HomeMy WebLinkAboutSubmittal-Public Comments Submitted Online for the September 8, 2022 City Commission Meeting-Reconvened on September 13, 2022Commission Report of Public Comments for the
September 8th meeting
Public Comment for September 8, 202Z Regular City Commission Meeting
September 8th, 2022, 10:38 a.m.
Public Comment
motero@miamigov.com
First Name Last Name Street Address Agenda Item Public Comment
I am a resident of Miami Shores but a
frequent visitor Virginia key park. I
have brought many friends and family
members to the park to go kayaking
and biking. Virginia Key outdoor center
has always been available for rentals
for my family to use. But besides their
385 NE 91 st Miami BC. 24 #8943 Virginia
business They have also been a warrior
DOROTHY CAMPBELL
Shores Key Beach Park Trust
for protecting the Eco system of
Virginia key park. As you may know
that is a very sensitive area with the
mangroves and the marine life. Having
Virginia key outdoor center there, we
will always have a guardian of that
area. Please I ask that you consider re-
opening in Virginia Key outdoor center
I am Laudy Ibarra. I am reaching out to
you as a concern resident and teacher
of Key Biscayne. I am very shock of the
plan that was shared about housing for
homeless in Virginia Key. What
surprises me the most is that there is a
plan to build houses but the park is not
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
on the best conditions. I visit both
482 Fernwood road
Code -Chapter 38 -
Virginia Key parks at least once a week
Laudy Ibarra Key Biscayne
Virginia Beach Park
and see that the park is terrible
Florida 33149
Trust -Appointments
conditions in many areas. Both
playgrounds need to be fixed. We
finally have a new train that was just
brought in I believe May 2021 and it
has not been able to function yet. The
carousel also needs work. The entire
island is surrounded by amazing sea
nature. My kids and students enjoy this
park constantly, even if the
12593 Submittal -Public Comments Submitted Online for the September 8, 2022 City Commission Meeting -Recessed on
September 8, 2022 and Reconvened on September 13, 2022
Jared
Alexandrine
Jacqueline
Eric
maintenance is not the best, Miami
Dade needs to do a better job to
maintain it. I don't blame the park
employees they are doing their best. I
do blame Miami Dade for not investing
money on this beautiful place that
should be spotless because of all the
beautiful nature we find there. When
ever I take my students they learn
about manatees, crocs, sea stars, sea
urchins, fish, turtles and turtle nests. I
am very surprised that there is money
to build houses but not to care for an
amazing place. Virginia Key should be a
National Park! Preserve its beauty and
no construction should be allowed.
Please reconsider using VKOC as a
homeless encampment, this land was
designated for public use as a nature
2185 NE 123rd st DI. 1 #12481
area. And is should remain as such.
Harju apt 208 North Discussion - Virginia
Most know the real plan is to destroy
Miami FL 33181 Key Outdoor Center
this natural environment when the
homeless encampment fails, and make
fisher Island 2.0. Please keep and
protect this tiny slice of Mother Nature
as it was intended
1. Please provide the citizens with an
independent comprehensive study on
the pros and cons of developing a
homeless housing complex on the
Virginia Key. So far, we have not
received such valuable information and
this move is against all logic. Educate us
DI. 1 #12481
on the project and then let us vote :) 2.
Quenee 3180 Plaza Street Discussion - Virginia
Please reinstate VKOC as this
Key Outdoor Center
organisation has provided countless
experiences and discoveries of the Bay
to Miamians of all socio-demographics
and at a cost that is affordable. Rare
are the programs that enable the
access to the Bay and provide
education on the environment.
DI. 1 #12481
Rendon 12364 SW 124 Prh Discussion - Virginia
Absurd.
Key Outdoor Center
After Jimbo's left, this area of Virginia
Key was left to the people to form it
DI. 1 #12481
3032 McDonald st
into what they wanted it to be. I
Burnard Miami, FL 33133 Discussion - Virginia
personally spent many of my weekends
Key Outdoor Center
clearing and building trails so I could
ride my bike there. Backbreaking work
Tilky
Susan
Lopez -Blanco
Jaffe
Aileen Upshon
in the extreme heat to help shape the
space into something that would be a
plus for our community. The Outdoor
Center was a perfect compliment to
the trails and to the nearby lagoon. I've
rented paddle boards there for family
members. It formed lifelong memories
paddling among the manatees. I will
say that I have no affiliation with the
operator and whatever issues you may
have with them is between the two of
you. But the purpose of that land
should be an outdoor center that
serves the mountain bike and paddle
board/kayak communities. If anything I
would ask that you open up the zoning
to allow for business that has higher
margins. Perhaps a small restaurant
that serves food along with beer and
wine. In addition to a bike and paddle
shop. This could be our version of the
restaurants and shops at the bottom of
the slope at places like Vail and
Breckenridge. It should be an epic
compliment to a legendary day
enjoying the natural elements that the
city of Miami has to offer.
As a 33 year resident of Key Biscayne I
DI. 1 #12481 consider the Virginia Key outdoor
265 Grapetree Center a tremendous source of
#110 Key Biscayne Discussion - Virginia Key Outdoor Center outdoor and nature enjoyment for
young and old... irreplaceable, and very
much needed!
As a frequent patron of the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center, I would like your
9 Island avenue DI. 1 #12481
approval to reopen the center. My
Miami Beach FI Discussion - Virginia
family has been fortunate to enjoy
33139 Key Outdoor Center
kayaking, biking and SUP renting
throughout the years. Please allow
my family and others to enjoy these
wonderful activities again soon!!!
As a frequent user of Virginia Key
Outdoor Center and everything Virginia
Key, I ask you please to leave that little
piece of Gods land as it is, as soon as
800 West Ave, DI. 1 #12481
one inch of that area gets "developed",
Miami Beach Discussion - Virginia
its lost. Precedence will be set. The
33139 Key Outdoor Center
whole of the Miami community will
have lost a safe place to cycle, paddle,
relax in the natural fauna. Traffic will
increase, the water in the bay will be
more polluted - the area will be spoilt.
Please put VKOC back, allow us to
enjoy the facilities that is all that's left
in the Miami concrete jungle.
As a person who worked for one of the
last homeless shelter systems in
America, I understand the complexities
of homelessness. While I support the
idea of tiny homes, especially for
unhoused Veterans, I feel that Virginia
Key is an essential greenspace and
VKOC serves locals in a tourist driven
state. This unique local spot supports
our children's development. It is a
place where Miami residents build
125 Jefferson DI. 1 #12481
community and where individuals can
Erica Wyche Discussion - Virginia
maintain a positive mental health. My
Avenue #132
Key Outdoor Center
son has grown up at VKOC. The staff at
VKOC have seen him develop from a 7
year old boy who painted over
someone's paddle board (not in a good
way) to a kind teenager who helps care
for the environment. I strongly believe
that the hundreds of hours he has
spent at VKOC has helped him become
the responsible person he is today.
Please find a way to help VKOC reopen
so we do not lose this amazing and rare
"local" gem. Thank you for your time.
As an avid user of the VKOC, the
mountain bike trails, and the kayak
launch I completely disagree with
building tiny homes and moving the
unhomed population to Virginia Key.
The fact that it is a barrier island, it is
1.92 miles just to get to the first bus
stop and 4.8 miles Just to get off the
9708 SW 57th St. DI. 1 #12481
island. They will be miles from any
Mishele Hobson Cooper City FL Discussion - Virginia
services, transportation options,
33328 Key Outdoor Center
hospital, their places of employment,
etc. Additionally being a barrier island
that many organizations and
volunteers have spent countless hours
in keeping it up for the thousands of
people to enjoy the amenities: biking,
running, kayaking, beach, picnics, etc,
that area should be kept a park and not
developed for people to live on.
Bring back the VK Outdoor Center. This
DI. 1 #12481
place has been a true gem to local
Ozzy Zamora 14175 SW 87th ST Discussion - Virginia
families in the City of Miami that enjoy
Key Outdoor Center
outdoors activities. Kick them out for a
political vendetta will make things
Lauren Lopez
worst for both sides. Follow your
hearth, not the money.
Closing the center is only doing a
disservice to the community and
making the outdoors and Florida parks
less accessible to people who visit from
all over the city. The people utilizing
these parks and facilities are NOT Key
Biscayne residents. They come from all
over to enjoy the once accessible
beach and water sports. The Virginia
key outdoor center is doing a service to
the community by providing safe ways
to enjoy the outdoors and educate
people about Miami's diverse and
fragile ecosystem. This center has
provided me many of times with bikes
as well as helmets and safety
equipment to enjoy the park where I
have met plenty of tourists who told
me they were specifically interested in
visiting this mountain bike park. With
out available rentals those tourists
would have not been able to use the
facilities and neither would the
DI. 1 #12481 hundreds of people who spend they're
981 San Pedro Discussion -Virginia weekends at Virginia key beach. I have
avenue Key Outdoor Center also rented kayaks which is amazing for
people who don't own anything like
that because it is too expensive or large
to store. It is also again convenient for
the hundreds of tourists that visit
because I am sure it would be difficult
for them to travel with their own board
and kayaks. Closing the center is only
doing a disservice to the community
and making the outdoors and Florida
parks less accessible to people. I don't
even think I have to explain why a
homeless encampment would on
endanger the homeless people living
there and why it is a terrible idea. The
Virginia key outdoor center is a key
part to why Virginia key is beloved by
so many Floridians. It makes the
outdoors accessible to those who have
the least access to it whether it be
because of the limited parks we have
or the limited ocean access for water
sports like kayaking. These are things
that should be invested in and
preserved to keep Miami beautiful and
Sara
Alaska
Ef
Balazs
Garcia
Moscato
L
Vandor
safe. Natural areas like this should be
able to be enjoyed by Miamians, not
taken away from us more and more
every day.
Come on! City of Miami!!! Virginia Key
is one of the few outdoors places we
have left to enjoy outdoors by the
water, be active, and get to know the
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
biscayne bay wildlife. Closing this
7818 NW 108 Code - Chapter 38 -
historical park would also be a dishonor
Court Virginia Beach Park
to the black community. No none
Trust - Appointments
wants to close the park and set housing
for the homeless, except the people
who are profiting from letting
developers get land in the downtown
area!!!
Currently our community needs more
public spaces to share in harmony with
nature inland water access. Closing the
key outdoor center would jeopardize
DI. 1 #12481
this right. I am grateful to have enjoyed
765 Crandon Blvd ,
Discussion - Virginia
water activities at Virginia Key
Apt 306
Key Outdoor Center
Outdoor Center and I would like that
kids in my family can do the same.
Moreover the staff in charge has been
efficient and kind with us what makes
the Outdoor Center a place that should
be zealously preserved.
DO NOT ignore the public opinion. DO
NOT close this place because of
political reasons, or a specific
DI. 1 #12481
politician's will. This place serves many
Key Biscayne Discussion -Virginia
populations which will vote (or not!)
Key Outdoor Center
for you in the upcoming elections. Do
not forget it. Many good reasons for
this place to stay open: good service,
access to water, rental of craft,
meeting point for paddlers.
Dear Commission, I am writing in
support of reopening the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. This is exactly the
kind of business that the city of Miami
DI. 1 #12481
should be fighting to keep open:
2129 SW 12th St Discussion - Virginia
employs locals, provides an awesome
Key Outdoor Center
service that helps both locals and
visitors enjoy our city from a different
angle, and they are involved in the
community and support what is best in
the long term for Virginia Key. Thank
you, Balazs
Neany Padron 11404 sw 123 BC. 23 #9549 Virginia Dear Commissioners, I'm a 42 years
Gordon
Elana
Terrace. Miami, Key Advisory Board
resident of Dade County. I want the
F1.33176
Virginia Key Outdoor Center reopen. I
love the access to the water to practice
water sports especially Dragon boat/
canoe Paddling at the MRC, and I
support the the staff. My family and
friends also rent kayaks and paddle
boards, we have a the most beautiful
natural environment. We use of the
clean bathrooms, and have a place to
get water. We are happy with Esther
Luft and her well trained staff. We
want Virginia Key Outdoor Center
reopen!!! Thank you.
Dear Sir/Madam, I have a trip booked
with the Virginia Key Outdoor Centre, a
Manatee Photo Safari and this was to
be the highlight of a visit to Miami. I
The Owls Lodge,
notice on their website you have
Carmel, Carmel DI. 1 #12481
forced closure. If this is not resolved by
Elliott Carmarthenshire Discussion - Virginia
the end of September we will be
Key Outdoor Center
cancelling our flights and hotel stay to
UK
Miami and visit an alternative USA
state or possibly another country
where wildlife and outdoor pursuits
near the sea are important to that
State or Country. regards Gordon Elliott
Dear council, I don't regularly get
involved in the politics and things going
on in city or county hall as I feel I have
very little influence over the course of
events and place most of my trust in
elected officials to do what is right for
the community as a whole. The
passage of a plan to include homeless
encampments on Virginia Key strikes
me as one of the worst ideas I can
CA. 12 #12487
recall. Not only is the location so far
Establish Special
from any kind of real services, but it is
Festa 141 Crandon blvd Revenue Project -
also far enough to make enforcement
Miami Homeless
of any planned rules for those who are
Assistance Program
there to abide by. Further this opens
the door to have those who are
chronically homeless and seeking an
out of the way place to carry on their
activities that live in other areas to
flock to Virginia Key. What may start as
a pilot of a few tiny homes will quickly
explode to a full camp site - this is an
unintended consequence of the
proposal that has been approved. That
location is full of so many issues but to
me that is the scariest one and the one
that I believe will take off like wildfire
quickly getting out of control. It is my
understanding that most services
available are not being utilized to the
fullest because of addictions, mental
illness and other issues. Once this door
is opened it will be very very hard to
close it and you will have a camp site -
tent city - once established it will be
virtually impossible to remove without
significant political blow back. Not only
that, but you are taking an area that
has already seen a number of issues
with pedestrian deaths and introducing
an unstable population into it. Do you
think they will walk the correct way on
the sidewalks, use the crosswalks at
lights, or do you think that they may
just walk wherever and whichever way
they see as the easiest, especially when
they have been moved so far from any
other type of civilization. This will
become a huge issue for traffic and I
can foresee a number of deaths
occurring due to this. Especially at
night where people may roam more
often. They need to be in a place where
there are social support services
available, current shelters should be
expanded or cleaned up and any new
shelters placed in an area where
services are more readily available. This
is not that place. Also, I fear for
women and children who may be in
these areas and will be victimized
without any support around. Not only
those but also the children who attend
the high school around the corner. The
lack of lighting and busy-ness that
exists in a city is one of the things that
naturally provides a bit of safety. This is
what you see dark alleys as a location
for where things that we wish did not
see the light of day actually happen.
This encampment will be surrounded
by dark and seclusion and is such a bad
invitation for so many awful things to
occur. I wish these things did not
happen but very sadly we know they
do and know this could invite some
very very bad behavior.:( We do have
Diana Salgado 2055 sw 122 ave
a homeless crisis in this country and
city but this is not the way to address
it. Compassion and desire to do good
sometimes lead people to become
blind to the reality of the issues that
can arise. Please veto this or stop it -
please do whatever you can. Vote to
come back with a better solution that
does not endanger lives and does not
invite such a wealth of unintended
consequences. It's not good for
anyone. I also find the closure of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center to be
blatantly vindictive and retaliatory. The
appearance and timing of the action
leave very little room to assume
otherwise in any reasonable manner
whatsoever. The center is a treasure
to many people, a place for families to
come together, to creat bonds and heal
wounds doing healthy recreational
activities. Many children attended the
camp in the summer time and it was a
complimentary service provider to the
mountain bike park right next door,
another area where families gather -
women, children, friends, families. Do
not close services that are well used
and contribute to a nurturing
environment. These types of things
that allow easy and low cost public
access to outside and water based
activities for those who live in the city
are too few and far between in our
area. They need to be preserved not
torn down for some unknown but
clearly suspicious and at the very least
punitive as I understand there was no
option to correct the violations in a
reasonable amount of time and
reopen. If true, that at the very least
should be rectified immediately.
Thank you for considering these
comments, however harsh some of
them may sound.
Do not close this park please. One of
the last beautiful nature spaces we
DI. 1 #12481 have. I come here almost everyday for
Discussion - Virginia the past 3 years I see the same people
Key Outdoor Center alllll the time wether if they are biking
or paddle boarding maybe even
swimming this place has become a
community for the people who come
here. It's like family. It also takes away
jobs from the people here. Also there is
enough pollution in the water, your not
going to set up mini homes for the
place to be trashed by the homeless.
Very sad that you guys want to take
this place from the Community. Plenty
of deserted places you can build on
that doesn't need to leave the
community sadden.
Don't let the homeless go to VK. They
have no transportation, no way to get
8080 Tatum
DI. 1 #12481
food, no health places nearby. The
Waterway Dr.
Fabian Witis Discussion - Virginia
Water Treatment Plant sends a lot of
Miami Beach, FL
Key Outdoor Center
bacteria airborne when the wind
33141
comes from the east. It's inhumane to
do that!
Don't mess with what's not broken!
DI. 1 #12481
How will making a homeless shelter
Lissette Lujardo 9414 Sw Discussion - Virginia
benefit the homeless, the residents of
Key Outdoor Center
key biscayne or the regular visitors!?
This is ridiculous!
Esther Luft and her staff have created a
warm and welcoming environment. In
DI. 1 #12481
visiting the key, I experienced another
David Dressler 65 Wayne Blvd Discussion - Virginia
perspective of Miami that I found
Key Outdoor Center
refreshing and peaceful. Please keep
access to the boats, mountain biking,
and hiking trails open!
Esther Luft and her staff.were running
a wonderful outdoor center that was
welcoming to all Miami residents and
visitors. Being able to enjoy the natural
environment by renting kayaks and
emersing myself in the natural
DI. 1 #12481
environment was truly a gift. The
7816 sw 88 Terrace
Cheryl Ettelman Discussion - Virginia
closure of the center has left a void to
Miami FI 33156
Key Outdoor Center
so many. It's unclear to me why a
resource such as the outdoor center
can't continue to operate? Please allow
the Center to reopen so that the
community can continue to enjoy the
beautiful surroundings Thank you for
your consideration
Esther Luft her staff is a part of our
288 Seaview drive BC. 23 #9549 Virginia
community our outdoor lives. We want
Illine Davila
kb FI 33149 Key Advisory Board
her to continue her business as it
brings joy to many.
DI. 1 #12481
Esther luft and all the staff are so kind,
Laura Cahiza 641 S Mashta dr
Discussion - Virginia
we love the access to the water, the
Stacey
Stokes
Key Outdoor Center rental of the kayak and how we enjoy
VK as a family
555 NE 15th Street DI. DI -DISCUSSION
Apt 25J Miami, ITEM
Florida 33132
2021 Sw 3rd DI. 1 #12481
Jacky Dubail Discussion - Virginia
avenue Key Outdoor Center
Everyone I know is horrified at the idea
of closing the Outdoor Center to
replace it with a homeless village and
especially at the aggressive, probably
illegal tactics taken to do it. Every
aspect about this plan rings of behind
closed doors tactics, from the
outrageous way the center was closed
to not having an agenda for
tomorrow's unspecified meeting.
Several years ago I noticed how hard
Esther Luft worked to create an
excellent activity center for kids and
adults on Virginia Key. There's no
reason to put homeless people on the
Key, in fact it's inhumane and that's
how the public will see it.
First, I have to say the Virginia outdoor
center is a space we frequent to paddle
board, bike and kayak, as do many
families. As a fellow resident and
business owner, we implore you to
reopen the center. There are few
affordable places to partake in local
outdoor activities in a safe space.
We've seen manatee and dolphins out
there and it's an experience we share
with anyone who visits us. We ask that
you reopen the facility as soon as is
possible. We do not agree with this
location as a homeless center for many
reasons; The homeless will wander
into the beach areas where people
bring their children and congregate
with their family. Tiny house are unsafe
during hurricanes, homeless may
wander into the other areas and we're
looking at the possibility they will die or
experience life threatening instances.
MAST is close to the park. How will we
monitor sex offenders are not part of
the homeless population. This is too
close to a childrens school. In
summary, there are other areas in
south Florida with proximity to
hospitals or medical care, convenience
stores for the homeless to buy water
etc, have adequate shelter against our
natural threats and seek rehabilitation
if they so desire. Placing them in this
Katharine Huddlestun
area is opening a family park to drug
paraphernalia and interactions, families
do not need to encounter. Instead
additional funds should be allocated to
continue to improve the park for
recreational activities. Let's not make
this about egos and really consider the
community.
