LTC 051-2025 Spring Break 2025MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC#
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
LETTER TO COMMISSION
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
•(0.55...±.Eric T.carpenter,city Manager Z (V](z
February 3,2025
Spring Break 2025
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC)is to provide a comprehensive update on the City's
preparations for Spring Break 2025.Pursuant to City Commission direction,our Spring Break 2025
strategy will continue to be focused on public safety and include various high-impact measures
that will be imposed along with traffic and staffing plans.City departments have been meeting
regularly to ensure a coordinated major event plan to maintain safety and resident quality of life.
The entire month of March 2025 has been designated as a high-impact period in Miami
Beach,resulting in additional measures with respect to traffic,staffing and public safety.
Based on college schedules,the periods between March 13-16 and March 20-23 are expected to
generate the largest spring break crowds this year.As such,more stringent measures will be
implemented during these two weekends,including:
•Parking garages and surface lots south of 23 Street will be closed,including the
garages at 7 Street and Collins Avenue (G1 ),12 Street and Washington Avenue (G2),13
Street and Collins Avenue (G3),16 Street between Collins and Washington avenues (G4),
17 Street and Convention Center Drive (G5),18 Street and Meridian Avenue (G7),
Lincoln Lane North and Pennsylvania Avenue (G9)and 23 Street and Park Avenue
(G12).
•A $100 flat fee parking rate will be in effect for visitors at the Sunset Harbour Garage
on 19 Street and Bay Road (G10)and the 42 Street garage between Royal Palm and
Sheridan avenues (G6).
Parking garage and surface lot closures as well as flat-fee parking rates do not apply to Miami
Beach residents,access card holders,permit holders or Miami Beach employees.For regular
rates to apply,proofof Miami Beach residency or employment (pay stub,letter,ID card,etc.)will
be required upon entry.
•Sidewalk seating on Ocean Drive will be closed on March 14-16 and March 21-23.
•The Miami Beach Police Department will implement a License Plate Reader (LPR)
detail on the eastbound lanes of the MacArthur Causeway on March 14-16,March 21-23
starting at 8 p.m.(with set up at 7 p.m.)and on the eastbound lanes of the Julia Tuttle
Causeway on March 14-16,March 21-23 starting at 9 p.m.(with set up at 8 p.m.).
Motorists should expect significant traffic impacts and delays as eastbound travel
lanes will be reduced on the MacArthur and Julia Tuttle causeways.MBPD will also
have an LPR detail along the 5 Street corridor on March 7-9 starting at 7 p.m.(with set up
commencing at 6 p.m.).
License Plate Readers have historically been instrumental in the identification of serious
and violent offenders as well as the recovery of stolen vehicles.
•A DUI sobriety checkpoint will be in place along the 400 block of 5 Street starting at 7
p.m.(with set up commencing at 6 p.m.)over March 14-15 and March 21-22.
•Businesses renting or leasing golf carts,low-speed vehicles,autocycles {i.e.
slingshots),motorized scooters,mopeds,motorcycles powered by motors of 50 cubic
centimeters or less and motorized bicycles will be suspended from operating on March
13-16 and March 20-23.
•Ocean Drive will only be accessible to vehicles from the most northern available
street with a sole exit at 5 Street on March 6-9,March 13-16 and March 20-23.
Barricades will line the west side of Ocean Drive to reduce the potential of pedestrians
coming into contact with motor vehicles.
•The nonresident towing rate will be $516-double the regular rate for vehicles
towed in South Beach.
•Beach entrances on Ocean Drive will be limited to 5,10 and 12 streets and will have
security checkpoints to ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the beach.These
entrances will close at 6 p.m.Coolers,inflatable devices,tents,tables and similar
objects are not permitted on the beach.Amplified music without a city-issued permit will
be restricted.As a reminder,alcohol and smoking are always prohibited on city beaches.
•Packaged liquor stores in the Entertainment District will strictly adhere to the 8 p.m.
regular closing time.
•The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD)will implement a traffic plan beginning at 6
p.m.each Thursday through Sunday to reduce traffic impacts around the South of Fifth
(SoFi),West Avenue and Flamingo Park neighborhoods.Motorists can access the SoFi
neighborhood via Alton Road,Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue.The Flamingo
Park neighborhood can only be accessed via Alton Road.Local access restrictions will be
enforced on some city streets to limit traffic and improve mobility for residents and
business patrons.
Every Thursday through Sunday on the first (Feb.27-March 2),second (March 6-9)and fifth
{March 27-30)weekends in March,the following high-impact measures will be in place:
•A flat parking rate of $30 will be in effect at city parking garages and surface lots in
South Beach,including the garages at 7 Street and Collins Avenue (G1),12 Street and
Washington Avenue (G2),13 Street and Collins Avenue (G3),16 Street between Collins
and Washington avenues (G4),17 Street and Convention Center Drive (G5),42 Street
garage between Royal Palm and Sheridan avenues (G6),18 Street and Meridian Avenue
(G7),Lincoln Lane North and Pennsylvania Avenue (G9),19 Street and Bay Road (G10),
and 23 Street and Park Avenue (G12)-with entry to garages closing at 6 p.m.to all
visitors.
The flat parking rate and 6 p.m.entrance restriction does not apply to Miami Beach residents,
access card holders or authorized Miami Beach employees.For regular rates to apply,proof of
Miami Beach residency or employment (pay stub,letter,ID card,etc.)will be required upon entry.
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•The nonresident towing rate will be $516 double the regular rate for vehicles
towed in South Beach.
•Beach entrances on Ocean Drive will be limited to 5,10 and 12 streets and will have
security checkpoints to ensure prohibited items are not brought onto the beach.These
entrances will close at 6 p.m.Coolers,inflatable devices,tents,tables and similar
objects are not permitted on the beach.Amplified music without a city-issued permit will
be restricted.As a reminder,alcohol and smoking are always prohibited on city beaches.
