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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Miami City Commission Meeting: July 9, 2026

Meeting Portal — Thursday, July 9, 2026

BodyMiami, Florida

SessionMeeting Portal

DateThursday, July 9, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 6:08:04

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

But truly the transition of leadership from Chief Manny Morales to Chief Edward Lopez.

0:06

It's a wonderful day to celebrate the ending of one career and the beginning of another with a new promise of a different type of leadership to the men and women of the city of Miami and to the community.

0:30

How are you doing?

0:48

Can well, hello, everybody.

0:51

Welcome to the City of Miami Commission meeting, our first meeting in July.

1:08

We have two amazing, I think, I don't know if milestones is the right word.

1:14

Um, but endeavors uh that went off extremely successfully, and as residents can make all of us very, very proud.

1:22

Um, and so we have some folks we need to recognize uh today and give special thanks to.

1:29

And I'm gonna start off uh with something that I guess is uh the fun in our life, which has been uh the World Cup.

1:38

We successfully completed 24 days of activation at Bayfront Park.

1:43

Um Commissioner Govella is chair of that.

1:46

We know um we don't usually do 24 days, but you uh did that at FanFest.

1:51

Um I'm gonna let the FIFA folks come up here and tell you a little bit about their thoughts about that.

1:58

But everybody that I've spoken to that has traveled across the country and seen other fanfests as ours was the best.

2:06

Um, and part of the reason it was the best, it wasn't just that it's by um beautiful Biscayne Bay, and that our activations were incredible, and that it was family friendly, but also that it was safe.

2:18

And so today um we have I'm invite the chief of police and our our fire chief to join me up here to recognize the folks that operated the Unified Command Center um in such a professional way to make sure that everybody who entered FanFest felt safe, felt protected, and then given the heat, um also managed to stay uh hydrated and electrolighted from from time to time.

2:48

So what um Chief Lopez and Chief Javia on behalf of the commission, um we have proclamations of thanks to both of you.

3:07

I have too many things going on.

3:12

Well, right here.

3:14

So but in addition to that, of course, you all generally get the credit because you're the top dogs.

3:21

But I'd also like to invite uh um ten key individuals in the unified command.

3:28

I'll let you both talk a little bit about this operation.

3:30

But if Major Alexis Valdez, Captain Daniel Kerr, uh Lieutenant Genevieve Sadler, Sergeant Robert Robinson, Sergeant Pierre Cardone, Executive Officer Bobby Suarez, Yasmin Fernandez, we have assistant fire chief Losada, Lieutenant Mikhail Garcia, and I don't think Assistant Fire Chief Mooster's here today, but he's in our heart.

4:01

So gentlemen, ladies, come on up.

4:06

Thank you guys.

4:15

Hello, how are you?

4:25

All right, shall I turn it over to you, Chief?

4:27

And Chief and Chief.

4:28

I guess that's hard to say before I turn it over to my colleagues.

4:31

Sure.

4:32

Thank you, Madam Mayor.

4:34

So this was uh an amazing achievement for us.

4:38

Let me shake these hands.

4:39

Yeah, of course.

4:46

The planning for an event like Fanfest um is very in-depth.

4:52

It started in December of 2024 with our partners that are sitting up here in the front, the host committee.

4:57

Um come join afterwards.

4:59

Come on up, guys.

5:01

Come on up, Brett.

5:15

So in December of 2024, all the partners in Miami Dade County through emergency management, fire agencies, police agencies, our federal partners or state partners began to meet.

5:25

And throughout the entire year of 2025, we all worked with our host committee, and the folks that you see represented here represent every aspect of that.

5:35

Folks from emergency management put together tabletops and trainings throughout the entire year that continued into 2026.

5:43

We have folks from our fire prevention bureau who look at the layout, the site plan of the park and make sure every exit is the right size for the for the uh occupancy of the park.

5:53

Every detail is looked at.

5:55

And uh the folks in emergency management will say we're in the what if business.

5:58

You know, what if there's lightning?

6:00

What if there's rain?

6:01

What if there's uh too many people?

6:02

What if the heat index is high?

6:03

Well, all that happened, and we were able to manage it very successfully.

6:07

And at the end of the day, all that planning needs to go down to execution.

6:12

And the folks that worked it every day, Major Valdez from police, such a huge part, and Chief Lasada from the fire department and chief uh um Gonzalez, and all the folks.

6:22

We couldn't bring everybody that worked up on FanFest, but it shows the key part of public safety is that when you have emergency management, you have the police department, you have the fire department, and you have your 911 setter down to the responders, all working unified in planning and preparedness and in coordination and response.

6:41

You get 24 days of success with nearly 600,000 folks, and through partnerships as great as with uh Alina Hudak and her team from the uh from the host committee who have been great partners with us.

6:52

Um, it's the team event.

6:53

And and it goes without saying that in January of this year, there's a bunch of folks that are behind this wall that from every department in the city that were all singing to the same sheet of music.

