Miami Beach to Add Native Species to Lush Tropical Landscape
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS, Melissa Berthier PRESS RELEASE
Tel: 305.673.7575, E-mail: melissaberthier@miamibeachfl.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2017
Miami Beach to Add Native Species to Lush Tropical Landscape
-- City to Incorporate Florida-friendly Landscaping Practices--
Miami Beach, FL – Today, the Miami Beach City Commission has approved the incorporation
of best management practices within city parks and city-owned land by using the Florida-
Friendly Landscaping (FFL ) guide and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for
landscape design and maintenance.
“We are excited to be bringing back our native species to fill the landscape of our already
vibrant and lush public spaces,” said Director of Environment & Sustainability Elizabeth
Wheaton.
Florida-friendly landscaping practices include planting the right plant in the right place, efficient
watering, appropriate fertilization, mulching, attraction of wildlife, responsible management of
yard pests, recycling yard waste, reduction of stormwater runoff and water quality protection.
Additional components of the FFL guide include planning and design, soil analysis, use of solid
waste compost, practical use of turf and proper maintenance.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works Department’s Greenspace
Management Division have already been following FFL principles, and today’s approval by the
City Commission will require the rest of the city to follow suit. The city will begin implementing
these guidelines immediately. In the upcoming months, they will update landscape
specifications used in the Public Works Manual and sustainable procurement specifications.
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