•Packaged liquor stores in the Entertainment District will strictly adhere to the 8 p.m.
regular closing time.
•The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD)will implement a traffic plan beginning at 6
p.m.each Thursday through Sunday to reduce traffic impacts around the South of Fifth
(SoFi),West Avenue and Flamingo Park neighborhoods.Motorists can access the SoFi
neighborhood via Alton Road,Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue.The Flamingo
Park neighborhood can only be accessed via Alton Road.Local access restrictions will be
enforced on some city streets to limit traffic and improve mobility for residents and
business patrons.
Staffing
Staffing levels for Miami Beach Police,Fire Rescue,Ocean Rescue,Code Compliance,Park
Rangers,Parking and Sanitation will be significantly enhanced throughout the month of March.
Goodwill Ambassadors wearing pink "Take Care of Our City"T-shirts will be deployed throughout
the Entertainment District to answer visitor questions,provide directions and give tips on how to
enjoy the city.
The following provides additional departmental information:
Police
Residents,business owners and visitors can expect a heightened police presence throughout the
month of March.MBPD will operate with extended hours and augmented staffing,using an
enhanced Alpha/Bravo scheduling configuration to deploy more officers during peak days and
times.
Police staffing will be supplemented by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,Florida
Highway Patrol,Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office,and other municipal law enforcement agencies.
Uniformed officers will proactively patrol in vehicles,on ATVs,bicycles and on foot.Additionally,
in a continued collaborative effort with the U.S.Coast Guard and the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Commission,MBPD's Marine Patrol will enforce all applicable laws along the City's waterways.
MBPD is also prepared to implement special event zones,as outlined in section 316.1891 of
Florida's Statutes,provided certain criteria are met.These designated zones target unpermitted
temporary activities or events drawing 50 or more attendees,which pose disruptions to normal
traffic flow.Within these zones,the city holds the authority to impose doubled fines for traffic
infractions and has the option to impound vehicles for violations.Furthermore,law enforcement
retains the ability to temporarily enforce occupancy limits within special event zones,with
associated costs potentially recoverable from event promoters or organizers.
3
Please note that pursuant to Resolution No.2024-32899 (refer to attached),a curfew will be swiftly
implemented if necessary.
Fire
The Miami Beach Fire Department will have augmented staffing throughout South Beach to
provide medical support and transport,if necessary.Fire Inspectors will conduct nightly weekend
inspections focused on occupancy loads and life safety systems at nightclubs and other
establishments.
Ocean Rescue will double the number of lifeguards in the towers between 4 and 14 streets as
needed,while the 911 Call Center will have additional dispatchers on duty dedicated to South
Beach calls.
The Fire Department Division of Emergency Management and Community Emergency
Response Team (CERT)members will staff a First Aid/Hydration Station at 10 Street,on the
beachside at Ocean Rescue Headquarters,providing support to EMS Paramedics to assist the
public with basic medical needs such as dehydration,heat-related stress and basic first
aid.Emergency Management will monitor activities at a Level 2 activation.
Code Compliance
The Code Compliance Department will have enhanced staffing to include foot patrols,ATVs and
bicycle patrols in addition to proactive patrols citywide,including our dedicated Short-Term Rental
(STR)team.Coverage at the Miami Beach Marina will be increased to seven days with 12-hour
shifts.Teams will also be conducting outreach to nightclub owners to remind them of regulations
on promoted and self-promoted events.Scooter shops will also receive outreach visits regarding
scooter regulations.The City's Noise Ordinance will be aggressively enforced subject to provisions
in any Conditional Use Permits or Temporary Injunctions.
Parking
The city will conduct enhanced parking enforcement and increased towing throughout the month
of March with priority attention given to residential areas.
Parking will not be allowed on Collins Avenue from 5 Street to Espanola Way and Washington
Avenue from 5-16 streets starting at 5 a.m.on March 6-10,March 13-17 and March 20-24.
Parking along the 100 blocks of 6-15 streets will be restricted 24 hours per day on March 6-10,
March 13-17 and March 20-24.Residential Zone 5 parking permit holders are exempt from these
restrictions,unless noted otherwise on signs.
Parking along the 200 blocks of 6 Street through Espanola Way will be restricted 24 hours per day
on March 6-9,March 13-16 and March 20-23.Residential Zone 5 parking permit holders are
exempt from these restrictions unless noted otherwise on signs.
Transportation and Mobility
Transportation and Mobility Department staff will monitor traffic flows throughout each weekend
and provide timely traffic updates.They will work with the Police Department and Office of
Marketing &Communications to help manage congestion and disseminate information on major
traffic incidents throughout the City.
Additionally,the City's traffic monitoring and management contractor will monitor major
thoroughfares to detect incidents creating congestion using available resources and equipment,
including existing closed-circuit television and portable cameras in the city,the WAZE mobile
application,programming portable variable message signs for traffic/event messaging,and
modifying traffic signal timing as necessary to help manage congestion.Traffic Monitors will
4
operate at an enhanced level of service,18 hours a day,from 7 a.m.to 1a.m.from March 7-9,
March 14-16 and March 21-23.Beyond those dates and times,the traffic monitoring services will
continue from 7 a.m.to 9 p.m.every day during the high-impact period.
Traffic monitoring personnel will be on duty at the Miami Beach Traffic Management Center (TMC)
co-located at the Florida Department of Transportation (FOOT)TMC.The City's traffic monitors
will coordinate with FOOT TMC staff on any incidents affecting traffic flow along the causeways to
promptly dispatch Road Rangers and program real-time traffic messages on the overhead digital
message boards on 1-95,State Road 836/1-395/MacArthur Causeway,and State Road 112/1-
195/Julia Tuttle Causeway.