7:04

Um, it was really incredible, and we're very proud to have served the community and for it to be such a great success.

7:16

Thank you, Chief Heavio.

7:17

Uh, listen, God's timing is the perfect timing, and it the fact that I was able to start right at the inception of FIFA and witness firsthand the amazing work and the amazing collaboration between PD and Fire, the city's leadership, all entities from public works to the parks team to solid waste, this everybody working uh in conjunction to safeguard an event for me, allowed me to see the amazing work, the amazing experience, and the amazing collaboration.

7:46

Uh so I'm very very honored to be part of this team.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety██████████████████████22%

Arts And Culture█████████9%

Public Engagement█████████9%

Procedural████████8%

Homelessness████████8%

Pending Litigation███████7%

Community Engagement█████5%

Planning and Zoning█████5%

Affordable Housing█████5%

Summary of Proceedings

Miami City Commission Meeting: July 9, 2026

The City of Miami Commission held a meeting on July 9, 2026, addressing a wide range of items including recognitions, public comments, and votes on major ordinances. Key actions included approval of a $450 million public safety bond referendum (RE5), reversal of a Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board decision to allow redevelopment of the Coconut Grove Playhouse (PZ9), and passage of an amended ordinance on homeless encampments (FR2). The commission also settled litigation with former commissioner Joe Carollo (RE3) and approved a controversial billboard settlement (RE11).

Consent Calendar

Routine approvals and unanimous actions: The consent agenda (two items) was passed without discussion.
Deferrals/withdrawals: Items RE8, PZ1, PZ2, PZ3, and PZ6 were withdrawn or indefinitely deferred; PZ7 and PZ10 were also deferred.

Public Comments & Testimony

Over 50 individuals spoke during public comment, focusing on:

RE5 (Public Safety Bond): Many speakers expressed support for the bond, citing deteriorating police/fire facilities and slow response times; others opposed it as fiscally irresponsible and lacking community outreach. Several police and fire union representatives urged the commission to let voters decide. Critics questioned the total debt and lack of town halls.
PZ9 (Coconut Grove Playhouse): A deeply divisive issue. Supporters argued the project would restore theater, bring economic benefits, and preserve history; opponents (especially residents of West Grove/Little Bahamas) expressed concerns about commercial encroachment, traffic, loss of green space, and lack of a community benefits agreement. The county proposed concessions including a buffer wall, traffic study, and no commercial frontage on residential streets.
FR2 (Homeless Encampment Ordinance): Strong opposition from homeless advocates, medical professionals, and faith leaders who argued the ordinance criminalizes homelessness, removes necessary warnings, and fails to address underlying housing/mental health issues. Supporters (including police) said it provides a tool for enforcement after offering shelter. Commissioner Escalona, the sponsor, introduced an amendment requiring a verbal warning and reasonable time to comply.
FR1 (Sidewalk Safety): Broad support from residents and disability advocates requiring developers to maintain safe pedestrian pathways during construction.
RE7 (GSA Site): Speakers urged deep affordability (20% at 80% AMI or below) for the redevelopment of the 20-acre site in Allapattah.
RE11 (Billboard Settlement): Opposition from Commissioner King and staff argued the deal would set a precedent and benefit a company with a history of illegal signs; the company’s attorney said it was a fair settlement to end a long-standing First Amendment lawsuit.
Other items: RE9/10 (vacancy appointments) and PH1-PH7 (housing) were also referenced.

Discussion Items

RE5 – Safe and Ready Miami Public Safety Bond: Mayor Higgins and Commissioner Rosado advocated for letting voters decide on a $450M bond to replace/renovate fire stations, build a new public safety headquarters co-locating police/fire/911, and improve response times. Commissioners King and Pardo opposed, citing insufficient community engagement, unknown debt service, and the need for public-private partnerships. After extensive debate, Commissioner Gabella offered amendments requiring that proceeds from sale of the current police headquarters, capital grants, and future community benefit contributions be used to offset bond debt. The motion passed 3-2 (Commissioners King and Pardo dissenting).
PZ9 – Coconut Grove Playhouse Appeal: The county appealed the PZAB’s denial of waivers for lot coverage, green space, and driveway width. County Commissioner Regalado and staff presented the project, noting 22 supporters and 12 opponents in public comment, and offered concessions including a buffer wall, gate on the paseo, traffic study, and commitment to community engagement. Commissioner Pardo read additional conditions. The motion to grant the appeal passed unanimously 5-0.
FR2 – Encampment on Public Property Ordinance: Commissioner Escalona proposed an amendment requiring a verbal warning and reasonable time to abate before arrest, addressing concerns about criminalization. Police Chief Lopez and Human Services Director Gilbert confirmed the process relies on offering shelter first and noted arrest is a last resort. The amended ordinance passed 4-1 (Commissioner King dissenting).
RE3 – Carollo Litigation Settlement: The commission approved a settlement with former commissioner Joe Carollo for $770,000 (the last payment of attorney’s fees). Commissioner Gabella expressed frustration over the city’s inconsistent approach to litigation. The item passed despite some reluctance.
RE9 and RE10 – Vacancy Appointments: These items would have eliminated the option to fill vacancies by appointment, requiring special elections. Commissioners debated the pros and cons, noting financial and logistical concerns. The items were deferred indefinitely.
RE11 – Billboard Settlement with SDE Media: The commission approved a settlement allowing SDE Media to relocate an illegal billboard and potentially install two LED faces in exchange for fees. City Attorney Weissong warned of most-favored-nation clauses that could allow other billboard companies to seek similar terms, but outside counsel argued the deal was unique. The vote was 3-2 (Commissioners King and Pardo dissenting).
FR1 – Sidewalk Safety Ordinance: Passed unanimously requiring temporary pedestrian protection structures during construction.
First Reading Ordinances (PZ4, PZ5, PZ8): Passed unanimously to amend land use and zoning for a civic institution and to introduce definitions for cottage housing and update portico regulations.