Good Morning Commissioners and
Mayor Suarez, My name is Katy
Huddlestun, living in Little Havana,
Miami, FL. I strongly oppose any
development on Virginia Key's North
Point for any reason, including a
temporary housing location for Miami's
homeless population. As a Miami
native & life long resident, I can tell you
there is no where else like Virginia Key
in the city. It is the last remnant of
undeveloped nature where I've seen
dolphins, manatees, sharks, rays,
turtles, osprey, and so much other
wildlife with my own eyes. However, I
also clean up the Virginia Key shoreline
as I explore, and the amount of
pollution already barraging the island is
heartbreaking. Rope, oil canisters, and
so, so much plastic. If we are to give
978 NW 3rd St., DI. 1 #12481 nature a chance to survive, we cannot
Apt. 6, Miami, FL Discussion - Virginia afford to increase the pressure already
33128 Key Outdoor Center weighing so heavily on it. Additionally,
the closing of the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center is a loss for the community that
has its heart in Virginia Key, and which
allows others to discover the natural
beauty in their own city. The timing of
the closure, plus the sudden strict
enforcement of park hours despite
previously allowing bikes in past
sunset, as well as the over -night
change in the timing of this
Commission meeting are creating the
image of a vindictive city determined to
strip away the strong voices protecting
Virginia Key. We know this is valuable,
waterfront land in the heart of the city.
The city's recent behavior highlights
more than ever the need to ensure
Virginia Key remains natural, wild, and
in the caring hands of Miami's
residents - not sold off to developers as
so much of our precious natural land
already has. Thank you.
Good day, I am taking the liberty to
write about the VKOC situation, It is
crucial for our community to reopen
the Virginia Key outdoor center. It
provides a quality, affordable getaway
from city life at the door of Miami. We,
water and outdoors enthusiasts are
very much enjoying this site for its
accessibility, beauty and the wide
range of activities that are available to
all ages, from excellent quality beaches
and water access where the outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
12655 sw 71st ave
center provides access to sports such
Vincent Hallegouet Pinecrest 33156 Discussion - Virginia
as paddle boarding or kayaking in an
Key Outdoor Center
affordable and accessible way. The
staff has always been incredibly helpful
and seeing this small oasis so close to
the city gone would definitely put a
dent to Miami's attractivity for outdoor
lovers. Our families are very attached
to this place, from bike riding to paddle
boarding, going to the beach, getting
close to the water, we NEED to
preserve it ! Thanks for your
consideration Best regards Vincent
hallegouet
Good evening, I will not be able to
attend in person but I would like to
voice my support for the opening of
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. I have
DI. 1 #12481
made use of the facility multiple times
Bruce Carrick 3661 N Prospect Dr Discussion - Virginia
to rent Kayaks and paddleboards and
Key Outdoor Center
have told MANY out of town visitors to
make use of the facility for an fantastic
activity when visiting Miami. Please do
not let us loose this valuable resource.
Sincerly Bruce
Good morning, please consider
DI. 1 #12481
reopening this establishment, it was
Jason Ontaro 10862 sw 2nd st Discussion -Virginia
one of the best places to introduce my
Key Outdoor Center
children to the outdoors.
Greetings all representatives of the
people. Va Key MUST be maintained as
the oriole's outdoor wonderland.
DI. 1 #12481
1000s of people rely on the bike trails,
Emerson 5874 SW 76 St
Leigh Discussion - Virginia
the BEAUTY & peace of an island that
Smith 33143
Key Outdoor Center
remarkably, has our sewage treatment
facility sharing the space! We have
compassion for the jomrlesd and wish
for them to have a facility that is
Jean
Amanda
Dolmuz
►fAm1
2354 SW 19th St DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FI 33145 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
12230 sw 30th st Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Val Ritter 2500 Swanson Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
convenient to all services & the City
amenities. Va Key is NOT the place.
There are so many other locations
preferable.
Greetings, Chairperson and
Commissioners, Respectfully, if VKOC
has not operated outside of their
agreement, and they have cured their
CU and BTR requirement, then there is
no reason that they should not be
allowed to resume operations.
Additionally, I am strongly opposed to
any form of homeless/vagrant
encampment in any location at Virginia
Key. I respectfully ask the VK site, and
ANY PARK be removed from the list of
possible locations permanently. Thank
you.
Hello there! I used to work at the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center and for
many years it was my second home. It
was an oasis that brought people
together from all walks of life. No
matter your background VKOC always
welcomed with open arms. I have a
physical disability that makes it difficult
to do activities but Esther still took me
in, taught me how to kayak, and
introduced my love for the ocean.
That's what this place is about. It's
about educating the public on how we
can be better to help the vast
ecosystem living right next to us. The
center is not just a business that you
can throw out and disregard. It is
Miami's sole escape into the wild.
Hello! We would love the Virginia Key
outdoor centre to be reopened! Our
family and friends love that place and
spend a lot of weekends there. Our 3
kids 12, 6 and 4 years old are growing
up biking, kayaking, paddle boarding on
Virginia Key. We love renting from VK
outdoor centre, and get ice cream
there after adventure day- it's like a
family tradition:) my kids had a
summer camp there last summer, in
Virginia key outdoor centre, which they
loved a lot- was the best summer
ever!- kids said. We are looking
forward to give our youngest one in
that camp next summer too. The stuff
is very nice and friendly, very pleasant
to wash of, get a snack after day on
kayak. Please, our kids have only one
childhood- let's keep VK for recreation!
Thanks
Hello, My name is Daylin Perez, I am
14 years olds. I have been going to the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center's Summer
Camp since I was 8. Please reopen it.
They changed my life and helped me in
1284 W 77 ST DI. 1 #12481
so many ways. Bradley, Esther, and
Daylin Perez Hialeah, FL 33014 Discussion - Virginia
Diana are always there for me even
Key Outdoor Center
when Camp is over and are always
sharing programs that I can participate
for school. They made it a fun and safe
summer for 6 years. Please let them
continue making it a safe and fun
summer for other kids in Miami.
Hello. As a fellow ocean -lover, the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center has been a
wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors.
All the times I've visited VKOC, I've
always been met with respect by their
staff, as well as Esther. Having access
DI. 1 #12481
to the kayaks and paddleboards is a
Camila Prada 18181 NE 31st Ct Discussion - Virginia
bonus as someone who does not have
Key Outdoor Center
the space to own one myself. Please
reconsider reopening VKOC, as this
facility continues to provide a safe and
fun environment for the community to
enjoy our beautiful outdoors. Thank
you for your time.
461 S Mashta Key DI. 1 #12481
Hi We miss the center, it is good to
Leonor Ortega Discussion - Virginia
Biscayne FL
have it!! Please let it open again Thanks
Key Outdoor Center
Hope city will reopen the Virginia key
10220 sw 143 st DI. 1 #12481
outdoor center. Our family enjoys the
Elliot Barnett Miami,Florida Discussion - Virginia
outdoors and appreciates all it has to
33176 Key Outdoor Center
offer. We hope that can be available to
all of us for generations to come.
Housing of homeless at VKOC is a
terrible idea. The homeless will be
abandoned with no access to basic
services. Exposed to mosquitoes. At
8015 SW 107TH DI. 1 #12481 risk for hurricanes and flooding. And it
Kelly Andrews AVE Apt 106 Discussion - Virginia required shuttering the VKOC, which
Key Outdoor Center provided Miami residents access to
kayak rentals at a reasonable price at
an access point for beginner paddlers
to practice and see the beautiful
wildlife and manatees. Who will
Connie
Sol
Weirsrpe
3065 Washington DI. 1 #12481
st Miami, FI 33133 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Krogerupgade 51, DI. 1 #12481
1.th. Copenhagen, Discussion - Virginia
Denmark Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Bailey Ross 3182 Day Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
provide security so that kayakers can
continue to access the launch without
being harassed? The homeless need
housing near the services that can best
help them. This is an obvious ploy to
drive away Miami residents who use
one of the last the natural spaces so
that it can be later opened to
developers.
I am a Miami resident who has used
the VKOC facilities since they opened
for my own enjoyment and to bring out
of town visitors for a unique view of
our City from the water. The staff at
the center is fantastic and represent
the best side of our community to out
of town visitors. It is a unique area with
a community small business, please
reopen the VKOC.
I am a frequent visitor to Florida from
Denmark. Everytime I come here I am
looking forward to going to Virginia
Key. It is a very special place in a State
that - unlike my Home country - have
minimized public coast access by
allowing highrise private hotels and
other buildings. I tell all my European
friends coming to Florida about Virginia
key and recommend that they go
there. It is hard to understand why the
authorities would close down such a
gem of recreation, drawing thousands
of enthusiastic tourists as well as locals
every year. Seems to me you are
undermining Floridas reputation as an
attractive tourist destination, thereby
loosing millions of dollars
I am a master's student studying
marine biology at the University of
Miami. Virginia Key Outdoor Center is
both my place of employment and a
place I like to go and enjoy the
outdoors during my free time. I have
led many snorkels, full moon, clean-
ups, and manatee tours. Many people
don't realize we have a park in the City
of Miami where you can see
endangered animals, undisturbed
coastal forests, and three marine
ecosystems (mangrove forests,
seagrass beds, and coral reefs). Not
only is this area a gem of the city,
fostering beautiful natural South
Florida wildlife, but it also is one of the
last affordable locations for the
working class to recreate left in the
city. The park entry fee is $8, and
families from all backgrounds can enter
the park and enjoy Virginia Key on the
weekends. In a time where families are
struggling to make ends meet and
facing the climbing costs of living, it is
important to remember this. When it is
proposed to move homeless
populations to this park, we need to
remember who this park was for. It
was originally the only black beach park
in the city, which now has transformed
into the working class's paradise. Is this
fair to take away a waterfront park
from the working class? The group of
people who keep this city running?
This is a pivotal moment in the future
of the island of Virginia Key. This is a
fragile ecosystem, susceptible to storm
surges, cut off from society, and a well -
loved area of the city. This is not the
answer to our homeless problem. It is
simply a bandaid that will worsen the
current reality. This island is not made
for sewage and electric infrastructure,
it is where people get away from the
hustle and bustle of the city at an
affordable rate. It is where tour guides
such as myself get to share our
expertise on southern Florida
ecosystems. Virginia Key is a classroom
for all, and it is evident how much it is
loved and used.
I am a regular visitor of Virginia Key
natural park and specially the outdoor
center. I bring there not only my family
but visiting relatives and friends from
out of state or other countries. We love
DI. 1 #12481
it. Please, please please let them
Luis Hernandez 1135 NW 136th Ct Discussion - Virginia
operate as usual. Do not assign this
Key Outdoor Center
area to any project that is not related
to conserve our ecosystem. We don't
have enough recreational areas in the
city or county. Please use common
sense! Thanks M
Aida Nesimi Fort Lauderdale, FL DI. 1 #12481
1 am a south florida resident and avid
Discussion - Virginia
lover of the VKOC. This special center
YERALDINE
ORDONEZ
Andy Blanco
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
4298 sw 5 terrace
Discussion - Virginia
miami fl 33134
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
Establish Special
2455 overbrook
Revenue Project -
street
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
was the foundation of my move to
florida and further developed my
passion for environmental (specifically
marine) conservation and education.
The value that VKOC brings to its
visitors (citizens and manatees alike) is
irreplaceable. It is one of the last places
in miami where one has easy access to
the wonders of miami nature within
minutes of all urban areas. It is a
beloved center whose loss will be felt
for eons. The community kindly asks
for VKOC to be made a historical and
protected designation to preserve the
last remaining indigenous wildlife in
The city of miami.
I am an advocate of needed green
spaces and and any effort that allows
us to enjoy these green areas into
promote a healthy lifestyle. The
Virginia key outdoor center and the
area where it resides have been vital in
supporting this green space for the
enjoyment of all. They have functioned
with great respect and consideration to
the space they occupy and have been
exemplary in fomenting how valuable
and precious Virginia Key is as part of
our aquatic Florida Bay habitat. Please
help us save our beloved Kirginia Key
outdoor center and preserve the lands
for our outdoor recreational use.
I am an avid user of Virginia Key. I use
the mountain bike trails to bike, run
and bird watch. I use the beach to
bathe and snorkel. I often launch a
small row boat at the nearby Crandon
marina and row to the park to do any
combination of the above. My point it I
use it so much and it brings me so
much joy. As a concerned citizen for
the future of what I consider the best
green space in miami, I adamantly
oppose the attempt of our politicians
to convert it to a homeless
encampment. It is in no way an
adequate space for housing the
homeless. It is on the other hand a very
acceptable public green space used by
tens of thousands per year. Please do
not make things worse for so many
when it can potentially only benefit a
Alberto
miguel
Luciana
Artagaveytia
Ruiz
Gortari
DI. 1 #12481
3921 Alton Road Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
11324 nw 66 st Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
5900 Collins Ave DI. 1 #12481
apt 1202 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
261 SW 30TH RD DI. 1 #12481
William Pirl Discussion - Virginia
Miami Key Outdoor Center
small handful of people.
I am an avid watersports enthusiast
and I enjoy going to Virgina Key to go
paddling or practice windsports. I have
rented kayaks and paddle boards from
VKOC and the staf was cordial and
professional. I hope all the legalities
can be resolved and they can continue
to run the center. Besides I do not
comprehend how can anybody thing
that Virginia Key is the preferred site
for a homeless camp, the are no stores
or potential jobs withing walking
distance. Also it very exposed to the
elements like hurricanes, rats,
mosquitos and more. The homeless
deserve better and we the tax payers
don't have to loose such a great spot to
enjoy the outdoors. It is not fair to
either side.
I appreciate the opportunity to express
my concern about the closing of the
center since this has been a wonderful
place to have contact with nature in a
peaceful environment, and also giving
the opportunity to individuals and
families to experience water time. We
beg for your good judgment reopening
the center. Much appreciated.
I can't believe you are even discussing
this. Virginia Key is an outdoor center
where many families spend their
weekends doing bbqs, mountain bike,
windsurf, kayaking and kitesurfing and
you are considering doing a homeless
camp? There? of all places available in
Miami? You are giving them a prime
location that is enjoyed by so many
people....
I cannot believe that the city shut down
Virginia Key Recreation Center in
retaliation of their stand against the
proposed homeless encampment on
Virginia Key. The center is one of the
best things about Miami. The location,
without easy access to food or
emergency services, is not appropriate
for chronically homeless individuals
and the proximity to the sewage
processing center is unsafe.
Hercilia
Sandy
Andres
Carrion
Moise
Ocampo
2121 n Bayshore DI. 1 #12481
dr. Apt 605, Miami Discussion - Virginia
FI 33137 Key Outdoor Center
5910 NE 6th Court DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FI Key Outdoor Center
1900 N Bayshore DI. 1 #12481
Dr #3507 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
6970 W 2nd Ln DI. 1 #12481
Francys Camejo Hialeah, FL 33014 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
I do not want VKOC closed. It provides
for an enriching outdoor activity close
to home. The park is a beautiful
ecological place with a beautiful view
and should be preserved for the
people's enjoyment and closeness with
nature. Miami needs places like this.
Please find another place for the
homeless. Do not deprive Miami
residents of the use and enjoyment of
a functional and frequented park. there
are other and better options for the
homeless encampment.
I encourage you to reopen the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center. The Virginia Key
Outdoor Center offers an opportunity
for children and families to enjoy the
natural beauty of our city. They provide
experiences in nature that are healthy,
wholesome, fun, foster a love for our
natural environment, and promote
positive mental health. Please reopen
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center today.
I have been a frequent visitor and lover
of the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. I
often rent the kayaks, paddle boards or
e simply enjoy the facility and park. It is
a shame that the center is closed. 1,
along with hundreds (perhaps
thousands) of other Miami citizens
DEMAND that the center be opened
and continue operating as scheduled.
Esther Luft and her staff are heaven-
sent for the community! Love them
and the facilityM
I have come all the way from Pembroke
Pines on numerous occasions to visit
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. I have
rented kayaks, brought friend, and
even volunteered during one of their
beach clean ups. The reason I decided
to come all the way to the City of
Miami instead of frequenting a closer
park such as Oleta and using its
amenities there is because the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center has curated a safe
and inclusive area in which everyone is
respected and treated like a friend.
This ambiance cannot be easily
replicated. Plenty of times my friends
and I have left the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center and gone to restaurants like the
Red Rooster on our way home.
Without the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center, my friends and I have little to
no reason to really frequent Miami. We
would be closer to Fort Lauderdale.
Please allow the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center to reopen. They're doing a lot
for the community by hosting beach
clean ups and free educational tours.
They're doing a lot for the local
economy by bringing people that
normally would not frequent the area
and conduct business. From what I
learned recently they are also a family
owned business. You don't see much of
those anymore.
I love the beach access and want to
3980 kumquat DI. 1 #12481
keep the park as is, our kids play there
Noemie Heuland Discussion - Virginia
and this is important to keep some
avenue Key Outdoor Center
open space for families to gather
outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
Elaine Mora 15110 SW 87 court Discussion - Virginia
I need access to the waterway.
Key Outdoor Center
I oppose constructing a homeless
encampment on Virginia key. A remote
island far from public transit and social
services is not the best place to house
the homeless. Virginia Key is also an
environmentally sensitive area, where
manatees live in the bay. VKOC is a
cherished community resource that
provides Miamians a safe place to
kayak, bike, and be in nature. The way
in which this issue has been handled
has weakened my faith in the integrity
of our elected officials and democracy
1330 west ave apt DI. 1 #12481
in Miami. I understand that at the
Mariel Townsend 812 Miami Beach fl Discussion -Virginia
commission meeting where this vote
33139 Key Outdoor Center
originally took place, Alex Diaz de la
Portilla reversed his initial vote
opposing the measure, after those
advocating against it had left, and he
did so while snickering and other
members of the commission calling it a
shady move in the video of the
meeting. While I appreciate the pause
to reconsider this issue, the police
department then showing up in a raid
the next day, citing unpaid rent with no
prior notice given to VKOC can only be
taken as a politically motivated scare
Carole
Dowling
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
2600 SW 27th Ave, Code - Chapter 38 -
Miami 33133 Virginia Beach Park
Trust - Appointments
P.O. Box 142082 DI. 1 #12481
Dorsey DeMaster Gainesville Florida Discussion - Virginia
32614 Key Outdoor Center
tactic and is not the way that the
voters should be represented. While I
support a viable solution to housing the
homeless, this is not it, and the toll on
the quality of life for those of us who
enjoy the outdoors, want to protect
wildlife, and want to have faith in our
elected officials has been great. Please
do the right thing, oppose this
measure, and reinstate VKOC's lease.
I recently moved to south Florida from
NYC because of the beautiful
environment. I think any structures
would diminish the beauty of the key
and am opposed to it. Homeless people
need housing and also services to
support them. Virginia key has none.
I represent the Florida Paddling Trails
Association (FPTA). We are a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization formed in 2007
under the guidance of the Department
of Environmental Protection's Office of
Greenways & Trail. One of FPTA's
missions is to be a resource and a voice
for paddlers. • Virginia Key is an oasis
in the midst of a large city. It provides a
green space for the community,
allowing families and individuals to
connect with nature; a serious deficit
within the concrete canyons of Miami.
There are many articles written about
the health benefits - with more time, I
can provide them. • Virginia Key
Outdoor Center (VKOC), is an FPTA
Business Member, and provides superb
services, like paddle safety training and
ecotours to not only Miami area
residents but as a major tourist
destination, they also attract visitors
from all over the world. • VKOC
employs many people. Establishing a
homeless encampment places these
jobs at risk, potentially compounding
Miami's homeless population. Also a
loss of income for the county? • VKOC
is the base for the South Florida
Paddlers. With more than 2.8K
members / social media followers,
South Florida Paddlers has been pivotal
to the community by providing safety
and education training for paddlers by
American Canoe and Kayak Association
Alexis
Bruce
Theresa
12310 SW 28 DI. 1 #12481
Perez street, Miami, FL Discussion - Virginia
33175, USA Key Outdoor Center
Department of DI. 1 #12481
McCord Chemistry 11200 Discussion - Virginia
SW 8th St CP 304 Key Outdoor Center
3042 Center Street DI. 1 #12481
Borden Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33133 Key Outdoor Center
certified instructors. • Virginia Key is
an established point along the 1,515-
mile Florida Circumnavigational
Saltwater Paddling Trail, also known as
the CT. Florida Statutes Title XVIII
Chapter 260 Florida Legislature
designates the CT as part of the Florida
Greenways and Trails System. One of
the most challenging portions of the CT
is the Miami area. This is due to a lack
of resources for paddlers to find a safe
haven during inclement weather. The
proposed action for Virginia Key poses
a significant safety risk for CT paddlers.
Additional inputs: Virginia Key is on the
National Register of Historic Places. It is
also home to several native plants that
are scarce in Dade County, including
the endangered Biscayne Prickly Ash.
The Florida Paddling Trails Association
is here to represent and support the
paddling community.
I stand with the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. The service it provides to our
community by encouraging outdoor
activity and exercise on Virginia Key is
invaluable. Please keep the center
open. Thank you
I strongly support the continued
presence of Virginia Key Outdoor
Center, their role in permitting the
citizens of Miami Dade to have a
unique connection to the environment
and the beauty of Virginia key is
unparalleled. They have been a very
positive addition to this city and I am
very unhappy with how they have been
treated.
I support the reopening of the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center. VKOC is a core
community benefit available for Miami
residents. The facility is well run and
provides residents with unparalleled
access to the natural resources that
Miami has to offer - ensuring that we
will continue to enjoy and protect them
for years to come. I have enjoyed
paddling around the island, observing
manatees and shore birds and it would
be a shame to deprive others of the
same opportunity.
