C7X - Expand Marine Patrol in Biscayne Bay

Resolutions - C7 X

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration considers that the addition of a second Marine Patrol Unit squad would enhance enforcement of waterway violations of City ordinances as well as local, state, and federal laws. The Administration recommends that while the Commission evaluates this addition, it also carefully considers several critical factors that will significantly impact the General Fund budget, beginning in FY 2026:

1. The City’s increasing unfunded capital improvement program 2. Long-term General Fund financial projections indicating a potential shortfall in upcoming fiscal years 3. The passage of Amendment 5 in November 2024, which increases the homestead exemption and further constrains the growth of taxable property values

These considerations are essential to ensure that decisions regarding the Marine Patrol Unit expansion align with the City’s broader long-term financial stability and strategic priorities. If the Committee recommends funding a plan, the Administration recommends it be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

At the October 30, 2024 City Commission Meeting, at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez and later co-sponsored by Commissioner Joseph Magazine, the Mayor and City Commission approved a referral (C4 Q) to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (“FERC”) to discuss the potential funding for FY 2026 to expand the Marine Patrol Unit to detect and deter crime and quality of life offenses in Biscayne Bay.

The item was heard at the June 4, 2025 FERC meeting and moved to the full Commission with a favorable recommendation to be considered as part of the FY 2026 budget process.

ANALYSIS

The Miami Beach Police Department’s Marine Patrol Unit consists of one (1) sergeant and five (5) police officers responsible for patrolling the City of Miami Beach’s jurisdictional waterways,

which cover nearly 2,000 waterfront properties and approximately 12 square miles of ocean. The unit is composed of a fleet of seven (7) vessels with the capability to actively patrol and take maritime enforcement measures. Expanding the Marine Patrol Unit to incorporate a second squad composed of six members will undoubtedly enhance the Police Department’s coverage area and improve enforcement of livery violations, derelict vessels, loud music and uniform boating citations and allow for a more efficient response to water emergencies.

On any given day, three (3) Marine Patrol officers are on-duty with staggered hours to maximize coverage. Enlarging the unit would not only allow for officer overlap, but also for multiple areas to include Star Island, Biscayne Bay, Palm and Hibiscus Islands, Belle Isle, and Venetian Islands to be covered simultaneously. The additional resources would also help address commission priorities including derelict vessel monitoring, jet ski thefts, and residential burglaries, among others.

Notwithstanding, recent City Commission mandates to assign officers and resources east of Indian Creek, to an ATV squad on the beach, to bike patrol on Ocean Drive and to high visibility details across the city and most recently with emphasis to the commercial corridors should take precedence. The Police Department is actively recruiting and training police officers to fulfill budgeted positions and hopes to reach a fully staffed department within the next couple of years. Because the current Marine Patrol configuration is resulting in high enforcement numbers (see chart below), even with a renewed commission focus on water-related incidents, the Administration considers that mandated, higher priority needs as outlined should be given precedence. Nevertheless, if funds are still available after the necessary initiatives are filled, the Administration welcomes exploring the expansion of the Marine Patrol Unit.

Marine Patrol Arrests by Officer January 1, 2024 – November 8, 2024

Marine Patrol Monthly Citations 2024

January February March 21 18 245 April 108 May 130 June 110 July 175 August September October Total 185 150 110 1252

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The proposed breakdown for the Marine Patrol Unit budget enhancement request of $1,290,000 for Year One, which does not include applicable pension costs that would be incurred commencing in Year Two, is as follows:

• •

One (1) Sergeant: o approximate salary of $146,000 (includes pay allowances, health insurance, and Medicare) o approximately $98,500 for equipment

• •

Up to five (5) Officers: o approximate total salary of $572,000 (includes allowances, health insurance, and Medicare) o approximately $473,500 for equipment

CONCLUSION

Based on the foregoing, the Administration recommends accepting the recommendation for consideration during the FY 26 budget process expanding the Marine Patrol Unit to a second squad along with other commission priorities.

Applicable Area

Citywide

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

Police

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Alex Fernandez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Expand Marine Patrol Unit to Detect/Deter Crime in Biscayne Bay. (AF) PD

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)