The Miami Beach free citywide trolley service will operate on an enhanced schedule during three
of the highest-impact periods,with two additional vehicles operating on the South Beach Loops as
well as two additional vehicles assigned to the Collins Express Trolley.The enhanced trolley
service will operate from 8 a.m.to 1a.m.on March 6-9,March 13-16 and March 20-23.
Parks and Recreation Department
Miami Beach Park Rangers,maintenance and janitorial staff will have expanded service hours and
increased personnel assignments.The core areas of focus will be the Lummus Park/South Pointe
Park corridor,Ocean Drive and the Beachwalk south of 21 Street.Park Rangers will provide
assistance on the beach as needed along with enforcement partners (MBPD,Ocean Rescue,
Code,etc.).
Sanitation
Sanitation will have enhanced staffing each Thursday through Sunday in March,with additional
pressure washing and mobile street sweeping being conducted on weekends as needed.In
coordination with Miami-Dade County,Sanitation staff will also be assisting in shoreline cleanups
each Thursday through Sunday during the Spring Break period.
Environment &Sustainability
As part of Clean Miami Beach's grant agreement with the City,they will be hosting beach
cleanups in South Beach on Saturday,March 15 and Saturday,March 22.
Community Outreach
A comprehensive public outreach plan is underway and began in December 2024 with an emailed
and subsequently mailed letter to all South Beach businesses with a valid Business Tax Receipt
(BTR)-informing of a potential curfew and other anticipated spring break-related impacts (refer
to attached).
The city will host a virtual informational spring break webinar for residents and businesses on
Thursday,February 13 at 6 p.m.This will be an opportunity for city officials and law enforcement
representatives to inform the community and answer questions about the public safety measures
and traffic plans that will be in place during the month of March.
Marketing and Communications
The Office of Marketing &Communications,in close collaboration with the GMCVB and their
agency of record VML,will launch a marketing campaign aimed at notifying potential spring
breakers that Miami Beach is not interested in being a party destination and will not tolerate
disorderly behavior.The campaign,"Miami Beach Spring Break Reality Check,"will go live with
targeted digital this week,followed by out of home advertising throughout Florida focusing on our
tri-county area,in-state college towns and other popular college fly-in markets.The message is
clear that Miami Beach is not a place for raucous behavior,and that our laws and regulations will
be fully enforced.The communications plan will amplify the additional measures being taken during
the high-impact period in an effort to dissuade college-age spring breakers from coming to Miami
Beach during this time.All 'Spring Break Reality Check'campaign ads will lead to
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www.MBRealityCheck.com,a dedicated webpage that outlines all of the rules and safety
measures.
Concurrently,the city will relaunch the "Take Care of Our City"safety campaign for visitors who
arrive in Miami Beach -highlighting various offerings throughout the City and reminding visitors to
obey local rules while enjoying Miami Beach responsibly.The campaign features a network of local
residents,celebrities and business owners,including DJ Irie,Romero Britto,Michael Schwartz,
Purple and Kellie Williams.The marketing collateral includes QR codes linking to
www.OurCityMB.com.The GMCVB also hosts www.TakeCareMB.com,which provides similar
information and messaging for consistent communications across the County.
The "Take Care of Our City"campaign utilizes multiple channels to deliver our message,including
digital web banners,targeted social media posts,bus shelters and trolley wraps that engage our
visitors at various points of interaction.Barricade covers along with beach and park entrance
signage will be branded to reflect the campaign.
Conclusion
We feel confident that our proactive measures and messaging will help ensure that March is safe
and enjoyable for residents and visitors.City departments will be ready to make any necessary
adjustments as needed to the aforementioned plan.
We plan to host a press conference to reiterate our message to the news media on Tuesday,
February 11 at Miami Beach Police Headquarters at 10 a.m.and hope you will attend.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
EC
Attachments:
•Letter to South Beach Businesses
•Curfew Resolution No.2024-32899
6
MIAMI BEACH
City of Miami Beach,1700 Convention Center Drive,Miami Beach,FL 33139,www.miamibeachll.gov
December 17,2024
RE:Advance Planning for Businesses for March 2025
Dear Business Owner:
The City of Miami Beach experiences significant crowd control challenges during spring break
every year.This time period places an extraordinary strain on public safety personnel and
businesses alike,with the same public safety challenges,in the same area,on the same
weekends year after year.
Please find enclosed a copy of Resolution No.2024-33263 and Ordinance No.2023-4571
that were approved by the Mayor and City Commission.
Resolution No.2024-33263,approved on September 11,2024,endorses a comprehensive
strategy for Spring Break 2025 period,incorporating several actions and measures on the part
of the City Manager including,but not limited to,the imposition of a curfew if deemed necessary
based on on-the-ground observations of conditions during and leading up to Spring Break as
well as historical data and trends.This period is one during which the City has historically
experienced threats to public safety due to excessively large crowds,high levels of criminal
activity,and life-threatening violence on the City's streets.While we hope,of course,that history
will not repeat itself this year,we are prepared to respond accordingly if it does.
Ordinance No.2023-4571,effective September 23,2023,updated the city's existing high impact
ordinance,granting the City Manager exclusive authority to safeguard the City during periods of
significant visitor influx,known as high impact periods.A high impact period is defined as either
an unpermitted event,activity,or period of time within a zone with expected attendance to
exceed 10,000 people or permitted special event which is expected to result in attendance by
more than 25,000 people within a zone.Since its implementation,the ordinance has played a
vital role in preserving the well-being and safety of our residents,businesses,and visitors.
To assist you in your planning,contracting and staffing decisions for March 2025,this letter and
the attached resolution and ordinance shall serve as advance notice to you that the City of
Miami Beach may declare a State of Emergency and/or high impact period for all areas south of
Dade Boulevard/23 Street during the above-referenced period.