1 urge the Commission to re open the
DI. 1 #12481
2300 sw 25 street
facility because it offers our
Patricia Pino Miami, FI 33133 Discussion - Virginia
community access to the water
Key Outdoor Center
through their kayak rentals.
I urge the Commission to resolve the
issues preventing the continuation of
operation of Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. Virginia Key Beach Park is a
jewel in the limited green spaces in the
city of Miami. The availability of
DI. 1 #12481
recreational equipment, training and
Mark Graesser 18625 SW 89th Ct Discussion - Virginia
expertise in this park make it more
Key Outdoor Center
than just a passive space. It brings
vibrancy and liveliness to the area that
otherwise would not exist. The Virginia
Key Outdoor Center is the draw that
brings people from outside the city
limits to recreate, generating additional
revenue to support the local economy.
I urge you to please take into
consideration the effect that removing
VKOC has had on so many of us. They
provided so many outdoor
opportunities to children and families
like mine. It is so important for the
residents of Miami to have quality
access to the outdoors, and VKOC was
DI. 1 #12481
7480 SW 122nd
huge in helping us all do that.
Moises Levy Discussion -Virginia
Street
Additionally, I urge to please reconsider
Key Outdoor Center
the homeless camp at Virginia Key. The
homeless are much better supported
through private organizations like
Camillus House. Please considering
partnering and working with private
businesses and not -for -profits in
helping our homeless neighbors.
Thank you.
Philip
Megan
Melissa
Cynthia
Adrianne
DI. 1 #12481 1 use the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Stoddard 6820 SW 64th CT Discussion - Virginia regularly for kayaking. Please don't
Key Outdoor Center close it!
DI. 1 #12481
Hoover 3244 W Trade Ave Discussion - Virginia I want Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Key Outdoor Center reopened.
55 Merrick Way,
Redondo Apt. 614, Coral
Gables FL 33134
Benavides 1250 S Miami Ave
Apt 1810
Thompson 121 Crandon Blvd.
DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
I want the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
reopened.
I want the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
reopened.
I want the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
to reopen!
Key Outdoor Center
7489 sw 109 pl
BC. 23 #9549 Virginia
I want the Virginia Key outdoor center
Jennifer Perez
miami FI 33173
Key Advisory Board
reopened
I want the Virginia key outdoor center
reopened! My family and I love visiting,
2943 sw 39th ave,
DI. 1 #12481
and bringing our family and friends. We
Brian Carson
Miami FL, 33134
Discussion - Virginia
love the staff and their commitment to
Key Outdoor Center
a great and friendly operation. We love
the access to nature. Please reopen!!
PZ. 21 #12227 Land
20300 W Country
Use - 3851
1 want the Virginia key outdoor center
Erick Magyar
Club Dr PH-16,
Rickenbacker
reopened.
Aventura, FL 33180
Causeway
I want the Virginia key outdoor center
DI. 1 #12481
reopened. I love access to the water
Carl Sputh
15340 S River Dr
Discussion - Virginia
and the natural environment. You
Miami FL 33169
'
Key Outdoor Center
can't find places like this in Miami.
Please don't shut it down.
I want the Virginia key outdoors center
3265 bird ave apt
DI. 1 #12481
reopen. I love the access to the water,
Luis Padrino
Discussion - Virginia
rent the kayaks and paddle boards.
201 miami 33133
Key Outdoor Center
Esther luft and her stuff are great
people and take care of the park
I want the center to be Open again it's
a good place for families and kids and
there aren't many of these places with
177 ocean lane
DI. 1 #12481
access to water activities, kayaks, and a
Christian Garcia
drive
Discussion -Virginia
beautiful natural ecosystem around.
Key Outdoor Center
Staff is great, always helpful. The
center is part of our community. We
would love to see it open again.
1 would like the VK Outdoor Center to
3750 NE 209th Ter
DI. 1 #12481
remain open and with full list of
Andrean NovKov
Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL 33180
services. Our family uses the facility
Key Outdoor Center
regularly
I would like the Virginia Key outdoor
642 Curtiswood
DI. 1 #12481
center reopened. It has provided me
Catherine Balestra drive Key Biscayne
Discussion - Virginia
and my family with amazing
33149
Key Outdoor Center
opportunities to explore and enjoy the
outdoors on and near Virginia Key.
DI. 1 #12481
1 would like the center reopened. I
David Del Terzo 2016 Bay Dr
Discussion - Virginia
don't believe it should have been
Key Outdoor Center
closed in the first place.
2 Grove Isle Drive
DI. 1 #12481
1 would like the outdoor center re -
Lisa Rentz
#1504
Discussion - Virginia
opened.
Key Outdoor Center
1 would like to have the Virginia key
DI. 1 #12481
outdoor center reopened. I live the
Carol lacovelli 481 s Mashta dr
Discussion -Virginia
natural environment and access to the
Key Outdoor Center
Water.
1 would like to see Virginia Key Outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
Center reopened. I do NOT want to see
Greg Kelly 3421 Charles Ave Discussion - Virginia
a homeless shelter built in this
Key Outdoor Center
beautiful area.
Instead of just closing up shop and
saying "good riddance" let's find a
resolution that allows this gem of the
community to continue to serve the
citizens of Miami by providing a safe
place to enjoy the increasingly rare
natural environments of our city. The
Virginia key outdoor center is the
12747 NW 6th Ln DI. 1 #12481
bridge that allows us to leave the
David Balladares Miami, FL 33182 Discussion - Virginia
concrete jungle and venture into
Key Outdoor Center
nature, safely, with reliable equipment,
advice and knowledgeable staff. I
personally have turned to them when I
have had several mishaps including my
personal equipment breaking down,
my blood sugar running low, forgetting
my helmet and much more. Each time,
VKOC came through for me and saved
the day.
It is a favorite place of ours to rent
310 Palmwood In DI. 1 #12481
kayaks and paddleboards and enjoy the
SILVIA BERMUDEZ Key Biscayne, FI Discussion - Virginia
company of manatees when we are out
33149 Key Outdoor Center
there. The whole family wants the
center reopened!
It is clear that the solution to
homelessness is not to shove them on
an island where they can't get easy
access to resources. Even the Homeless
Trust is against this project and has
1020 Meridian Ave. DI. 1 #12481
offered other ideas. Additionally, the
Stephanie Feldman #414 Miami Beach, Discussion - Virginia
way in which the Virginia Key Outdoor
FL 33139 Key Outdoor Center
Center was ousted is clear it was a
petty response to their legitimate
protests. Do not bring the homeless
encampment to Viriginia Key and bring
back the outdoor center.
It's very disappointing to see that we
live in a major U.S. city where citizens
who exercise democratic vocal
opposition get silenced by career
DI. 1 #12481
political zealots. It's the very chronic
Jose Tocasuche 2160 SW 17 street Discussion - Virginia
problem that has made this city the
Key Outdoor Center
most undemocratic in the nation. It's
what Al Crespo consistently exposed,
what Acevedo observed, and what
citizens like David Winker and now
what Esther Luft with her business and
livelihood have fallen victim to. We
need change in our commission,
Democracy will prevail.
9393 Sw 155th
DI. 1 #12481
Danny Alonso Ave, Miami, FL
Discussion - Virginia
I'd like for the center to reopen plase
33196
Key Outdoor Center
I'd like to have the Virginia Key
2333 Brickell Ave
DI. 1 #12481
Outdoor Center reopened because I
Michael Chau Apt 1414, Miami,
Discussion -Virginia
like the access to the water and the
FL 33129
Key Outdoor Center
ability to rent kayaks.
I'm not agree with this because this is
the only park that we have at south
Florida to do mountain bike and others
23375 Sw 111 ave
DI. 1 #12481
water sport . This is not fair for all the
manuel polo
Discussion - Virginia
Princeton Florida
people that love and support this park
Key Outdoor Center
that everyone can enjoy this out doors
and have contact with all the trees and
much more
Keep Virginia key outdoor center open
DI. 1 #12481
They are good stewards of the land
Roseanne Berger Pembroke pines
Discussion -Virginia
This area should be kept as is We need
Key Outdoor Center
to protect the Florida ecological system
Sebastian Cancio 8261 nw 192 terr
BC. 23 #9549 Virginia
Let Virginia key be!
Key Advisory Board
Many hours have been volunteered to
make Miami a premiere destination for
Mountain Bikers with some of the best
trails in the country right here in our
own back yard. The miami mountain
biking community continues to
positively influence people young and
old to become active, healthy
961 sw 7th at apt
DI. 1 #12481
productive members of society.
Jerome Morlot 302 Miami. FI,
Discussion -Virginia
Corporate sponsorship of events have
33130
Key Outdoor Center
further enriched our local culture and
we continue to draw enthusiasts from
all over the world. I strongly support
all the outdoor activities the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center provides. With the
right leadership, my hope is south
florida families will continue to enjoy
our park well into the future.
840 Michigan ave
DI. 1 #12481
Miami values public spaces. Virginia
Brian Butler Miami Beach fl
Discussion - Virginia
Key outdoor center is a treasure.
33139
Key Outdoor Center
Please protect
DI. 1 #12481
My family and I enjoy and utilize the
jeremy barnett 636 Navarre Ave
Discussion - Virginia
outdoor center and want to see it
Key Outdoor Center
reopened for all people to enjoy
DI. 1 #12481
My family has been coming to VKOC for
Jodi Moegenburg 627 nw 111 terr
Discussion - Virginia
years. My children have developed a
Key Outdoor Center
love for the sea through the programs
Chris
beatriz
Sariego
poleo
DI. 1 #12481
Brickell key drive Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
490 S Mashta Dr DI. 1 #12481
Key Biscayne FL Discussion - Virginia
33149 Key Outdoor Center
1005 NE 116th DI. 1 #12481
Andrew Barnett Street Miami,FL Discussion - Virginia
33161 Key Outdoor Center
at this outdoor center. The directors
patience and community involvement
are unparalleled . Moving the
homeless to an area that is 2 miles
from city services is cruel and unusual
punishment. The homeless need more
access not less which is why it is so
blatantly obvious that this is a land
grab and nothing more. Miami's selfish
and corrupt politicians could care less
about the community they are
supposed to serve. Please do the right
thing and protect this natural treasure!
No homeless shelter / housing should
be allowed in Virginia key. The area
that Virginia key has allocated for parks
and recreations should be left as is for
recreation purposes of the community
of Miami and its visitors. Miami does
not have enough areas like this with
park, beach, green areas, running trails,
bike trails, paddle boards and kayak
and bike rental facilities. This is one of
the few places that families with kids
can enjoy a safe recreational facility
with beach and water access. Do not
destroy an area that not only has
historic value but also is beautiful place
to enjoy with the entire family. Miami
needs more places like Virginia key
outdoor center, their offerings and
service is what the community of
Miami needs more of. I totally support
Virginia Key Outdoor Center! I am
100% against the homeless program
anywhere in Virginia key.
No to the homeless camp at VK and
reopen VK outdoor center!
On behalf of my 7yr old daughter Bliss,
6yr old son Cooper and 2yr old son
Mack as well as myself 40yr old
Andrew who love waking up on
weekends to go to Virginia Key
Outdoor Center to rent paddle boards
and Kayaks and paddle around the
lagoon meet manatees and sea turtles.
Please reopen this amazing resource.
We regularly invite friends and visitors
who do not have equipment to join us
at VKOC to rent gear and paddle out
with us to really enjoy one of Miami's
greatest gifts - Virginia Key
DI. 1 #12481
Veronic Santana Nw 97th ave
Discussion - Virginia
Open Virginia park recreation center
Key Outdoor Center
Our family so enjoys spending our free
time at Virginia Key and utilizing the
resources, services/expertise and
support provided by the Virginia Key
1005 NE 116th St
DI. 1 #12481
Outdoor Center, as a born and bred
Jillian Barnett Miami FL 33161
Discussion - Virginia
Miamian for 40 years please please
Key Outdoor Center
please reopen VKOC and do not alter
Virginia Key's natural beauty,
ecosystem and calm it provides our
neighbors, visitors and family
Our family strongly supports the future
of the Virginia Key area in question as a
world class recreational site. This is
priceless land and location that should
be used to enable outdoor activity's
like kayaking and mountain biking !
CA. 12 #12487
This is good for our social and physical
Establish Special
health as a community boy also
Ron Ritter 2500 Swanson Ave
Revenue Project -
reinforces Miami as a great place to
Miami Homeless
live and visit - so much more than
Assistance Program
beaches ! This creates jobs - which is
good for all of us. My 3 kids 12,6 and 4
years love the outdoor center and want
it open - "the ice cream place " We
want a city leadership team to lead
forward with transparent, thoughtful
solutions that make sense !
Our family travels from Broward to
enjoy nature by kayaking at Virginia
Key renting from VKOC. I have brought
visiting extended family members from
other states to see manatees in the
wild for their first time and it is
6220 SW 15th
DI. 1 #12481
magical. We have participated in the
Mary Vites Street Plantation,
Discussion - Virginia
Bioluminescence evening Kayak guided
FI 33317
Key Outdoor Center
trips which is one of many well run
community activities VKOC offers.
We've also enjoyed seeing the camp
for kids which introduces youth to
nature and raises young
environmentalists. This is a precious
jewel in Miami please preserve it!
Thanks
Our youth (your children and
13391 SW 88
DI. 1 #12481
grandchildren!) deserve this beautiful
Sandra LaFleur Terrace, Miami, FL
Discussion -Virginia
natural playground -please reopen the
33186
Key Outdoor Center
VKOC. Think of them!!
PLEASE REOPEN VIRGINIA KEY
DI. 1 #12481
Renee Burke 10300 sw 71 ave Discussion -Virginia
OUTDOOR CENTER. THE COMMUNITY
Key Outdoor Center
IS LOST WITHOUT IT. THERE IS NO
OTHER PLACE LIKE VKOC!!
Please, please open The Virginia Key
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Outdoor center. It's a staple in the
15721 SW 297 St.
Code - Chapter 38 -
community and has been missed a lot
Mary Jo Imes Leisure City, FL.
Virginia Beach Park
since it's closing. It feels like our park
33033
Trust - Appointments
has been taken away from us and we
really need it back open.
Please Please keep the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center open for the local
community. I love going there,
300 majorca ave DI. 1 #12481
connecting with nature and using the
Patricia Torre coral gables, fl Discussion - Virginia
kayaks so easily. A huge bonus for the
33134 Key Outdoor Center
clean bathrooms for us gals. Don't take
this away from us, now with the good
weather coming up! Thank you for your
time.
2917 SW 27th DI. 1 #12481
Please SAVE and reopen the Virginia
Santiago del Marmol Discussion - Virginia
Terrace
Key Outdoor Center!
Key Outdoor Center
Please allow Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. They provide much -needed
services to that help the residents of
DI. 1 #12481
Miami and Miami -Dade County as well
Li Lin Gaab 2151 sw 17 street Discussion -Virginia
tourists stay physically and mentally
Key Outdoor Center
healthy. Shutting down and preventing
VKOC from re -opening is harmful to all
of us.
Please bring back vkoc. This is a very
DI. 1 #12481
9220 W calusa club
community oriented location where
Elizabeth Corzo-Ruiz Discussion -Virginia
drive
people can go enjoy nature and the
Key Outdoor Center
water.
Please do NOT close or consider closing
DI. 1 #12481
VKOC. It is extreme important to the
Christopher Sancerni 12851 sw 128th ct Discussion - Virginia
kids and families for this location to not
Key Outdoor Center
be closed! Do not consider Virginia key
to relocate the homeless here
Please do not close VKOC. This center is
a valuable resource for Miami -Dade
residents as well as for outdoor
enthusiasts from all over Florida.
Outdoor access in urban Florida is
1806 NW10th DI. 1 #12481
more important than ever. It would be
Whitney Sanford terrace Gainesville, Discussion -Virginia
a huge loss. In particular, the center
FI 32609 Key Outdoor Center
offers access for those who do not
have financial resources to access
pricier options. Clearly we need to
provide options for the homeless.
However, warehousing them far from
Dirk
Dirk
Sylvia
Lizbeth
Mike
302 Elizabeth Rd. DI. 1 #12481
Palmer Lake Worth FL Discussion - Virginia
33461 Key Outdoor Center
302 Elizabeth Rd. DI. 1 #12481
Palmer Lake Worth Florida Discussion - Virginia
33461 Key Outdoor Center
2135 SW 11 DI. 1 #12481
Vera -Leon Discussion - Virginia
Terrace Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Hamilton 1021 sw 12 ave Code - Chapter 38 -
Virginia Beach Park
Trust - Appointments
4780 Pine Tree Dr., DI. 1 #12481
Gibaldi Apt 1 Miami Beach, Discussion - Virginia
FL 33140 Key Outdoor Center
urban services, jobs, etc simply sweeps
the problem under the rug. Again, I
urge you to protect this valuable
resource.
Please do not close Virginia Key
Outdoor Center, and find a better
location for the homeless. I greatly
enjoy biking and kayaking there nearly
everytime that I visit Miami. I also
always introduce to visitors from all
over the US and Europe to Virginia Key
Outdoor Center which is the highlight
of their trip to Miami!
Please do not close Virginia Key
outdoor center or the bike trails. They
are the main reasons that I go to
Miami, and I always bring tourists from
Europe. We love the kayaking and
biking there!
Please do not close the outdoor center.
Ester Luft and staff do an amazing job
there. The area is an important part of
Miami history.
Please do not make this beautiful park
and natural green space into another
industrial area! We must protect our
open spaces and have our kids grow up
with nature around them. I am against
the redevelopment of this park
Please do not set up a homeless village
at this beautiful, ecologically sensitive
public park. It would be a major
disservice to the vulnerable homeless
community who would be very far
removed from services they need. It
would add huge, unnecessary logistical
costs to taxpayers since services would
have to be delivered over 6 miles away
from the City center. It would also
place the vulnerable community
directly in a hurricane evacuation zone
since barrier islands are right at sea
level and also directly exposed Atlantic
Ocean. It would also be a major
disservice to the hundreds of
thousands of City of Miami residents
who frequent this beautiful natural
area for family outings, biking,
swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking,
enjoying the beach, etc.
Erin Lee 11105 SW 129th DI. 1 #12481 Please don't shut down this wonderful
Court Miami FL
Discussion - Virginia
south Florida institution. It is a privilege
33186
Key Outdoor Center
to have VKOC, not only for us but
future generations. We need to protect
our outdoor venues and our
connection to nature!
Please keep VKOC open to the public.
DI. 1 #12481
This is one of the last true natural spots
Jessie Schreier 2201 Brickell Ave
Discussion - Virginia
in Miami and provides the community
Key Outdoor Center
with so many valuable opportunities to
engage in outdoor activities.
Please keep Virginia Key a recreational
park for all people and do not change
the charter to provide housing. We
302 Elizabeth Rd
BC. 24 #8943 Virginia
visit Miami mainly to kayak, swim, or
Dirk Palmer Lake Worth FL
Key Beach Park Trust
bike in Virginia Key. We bring guests to
33461
Virginia Key from all over the US and
Europe and it is the highlight of our
visit to Miami!
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Please keep the VK park open. We
570 NE 53rd st,
Code - Chapter 38 -
Paula Tellez
love the access to the water and kayak
Miami, FL 33137
Virginia Beach Park
rentals
Trust - Appointments
Please keep the VKOC open. I had my
first kayak experience there. I saw
5911SW 29th
DI. 1 #12481
dolphin, manatee and fisher island
Yamile Castella
Discussion -Virginia
Street 33155
from my kayak. Out earth is unique
Key Outdoor Center
and under our care. Please wake up to
its needs.
Please keep the center open. It is a
beautiful area to go paddling or
936 SW 1st Ave,
DI. 1 #12481
kayaking. It has surely been impacted
Antonio Guerrero
Miami, FL
Discussion -Virginia
by covid, and then the low turist
Key Outdoor Center
season, but I am sure that it will pick up
as soon as high season starts this year.
Please leave the outdoor center open!
We use it all of the time and like the
fact that we can rent paddle boards &
kayaks, and that there's drinking water
George Lopez
APT 2914 1050
BC. 23 #9549 Virginia
available there. We like having access
BRICKELL AVE
Key Advisory Board
to the natural environment in Miami
and the outdoor center at Virginia Key
provides great opportunity to enjoy it.
Thank You, George Lopez
DI. 1 #12481
Please let VKOC reopen. It's a great
John Sheehan
6130 sw 79 st
Discussion - Virginia
natural resource for visitors and locals
Miami, FI 33143
Key Outdoor Center
alike. Thank you.
Please open the Outdoor Center. Our
1900 N Bayshore
DI. 1 #12481
children need it, the community needs
Tamas Azbe
Dr, Miami, FL,
Discussion - Virginia
it. Everyone is losing right now by not
33132
Key Outdoor Center
being able to rent kayaks and paddle
boards and such, and by not being able
to spend time in our precious nature.
Please permit the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center to Re -Open. Esther and her staff
are treasures of Virginia Key. As a solo
cyclist, having a safe haven with caring
255 Sunrise Drive
DI. 1 #12481
people, clean facilities, food and water
Carolyn Koslen
301
Discussion -Virginia
and a cool place to rest when
Key Outdoor Center
necessary has been a godsend. Esther
has built much more than a business
back there. She has created a family.
