Resolution 2025-33522RESOLUTION NO.2025-33522
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY
OF MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF
THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE,AT ITS JANUARY 29,2025 MEETING AND DIRECTING THE
ADMINISTRATION TO WORK WITH THE MIAMI BEACH GARDEN CLUB
TO INSTALL BLUE STAR AND GOLD STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS AT
CANOPY PARK.
WHEREAS,during the December 11,2024 Commission meeting,at the request of
Commissioner Alex Fernandez,the Mayor and City Commission referred a discussion to the
Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC"),to discuss possible
installation of Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park,at the urging of the
Miami Beach Garden Club (MBGC)and Miami Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3599;and
WHEREAS,during the January 29,2025 PSNQLC meeting,MBGC representatives
gave a brief history of the Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Markers in Miami Beach;and
WHEREAS,the Committee agreed with the initiative and the placement within Canopy
Park;and
WHEREAS,the Blue Star Memorial Marker Program,which honors the men and
women who served in the United States Armed Services,has been in existence under the
auspices of the National Garden Clubs for more than 79 years;and
WHEREAS,the Blue Star and Gold Star were adopted because they had become
icons in World War II and were seen on flags and banners in homes,churches and businesses,
for sons and daughters away at war and for those who had lost their lives;and
WHEREAS,the Blue Star represents hope and pride,while the Gold Star represents
sacrifice;and
WHEREAS,the marker that the MBGC proposes to install was originally dedicated in
Key West in 1949 then gifted to the MBGC,and MBGC refurbished and dedicated the Marker at
the terminus of the Julia Tuttle Causeway on State Road 907 (Alton Road)in May of 1980
where it served as a Memorial Marker for 49 years;and
WHEREAS,in 2019 it was replaced with a new Blue Star Memorial Marker at the
same location and the first Florida marker was decommissioned as a Memorial Marker,and
MBGC is seeking to designate it as a Historical marker;and
WHEREAS,the Blue Star and Gold Star will be placed in Canopy Park with a
dedication plaque,making the Gold Star,representing the fallen while defending our country
and freedoms,the first in Miami-Dade County and Monroe County;and
WHEREAS,the estimated cost to refurbish and install the Blue Star,Gold Star,and a
dedication plaque is $15,000,and this expense will be covered by the current FY 2025 Parks
and Recreation budget;and
WHEREAS,the Parks and Recreation Department will work with the MBGC on
installing the Blue and Gold Star along with a plaque for dedication in Canopy Park.
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 accept the recommendation of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality
of Life Committee,at its January 29,2025 meeting and direct the Administration to work with the
Miami Beach Garden Club to install Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 26 day of F ruary 2025.a...3u.
ATTEST:
MAR 0 3 2025
Steven Meiner,Mayor
APPROVED AS TO
FORM &LANGUAGE
&FO ECUTION
Sponsored by Commissioner Alex J.Fernandez
Co-Sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
d by Commissioner Joseph MagazineCo-Sponsore
Resolutions -C7 K
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM:Eric Carpenter,City Manager
DATE:February 26,2025
TITLE:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH,FLORIDA,ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE COMMITTEE,AT ITS
JANUARY 29,2025 MEETING,DIRECTING ADMINISTRATION WORK WITH THE
MIAMI BEACH GARDEN CLUB TO INSTALL BLUE STAR AND GOLD STAR
MEMORIAL MARKERS AT CANOPY PARK.
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the recommendation of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee,at
its January 29,2025 meeting,directing Administration work with the Miami Beach Garden Club
to install Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
During the December 11,2024 Commission meeting,at the request of Commissioner Alex
Fernandez,the Mayor and City Commission referred a discussion to the Public Safety and
Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC"),to discuss possible installation of Blue Star
and Gold Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park,at the urging of the Miami Beach Garden Club
(MBGC)and Miami Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3599.