While we want to assure you that any emergency measures (such as a curfew)or high impact
measures will only be imposed if the circumstances require it,as assessed nearer to or during
this period,we also want to remind you that similar declarations have been imposed over each
of the past five years,in order to maintain public safety and order in our City.
Should you have any questions,please email outreach@miamibeachfl.gov.
We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
RESOLUTION NO.2024-33263
-----A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITYCOMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,APPROVING
AND DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR
SPRING BREAK 2025,IN AN EFFORT TO PROACTIVELY
STEM THE THREATS TO PUBLIC SAFETY THE CITY HAS
EXPERIENCED DUE TO EXCESSIVELY LARGE CROWDS
AND LIFE-THREATENING VIOLENCE DURING SPRING
BREAK.
WHEREAS,the City of Miami Beach (the "City")is an internationally renowned
tourist destination that is famous for its beautiful beaches,world-class shopping,
entertainment,fine dining,and vast array of artistic and cultural events;and
WHEREAS,in recent years,the City has seen an increasingly large number of
visitors during the Spring Break period,which has posed significant challenges including,
but not limited to,extreme traffic and congestion,and severe impacts to the City's Police,
Fire,Sanitation,and Code Compliance services;and
WHEREAS,many of the .visitors to the City during high impact periods,such as
Spring Break,are under the influence of alcoholic beverages and have demonstrated a
blatant disregard for the rule of law;and
WHEREAS,in 2021,unruly crowd control issues during Spring Break resulted in
the imposition of emergency measures,including an 8:00 p.m.curfew in the area between5Streetand16"Street,from Pennsylvania Avenue to Ocean Drive;and
WHEREAS,in March 2022,the City also experienced massive crowds and several
shootings in a concentrated tourist area over a period of a few days,resulting in the
declaration of a state of emergency and imposition of a weekend midnight curfew for the
last weekend of March,2022,based upon the excessively large crowds and violence
occurring on the second and third weekend of March,2022;and
WHEREAS,such 2022 incidents included the shooting·of 5 different innocent
pedestrians and created stampedes and mayhem in the public streets and rights-of-way;
and
WHEREAS,also in 2022,the Police Department and its law enforcement partners
impounded one-hundred (100)firearms from February 18,2022 -March 21,2022,with
approximately thirty-seven (37)of such firearms having been impounded during the third
weekend in March spanning March 18--20;and
WHEREAS,in March 2023,the City experienced multiple fights,shootings,and
various other incidents and police calls for service-for example,for the period between
February 27,2023 and March 18,2023,there were four (4)aggravated assault arrests,
three (3)aggravated battery arrests,seven (7)robbery arrests,twenty (20)arrests for
carrying a concealed firearm,thirty-seven (37)felony drug arrests,twelve (12)arrests for
battery on a law enforcement officer,and eighty-two (82)arrests for other felonies;and
WHEREAS,in addition,the Police Department and its law enforcement partners
impounded over seventy (70)firearms from February 27,2023-March 19,2023;and
WHEREAS,such March 2023 incidents included two (2)shootings that occurred
the weekend of March 17",which resulted in two (2)fatalities and injuries to others,and
which also created stampedes that caused injuries to several people,including two (2)
volunteer goodwill ambassadors,and all of which posed a danger to public safety and
order in the public streets and rights-of-way;and
WHEREAS,in response to each of the two (2)deadly shootings,officers were able
to arrive on the scene within a matter of seconds,but nevertheless were unable to prevent
the shootings (and were,themselves,endangered by their close proximity to the
shootings);and
WHEREAS,for Spring Break 2024,the Mayor and City Commission adopted
Resolution No.2024-32905,which authorized and directed the City Administration to
enact the proactive measures set forth in this Resolution,leading to the City's most
successful Spring Break response;and
WHEREAS,various after-action reports and meetings were held after Spring
Break 2024,where the input of residents and business owners were solicited and heard,
and there was consensus that the proactive measures employed for Spring Break 2024
were successful and effective;and
WHEREAS,based on the foregoing,the Mayor and City Commission desire to
approve and direct the City Administration to implement the measures specified in this
Resolution,as part of the Mayor and City Commission's comprehensive strategy to
mitigate the massive challenges associated large crowds and violence during Spring
Break,and protect the health,safety and welfare of all residents and visitors in the City
of Miami Beach.