Please re -open VKOC.
Please re open the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. The Center is a great
place for families to get out and
experience nature and wildlife. They
provide an experience that is not
possible in other places of Miami.
Getting out in the kayaks provides an
DI. 1 #12481
unparalleled learning experience for
Paula De Carolis 2144 SW 12 street
Discussion - Virginia
children and adults to develop an
Key Outdoor Center
understanding and respect of
ecosystems and biomes, unique to our
location. Esther Luft and her staff are
an asset to this place and business,
their devotion over the years to this
cause is both, measurable and
quantitative.
Please reopen VK outdoor center. It is a
much needed place for everyone in
745 Fernwood Rd,
DI. 1 #12481
Miami. The rental of Kayaks and paddle
Marina Ventura Key Biscayne FI
Discussion - Virginia
boards is a welcomed activity for
33149
Key Outdoor Center
families looking to connect with nature
and teach our kids the importance of
the preserving our ecosystems.
2001 Meridian
Avenue #308
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen VKOC, we need it so
Christina LeMahieu Miami Beach FL
Discussion -Virginia
much
Key Outdoor Center
33139
Please reopen VKOC. It is my families
DI. 1 #12481
and neighbors favorite place to kayak.
Vivian Campa 7160 Fairway drive
Discussion - Virginia
We miss the wildlife. Esther and her
Key Outdoor Center
crew are so friendly and professional.
Thank you
4495 sw 1 st st .
BC. 24 #8943 Virginia
Please reopen Virginia Beach Key!
Sulay Lopez Miami florida.
Key Beach Park Trust
Please for my kids sake!
33134
Please reopen Virginia Key Outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
Center. It is one of the few reliable
14175 sw 87
Marina Alvarez
Discussion - Virginia
family recreational options we have
street, Miami FL
Key Outdoor Center
here in Miami. This business respects
the park, the nature and promotes safe
healthy activities we need for our
children and youth!
Please reopen Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. This is a beneficial learning
center for children and adults that
want to come and connect with nature.
It is very well known through various
studies that nature is very important to
help mental well-being. In a busy city
DI. 1 #12481
like Miami this is one of the very few
Marina Barrientos 22010 sw 103 ave Discussion - Virginia
locations where you can enjoy that
Key Outdoor Center
connection. I understand that there
needs to be a plan for our fragile
houseless community but it would
make better sense for organizations
that are already doing the work to be
funded to continue their amazing work
and not just isolated displaced people.
It isn't humane.
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Please reopen Virginia Key!! It is such
Palmira Brown 59th st Code - Chapter 38 -
an important place for me and s000
Virginia Beach Park
many people in Miami and many
Trust - Appointments
others who come to visit!
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen Virginia key outdoor
Mary Street Sw 23 terrace Discussion - Virginia
center. It is an invaluable asset to the
Key Outdoor Center
city and its residents.
Please reopen a very important public
recreation center so the people you
serve can enjoy such a beautiful natural
wonder like Virginia Key by Kayak and
paddle board. This Center provides a
wonderful community resource that
allows us to access to the water in a
unique way. The area is unspoiled and
Esther gives us access to recreation
that is now been taken away. I would
11233 SW 88 st E DI. 1 #12481
like to see our Commission be seen as
Mary Ann Marks 104 Miami, FI Discussion -Virginia
forward thinking and progressive by
33176 Key Outdoor Center
protecting the Outdoor Center that is
well loved by the people you represent.
I believe you will be seen and
remembered and respected for this
one act of preservation. Let's redefine
progress and restore public faith in this
Commission by supporting the Center
and letting it continue to provide us
with many more years of our beloved
Virginia Key.
10350 W Bay DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the VKOC (and stop the
Christina Ortega Harbor Dr, Apt 6d, Discussion - Virginia
homeless encampment from being
Bay Harbor Islands, Key Outdoor Center
built). Virginia Key is one of the most
FL 33154 amazing places in Miami and one of the
few outdoor sanctuaries we truly have
left here. My breast cancer team has
been able to kayak here for our health
and Esther was beyond amazing
working with us. Being out on the
water and seeing the wildlife up close
was breathtaking. And it's a place
where I have brought my children since
I have always considered it to be safe.
That will all change if you 1) do not
allow the VKOC to reopen and 2) move
in the homeless population, many of
whom may have undiagnosed and
untreated mental health conditions.
You are putting our environment and
our children and families and people in
general at risk. Also, there are many,
many greedy business owners in
Miami; Esther is not one of them. She
goes above and beyond to help
everyone enjoy the unique wildlife
Virginia Key has to offer. We
desperately need the VKOC in our
community - there is nothing else like
it!
Please reopen the VKOC. It's a
2797 Crystal Court,
DI. 1 #12481
business that not only serves tourists,
Catherine Moghari
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33133
but residents as well. They are greatly
Key Outdoor Center
missed.
Please reopen the VKOC. I have
paddled there many times and it is a
beautiful piece of Miami that should
never have been shut down. Esther
1541 brickell Ave
DI. 1 #12481
has grown a great outdoor venue that
Lizbeth smalley #2906 miami FI
Discussion - Virginia
many people in our community use and
33129
Key Outdoor Center
enjoy. It offers peace and tranquility
for those of us that want to unwind
after long work weeks. Thank you for
your consideration.
Please reopen the Virginia Beach
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
center. Esther and her staff are
2124 SW 25
Code - Chapter 38 -
fantastic! The access is essential for
Lynette Cardoch
Terrace
Virginia Beach Park
our community. Moreover, I do not
Trust - Appointments
agree with the repercussions that have
been placed on this facility. Thank you
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
Center which serves Miamians and
9040 SW 97 Ter
Leah Kinnaird
Discussion - Virginia
residents of South Florida and gives
Miami FL 33176
Key Outdoor Center
them access to the natural
environment unlike any other in our
community.
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center! Esther and her staff have been
DI. 1 #12481
amazing at helping people enjoy the
7170 SW 55th Ter
Laura Meyers
Discussion - Virginia
nature and beaches! I have been
W Miami, FI 33155
Key Outdoor Center
coming to Virginia Key for over 42
years, please don't take my rights
away!
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center! I am a water sport enthusiast,
1010 Brickell Ave,
DI. 1 #12481
having a facility close to water to rent
Tibor Mozes
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33131
kayaks and paddle boards, or even to
Key Outdoor Center
get a bottle of water is a great service
to our local community
DI. 1 #12481
please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Nelson Guzman
440 loretto ave
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Center.
2508 sw 19th ter
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Shannon Jones
Discussion - Virginia
Miami fl 33145
Center.
Key Outdoor Center
2360 Overbrook
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Ian Wogan
Street
Discussion - Virginia
Center. Thank you.
Key Outdoor Center
K
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. This facility provides much
needed non -motorized watercraft
access to the beautiful natural
environment. I have taken visitors
727 Tibidabo Ave, DI. 1 #12481 many times to rent kayaks from this
Diane Thurston Coral Gables, FL Discussion - Virginia Center, and they always enjoy this
33143 Key Outdoor Center quiet, uncrowded experience. As do I.
This small business with its friendly,
helpful staff is a clear asset for many
residents and visitors alike. Please
keep the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
OPEN!
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
Center. This was a clear retaliation
12255 SW 143RD
Marc Applewhite
Discussion - Virginia
play, and this is a great establishment
LN
Key Outdoor Center
that is key part of the lifestyle on the
key.
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. I miss being to enjoy the
DI. 1 #12481
beauty of Miami and South Florida
Jane Anderson 3511 SW 35 Street
Discussion - Virginia
since they have been closed. Esther
Key Outdoor Center
and her staff do a great job of renting
the equipment that enables people to
enjoy what South Florida is all about.
Nicolas Cortes 797 Ridgewood Rd
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Key Biscayne, FL
Discussion - Virginia
Center. It is a great place for families to
33149 Key Outdoor Center go, rent equipment to go in the water
and spend time. My family really
enjoyed it. For this same reason, please
DO NOT build a homeless shelter on
this island.
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. Many people use and enjoy the
786 Fernwood
DI. 1 #12481
water activities offered by this facility.
Victoria Jackson
Road, Key
Discussion -Virginia
Locals and tourist know of the kayak
Biscayne, FI. 33149
Key Outdoor Center
tours and other activities offered. It is a
great asset to the city of Miami to have
this available and in a special location
that is known for protected sea life.
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
698 NE 1st AVE
DI. 1 #12481
Center. The staff is great and they
Luis Holguin
#506 Miami FL
Discussion -Virginia
provide a great service allowing
33132
Key Outdoor Center
exploring of our natural environment.
Please reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
11375 Smathers
Center. This is such a nice place to
Ellen Weston
Circle Pinecrest, FL
BC. 23 Virginia
Virginia
access nature with the kayaks or to just
33156
Key Addvisoviso Board
sit by the water. Esther Luft and her
staff are always so helpful.
Please reopen the Virginia Key outdoor
center. Many people, including me,
781 west tropical
DI. 1 #12481
depend on Esther and her staff, and
Sharon Marsten
Discussion - Virginia
the facilities, each weekend. The
way
Key Outdoor Center
beauty of the ocean and key, kayaks,
park, and all that is there, mean so
much to us. Please reopen!
Please reopen the Virginia Key outdoor
199 Ocean Lane
DI. 1 #12481
center. The friendly and supportive
Toni Saul
Drive 702 Key
Discussion - Virginia
staff provide water rentals, etc., for
Biscayne 33149
Key Outdoor Center
those of us who enjoy using the park.
Please reopen the Virginia key outdoor
7170 Sw 55th Ter
DI. 1 #12481
center! I have been enjoying the
Marco Zuleta
west Miami fl
Discussion - Virginia
facilities and Esther and her staff are so
33155
Key Outdoor Center
important to keeping this nature
reserve clean.
22 grand bay
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the center! So many
Morgan Granier
estates circle Key
Discussion -Virginia
residents of miami love this place. Not
biscayne do 33149
Key Outdoor Center
many places left in miami like this. It
would be a shame to let it go.
Please reopen the center!! The center
is an amazing resource for the
Eizenberg
DI. 1 #12481
community, for individuals and families
Ori
1080 Brickell Ave
Discussion - Virginia
alike. Among many others, the center
Weinger
Key Outdoor Center
provides both an educational and
physical outlets to its patrons. It must
be re -opened.
Rebecca Jardine
3711 SW 160th Ave
DI. 1 #12481
Please save the Virginia Key Outdoor
Discussion - Virginia
Center, it's such a great place to go
Key Outdoor Center kayak and connect with nature. I
understand that homelessness needs
to be dealt with and I agree but we
need to think about the negative
impact of homeless people living that
close to wildlife. Their trash, or them
bathing in the mangroves is not good
for them or the animals that live there.
People shouldn't be living in parks
anyway. There must be a structure
where they can get a shower and
somewhere to sleep and help getting
their life together so they're not
homeless. Please find a better solution,
thank you!
Please understand the importance of
the beautiful Virginia Key and its
outdoor center. I visit with frequency
and enjoy the kayaking and see all the
Montes de
DI. 1 #12481
wonderful things happening there. As a
Milagros 8364 SW 159 Place
Discussion -Virginia
Oca
Key Outdoor Center
native of Miami, I drive all the way
from West Kendall to enjoy the key.
Please help maintain Virginia Key as it
is so we can enjoy for generations to
come.
Please we need VK outdoor center
DI. 1 #12481
open. It provides great support for the
19490 39th Court,
Walter Juca
Discussion - Virginia
community visiting and enjoying VK.
SIB
Key Outdoor Center
Staff and services are just great.
Thanks
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Please, reopen the Virginia Key outdoor
305 NE 24th St,
Code - Chapter 38 -
Center. It is my leisure time favorite
Izabel Carsalade
Miami, FI, 33137
Virginia Beach Park
place. Great for distress and for family
Trust - Appointments
time.
Preserve Virginia Key. You have been
elected to serve the public interest -
not your own - and to be good
stewards to our amazing natural
DI. 1 #12481
environment. The Outdoor Center,
Karen Beber 1541 Brickell Ave
Discussion - Virginia
within Virginia Key, provides a means
Key Outdoor Center
for any and all to explore, appreciate
and protect this national treasure. Do
the right thing. Preserve all of Virginia
Key.
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Antonella Santeusanio 951 Belle Meade
Code - Chapter 38 -
REOPEN THE VIRGINIA KEY OUTDOOR
Island Drive
Virginia Beach Park
CENTERM
Trust - Appointments
DI. 1 #12481
Re -open Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Richard Suarez 801 East 31 Street
Discussion -Virginia
and PROTECT Virginia Key.
Key Outdoor Center
Regarding the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. Please respect Virginia Key Park
and its incredible natural environment.
DI. 1 #12481
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
Peter Ehrlich 243 NE 59th Terr
Discussion - Virginia
helpful amenity for hikers, visitors and
Key Outdoor Center
bikers. We look forward to Virginia Key
Park being preserved for future
generations of residents and tourists.
Thank you.
Reopen VKOC! I want to go kayaking
and paddle boarding again and so do
DI. 1 #12481
my kids! It's a nice place, family
Marianne Arellano 234 Alesio
Discussion - Virginia
friendly and tourists like it too. If the
Key Outdoor Center
place is really in violation for something
then help them straighten it out, but
open it up already.
Reopen Virgina key and find
DI. 1 #12481
permanent housing for the homeless
Britney Wrightington 235 s Dixie hwy
Discussion -Virginia
population instead of sticking them
Key Outdoor Center
near a sewage plant.
125 Edgewater
BC. 24 #8943 Virginia
Reopen Virginia Key Beach Park and
Dylann Turffs Drive, Coral Gables
Key Beach Park Trust
protect our public lands
FL 33133
7875 NW 107th
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Manuel Pimentel Ave Doral, FL
Discussion - Virginia
and cease the homeless project in
33178
Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key, find somewhere else
Reopen Virginia Key Outdoor Center.
1250 South Miami
DI. 1 #12481
Shame on you for taking this away
Bryce Quinn Ave #1810, Miami
Discussion - Virginia
from the residents of Miami. We want
33130
Key Outdoor Center
to continue enjoying our beautiful
natural resources.
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen Virginia Key Outoor Center
Chris Espinoza 2601
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
reopen
9817 west
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Okeechobee rd
Code - Chapter 38 -
Douglas Berdugo
Reopen Virginia key outdoor center
Hialeah gardens FI
Virginia Beach Park
33016
Trust - Appointments
CA. 12 #12487
Reopen Virginia key outdoor center It's
Establish Special
a beautiful park and paddling area and
Roseanne Berger Pembroke Pines
Revenue Project -
should be maintained as such. People
Miami Homeless
come from all over just to check the
Assistance Program
area out and enjoy nature
Reopen Virginia key outdoor center.
This place is very important to me
because i spend my free time on the
5230 Southwest
DI. 1 #12481
water. I rent kayaks and paddle boards
maria lantigua 98th Avenue Road
Discussion - Virginia
there. there is nothing like this area
Key Outdoor Center
where the staff are nice and friendly
and where you can spend time in the
natural environment. I need Esther to
Rachel
Spencer
Carla
reopen she is an important part of our
community and to me.
Reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. It should have never been
closed down in the first place. Your
response to those opposing the tiny
home project from the beginning has
been questionable at best. If the center
truly was closed due to code violations
or financial obligations, why didn't it
happen much sooner? The timing as it
happened, only after hearing the
operator speak out, remains highly
suspicious despite all claims to the
contrary. Now, with the blindsided
choice to expedite the decision on
whether to reopen the center, it is
becoming abundantly clear that you do
13750 SW 256th St
not want to hear any opposition to a
DI. 1 #12481
plan that is so poorly conceived from
Apt 205
Di Pietro Homestead, FL Discussion - Virginia
every angle, and which the vast
Key Outdoor Center
majority of Miami's citizens
33032
vehemently oppose. The tiny home
encampment will be a lose -lose -lose
situation for the unhoused population
of Miami who will be even further
displaced from critical services and
vulnerable to the effects of climate
change, visitors who come to Virginia
Key to recreate, and the remaining
public city parks which with this
precedent also would become more
vulnerable to development. Stop
trying to silence us, and do the right
thing: reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center for all to continue enjoying this
local treasure and one of the few
remaining natural areas in the city.
Thank you.
Reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
center to allow citizens to enjoy access
DI. 1 #12481
to the water and to support the
Ash 5585 SW 4th St Discussion - Virginia
fantastic staff of the center who
Key Outdoor Center
provide rentals of kayaks and paddle
boards to that people want enjoy our
city's natural spaces.
Reopen the Virginia key outdoor
210 Seaview Dr. DI. 1 #12481
center. It is essential to offer
kayak/paddle board rentals so all who
Bevilacqua Key Biscayne, FI Discussion -Virginia
want to enjoy the natural environment
33149 Key Outdoor Center
have a place they can rely on for
bathrooms, water and any other need.
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen the center - it is a safe access
Erinne Guthrie 9101 sw 97 terrace Discussion - Virginia
to the water and the only place like it in
Key Outdoor Center
key Biscayne !
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen the outdoor center, we
Michael Hernandez 6415 NW 1st PI Discussion - Virginia
deserve it
Key Outdoor Center
Reopen Virginia FR. 4 #12497 Amend
Ely Bistrong key center and Code - Chapter 38 -
Reopen the recreational center and
stop the nonsense Virginia Beach Park
stop the nonsense! Thank you
Thank you Trust - Appointments
Reopening of the Virginia Key is vital
for the community at large. Is one of
the few places, there is not many, that
community can enjoy nature, easy
access to water sports, rent kayaks and
paddle boards under the care of
respectful and courteous staff. In
addition, their facilities are a haven for
DI. 1 #12481
cyclists and runners. I drive 50 minutes
Zulma Berrios 9821 SW 124th ct Discussion - Virginia
almost every month with great
Key Outdoor Center
pleasure to use these facilities and
services. I don't have the means or
strength to buy, carry, transport and
store the equipment available at
Virginia Key Outdoor recreation center.
Permanent closure of VKORC rely
adversely impact my health and well-
being.
915 NW 1st Ave DI. 1 #12481
SAVE and re -open Virginia Key Outdoor
Michael Hovsepian Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33136
Key Outdoor Center
Center
Save Virginia Key Outdoor Center and
Bike Trails. Many hours have been
volunteered to make Miami a premiere
destination for Mountain Bikers with
some of the best trails in the country
right here in our own back yard. The
miami mountain biking community
continues to positively influence
21326 SW 97th pl DI. 1 #12481
people young and old to become
Ricardo Morales Cutler Bay, FL Discussion -Virginia
active, healthy productive members of
33189 Key Outdoor Center
society. Corporate sponsorship of
events have further enriched our local
culture and we continue to draw
enthusiasts from all over the world. I
strongly support all the outdoor
activities the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center provides. With the right
leadership, my hope is south florida
families will continue to enjoy our park
well into the future.
Save Virginia Key, homeless on this
DI. 1 #12481
land is not appropriate and will create
Aymee Vasquez 7925 West Drive Discussion -Virginia
more problems, there are much better
Key Outdoor Center
locations to help the needy in Miami.
Lissette Lujardo 9414 Sw 185 st BC. 24 #8943 Virginia
Save the beach and the opportunity for
Key Beach Park Trust
water sports!
Shutting the VKOC is deplorable. The
city of Miami is bullying the owner to
achieve 1) retaliation for the VKOC
owner speaking up about the
unpopular and poorly planned
homeless encampment, 2) strategically
to remove a business that brings
12747 NW 6th DI. 1 #12481
children and women in bathing suits
David Balladares Lane, Miami, FI Discussion -Virginia
that enjoy our outdoors but that could
33182 Key Outdoor Center
be seen as becoming targets of the
homeless, thereby the city is removing
their greatest obstacle of having to
fight the idea that 'women and children
will be put at risk'. Our citizens love the
VKOC and shutting them down a
unscrupulous act that erodes trust in
our city's govt and it's intentions even
further.
Stop the nonsense and reopen the VK
outdoor center! This is an important
DI. 1 #12481
177 Ocean Lane Dr,
place for our community. Esther Luft
Maria Alvarez Key Biscayne Discussion - Virginia
and her staff do a wonderful job. Bring
Key Outdoor Center
back paddle board rentals and access
to the water!
The Miami -Dade County area has very
little choices to access open spaces and
parks for locals and tourists. To take
away the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
and the ONE Mountain Bike Park is
DI. 1 #12481
Miami, Florida
taking away a marvelous landmark for
Silvia Calderon Discussion -Virginia
33193
many locals and tourists, young and
Key Outdoor Center
younger. You may want to consider
further south in the Key Biscayne area
and see if the locals there would like
your plans for the homeless to reside
"temporarily" hmmmm???
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
place for families and visitors alike to
enjoy nature while learning about our
6964 Bottlebrush BC. 23 #9549 Virginia
local ecosystem. I have kayaked and
Carina Zatarain Dr. Key Advisory Board
attended countless beach clean ups at
the area and am devastated to see a
family -owned business go through
what the city is putting them through.
