Marian Del Vecchio, a political cartoonist and long-time Miami Beach activist, passed away on June 15, 2019.
At the June 26, 2019 Presentation and Awards Commission meeting, a discussion regarding a commemorative plaque in remembrance of Marian Del Vecchio was referred to the Neighborhood/Community Affairs Committee (“NCAC”), co-sponsored by all members of the Commission.
On July 23, 2019, the NCAC moved this item to City Commission with favorable recommendation.
Originally from the former nation of Czechoslovakia, Marian Del Vecchio migrated to England in 1938, only later to flee the London Blitz to Brazil and then settle in New York.
Her cartoons were regularly featured under the section “A Different View” for the Miami Herald, from 2000 to 2005. Her drawings were also featured at a recent exhibit by the Miami Design Preservation League at the Art Deco Museum.
In recognition of her civic contributions (Exhibit A) the proposed location for the plaque is the beach walk extension between 3rd and 5th street, adjacent to Marjory Stoneman Douglas Ocean Beach Park. The proposed verbiage for the plaque will read, “In memory of Marian Del Vecchio (1935-2019)” and the estimated cost of design, fabrication, and installation of the 6x12 inch stainless steel plaque is $1000.00.
Pursuant to Section 82-504 of the City Code concerning monuments and memorials, the City Commission is required to hold a public hearing prior to final approval of the commemorative plaque.