Similar to the City's successful planning efforts for past Memorial Day Weekends, the City has prepared for the upcoming Memorial Day 2018 Holiday Weekend (Thursday, May 24, 2018 - Tuesday, May 29, 2018). Irrespective of any events and based upon early occupancy, it is anticipated that the number of visitors and tourists during the holiday weekend will significantly strain City resources. The City Management Team as well as various City departments, including Parking, Code Compliance, Public Works, Sanitation, Tourism, Culture and Economic Development, Fire/Rescue and the Police Depart will work throughout the weekend during various shifts, providing executive level support and oversight.
This year, the City will host a number of events including The National Salute to America's Heroes Air & Sea Show and concert, with a large footprint on the beach and on Ocean Drive. In addition, as curated by the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Memorial Day Weekend, the City will host a number of smaller cultural and entertainment events, including, but not limited to, a basketball game, gospel choir performance, and movie screening.
Historically, the City has played host to more than 100,000 Memorial Day guests, visitors, and spectators on Miami Beach over the holiday weekend. As a result, enhanced and increased staffing is put in place across departments to ensure resident and visitor safety and protect quality of life issues. Essential City employees work in excess of 12 hours each day throughout the weekend.
Several local hotels have offered to donate standard hotel rooms to help reduce travel time and keep essential City employees rested during the weekend.
The following 16 hotel rooms have been donated:
- The Loews Miami Beach Hotel: 5 rooms
- The Royal Palm South Beach Miami: 3 rooms
- Shelbourne South Beach: 2 rooms
- W South Beach: 1 room
- The Sagamore: 1 room
- South Beach Group Hotels: 2 rooms
- The Betsy: 1 room
- The Marriott: 1 room
These donations are being provided to the City for official business associated with efforts for Memorial Day Weekend. It is recommended that these donations be made to the City instead of individuals. As a result, the donations must be approved by the City Commission. The allocation of rooms will be centralized.