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 approve and direct the City Administration to implement the following
comprehensive strategy for Spring Break 2025,in an effort to proactively stem the threats
to public safety the City has experienced due to excessively large crowds and life-
threatening violence during Spring Break:
I(1)adopt and execute a heightened law enforcement staffing plan,including "Alpha
Bravo"staffing from Thursday through Sunday on the second and third weekends in
March,in partnership with law enforcement agencies providing additional resources to
2
the Miami Beach Police Department,including the Florida Highway Patrol,Miami-Dade
County Police Department,City of Miami Police Department,and Coral Gables Police
Department,among other jurisdictions;
(2)vigorously enforce the "Open Container''law,prohibiting consumption of
alcoholic beverages in public areas and rights-of-way;
(3)close public beaches,from 5 Street to 15"Street,or portions thereof,at 6:00
p.m.,from Thursday,March 6,2025 until Sunday,March 9,2025,and Thursday,March
13 until Sunday,March 16,as authorized by Section 82-443 of the City Code;
(4)support,if necessary,the suspension of sidewalk cafe operations on Ocean
Drive,from 5"Street to 15th Street,at 7:00 p.m.,from Friday,March 7,2025 through
Sunday,March 9,2025,and from Friday,March 14,2025 through Sunday,March 16,
2025,as authorized by the City's outdoor dining concession agreements;
(5)enforce the City's Noise Ordinance to the fullest extent permitted by law,with
a focus on preventing the spillover of loud music from establishments that contribute to
the party atmosphere on public rights-of-way;
(6)increase Code enforcement,Parking enforcement and Fire Code staffing and
inspections of business establishments to ensure compliance with all laws;
(7)continue to explore the implementation of a secured perimeter on Ocean Drive
or portions thereof;
(8)continue to explore the implementation of midnight curfews and other
emergency measures in accordance with all laws,as deemed necessary by the City
Manager based on on-the-ground observations of conditions during and leading up to
Spring Break as well as historical data and trends;
(9)implement a robust marketing and communications campaign to apprise the
public and area businesses to anticipate possible curfews and to be aware of the
significant additional restrictions during Spring Break;
(1 O)work closely with Uber,Lyft,and other rideshare apps to communicate
restrictions to the pubic via their platforms;
(11)close all City-owned or City-operated parking lots and garages in the Art Deco
Cultural District,including along Washington Avenue and Collins Avenue,between 5
Street and 15 Street,starting each Thursday at 6:00 p.m.and reopening at 6 a.m.each
Monday morning of the second and third weekends of March (and reserving the ability to
close any City-owned garages and parking lots,if necessary,any of the five weekends of
March 2025);
3
(12)implement the high impact parking rate in City-owned or City-operated parking
lots and garages,with a daily rate of up to $100,with the exception of residents,
employees working in the City,and access card holders;
(13)restrict on-street parking on Ocean Drive,Collins Avenue,and Washington
Avenue,from 5"Street to 16"Street;
(14)work with Miami-Dade County to explore the closure of the Venetian
Causeway and/or restrict the Venetian Causeway for resident use only;
(15)create a special event zone or zones,if legally justified,pursuant to Fla.Stat.
316.1891,post all legally required signage,and enforce penalties,such as double fines
and vehicle impoundment for noncriminal traffic infractions within the designated special
event zone(s);and
(16)explore all alternative modes of transportation to reduce traffic congestion
during high impact periods.
PASSED and ADOPTED this ll _day of _2.,2024.
ATTEST:7¥SE?j 7 201 i Steven Mainer,Mayor
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk
(sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner and Vice Mayor Alex J.Fernandez)
Co-Sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Co-Sponsored by Commissioner Joseph Magazine
APPROVED AS TO
FORM &LANGUAGE
&,FOR EXECUTION
City Attorney Date
Q-
4
Resolutions -C7 AM
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:City Attorney Ricardo J.Dopico
DATE:September 11,2024
TITLE:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,APPROVING AND DIRECTING THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION TO IMPLEMENT A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR
SPRING BREAK 2025,IN AN EFFORT TO PROACTIVELY STEM THE THREATS
TO PUBLIC SAFETY THE CITY HAS EXPERIENCED DUE TO EXCESSIVELY
LARGE CROWDS AND LIFE-THREATENING VIOLENCE DURING SPRING
BREAK.
RECOMMENDATION
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
The above-referenced Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsors,Mayor Steven
Meiner and Vice-Mayor Alex J.Fernandez.It will be submitted via Supplemental Agenda.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable,the Business Impact Estimate (BIE)was published on:
See BIE at:https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
Citywide
Page 599 of 1377
Is this a "Residents Right to Know"item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
No
Is this item related to a G.O.Bond
Project?
No
as 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)
Mayor Steven Meiner
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Comprehensive Strategy for Spring Break 2025.(Meiner/Fernandez)CA
Page 600 of 1377
I
ORDINANCE NO.I
2023-4571
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,ENTITLED "PUBLIC PROPERTY,"BY AMENDING
ARTICLE V,ENTITLED "BEACHES,"BY AMENDING DIVISION 1,ENTITLED
"GENERALLY,"BY AMENDING SECTION 82-443 THEREOF,ENTITLED
"HIGH IMPACT PERIODS WITHIN HIGH IMPACT ZONES,"IN ORDER TO
MODIFY THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF A HIGH IMPACT ZONE,AND
TO CLARIFY AND DELINEATE THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY MANAGER
TO IMPOSE IMMEDIATE MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO HIGH IMPACT
PERIODS IN HIGH IMPACT ZONES;AND BY AMENDING APPENDIX "A"OF
THE CITY CODE,ENTITLED "FEE SCHEDULE,"TO PROVIDE FOR HIGH
IMPACT PARKING AND TOWING RATES CONSISTENT WITH THE
AMENDMENTS IN SECTION 82-443;AND PROVIDING FOR REPEALER,
SEVERABILITY,CODIFICATION,AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,the City of Miami Beach is an internationally renowned tourist destination
that is famous for its beaches,shopping,arts and entertainment,which are among the best in
the world;and
WHEREAS,due to its domestic and international popularity as a resort destination,
many large-scale events and activities,both authorized by City permits and otherwise,occur on
the beaches and on the City's property;and
WHEREAS,the City has seen an increasingly large number of visitors during these
large-scale events and activities,and the sizeable number of individuals attending these
events/activities has posed numerous challenges for the City;and
WHEREAS,authorized and unauthorized uses of the beaches and City property during
these events and activities have caused extensive damage,personal injury,property
degradation,and have dramatically affected the quality of life of the City's residents;and
WHEREAS,these supplemental measures will authorize the City Manager to implement
additional specific and immediate measures to protect the beaches and the City's property;and
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Commission desire to adopt those additional measures,
set forth herein,to further protect the beaches,City property and to ensure the public health,
safety and welfare.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1.That Division 1 of Article V of Chapter 82 of the Code of the City Miami Beach is
hereby amended as follows:
CHAPTER 82
PUBLIC PROPERTY
***
ARTICLE V.BEACHES
***
DIVISION 1.GENERALLY
k **
Sec.82-443.High impact periods within high impact zones.
