Approve by 5/7th vote, and following a duly noticed public hearing, the naming of the Flamingo Park basketball courts pursuant to Section 82-503(b) of the City Code, in memory of Arnold Notkin, a former physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now Miami Beach Fienberg-Fisher k-8), long-time coach at Flamingo Park, and former President of the Police Athletic League, who perished in the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021. 

At the February 22, 2023 City Commission meeting, a discussion pursuant to section 82-504 of the City Code, was referred to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee ("PSNQLC"),for a recommendation on the naming of a facility or other portion of Flamingo Park to commemorate Mr. Arnold Notkin, a former physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now Miami Beach Fienberg Fisher K-8), long-time coach at Flamingo Park, and former President of the Police Athletic League, who perished in the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021.

At the April 18, 2023 PSNQLC meeting, the three Committee members recommended naming the basketball courts at Flamingo Park in honor of Mr. Arnold Notkin, as well as placing a plaque at the basketball courts in memory of Mr. Notkin.

The approval process for naming the Flamingo Park basketball courts pursuant to Section 82-503(a)(5) of the City Code, and for establishing requires the City Commission to hold a public hearing, with notice of the public hearing to be published at least ten days prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the City.

On May 17, 2023, the Mayor and the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2023-32602 was passed accepting the recommendation of the PSNQLC at its April 28, 2023 for the naming of the basketball courts at Flamingo Park to commemorate Mr. Arnold Notkin, a former physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now Miami Beach Fienberg Fisher K-8), long-time coach at Flamingo Park, and former President of the Police Athletic League, who perished in the tragic collapse of Champlain Towers on June 24, 2021; and setting a public hearing for June 28, 2023, pursuant to Section 82-503 of the City Code, to consider whether to approve the proposed name by a 5/7ths vote; and directing the City Clerk to provide public notice of the hearing consistent with the requirements of Section 82-503(a)(5).

Mr. Arnold Notkin, known by many as “Arnie,” was a Parks and Recreation coach in the 1960s and 1970s, working primarily out of Flamingo Park, in addition to other sites such as Crespi Park and Tatum Park. He also worked as a physical education teacher at Central Beach Elementary School (now the Miami Beach Fienberg Fisher K-8) for approximately 40 years, and his mentorship impacted youth in Miami Beach communities throughout that time. Mr. Notkin was the former President of the local Police Athletic League and he did a great amount of volunteer work. He was beloved by the countless students and children he impacted over many years.

Family and friends would like to honor Mr. Notkin by naming the basketball courts at Flamingo Park after him, which was an area where he spent years coaching participants in Miami Beach Parks and Recreation programs. The Parks and Recreation Department has been in contact with Mr. Notkin’s family and has prepared a design (Exhibit B).

The total cost for the plaque is $1,495.02.

The Parks and Recreation Department will be covering the costs through its current budget.

The total cost for the plaque is $1,495.02.

Estimated at $1,495.02

Account: 011-0950-000349-28-406-545-00-00-00-