OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Miami Beach City Commission Meeting – March 18, 2026

City Commission Meetings — Wednesday, March 18, 2026
BodyAshland, Kentucky
SessionCity Commission Meetings
DateWednesday, March 18, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 10:29:59

Transcript — Verbatim
0:28

Please take your seats.

0:30

The meeting is about to begin.

0:31

Remember to speak into the microphone as this meeting is being recorded for public record.

0:38

Please stand by.

0:40

We are going on air in five, four, three, two, one.

0:47

Good morning and welcome to our commission meeting of March 18th, 2026.

0:52

Thanks everyone for being here.

0:53

And I'll turn it to our city clerk, Rafael Granada, to give us any instructions.

0:59

Good morning, everyone.

1:00

The city commission is physically present in the commission chamber at Miami Beach City Hall, 1700, Conventional Center Drive, third floor.

1:06

Members of the public are invited to attend either in person or virtually.

1:10

If you're joining us virtually, you can log in using the Zoom app or visit the Zoom.us on your browser.

1:15

You can also phone in at 305-224-1968.

1:20

That's 305-224-1968 or toll-free 888-475-4499.

1:28

The webinar ID is 813-928-576-71 pound.

1:34

Again, 813-928-576-71 pound.

1:39

If you would like to speak virtually on an item during the meeting, please click the raise hand icon in the zoom app or press star 9 on your vote on your phone.

1:46

The Zoom link, webinar ID, and phone number stay the same for every commission meeting.

1:51

All lobbyists must register with the office of the city clerk located on the first floor of the city hall.

1:56

You do not need to register if you're an expert witness giving only technical or specialized testimony.

2:01

A representative of a neighborhood association or nonprofit speaking without pay, or a private citizen speaking on your own behalf without compensation.

2:09

However, if you're an expert witness or a nonprofit or a neighborhood rep, you do need to submit a written disclosure form to the office of the city clerk before speaking with a commission or staff.

2:19

Forms are available at the office of the city clerk.

2:21

If a lobbyist gives or agrees or agrees to give a thousand dollars or more to a neighborhood association or its representative regarding a city matter, that must be disclosed in writing to the clerk.

2:31

Note that contingency fees are not permitted to compensate lobbyists.

2:35

If you plan to speak during the public comment today, please sign in.

2:46

Thank you, Ralph.

2:47

It's my honor to uh introduce Rabbi Sholem Korf of the Chabad of Lakeview to give our invocation.

2:53

Uh I will say it's uh it's a fairly new synagogue to the Miami Beach community, and it already has a tremendous profound impact on the uh Lakeview and surrounding areas.

3:04

Uh I actually visited uh not too long ago on a on a Shabbat, and you were you are packed.

3:10

Yeah.

3:12

Thank you.

3:13

Welcome.

3:17

Thank you, Mayor.

3:18

Good morning.

3:19

Morning, Mayor, Commissioners, City staff, and all members of the community here today.

3:26

We gather with the shared purpose to serve, to lead, and to strengthen the community of Miami Beach with the help of God.

3:36

As we approach the holiday of Passover, where we tell the story of the exodus of Egypt.

3:42

The Jewish sages teach that a name actually holds within its essential meaning.

3:50

The name Egypt in Hebrew means limitations.

3:55

So the exodus of Egypt doesn't just mean a story of physical freedom from bondage, but actually traversing beyond our limitations, going out of our comfort zone, and leaving perhaps what we're comfortable doing to go a bit greater more beyond to do a little more.

4:16

Each of us faces moments when we're called to rise beyond what is easy and beyond what is known.

4:24

Leadership at its core means exactly that.

4:28

To be able to do beyond what is your comfort zone, to rise beyond what is the usual, what's easy, and to go a bit above the call of duty.

4:40

With the help of God, may the work here done today be guided by wisdom, clarity, and compassion.

4:48

May there be an openness to new ideas, courage in the face of challenge, and a sheer commitment to progress that benefits all those that call this city their home.

5:00

Just as the journey of Passover reminds us that growth begins when we step beyond our boundaries.

5:06

May this gathering be a place where meaningful steps are taken towards growth, towards unity, and towards purpose that benefit the city of Miami Beach.

5:17

May this meeting with the help of God bring about outcomes that promote opportunity, growth, joy, and well-being for all the residents of the city.

5:25

May we merit the coming of the Mashiach, where there will be peace and harmony amongst all nations, people and creation.

5:34

And let us say Amen.

5:36

Thank you very much.

5:37

Thank you, Robert Korf.

5:40

You had the room mesmerized.

5:42

Thank you.

5:44

So as I look around the room for our Pledge of Allegiance, uh I will say we're in the middle of spring break, getting toward the end, and for the third consecutive year so far, tremendous success.

5:55

I don't want to jinx it, but uh really congratulations to everyone up here to our city manager, our police department so far.

