Item Coversheet

New Business and Commission Requests - R9  AM




COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

TO:Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission 
FROM:Rickelle Williams, Interim City Manager 
DATE:May  15, 2024
 



SUBJECT:DISCUSS POTENTIALLY EXTENDING BEACH HOURS FOR MONTHLY NORTH BEACH FULL MOON DRUM CIRCLE.

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration is supportive of the proposal and recommends the Mayor and City Commission discuss the item and provide a policy recommendation.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

At the December 13, 2023 City Commission Meeting, at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC”) to discuss potentially extending beach hours for the monthly North Beach Full Moon Drum Circle (“Drum Circle”). Currently, the monthly Drum Circle must end at 10:00 PM when the beach closes pursuant to regular beach hours. Commissioner Fernandez would like to discuss the viability of extending the beach hours on the evening of the Drum Circle event each month until 11:00 PM to allow the group a longer period for their popular event when such activities occur on weekends.

The item was heard at the April 17, 2024 PSNQLC meeting and concluded with a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Commission to extend the event hours and to exclude weekends during turtle nesting season while having other enforcement measures for lighting and sea turtle conservation in place.

ANALYSIS

The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) has a longstanding history of securing the Drum Circle event for over a decade with minimal issues reported throughout the years. Based on the Police Department's experience in managing this event, it is anticipated that extending beach hours until 11:00 PM on the evening of the Drum Circle event (when such activities occur on weekends outside of turtle nesting season) would not significantly impact the Department's operational capabilities nor compromise public safety.

 

Additionally, it is important to note that MBPD currently staffs the Drum Circle event on an overtime basis, not only on the day of the full moon but also on the preceding day as well. Extending beach hours until 11:00 PM would influence the Department's operational timetable on weekend evenings, particularly Fridays and Saturdays. Considering that this change would only apply to these weekend nights for the remainder of the year (October – December 2024), it represents a minimal adjustment with only two (2) weekends outside of turtle nesting season in 2024. This underscores the manageable nature of the proposed extension and its limited impact on Department resources. 

 

LOBBYIST DISCLOSURE
In accordance with Resolution No. 2023-32857, adopted by the City Commission on December 13, 2023, the following information has been provided by the primary item sponsor as it relates to the subject ordinance amendment:

 

1. Was the Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

 

2. If so, specify name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Not Applicable

SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA

N/A

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The approximate fiscal impact is anticipated to be an additional $1,640 per occurrence.

CONCLUSION

The Administration supports the proposal to extend beach hours for the North Beach Full Moon Drum Circle event until 11:00 PM when such activities occur on weekends outside of turtle nesting season. This adjustment could contribute positively to the community's enjoyment of the event while maintaining high standards of safety and security while protecting sea turtle nests.

Applicable Area

North Beach
Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds?
No No 

Strategic Connection

Neighborhoods - Prevent and solve crime for residents and visitors.
Legislative Tracking
Police
Sponsor
Commissioners Alex Fernandez, Joseph Magazine, and Tanya K. Bhatt

ATTACHMENTS:
Description
C4 J - Full Moon NB Beach Hours - December 13, 2023
C4 J - Full Moon NB Beach Hours - December 13, 2023 amendment