Similar to the prior seventeen (17) years, the Ocean Drive Association (ODA) approached the City to request participation and sponsorship of a free fireworks show on the beach east of Lummus Park at midnight on New Year’s Eve.  The City has partnered with Ocean Drive Association to share in the expenses related to the closure and fireworks for New Year’s Eve, which has ranged from two (2) days to four (4) days depending on if the holiday occurs on a weekend or weekday.

New Year’s Eve occurs on a Monday this year and early indication is that hotel occupancy will be very strong as many visitors will take advantage of the long holiday weekend. Therefore, the Ocean Drive Association has requested the closure of Ocean Drive to vehicular traffic from 5 to 14 Streets, beginning the morning of Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 7:00 a.m., reopening on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 7:00 a.m. Of the sanitation and sand-sifting costs and resources specifically directed towards the Ocean Drive road closure and fireworks, the City has agreed to share in 47% of the costs to Ocean Drive Association’s 53% of the costs for two days of closure.

In addition to closing Ocean Drive, approved sidewalk cafes participating in the Ocean Drive Association’s New Year’s Eve event will be allowed to expand their cafes onto the southbound lane of Ocean Drive, up to the midpoint yellow line.  Participating cafes are required to submit this alternate set of plans to Public Works for approval.  Café expansion uses may include food and bar service, but may not include entertainment elements. The Ocean Drive Association has requested participating cafes be allowed to sell liquor within their café areas beyond the 2:00 a.m. required cut-off and be provided an extension of 7:00 a.m. for those which have a 5:00 a.m. liquor license on Monday, January 1, 2019 only. 

The estimated costs for this year’s fireworks and closure are as follows:

Additionally, many Miami Beach nightclubs and hotels host special New Year’s Eve events.  The City works with the area hotels and nightclubs to ensure that resources and security were appropriately allocated for the weekend.

NEW YEAR’S EVE ENHANCED STAFFING

Enhanced staffing levels for Police, Fire, Parking, Sanitation and Code Compliance are provided during the New Year’s Eve weekend in the entertainment district.  The Police Department has significant enhanced staffing throughout the weekend on foot patrols, bicycle patrols and ATV patrols throughout the Entertainment District, as well as undercover Crime Suppression Team officers.  The Police Department also conducts DUI Saturation Patrols throughout the weekend.

The City will also continue enforcement of our current laws and regulations with respect to open containers and public consumption of alcoholic beverages, in order to ensure that residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable experience in Miami Beach.  A letter will be sent to businesses reminding them of the City’s laws and asking for their assistance in curbing public consumption of alcohol.  The City’s goal is to work in partnership with our businesses to curtail the public consumption of alcoholic beverages throughout our city, which sometimes results in negative and unwanted behavior. Various collateral materials have been developed by the City and have been offered to businesses (free of charge) to help in educating the public about our laws.

Traffic & Parking Restrictions

• Ocean Drive (5 to 14 streets) will be restricted to pedestrians only (no vehicles) from Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 7:00 a.m. through Tuesday, January 1, 2019 at 7:00 a.m. in anticipation of large crowds during the holiday.

   

  Parking

• All municipally operated parking facilities will be open. Special event flat rates ($15 - $20) apply at most garages.

• The following lots will have extended hours until 4:00 a.m. on December 31/January 1: 46 Street, South Pointe Park.  Special event flat rate ($20) will apply.   

• Residential parking zones citywide will be enforced.

• Valet operations normally on Ocean Drive were relocated to Collins Avenue.

   

  Extended Hours

• Nightclubs have been provided notice that service of alcohol for establishments with 5:00 a.m. licenses will be extended until 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

The City’s expenses associated with New Year’s Eve are funded from Resort Tax Collections. The contribution from the Ocean Drive Association will be appropriated in the next FY 2018/19 budget amendment.