R9G-Discuss- Hosting The July 4th Celebration In North Beach -Levine-E MIAMIBEACH
Gfy of llhmi Beoch, 1700 Convcntion Cenbr Drive, Miomi Beoch, Florido 33139, www.miomibeochfl.gov
ORANDUM
TO:Mayor Philip Levine and Members of City
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
DATE: May21,2014
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION REGARDING HOSTI
NORTH BEACH
THE JULY 4TH CELEBRATION IN
BACKGROUND
ln 1991, the City of Miami Beach launched the first "An American Celebration" as a
means to attract more visitors during the 4th of July. This celebration, due to its great
success, has been carried on year after year as a vehicle to continue to bring more
visitors to the city. ln order to generate interest in all areas of the city, the event's
location alternated between the North Beach community (72nd Street beich front) and
the South Beach Community (Ocean Drive Beach Front) areas.
When producing the event in North Beach, the City must secure a barge in order to
shoot the fireworks, as the width of the beach in North Beach is not wide enough to
display the fireworks from land and provide the required safety perimeter of 500 feet in
all directions. ln 2007 , the City was unable to secure a barge that met the Coast Guard's
specifications for an ocean fireworks shoot and had no choice but to move the event to
South Beach. ln 2008 the City again attempted to secure a barge for the event to be
held in North Beach. At that time, an lnvitation for Quotes (lFQ) was issued that invited
all vendors awarded contracts under Miami-Dade County No. 6277-0112 to provide
quotes for an ABS Certified Barge. Only one company submitted a proposal; this
proposal was for One Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($145,500).
By comparison, in prior years the City paid between $25,000 - $53,000 for the same
service. ln light of the aforementioned, the Administration determined it to be in the best
interest of the City at that time to move the event to South Beach.
It is important to note that barges are in high demand in South Florida for the Fourth of
July and there will also likely be a need to secure dockage and may also require a
redesign of the fireworks show. City staff has obtained one quote for a barge for the
event with a cost of approximately $50,000 and continues to attempt to obtain additional
quotes.
The Mayor's Blue Ribbon Panel on North Beach requested the City Administration
attempt to move the event back to No(h Beach. lf the City Commission would like this
event hosted in North Beach a decision needs to be made immediately so the City can
secure the required United States Coast Guard Permit, as well as dockage for the barge
and make any other arrangements that may be needed.
CONCLUSION
The Administration is seeking direclion from the Mayor and City Commission.
JLM/KGB/MS
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