During the January 29,2025 PSNQLC meeting,the item was discussed and the MBGC
representatives gave a brief history regarding the Blue Star and Gold Star Memorial Markers in
Miami Beach.The Committee agreed with the initiative and the placement within Canopy Park.
The fiscal impact is $15,000 to refurbish and install the Blue Star,Gold Star,and a dedication
plaque.
ANALYSIS
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program has been in existence under the auspices of the National
Garden Clubs for more than 79 years.The Blue Star Marker Program honors all men and women
who serve in the United States Armed Services.The Blue Star and Gold Star were adopted
because they had become icons in World War II and were seen on flags and banners in homes,
churches and businesses,for sons and daughters away at war and for those who had lost their
lives.The Blue Star represents hope and pride,while the Gold Star represents sacrifice.
The marker that the MBGC proposes to install was originally dedicated in Key West in 1949 then
gifted to the MBGC.MBGC refurbished and dedicated the Marker at the terminus of the Julia
Tuttle Causeway on State Road 907 (Alton Road)in May 0f 1980 where it served as a Memorial
Marker for 49 years.In 2019 it was replaced with a new Blue Star Memorial Marker at the same
location and the first Florida marker was decommissioned as a Memorial Marker.MBGC is
seeking to designate it as a Historical marker.
The Blue Star and Gold Star will be placed in Canopy Park with a dedication plaque,making the
Page 488 of 1310
Gold Star,representing the fallen while defending our county and freedoms,the first in Miami-
Dade County and Monroe County.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The estimated cost to refurbish and install the Blue Star,Gold Star,and a dedication plaque is
$15,000.This expense will be covered by the current FY 2025 Parks and Recreation budget.
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
Amount:$15,000.00
Budget Code:011-0950-000349-28-406-545-00-00-00-
CONCLUSION
The Parks and Recreation Department will work with the MBGC on installing the Blue and Gold
Star along with a plaque for dedication in Canopy Park.
Applicable Area
South Beach
ls this_a"Residents Right to Knoy"item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-172
Yes
Is this item related to a G.O.Bond
Project?
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
Parks and Recreation
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Co-sponsor(s)
Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Commissioner Joseph Magazine
Condensed Title
Page 489 of 1310
Accept Rec,Install Blue Star/Gold Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park.
(Fernandez/Dominguez/Magazine)PKS
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
Page 490 of 1310
C4 M REFERRA L TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE INSTALLATION OF BLUE STAR AND
GOLD STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS Ar CANOPY PARK,
Applicable Area:
\i
Page 491 of 1310
Committee Referrals -C4 M
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of th City Commission
FROM:Commissioner Alex Fernandez
DATE:December 11,2024
TITLE:REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFE Y AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POSSBLE INSTALLATION OF BLUE STAR AND
GOLD STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS AT CANOPY PARK.
RECOMMENDATION
Please place on the December 11,2024 agendaa referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC")to discus possible installation of the Blue Star and Gold
Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park,at the urging of the Miami Beach Garden Club (MBGC)
and Miami Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars Pos:3599.
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program has ben in existence under the auspices of the National
Garden Clubs for more than 79 years.The Blue Star Marker Program honors all men and women
that serve in the United States Armed Services.The Blue Star and Gold Star were adopted
because they had become icons in World War II and were seen on flags and banners in homes,
churches and businesses,for sons and daughters away at war and for those who had lost their
lives.The Blue Star represents hope and pride,vhile the Gold Star represents sacrifice.
The marker that MBGC proposes to install was originally dedicated in Key West in 1949 then
gifted to the MBGC.MBGC refurbished and dedicated the Marker at the terminus of the Julia
Tuttle Causeway on State Road 907 (Alton Road)in May of 1980 where it served as a Memorial
Marker for 49 years.In 2019 it was replaced with a new Blue Star Memorial Marker at the same
location and the first Florida marker was decommissioned as a Memorial Marker and MBGC now
seeks to designate it as a Historical marker.
