Miami Beach City Commission Meeting – February 25, 2026

The Miami Beach City Commission met on February 25, 2026, beginning at approximately 9:00 AM and reconvening after a lunch break at 1:30 PM. The meeting addressed a wide range of items including pedestrianization of Ocean Drive, funding for arts organizations, bike path projects, police leadership, noise enforcement, and several ordinances. The public comment period (Sutnik Hour) featured testimony from residents and stakeholders on multiple agenda items.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda items excluding those separated for discussion and addendum items (after 5 PM).
• Boards and committees appointments approved by acclamation: David Berger to the Health List; Laurie K. Davis and Beverly Heller as reappointments to the Quality Education Committee (with waiver for no longer having children in school).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mitch Novick received his $500 homestead relief check, criticized budget increases (doubling in recent years), entertainment district subsidies, and the Ocean Drive Promenade.
• Joe Manning expressed support for delivery robots on city streets.
• Michael Freindlich raised concerns about pedestrian and micromobility safety (sidewalk riding, ignoring traffic signals, lack of lighting).
• Adam Ganouza (Rhythm Foundation) spoke in support of arts and culture funding and expressed support for a multi-use performing arts center at the Byron Carlisle Theater.
• Chelsea Lawn (Florida Power & Light) argued that the FPL easement for underground transmission lines should be approved independently of a pedestrian bridge project, and noted FPL conducted additional testing and site visits.
• Carol Creams supported continued funding for Miami Beach Pride, citing its economic impact and the importance of arts and culture.
• Jack Klein (EDOC) thanked the city for support of senior housing renovations and invited commissioners to the grand opening.
• Manuel Del Valle requested funding for a hot meals program at senior towers.
• Linda Kolco opposed cancellation of the North Meridian and Chase Avenue multi-use paths (item C7U), and expressed concern about reallocation of arts funding.
• Matthew Goltanoff requested item C7U be pulled, arguing the project had extensive community input and had already achieved 90% design and permitting.
• Virtual callers expressed support for bike paths, opposition to sea grape removal (C7Z), opposition to arts funding cuts, and support for Pride funding.

Discussion Items

• R7U – Ocean Drive Corridor Configuration: Staff recommended full pedestrianization with a curbless linear plaza, requiring two-way traffic on side streets, loss of some parking, and loading zone reconfiguration. The resolution also allows a hybrid option with one-way vehicle lane and intermittent pedestrian blocks if county approval cannot be obtained. After discussion about emergency access, deliveries, and impacts on nearby streets, the motion passed 7–0.
• R7Z – Recognition of Fundraising for Officer David Kajusha: Sunset Paddle owners Rafi Gibly and Chris Picillo raised $165,000 for the officer’s family. The resolution was adopted by acclamation.
• R7F – Request County for Traffic Signalization Authority: Commissioner Suarez noted that faulty detection devices cause delays and that Miami Beach should have autonomous control over signal timing. The resolution passed with an amendment directing the administration to identify and repair faulty signal boxes and seek reimbursement from the county. Passed 7–0.
• R5U – Police Chief Extension (First Reading): Ordinance to extend Chief Wayne Jones’ DROP participation by two years. Commissioners praised crime reductions (19% drop in major crimes, full staffing, improved morale, use of technology). Passed 7–0; second reading set for March 18.
• R7I – Reinstate Oolite Arts Grant Agreement: Discussion revealed Oolite Arts has $120 million in assets, $109 million in securities, $4.78 million annual investment income, and a CEO salary of $345,000 (exceeding the city manager’s $332,000). Commissioner Suarez attempted to permanently defund Oolite, but the commission voted 6–1 to honor the city’s prior commitment (funding was suspended pending new executive director and internal controls). The item also included a referral to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (FERC) to review grant criteria.
• C7L – Miami Beach Pride Sponsorship: Commissioner Suarez pulled the item from consent to discuss fiscal responsibility and state threats. After extensive discussion about the event’s economic impact (over $5 million in revenue, 150,000+ attendees, 75% staying in hotels) and its importance to the LGBTQ community, the resolution passed 7–0.
• R7V – Mooring Fields Project: The city had spent $678,000 on a planned mooring field. The administration was directed to stop further spending but retain the permit (with a $12,000 pending fee). The resolution passed as amended.
• R7C – Naming Baseball Field after Skip Bertman: Approved unanimously to name the Flamingo Park baseball field after the legendary coach and Miami Beach High graduate.
• R9R – Enhanced Enforcement of Vehicular Muffler Noise: The commission adopted a resolution directing police to conduct concentrated enforcement (Operation Quiet Streets) from 10 PM to 5 AM at three locations (MacArthur, 41st/Indian Creek, 71st Street). The resolution also supports reducing the noise violation distance from 100 to 25 feet at the county level.
• R5A – Alcoholic Beverages on Public Beaches (Second Reading): Passed to establish a pilot program allowing consumption of beer and wine on designated beach areas, with the goal of reducing illegal vending. Passed 7–0.
• R7A & R7B – Budget Amendments: Operating budget amendment ($120,000 for crosswalk replica, additional $15,000 for plaque, $80,000 for commissioner aide, $45,000 for gallery exhibit, $5,000 for plaque pedestal) passed as amended. Capital budget amendment ($81.6 million increase, $4.3 million transfer) also approved as amended.
• C7U – Discontinue North Meridian and Chase Avenue Multi-Use Paths: After debate over safety (errant golf balls, flooding, tree removal), the commission voted to cancel both projects, with a directive to explore alternative traffic calming and bike lanes on Meridian Avenue and Prairie Avenue. The motion passed 7–0.
• R5S – ‘Stop the Pause’ Policy (First Reading): Ordinance requiring supermajority votes to pause or change capital projects over $1 million after 60% design, and six-sevenths vote after 90% design. Passed with a referral to the Neighborhood Resiliency Committee.
• C7AB – Oppose HB 399 (Large Destination Resorts): Unanimously approved opposing state preemption of local zoning for large resorts.
• R9AD – FPL Easement for Transmission Lines: Staff directed to sign the easement only after exhausting all efforts to resolve location conflicts with the Fifth Street Pedestrian Bridge project.
• R7L – City-Sponsored Senior Events: Approved as amended to allow any elected official representing Miami Beach residents to participate as part of the program, while prohibiting campaign materials and interference with the event.

Key Outcomes

• Ocean Drive pedestrianization concept approved 7–0; staff to proceed with permitting and design (8 months).
• Oolite Arts grant reinstated 6–1; FERC to develop grant criteria regarding financial need.
• Miami Beach Pride sponsorship approved 7–0.
• Police chief extension passed first reading 7–0; second reading March 18.
• Bike paths on Meridian and Chase canceled 7–0; alternative measures to be studied.
• Mooring field project halted but permit retained.
• Noise enforcement resolution adopted unanimously.
• Alcohol on beach pilot approved on second reading.
• Traffic signalization authority request approved with amendment for repair and reimbursement.
• Senior event rules amended to allow all elected officials representing Miami Beach residents.