HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2026-34170RESOLUTION NO. 2026-34170
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE, AT ITS MARCH 4, 2026
MEETING, AND APPROVING A ONE-TIME SPONSORSHIP OF $5,000 FOR A
REEFLINE ACTIVATION DURING EARTH WEEK MIAMI, TAKING PLACE
APRIL 22.26, 2026; AND FURTHER, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER
AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT, IN A FORM
APPROVED BY THE CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE, WITH THE ECO CHANNEL,
INC.
WHEREAS, Earth Week Miami is an annual celebration observed during the week of
Earth Day, focused on environmental awareness, sustainability, educational programming,
community activities, ocean conservation, and climate resilience; and
WHEREAS, Earth Week Miami is presented by The ECO Channel, Inc. ("Event
Organizer"), the first "Green TV" channel in the United States dedicated to the nature economy
and sustainable innovations; and
WHEREAS, at its November 4, 2025 meeting, the Black Affairs Advisory Committee
adopted a motion, via LTC #466-2025, supporting Earth Week Miami 2026 and encouraging City
support and participation; and
WHEREAS, on February 25, 2026, the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral
to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee ("FERC") for the evaluation of a sponsorship
request for a REEFLINE activation, in partnership with Event Organizer, to be held during Earth
Week Miami; and
WHEREAS, Earth Week Miami is scheduled for April 22-26, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Event Organizer has proposed a City of Miami Beach activation on Saturday,
April 25, 2026, which will feature family -friendly environmental activities and opportunities for
snorkeling or diving at the REEFLINE site; and
WHEREAS, REEFLINE is an underwater environmental art gallery located off the coast
of Miami Beach, combining public sculpture and marine habitat restoration, and its first installation
of twenty-two life-sized marine -grade concrete car sculptures was deployed in October 2025; and
WHEREAS, Event Organizer and REEFLINE will also host their Floating Marine Learning
Center, a dive vessel converted into a mobile platform for art, science, and ocean education; and
WHEREAS, the proposed activation is not part of the REEFLINE project's scope of work
under the Arts & Culture G.O. Bond Program, notwithstanding the project's receipt of $5 million
in G.O. Bond funding; and
WHEREAS, because the sponsorship request was submitted after the annual budget
process, pursuant to Section 12-7 of the City Code, approval requires an advisory
recommendation from FERC and a five -sevenths (517) vote of the City Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Administration recommends approval of the $5,000 sponsorship and
further recommends that any future sponsorship requests be reviewed as part of the City's budget
process for the applicable fiscal year.
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 Finance and Economic Resiliency
Committee, at its March 4, 2026 meeting, and approve a one-time sponsorship of $5,000 for a
REEFLINE activation during Earth Week Miami, taking place April 22-26, 2026; and further,
authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute a sponsorship agreement, in a form
approved by the City Attorney's Office, with The Eco Channel, Inc.
PASSED and ADOPTED this I%%day of
ATTEST: Steven Meiner, Mayor
MAR 2 0 2026
Rafael . Granado, City Clerk
(Sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt)
Cosponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominpun APPROVED AS TO
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MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Eric Carpenter, City Manager
DATE: March 18, 2026
TITLE: A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF THE
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
FINANCE AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCY COMMITTEE AT ITS MARCH 4, 2026.
MEETING, FOR A ONE-TIME SPONSORSHIP OF $5,000 FOR A REEFLINE
ACTIVATION DURING EARTH WEEK MIAMI TAKING PLACE FROM APRIL 22-26,
2026; AND FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER AND CITY CLERK TO
EXECUTE A SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT.
RECOMMENDATION
The Administration is in support and recommends the Mayor and City Commission accept the
recommendation from the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to approve the request
for the City to provide a one-time $5,000 sponsorship for a REEFLINE activation in partnership
with the ECO Channel during Earth Week Miami taking place from April 22-26, 2026.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
At the request of Commissioner Tanya K. Shalt, the Mayor and City Commission approved a
referral item to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee at the February 25, 2026, City
Commission meeting to discuss the request for the City to sponsor a REEFLINE activation in
partnership with the ECO Channel during Earth Week Miami taking place from April 22-26, 2026.
