Virginia Key Park Advisory Board Meeting - April 27, 2026

Due to lack of a quorum, the board conducted discussion only and did not hold any votes. Members addressed several long-standing issues including quorum reduction, marina management, museum plans, parking lot design, and attendance enforcement.

Public Comments & Testimony

• The Chair read an email from Leah Cannard of the Miami Rowing Club, reporting that water quality in the Marine Stadium basin has improved dramatically since abandoned boats were removed, with visible bottom, returning marine life, and safer conditions for rowers and kayakers. She expressed concern that the city's plan to install 75 mooring slips for large motor boats would hinder rowing and training.

Discussion Items

• Legislative Item to Reduce Quorum Size: The board discussed a previous item submitted to the city manager's office to lower the quorum threshold. It was approved and placed on a City of Miami Commission agenda last year but was withdrawn. A new submission was made to the chief of staff but has not yet been added to the agenda. Members expressed frustration with the delay and requested follow-up with the city manager’s office.
• Events at Marine Stadium Parking Lot: No unusual traffic or event issues were reported by board members.
• Rickenbacker Marina Status: Members inquired about the status of the marina after the prior RFP was withdrawn. They requested that Andrew provide an update at the next meeting in June.
• Proposed Museum at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park: Updates were shared: $15.5 million from Miami-Dade County GOB and $5 million from a community development grant are allocated. The trust is in the process of selecting an architect for the museum, which is expected to be approximately 11,000 square feet based on operating budget constraints. The city commission also approved $5 million for operating expenses, a key hurdle that had delayed the project for years.
• Civitas Plan for Parking Lot Areas: The board recalled that Civitas was paid $900,000 to design a plan for 15 acres adjacent to Marine Stadium. The original estimated cost was $115-120 million. The plan was scaled back over time. Members noted that the winning bidder for Marine Stadium management may have control over the area, but the status of the Civitas plan is unclear. A request was made to include updates from Andrew or David Snow on the next agenda.
• Former Aquarium Site: Gary Milano suggested inviting a representative from Miami-Dade County or the lessee (Terra) to discuss plans for the old aquarium site, adjacent to Virginia Key Park. The board agreed to request a presentation for the next meeting.
• Enforcement of Minimum Attendance Requirement: Several members expressed frustration that the board has not had a quorum for multiple meetings. The city attorney explained that the board can enforce the bylaw by contacting the appointing organizations to replace non-attending members. The board urged immediate follow-up rather than waiting for future meetings.
• Board Member Reflections on Virginia Key Park: Each member shared personal memories and concerns: Gary noted neglect of the historic beach and lack of funds for natural areas; Lewis recalled family outings, boat races, and concerts; Nicholas lamented the deteriorating condition of Marine Stadium and hoped for new memories; Steven became involved after a mangrove removal incident; Andres warned that the Marine Stadium property may be subject to a deed restriction requiring it to be used as a marine stadium, and that lack of compliance could invite legal challenges. The Chair read Leah Cannard’s email about water quality improvements but expressed disappointment with the mooring field plan.
• Sunset of Board Positions: Steven reported that some members were told their terms are ending. He will follow up with the clerk’s office to confirm and then contact appointing organizations for new appointments. The Chair noted that the board will need to elect a new chair once replacements are appointed.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken due to lack of quorum.
• The board will follow up with the city manager’s office to place the quorum reduction item on the next commission agenda.
• Andrew will be invited to provide an update on the Rickenbacker Marina at the June meeting.
• The board will request a presentation on the former aquarium site from Miami-Dade County or Terra.
• Updates on the Civitas plan and Marine Stadium parking lot design will be added to the next agenda.
• The city attorney will enforce attendance rules by contacting appointing organizations to replace absent members.
• Next meeting is scheduled in two months (June 2026).