We should be uplifting our local
Emma Pratt
businesses and trying to help them
succeed. There are so many questions
that arise from this issue. Who would
drive the daily trek to deliver food and
supplies to the area? It is not a
convenient spot to bring resources to
the proposed homeless relocation site.
There is also no immediate medical site
in the area if needed. To turn a natural
landmark into a "camp" for countless
struggling individuals is not the answer.
There are so many unused plots of land
within the city and it's incredible how
the city doesn't partner with grassroots
efforts, such as nonprofit organizations
like Camilla's House, to come up with a
better solution of expanding what they
already offer the homeless population.
The highest number of homeless
citizens will always be in a
metropolitan area and to move them
to a remote location will not last. They
need resources and community. If
developers have an issue with
homeless citizens in the area of their
sites, then why don't they contribute to
using their bought land and assets to
create a nonprofit sector that focuses
on progressive programs and rehousing
opportunities? Or refurbish abandoned
buildings into a safe space while
offering the tenants access to wi-fi and
job opportunities, career fairs, and
amenities that will not be a band aid,
but life -changing. There are many more
answers to go through that will not
harm a family -owned legacy as well as
overcrowd a beloved natural landscape
that is a pivotal experience to Miami.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center
provides a necessary service for our
community to experience and learn
about the environment and local
ecosystem. The VKOC also creates
3253 Bird Ave, DI. 1 #12481 valuable opportunities for community
Miami FL 33133 Discussion - Virginia members who may not have the means
Key Outdoor Center to own equipment (kayaks, mountain
bikes, SUP, etc) needed to explore
Miami's beautiful outdoors. In
addition, the VKOC offers educational
programming and volunteer activities
to help preserve our environment and
Kiki
Cristina
Joseph
Patrice
2153 sw 17 st.
Mutis Miami, FL 33145
del Valle 121 Crandon Blvd
Waldman
Gimenez
3030 Riverland
Road Fort
Lauderdale 33312
4440 SW 13 Street,
Miami -Dade,
Florida 33134
Jordan Eizenberg 1080 Brickell Ave
keep it clean for all to enjoy. The VKOC
is extremely valuable as a local
business, and one that I strongly
support. We need the VKOC!!
The Virginia Key outdoor Center Is an
important business and education
center for our community. And should
remain open It offers affordable
DI. 1 #12481
access to the beautiful Biscayne bay via
Discussion - Virginia
kayaks and stand up Paddleboard's.
Key Outdoor Center
Esther and her staff are great with
children, adults and tourists. City Of
Miami deserves to have this
establishment there. Do not shut her
down
The Virginia Key outdoor center has
given affordable access to outdoor
water activities for our family. We do
not have the budget or storage space
DI. 1 #12481
for kayaks and paddle boards and
Discussion - Virginia
appreciate that the VKOC provides this
Key Outdoor Center
for our family. Miami is becoming for
the rich and it feels like we keep
loosing our beaches and homes. Please
don't also take the VKOC.
The Virginia Key outdoor center is a
great asset to the City and it's
surrounding residents. This
establishment has provided instruction,
rental and access to this incredibly
unique Oceanside location. It is located
in a protected, clean and safe tropical
lagoon ideal for youth and seniors to
access and enjoy Virginia Key's totally
unique natural environment so close to
DI. 1 #12481
downtown. Virginia Key and the
Discussion - Virginia
Outdoor Center are a perfect fit. The
Key Outdoor Center
idea of replacing this instructional and
rental business with a homeless
encampment would be misuse of this
prime gem of a location and a terrible
mistake. Surely there is a more
appropriate location for a homeless
center, less isolated, and in close
proximity to needed services which
must accompany this community and
their needs!
DI. 1 #12481
The Virginia key center should be
Discussion - Virginia
reopened to the public
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481 The center must reopen!! The Virginia
Faisal
Cosme
Alexis
elissa
Weinger Discussion - Virginia
Key Rec Center is an amazing resource
Key Outdoor Center
for the community, for individuals and
families alike. Among others, the
center provides an educational,
physical, and social outlets to its
patrons. The center must reopen!
110 Washington DI. 1 #12481
The center should be reopened to the
Albeer Discussion - Virginia
ave
public!!!
Key Outdoor Center
The decision to relocate the chronically
homeless, which include individuals
who suffer from numerous issues,
including mental illness and substance
abuse problems to Virginia Key has led
to an effort to shut down the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center. The outdoor
center has been a mainstay of the local
3225 Franklin Ave DI. 1 #12481
community, providing services to
Caballero Miami FL 33134 Discussion - Virginia
citizens of Miami from all
Key Outdoor Center
neighborhoods and districts. The
center should be permitted to remain
in Virginia key and continue to serve
the local community. Further, the
homeless encampment should not be
placed in an ecological preserve like
Virginia Key nor in proximity to a city
park frequented by families and
children.
The outdoor center has been an
amazing addition to VK. I have been
going to the trails with friends and
family for over a decade. The outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
410 Marmore Ave
center has been a under appreciated
Rua Coral Gables Discussion - Virginia
asset to the city. It's addition has been
Key Outdoor Center
great for the park. Providing water
access with rentals, restrooms, and a
bike wash station. Let's not forget how
great the owners and staff have been.
The residents of MDC do not
appreciate the political bullying of the
VKOCFL. I have participated in
activities with friends and bring my
child there. We've had amazing
864 80th St Miami DI. 1 #12481
experiences only available at Virginia
plancher Beach, FL 33141 Discussion - Virginia
Key. VKOCFL protects sensitive
Key Outdoor Center
ecosystems and animals. The
Commisson should be embarrassed
about your efforts to interfere with the
great work of VKOCFL. Additionally,
having worked in housing and
homelessness for 20 years, your
Maria
Chelsea
Zach
Fernandez
Olanow
siler
9708 Costa del Sol DI. 1 #12481
Blvd. Doral, FL Discussion - Virginia
33278 Key Outdoor Center
422 woodcrest rd, DI. 1 #12481
key biscayne 33149 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
101 nw 100th DI. 1 #12481
terrace 33150 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
740 SW 109TH DI. 1 #12481
Amanda Arvidsson AVE, Apt. 409 Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33174 Key Outdoor Center
proposed use of Virginia Key is against
all best practices and the citizens of
MDC do not stand with you in this
actions. We are United against what
you are doing to VKOCFL and oppose
your plans for changing land uses of
Virginia Key. Do better to protect the
beauty of Miami and we should be
supporting our local organizations
instead of hurting them.
This is a wonderful place where you
can rent a kayak and be in a natural
environment, in peace. The staff of the
center are really helpful. There is no
other place like this in Miami. Please,
leave it so we can keep enjoying it.
Thanks
This is an important center to the
community with wonderful staff. We
need access to the water and the
rentals. Please keep this open!!
This is unreal. Usually 'stick them all on
an island' is something callous people
say as a joke, and here you are
proposing it as an actual solution. This
stinks like corruption because it makes
no logical sense. VKOC dramatically
improved the site after Jimbo's. Please
do not pursue this absurd plan that will
only create more problems than
solutions. Virginia key is the closest
natural refuge that exists in an over
crowded city- it will not help the
homeless. Instead it's a suspicious plan
to build infrastructure to one day sell
to one of your developer cronies. This
proposal stinks worse than sargassum.
This location is not suitable for a
homeless camp for numerous reasons
such as lack of public transit and very
far walk to reach medical care, schools,
and grocery stores. Additionally,
Virginia Key is a well -loved area many
Miami residents can go for peace,
relaxation, and family gatherings
without the party atmosphere present
at some other beaches. Lastly,
homeless camps unfortunately also
result in a large amount of trash and
litter and the thought of so much litter
washing into the oceans is very
upsetting.
DI. 1 #12481
VK Outdoor center has been an asset
Steven Leidner 1130 102 St.,#6 Discussion - Virginia
to Miami and going to VK. Plz continue
Key Outdoor Center
providing this resource.
VKOC should be allowed a fair
opportunity to operate and continue to
1151 SW 12th St, DI. 1 #12481
serve the community. It is a hub of
Victoria Chorsi Discussion - Virginia
activities that entertains, educates, and
33129
Key Outdoor Center
provides solace in the pandemic.
Please reconsider allowing VKOC to
remain operable for our community.
DI. 1 #12481
VKOC should remain open. I visit the
Ramon Diaz 6738 SW 39th st Discussion - Virginia
park weekly.
Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key Outdoor Center brings
opportunities and moments that
community can come together and
enjoy Miami truest paradise . Kindly
keep the Virginia Key Outdoor center
DI. 1 #12481
i
operating for our future generations to
Anacaril Jovellar 1918 brickell ave Discussion -Virginia
enjoy and explore. It's one of the few
Key Outdoor Center
places that are left in its full glory,
what most people take for granted, our
home , our paradise, our backyard .
#SaveVirginiaKey and everything it
brings to our community
Virginia Key Outdoor Center doesn't
only allow inclusiveness but also
provide citizens with opportunities to
experience our beautiful Miami Habitat
safely. One of the best things about
VKOC is the dedication the staff has to
14041 SW 54th DI. 1 #12481
providing the best experience for
Krystal Kennedy Street Miramar, FL Discussion -Virginia
consumers but also for our animals and
33027 Key Outdoor Center
habitat alike. Hosting monthly beach
clean ups and manatee tours, we are
reminded that our beautiful Virginia
Key isn't just for us humans but every
living thing around . VKOC is a staple
point that brings us in this high
technology world back to where it all
began with nature, animals and safety.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is loved by
hundreds of Miami residents. The
closure of the center has taken away a
3295 Gifford Ln DI. 1 #12481
fun stress relieving activity from them.
Paige Golembeski Discussion - Virginia
Having access to green spaces and
Miami, FL 33 Key Outdoor Center
nature is extremely important for
someone's mental health. You have
taken this away from the residents and
should reconsider opening the outdoor
center.
Mari
Lovo
3101 Hibiscus St DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33133 Key Outdoor Center
2901 S Bayshore DI. 1 #12481
Linda Sestrick Dr. Apt 6D, Miami Discussion - Virginia
FL 33133 Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key is a place for families to
explore nature near the city. It has a
beach and trails that are used by
families for recreation, leisure and for
kids and adults to gain confidence both
in the water and on the bike. Biking is
one of the most important skills a
person can have it helps with so many
different aspects of life. Weight loss,
ADHD and mental health are just a few
issues biking helps with. The waters
near Virginia Key are teaming with
animals and organisms that help
children learn about the dangers of
littering and the reasons why we need
to protect the waters surrounding
Miami. We need to protect this space
and not develop on it. Aside from that
the idea of putting homeless in an area
far from services and near a school is
not a good situation for the students at
the school or the homeless whose
needs may not be served.
Virginia Key is a unique natural area
enjoyed by a demographically diverse
group of locals, South Floridians, and
tourists for a variety of recreational
uses. I continue to oppose further
development of Virginia Key for non -
park or recreational use. -The plan to
place temporary homeless housing on
Virginia Key is not in the best interest
of the homeless population. It lacks
access to transportation, jobs, stores
that provide essentials, and
infrastructure. Many of the homeless
support groups oppose this plan as well
as recommend alternatives to better
support the homeless community. -The
closing of VKOC is a loss to the
constituents of Miami, the many
tourists who visit this area, and the
participants in the many community
programs organized by the VKOC staff.
The city of Miami lost a valuable
community resource and a well -
respected business that provided a
quality, safe, and fun opportunity to
enjoy the area. Miami needs an
outfitter on Virginia Key to support
enjoyment of this area by all who visit.
And Miami needs a city administration
who operates with professionalism,
accountability, and transparency to
communicate, partner, and resolve
issues effectively with its business
partners.
Virginia Key is not an appropriate place
CA. 12 #12487
for the homeless shelter. It will destroy
2620 Natoma
Establish Special
the Keys fragile environment and the
Mick Thorpe Street Miami FL
Revenue Project -
homeless will not be happy living there.
33133
Miami Homeless
This key is a miami treasure and should
Assistance Program
be protected from any type of housing
Virginia Key needs sustainable
protection and family activities, as
provided by VKOC, not development.
Better alternative sites for homeless
DI. 1 #12481
need to be considered. This will create
Nick Copeland 3154 gifford In
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
a concentration camp next to
wildnerness and water treatment
plant, surely a health and safety issue,
and serve nobody except corrupt
interests.
Virginia Key should stay the way it is for
the people to enjoy some space not to
PR - PRESENTATIONS
bring homeless people change the
Romain- 1072 NW 155th
Guay
AND
zoning to then sell the land for profit. It
Julien Terrace
PROCLAMATIONS
is important to leave nice areas like the
mountain bike trails and beaches
available.
Virginia key outdoor center is THE most
affordable option for locals to enjoy
the most beautiful ocean waters of
Miami. It provides a healthy and safe
place to experience Miami ocean life
9414 sw 185th st,
DI. 1 #12481
through its rentals of kayaks and
Nicholas Rios
Discussion - Virginia
cutler bay, fl 33157
paddle boards. They also Do a
Key Outdoor Center
wonderful job of keeping this local
favorite spot clean and accessible. Vkoc
is a vital establishment for the local
community. Please allow them to
reopen
We hope the city will reopen the
10220 s.w. 143 st
DI. 1 #12481
Virginia Key outdoor center. Our family
Jacalyn Barnett Miami, Florida
Discussion - Virginia
appreciates the outdoors and all it
33176
Key Outdoor Center
offers to us!! We want to protect it so
we all can enjoy it!
We love Virginia Key Outdoor Center.
1408 Brickell Bay
DI. 1 #12481
Our friends love VKOC. We take all our
Kevin Kotzen
Drive
Discussion -Virginia
domestic and international visitors on
Key Outdoor Center
kayak trips from VKOC and it's often
their highlight of Miami. The services
provided by the center ensure that
anyone can get out on the water (for a
small fee). PLEASE OPEN IT UP AGAIN!
7950 NE Bayshore
DI. 1 #12481
We need to protect the manatees and
Melissa Maromonte
Discussion - Virginia
Ct
wildlife that live in this area.
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
We want Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Natalie Plasencia 210 wren Ave
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
to remain open.
We want the Virginia Key Outdoor
4271 SW 67
DI. 1 #12481
Center reopened. It is necessary in
Juan Lorenzo Terrace Davie, FL
Discussion - Virginia
order to have access to the water and
Key Outdoor Center
the beautiful natural environment.
DI. 1 #12481
Ana Galavis 1111 Crandon Blvd
Discussion - Virginia
We want to reopen the outdoor center
Key Outdoor Center
We were just notified the vkocfl will be
on the agenda today. We're a family
that visits the center for paddle
boarding and kayaking. My wife and I
went biking there when we first met.
The center is a public staple for many
2021 Sw 3rd
DI. 1 #12481
of us who want to enjoy the outdoors,
David Dubail avenue Miami FI
Discussion -Virginia
see manatee and dolphins. The little
33129
Key Outdoor Center
enclave is full of all sorts of natural
wonders. Instead of shuttering it, it's
be great if the city would invest more
money into the business so they could
do MORE for us all. Please REOPEN the
center.
We would like to have the Virginia
Outdoor Center open again. Our family
enjoys the weekends at the center
DI. 1 #12481
we're we can plan different activities.
Sebastian Ghiragossian 2322 NE 2nd Ave
Discussion - Virginia
The staff and owner has always been
Key Outdoor Center
very friendly and cordial and has a true
passion for the key. We request that
the center be reopen once again with
the same people as before.
2900 NE 7th AVE
DI. 1 #12481
Would like to see the center reopen
Michael Kerbel
Discussion - Virginia
Suite 3609
Key Outdoor Center
ASAP.
You can not close VKOC! Kids and
DI. 1 #12481
families need this facility! Please do not
Chris Sancerni 8125 sw 102 ave
Discussion -Virginia
consider to relocate the homeless to
Key Outdoor Center
Virginia key!
You can not close VKOC! Kids and
DI. 1 #12481
families need this facility! Please do not
Michael Fernandez 12351 sw 128th ct
Discussion - Virginia
consider to relocate the homeless to
Key Outdoor Center
Virginia key!
Gabriela
Guillermo
Diane
Anna
Nery
DI. 1 #12481
Martinez
710 lake road
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
9360 E Bay harbor
dr. Apt 6, Bay
DI. 1 #12481
Gabica
Discussion - Virginia
harbor island, fl
Key Outdoor Center
33154
1111 heron rd. Key
DI. 1 #12481
SANDELIN
Largo FI. 33037
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
10730 NW 14th st,
DI. 1 #12481
Colosimo
Apt 179,
Discussion - Virginia
plantation, FL
Key Outdoor Center
33322
FR. 4 #12497 Amend
21 NW 101 St
Code - Chapter 38 -
Henry
Miami Shores, FI
Virginia Beach Park
33150
Trust - Appointments
just don't do it bring back virginia key
outdoor center
the best place for children to get in
touch with nature and create
awareness of its value,
Final Public Comments Report of the 9/13/22
Commission meeting
Public Comment for 9/13/22 City Commission Meeting (Reconvened from 918122)
As of September 14th, 2022, 7:59 a.m. EST
Public Comment
motero@miamigov.com
First Name Last Name Street Address Agenda Item
Public Comment
HORRIBPLE PLAN. IT WILL DESTROY
THE CHARACTER OF THE
NEIGHBORHOOD. 1. This plan would
destroy over 500 units of affordable
housing. 2. The project would be
PZ. 3 #6608 Land
completely out of character and scale
Miriam Frankel 692 NE 62 Street Use - 5 NE 2
with the surrounding area, in
NE d
5035 NE 2 Av and
n
violation of Miami 21 section 3.9.1. 3.
5125 NE 2 Ct
Special Area Plans should be
abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
Hello! Thank you for listening to
Public comments today. The VKOC is
a vital piece of the Miami landscape.
Without it, we lose a huge resource
for recreation, summer caps for kids,
and the ability to enjoy our Miami
paradise. The outdoor center was
DI. 1 #12481
shut down unjustly and deserves to
Leslie Ramos 6970 Bird Rd Discussion -Virginia
be back in business. We deserve to
Key Outdoor Center
preserve our backyard, our nature,
and the place where manatees,
dolphins, and other innocent
creatures call home. As residents and
your constituents, we entrust you to
protect us, our well-being, and our
city. Do not disappoint us. Thank you.
I am a resident of Miami Shores but a
frequent visitor Virginia key park. I
BC. 24 #8943
385 NE 91 st Miami
have brought many friends and family
DOROTHY CAMPBELL Virginia Key Beach
Shores
members to the park to go kayaking
Park Trust
and biking. Virginia Key outdoor
center has always been available for
Ann Eubanks
rentals for my family to use. But
besides their business They have also
been a warrior for protecting the Eco
system of Virginia key park. As you
may know that is a very sensitive area
with the mangroves and the marine
life. Having Virginia key outdoor
center there, we will always have a
guardian of that area. Please I ask
that you consider re -opening in
Virginia Key outdoor center
Hi, my name is Ann Eubanks. I have
lived in Miami for 15 years and raised
my family here. My children have
grown up on Virginia Key. We spend
most of our weekends out there
paddle boarding or mountain biking.
They go to camp at VKOC in the
summer. This is such a special place
for our kids to learn water skills,
sports, how to overcome adversity (
mountain biking is hard!) and about
protecting and understanding our
oceans and it's amazing creatures.
Please do not take away this special
place for our children. Many families
all over Miami feel this way.
One day we were paddling and
playing on the beach and I was
chatting with a father out kayaking
3044 Center St. DI. 1 #12481 with his son. We were talking about
Coconut Grove Miami Discussion - Virginia how this is such a rare and special
33133 Key Outdoor Center place to be able to come and get
away from the city, how we make
great memories on the water with
our kids. I didn't realize it until he
paddled away and my husband
pointed out that was Mayor Suarez. I
know he has rented kayaks from the
outdoor center and taken his son out
in the lagoon and played on the
beaches with him. I know he
understands what a gem this place is
to our city. I would also like to
point out the importance VKOC has to
the delicate ecosystem surviving on
Virginia Key. This is a place where
manatees come to have their babies
and feed. It is where sea turtles lay
their eggs and mangroves try to hang
on and protect our coasts. The VKOC
works tirelessly to keep these places
Robert Hubsch
clean, protect these plants and
animals, and educate the public on
how we can help. This is no
place for a housing encampment.
This is 5 miles down an empty road
with only a water treatment plant.
There is no transportation, no access
to healthcare or food or jobs. It is
truly nature with iguanas and
mosquitos everywhere. This is the
worst planned out endeavor I've seen
from this council... and that's saying
something. Take the time to do some
studies on this. Get expert advice.
Anyone can see this is the worst place
in this city send large groups of
people to live. These actions are
incredibly careless and harmful.