ANALYSIS
Earth Week Miami is an annual celebration observed during the week of Earth Day focused on
environmental awareness and sustainability and featuring activities such as educational
workshops, beach cleanups, art installations, and cultural programs. Its mission is to engage
residents, businesses, and visitors in promoting eco-friendly practices, ocean conservation, and
climate resilience, while showcasing Miami's commitment to protecting its natural environment.
Earth Week Miami is presented by The ECO Channel, the first "Green TV' channel in the United
States dedicated to the nature economy and sustainable eco-friendly innovations. This year, the
weeklong event will honor Dr. Jane Goodall 8 Tatiana Schlossberg for outstanding contributions
to conservation and environmental work.
At its November 4, 2025, meeting, the Black Affairs Advisory Committee adopted a motion via
LTC# 466-2025, supporting Earth Week Miami 2026 and encouraging the Mayor and City
Commission to support and participate in the Earth Week Miami initiative.
Proposed ECO Channel and REEFLINE Earth Week Miami Activation:
Earth Week Miami has proposed activations in Miami -Dade and Broward Counties. Events are
scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and will run until Sunday, April 26, 2026. On Saturday,
April 25th the Miami Beach Community will enjoy a day of fun and family Eco and sustainability,
activities, along with snorkeling or diving at the REEFLINE.
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In celebration of Earth Week & Pride Month for Earth Week Miami, the ECO Channel and
REEFLINE invite the public aboard their Floating Marine Learning Center, a dive boat transformed
into a mobile hub for art, science, and ocean exploration. This community -centered experience,
guided by a team of experts, positions the ocean as a living classroom, where creativity,
education, and environmental stewardship come together.
REEFLINE is an underwater environmental art gallery off the coast of Miami Beach that combines
public sculpture with marine habitat restoration. REEFLINE's first installation-22 life-sized,
marine -grade concrete cars located between 4th and 5th Streets— was deployed in October
2025.
It should be noted that the activation referenced in this item is not part of the REEFLINE Project's
scope of work, despite the project having been awarded $5 million through the Arts & Culture
G.O. Bond Program.
Because this sponsorship request was submitted subsequent to the City's annual budget process,
the sponsorship would require an advisory recommendation of the FERC and approval of the City
Commission on a five -seventh (5/7th) vote under Section 12-7 of the Code of Ordinances.
The Administration recommends that while the FERC evaluates the $5,000 sponsorship, it also
carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget:
1. The Commission's December 17, 2025 Resolution: The Commission has directed the
Administration to prepare the FY 2027 budget based on the projected rolled -back millage
rate. This directive may necessitate expenditure reductions of up to $25 million from the
current service -level budget before any consideration of enhancements.
2. Escalating Capital Needs: The City continues to face an increasingly unfunded Capital
Improvement Program, placing additional pressure on long-term financial sustainability.
3. State -Level Tax Policy Risks: The State is contemplating measures to eliminate or
significantly reduce property taxes. Given that 62%of the General Fund revenue is derived
from property taxes, this poses a substantial risk to the City's fiscal stability.
These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding the sponsorship align with
the City's broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. If the Commission
recommends funding the REEFLINE Earth Week Miami activation, the Administration
recommends that any future sponsorship be considered as part of the FY 2027 budget process.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The fiscal impact of this sponsorship is $5,000.
Does this Ordinance require a Business Imoacl Estimate?
(FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)
If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on:
See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfi.gov/city-hail/city-clerk/meeting-notices/
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Funding for this sponsorship is available in the Community Events budget in the Resort Tax Fund,
which is part of the FY26 approved budget.
CONCLUSION
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The Administration is in support and recommends the Mayor and City Commission accept the
recommendation from the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee to approve the request
for the City to provide a one-time $5,000 sponsorship for a REEFLINE activation in partnership
with the ECO Channel during Earth Week Miami taking place from April 22-26, 2026.
