C7E - Taste of North Beach Activation

Resolutions - C7 {{item.number}}

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and City Commission accept the recommendation of the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee and endorse the “Taste of North Beach” restaurant activation event, to be produced in collaboration with the North Beach CRA and the Normandy Fountain Business Association.

This initiative is designed to highlight local culinary talent, drive foot traffic, and strengthen small businesses within the North Beach community.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

At its February 11, 2025 meeting, the North Beach CRA Advisory Committee recommended funding support to market and promote the Normandy Fountain Business Association’s annual “Taste of Normandy” event, which took place at the Normandy Fountain on March 9, 2025. Concurrently, the Advisory Committee recommended evaluating the business inventory along the Collins Avenue commercial corridor within the North Beach CRA district to explore the development of a new “Taste of North Beach” restaurant crawl activation. (Attachment A, LTC #091-2025).

On March 19, 2025, at the request of Commissioners Fernandez and Bhatt, the Mayor and City Commission referred the discussion of a potential restaurant crawl activation to the Public Safety and Neighborhoods Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC). (Attachment B, Referral Memorandum).

On July 9, 2025, the PSNQLC reviewed the proposal and unanimously voted to forward it to the full Commission with a favorable recommendation.

ANALYSIS

Objectives of Economic Growth and Community Engagement

A strategically designed “Taste of North Beach” restaurant crawl can serve as a catalyst for both economic development and community pride. The event will bring patrons directly into local establishments, reinvest revenue within the neighborhood, and foster stronger connections between residents, business owners, and visitors.

Building on the successful “Normandy Fountain Grub Crawl” held in June 2025, which garnered positive feedback from attendees, participating restaurants, and community stakeholders, the new activation will highlight North Beach’s diverse culinary landscape while enhancing its reputation as a vibrant, investment-ready district.

Economic and Community Benefits

The activation is expected to generate increased foot traffic and improved sales for small and mid-sized restaurants, directly supporting wage earners and long-term business sustainability. Prioritizing small businesses and circulating dollars locally aligns with both economic development best practices and the North Beach CRA Redevelopment Plan.

In addition to its economic benefits, the event will contribute to neighborhood identity and cultural preservation, showcasing North Beach’s eclectic heritage. By positioning the area as a dining destination, the activation supports North Beach’s redevelopment goals, specifically Goal 3: Strengthen Cultural Arts, Branding & Marketing, and Communication.

Activation Plan and Strategy

The Economic Development Department prepared a preliminary inventory and map of licensed North Beach restaurants along the Collins Avenue corridor, which was reviewed by the North Beach CRA Advisory Committee during discussion of potential activation routes.

For the inaugural “Taste of North Beach”, City Staff and the Normandy Fountian Business Association propose hosting the event launch in late fall 2025 or early 2026, to leverage favorable weather and peak seasonal activity, a suggestion by the CRA Advisory Committee.

Key strategies include:

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Partner Engagement: Early communication with participating restaurants to ensure strong collaboration.

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Storytelling and Branding: Highlighting North Beach’s history and business narratives through curated experiences led by the Normandy Fountain Business Association.

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Convenience and Safety: Concentrating participating venues within a walkable corridor to encourage ease of participation.

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Cultural Programming: Exploring the use of venues such as the Miami Beach Bandshell, with opportunities to integrate live music or performances, aligning with CRA recommendations to leverage cultural assets as economic drivers (Redevelopment Plan 9.3.1: Cultural Tourism).

Long-Term Community Redevelopment

Following the inaugural activation, the City will conduct a post-event evaluation measuring potential revenue impacts, attendance, and business feedback. Findings will guide future planning and adjustments. If the event proves successful, the North Beach CRA and Normandy Fountain Business Association may consider establishing recurring or episodic activations to sustain economic momentum, balance operational needs, and feature a variety of cuisines.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

To offset costs for participating small businesses, the Administration estimates a budget of approximately $3,000 for the initial activation, capped at $250 per participating restaurant to cover expenses. The City will also provide in-kind support, including marketing, permitting assistance, and street-closure coordination.

This expenditure will be funded through the Economic Development Department’s annual operating budget and will not require the use of CRA funds. By combining public-sector support with private-sector partnerships, the initiative promises a high-value return in the form of economic activity and strengthened community identity.

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

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CONCLUSION

The Administration is actively refining the scope, planning, and logistics of the “Taste of North Beach” activation in collaboration with the Normandy Fountain Business Association and other community stakeholders. Developed in concept with input from the CRA Advisory Committee, this initiative directly engages small businesses, amplifies local dining offerings, and fosters economic development in North Beach.

By approving this resolution, the Mayor and City Commission will demonstrate support for small businesses while elevating North Beach’s profile as a premier destination. The initiative will be delivered through existing budgeted resources of the Economic Development Department and executed in partnership with the North Beach CRA and Normandy Fountain Business Association, ensuring a cost-effective, high-impact activation that benefits the community.

Applicable Area

North Beach

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying?

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

Department

Economic Development

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Tanya K. Bhatt Commissioner Alex Fernandez

Co-sponsor(s)

Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Condensed Title

Accept Rec/Authorize Taste of North Beach Restaurant Activation (TB/AF/LD) ED

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)