Section 1: Instituting reasonable time limitations for the playing of musical instruments at South Pointe Park (Parks & Recreation Department)
Committee discussion on instituting reasonable time limitations for the playing of musical instruments at South Pointe Park.
Since the passing of Resolution No. 2010-27375 (Exhibit B) on April 14, 2020, the Parks and Recreation Department has been using this resolution as a guideline in its operation of South Pointe Park. The resolution provides for live entertainment or amplified sound within the park only for City-produced special events and activities.
Any recommendations made by the Committee and adopted by the City Commission may warrant an amendment to the City Code and/or repeal of Resolution No. 2010-27375.
Sections 2 & 3: Revising the current lottery system for street performers & Streamlining the current street performer permit application process (Finance Department)
In most of the City of Miami Beach, playing live music in public can occur freely without a permit. To address public safety concerns from the proliferation of performers and frequent complaints regarding gridlock on sidewalks and other city right of ways in South Beach, the City established a Street Performer’s Program in 2007 via Section 18 Article XV of the City Code.
The Street Performer’s Program established 16 designated street performer zones in the heart of South Beach. These 16 locations are located on Lincoln Road, Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive, where the City experiences the largest footfall of local and tourist traffic. The City currently hosts four quarterly lotteries for street performers wishing to participate in the program for the 16 locations.
Representatives from the Finance Department, Tourism and Culture, Parks and Recreation, and Code Compliance have held several meetings, including meetings with musician and street performer advocate Michael Cantalupo, to discuss activities South Pointe Park, as well as, the current permitting process.
This Committee recommended approval of a four-month pilot program that added four locations, at Soundscape Park, to the current 16 locations available for street performance in South Beach, for a total of 20 dedicated locations for street performance. The proposed framework permitted any current participant in the City’s Street Performer Lottery Program to occupy one of four locations at Soundscape Park, on a first-come and first-serve basis, Sundays between the hours of 5pm to 8pm. This program has been active since March 5th, 2023.
The Customer Service Center has already streamlined the lottery and permitting process for street performers by:
· Permits are now valid for one full year versus four quarterly lottery applications.
· Permits are valid one year, from the date of issuance.
· Permits are valid in “all 16 zones” on a first come first serve basis, versus designated quarterly locations.
· Lottery no longer necessary.
· Addition of the new four street performer spots located in Soundscape Park.