I believe an important piece of Florida's history should be restored and displayed in a prominent
location,and the installation of these markers would inspire patriotic participation by citizens and
visitors alike.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Does this Ordinance require a Business lmpzct Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
Page 492 of 1310
If applicable,the Business Impact Estimate (BIE)was published on:
See BIE at:https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/cit,,-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONCLUSION
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a "Residents Right to Know"item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
Yes
Is this item related to a G.O.Bond
Project?
No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which,as defined in Code Sec.2-481,
includes a principal engaged in lobbying?Yes
If so,specify the name of lobbyist(s)and principal(s):Miami Beach Garden Club Miami Beach
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3599
Department
Office of Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Sponsor(s)
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Ref:PSNQLC -Installation of Blue Star &Gold Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park.
(Fernandez)
Page 493 of 1310
PROPOSAL TO INSTALL AND DEDICATE AN AMED FORCES MONUMENT AT CANOPY PARK
BY THE M IA M I BEACH GARDEN CLUB
A N ITA G R O SSM A N ,PRESIDENT,cowluv23@gmail.com
LETICIA GUNN,CHAIRMAN,Ldelatorregunn@gmail.com
501 (C3),ESTABLISHED 1927
2000 CONVENTION CTR DRIVE
MIAMI BEACH,FL 33139
\\VFW
VETERAN S OF FOREIGN WAR
IN COLLABORATION WITH AND SUPPORTED BY M IA M I BEACH POST 3559 OF VFW
ALEX KRUGER-DOBROTA,SENIOR VICE COMMANDER USMC
501 (C3)ESTABLISHED 1949
650 VEST AVE #5
M IA M I BEACH,FL 33139
Page 494 of 1310
To:City of Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez
From:The Members of the Miami Beach Garden Club and the
Veterans of the Miami Beach Post 3559 o'VFW
Submitted Monday,November 25,2024
Target Date of Installation May 26,2025
Proposal:
The Miami Beach Garden Club (MBGC)would like to install an Armed Services memorial in the
southeast end of Canopy Park to honor our Armed Services Members.Canopy Park is an
appropriate location for this honor as it is across the street from the VFW Post home.
Scope of the Memorial:
MBGC would like the memorial to include;
1.The first Blue Star Memorial marker in FIaida.This marker was originally placed at the
terminus of US Highway 1,a State designated Memorial Highway (May 12,1947).This
Historical Blue Star Marker has been deconmissioned as a Memorial Marker as it is
irreparable,but deserves a place of historicd recognition,
2.A Gold Star Memorial marker to honor these who have fallen while defending our country
and freedoms.
3.An insignia plaque for each of the 6 brances of the armed services.
4.A granite stone monument with the engraved history of the Blue/Gold Stars program
The National Garden Clubs Blue Star Marker Program:
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program has been in existence under the auspices of the
National Garden Clubs for more than 79 yeas.The Blue Star Marker Program honors all men
and women that serve in the United States Armed Services.This program began with the
planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944,as a
living memorial to veterans of World War II.h 1945,the National Council of State Garden Clubs
(now NGC,Inc.)adopted this program and tegan a Blue Star Highway system that covers
thousands of miles across the Continental hited States,Alaska,and Hawaii.The Blue Star
and Gold Star were adopted because they rad become icons in World War II and were seen on
flags and banners in homes,churches and tusinesses,for sons and daughters away at war
and for those who had lost their lives.The Elue Star represents hope and pride.The Gold star
represents sacrifice.For more information go to
https://gardenclub.org/blue-and-gold-star-memorials
National Garden Clubs,Inc.is committed to olacing Blue Star &Gold Star Markers in
honor of our nation's Armed Forces and the \Aiami Beach Garden Club is proud to be a
part of this national patriotic program.