I ask that you re open Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. You are hurting our
environment, animals, the homeless
in our community, and our kids with
these petty and III planned ideas.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is located
in a delicate ecosystem that supports
a living estuary for an abundance of
wildlife and vegetation that is crucial
for the survival of this natural habit
already under stress from
development, polution and a lack of
environmental education. The
land and surrounding waters should
remain protected from development
of any kind. Having the VKOC closed
would be a huge injustice for further
environmental education and safe
5828 SW 49th street DI. 1 #12481 recreational access to this delicate
Maimi FI 33155 Discussion - Virginia ecosystem that incompasses the
Key Outdoor Center Island from west bayside to the East
oceanfront and all the land in-
between. The VKOC has safely
educated our Children and Adults to
cherish and provide the proper
environmental awareness that is key
in facilitating a future for this delicate
ecosystem. I strongly encourage that
the VCOC not be closed for any
reason such as development plans
hastily not thought though such as
the Project to House the Homeless in
such a remote and environmental
delicate ecosystem so far away from
Laudy
482 Fernwood road
Ibarra Key Biscayne Florida
33149
Michael Garcia 7890 SW 68th Terrace
any type of infrastructures that are
available in so many other locations
such as Downtown area where the
City of Miami's greatest number of
homeless are in most dire need.
Respectfully,
Robert Hubsch Jr
I am Laudy Ibarra. I am reaching out
to you as a concern resident and
teacher of Key Biscayne. I am very
shock of the plan that was shared
about housing for homeless in
Virginia Key. What surprises me the
most is that there is a plan to build
houses but the park is not on the best
conditions. I visit both Virginia Key
parks at least once a week and see
that the park is terrible conditions in
many areas. Both playgrounds need
to be fixed. We finally have a new
train that was just brought in I believe
May 2021 and it has not been able to
function yet. The carousel also needs
FR. 4 #12497
work. The entire island is surrounded
Amend Code -
by amazing sea nature. My kids and
Chapter 38 -
students enjoy this park constantly,
Virginia Beach Park
even if the maintenance is not the
Trust -
best, Miami Dade needs to do a
Appointments
better job to maintain it. I don't
blame the park employees they are
doing their best. I do blame Miami
Dade for not investing money on this
beautiful place that should be
spotless because of all the beautiful
nature we find there. When ever I
take my students they learn about
manatees, crocs, sea stars, sea
urchins, fish, turtles and turtle nests. I
am very surprised that there is money
to build houses but not to care for an
amazing place. Virginia Key should be
a National Park! Preserve its beauty
and no construction should be
allowed.
I believe that the outdoor center
offers the people of Miami the
opportunity to experience the nature
DI. 1 #12481
that Virgina key offers without the
Discussion -Virginia
equipment and expertise that is
Key Outdoor Center
typically needed to maneuver kayaks
and paddle boards. The staff is also
exceptional.
Jared
Robert
Juan E.
Please reconsider using VKOC as a
homeless encampment, this land was
designated for public use as a nature
2185 NE 123rd st apt DI. 1 #12481
area. And is should remain as such.
Harju 208 North Miami FL Discussion - Virginia
Most know the real plan is to destroy
33181 Key Outdoor Center
this natural environment when the
homeless encampment fails, and
make fisher Island 2.0. Please keep
and protect this tiny slice of Mother
Nature as it was intended
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is located
in a delicate ecosystem that supports
a living estuary for an abundance of
wildlife and vegetation that is crucial
for the survival of this natural habit
already under stress from
development, polution and a lack of
environmental education. The
land and surrounding waters should
remain protected from development
of any kind. Having the VKOC closed
would be a huge injustice for further
environmental education and safe
recreational access to this delicate
ecosystem that incompasses the
Island from west bayside to the East
oceanfront and all the land in-
DI. 1 #12481
5828 SW 49th street
between. The VKOC has safely
Hubsch Miami FI 33155 Discussion - Virginia
educated our Children and Adults to
Key Outdoor Center
cherish and provide the proper
environmental awareness that is key
in facilitating a future for this delicate
ecosystem. I strongly encourage that
the VCOC not be closed for any
reason such as development plans
hastily not thought though such as
the Project to House the Homeless in
such a remote and environmental
delicate ecosystem so far away from
any type of infrastructures that are
available in so many other locations
such as Downtown area where the
City of Miami's greatest number of
homeless are in most dire need.
Respectfully,
Robert Hubsch Jr
Virginia Key Outdoor Center shall not
be used to accommodate the
261 West 35 Street, DI. 1 #12481
Montes de
homeless in shelters because it will
Hialeah
oca ,Florida Discussion -Virginia
create a nuisance and pollution to the
33012 Key Outdoor Center
endangered wildlife in the area
regardless of the intricate facilities
Gustavo
Gustavo
Fernandez
Fernandez
Gustavo Fernandez
PZ. 5 #6118
45 NE 45 Street Miami Development
FL 33137 Agreement - 5175
NE 2 AV, 5035 NE 2
Avand 5125NE2Ct
PZ. 3 #6608 Land
45 NE 45 Street Use - 5175 NE 2 AV,
Miami, FL 33137 5035 NE 2 AV and
5125NE2Ct
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
45 NE 45 Street Miami Area Plan - 5175 NE
FL 33137 2 AV, 5035 NE 2 AV
and 5125NE2Ct
that will be provided. Also, 99% of the
homeless are victim of addiction and
mental illness that with the distance
to hospital , government center in
case of emergencies and or special
programs to reinsert them back to
the community will be null. In
addition, as hidden that it is VK will
entice them to commit criminal
activities. Finally, VKOC provide the
youth and the adults alike a physical
and mental enjoyment that the end
results is a healthy lifestyle to our
community. Everytime I go and I hear
different languages other than English
or Spanish of people riding bikes or
Kayaking it tells me that VKOC is a
worldwide tourist attractions and if is
taking away it will diminish another
attraction from Miami's tourism, In
conclusion, moving the homeless to
VKOC will a negative effect to Miami
as a whole. Sincerely, Juan Montes de
oca.
This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. 3. Special
Area Plans should be abolished, or at
a minimum not allowed to change
zoning. An on-line petition has over
820 signatures to abolish Special Area
Plans.
This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. 3. Special
Area Plans should be abolished, or at
a minimum not allowed to change
zoning. An on-line petition has over
820 signatures to abolish Special Area
Plans.
This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. 3. Special
Geysa
Alexandrine
Guarconi
Quenee
John Bennett
DI. 1 #12481
485 Allendale rd - KB -
FL - 33149 Discussion -Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
3180 Plaza Street Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
168 NE 43RD ST Area Plan - 5175 NE
MIAMI, FL 33137 2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
Area Plans should be abolished, or at
a minimum not allowed to change
zoning. An on-line petition has over
820 signatures to abolish Special Area
Plans.
1- Try to use Virginia Key the way the
homeless camp is a big NO for several
reasons the public already addressed
( environment, close to school, etc) 2-
close the way it was done scares us,
voters. What kind of politicians do we
have here? Are they importing from
Cuba a dictatorship way? 3- we, the
citizens, the voters, DEMAND that no
changes are done at the Virginia Key
and we demand transparency in the
close of VKOC
1. Please provide the citizens with an
independent comprehensive study on
the pros and cons of developing a
homeless housing complex on the
Virginia Key. So far, we have not
received such valuable information
and this move is against all logic.
Educate us on the project and then
let us vote :) 2. Please reinstate VKOC
as this organisation has provided
countless experiences and discoveries
of the Bay to Miamians of all socio-
demographics and at a cost that is
affordable. Rare are the programs
that enable the access to the Bay and
provide education on the
environment.
1. This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. The
owners stopped dialogue with
surrounding home owners
associations. Buena Vista East Historic
Neighborhood Association has
opposed this project since it was
initially proposed as Sabal Palm. The
negative impact on infrastructure and
surrounding neighborhoods will be
insurmountable as this SAP is across
the street from the Jewish Healthcare
SAP (who respectfully consulted
surrounding neighborhoods) and 8
blocks from Magic City SAP (which
promoted itself as micro housing and
then backtracked, so far no housing
has been constructed). 2. The
Robin
Porter
John Bennett
PZ. 3 #6608 Land
122NE43ST Use - 5175 NE 2 Av,
5035 NE 2 Av and
5125NE2Ct
PZ. 3 #6608 Land
168NE43RDST Use - 5175 NE 2 Av,
Miami, FL 33137 5035 NE 2 Av and
5125NE2Ct
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. By right as T5
this property can expand from 500
units to 1500 units, but wants even
more. 3. Special Area Plans should
be abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
1. This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. The
owners stopped dialogue with
surrounding home owners
associations. Buena Vista East Historic
Neighborhood Association has
opposed this project since it was
initially proposed as Sabal Palm. The
negative impact on infrastructure and
surrounding neighborhoods will be
insurmountable as this SAP is across
the street from the Jewish Healthcare
SAP (who respectfully consulted
surrounding neighborhoods) and 8
blocks from Magic City SAP (which
promoted itself as micro housing and
then backtracked, so far no housing
has been constructed). 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. By right as T5
this property can expand from 500
units to 1500 units, but wants even
more. 3. Special Area Plans should
be abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
1. This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. The
owners stopped dialogue with
surrounding home owners
associations. Buena Vista East Historic
Neighborhood Association has
opposed this project since it was
initially proposed as Sabal Palm. The
negative impact on infrastructure and
surrounding neighborhoods will be
insurmountable as this SAP is across
the street from the Jewish Healthcare
John
Robin
Bennett
Porter
PZ. 5 #6118
168 NE 43RD ST Development
MIAMI, FL 33137 Agreement - 5175
NE 2 Av, 5035 NE 2
Av and 5125 NE 2 Ct
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
122 NE 43 ST Area Plan - 5175 NE
2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
SAP (who respectfully consulted
surrounding neighborhoods) and 8
blocks from Magic City SAP (which
promoted itself as micro housing and
then backtracked, so far no housing
has been constructed). 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. By right as T5
this property can expand from 500
units to 1500 units, but wants even
more. 3. Special Area Plans should
be abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
1. This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. The
owners stopped dialogue with
surrounding home owners
associations. Buena Vista East Historic
Neighborhood Association has
opposed this project since it was
initially proposed as Sabal Palm. The
negative impact on infrastructure and
surrounding neighborhoods will be
insurmountable as this SAP is across
the street from the Jewish Healthcare
SAP (who respectfully consulted
surrounding neighborhoods) and 8
blocks from Magic City SAP (which
promoted itself as micro housing and
then backtracked, so far no housing
has been constructed). 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. By right as T5
this property can expand from 500
units to 1500 units, but wants even
more. 3. Special Area Plans should
be abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
1. This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. The
owners stopped dialogue with
surrounding home owners
associations. Buena Vista East Historic
Neighborhood Association has
Robin Porter 122 NE 43 ST
opposed this project since it was
initially proposed as Sabal Palm. The
negative impact on infrastructure and
surrounding neighborhoods will be
insurmountable as this SAP is across
the street from the Jewish Healthcare
SAP (who respectfully consulted
surrounding neighborhoods) and 8
blocks from Magic City SAP (which
promoted itself as micro housing and
then backtracked, so far no housing
has been constructed). 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. By right as T5
this property can expand from 500
units to 1500 units, but wants even
more. 3. Special Area Plans should
be abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
1. This plan would destroy over 500
units of affordable housing. The
owners stopped dialogue with
surrounding home owners
associations. Buena Vista East Historic
Neighborhood Association has
opposed this project since it was
initially proposed as Sabal Palm. The
negative impact on infrastructure and
surrounding neighborhoods will be
insurmountable as this SAP is across
the street from the Jewish Healthcare
PZ. 5 #6118
SAP (who respectfully consulted
Development
surrounding neighborhoods) and 8
Agreement - 5175
blocks from Magic City SAP (which
NE 2 Av, 5035 NE 2
promoted itself as micro housing and
Av and 5125 NE 2 Ct
then backtracked, so far no housing
has been constructed). 2. The
project would be completely out of
character and scale with the
surrounding area, in violation of
Miami 21 section 3.9.1. By right as T5
this property can expand from 500
units to 1500 units, but wants even
more. 3. Special Area Plans should
be abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
Jacqueline
Eric
JoAnn
Tilky
Lisa
DI. 1 #12481
Rendon 12364 SW 124 Prh Discussion - Virginia
Absurd.
Key Outdoor Center
After Jimbo's left, this area of Virginia
Key was left to the people to form it
into what they wanted it to be. I
personally spent many of my
weekends clearing and building trails
so I could ride my bike there.
Backbreaking work in the extreme
heat to help shape the space into
something that would be a plus for
our community. The Outdoor Center
was a perfect compliment to the trails
and to the nearby lagoon. I've rented
paddle boards there for family
members. It formed lifelong
memories paddling among the
manatees. I will say that I have no
affiliation with the operator and
DI. 1 #12481
3032 McDonald st
whatever issues you may have with
Burnard Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33133
them is between the two of you. But
Key Outdoor Center
the purpose of that land should be an
outdoor center that serves the
mountain bike and paddle
board/kayak communities. If anything
I would ask that you open up the
zoning to allow for business that has
higher margins. Perhaps a small
restaurant that serves food along
with beer and wine. In addition to a
bike and paddle shop. This could be
our version of the restaurants and
shops at the bottom of the slope at
places like Vail and Breckenridge. It
should be an epic compliment to a
legendary day enjoying the natural
elements that the city of Miami has to
offer.
Although I'm a resident of Broward
DI. 1 #12481
County, I regularly visit the VKOC with
6800 NW 14 St
Zangle Discussion - Virginia
out of town visitors. We enjoy the
Margate FL 33063
Key Outdoor Center
peaceful surroundings. We all need a
calm retreat during these trying times
As a 33 year resident of Key Biscayne I
consider the Virginia Key outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
265 Grapetree #110
Center a tremendous source of
Lopez -Blanco Key Biscayne Discussion - Virginia
outdoor and nature enjoyment for
Key Outdoor Center
young and old... irreplaceable, and
very much needed!
Kornse 590 Ocean Drive Apt DI. 1 #12481
As a 35 year resident of Key Biscayne,
Silvia GarciaTunon
4B Key Biscayne, FI Discussion - Virginia
passionate outdoors and nature
33149 Key Outdoor Center
lover, bicyclist, water sports
enthusiast and advocate for all the
non human life on Virginia Key, I wish
to vehemently object to the closing of
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center and
the idea of anything but recreation to
happen in a park the likes of Virginia
Key whose land belongs to the tax
paying public. VKOC brought life to
the north point corridor as did the
bike trails and passive park landing. In
addition to a historic beach to its
south, the park land is a rare and
treasured jewel that belongs to
Miami and Key Biscayne and its
visitors! There is nothing that can
justify taking park land, a vendor
whose role is water and land
recreation and taking it from the
public to whom it belongs, let alone
doing so in a manner that disregarded
the stakeholders: US as tax payers,
residents and those who love outdoor
recreation. Thank you
As a community, to have a population
of homeless individuals is NOT
acceptable. The homeless need help
to be able to pull themselves out of
that life and to establish themselves
as independent and contributing
members of the community. To
assign to them a specific place where
they can roam and establish
themselves is NOT helping them. It
would be an affirmation to them that
their way of existing is acceptable.
DI. 1 #12481
But we all know that it is NOT. It
11422 SW 104th Ave Discussion - Virginia
would be like rewarding them for not
Key Outdoor Center
having achieved a normal life. But we
all know that what they need is help
to rise above where they are now.
They do not need for our community
to perpetuate their way of living.
Whatever funds are being allocated
for this project would be better spent
in providing incentives to them.
Providing temporary housing and jobs
to those who are capable. Providing
psychiatric assistance to those who
need it. Providing halfway houses for
those who need help with addiction.
Susan
Aileen
Anneliese
9 Island avenue DI. 1 #12481
Jaffe Miami Beach FI 33139 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
800 West Ave, Miami DI. 1 #12481
Upshon Beach 33139 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Miami Nomad c/o DI. 1 #12481
Morales 1392 NW 29th Discussion - Virginia
Terrace, Miami, FI Key Outdoor Center
33142
As a frequent patron of the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center, I would like your
approval to reopen the center. My
family has been fortunate to enjoy
kayaking, biking and SUP renting
throughout the years. Please allow
my family and others to enjoy these
wonderful activities again soon!!!
As a frequent user of Virginia Key
Outdoor Center and everything
Virginia Key, I ask you please to leave
that little piece of Gods land as it is,
as soon as one inch of that area gets
"developed", its lost. Precedence will
be set. The whole of the Miami
community will have lost a safe place
to cycle, paddle, relax in the natural
fauna. Traffic will increase, the water
in the bay will be more polluted - the
area will be spoilt. Please put VKOC
back, allow us to enjoy the facilities
that is all that's left in the Miami
concrete jungle.
As a homegrown resident of Miami,
Virginia Key has been A VITAL PART
OF #OurFloridaLife such as The
Barnacle in Coconut Grove, which
would become overcrowded and
environmentally affected, as nature
also has limitations to the proper
amount of inhabitants at one time.
As a former Manager, who spent
unlimited hours with Jimbo and the
LUZNAR's family's program provided
progress, education and integrity to
people, which is what VKOC HAS
DONE, AFTER THE EXISTING
FACILITIES HAD BEEN IN INVESTED,
AND SO I HAVE TO CALL OUT MAYOR
FRANCIS SUAREZ, who is sponsoring
this PROGRAM PROMISING TO FAIL
ECONOMICALLY, ENVIRONMENTALLY
AND EXPERIENTIAL DISASTERS FOR
MANY MORE PEOPLE, LOCAL
FAMILIES AND VISITORS, WHO
COUNT ON THE GUIDED EXPERTISE,
NOT TO MENTION SPECIAL
HOSPITALITY HOSTS, MANY
HOMEGROWN AND PROUD TO
EDUCATE, EXERCISE AND ENTERTAIN
ALL AGES! Mayor Suarez YOU
NEEDED TO HAVE LISTENED TO A
Michelle Ruiz 3231 SW 105 Avenue
MILLION EMAILS AND PUBLIC
COMMENTS ABOUT USING JIMBOS
AS A PILOT PROGRAM, YET YOU SAID
NOTHING, destroying MANY
UPDATED RESOURCES, which now
taxpayers need to pay, after 10 YEARS
IT TOOK YOU TO RECOMMEND
SOMETHING THAT's
SOCIOECONOMIC WATERFRONT
PROPERTY, WHICH DOWNTOWN IS
DYING FOR MARINA SPACE, SOCCER
PRESSURE FOR MORE SPACE AND THE
TAXPAYERS GET KICKED OUT OF
HERITAGE SPACES, ASIDE FROM
PUTTING PEOPLE TO LIBE
UNBEARABLE OUTDOOR CONDITIONS
WITH NOSEUMS, LIKE SAND FLEAS IN
THE EVENING, ALLIGATORS THAT
LOVE DOGS AND HOW PEOPLE FEEL
LIBING NEXT TO THE SEWAGE PLANT?
We ALL NEED OUR NATURAL LAND
TO BREATHE! TOO EXPENSIVE AND
EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS FOR FEW
PEOPLE, GIVE THEM HISTORIC
HOUSES TO FIX AND LIVE IN on the
mainland! Be creative and don't hurt
our heritage, please! Kindly,
ANNELIESE MORALES HISTORIC AND
CULTURAL MIAMI EXPERT GUIDE
BORN AT DOCTORS HOSPITAL SINCE
1972 Still, a Brickell Resident, with
footprints in The Roads and
Shenandoah... NOMAD LIFE IS NOT A
STBLE COMMUNITY, NOBODY WANTS
TO BE "A study", without REAL
STABILITY AND THE ASTON GROUP IS
GOING TO BE OUR NEXT
EXPERIMENT? WORK ON THE
MASTER PLAN AND MUSUEM,
THANKS!
As a lifelong Miami Dade resident - I
have seen the (progressively) taken of
land that we have all come to love.
The Virginia key outdoor center has
DI. 1 #12481 been maintained and served so many
families for years. This landgrab has
Discussion -Virginia to sto it's a constant destruction of
Key Outdoor Center p...
our environment. Between
Developers' greed and the city lack of
oversight with so many unfulfilled
contracts that really need to be
renegotiated. Why not put bad
Susan
Erica
Fletcher
Wyche
2957 Whitehead DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Street Key Outdoor Center
125 Jefferson Avenue DI. 1 #12481
#132 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Mary Faraldo 7120 Sw 80th Court Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
landlords on check and offer these
properties so developers wanting to
build. Have them partner with these
derelict building owners and rebuild
exisitng dwellings. Virginia Key is no
place for more traffic more pollution.
STOP and SAVE one of the last pieces
of land we have left.
As a mom, naturalist, and paddler,
we've enjoyed many hours among the
mangroves and manatees with VKOC
kayaks. We've attended their beach
clean-ups and environmental
education activities. I hope to enjoy
many more activities provided by the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center.
As a person who worked for one of
the last homeless shelter systems in
America, I understand the
complexities of homelessness. While I
support the idea of tiny homes,
especially for unhoused Veterans, I
feel that Virginia Key is an essential
greenspace and VKOC serves locals in
a tourist driven state. This unique
local spot supports our children's
development. It is a place where
Miami residents build community
and where individuals can maintain a
positive mental health. My son has
grown up at VKOC. The staff at VKOC
have seen him develop from a 7 year
old boy who painted over someone's
paddle board (not in a good way) to a
kind teenager who helps care for the
environment. I strongly believe that
the hundreds of hours he has spent at
VKOC has helped him become the
responsible person he is today. Please
find a way to help VKOC reopen so we
do not lose this amazing and rare
"local" gem. Thank you for your time.