6:03

I agree.

6:04

But we also have to thank our marketing department uh and the great marketing campaigns that you continue to roll out.

6:10

So I'm gonna ask Melissa Berthiara, director of marketing to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural████████████████████20%
Public Safety███████████11%
Pending Litigation███████████11%
Zoning Regulations████████8%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Public Engagement██████6%
Community Engagement██████6%
Water And Wastewater Management█████5%
Historic Preservation███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Miami Beach City Commission Meeting – March 18, 2026

The Miami Beach City Commission met on March 18, 2026, at City Hall for a full-day session that included public comments, consent agenda, and numerous discussion and action items. Key topics included senior program funding, traffic enforcement on Alton Road, the extension of Police Chief Wayne Jones’ DROP participation, a resolution to challenge state preemption (HB 399), and discussions on naming rights and sustainability.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (7-0) with several items separated by commissioners, including C7T, C7U, C7J, C4P, C7AF, and C7AG. The consent agenda was adopted as set.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Kirsa Rafo (Seniors Committee, Freedom Tower) expressed concern over potential cuts to senior classes (yoga, dance, painting) and asked for more transportation. Commissioner Dominguez clarified that the item was to add funding, not cut.
  • Alina Valdez (senior) reminded commissioners of campaign promises to take care of seniors.
  • Meg Lusteau (Miami Design Preservation League) spoke in strong support of Commissioner Fernandez's resolution R7AH to challenge HB 399.
  • Mitch Novick spoke in support of R7AH and praised the spring break success.
  • Brenda Jordan (artist) alleged discrimination in the city's artist vendor program and requested a meeting with the mayor.
  • Janet Figueroa (artist vendor) emphasized the importance of the program for seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Alicia Casanova (Mid Beach Neighborhood Association) supported R7AH and urged the commission to protect home rule.
  • Multiple virtual callers (Johan Moore, Judith Smeigle, Patrick Breshaig, Susanna Santoro, Mark Weiss, Miriam Weiss, Vincent Mafey, Chris Carney, Anna Marie Ferreta de Melo, and others) spoke in support of R7AH and against HB 399, and also on beach management, safety, and sustainability.

Discussion Items

  • R7L – Beachwalk Camera Monitoring: Police Chief Wayne Jones reported over 1,000 cameras with real-time monitoring. Discussion focused on maintenance and gaps in coverage; commissioners requested updates on completion timeline and AI solutions.
  • R7D – Star Island Water Tower Restoration: Approved as a budget priority for FY27.
  • R7E – Sea Grape Management: Opened and continued to May 20, 2026, to allow police to identify hot spots and assess budget impact.
  • R7G – Traffic Delineators on Alton Road: Approved after extensive debate about enforcement, truck parking violations, and comprehensive planning. Commissioner Bott requested a holistic review of delivery truck management citywide.
  • R7S – Strategic Plan 2026: Approved with an amendment to add a checkbox on agenda cover sheets indicating alignment with strategic initiatives.
  • R9X – Naming Rights Opportunities: Commissioners explored corporate naming rights and a municipal fundraising officer; directed administration to explore options.
  • R5i – Police Pension DROP Extension (Chief Jones): Unanimously approved (7-0) to extend the chief’s participation to 10 years, noting no increased cost to the city.
  • R5V – Monument Island Swim Zone: Approved first reading to establish a designated swim area and motorized vessel exclusion zone for safety.
  • R7AH – Challenge HB 399 (Large Destination Resorts): After lengthy debate, approved 7-0 as amended, authorizing the city attorney to take appropriate legal action (including litigation) with delegation to the mayor for final decision on litigation. Also passed separate motions to urge the governor to veto HB 399 and to designate the mayor, city manager, city attorney, and MBNA to negotiate with Fountainbleau.
  • R9AB – Muffler/Exhaust Noise Enforcement: Noted that Operation Quiet Streets has written 513 citations in 2026, up from 675 all of 2025. Commissioners supported continued enforcement.
  • R7J – 63rd Street Bridge Schedule: Deferred to June 24, 2026, pending Coast Guard guidance.
  • R7AE – Model Volleyball with Electronic Music: Approved as amended with music ending at 10:00 PM (Sunday) and 11:00 PM (Saturday), with compliance with sea turtle lighting regulations.
  • R7K – Expansion of Forever Proud Banner Program: Approved with an amendment to include Israeli flags on banners, subject to legal review.
  • R5N – Sanitation Commercial Impact Fees: First reading approved with bifurcation: water/sewer CPI applied to new development, sanitation catch-up deferred to April.
  • R5P – Administrative Review for Surface Parking Lots: Approved on first reading (6-0, one absent).
  • R5W – Enhanced Animal Control Penalties: Approved first reading despite concerns about off-leash buffers. Commissioner Suarez asked to discuss buffer zone for dog parks at second reading.
  • C7U – Senior Bingo Program Funding: Opened and continued to April 22 to resolve funding source without cutting existing classes.
  • C7AF – Condo Ombudsman Office Hours: Withdrawn after Commissioner Suarez reported that weekly in-person and virtual hours have been negotiated.