The Miami Beach Garden Club's HISTORICAL Blue Star Marker:
Page 495 of 1310
The inscription on the marker that MBGC proposes to install,pays tribute to veterans of
World War II thus confirming that the marker was originally acquired prior to 1951.After
1951,the inscription on the Blue Star Memoial Markers paid tribute to all veterans,
having removed the WWII reference.In addtion,the marker's inscription includes the
"State Road Department of Florida".All highway markers manufactured after 1969 read
"Florida Department of Transportation".Historical research has proven that the marker
placed in Miami Beach in 1980 by the Miami Beach Garden Club,was obtained from
another Florida garden club.
In Florida there were only five markers dedicated with the pre-1951 inscription.Three of those
original markers are still in place.A fourth ore was replaced prior to 1969.The fifth marker,
originally dedicated in Key West on May 30,1949 at the terminus of US 1,was replaced about
the same time the Miami Beach marker wasdedicated in 1980.The original Key West marker
was identical in its wording to the one placed in Miami Beach.The Key West Garden Club
offered the marker they replaced to the Miami Beach Garden Club which had the marker
repaired and repainted,for the dedication in Miami Beach.The marker served as a memorial
marker at the terminus of the Julia Tuttle CaJseway on Alton Road until 2019 when the Club
petitioned the State of Florida to grant State Road 907 (Alton Road)Memorial Highway Status
and dedicated a Memorial Marker listing as sponsors the City of Miami Beach and the Miami
Beach Garden Club.
Conclusion:
The historical marker,which Miami Beach Garden Club wants to install in Canopy Park,is the
first Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker ever dedicated in Florida on Florida's first designated
Blue Star Memorial Highway (US 1).As suh,it is an important piece of Florida's history that
should be restored and displayed in a prominent location.
Taking into consideration the rich history of Miami Beach and the Armed Forces,especially
during World War 11,and with the full suppor of the Miami Beach VFW Post 3559,the southeast
end of Canopy Park has been identified as desirable location to place this Armed Services
Memorial to honor those who serve,have sErved and those that have given their life for our
freedom.
Attachments:5
Estimated Cost (1),Picture of Historical Marer (2),Picture of Dedication of Historical Marker in
Key West (3),Picture of a Gold Star Marker;4 ),AutoCad rendition of Monument site at
Canopy Park (5)
Page 496 of 1310
Attachment 1
Blue and Gold Star Morument ESTIMATED Costs
Chairman:Leticia Gunn 786-445-5125
May 26,2025
--r--~"e -.------_,,--ta,.:..___
----ze,-
-e -----.EEEe-s Ge -----di -z -
Restoration of Historical Marker $850.00 $850.00 NGC Approved Restorer
Replacement 7'Post $375.00 $375.00 Sewa Studios
Gold Star Plaque and 7'Post $2350.00 $2,350.00 Sewa Studios
Plaque with Armed Forces Insignia $1500.00 Exploratory Research
Engraved Monument Stone $11500.00 Exploratory Research
Installation City of Miami Beach to Provide
TOTALS $16575.00 $3,225.00
Page 497 of 1310
Attachment 2
The Historical Marker was originally dedicated in Key West in 1949 then gifted to the Miami
Beach Garden Club.MBGC refurbished and dedicated the Marker at the terminus of the Julia
Tuttle Causeway on State Road 907 (Alton Road)in May of 1980 where it served as a Memorial
Marker for 49 years.In 2019 it was replaced with a new Blue Star Memorial Marker at the
same location and the first Florida marker was decommissioned as a Memorial Marker and
MBGC now seeks to designate it as a Historical marker.Plaque to be mounted on a 7 ft post.
Plaque size is 41"high by 45"wide.
NOTE:Attachment 3 is a picture of the same plaque pictured on attachment 2.Different year,
different location.
Page 498 of 1310
Attachment 3
Picture of the Key West Garden Club Board Members and Florida Federation of Garden Clubs
President at the dedication of the first Florida Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker at the
terminus of US Highway 1 at Bay View Parkin Key West.Dedicated on Memorial Day,May
30th of 1949.The plaque served as a Memaial Marker for 31 years at this location before it
was gifted to the Miami Beach Garden Club.
