HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTC 173-2026 Celebrating America 250 in Miami BeachMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC# LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Eric Carpenter, City Manager� �
April 27, 2026
Celebrating America 250 in Miami Beach
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to announce the events taking place in Miami
Beach to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday. Multiple family-friendly events will commence in
May including the Memorial Day Weekend Air & Sea Show -continuing with dual firework
displays over the Fourth of July -and culminating with the largest Veterans Day parade of the
day in South Florida.
Though Miami Beach is only 111 years old, it has played an outsized role in the development of
American culture, family life, leisure and even the defense of the nation during World War II.
Miami Beach has welcomed a number of immigrants to our shores -including Jewish residents
seeking freedom from persecution and thousands of immigrants from Latin America and Europe
who followed their American dreams to Miami Beach.
Here are the America 250 events in Miami Beach:
•The May movie lineup for the SoundScape Cinema Series taking place on Wednesdays
at 8 p.m. will feature films that celebrate American stories, culture and resilience. The
special programming includes screenings of "An American Tail: Fievel Goes West" on
May 6, "Hamilton" on May 13 and "Top Gun: Maverick" on May 20.
•The city will present a special America's 250th exhibit called Miami Beach FREEDOM at
Galeria Ocean Drive (between 11 and 12 streets) on Thursday, May 21 to celebrate
patriotism, culture and our coastal lifestyle. Curated by the Office of the Mayor and
Commission, the new exhibit will be unveiled in partnership with the Hyundai Air & Sea
Show. Supported by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Miami Beach
FREEDOM exhibit will be open to the public through July 15.
•On Memorial Day weekend, the legendary Air Force Thunderbirds take to the skies over
South Beach for the first time ever at the Hyundai Air & Sea Show on May 23-24. The
official viewing area for the two-day National Salute to America's Heroes is located on the
beach between 11 and 14 streets. On Saturday at 6:30 p.m., Ocean Drive transforms into
a vibrant stage celebrating freedom and America's 250th birthday. The evening of free
entertainment features top musical artists and a 3D projection mapping display at 14
Street that illuminates the facades of Ocean Drive's iconic buildings. The night culminates
with a dramatic U.S. Army Golden Knights nighttime pyre parachute jump, followed by a
spectacular drone show and fireworks launched from a barge. Visit www.usasalute.com.
•Red, White and Boots: Line Dancing on Lummus offers a lively evening of
country-inspired fun, line dancing and music on Saturday, May 30 from 6-8 p.m. The
event brings its country panache to Lummus Park at 12 Street and Ocean Drive.
173-2026
• On Sunday, June 14 at 8:30 p.m. residents and visitors can bring blankets and chairs to
the American Summer Cinema on the Sand at 12 Street and Ocean Drive for a free
outdoor screening of the adrenaline-filled "National Treasure."
• Independence Day on July 4 offers music and festivities in South Beach and North
Beach as the city lights up both ends of its shoreline for the Fourth of July. Celebrations
will be held in North Beach at Altos Del Mar Park and in South Beach on Ocean Drive .
• The 18th annual Veterans Day Parade returns at 11 :11 a .m. on Wednesday, Nov.11.
The largest parade of the day in South Florida takes route on Ocean Drive from 5 to 15
streets featuring veteran and military groups, marching bands, musical and dance
performances, local businesses and community organizations
In addition to the semiquincentennial events , the city will retrofit its iconic sunburst lifeguard
tower at 8 Street in patriotic stars and stripes as a permanent reminder of America 's milestone
birthday.
Marketing efforts for America 250 include the creation of a dedicated logo and a comprehensive
multi-channel campaign featuring out-of-home displays such as pole banners, vehicle wraps for
select city vehicles, garage and trolley ads , as well as print, digital and gobo placements. The
strategy leverages high-visibility assets along with targeted social media and digital advertising to
reach both residents and visitors. A supporting webpage showcases Miami Beach activations,
including exhibitions, events and other celebrations marking the 250 th anniversary of our nation 's
founding . Visit www.miamibeachfl.gov/america250.