June 10 2025 MinutesCity 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 0min:38sec to
10 mins:13sec) for Board member “Minute of Sunshine” comments.
The meeting of the Board of Directors was held June 10, 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, Elaine Roden, Julio Magrisso Tim Carr, Amy Litos, Jose Frias, Mike Gibaldi, John Gardiner.
Absent: Christopher Todd
City Staff: Brandon McLean – Code Compliance, Liaison Sergeant Javier Fernandez – City of Miami Beach Marine Patrol
Jason Casanova – Ocean Rescue Division Chief David Suarez – City of Miami Beach Commissioner Colette Stachell – Interim Division Director of Design
William Harris – Park Ranger Supervisor Lindsey Precht – Environmental and Sustainability, Assistant Director
Public: Marchella Paz
Meeting called to order at 9:07 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:
• Sgt. Fernandez reported Memorial Day weekend was uneventful, though busier
summer months are anticipated.
• HB 41: New state law effective July 1, 2025, will limit anchoring to 30 days within
a 6-month period. Enforcement mechanisms are being developed. Marine Patrol
did observe more vessels being abandoned or voluntarily relinquished. Although
budget limitations restrict enforcement logistics capacity, the city pursuing F.I.N.D.
grant funding to assist in vessel removal. Discussion on enforcement logistics,
drone monitoring, anchoring violations and derelict boats.
• Jet ski rental operations were shut down due to permit suspension by FWC,
following their investigation with the City.
• Marine enforcement is underway with enhanced staffing for Fourth of July
b. Park Ranger Report by William “Dan” Harris, Parks and Recreation Department
• While park rangers appear more visible, the department is currently experiencing
reduced staffing. Visibility is being maintained through strategic redeployment and
increased use of overtime, particularly at the boat ramp. The current supervision
is limited to one supervisor per 20+ rangers, making effective management
challenging.
• Enforcement of electric scooters and motorized vehicles on the beach walk, as
well as dogs off-leash, especially for repeat offenders. Policy has shifted from
warnings to issuing citation, due to ongoing non-compliance by same known
individuals.
• Staffing will be increased on July 4th but only for Altos Del Mar during the Forth
of July fireworks events.
c. Miami Beach Ocean Rescue – Activities / Rescue / Medical Intervention by Jason
Casanova
• April and May were particularly high months for rescues compared to prior years.
In April, Ocean Rescue conducted 64 rescues, and in May, the number increased
to 79 rescues, which is significantly above average for this time of year. This was
attributed to an increase in strong currents and a higher volume of out-of-town
visitors unfamiliar with local conditions and rip currents. Despite posted warning
flags, many beachgoers continued to enter the water during hazardous conditions.
In response to the elevated rescue numbers, Ocean Rescue has increased staffing
on weekends and expanded patrol coverage to enhance safety and proactive
engagement with beach visitors. Personnel have been increased during
weekends.
• He clarified he did attend the initial ReefLine meeting and that his role in this project
is mainly to provide support and security if needed. Ocean rescue did ask for more
personnel, especially with the buoys being moved. But no finalized permits for this
change are in place.
• Enhance staffing during Fourth of July.
d. Code Compliance – BTR Violation / Renewal Request Update by Brandon McLean
• As of the meeting, many charter vessels are operating without valid BTRs,
primarily due to the expiration of temporary BTRs on April 30, 2025. Temporary
BTRs were previously issued to charter operators at Suntex Marina, which is
currently involved in unresolved negotiations with the City. This has prevented
the issuance of permanent BTRs. Due to the lapse, enforcement staff have
issued violations for operating without a valid BTR, even though the charters may
have paid fees and been previously approved under temporary terms.
• Charter operators who accrue points for violation, such as noise, curfew, anchoring
or operation with BTRS, are subject to review and possible revocation.
• The vessel, Miami Mistress, was identified as having its BTR revoked effective
May 15, 2025.
• Board members agreed that speeding, pollution and reckless behavior should also
factor in the point systems.