Page 499 of 1310
Attachment 4
cop k,sTAR
MEMORIAL
A tribute to Gold Star Fam llleswhoselovedonepaidtheultimatepri cedefendingtheUnitedStatesofAmerica
tr0soap r
BorensvItle Garden Club
too?er?n
Rasself 4,Salv ator e
Patriots ad Heroes Pa rk
re"a·
$3.Mr.
Sample picture of a Gold Star Memorial Marer plaque.The Gold Star Memorial Marker to be
installed at Canopy Park will proudly display sponsorship names of all organizations involved.
Plaque to be mounted on a 7 ft post.Plaquesize is 41"high by 45"wide.
Page 500 of 1310
Attachment 5
CANOPY PARK BLUE STAR AND GOLD STAR
PROPOSED LOCATIONS
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
FLORIDA
MIAMI EACH GARDEN
CLUB
Autocad rendition of proposed Historical Blue Star,Gold Star and sample monument (not
pictured is the insignia plaque with the Armed Forces Seals.
Page 501 of 1310
C4 M REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY ANO NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE INSTALLATION OF BLUE STAR AND
GOLD STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS AT CANOPY PARK.
Applicable Area.
Page 504 of 1310
Committee Referrals -C4 M
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
TITLE:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
December 11,2024
REFERRAL TO THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND NEIGHBORHOOD QUALITY OF LIFE
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE INSTALLATION OF BLUE STAR AND
GOLD STAR MEMORIAL MARKERS AT CANOPY PARK.
RE COMMENDATION
Please place on the December 11,2024 agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood
Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC")to discuss possible installation of the Blue Star and Gold
Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park,at the urging of the Miami Beach Garden Club (MBGC)
and Miami Beach Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3599.
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program has been in existence under the auspices of the National
Garden Clubs for more than 79 years.The Blue Star Marker Program honors all men and women
that serve in the United States Armed Services The Blue Star and Gold Star were adopted
because they had become icons in World War II and were seen on flags and banners in homes,
churches and businesses,for sons and daughters away at war and for those who had lost their
lives.The Blue Star represents hope and pride,while the Gold Star represents sacrifice.
The marker that MBGC proposes to install was originally dedicated in Key West in 1949 then
gifted to the MBGC.MBGC refurbished and dedicated the Marker at the terminus of the Julia
Tuttle Causeway on State Road 907 (Alton Road)in May of 1980 where it served as a Memorial
Marker for 49 years.In 2019 it was replaced with a new Blue Star Memorial Marker at the same
location and the first Florida marker was decommissioned as a Memorial Marker and MBGC now
seeks to designate it as a Historical marker.
I believe an important piece of Florida's history should be restored and displayed in a prominent
location,and the installation of these markers would inspire patriotic participation by citizens and
visitors alike.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
Page 505 of 1310
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
Is this a "Residents Right to Know''item,
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17?
Yes
Is this item related to a G.O.Bond
Project?
No
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which,as defined in Code Sec_2-481,
includes a principal engaged in lobbying?Yes
If so,specify the name of lobbyist(s)and principal(s):Miami Beach Garden Club Miami Beach
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3599
Department
Office of Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Sponsor{s)
Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Co-sponsor(s)
Condensed Title
Ref:PSNQLC -Installation of Blue Star &Gold Star Memorial Markers at Canopy Park.
