LTC 428-2020 Motion by the LGBTQ Advisory CommitteeM IA M I BEACH
City of Miami Beach, 1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139, www.miamibeachfl.gov
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC # 428-2020 TO COMMISSION
TO:
FRO M :
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Mayor Dan Gelber and Members oft
Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager
November 30, 2020
Motion by the LGBTQ Advisory Com
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (L TC) is to inform the Mayor and the Commission of
motion made by the LGBTQ Advisory Committee at their meeting on November 25, 2020.
BACKGROUND:
The Palace Restaurant & Bar has been an institution on Ocean Drive for approximately 30 years.
This alone warrants the city's support. In addition, the Palace is more than a restaurant and bar. It is
a safe space where the LGBTQ community can gather. How can the city continue to be a city of
equity if we force out one of the only safe spaces for our community? AIso, LGBTQ tourism brings in
dollars to the city. When LGBTQ people are looking for what there is to do in Miami Beach, they
always are drawn to The Palace.
The Committee encourages the City to move forward with the new vision for Ocean Drive. The
Committee strongly believes that The Palace fits into the new vision as it is a cultural destination.
ALL are welcome. The Palace is a restaurant. Restaurants are family friendly. The Palace is a bar
where locals and visitors meet to enjoy each other. The Palace has drag queens. This type
of entertainment is enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Just think of the Drag Queen
Story Hours around the country where they read stories to children.
The City of Miami Beach has not only stated that it is a city that is inclusive and welcoming of
diversity; we have lived by these words. Let's continue to do so and not push out a business just
because some would consider it not to fit their idea of what is family friendly or cultural. Let's support
the City's vision of what is family friendly and cultural. The Palace IS MIAMI BEACH.
MOTION:
The LGBTQ Advisory Committee recommends the City of Miami Beach to do everything possible to
retain The Palace in its current location at Ocean Drive and 10 Street.
Motion Made B y: Paul Thomas
Motion Seconded B y : Herb Sosa
Motion Passed: 9-0
Members in favor: Cindy Brown, Danny Diaz, Eddie Kring, Gayle Durham, Herb Sosa, Michael
Bath, Paul Thomas, Riki Wilchins, Robin Schwartz
JLM/MM/mg