Every day I am listening to you our residents to make Miami Beach more resident friendly. I achieve this by proactively engaging and responding to the concerns and suggestions raised by our residents, and by bringing forward creative legislative solutions for Commission approval to address our most pressing quality of life challenges.
There is no issue too large or too small. Initiatives I am actively working on include:
Prosecuting Crime
Police Presence and Enforcement
Reducing Excessive Noise
Homeless
Traffic
School Safety
Quality of Life Improvements
Resiliency and Flooding
Transparent and Open Government
Below is a deeper dive into the legislative proposals I am working on as we begin 2023.
Prosecuting Crime
Only 8% of the arrests made by our Miami Beach Police for municipal misdemeanor crimes were successfully prosecuted in 2021. To better protect our residents and visitors from becoming a crime victim, I proposed over ten legislative initiatives that our Commission passed to transform and expand the way Miami Beach prosecutes crime. This includes the creation of a pre-trial diversion program (rehabilitation) to eligible criminal offenders for counseling at no cost to our City.
Since May, Miami Beach has successfully prosecuted 93% of arrests for municipal misdemeanor crimes. Our Police and residents have told me that these successful prosecutions and accountability for committing crimes is having a positive impact on our streets. I am appreciative of the work of our prosecutors and the strong support of our Commission. Holding those accountable for committing crimes helps prevent crime.
Additional public safety legislation I am proposing:
Explore additional sentencing options for repeat criminal offenders Read More
Obtain grant funding for Miami Beach’s Municipal Prosecution Program Read More
Added Municipal Prosecution coverage on weekends and holidays Read More
Add additional misdemeanor crimes to our municipal prosecution coverage such as assault and petit theft Read More
Oppose bail bond reform proposed by the Miami-Dade Judiciary (Courts) to protect victims’ rights Read More
Advocate for Miami Beach municipal judges Read More
Police Presence and Enforcement
A visible police presence is a major deterrent to crime and provides a sense of safety for residents and visitors. I communicate with our City Manager and Police Chief every day and am working closely with our Police Department on the following:
Expand Civilian Volunteer Patrol (CVP) Program Read More
End street-level drug dealing on Miami Beach Read More
Enforce criminal conduct of dangerous biker and bicyclist groups Read More
Drone usage to provide law enforcement and fire department with rapid situational awareness Read More
Reducing Excessive Noise
The noise disturbances across Miami Beach, including vehicles with loud modified mufflers and blasting music, is a major nuisance negatively impacting our quality of life and enjoyment of our homes. I am working closely with our Police Department and Code Enforcement on a number of measures for more vigorous enforcement of our noise laws, including:
Implement noise meter and camera technology to enforce excessive vehicle noise Read More
Police enforcement of excessive vehicle noise from exhausts and music Read More
Address boat charter activity impacting the Miami Beach Marina Read More
Regulate excessive vessel noise near residential areas Read More
Proposing non-motorized boat zone surrounding Monument Island Read More
Regulate the excessive number of boats anchoring overnight on Biscayne Bay Read More
Homeless
Our City is increasing resources, outreach services, and employment opportunities for the homeless. We also need to increase proactive police enforcement to prevent homeless encampments, illegal loitering, and enforce against criminal activity. I am working on the following action items:
Provide alternatives to street homelessness including employment, support programs and enforcement Read More
Ensure that individuals with mental health issues who pose a harm to themselves and others are not immediately released back on our streets and neighborhoods Read More
Ensure accountability for the City’s investment in the Homeless Trust Read More
Reducing Traffic
Flow of traffic in many parts of our City is one of the biggest complaints I receive from residents. I have pushed back on unnecessary lane closures, particularly during rush hour when work can be completed overnight. I am also pushing for increased traffic enforcement to ensure the free flow of traffic and clearing of intersections. Below are some additional measures to ease our traffic nightmares:
Modifications to the 63rd Street bridge schedule to ease traffic Read More
Bold action to reduce the number of vehicles during major events such as Art Basel / Art Week Read More
Enforcement against commercial vehicles and delivery trucks obstructing streets and right-of-ways Read More
Improve Belle Isle right-of-way and traffic signals Read More
Add stop signs and speed bumps at dangerous intersections Read More
Add I-95 express lane connection with the Julia Tuttle Causeway Read More
School Safety
Ensuring the safety and education of our children in a healthy nurturing environment is paramount and it is why I along with our Commission have supported funding to help our children thrive. Below are additional safety measures I am working on in 2023:
Structural integrity, mold and roof issues at North Beach Elementary School Read More
Residents’ concerns near South Pointe Elementary School Read More
Fill staffing shortages for school crossing guards Read More
Police readiness to respond to potential active shooter and advance coordination with Miami-Dade Schools Police Read More
Quality of Life
I remain focused on the basics of what our residents expect from local government to improve our quality of life: safer neighborhoods, better lighting, and clean and quiet residential neighborhoods. I have brought numerous important initiatives and list below several recent accomplishments and upcoming legislative items:
Tree lighting enhancements in South Beach similar to my successful initiatives on 41st and 71st Streets Read More
Passed legislation requiring removal of graffiti within 48 hours instead of ten days Read More
Co-sponsoring improvements to permitting process Read More
41st Street Business Improvement District to improve the retail business district Read More
Incorporate artistic designs on sidewalk and bicycle lane barriers Read More
Incorporate art to public infrastructure Read More
Improve parking department’s efficiencies and service response time Read More
Improvements to the Special Magistrate (code violations) process Read More
Enhance public safety on the Beachwalk through police enforcement of rule violators and camera technology Read More
Miami Beach continues to strive towards implementing resiliency policies to manage flooding, including storm water management and water/sewer enhancements. A few of my current resiliency priorities:
Excessively high levels of bacteria in the Park View Island canal Read More
Transparent and Open Government
I continue to press for a more transparent and open government. Informed residents can better communicate their vision and priorities for Miami Beach which in turn leads to better decisions by our Commission. Transparency also creates a more equal playing field for everyone.
I previously brought a number of good governance initiatives such as requiring all City contracts and audits be publicly available and have consistently voted against contracts that lack a competitive bidding process. Most importantly, I took a firm stand voting in favor of an election to fill the recent Commission vacancy while voicing strong opposition to a direct Commission appointment View.
I continue with these new good governance measures:
Create interactive map of all planned commercial development Read More
Public access to all City Conditional Use Permits Read More
Database of arrest and prosecution statistical data Read More
I hope everyone enjoyed celebrating the Holiday and New Year. From my family to yours, wishing you a healthy and Happy 2023!
Please join me on Tuesday, January 31at 5:30 p.m. for my next Virtual Town Hall
If I can help in any way, or if you have any suggestions or concerns, please reach out to me. My cell phone is 786-810-8728 and my direct City email is StevenMeiner@MiamiBeachFL.gov.
Alternatively, you can contact my aide Robert Novo lll at 786-697-7763 or by email at RobertNovo@MiamiBeachFL.gov.
We are happy to help.
Thank you for the opportunity you have entrusted in me to serve as your Commissioner. It is an honor.
Steve
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