(Fernandez)
Page 506 of 1310
PROPOSAL TO INSTALL AND DEDICATE AN ARMED FORCES MONUMENT AT CANOPY PARK
BY THE MIAMI BEACH GARDEN CLUB
ANITA GROSSMAN,PRESIDENT,cowluv23@gmail.com
LETICIA GUNN,CHAIRMAN,Ldelatorregunn@gmail.com
501 (C3),ESTABLISHED 1927
2000 CONVENTION CTR DRIVE
MIAMI BEACH,FL 33139
VFW
VETERANSC FONGNWS
IN COLLABORATION WITH AND SUPPORTED BY MIAMI BEACH POST 3559 OF VFW
ALEX KRUGER-DOBROTA,SENIOR VICE COMMANDER USMC
501 (C3)ESTABLISHED 1949
650 WEST AVE #5
MIAMI BEACH,FL 33139
Page 507 of 1310
To:City of Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez
From:The Members of the Miami Beach Garden Club and the
Veterans of the Miami Beach Post 3559 of VFW
Submitted Monday,November 25,2024
Target Date of Installation May 26,2025
Proposal:
The Miami Beach Garden Club (MBGC)would like to install an Armed Services memorial in the
southeast end of Canopy Park to honor our Armed Services Members.Canopy Park is an
appropriate location for this honor as it is across the street from the VFW Post home.
Scope of the Memorial:
MBGC would like the memorial to include;
1.The first Blue Star Memorial marker in Florida.This marker was originally placed at the
terminus of US Highway 1.a State designated Memorial Highway (May 12 1947).This
Historical Blue Star Marker has been decommissioned as a Memorial Marker as it is
irreparable.but deserves a place of historical recognition.
2.A Gold Star Memorial marker to honor those who have fallen while defending our country
and freedoms.
3.An insignia plaque for each of the 6 branches of the armed services.
4.A granite stone monument with the engraved history of the Blue/Gold Stars program
The National Garden Clubs Blue Star Marker Program:
The Blue Star Memorial Marker Program has been in existence under the auspices of the
National Garden Clubs for more than 79 years.The Blue Star Marker Program honors all men
and women that serve in the United States Armed Services.This program began with the
planting of 8,000 Dogwood trees by the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs in 1944,as a
living memorial to veterans of World War II.In 1945.the National Council of State Garden Clubs
(now NG,Inc.)adopted this program and began a Blue Star Highway system that covers
thousands of miles across the Continental United States.Alaska.and Hawaii.The Blue Star
and Gold Star were adopted because they had become icons in World War II and were seen on
flags and banners in homes,churches and businesses.for sons and daughters away at war
and for those who had lost their lives.The Blue Star represents hope and pride The Gold star
represents sacrifice.For more information go to
https://gard enclu b.org/blue-and-gold-star-memorials
National Garden Clubs.Inc.is committed to placing Blue Star &Gold Star Markers in
honor of our nation's Armed Forces and the Miami Beach Garden Club is proud to be a
part of this national patriotic program.
The Miami Beach Garden Club's HISTORICAL Blue Star Marker:
Page 508 of 1310
The inscription on the marker that MBGC proposes to install,pays tribute to veterans of
World War II thus confirming that the marker was originally acquired prior to 1951.After
1951,the inscription on the Blue Star Memorial Markers paid tribute to all veterans.
having removed the VVWII reference.In addition.the marker's inscription includes the
"State Road Department of Florida".All highway markers manufactured after 1969 read
"Florida Department of Transportation".Historical research has proven that the marker
placed in Miami Beach in 1980 by the Miami Beach Garden Club,was obtained from
another Florida garden club.
In Florida there were only five markers dedicated with the pre-1951 inscription.Three of those
original markers are still in place.A fourth one was replaced prior to 1969.The fifth marker,
originally dedicated in Key West on May 30.1949 at the terminus of US 1,was replaced about
the same time the Miami Beach marker was dedicated in 1980.The original Key West marker
was identical in its wording to the one placed in Miami Beach.The Key West Garden Club
offered the marker they replaced to the Miami Beach Garden Club which had the marker
repaired and repainted,for the dedication in Miami Beach.The marker served as a memorial
marker at the terminus of the Julia Tuttle Causeway on Alton Road until 2019 when the Club
petitioned the State of Florida to grant State Road 907 (Alton Road)Memorial Highway Status
and dedicated a Memorial Marker listing as sponsors the City of Miami Beach and the Miami
Beach Garden Club.
