July 8 2025 Minutes
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority Members:
Ben Mostkoff – Appointed by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Elaine Roden – Appointed by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Julio Magrisso – Appointed by Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez
Tim Carr – Appointed by Commissioner Mark Samuelian
Amy Litos- Appointed by Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Mike Gibaldi – Appointed by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
John Gardiner- Appointed by Commissioner David Suarez
Jose Frias- Appointed by Commissioner David Suarez
Chad Braver- Appointed by Commissioner Joseph Magazine
Please see (https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/boards-and-committees/marine- waterfront-protection-committee/) for video recording of Board meeting. (See 1min:30sec to 26 mins:35sec) for Board member “Minute of Sunshine” comments.
The meeting of the Board of Directors was held July 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. via zoom and City Manager Large Conference Room. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. The attendees were as follows:
Board Members: Chad Braver, Ben Mostkoff, Amy Littos, Julio Magrisso Tim Carr, Jose Frias, Mike Gibaldi.
Absent: John Gardiner, Elaine Roden
City Staff: Brandon McLean – Code Compliance, Liaison Sergeant Javier Fernandez – City of Miami Beach Marine Patrol Lindsey Precht – Environmental and Sustainability, Assistant Director Public: Marchella Paz
Meeting called to order at 9:02 a.m. by Chairman, Ben Mostkoff.
UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS
a. Marine Patrol update and discussion by Sergeant Javier Fernandez, City of Miami
Beach Marine Patrol
General Updates:
• Monument Island Closure: Sgt. Fernandez reported that the temporary closure of
Monument Island during 4th of July weekend helped reduce the boating and noise
issues.
• He spoke about the new vessel sticker program tied to the Business Tax Receipt
(BTR) compliance, which will use QR codes to make enforcement easier.
• He gave updates on improvements to the Marine Patrol Headquarters and Docks,
including new lifts and expanded boat space.
• Quickly mentioned that the Miami Beach Yacht Show may be returning to Indian
Creek in 2026
b. Code Compliance – BTR Violation / Renewal Request Update by Brandon McLean
• Miami Marina Blitz a joint enforcement operation with Miami Beach Marina and
other agencies to target illegal charters, unlicensed operation and BTR violations.
Resulting in several citations and vessel inspections helping to identify boats
operating without the proper documentation.
c. Update on “On the Beach Report” by Marchella Paz – Observation and Issues from
the Shoreline to the Boardwalk
• Spoke about the young sperm whale that washed up on shore, highlighting how
the sighting raised public attention and media coverage, further stressing the need
for better environmental monitoring and protection.
• Ocean Rescue is placing QR codes on lifeguard towers along the beach. These
codes give real-time safety information such as current flag conditions, safety rules
and guidelines and direct link for emergency contact info. This is to improve public
awareness, streamline communications and reduce incidents by making beach
safety information more accessible to visitors.
• She went to check on SoHo House, everything remains the same. She called
Steven, the person operating Soho, but is currently out of town in Switzerland. She
is waiting for him to come back to discuss the reference “storage boxes”, she also
wants to get the updated beach management plan.
d. Update on Miami Beach Marina/Suntex Marina Discussion on Prior Commission
Meeting – Report by Board Member Jose Frias
• Jose Frias emphasized that clear accountability and stronger oversight is needed
at Miami Beach Marina to align Suntex’s operations and with city goals of safety
and compliance. Picture and video evidence were presented to the
commissioners, showing the hazards presented at the Marina. It was emphasized
these videos were not posted on any media outlets, to not embarrass the city or
their operators.
e. Update on Monthly Water Quality Sampling Results, Monument Island, “The Health
of Biscayne Bay” and Park View Canal by Lindsey Precht, Environmental Assistant
Director
• Lindsey Precht informed us on the city receiving a Florifa Inland Navigation District
Grant for additional clean ups on monumental Island. The county holds clean up
contracts with weekly cleanups on Monday at Monument Island. They partnered
with Clean Miami Beach for additional volunteer cleanups on the island.
• She highlighted findings from the annual Biscayne Bay report, that show the water
quality is continuing to decline. Concerns were expressed over nutrient pollution,
algae blooms and overall ecosystems.
• Precht noted that boat traffic and anchoring around Monument Island are
contributing to the localized water quality problems. Suggestions for stricter
controls and monitoring are needed for this area.
• Reported persistent water quality issues in Park View Canal, pointing out that
runoff and poor circulations are major contributing factors. It was recommended
that to have more frequent testing and city-led interventions to improv conditions.
f. Information and Comments on Indian Creek Village Wastewater Infrastructure
Upgrade by Board Member Amy Litos
• Board Member Amy Litos reported on the planned wastewater infrastructure
upgraded for Indian Creek Village. The project is designed to address failing
sewage systems and improve environmental protection for surrounding waters.
• She emphasized the regional impacts of failing wastewater infrastructure, noting
that it affects not only Indian Creek but also Biscayne Bay. Urging that the Board
continues monitoring such infrastructures upgrades across municipalities because
of the Bay’s ecosystem is interconnected.
• Citing recent Miami Herald and New York Times articles that brought national
attention to South Florida’s water quality issues, infrastructure failures and the risk
posed to Biscayne Bay and coastal resilience. Pointed out these types of national
exposures underscores the urgency of addressing these environmental and
infrastructure challenges.
New Business
a. Discussion on LTC to Commission on Recommendation for Local Ordinance to
Enforce New State Limits on Vessel Anchorage.
a. Company Promoting 3D printed seawall that they hope replaces limestone boulders
in front of seawalls.
Open Discussion 1. Motion to approve June 10th, 2025, minutes. Motion Passed unanimously.
2. Motion to support Lindsey and the department of Environmental and Sustainability with a letter of support from the FTP to support the vessel exclusion zone. Motion passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 11:46 am