As a resident and taxpayer of Glenvar
Heights, I oppose the attempt of the
Mayor and the Commission to deny
all the citizens of South Florida who
enjoy Virginia Key for its outdoor
nature oriented activities and the
sanctuary it provides for area wildlife
and further oppose their intent to
turn those lands over to private
developers under the pretense of first
Giselle Dutcher
making it a homeless shelter. The
city's treatment of Ms. Esther Luft
and her wonderful crew has been
shameful and reprehensible.
As a taxpayer and resident of Miami
for 3 years, I enjoyed the Virginia Key
Outdoor center as a public access to
Biscayne Bay for paddleboarding,
swimming, and generally enjoying the
outdoors. I am shocked and
disappointed that the city of Miami
not only closed VKOC but ALSO is
moving toward creating a "housing
project" in Virginia Key. The area is
not suitable for housing, is far away
from public transportation, grocery
stores, and basic public services. As a
physician at Jackson Memorial
Hospital for 3 years, I have worked
with many low- income and houseless
persons who have serious health
conditions. While I am in favor of
housing programs, such housing
should be in a SAFE area (not low-
lying prone to flooding and subject to
evacuation in case of hurricanes) AND
50 Biscayne Boulevard DI. 1 #12481 with reasonable access to FOOD
Apt 4106 Miami, FL Discussion -Virginia
(there is no grocery store on Virginia
33132 Key Outdoor Center Key, residents would have to drive to
Brickell or Key Biscayne). As neither of
those 2 basic conditions are satisfied,
I would not support this project for
the houseless or for ANY resident...
This is not to mention other
considerations such as distance to
JMH (over 1hr on bus & requiring
changing bus) and other City and
county services. The people of the
city of Miami deserve better. Housing
costs are extreme in Miami and low-
income and houseless residents DO
need SAFE and AFFORDABLE living
areas. A Virginia Key housing project
would leave residents isolated from
basic needs and services.
Furthermore, nature areas and
undeveloped land are extremely rare
in the City of Miami! Nature areas
with bay access MUST be protected
to ensure that current and future
generations can enjoy the beautiful
natural resources in our backyard. I
9708 SW 57th St. DI. 1 #12481
Mishele Hobson Discussion - Virginia
Cooper City FL 33328
Key Outdoor Center
Ozzy
Zamora
DI. 1 #12481
14175 SW 87th ST Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
Elvis Gonzalez 124 Ave nw 12th st Establish Special
Revenue Project -
have taken all of my family members,
every out-of-town visitor, and many
friends to Virginia Key beaches and
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center, all of
whom were in awe of the manatees,
rays, fish, birds and beautiful city
views that we saw from the Bay. By
closing the VKOC and proposing a
housing project, the City of Miami is
taking away a Public site that I
frequent on a nearly weekly basis and
losing an opportunity to keep tourists
in the city. Without VKOC and public
nature areas in Virginia Key, I will
have to go to Coconut Grove, Miami
Beach, or Oleta State park in order to
paddleboard in the Bay. Please do not
make this mistake. I want to come
back many more times to paddle in
Virginia Key, and I hope that future
generations will continue to enjoy the
beautiful Biscayne Bay nature.
As an avid user of the VKOC, the
mountain bike trails, and the kayak
launch I completely disagree with
building tiny homes and moving the
unhomed population to Virginia Key.
The fact that it is a barrier island, it is
1.92 miles just to get to the first bus
stop and 4.8 miles Just to get off the
island. They will be miles from any
services, transportation options,
hospital, their places of employment,
etc. Additionally being a barrier island
that many organizations and
volunteers have spent countless
hours in keeping it up for the
thousands of people to enjoy the
amenities: biking, running, kayaking,
beach, picnics, etc, that area should
be kept a park and not developed for
people to live on.
Bring back the VK Outdoor Center.
This place has been a true gem to
local families in the City of Miami that
enjoy outdoors activities. Kick them
out for a political vendetta will make
things worst for both sides. Follow
your hearth, not the money.
Building Homeless shelters out at
Virginia key may not be the best idea.
Many homeless people don't have
Teresita
TJ
Catherine
Morrell
Tjan
Lauren Lopez
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
CA. 12 #12487
Establish Special
77 Harbor Dr #7
Revenue Project -
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
2508 SW 19th Terr,
DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33145
Key Outdoor Center
545 SW 11th Street,
DI. 1 #12481
Unit 106 Miami, FL
Discussion - Virginia
33129
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
981 San Pedro avenue
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
means of transportation. How will
they be able to find food and
employment opportunities if the
nearest bus stop is about 2 miles out
on the main rode from virginal key?
This shelter should be built in the city.
Where they will have more
opportunities to grow once they have
a place to call home.
Building a "housing project" for the
homeless in Virginia Key It's not only
absurd it's completely
unacceptable.Virginia Key it's a
National Park that should be
preserved for many reasons and the
Beach and it's Activity Center should
be keep for recreation for ALL of us
and the Tourists that visit .Please
reconsider .Thank you
Center should remain open. Valuable
outdoor resource. Cool center. Great
place for locals and visitors alike.
Amazing way to show off south
Florida nature
Closing the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center is a blatant attack on Miami
citizens who want to preserve one of
the few genuinely natural outdoor
spaces remaining in the city of Miami.
The VKOC allows Miami residents the
opportunity to connect with nature,
get outside, and appreciate the area
we live in. Anyone who does not see
the value of maintaining Virginia key
for water sport enthusiasts, runners,
and cyclists has no place speaking for
the city or people of Miami.
Closing the center is only doing a
disservice to the community and
making the outdoors and Florida
parks less accessible to people who
visit from all over the city. The people
utilizing these parks and facilities are
NOT Key Biscayne residents. They
come from all over to enjoy the once
accessible beach and water sports.
The Virginia key outdoor center is
doing a service to the community by
providing safe ways to enjoy the
outdoors and educate people about
Miami's diverse and fragile
Sara Garcia 7818 NW 108 Court
ecosystem. This center has provided
me many of times with bikes as well
as helmets and safety equipment to
enjoy the park where I have met
plenty of tourists who told me they
were specifically interested in visiting
this mountain bike park. With out
available rentals those tourists would
have not been able to use the
facilities and neither would the
hundreds of people who spend
they're weekends at Virginia key
beach. I have also rented kayaks
which is amazing for people who
don't own anything like that because
it is too expensive or large to store. It
is also again convenient for the
hundreds of tourists that visit
because I am sure it would be difficult
for them to travel with their own
board and kayaks. Closing the center
is only doing a disservice to the
community and making the outdoors
and Florida parks less accessible to
people. I don't even think I have to
explain why a homeless encampment
would on endanger the homeless
people living there and why it is a
terrible idea. The Virginia key outdoor
center is a key part to why Virginia
key is beloved by so many Floridians.
It makes the outdoors accessible to
those who have the least access to it
whether it be because of the limited
parks we have or the limited ocean
access for water sports like kayaking.
These are things that should be
invested in and preserved to keep
Miami beautiful and safe. Natural
areas like this should be able to be
enjoyed by Miamians, not taken away
from us more and more every day.
Come on! City of Miami!!! Virginia
Key is one of the few outdoors places
FR. 4 #12497
we have left to enjoy outdoors by the
Amend Code -
water, be active, and get to know the
Chapter 38 -
biscayne bay wildlife. Closing this
Virginia Beach Park
historical park would also be a
Trust -
dishonor to the black community. No
Appointments
none wants to close the park and set
housing for the homeless, except the
people who are profiting from letting
Daniela Galvan
DI. 1 #12481
540 Brickell Key Dr. Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
developers get land in the downtown
area!!!
Commissioners and Mayor Suarez,
My name is Daniela Galvan and I've
been a long-time resident of the city
of Miami in the Brickell
Neighborhood. I strongly oppose any
development on Virginia key for any
reason, including a temporary
housing location for Miami's
homeless population. As a Miami
native & lifelong resident, I have
witnessed the overdevelopment in
our area and unfortunately, there is
nowhere else like Virginia key in the
city. This part of Miami is the last
remnant of undeveloped nature
where I've been blessed to witness
the beauty of our fragile ecosystem.
In Virginia key, I've been able to see
dolphins, manatees, sharks, rays,
turtles, and so much other wildlife. In
August 2020, we witnessed the
largest fish kill in our bay as a result of
the amount of pollution already
barraging our beautiful waters. I've
had the privilege to attend several
clean-ups and as an avid runner of
our Rickerbaker causeway I've seen
and picked up big amounts of trash
such as, styrofoam takeout
containers, masks, rope, fishing
lines/nets, bottles and so, so much
plastic and is heartbreaking. If we
want to preserve our bay and want to
give nature a chance to survive and
thrive, we cannot afford to increase
the pressure already weighing so
heavily on our already very fragile
ecosystem. Additionally, the closing
of the Virginia Key Outdoor Center is
a major loss for the community that
has its heart in Virginia key, which has
allowed me and others to discover
the natural hidden beauty within our
city. I've been a witness to Virginia
Key Outdoor Center's avid advocacy
to protect and teach us about our
natural land and wildlife. The timing
of the closure, plus the sudden strict
enforcement of the park hours
despite previously allowing bikes in
Alaska
Ef
Balazs
Moscato
0
Vandor
Tracey Lebron
past sunset, are creating the image of
a vindictive city determined to strip
away the strong voices protecting
Virginia Key. We know this is valuable
waterfront land in the heart of the
city. The city's recent behavior
highlights more than ever the need to
ensure Virginia Key remains natural,
wild, and in the caring hands of
Miami's residents and NOT sold off to
developers as so much of our
precious natural land already has
been. Thank you for your time,
Daniela Galvan
Currently our community needs more
public spaces to share in harmony
with nature inland water access.
Closing the key outdoor center would
jeopardize this right. I am grateful to
765 Crandon Blvd , DI. 1 #12481
have enjoyed water activities at
Apt 306 Discussion - Virginia
Virginia Key Outdoor Center and I
Key Outdoor Center
would like that kids in my family can
do the same. Moreover the staff in
charge has been efficient and kind
with us what makes the Outdoor
Center a place that should be
zealously preserved.
DO NOT ignore the public opinion.
DO NOT close this place because of
political reasons, or a specific
politician's will. This place serves
DI. 1 #12481
many populations which will vote (or
Key Biscayne Discussion - Virginia
not!) for you in the upcoming
Key Outdoor Center
elections. Do not forget it. Many
good reasons for this place to stay
open: good service, access to water,
rental of craft, meeting point for
paddlers.
Dear Commission, I am writing in
support of reopening the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. This is exactly the
kind of business that the city of Miami
should be fighting to keep open:
DI. 1 #12481
employs locals, provides an awesome
2129 SW 12th St Discussion - Virginia
service that helps both locals and
Key Outdoor Center
visitors enjoy our city from a different
angle, and they are involved in the
community and support what is best
in the long term for Virginia Key.
Thank you, Balazs
1320 Miami Road DI. 1 #12481
Dear Commissioners and Mayor
Michelle Carter
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
10370 SW 152 Terrace DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33157 Key Outdoor Center
Suarez, I strongly oppose any
development on Virginia Key's North
Point for any reason, including a
homeless encampment. There is no
other place like it in Miami. It is the
last remnant of undeveloped nature
where wildlife can be observed.
Additionally the loss of the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center is a loss for our
community, and which allows others
(including tourists) to discover the
natural beauty in their own city.
Perhaps not your intention, but the
timing of its closure, sudden
imposition of strict enforcement of
park hours plus the constant change
in your commissions meetings to
discuss this issue give the optics of a
vindictive City retaliating against the
voices opposed to this proposal.
Virginia Key needs to remain natural,
wild and in the caring hands of Miami
residents and not developed to the
detriment of all who enjoy it. We
have few natural areas left. Sincerely,
Tracey Lebron
Dear Commissioners, I respectfully
implore you to allow the return of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center to
Virginia Key. My family were first
introduced to the nature beauty and
recreational fun of Virginia Key
through kayak rentals and
information provided by the Center.
We are now regular visitors to the
park, enjoying paddle boarding,
kayaking, nature walks, swimming,
and wildlife and bird photography.
Without this easy entry point into
South Florida's sometimes formidable
natural environment, we would have
never, I would have never, discovered
it's beauty and learned of its
importance to our physical, mental,
emotional, and spiritual well-being.
In addition, did you know that Piping
Plovers (protected by the US
Migratory Bird Treaty Act and as a
Threatened species by the Federal
Endangered Species Act and as a
Federally -designated Threatened
species by Florida's Endangered and
Deryn
Neany
Gordon
Cowdy
Padron
Elliott
Loic Chiquillo
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
484 NE 50th Terrace,
Area Plan - 5175 NE
m, miami miami
2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
BC. 23 #9549
11404 sw 123 Terrace.
Virginia Key
Miami, F1.33176
Advisory Board
The Owls Lodge,
DI. 1 #12481
Carmel, Carmel
Discussion - Virginia
Carmarthenshire UK
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
917 Messina avenue
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Threatened Species Rule) frequent
Virginia Key's beaches in the winter?
Please bring back the outdoor center
and please do not allow development
of our City's public natural areas.
Finally, do not proceed with any plans
to essentially dump' homeless people
on Virginia Key. This is not only
environmentally irresponsible but it is
also inhumane. Warmest regards,
Michelle Carter
Dear Commissioners, This seems such
a short sighted policy to me, .we
already suffer from a shortage of
affordable housing here in Miami,
surely this development will simply
add to the existing issue? sincerely
deryn cowdy 20 year resident of
Morningside
Dear Commissioners, I'm a 42 years
resident of Dade County. I want the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center reopen. I
love the access to the water to
practice water sports especially
Dragon boat/ canoe Paddling at the
MRC, and I support the the staff. My
family and friends also rent kayaks
and paddle boards, we have a the
most beautiful natural environment.
We use of the clean bathrooms, and
have a place to get water. We are
happy with Esther Luft and her well
trained staff. We want Virginia Key
Outdoor Center reopen!!! Thank you.
Dear Sir/Madam, I have a trip booked
with the Virginia Key Outdoor Centre,
a Manatee Photo Safari and this was
to be the highlight of a visit to Miami.
I notice on their website you have
forced closure. If this is not resolved
by the end of September we will be
cancelling our flights and hotel stay to
Miami and visit an alternative USA
state or possibly another country
where wildlife and outdoor pursuits
near the sea are important to that
State or Country. regards Gordon
Elliott
Dear commissioners, it is far over due
to hear the voice of the electors to
take care and defend our community,
Elana Festa 141 Crandon blvd
as it should be, instead of being lured
by greedy real estate developers.
Virginia Key is a Miami treasure, a
lung of nature, where we can enjoy
outdoors activities far from ugly
concret which will only feed the
pocket of few developers with no
moral value and respect of our
environment and community.
Hopefully, you will show Miami is not
a banana republic. Thanks
Dear council, I don't regularly get
involved in the politics and things
going on in city or county hall as I feel
I have very little influence over the
course of events and place most of
my trust in elected officials to do
what is right for the community as a
whole. The passage of a plan to
include homeless encampments on
Virginia Key strikes me as one of the
worst ideas I can recall. Not only is
the location so far from any kind of
real services, but it is also far enough
to make enforcement of any planned
rules for those who are there to abide
by. Further this opens the door to
have those who are chronically
homeless and seeking an out of the
CA. 12 #12487
way place to carry on their activities
Establish Special
that live in other areas to flock to
Revenue Project -
Virginia Key. What may start as a pilot
Miami Homeless
of a few tiny homes will quickly
Assistance Program
explode to a full camp site - this is an
unintended consequence of the
proposal that has been approved.
That location is full of so many issues
but to me that is the scariest one and
the one that I believe will take off like
wildfire quickly getting out of control.
It is my understanding that most
services available are not being
utilized to the fullest because of
addictions, mental illness and other
issues. Once this door is opened it will
be very very hard to close it and you
will have a camp site - tent city - once
established it will be virtually
impossible to remove without
significant political blow back. Not
only that, but you are taking an area
that has already seen a number of
issues with pedestrian deaths and
introducing an unstable population
into it. Do you think they will walk the
correct way on the sidewalks, use the
crosswalks at lights, or do you think
that they may just walk wherever and
whichever way they see as the
easiest, especially when they have
been moved so far from any other
type of civilization. This will become a
huge issue for traffic and I can foresee
a number of deaths occurring due to
this. Especially at night where people
may roam more often. They need to
be in a place where there are social
support services available, current
shelters should be expanded or
cleaned up and any new shelters
placed in an area where services are
more readily available. This is not that
place. Also, I fear for women and
children who may be in these areas
and will be victimized without any
support around. Not only those but
also the children who attend the high
school around the corner. The lack of
lighting and busy-ness that exists in a
city is one of the things that naturally
provides a bit of safety. This is what
you see dark alleys as a location for
where things that we wish did not see
the light of day actually happen. This
encampment will be surrounded by
dark and seclusion and is such a bad
invitation for so many awful things to
occur. I wish these things did not
happen but very sadly we know they
do and know this could invite some
very very bad behavior.:( We do
have a homeless crisis in this country
and city but this is not the way to
address it. Compassion and desire to
do good sometimes lead people to
become blind to the reality of the
issues that can arise. Please veto this
or stop it - please do whatever you
can. Vote to come back with a better
solution that does not endanger lives
and does not invite such a wealth of
unintended consequences. It's not
good for anyone. I also find the
closure of the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center to be blatantly vindictive and
retaliatory. The appearance and
timing of the action leave very little
room to assume otherwise in any
reasonable manner whatsoever. The
center is a treasure to many people, a
place for families to come together,
to creat bonds and heal wounds
doing healthy recreational activities.
Many children attended the camp in
the summer time and it was a
complimentary service provider to
the mountain bike park right next
door, another area where families
gather - women, children, friends,
families. Do not close services that
are well used and contribute to a
nurturing environment. These types
of things that allow easy and low cost
public access to outside and water
based activities for those who live in
the city are too few and far between
in our area. They need to be
preserved not torn down for some
unknown but clearly suspicious and at
the very least punitive as I understand
there was no option to correct the
violations in a reasonable amount of
time and reopen. If true, that at the
very least should be rectified
immediately. Thank you for
considering these comments,
however harsh some of them may
sound.
Do NOT put the homeless on Virgina
DI. 1 #12481
Key. Support cyclists, and make this a
115 sw 11 street Apt
Inigo Rodriguez Discussion - Virginia
public park protected in perpetuity.
801
Key Outdoor Center
Allow VKOC to open and operate
again!
Do not agree with the city wanting to
DI. 1 #12481
shut down the outdoor center in
Elizabeth Gutierrez 6946 w 24 ave Discussion -Virginia
Virginia key. It should remain open to
Key Outdoor Center
the public.
Do not close this park please. One of
the last beautiful nature spaces we
have. I come here almost everyday
DI. 1 #12481
for the past 3 years I see the same
Diana Salgado 2055 sw 122 ave Discussion - Virginia
people alllll the time wether if they
Key Outdoor Center
are biking or paddle boarding maybe
even swimming this place has
become a community for the people
who come here. It's like family. It also
Fabian
Lissette
8080 Tatum DI. 1 #12481
Witis Waterway Dr. Miami Discussion - Virginia
Beach, FL 33141 Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Lujardo 9414 Sw Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Nomad c/o 1392 NW DI. 1 #12481
Anneliese Morales 29TH TERRACE, MIAMI Discussion - Virginia
33142 Key Outdoor Center
takes away jobs from the people
here. Also there is enough pollution in
the water, your not going to set up
mini homes for the place to be
trashed by the homeless. Very sad
that you guys want to take this place
from the Community. Plenty of
deserted places you can build on that
doesn't need to leave the community
sadden.
Don't let the homeless go to VK. They
have no transportation, no way to get
food, no health places nearby. The
Water Treatment Plant sends a lot of
bacteria airborne when the wind
comes from the east. It's inhumane to
do that!
Don't mess with what's not broken!
How will making a homeless shelter
benefit the homeless, the residents of
key biscayne or the regular visitors!?
This is ridiculous!