Conclusion:
The historical marker,which Miami Beach Garden Club wants to install in Canopy Park,is the
first Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker ever dedicated in Florida on Florida's first designated
Blue Star Memorial Highway (US 1 ).As such,it is an important piece of Florida's history that
should be restored and displayed in a prominent location.
Taking into consideration the rich history of Miami Beach and the Armed Forces,especially
during World War II,and with the full support of the Miami Beach VFW Post 3559,the southeast
end of Canopy Park has been identified as a desirable location to place this Armed Services
Memorial to honor those who serve,have served and those that have given their life for our
freedom.
Attachments:5
Estimated Cost (1 ),Picture of Historical Marker (2),Picture of Dedication of Historical Marker in
Key West (3),Picture of a Gold Star Marker (4),AutoCad rendition of Monument site at
Canopy Park (5)
Page 509 of 1310
Attachment 1
Blue and Gold Star Monument ESTIMATED Costs
Chairman:Leticia Gunn 786-445-5125
May 26,2025
-.-e -.------t «i -·;c --.ata°-E --=e-see 2-#e -~-......-:de ---a f -=.
«T --ilc.---a die i,t±-
Restoration of Historical Marker $850.00 $850.00 NGC Approved Restorer
Replacement 7'Post $375.00 $375.00 Sewa Studios
Gold Star Plaque and 7'Post $2,350.00 $2,350.00 Sewa Studios
Plaque with Armed Forces Insignia $1,500.00 Exploratory Research
Engraved Monument Stone $11,500.00 Exploratory Research
Installation City of Miami Beach to Provide
TOTALS $16,575.00 $3,225.00
Page 510 of 1310
Attachment 2
t:Nzs ca 5cs
t src .:4cc
The Historical Marker was originally dedicated in Key West in 1949 then gifted to the Miami
Beach Garden Club.MBGC refurbished and dedicated the Marker at the terminus of the Julia
Tuttle Causeway on State Road 907 (Alton Road)in May of 1980 where it served as a Memorial
Marker for 49 years.In 2019 it was replaced with a new Blue Star Memorial Marker at the
same location and the first Florida marker was decommissioned as a Memorial Marker and
MBGC now seeks to designate it as a Historical marker.Plaque to be mounted on a 7 ft post.
Plaque size is 41"high by 45 wide.
NOTE:Attachment 3 is a picture of the same plaque pictured on attachment 2.Different year,
different location.
Page 511 of 1310
Attachment 3
-
MA
¥a<s-y
s.•
j---
,--c;......~·.Q'
~---'~I a.-<Fe .'7-·~
.
a .'
..--1-I€,«-»
•Ill
I.4:·n..
¢
'i•
Picture of the Key West Garden Club Board Members and Florida Federation of Garden Clubs
President at the dedication of the first Florida Blue Star Memorial Highway Marker at the
terminus of US Highway 1 at Bay View Park in Key West.Dedicated on Memorial Day,May
30th of 1949.The plaque served as a Memorial Marker for 31 years at this location before it
was gifted to the Miami Beach Garden Club.
Page 512 of 1310
Attachment 4
GOLD STAR #
-~
A tribute to Gold Star Fam!lieswhoselovedonepaidtheultimatepricedefendingtheUnitedStatesofAmerica
Sample picture of a Gold Star Memorial Marker plaque.The Gold Star Memorial Marker to be
installed at Canopy Park will proudly display sponsorship names of all organizations involved.
Plaque to be mounted on a 7 ft post.Plaque size is 41"high by 45 wide.
Page 513 of 1310
Attachment 5
CANOPY PARK BLUE STAR AND GOLD STAR
PROPOSED LOCATIONS
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
FLORIDA
Autocad rendition of proposed Historical Blue Star,Gold Star and sample monument (not
pictured is the insignia plaque with the Armed Forces Seals.
Page 514 of 1310