Key Outcomes

  • Approved consent agenda (7-0).
  • Approved R7D, R7L, R7G, R7S, R9X, R5i, R5V, R7AH, R7AE, R7K, R5N (part), R5P, R5W, R5X, R5Y, R5L, R7AB, R7B, R7W, R7O, R7N, R7AF, R7T, R7AG, R7AD, R5C, R5D, R5B, R5E, R5F, R5O, R5R, R5S.
  • Deferred: R7E (to May 20), R7J (to June 24), C7U (to April 22).
  • Referred: C7J (Ocean Drive sidewalk cafe guidelines) to Public Safety Committee.
  • Negotiating committee established for Fountainbleau/HB 399: Mayor, City Manager, City Attorney, and MBNA representative.

Vote totals: All items approved by at least 6-0 or 7-0 unless noted. Commissioner Steinberg absent for CRA1. Commissioner Bott voted no on R7A (demolition of South Shore Community Center).

Meeting Transcript

Please take your seats. The meeting is about to begin. Remember to speak into the microphone as this meeting is being recorded for public record. Please stand by. We are going on air in five, four, three, two, one. Good morning and welcome to our commission meeting of March 18th, 2026. Thanks everyone for being here. And I'll turn it to our city clerk, Rafael Granada, to give us any instructions. Good morning, everyone. The city commission is physically present in the commission chamber at Miami Beach City Hall, 1700, Conventional Center Drive, third floor. Members of the public are invited to attend either in person or virtually. If you're joining us virtually, you can log in using the Zoom app or visit the Zoom.us on your browser. You can also phone in at 305-224-1968. That's 305-224-1968 or toll-free 888-475-4499. The webinar ID is 813-928-576-71 pound. Again, 813-928-576-71 pound. If you would like to speak virtually on an item during the meeting, please click the raise hand icon in the zoom app or press star 9 on your vote on your phone. The Zoom link, webinar ID, and phone number stay the same for every commission meeting. All lobbyists must register with the office of the city clerk located on the first floor of the city hall. You do not need to register if you're an expert witness giving only technical or specialized testimony. A representative of a neighborhood association or nonprofit speaking without pay, or a private citizen speaking on your own behalf without compensation. However, if you're an expert witness or a nonprofit or a neighborhood rep, you do need to submit a written disclosure form to the office of the city clerk before speaking with a commission or staff. Forms are available at the office of the city clerk. If a lobbyist gives or agrees or agrees to give a thousand dollars or more to a neighborhood association or its representative regarding a city matter, that must be disclosed in writing to the clerk. Note that contingency fees are not permitted to compensate lobbyists. If you plan to speak during the public comment today, please sign in. Thank you, Ralph. It's my honor to uh introduce Rabbi Sholem Korf of the Chabad of Lakeview to give our invocation. Uh I will say it's uh it's a fairly new synagogue to the Miami Beach community, and it already has a tremendous profound impact on the uh Lakeview and surrounding areas. Uh I actually visited uh not too long ago on a on a Shabbat, and you were you are packed. Yeah. Thank you. Welcome. Thank you, Mayor. Good morning. Morning, Mayor, Commissioners, City staff, and all members of the community here today. We gather with the shared purpose to serve, to lead, and to strengthen the community of Miami Beach with the help of God. As we approach the holiday of Passover, where we tell the story of the exodus of Egypt. The Jewish sages teach that a name actually holds within its essential meaning. The name Egypt in Hebrew means limitations. So the exodus of Egypt doesn't just mean a story of physical freedom from bondage, but actually traversing beyond our limitations, going out of our comfort zone, and leaving perhaps what we're comfortable doing to go a bit greater more beyond to do a little more. Each of us faces moments when we're called to rise beyond what is easy and beyond what is known. Leadership at its core means exactly that. To be able to do beyond what is your comfort zone, to rise beyond what is the usual, what's easy, and to go a bit above the call of duty. With the help of God, may the work here done today be guided by wisdom, clarity, and compassion. May there be an openness to new ideas, courage in the face of challenge, and a sheer commitment to progress that benefits all those that call this city their home. Just as the journey of Passover reminds us that growth begins when we step beyond our boundaries. May this gathering be a place where meaningful steps are taken towards growth, towards unity, and towards purpose that benefit the city of Miami Beach. May this meeting with the help of God bring about outcomes that promote opportunity, growth, joy, and well-being for all the residents of the city. May we merit the coming of the Mashiach, where there will be peace and harmony amongst all nations, people and creation.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI
TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com