Friday, September 18, 2026 · Independent Miami Beach journalism
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Commissioner David Suarez is leading an effort to slash elected officials' personal benefits as the city grapples with budget constraints and unfunded infrastructure priorities heading into fiscal year 2026.
After years of controversy and $2.6 million in redesign costs, Miami Beach commissioners will finally decide where to build the long-delayed Fire Station No. 1 replacement, with only one viable private partnership emerging from a citywide search for alternatives.
The Miami Beach City Commission is set to vote on a resolution that would dramatically reshape city-sponsored senior events, imposing strict attendance limits and discouraging political campaigning at gatherings that have traditionally served as informal community forums for the city's aging population.
The Miami Beach City Commission will consider a resolution urging cultural and nonprofit organizations to seek alternative funding sources due to potential budget constraints for fiscal year 2026 and beyond. The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Alex Fernandez, acknowledges the valuable contributions of these organizations while preparing them for possible reductions in city support.
The Miami Beach City Commission will consider a resolution denouncing what officials call "false, misleading, and unsubstantiated public statements" made by State Representative Fabián Basabe against the city and its commissioners. The resolution, sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner and Commissioners Tanya K. Bhatt, Laura Dominguez and Alex Fernandez, is scheduled for discussion at the Dec. 17 commission meeting.
The Miami Beach City Commission will consider approving a five-year concession agreement with Water Taxi of Miami Beach, LLC to operate water taxi service connecting Miami Beach and Miami. The proposal, sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner and Commissioner Laura Dominguez, includes retroactive approval of a memorandum of understanding for water taxi service during Art Week 2025.
The North Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is proposing to dramatically expand its residential property improvement program boundaries after the initiative failed to generate expected participation in its original, more limited scope—raising questions about program design and community outreach effectiveness.
The Miami Beach City Commission will consider a first reading of an ordinance Tuesday that would prohibit unauthorized tampering with political campaign signs. The measure, sponsored by Commissioner Laura Dominguez, aims to protect political expression while maintaining election integrity.
Commissioner Laura Dominguez is spearheading new legislation that would fundamentally change how Miami Beach's elected officials present information at public meetings, requiring all presentation materials to be submitted four business days in advance—a move that supporters say will enhance government transparency but could face resistance from commissioners concerned about operational flexibility.
The Miami Beach City Commission is set to consider the ninth amendment to its fiscal year 2025 budget during a public hearing on Nov. 20, addressing a projected $28 million General Fund surplus and necessary adjustments across multiple city departments.
The Miami Beach City Commission approved the appointment of William MacDonald as Parking Director on February 26, 2025. MacDonald brings over 13 years of executive experience, including leadership at the University of Florida and Denver International Airport. A UCF graduate and Certified Administrator of Public Parking, he will oversee citywide parking operations, enforcement, and mobility initiatives as Miami Beach advances its transportation modernization efforts.
The Miami Beach City Commission approved the appointment of Steven Anthony as Economic Development Director on March 19, 2025. Anthony brings over 18 years of experience in banking, finance, and economic development, including leading Kansas City’s Economic Development Corp, where he helped attract Meta and Google, creating 5,000 jobs and $3 billion in investment. A Georgetown MRE graduate, he will guide business growth and investment in Miami Beach.