The Administration recommends that this be submitted for consideration through the FY 2024 budget process.  As this is not budgeted in FY 2023, a budget amendment will have to return to the Commission for approval.

At the March 23, 2023 Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee meeting, members unanimously supported the development and implementation of a Safe Space program for LGBTQIA+ Miami Beach Youth. At the February 1, 2023, Commission meeting, Commissioner Alex Fernandez referred to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee support in the identification of a safe space in Miami Beach for LGBTQIA+ Youth.

The Miami Beach Youth Commission made a motion at their December 14, 2022 meeting as follows:

The Youth Commission requests the Mayor and Commission support the identification of a safe space in the City of Miami Beach for LGBTQ+ youth to be able to speak openly about issues of concern and participate in monthly information sessions where guest speakers provide useful information to positively impact their lives.

Staff met with the Youth Commission at their February 28, 2023 meeting to determine venue preference, meeting dates and times, and topics of discussion. A grant to cover programming for this Safe Space LGBTQIA+ youth program in Miami Beach is an option. 

Staff from the Office of Education and Performance Initiatives and the Miami Beach Police Department met to discuss the feasibility of using the Police Department Community Room (1st Floor) as a safe space for Miami Beach teens to gather.  Following multiple conversations, it was determined that an alternate option was preferred.   

Dr. Leslie Rosenfeld met with members of Pridelines to review opportunities for partnership to support Miami Beach youth. Pridelines is a grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to provide safe space, social support, skills building, leadership development and referrals to mental health, health care and support services for LGBTQ youth and their straight allies throughout South Florida.

Currently, Pridelines @ The LGBTQ Visitor Center located at 1130 Washington Avenue may be an option for a safe space and to expand youth programming on Miami Beach. A potential partnership with Pridelines would include, but not be limited to, the below programs:

- Rainbow Circle - A peer-led LGBTQ support and discussion group.  Topics covered often include coming out, relationships, bullying, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, depression and self-esteem.  Youth are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings without fear in a safe and supportive environment

- Beyond the Binary - A peer led group for transgender and gender non-conforming youth, and is one of a few programs serving transgender youth in Miami-Dade County

- Social Fridays - Fun social activities with friends that include game nights, movie nights, and art projects

The attached proposal from Pridelines includes additional details as to programming options for consideration to support a Safe Space for Miami Beach LGBTQIA+ youth and families.

This new program would have an annual recurring budget impact of $50,000.

49% of residents are satisfied or very satisfied with public schools in Miami Beach

42% of LGBTQIA+ young people seriously contemplate suicide each year

Trevor Project noted increase in calls from Florida youths in 2022-23

FY 2023:   $50,000

FY 2024:   $50,000 per year annually