is there a dominant Cuban-American led advertising/marketing/promotional agency
willing to promote this even pro bono?Or perhaps a consortium of similar agencies could
partner on this effort.I'd imagine their founders were influenced by Desi as well.
•Miami Beach resident Alexander Ruche has one of the largest collections of Desi Arnaz
memorabilia in America and has offered items for display.With a library branch adjacent
to the marker location,perhaps they can begin arranging an exhibition to open following
the dedication.
Thanks to everyone for moving things forward.See you tomorrow.
Gary McKechnie
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