Officials Plan “Reimagined” South Beach with More Culture, Less Party

South Beach could soon be getting a makeover, and not in the architectural or cosmetic sense.

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber announced Wednesday that he plans to replace the famous entertainment district with an “Art Deco Cultural District,” where alcohol sales would stop at midnight at most places, in order to reduce crime and other issues.

“The current entertainment district has become too difficult and costly to police and, equally important, too inconsistent with our brand. And it’s too special and iconic a place to be so badly underperforming,” Gelber said.

The mayor talked through his vision during an eight-minute YouTube video in which he noted that the city’s commission plans to further discuss the plans next week.

Gelber explained that the entertainment district has become “a victim of its success” and grown to resemble “a beachfront Bourbon Street,” where visitors act in ways they never would at home.

With that in mind, Gelber’s proposal calls for alcohol sales to be cut off at midnight.

However, certain businesses would be allowed to apply for conditional permission to extend that deadline, if they meet certain requirements.

In the video, the mayor goes on to say, “This is precisely the right time. We cannot continue to kick this can down the road. When we emerge from this pandemic — and we will emerge — we should have a different kind of South Beach. A better one. Just as vibrant and iconic, but also cultural and safe. A South Beach for everyone.”

See more details on the mayor’s proposal below:

Miami Beach implemented an 8 p.m. curfew last weekend for parts of its entertainment district, in an effort to prevent gatherings that could increase the spread of COVID-19.

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By Beth Stibal | July 22, 2020