At the May 15, 2024 City Commission meeting, the Mayor and City Commission (“City Commission”) approved a referral item (C4 P), sponsored by Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt and co-sponsored by Commissioners David Suarez and Joseph Magazine, to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC” or “Committee”) to discuss outreach and parking plans for the City’s cultural institutions and certain business corridors for future spring break periods.

On February 21, 2024, the City Commission directed the City Administration (“Administration”) to impose high-impact restricted parking measures during Spring Break 2024.

The following high-impact measures were implemented every Thursday through Sunday in March 2024, excluding the weekends of March 7 to March 10 and March 14 to March 17:

•  A flat parking rate of $30 was in effect at city parking garages and surface lots in the Entertainment District, including the garages at 7 Street and Collins Avenue (G1), 12 Street and Washington Avenue (G2), 13 Street and Collins Avenue (G3), 16 Street between Collins and Washington avenues (G4), 17 Street and Convention Center Drive (G5), 18 Street and Meridian Avenue (G7), Pennsylvania Avenue and Lincoln Lane North (G9), 18 Street and Bay Road (G10), and 23 Street and Liberty Avenue (G12). Note the flat parking rate did not apply to residents, access card holders, permit holders or area employees with proper identification.

• The non-resident towing rate was $516 — double the normal rate — plus a $30 administrative fee for vehicles towed in South Beach within the boundaries of 23 Street and Dade Boulevard on the north (including properties fronting the north side of 23 Street or Dade Boulevard), Government Cut on the south, Biscayne Bay on the west, and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.

From March 7 to March 10 and from March 14 to March 17, the following high-impact measures were implemented:

• Parking garages in South Beach were closed beginning on Thursdays at 6 a.m. through Mondays at 6 a.m., including: 7 Street and Collins Avenue (G1), 12 Street and Washington Avenue (G2), 13 Street and Collins Avenue (G3), 16 Street between Collins and Washington avenues (G4), 17 Street and Convention Center Drive (G5), 18 Street and Meridian Avenue (G7), Pennsylvania Avenue and Lincoln Lane North (G9), 18 Street and Bay Road (G10) and 23 Street and Liberty Avenue (G12).

• A $100 flat fee parking rate was in effect for the 42 Street garage between Royal Palm and Sheridan avenues (G6).

• All surface lots, south of 42 Street were closed beginning on Thursdays at 6 a.m. through Mondays at 6 a.m.

From March 21 to March 24, City-owned garages in the Entertainment District closed at 6 p.m.

Note the above parking garage restrictions and flat parking rates did not apply to residents, access card holders, permit holders or area employees with proper identification.

The following initiatives were taken to inform and mitigate the impact of the parking measures with some initiatives occurring prior to the February 21, 2024 Commission direction to implement additional parking measures.

• Initial business outreach began very early in October 2023 with a letter to all South Beach businesses holding a valid Business Tax Receipt (“BTR”). The letter informed business owners of a potential curfew and other anticipated spring break-related impacts.

• A series of public outreach meetings were conducted in February, including a business information webinar conducted on February 8, 2024.

• In an effort to further inform and educate the South Beach business community about what to expect during Spring Break 2024, the Administration deployed cross-departmental teams made up of Economic Development, Neighborhood Affairs, Code Compliance and Police staff to visit businesses in the Entertainment District along Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Washington Avenue. The purpose of these visits was to share helpful collateral and answer questions.

Following the City Commission’s directive on February 21, 2024, which introduced more stringent parking restrictions (including closures) during certain high-impact weekends in March 2024, some businesses claimed to be unaware of the full extent of the parking measures. The business community’s lack of awareness led to complaints with regard to the measures and the insufficient time provided to arrange alternative parking solutions for their employees and customers.

The Administration recognizes that the high-impact parking measures impacted many businesses as well as cultural institutions, particularly those with scheduled and/or ticketed events. Area businesses and customers with pre-scheduled appointments were also affected. In addition, some events had to be cancelled, such as the WALLCAST at SoundScape Park. In general, area businesses were affected since customers either found it inconvenient or opted not to visit during the times that the high-impact measures were in effect.

In an effort to accommodate the parking needs of event attendees, including patrons of the Miami Beach Convention Center, New World Center, and the Fillmore Miami Beach, the Parking Department allowed access to area garages during restricted times if customers provided event tickets, vouchers, or proof of attendance.

To enhance preparedness for Spring Break 2025, the Administration proposes to have a finalized strategy and proactive communication with all cultural institutions and businesses at least two (2) months prior to implementing plans. The Economic Development Department will spearhead business canvassing in commercial corridors during future Spring Break periods. The canvassing teams inform and educate businesses on how to plan for, navigate and mitigate any Spring Break impact. This approach will provide sufficient time for community feedback and engagement as the City completes and coordinates alternative parking strategies.

Furthermore, the Tourism and Culture Department will collaborate with City departments, including Economic Development, Marketing and Communications, and Parking to develop a cohesive message to share with the City’s Cultural Anchors, which include Friends of the Bass Museum; the Holocaust Memorial Committee; Jewish Museum of Florida – FIU; Living Arts Trust (O Cinema); Botanical Gardens; Miami City Ballet; Miami Design Preservation League; Miami New Drama; New World Symphony; O, Miami; Oolite Arts; The Rhythm Foundation; and the Wolfsonian - FIU.