3/16/2025 SoBe West Community Meeting - Summary Notes
SOBE WEST NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING SUMMARY
The SoBe West Neighborhood Association held a meeting on March 16, 2026, at The Waverly to discuss community issues and receive updates from city and county officials including Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, Miami Beach City Commissioners David Suarez and Joe Magazine, Miami Beach Police Department Local Community Affairs Officer Liz Rodriguez, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez.
SoBe West Board President Tim Carr welcomed attendees and recognized local business Temple Restaurant and Bar, which provided refreshments. Carr highlighted the association's ongoing election process and praised MBPD community affairs officer Rodriguez and her team for their efforts in addressing homeless issues in the community, including securing the Bikini Hostel and implementing measures to prevent trespassing at Bentley Bay.
Miami Beach Transformation Success
MB Mayor Meiner highlighted the significant improvements in Miami Beach's safety and economy, noting a 60% decrease in homeless numbers since 2019 and record-breaking resort tax numbers. He emphasized ongoing efforts to enforce laws against modified mufflers and illegal boats. MB City Commissioner Suarez discussed the transformation of South Beach into a fitness and wellness hub. He thanked the mayor and colleagues for their efforts to replace the previous chaotic spring break atmosphere by passing an ordinance enabling organized events like the Miami Marathon, Lifetime 305, Wodapalooza, ATHX Invitational, Legendz HYROX, and Model Volleyball Tournament.
Boat Anchoring Law Success
MB City Commissioner Suarez highlighted the success of a new law stating boaters in counties with populations of 1.5 million or more - including Miami-Dade and Broward - can no longer anchor overnight in the same location for more than 30 days within a six-month period, which has helped improve water quality and wildlife in Miami Beach. MB City Commissioner Suarez credited Miami-Dade County Commissioner Lopez for her support in passing the law and expressed hope for expanding it county-wide. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to enforce the law and address remaining issues.
Sports Event Series Planning Discussion
Kevin Krueger, a local resident, realtor, and board member of the MB Chamber of Commerce, presented his idea to build on the new health/wellness programming. The concept of "Miami Beach Games" would be a rebranding of the Month of March events, envisioning a 3-week professional and amateur sports tournament featuring Olympic-style competitions, including a half marathon, kayaking, paddleboarding, and open water swimming. He highlighted the potential for sports tourism, public safety, and economic benefits, while emphasizing the need to compete with other major sports and entertainment venues in the region. He is presenting this multi-sport tournament proposal to the MB tourism department and commissioners at the end of the month and will be seeking community input via meetings like SoBe West.
VFW Post Community Events Update
USMC Veteran Alex Kruger Dobrota, Membership & Program Chair for Miami Beach VFW Post 3559, introduced the Miami Beach VFW post 3559 located at the Floridian, highlighting its history and upcoming events such as Bingo night, Dollar Oyster Fridays, and a mini-Renaissance fair fundraiser. To learn more, visit Www.vfw3559.org.
Pedestrian Bridge Design Update
Tim Carr discussed the city’s challenges with the pedestrian bridge project, noting that construction has been delayed because underground FPL power lines must be relocated for the southern portion of the support structure to be completed. Feedback from the city indicates the current design may not be implementable as proposed.
In keeping with SoBe West’s mission to improve the quality of life for residents and local businesses, board leadership has been actively engaged with city officials to understand the obstacles and propose alternative solutions that ultimately hold stakeholders accountable for promises made ensuring the completion of a continuous, scenic pedestrian pathway along the Biscayne Bay side (west) of Miami Beach.
Facing the possibility an alternative design will be required to achieve the objective, SoBe West invited the community to provide their input. Attendees were asked to show their support for the following options: 1) Explore an over-the-water design like what is proposed for the Miami side of the Macarthur Causeway; or 2) do nothing – meaning the bay walk would not be contiguous. Most attendees supported the exploration of an over-the-water option, preferring connectivity over doing nothing.
SoBe West Board Member Vote
Bob Primavera from the SoBe West Nominating Committee presented the slate prospective SoBe West board members to the members in attendance. He explained the rigorous procedure used to enlist good candidates. The process included applying via our website with an application and resume. Each candidate was also interviewed, and the Board reviewed all the applicants, checked references and other community leaders for feedback on each candidate.
Bob presented the slate to the community and each candidate stood up and was acknowledged. A motion was made by Eric Marshall (and seconded) to accept the slate presented. A vote followed and the group overwhelmingly affirmed the slate with a show of hands. Please join us in congratulating the 2026 SoBe West Board Members elected at the meeting: Tim Carr, Nancy Haney Duke, Stephan Ginez, Tom Hawkins, Valerie Navarrete, Jay Newman, Bob Primavera, and Flavio Rausei. Click here to learn more about them.
County Commissioner's Legislative Challenges
Tim Carr then introduced Miami Dade County Commissioner Vicki Lopez, who was appointed to fill the vacant Miami-Dade County Commission seat previously held by Eileen Higgins, who was elected Mayor of Miami in November 2025. She discussed her efforts to pass an anchoring limitations bill and highlighted her commitment to representing Miami Beach and working collaboratively with city commissioners and the mayor, while also addressing issues such as homelessness and micro-mobility devices.
West Avenue Safety Improvements
MB City Commissioner Magazine addressed safety concerns on West Avenue, particularly regarding pedestrian crossings and traffic behavior. He discussed plans for installing flashing stop signs, elevated crosswalks, and improved road design to reduce speeding and accidents. Magazine emphasized his commitment to enhancing safety, citing personal experience and the need for sustainable, long-term solutions. He also mentioned working with County Commissioner Lopez and the importance of navigating bureaucratic processes to implement changes.
E-Bike Safety and Transportation Solutions
County Commissioner Lopez discussed the proliferation of e-bikes and electric scooters on Miami Beach's streets, highlighting safety concerns and the need for legislation. She mentioned recently passed legislation creating a task force to study the issue statewide and expressed hope for recommendations for new legislation. County Commissioner Lopez also addressed transportation challenges in Miami Beach, including traffic congestion and the need for improved access to the island. She suggested exploring cost-effective solutions like utilizing the existing bus system and considering a ferry service, while acknowledging the financial feasibility concerns of some proposed projects.
Miami-Dade Budget and Preservation Challenges
County Commissioner Lopez discussed the challenges of budgeting for Miami-Dade County, highlighting potential decreases in property tax revenues and the need to address infrastructure issues. She expressed concerns about the county's financial situation and the impact on cities, emphasizing the importance of making tough decisions.
Local Threats and Sustainability Solutions
County Commissioner Lopez discussed ongoing efforts to address local threats and meet with commissioners and the mayor to develop solutions.
Finally, SoBe West Board member Stephan Ginez highlighted a tree relocation program to address the removal of healthy oak trees during construction projects, emphasizing the importance of green spaces and sustainability. She encouraged attendees to serve on county boards and subscribe to the community newsletter for updates.
Thank you to Temple Bar for Providing Food and Beverages at the Meeting
The SoBe West Board of Directors wants to extend its appreciation to the owners of Temple South Beach for providing food and beverages. This lively Argentine-inspired craft brewery and gastropub is located at 900 Alton Road and offers a casual spot for cocktails, beer, and hearty bites like milanesas and burgers. Operating daily from 4 PM to 2 AM, it features a 4–8 PM happy hour, DJ sets, and a social, industrial-chic atmosphere designed for groups and late-night drinks. Restaurant and Bar for providing complimentary food and beverages. Please support local businesses like Temple and thank them for their generosity.