ADDlicable Area
South Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, Is this item related to a G.O. Bond
pursuant to City Code Section 2-17? Proiect?
MINI
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
Tourism and Culture
Sponsors)
Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Co-sponsors)
Condensed Title
One-time Sponsorship Of $5,000, Reefline Activation During Earth Week Miami. (TB) TC
Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)
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rfra
ECG
CHANNEL
DIVE WITH PRIDE PROPOSAL
A Public Ocean Classroom Open to Everyone
REEFLINE FLOATING MARINE LEARNING CENTER
Miami Beach, April 25, 2026
Overview
In celebration of Earth Week & Pride Month and in alignment with The ECO Channel and Earth Week
Miami, REEFLINE Invites the public aboard our Floating Marine Learning Center, a dive boat
transformed into a mobile hub for art, science, and ocean exploration. This community -centered
experience, guided by a team of experts, positions the ocean as a living classroom, where creativity,
education, and environmental stewardship come together. This experience is presented by The ECO
Channel and a proposed sponsorship with the City of Miami Beach and the Greater Miami Convention &
Visitors Bureau (LGBTO Tourism Marketing For Pride Month).
The Experience with Diver's Paradise Miami
On Saturday April 25th, guests will board one of 2 guided outings:
Departure: Miami Beach Marina
Each outing will explore:
• Concrete Core/ by Leandro Erlich: a site -specific underwater artwork to be studded with corals in
the coming months.
• Miami Marine Park: Surrounding natural reefs along the Miami Beach coastline.
• Onboard and in -water learning of marine science and contemporary art with Ximena Caminos.
About REEFLINE
REEFLINE is a pioneering underwater public sculpture park and hybrid reef off the coast of Miami Beach.
Conceived by cultural place maker Amena Caminos and master planned with Shohei Shigematsu/OMA,
REEFLINE brings together art, science, education, and community to enhance marine ecosystems, foster
ocean literacy, and inspire global ocean stewardship. REEFLINE aims to plant thousands of corals on
large-scale, site -specific underwater artworks, over the next decade while creating a blueprint for coastal
cities worldwide — a living classroom where art, science, and education meet to empower future
generations and collective action. Partially funded by a voter -approved $5 million City of Miami Beach
Arts & Culture G.O. Bond, this 11-phase initiative seeks to raise $40 million to extend a living underwater
corridor along seven miles of Miami Beach, enhancing marine life and habitats.
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Boat Capacity & Group Configuration
Guests may choose between snorkeling and scuba diving (SCUBA Diving Certification Required)
Vessel Capacity: Up to 30 divers or 40 snorkelers per trip. (Minimum Age of 10 Years or Age)
• Guests may dive or snorkel with proper certification.
REEFLINE Event Overview
• Date: April 25
• Check -In: 9:00 AM
• Departure: 10:00 AM
• Regarding: Earth Week Miami
• Departure Location: Miami Beach Marina.
• Full Day (Up to 8 Hours): 2 Dives Trips (8 AM-12 PM or 1 PM-5 PM):
We are looking for a minimum sponsorship of $5000.
This includes but not limited to Docking Fees, Big Pink Buoys, Transportation, Permit, logistics, Signage,
Filming/Broadcast/Streaming Rights, Gratuity and Sales Tax.
Pricing: 30% of the cost (not equipment) is donated to Reefline
Snorkelers $149 (All Inclusive)
Divers $194 (All Inclusive: 2 Tanks) Cost could be lower if diver has their own equipment
We believe this event will help the City of Miami Beach set the stage for a monthly dive activation at
the Miami Beach Marina for the citizens of Miami Beach that funded the project and for the tourists
and eco-tourism in general. Currently guests need to go to Key Biscayne where Diver's Paradise is
located, but they would like to activate from the Miami Beach Marina.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter!
Brigitte "Bibi" Andrade
Contact: Bibi Andrade 786.222.7834 bibiadventuresmiami@gmail.com or
Michel Thomas (267) 97M933 michel@theecochannel.com
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