(a)Definitions.
High impact zone means:
(1)The public beach property between the mean high water mark and the erosion control
line,which is the subject of the Management Agreement for Certain Lands No.750
006 between the City of Miami Beach and the Trustees of the Internal-Improvement
Trust Fund of the State of Florida,and/or
The area(s)of the city,which may include the public beach property,that the city
manager designates as subject to a high impact period.
(2)The MXE mixed use entertainment district,excluding that portion of the MXE district
located between 73rd and 75th Streets;and/or
(3)-That portion of the CD 2 commercial,medium intensity district between Pennsylvania
Avenue and Collins Court,from 5th Street to 16th Street
High impact period means:
(1)An event,activity or period of time within a high impact zone for which no city issued
special event permit has been granted,and either (i)in the prior calendar year,
generated attendance of more than 10,000 people;or (ii)if it is the first occurrence of
an event,activity or period of time,it is expected to generate attendance of more than
10,000 people,as determined by the city manager,in his or her reasonable discretion;
or
(2)An event that is held pursuant to a city-issued special event permit,which is expected
to result in attendance by more than 25,000 people within a high impact zone,as
determined by the city manager,in his or her reasonable discretion.
Note(s}-The city manager's determination of a high impact period should be limited to a finite
period ("72 96 hours"),unless otherwise extended by the mayor and city commission.
(b)City manager's authority to impose immediate measure(s)during high impact periods.
Whenever the city manager determines that a high impact period in a high impact zone will
occur,or is in progress,one or more of the following immediate measures may be imposed
to protect the public health,safety and welfare including,without limitation,the protection of
public and private property from damage,degradation,and/or unauthorized uses:
(1)The prohibition of any direct or indirect consumption of alcohol on public beach
property.
The implementation of a high impact parking rate equal to double the event flat rate
otherwise in effect.
(2)The limitation of live or amplified music,including those exemptions set forth in section
46-157 of this Code.
2
The implementation of a high impact,non-resident towing rate equal to double the
non-resident towing rate otherwise in effect.
(3)The limitation of traffic routes to prohibit vehicular access to non-residents,and permit
access only for residents and those patrons and employees of businesses located in
the specific area where traffic routes have been limited.
(4)The establishment of occupancy limits for different segments of public beach property
and prohibiting access to those areas that have reached such occupancy limits.
(5)The prohibition of coolers and inflatable devices on public beach property.
(6)The prohibition of tents,tables,and similar structures.
(7)The implementation of a license plate reader police detail,which may be utilized on
eastbound traffic lanes of the Mac/Arthur Causeway,Julia Tuttle-Causeway,and on
any other access points into the city.
The closure of any seqment(s)of the public beach property at 6:00 p.m.,unless any
such area is utilized for a ticketed special event.
(8)The suspension,or the issuance,of a business tax receipt to promoters pursuant to
section 102-360 of this Code.
(9)The suspension and-closure of all orpart of sidewalk cafe operations (including,
without limitation,the removal of all or any sidewalk safe furniture),pursuant to
subsection 82-381(e))of the Code.
The requirement that all sound amplification devices,other than cellular telephones,
smart watches and those devices contained within a motor vehicle,must obtain a
permit from the city prior to the use of any such sound amplification device on public
property.
(c)Notification of high impact period measures.When one or more immediate measures are
implemented by the city manager pursuant to subsection (b)above,the city manager shall
provide written notice to the mayor and city commissioners of the measures he or she
intends to take,including their intended duration;provided,however,that the city manager
shall not implement such measures for a consecutive period of more than 72 96 hours
without calling an emergency meeting of the city commission and getting the city
commission's approval to extend.Notice shall also be provided to appropriate news media
for publication and to local radio and television stations for broadcast,as well as posted on
the city's website.If practicable,signs may be posted in the impacted area(s)advising of
the measures during the duration of such measures.
(d)Enforcement;penalty.Any violation of the measures imposed pursuant to subsection 82-
443(b)above shall be punished as provided in section 1-14 of this Code.
SECTION 2.Appendix A,entitled "Fee Schedule,"is hereby amended as provided in "Exhibit A"
to this Ordinance.
3
SECTION 3.REPEALER.
All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith be and the same are hereby
repealed.
SECTION 4.SEVERABILITY.
If ariy section,subsection,clause or provision of this Ordinance is held invalid,the
remainder shall not be affected by such invalidity.
SECTION 5.CODIFICATION.
It is the intention of the Mayor and City Commission of the City of Miami Beach,and it is
hereby ordained that the provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made part of the
Code of the City of Miami Beach,Florida.The sections of this Ordinance may be renumbered
or relettered to accomplish such intention,and the word "ordinance"may be changed to
"section,""article,"or other appropriate word.
SECTION 6.EFFECTIVE DATE.
7ad SEP 2 0 2023
83 aor 2polm6
day or Selember _,2023.
Dan Gelber,Mayor
,2023.This Ordinance shall take effect on the
PASSED AND ADOPTED this /3
ATTEST:
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk
Underline denotes additions
Strikethrough denotes deletions
(Sponsored by Mayor Dan Gelber)
APPROVED AS TOFORM&LANGUAGE&FOR EXECUTION
4
Ye
ovA"a
7--&--23
Dote
EXHIBIT "A"
APPENDIX A -FEE SCHEDULE
FEE SCHEDULE
Pursuant to section 1-15 of this Code,this appendix includes all fees and charges established
by the city commission that are referred to in the indicated sections of the Code of Ordinances.
