C7Q - Fund July 4th Fireworks Display

Resolutions - C7 Q

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration remains committed to the continued partnership with Ocean Drive Association’s annual fireworks activations during Independence Day and recommends a one-time special event sponsorship funding for the offshore barge fireworks for the 2025 Ocean Drive Independence Day fireworks activation.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

For over a decade, the Ocean Drive Association (ODA), in partnership with the City of Miami Beach, has hosted its annual Independence Day fireworks on the Lummus Park beachfront. In the last few years, the ODA added an additional element to the Independence Day fireworks celebration with a patriotic concert on Ocean Drive and 12 Street, with an orchestra performance by the Miami Beach Classical Music Festival.

As part of the partnership, the City provides special event sponsorship to the ODA in the amount of $50,000 in matching funds for fireworks displays for Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.

ANALYSIS

On September 6, 2006, the City Commission adopted the City’s Turtle Nesting Protection Ordinance No. 2006-3525 to create a framework for the City to protect native sea turtles by minimizing beachfront lighting. Artificial night-time lighting directly affects and disorients adult sea turtles and hatchlings resulting in losses in turtle populations. The sea turtle nesting season is from April 1 through October 31 in the City of Miami Beach. Each year, the City refines its procedures to prepare for the upcoming nesting season.

In Fall of 2024, the Environment and Sustainability department launched the “Flip the Switch” campaign to increase awareness and compliance of turtle-friendly lighting and reduce the damaging effects of artificial light on sea turtles.

On October 30, 2024, the Mayor and City Commission adopted an amendment to the Turtle Nesting Protection Ordinance No. 2024-4652 (Exhibit A) to further reduce the damaging impacts of artificial light on the native sea turtle population by integrating Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommendations. Among the recommendations to the Ordinance,

Sec. 46-203. Prohibited activities disruptive to marine turtles were amended to allow fireworks display during turtle season only occurring from offshore barges as depicted below:

Sec. 46- 203. Prohibited activities disruptive to marine turtles. a) [Prohibited generally.] The following activities involving direct illumination of portions of the beach are prohibited on the beach at nighttime during the nesting season for the protection of nesting marine turtle females, nests and hatchlings: 1) The operation of all motorized vehicles, except emergency and law enforcement, or beach maintenance vehicles or those permitted on the beach for marine turtles’ conservation and/ or research. Whenever possible, authorized vehicles used on the beach at night shall have red or amber filters covering the headlights. 2) The building of campfires or bonfires. 3) Fireworks displays, except those that occur from offshore barges that have a permit from the Fire Department and City special event permits and a Florida Department of Environmental Protection (" DEP") permit or exemption.

On April 17, 2025, the Ocean Drive Association (ODA) sent a letter to the City Manager (Exhibit B) stating their awareness of the Ordinance precluding fireworks on the beachfront during turtle nesting season; only fireworks on barges would be approved. The ODA shared that securing an offshore barge would be cost prohibitive and asked if the City would fund the full cost of the fireworks activation.

In addition, the ODA shared a fully executed agreement from Explosive Touch Enterprises (Exhibit C) a fireworks vendor which includes the cost of an offshore barge in the total amount of $100,000.

ODA Offshore Barge Fireworks Cost: Fireworks Display & Barge $100,000 Less Current City Sponsorship $ 25,000 Less ODA Matching Funds $ 25,000 Variance $ 50,000

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

Additional special event one time sponsorship for the Ocean Drive Association’s 2025 Independence Day Fireworks Display in an amount of up to $50,000. Future requests must be vetted through the FY2026 capital budget process.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

The Administration remains committed to the continued partnership with Ocean Drive Association’s annual fireworks activations during Independence Day and recommends a one-time special event sponsorship funding in an amount up to $50,000, including the offshore barge, for the 2025 Ocean Drive Independence Day fireworks activation. Any funding for future fireworks

displays that require barges must be separately requested and discussed during the 2026 budget process.

Applicable Area

South Beach

No Click or tap here to enter text. No

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Tourism and Culture

Sponsor(s)

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Approve Additional Sponsorship for Ocean Drive Association July 4 Fireworks Funding Gap. TC

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)