1. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, in the approximate amount of $1.3 Million for diving and SCBA equipment.
The primary goal of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. Since 2001, AFG has helped firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources necessary for protecting the public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards.
The City administration is applying for grant funding in the approximate amount of $1.3 Million for dive rescue equipment and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) equipment that can assist the Miami Beach Fire Department and Ocean Rescue Division in saving lives while performing faster, safer, and more advanced rescue operations. Matching funds in the approximate amount of $130,000 are available from account numbers 011-1210-000312-19-401-598-00-00-00- and 011-1210-000343-19-401-598-00-00-00-.
2. Florida Department of Transportation, Highway Traffic Safety Subgrant Program, in the approximate amount of $300,000 for overtime traffic enforcement.
Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) primary statutory responsibility is to coordinate the planning and development of a safe, viable, and balanced state transportation system. FDOT is committed to driving down fatalities and serious injuries on streets and highways. As such, FDOT has subgrant funding programs to achieve these goals. The Administration is applying to four grants with a total request of $300,000, each described below:
Speed and Aggressive Driving
Speed and aggressive driving are especially dangerous in Miami Beach due to the heavy volume of pedestrian traffic. The Police Department is looking to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries by implementing enforcement campaigns targeting speed and aggressive driving infractions. The City’s Police Department will utilize resources to conduct high-visibility, zero-tolerance enforcement operations at locations identified as “High Risk Areas” which have a high frequency of traffic crashes and/or fatalities to supplement existing traffic operations. The primary focus for operations will be to identify the violators of speed and aggressive driving laws. The City administration is requesting $75,000 in grant funds for overtime for traffic enforcement. No match is required for this grant.
Occupant Protection
The Police Department conducted 5,008 traffic crash investigations in 2021. Approximately 96.7% of those investigation revealed that a restraint system was used, which puts our city over the national average. This is a direct result of efforts to increase the usage of safety belts which save lives. The Police Department will implement a comprehensive occupant protection program consisting of high visibility enforcement, community outreach and education. The City administration is requesting $75,000 in grant funds for overtime traffic enforcement. No match is required for this grant.
Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle related fatalities remain a concern in the State of Florida. According to the Ride Smart Florida website, Florida has seen an increase in motorcycle fatalities over the years. With grant funding, the Police Department will conduct High Visibility Enforcement-style details specifically targeting motorcycle and motor scooter violations. The City administration is requesting $75,000 in grant funds for overtime traffic enforcement. No match is required for this grant.
Impaired Driving - $75,000
Miami Beach has a significant number of high impact events and holiday weekends, and there are many establishments serving alcohol. Managing incidents with impaired driving and related hit-and-run accidents is a challenge. To combat this, the City’s Police Department is acquiring a mobile DUI/BAT vehicle that will enable traffic unit officers to operate mobile checkpoints as well as have impaired motorist booking areas, testing equipment and more. Grant funding will help the Police Department conduct this and other impaired driving enforcement detail. The City administration is requesting $75,000 in grant funds for overtime traffic enforcement. No match is required for this grant.
3. Bloomberg Philanthropies, Public Art Challenge, in the approximate amount of $1 Million for a Patchworks Public Art installation in Collins Park.
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge encourages mayors to partner with artists, elevating the value of including the creative sector when developing solutions to significant urban issues. The program supports temporary public art projects that celebrate creativity, enhance urban identity, encourage public-private collaborations, and strengthen local economies.
The City administration is applying for grant funding in the approximate amount of $1 Million for Patchworks, a temporary public art installation in Collins Park. The project will be developed and marketed in partnership with the Bass Museum. No cash match is required for this grant.
4. Florida Inland Navigation District, Waterways Assistance Program, in the approximate amount of $94,000 for the Marine Patrol Dock design.
The Waterway Assistance Program is a grant program established by the Florida Legislature and the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND) for the purpose of financially cooperating with local governments to increase public access associated with the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway and associated waterways within the District. The program is authorized by Section 374.976, Florida Statutes, and is administered under the provisions of Chapter 66B-2, Florida Administrative Code.
The City administration is applying for grant funding in the approximate amount of $94,000 for the Marine Patrol Dock design. The Marine Patrol Dock is located behind the Marine Patrol Facility within Maurice Gibb Park. The dock, which Marine Patrol personnel uses to deploy boats and equipment that protect and patrol the waterways, is in need of renovation or replacement. Matching funds in the approximate amount of $94,000 is subject to be funded in a future capital budget process.
To submit the application, FIND requires the City of Miami Beach to execute the FIND Resolution, attached as Exhibit 1 which indicates that:
A. the City will accept the terms and conditions set forth in the FIND Rule 66B-2 F.A.C. and which will be made part of the Project Agreement.
B. the City will carry out the project in the manner described in the proposal and any plans and specifications attached thereto unless prior approval for change has been received by the District;
C. the City has the ability and intention to finance its share of the project and that the project will be operated and maintained at the expense of the City;
D. the City will not discriminate against any person and will comply with the terms of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act;
E. the City will maintain adequate financial records; and
F. the City will make available to FIND, if requested a post audit of expenses
5. National Endowment for the Art, Grants for Arts Projects, in the approximate amount of $100,000 for No Vacancy.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is proud to support the nation’s arts sector with grant opportunities that can help everyone to live more artful lives. Grants for Arts Projects is NEA’s largest grants program for organizations, providing comprehensive and expansive funding opportunities for communities. Through project-based funding, the program supports opportunities for public engagement with the arts and arts education, for the integration of the arts with strategies promoting the health and well-being of people and communities, and for the improvement of overall capacity and capabilities within the arts sector.
The City administration is applying for grant funding in the approximate amount of $100,000 for No Vacancy programming. No Vacancy is a juried art competition that supports and celebrates local artists, provokes critical discourse, and encourages the public to experience Miami Beach’s famed hotels as temporary art destinations. Matching funds in the approximate amount of $100,000 are available from account number 160-4300-000349-00-406-555-00-00-00-.