Certain specified fees and charges,as identified herein,shall be subject to annual adjustment
by the city manager,pursuant to the provisions of section 1-15 and this Appendix "A".A
schedule of all current city fees and charges as set forth in Appendix "A"shall be maintained onthecity's website.·••••
Section ofthis Description Amount Annual
Code (Sales tax Adjustment
•·or other (Reference
taxes may s shown
apply)are defined
at the end
of this
Appendix
A)
Chapter 82._Traffic_and Vehicles
***..
Article V.Beaches
DIVISION 1.GENERALLY
82-.443(b\1)High impact parking rate Double the
event flat
rate......otherwise..in effect
82-.443(b0)2)High_impact,non-resident towing rate Double the
event flat
rate
otherwise .'
in effect
5
Ordinances-R5 G
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:Alina T.Hudak,City Manager
DATE:September 13,2023
10:45 a.m.Second Reading Public Hearing
SUBJECT:AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,AMENDING CHAPTER 82 OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,ENTITLED "PUBLIC PROPERTY"BY
AMENDING ARTICLE V,ENTITLED "BEACHES,"BY AMENDING DIVISION
1,ENTITLED "GENERALLY,"BY AMENDING SECTION 82-443 THEREOF,
ENTITLED "HIGH IMPACT PERIODS WITHIN HIGH IMPACT ZONES,"IN
ORDER TO MODIFY THE GEOGRAPHIC BOUNDARIES OF A HIGH
IMPACT ZONE,AND TO CLARIFY AND DELINEATE THE AUTHORITY OF
THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPOSE IMMEDIATE MEASURES IN
RESPONSE TO HIGH IMPACT PERIODS IN HIGH IMPACT ZONES;AND
BY AMENDING APPENDIX "A"OF THE CITY CODE,ENTITLED "FEE
SCHEDULE,"TO PROVIDE FOR HIGH IMPACT PARKING AND TOWING
RATES CONSISTENT WITH THE AMENDMENTS IN SECTION 82-443;AND
PROVIDING FOR REPEALER,SEVERABILITY,CODIFICATION,AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
RECOMMENDATION
The administration recommends that the City Commission approve the subject ordinance.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
The High Impact Ordinance was initially introduced in 2016 as a measure to grant the City
Manager with exclusive authority to safeguard the City during periods of significant visitor influx,
known as high impact periods.A high impact period is defined as either an unpermitted event,
activity,or period of time within a zone with expected attendance to exceed 10,000 people or
permitted special event which is expected to result in attendance by more than 25,000 people
within a zone.Since its implementation,the ordinance has played a vital role in preserving the
well-being and safety of our residents,businesses,and visitors.
High Impact periods have historically consisted of periods of time such as Memorial Day
weekend,Superbow,and Spring Break.Over the last eight years,the challenges we encounter
during high impact periods have continued to escalate demanding a comprehensive evolving
approach to maintain the balance between tourism and the well-being of our local community.
Page 1343 of 2938
The increasing attendance and influx of visitors both from out-of-state and local jurisdictions
during these time periods have presented numerous issues that affect our residents'quality of
life and have caused considerable impact to city resources.Typically,during high impact
periods our public safety staffing levels are significantly enhanced.However,the most recent
events in March 2023 have highlighted the need for further action.
Immediately following these events,I convened a multi-departmental working group to identify
any additional tools that could be incorporated into the existing high impact ordinance that would
delegate,for a defined period of lime,additional authority to enforce heightened measures,
impose extra fines,and implement early closures of specific beach areas.
The proposed ordinance was discussed at the July 6,2023,Special Meeting of the City
Commission.Through this revision we eliminated redundant language already covered by the
law and established a flexible framework,allowing the City Manager to select the most suitable
measures for each high impact event.The City Commission approved the subject ordinance at
First Reading on July 26,2023.
ANALYSIS
The ordinance seeks to modify the geographic boundaries of a high impact zone and clarify the
immediate measures the City Manager can impose in response to high impact periods in the
City.The measures and modifications include:
•Removing the current high impact zone boundary and allowing the designation of a high
impact zone in areas citywide.The current zone is only specific to the Mixed-Use
Entertainment (MXE)District,excluding the portion located between 734 and 75 Streets
and the portion of the CD-2 commercial,medium intensity district between Pennsylvania
Avenue and Collins Court,from 5h Street to 16 Street.
•The implementation of a high impact parking rate equal to double the event flat rate.The
current event flat rate is $15,the proposed ordinance would double it during a high impact
period to be $30.
•The implementation of a high impact,non-resident towing rate equal to double the non-
resident towing rate.The current non-resident towing rate is a total of $250 the proposed
ordinance would double it during a high impact period to be a total of $500.
•The closure of any segments of the public beach at 6:.00 p.m.,unless any area is utilized
for a ticketed special event.The current closing time of the public beach is 10:00 p.m.
•The requirement that all sound amplification devices,other than telephones,smart
watches,and those devices contained within a motor vehicle,must obtain a permit from
the City prior to use of any sound amplification device on public property.
•Allowing high impact measures to be in place for up to 96 consecutive hours,without
calling an emergency meeting of the city commission and getting the city commission's
approval to extend.
Currently,high impact measures are allowed to be implemented for up to 72 consecutive hours.
Currently,the City's high impact ordinance only applies to specified geographic areas,namely
the beaches,the MXE District and areas in the immediate vicinity thereof.Instead of limiting the
City Manager's imposition of measures to these areas,the proposed ordinance provides the
administration with the flexibility to determine the specific boundaries of a high impact zone,
depending on were a specific high impact event or activity will be occurring,and would thereby
allow the City Manager to impose high impact measures in such areas,as may be necessa,y to
protect the public.
Page 1344 0f 2938
The proposed Ordinance expands the timerrame for high impact periods from a maximum of 72
hours to a maximum of 96 hours,to account for high impact events that take place over long
weekends and allow for high impact measures to remain in place for up to 96 hours prior to
seeking City Commission approval for any extension of the high impact period.