Key Outcomes

RE5: Approved as amended (3-2). The bond will go before voters in the November 2026 general election. Ballot language will include the $450M amount and list of projects.
PZ9: Appeal granted (5-0), approving the county’s waivers with conditions (buffer, gate, traffic study, community input).
FR2: Passed (4-1) with amendment requiring verbal warning and reasonable time.
RE3: Settlement approved (no recorded opposition).
RE9/10: Indefinitely deferred.
RE11: Approved (3-2) allowing the billboard settlement.
FR1, PZ4, PZ5, PZ8: Passed unanimously.

The meeting recessed for attorney-client sessions regarding pending litigation.

Meeting Transcript

But truly the transition of leadership from Chief Manny Morales to Chief Edward Lopez. It's a wonderful day to celebrate the ending of one career and the beginning of another with a new promise of a different type of leadership to the men and women of the city of Miami and to the community. How are you doing? Can well, hello, everybody. Welcome to the City of Miami Commission meeting, our first meeting in July. We have two amazing, I think, I don't know if milestones is the right word. Um, but endeavors uh that went off extremely successfully, and as residents can make all of us very, very proud. Um, and so we have some folks we need to recognize uh today and give special thanks to. And I'm gonna start off uh with something that I guess is uh the fun in our life, which has been uh the World Cup. We successfully completed 24 days of activation at Bayfront Park. Um Commissioner Govella is chair of that. We know um we don't usually do 24 days, but you uh did that at FanFest. Um I'm gonna let the FIFA folks come up here and tell you a little bit about their thoughts about that. But everybody that I've spoken to that has traveled across the country and seen other fanfests as ours was the best. Um, and part of the reason it was the best, it wasn't just that it's by um beautiful Biscayne Bay, and that our activations were incredible, and that it was family friendly, but also that it was safe. And so today um we have I'm invite the chief of police and our our fire chief to join me up here to recognize the folks that operated the Unified Command Center um in such a professional way to make sure that everybody who entered FanFest felt safe, felt protected, and then given the heat, um also managed to stay uh hydrated and electrolighted from from time to time. So what um Chief Lopez and Chief Javia on behalf of the commission, um we have proclamations of thanks to both of you. I have too many things going on. Well, right here. So but in addition to that, of course, you all generally get the credit because you're the top dogs. But I'd also like to invite uh um ten key individuals in the unified command. I'll let you both talk a little bit about this operation. But if Major Alexis Valdez, Captain Daniel Kerr, uh Lieutenant Genevieve Sadler, Sergeant Robert Robinson, Sergeant Pierre Cardone, Executive Officer Bobby Suarez, Yasmin Fernandez, we have assistant fire chief Losada, Lieutenant Mikhail Garcia, and I don't think Assistant Fire Chief Mooster's here today, but he's in our heart. So gentlemen, ladies, come on up. Thank you guys. Hello, how are you? All right, shall I turn it over to you, Chief? And Chief and Chief. I guess that's hard to say before I turn it over to my colleagues. Sure. Thank you, Madam Mayor. So this was uh an amazing achievement for us. Let me shake these hands. Yeah, of course. The planning for an event like Fanfest um is very in-depth. It started in December of 2024 with our partners that are sitting up here in the front, the host committee. Um come join afterwards. Come on up, guys. Come on up, Brett. So in December of 2024, all the partners in Miami Dade County through emergency management, fire agencies, police agencies, our federal partners or state partners began to meet. And throughout the entire year of 2025, we all worked with our host committee, and the folks that you see represented here represent every aspect of that. Folks from emergency management put together tabletops and trainings throughout the entire year that continued into 2026. We have folks from our fire prevention bureau who look at the layout, the site plan of the park and make sure every exit is the right size for the for the uh occupancy of the park. Every detail is looked at. And uh the folks in emergency management will say we're in the what if business. You know, what if there's lightning? What if there's rain? What if there's uh too many people? What if the heat index is high? Well, all that happened, and we were able to manage it very successfully.

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