HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 10 2026 MWPA 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
Tim Carr - Appointed by Commissioner Laura Dominguez
Elaine Roden - Appointed by Commissioner Alex Fernandez
Julio Magrisso - Appointed by Commissioner Monica Matteo-Salinas
Mike Gibaldi - Appointed by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
Nancy Duke - Appointed by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt
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:06sec to
11mins:08sec) for Board member “Minute of Sunshine” comments.
The meeting of the Board of Directors was held February 10th, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via zoom and City Manager Large Conference Room. The Chairman called the meeting to order at 9:02 a.m.
The attendees were as follows:
Board Members: Chad Braver, Ben Mostkoff, Jose Frias, Mike Gibaldi, Julio Magrisso,
Nancy Duke, and Elaine Roden
Absent: Tim Carr
City Staff: Brandon McLean – Code Compliance Department, Liaison
Romina Montenegro – Code Compliance Department, Liaison
Arianne Alfonso – Code Compliance Department
Javier Fernandez – Sergeant of Police Marine Patrol
Hartley Pinder Seide – Parks and Recreation Department - Park Rangers
Lucas Bocanegra – Miami Beach Ocean Rescue
Amy Knowles – Environment & Sustainability Department
Public: Marchella “M” Paz, David Berger, Danny, Shane, Rafael
Meeting called to order at 9:02 am by Chairman, Ben Mostkoff
UNFINISHED/OLD BUSINESS
Miami Beach Police Department Marine Patrol – Sergeant Javier Fernandez
Marine patrol continues their enforcement efforts of the 30-day anchoring ordinance to remove anchored vessels in the Sunset Harbour area, with only approximately 15 boats remaining
in the area. One important point brought up is enforcement of boats in the Meloy Channel, where if there is enough water around a vessel anchored there, then it does not meet the requirement
for a citation or for removal. The current hours of operation are typically 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. However, the hours have been extended during spring break, holidays, and high impact
weeks. The department is currently working on reinstating a program that allows for non-Marine Patrol officers to be certified to respond to after-hours non-emergency calls (such as
noise complaints). This program should be rolled out within the next quarter.
Parks and Recreation Department Park Rangers – Hartley Pinder Seide
Park rangers have a staff of 46 rangers. About 6,000 verbal contacts with individuals for smoking in prohibited areas, off-leash dogs, electric vehicles, jumping off the pier, amongst
other situations. Park rangers are responsible for the area between South Pointe Park and 86TH street, with rangers on duty between the hours of 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. Rangers are also
on duty at the boat ramps on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays between 10:30 am to 9:00 pm, with no staff on weekdays.
Code Compliance – Brandon McLean
123 inspections occurred between January 12th to February 10th at the Marina. No BTR violations were issued, however some violations regarding off-leashed dogs and Styrofoam were issued.
One concern the board raised was the increase of commercial-use vessels at the marina and the ecological, infrastructural, and community issues that arise with increased use. The board
discussed options of how to avoid surpassing the limited amount of charter vessels allowed at the marina.
Miami Beach Police Department – City Wide Theft Report
No representative present, no questions were raised.
Miami Beach Ocean Rescue – Lucas Bocanegra
No issues have been reported regarding Reefline, the underwater public sculpture park and hybrid reef. Additionally, the integration of rope lines throughout the beach has been very
successful in bringing accessibility for beach goers, as there are approximately 15 lines throughout the beach with residents continuing to request more along the beach.
Environment & Sustainability Department – Chief of Resiliency/Director of Environment Sustainability Amy Knowles
Amy shared an overview of the recently released Beachfront Management Plan, which guides how the City of Miami Beach manages, protects and enhances the beachfront areas. Additionally,
the “Let Us Throw You Some
Shade” initiative, which aims to provide more shade to the community and grow the urban tree canopy in the city, is underway. The initiative seems to be well received, as over 50 residents
have already requested trees in their neighborhoods. The program remains open until the end of March.
Code Compliance Department – Code Compliance Administrator Brandon McLean
Code Compliance department had officers stationed on the beach during the free College Football Playoff National Championship concerts, in addition to also having officers stationed
at the Miami International Boat Show locations. No BTR violations were issued throughout the last month. However, there were violations issued for beach issues such as Styrofoam use,
off-leash dogs on the sand, etc. Some questions were raised regarding code compliances’ presence during New Years Eve at the marina. Officers were present and active during peak hours
at the marina, even conducting multiple inspections throughout the night.
On the Beach Report – Marchella “M” Paz
M discussed the Boucher Brother’s Concessionaire Agreement and the rising concern of the lack of beach space due to fixed structures permanently occupying the open space. M noted the
lack of enforcement around the agreement of concessionaires, where companies like the Boucher Brother’s were directly violating the agreement in a myriad of manners. Additionally, M
raised concerns around the proposed waterpark by the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel, which was met with agreement from board members. Lastly, M talked about the aftermath of the free
College Football Playoff National Championship concerts. M noted that the city was unprepared for the chaos of the events, with many dunes left trampled and destroyed, and concertgoers
not following the rules.
Open Discussion
Motion to approve BTR application: 777 Seas LLC - BTR017687-12-2025. Motion denied with 4 nays and 3 yeas.
Motion to send Letters to Commissioner regarding a cap for charter boats be 30 at the marina. Motion was deferred for March meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 12:08 pm