• Per Board members request: A list of all charter vessels with BTR-related violations
for review. Collaboration with the Finance Department to clarify and resolve the
temporary BTR backlog.
e. Office of Capital Improvement (CIP) – Collette Stachell – Interim Division Director
for Design
• Marine Patrol Facility & Dock is in development. No detailed timeline was
provided, but it is considered a priority project.
• Mooring Field Project is currently in the permitting phase with agencies including:
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
- Army Corps of Engineers
- Miami–Dade DERM
• Expected Permit approval by May 2026, with construction targeted for late 2026
or early 2027. A barge-based phased construction approach is anticipated,
similar to prior work at Maurice Park, where vessels were asked to relocate in
stages to allow access for construction.
• Although Monument Island is not yet part of Capital Improvement’s direct portfolio,
the department is providing consulting and logistical support to the Environmental
and System Building Department. Feedback and expertise are being shared on
design and site preparation needs.
f. Update on “On the Beach Report” by Marchella Paz – Observation and Issues from
the Shoreline to the Boardwalk
• The perimeter check was conducted up to 56th Street.
• Lights were observed being installed along the boardwalk extending to the Eden
Roc. Notices indicated that new cameras had been installed; however, only the
camera at Eden Roc appeared operational, identifiable by two illuminated dots
when approached. Recorded footage from these cameras is retained for 30 days.
• A security concern was noted regarding the SoHo House beach area. The main
pedestrian corridors are located west of the garbage containers and east of the
dunes. Walking near the shoreline is difficult due to the sand, and vehicle access
further contributes to this area being considered a danger zone. Liaison Brandon
McLean will contact the facility to explore possible adjustments or mapping
options, as he has dealt with similar issues previously.
• Graffiti was observed on an electrical box near the kiddie park at Indian Beach
Park.
• A group of minors had set up a lemonade stand to raise funds. They reported
that a Code Compliance officer had been discourteous to them at the marina,
which is why they relocated. It was clarified that selling in a public area constitutes
conducting business and requires a permit. The minors were asked to leave but
remained after the officer’s departure.
g. Update on Monthly Water Quality Sampling Results, Monument Island, “The Health
of Biscayne Bay” and Park View Canal by Lindsey Precht, Environmental Assistant
Director
• Operation Clean Water officially launched on May 19, 2025, with a community
cleanup at Park View Canal. This includes community outreach, AUV disinfection
pilot, code compliance inspections, and new signage.
• Water Quality Data & Reporting does face some challenges, as the monthly sampling reports are published as PDFs but contain raw, unverified data. Its ac
only annual QA/QC is performed. Final validated results are submitted once a year to regulators.
• The Environmental Division has only three staff handling permitting (5,000 permits annually), dune and beach management, contaminated sites, and regulatory deadlines, limiting capacity for more frequent validated reporting.
New Business a. Discussion on LTC to Commission on Recommendation for Local Ordinance to Enforce New State Limits on Vessel Anchorage
• The Marine and Waterfront Protection Authority (MWPA) Board unanimously approved the motion on implementing HB 41, a new law that stated limits on
vessel anchorage. Open Discussion 1. Motion to approve June 10th, 2025, minutes. Motion Passed unanimously 2. David Suarez – Miami Beach Commissioner Group 5
• Confirmed the Perez House will not be used for offices. Instead, it will be dedicated to scientific research and public health monitoring.
• The Surfrider Foundation has a 5-year lease on the downstairs space and is in the process of securing certification.
• Anchoring Ordinance was confirmed, and the City Attorney Office is drafting the ordinance. As well as plans to send the ordinance language to every municipality in Miami-Dade and Broward so they can adopt similar regulations.
• Agreed on the “Quiet Zone” signage from previous LTC
• Expressed strong support for BTR point system
• Stressed that Miami Beach is leading in enforcement
• Discussed leniency of Special Magistrate by prolonging appeals. Meeting adjourned at 12:09 pm