Additionally,the proposed high impact ordinance will preserve the City Manager's existing
powers during a high impact period,providing the administration with the authority to:
•Establish occupancy limits for different segments of the public beach property and
prohibiting access to those areas once occupancy limits have been reached.
•Prohibit the presence of coolers and inflatable devices of public beach property.
•Prohibit the use of tents,tables,and similar structures.
•Limit traffic routes to restrict vehicular access to non-residents,allowing access only for
residents and patrons and employees of businesses within the designated area where
traffic routes have been limited.
•Suspend or issue business tax receipts to promoters,as necessary.
The foregoing measures are separate and distinct from the City Manager's authority to declare a
state of emergency pursuant to Florida law and the City Code,in the event conditions require
the City Manager to take further measures to protect the public health,safety and welfare of the
City and its residents and visitors.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
n/a
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
n/a
CONCLUSION
The administration recommends approval of the ordinance aimed to amend Chapter 82-443
and Appendix A of the City Code to establish additional measures to ensure the safety and
welfare of our residents,businesses,and visitors during high impact periods.
Applicable Area
Citywide
ls this a "Residents RighttoKnow""item,pursuant to
City Code Section 2-14?2
Yes
Strategic Connection
Non-Applicable
Legislative Tracking
Office of the City Manager
Sponsor
Mayor Dan Gelber
Does this item utilize G.0,
Bond Funds?
No
Page 1345 of 2938
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
Ordinance
Page 1346 0f 2938
RESOLUTION NO.2024-32899
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,REAFFIRMING
RESOLUTION NO.2023-32557,ENDORSING,IN ADVANCE
OF SPRING BREAK 2024,THE CITY MANAGER'S INTENT TO
DECLARE A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THE AREA
SOUTH OF DADE BOULEVARD/23RD STREET IN
ACCORDANCE WITH CHAPTER 252 OF THE FLORIDA
STATUTES,INCLUDING THE IMPOSITION OF A CURFEW
FOR LIMITED PERIODS IN MARCH OF 2024 AS NECESSARY
TO PROVIDE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND ORDER IN THE
CITY;AND DIRECTING THE CITY ADMINISTRATION TO
IMPLEMENT A ROBUST COMMUNICATION STRATEGY TO
ADVISE THE PUBLIC TO EXPECT CURFEWS DURING
LIMITED PERIODS IN MARCH OF 2024 BASED UPON
CONSISTENT EVIDENCE OF PAST EVENTS LEADING TO
CURFEWS DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH FOR THE PAST
THREE CONSECUTIVE YEARS.
WHEREAS,the City of Miami Beach (the "City")is an internationally renowned tourist
destination that is famous for its beautiful beaches,world-class shopping,entertainment,fine
dining,and vast array of artistic and cultural events;and
WHEREAS,in recent years,the City has seen an increasingly large number of visitors
during the Spring Break period during the month of March each year,which has posed significant
challenges including,but not limited to,extreme traffic and congestion,and severe impacts to the
City's Police,Fire,Sanitation,and Code Compliance services;and
WHEREAS,in each Spring Break period in the month of March for the years 2021,2022,
and 2023,the City Manager was forced to declare a state of emergency and to impose curfews
during one or more periods due to massive crowds,increased crime,and several shootings in
densely packed tourist areas south of Dade Boulevard/23rd Street;and
WHEREAS,on March 27,2023,the Mayor and City Commission adopted Resolution No.
2023-32557 (attached in full here),endorsing,in advance of Spring Break 2024,the City
Manager's intent to declare a state of emergency for the area south of Dade Boulevard/23rd
Street in accordance with chapter 252 of the Florida Statutes,including the imposition of a curfew
for limited periods in March of 2024 as necessary to provide for public safety and order in the City;
and
WHEREAS,the City Administration has,in accordance with Resolution No.2023-32557,
mailed a copy of that Resolution to all establishments south of Dade Boulevard/23rd Street,along
with a letter advising of the likelihood of the need for curfews during limited periods in March 2024;
and
WHEREAS,the Mayor and City Commission desire to reaffirm their approval and
endorsement of Resolution No.2023-32557 and of the City Manager's intent to declare a state of
emergency for the area south of Dade Boulevard/23rd Street in accordance with chapter 252 of
the Florida Statutes,for a total possible period up to the statutorily allowable 42 days if authorized
by the Mayor and City Commission at that time,including any determination on the part of the
City Manager that the imposition of a curfew for limited periods in March of 2024 is necessary to
provide for public safety and order in the City,in particular during the period which may potentially
include March 7,2024 through March 18,2024 or portions thereof,which is the period the City
has historically experienced threats to public safety due to excessively large crowds and life-
threatening violence;and
WHEREAS,advance public knowledge as to the likelihood of curfews during limited
periods during the March 2024 Spring Break period is of paramount importance for the safety of
the public,for the economic well-being of businesses,and for the effective implementation of
Resolution No.2023-32557,so,therefore,the Mayor and City Commission direct the City
Administration to create and implement a robust communication strategy to advise the public,
businesses,and potential Spring Break visitors to expect curfews during these limited times
during March 2024.
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 reaffirm Resolution No.2023-32557,endorsing,in advance of Spring Break
2024,the City Manager's intent to declare a state of emergency for the area south of Dade
Boulevard/23rd Street in accordance with chapter 252 of the Florida statutes,including the
imposition of a curfew for limited periods in March of 2024 as necessary to provide for public
safety and order in the City;and directing the City Administration to implement a robust
communication strategy to advise the public to expect curfews during limited periods in March of
2024 based upon consistent evidence of past events leading to curfews during the month of March
for the past three consecutive years.
PASSED and ADOPTED this jJ/__day 01~,2024.
",}...ha/y rear.tee
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk
(Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J.Fernandez)
APPROVED AS TO
FORM &LANGUAGE
&FOR EXECUTION
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