EDITED: As a homegrown resident of
Miami, who went to schools in
Coconut Grove from South Bayshore
to Ransom Everglades, made Virginia
Key A VITAL PART OF #OurFloridaLife
such as The Barnacle in Coconut
Grove, which would become
overcrowded and environmentally
affected, as nature also has
limitations to the proper amount of
inhabitants at one time. As a former
Manager, by the North Point Beach
with countless images to show you
the results after unlimited hours
shared with Jimbo and the LUZNAR's
family's program provided progress,
education and integrity to people,
which is what VKOC HAS DONE,
AFTER THE EXISTING FACILITIES HAD
BEEN IN INVESTED, AND SO I HAVE TO
CALL OUT MAYOR FRANCIS SUAREZ,
who is sponsoring this PROGRAM
PROMISING TO FAIL ECONOMICALLY,
ENVIRONMENTALLY AND
EXPERIENTIAL DISASTERS FOR MANY
MORE PEOPLE, LOCAL FAMILIES AND
VISITORS, WHO COUNT ON THE
GUIDED EXPERTISE, NOT TO
MENTION SPECIAL HOSPITALITY
HOSTS, MANY HOMEGROWN AND
PROUD TO EDUCATE, EXERCISE AND
ENTERTAIN ALL AGES! Mayor Suarez
YOU NEEDED TO HAVE LISTENED TO A
MILLION EMAILS AND PUBLIC
COMMENTS ABOUT USING JIMBOS
AS A PILOT PROGRAM, YET YOU SAID
NOTHING, destroying MANY
UPDATED RESOURCES, which now
taxpayers need to pay, after 10 YEARS
ITTOOK YOU TO RECOMMEND
SOMETHING THAT's
SOCIOECONOMIC WATERFRONT
PROPERTY, as WE KNOW
DOWNTOWN IS DYING FOR MARINA
SPACE, SOCCER PRESSURE STILL
LOOKING FOR MORE PUBLIC LAND
SPACE AND THE TAXPAYERS..... GET
KICKED OUT OF HERITAGE SPACES,
ASIDE FROM PUTTING PEOPLE TO
LIVE IN UNBEARABLE OUTDOOR
CONDITIONS WITH NOSEUMS, LIKE
SAND FLEAS IN THE EVENING,
ALLIGATORS THAT LOVE DOGS AND
HOW PEOPLE FEEL LIVING NEXT TO
THE SEWAGE PLANT? We ALL NEED
OUR NATURAL LAND TO BREATHE!
TOO EXPENSIVE AND EXCLUSIVE
BENEFITS FOR FEW PEOPLE; GIVE
THEM HISTORIC HOUSES TO FIX AND
LIVE IN on the mainland! Be creative
and don't hurt our heritage, please!
Kindly, ANNELIESE MORALES
HISTORIC AND CULTURAL MIAMI
EXPERT GUIDE BORN AT DOCTORS
HOSPITAL SINCE 1972 Still, a Brickell
Resident, throughout our Miami River
District with footprints in Little
Havana, The Roads and Shenandoah...
P.S. You MUST KNOW EVERY COST,
INCLUDING SECURITY, MEDICAL AND
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT ALSO!
NOMAD LIFE IS A WAY OF LIFE FOR
YOUNG ADULTS, but NOT THE
FOUNDATION FOR ANY SENSE OF
STABILITY MOST PEOPLE AND WE
NEED TO BUILD COMMUNITY. AFTER
ALL, NOBODY WANTS TO BE "A
study", without REAL STABILITY, NOR
ASSUME THE ASTON GROUP IS
GOING TO BE OUR NEXT
EXPERIMENT? WORK ON THE
MASTER PLAN AND MUSEUM,
THANKS!
Michael
David
Cheryl
Illine
Laura
Joe
Es un lugar m6gico donde toda mi
DI. 1 #12481
familia le encanta it es un espacio
Parraguez 1535 west ave 33139 Discussion -Virginia
donde la gente va a disfrutar y
Key Outdoor Center
relajarse . Porfavor que siga abierto
Esther Luft and her staff have created
a warm and welcoming environment.
DI. 1 #12481
In visiting the key, I experienced
Dressler 65 Wayne Blvd Discussion - Virginia
another perspective of Miami that I
Key Outdoor Center
found refreshing and peaceful. Please
keep access to the boats, mountain
biking, and hiking trails open!
Esther Luft and her staff.were running
a wonderful outdoor center that was
welcoming to all Miami residents and
visitors. Being able to enjoy the
natural environment by renting
kayaks and emersing myself in the
DI. 1 #12481
natural environment was truly a gift.
7816 sw 88 Terrace
Ettelman Discussion - Virginia
The closure of the center has left a
Miami FI 33156
Key Outdoor Center
void to so many. It's unclear to me
why a resource such as the outdoor
center can't continue to operate?
Please allow the Center to reopen so
that the community can continue to
enjoy the beautiful surroundings
Thank you for your consideration
Esther Luft her staff is a part of our
BC. 23 #9549
288 Seaview drive kb
community our outdoor lives. We
Davila FI 33149 Virginia Key
want her to continue her business as
Advisory Board
it brings joy to many.
Esther luft and all the staff are so
DI. 1 #12481
kind, we love the access to the water,
Cahiza 641 S Mashta dr Discussion - Virginia
the rental of the kayak and how we
Key Outdoor Center
enjoy VK as a family
Even though I'm not a Miami resident
I have been enjoying the use of
Virginia Key for the past thirty years. I
think there should be much more
input from professionals in what
would be best to help the homeless.
It appears from the outside
DI. 1 #12481
3601 bridge rd Copper
perspective that this so called
Mosca city fl 33026 Discussion - Virginia
problem is being hidden - out of sight
Key Outdoor Center
- out of mind. Not what is best for the
homeless. In addition the closure of
the outdoor center looks like payback
for their voicing their opinion and
very bad politics. The optics here are
making all the bad narratives usually
associated to politics ring true. Please
Stacey
Kirk
Stokes
Linaje
555 NE 15th Street DI. DI -DISCUSSION
Apt 25J Miami, Florida ITEM
33132
DI. 1 #12481
701 nw 1st court Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Jacky Dubail 2021 Sw 3rd avenue Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
make yourselves look better and
make choices based on sound
information instead of just pushing
your weight around. Joe Mosca
Everyone I know is horrified at the
idea of closing the Outdoor Center to
replace it with a homeless village and
especially at the aggressive, probably
illegal tactics taken to do it. Every
aspect about this plan rings of behind
closed doors tactics, from the
outrageous way the center was
closed to not having an agenda for
tomorrow's unspecified meeting.
Several years ago I noticed how hard
Esther Luft worked to create an
excellent activity center for kids and
adults on Virginia Key. There's no
reason to put homeless people on the
Key, in fact it's inhumane and that's
how the public will see it.
Excellent way to connect to the
outdoors!
First, I have to say the Virginia
outdoor center is a space we frequent
to paddle board, bike and kayak, as
do many families. As a fellow resident
and business owner, we implore you
to reopen the center. There are few
affordable places to partake in local
outdoor activities in a safe space.
We've seen manatee and dolphins
out there and it's an experience we
share with anyone who visits us. We
ask that you reopen the facility as
soon as is possible. We do not agree
with this location as a homeless
center for many reasons; The
homeless will wander into the beach
areas where people bring their
children and congregate with their
family. Tiny house are unsafe during
hurricanes, homeless may wander
into the other areas and we're
looking at the possibility they will die
or experience life threatening
instances. MAST is close to the park.
How will we monitor sex offenders
are not part of the homeless
population. This is too close to a
childrens school. In summary, there
. ►f'1f VAINUT
Del Marmol
DI. 1 #12481
2917 SW Fifth Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
978 nw 3rd st. Apt. 6. DI. 1 #12481
Katharine Huddlestun Discussion - Virginia
Miami FI 33128 Key Outdoor Center
are other areas in south Florida with
proximity to hospitals or medical
care, convenience stores for the
homeless to buy water etc, have
adequate shelter against our natural
threats and seek rehabilitation if they
so desire. Placing them in this area is
opening a family park to drug
paraphernalia and interactions,
families do not need to encounter.
Instead additional funds should be
allocated to continue to improve the
park for recreational activities. Let's
not make this about egos and really
consider the community.
First, there was inadequate notice
and time to respond to this issue.
Second, this place is wonderful, one
of the few places Miamians have
access to the water and rentals. The
area has just recently been renovated
and was really being enjoyed by our
community. I am in favor of letting
Esther Lutz continue her business.
Good Morning Commissioners &
Mayor, My name is Katy Huddlestun,
living in the Little Havana
neighborhood of Miami, FL. I strongly
oppose any development on Virginia
Key's North Point for any reason,
including a temporary housing
location for Miami's homeless
population. As a Miami native & life
long resident, I can tell you there is no
where else like Virginia Key in the
city. It is the last remnant of
undeveloped nature where I've seen
dolphins, manatees, sharks, rays,
turtles, osprey, and so much other
wildlife with my own eyes. However, I
also clean up the Virginia Key
shoreline as I explore, and the
amount of pollution already barraging
the island is heartbreaking. Rope, oil
canisters, and so, so much plastic. If
we are to give nature a chance to
survive, we cannot afford to increase
the pressure already weighing so
heavily on it. Additionally, the
closing of the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center is a loss for the community
that has its heart in Virginia Key, and
Katharine Huddlestun
which allows others to discover the
natural beauty in their own city. The
timing of the closure, plus the sudden
strict enforcement of park hours
despite previously allowing bikes in
past sunset, as well as the over -night
change in the timing of this
Commission meeting are creating the
image of a vindictive city determined
to strip away the strong voices
protecting Virginia Key. We know this
is valuable, waterfront land in the
heart of the city. The city's recent
behavior highlights more than ever
the need to ensure Virginia Key
remains natural, wild, and in the
caring hands of Miami's residents -
not sold off or given away to
development, as so much of our
precious natural land already has.
Thank you, Katy Huddlestun
Good Morning Commissioners and
Mayor Suarez, My name is Katy
Huddlestun, living in Little Havana,
Miami, FL. I strongly oppose any
development on Virginia Key's North
Point for any reason, including a
temporary housing location for
Miami's homeless population. As a
Miami native & life long resident, I
can tell you there is no where else like
Virginia Key in the city. It is the last
remnant of undeveloped nature
where I've seen dolphins, manatees,
sharks, rays, turtles, osprey, and so
978 NW 3rd St., Apt. DI. 1 #12481 much other wildlife with my own
Discussion - Virginia eyes. However, I also clean up the
6, Miami, FL 33128 Key Outdoor Center Virginia Key shoreline as I explore,
and the amount of pollution already
barraging the island is heartbreaking.
Rope, oil canisters, and so, so much
plastic. If we are to give nature a
chance to survive, we cannot afford
to increase the pressure already
weighing so heavily on it.
Additionally, the closing of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a loss
for the community that has its heart
in Virginia Key, and which allows
others to discover the natural beauty
in their own city. The timing of the
closure, plus the sudden strict
Nicolas Madero
enforcement of park hours despite
previously allowing bikes in past
sunset, as well as the over -night
change in the timing of this
Commission meeting are creating the
image of a vindictive city determined
to strip away the strong voices
protecting Virginia Key. We know this
is valuable, waterfront land in the
heart of the city. The city's recent
behavior highlights more than ever
the need to ensure Virginia Key
remains natural, wild, and in the
caring hands of Miami's residents -
not sold off to developers as so much
of our precious natural land already
has. Thank you.
Good Morning. My name is Nicolas
Madero Ferro. Until recently, I was an
employee of the Virginia Key
Outdoors Center. I saw firsthand how
impactful the everyday presence of
the outdoor center was, and still is.
Simply having an area where people
can rent water crafts, like the
outdoors center - gives exponentially
more of Miami's people the ability to
appreciate Virginia Key's incredible
ecosystems. Virginia Key North Point
contains an immaculate ecosystem
that becomes more and more fragile
with each passing day. The combined
efforts of the outdoor center and the
1581 Brickell Ave apt DI. 1 #12481 people of Miami during water craft
Discussion - Virginia rentals, kayak tours, orchestrated
602 Miami FL Key Outdoor Center beach clean ups, and wildlife tours
ensured that the fragile ecosystem of
Virginia Key would be preserved and
monitored by humans - instead of
destroyed. After growing up in Miami,
I have come to love and cherish our
beaches and our ocean. Previously
working in finance for years, I have
now completely changed my career
trajectory in order become a marine
biologist in hopes of conserving our
wildlife for the next generations to
come. The Virginia Key Outdoors
Center has changed my life for the
better, it would be nothing short of a
travesty to see it removed from the
community. I sincerely implore our
Vincent
Bruce
Jason
Leigh
councilman to allow the outdoor
center to continue being a credit to
the community, where future
generations can learn to preserve and
enjoy our home.
Good day, I am taking the liberty to
write about the VKOC situation, It is
crucial for our community to reopen
the Virginia Key outdoor center. It
provides a quality, affordable
getaway from city life at the door of
Miami. We, water and outdoors
enthusiasts are very much enjoying
this site for its accessibility, beauty
and the wide range of activities that
are available to all ages, from
excellent quality beaches and water
DI. 1 #12481
access where the outdoor center
12655 sw 71st ave
Hallegouet Discussion - Virginia
provides access to sports such as
Pinecrest 33156 Key Outdoor Center
paddle boarding or kayaking in an
affordable and accessible way. The
staff has always been incredibly
helpful and seeing this small oasis so
close to the city gone would definitely
put a dent to Miami's attractivity for
outdoor lovers. Our families are very
attached to this place, from bike
riding to paddle boarding, going to
the beach, getting close to the water,
we NEED to preserve it ! Thanks for
your consideration Best regards
Vincent hallegouet
Good evening, I will not be able to
attend in person but I would like to
voice my support for the opening of
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. I
have made use of the facility multiple
DI. 1 #12481
times to rent Kayaks and
Carrick 3661 N Prospect Dr Discussion - Virginia
paddleboards and have told MANY
Key Outdoor Center
out of town visitors to make use of
the facility for an fantastic activity
when visiting Miami. Please do not
let us loose this valuable resource.
Sincerly Bruce
Good morning, please consider
DI. 1 #12481
reopening this establishment, it was
Ontaro 10862 sw 2nd st Discussion - Virginia
one of the best places to introduce
Key Outdoor Center
my children to the outdoors.
DI. 1 #12481
Greetings all representatives of the
Emerson 5874 SW 76 St 33143 Discussion - Virginia
Smith
people. Va Key MUST be maintained
Key Outdoor Center
as the oriole's outdoor wonderland.
Jean
Debbie
Dolmuz
Frankel
Schel mety
2354 SW 19th St DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FI 33145 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
692 NE 62 Street Area Plan - 5175 NE
2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
3039 SW Woodland DI. 1 #12481
Trail, Palm City, FL Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Amanda Moral 12230 sw 30th st Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1000s of people rely on the bike
trails, the BEAUTY & peace of an
island that remarkably, has our
sewage treatment facility sharing the
space! We have compassion for the
jomrlesd and wish for them to have a
facility that is convenient to all
services & the City amenities. Va Key
is NOT the place. There are so many
other locations preferable.
Greetings, Chairperson and
Commissioners, Respectfully, if VKOC
has not operated outside of their
agreement, and they have cured their
CU and BTR requirement, then there
is no reason that they should not be
allowed to resume operations.
Additionally, I am strongly opposed to
any form of homeless/vagrant
encampment in any location at
Virginia Key. I respectfully ask the VK
site, and ANY PARK be removed from
the list of possible locations
permanently. Thank you.
HORRIBLE PLAN. INFRASTRUCTURE
CANNOT SUPPORT THIS
DEVELOPMENT. 1. This plan would
destroy over 500 units of affordable
housing. 2. The project would be
completely out of character and scale
with the surrounding area, in
violation of Miami 21 section 3.9.1. 3.
Special Area Plans should be
abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
Having access to a safe recreational
area is important for kayaking and
paddle boarding. There are few safe
areas to access the waterway. This
area on VKOC is family oriented for
adults and children. Please leave it
for those who appreciate safe
surroundings and waterways.
Hello there! I used to work at the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center and for
many years it was my second home. It
was an oasis that brought people
together from all walks of life. No
matter your background VKOC always
Camila
Claudia
Salazar
Anderson
4131 Hardie Ave Coral DI. 1 #12481
Gables FL Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
3031 Matilda Street Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Val Ritter 2500 Swanson Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
welcomed with open arms. I have a
physical disability that makes it
difficult to do activities but Esther still
took me in, taught me how to kayak,
and introduced my love for the
ocean. That's what this place is about.
It's about educating the public on
how we can be better to help the vast
ecosystem living right next to us. The
center is not just a business that you
can throw out and disregard. It is
Miami's sole escape into the wild.
Hello! Thank you for listening to
Public comments today. The VKOC is
a vital piece of the Miami landscape.
Without it, we lose a huge resource
for recreation, summer caps for kids,
and the ability to enjoy our Miami
paradise. The outdoor center was
shut down unjustly and deserves to
be back in business. We deserve to
preserve our backyard, our nature,
and the place where manatees,
dolphins, and other innocent
creatures call home. As residents and
your constituents, we entrust you to
protect us, our well-being, and our
city. Do not disappoint us. Thank you.
Hello! Thank you for listening to
Public comments today. The VKOC is
a vital piece of the Miami landscape.
Without it, we lose a huge resource
for recreation, summer caps for kids,
and the ability to enjoy our Miami
paradise. The outdoor center was
shut down unjustly and deserves to
be back in business. We deserve to
preserve our backyard, our nature,
and the place where manatees,
dolphins, and other innocent
creatures call home. As residents and
your constituents, we entrust you to
protect us, our well-being, and our
city. Do not disappoint us. Thank you.
Hello! We would love the Virginia Key
outdoor centre to be reopened! Our
family and friends love that place and
spend a lot of weekends there. Our 3
kids 12, 6 and 4 years old are growing
up biking, kayaking, paddle boarding
on Virginia Key. We love renting from
VK outdoor centre, and get ice cream
Michelle
Baptist
2140 SW 3rd Ave DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FL 33129 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
4803 NW 4 Terrace BC. 23 #9549
Alex Perez MIAMI FL, 33126 Virginia Key
Advisory Board
there after adventure day- it's like a
family tradition:) my kids had a
summer camp there last summer, in
Virginia key outdoor centre, which
they loved a lot- was the best
summer ever!- kids said. We are
looking forward to give our youngest
one in that camp next summer too.
The stuff is very nice and friendly,
very pleasant to wash of, get a snack
after day on kayak. Please, our kids
have only one childhood- let's keep
VK for recreation! Thanks
Hello, As a UMiami Rosenstiel school
alumni and Miami resident who
frequently goes to Virginia Key, the
Virginia Key Beach Park is crucial to
the south Miami community. It
should be preserved as a historic
beach park as well as for marine
conservation reasons. It is not
suitable land for any kind of building
due to it being most impacted by
hurricanes, storms, and flooding. It is
also not convenient enough for
homeless to be housed, and another
location preferably in the city would
be best so that the homeless can
have proper access to food,
resources, and safe shelter.
Ultimately, if the city tries to build at
all on Virginia key, it will only cause
more disturbances, increase traffic
issues on Rickenbacker causeway, and
losing money in the long run. Thank
you for your consideration, Michelle
Hello, As you are aware changes have
been made or are planned for Virginia
Key. The closing of VKOC is one of
said change that has affected the
community of South Florida and the
ability of it's residents to enjoy a
Public and Historical Park that
belongs to us the citizens, not
developers. Closing down the key will
endanger species that use it as
refuge. Its use for any form of
residential living poses challenges of
infrastructure and safety. In addition
to alienateing any who may reside
within it. Please leave Virginia Key
alone.
Daylin
Camila
Perez
Prada
1284 W 77 ST Hialeah, DI. 1 #12481
FL 33014 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
18181 NE 31st Ct Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Tera Campbell 2400 NE 65Th Street Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Hello, My name is Daylin Perez, I am
14 years olds. I have been going to
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center's
Summer Camp since I was 8. Please
reopen it. They changed my life and
helped me in so many ways. Bradley,
Esther, and Diana are always there for
me even when Camp is over and are
always sharing programs that I can
participate for school. They made it a
fun and safe summer for 6 years.
Please let them continue making it a
safe and fun summer for other kids in
Miami.
Hello. As a fellow ocean -lover, the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center has been
a wonderful place to enjoy the
outdoors. All the times I've visited
VKOC, I've always been met with
respect by their staff, as well as
Esther. Having access to the kayaks
and paddleboards is a bonus as
someone who does not have the
space to own one myself. Please
reconsider reopening VKOC, as this
facility continues to provide a safe
and fun environment for the
community to enjoy our beautiful
outdoors. Thank you for your time.
Hey to all. I go by TC, I moved to
South Florida 5 years ago, before that
I traveled all over, served my country
and decided to settle down here. I
visited Miami a few times before I
made my decision. One of the main
factors of me making that decision
was visiting VKOC. First time I visited
the park and rented a kayak I felt so
at peace. It became part of my
weekends to get away from the
stresses of everyday life. There wasn't
much I liked to do before then. I am a
disabled vet with chronic depression
& finding this place has been helping
me get back on the right track. I also
bike in the park often. It is literally my
favorite place in South Florida. I'm
sure others would say the same. I ask
that you please think long and hard
before you take away a place that
brings so much happiness and stress
relief to so many people. I ask that
Leonor
Daniel
Diana
Sara
461 S Mashta Key DI. 1 #12481
Ortega Discussion - Virginia
Biscayne FL Key Outdoor Center
3031 Matilda Street DI. 1 #12481
Behar Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL 33133 Key Outdoor Center
Perez DI. 1 #12481
Caballero 240 Sw 62nd Avenue Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Garcia 7818 NW 108 Court Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
you please find another solution to
the homeless situation. Please
preserve this park & center. I also ask
that you guys take a visit yourself and
do some of the activities, see what
we all love so much. Thanks for your
time, have a great day. Love & peace.
Hi We miss the center, it is good to
have it!! Please let it open again
Thanks
Hi, The recent news of the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center is truly
heartbreaking. The city beautiful got
this name not from the development,
but the blend of nature, beach, and
city life that has been balanced for
decades. I implore any of the
commissioners to go out to VKOC
with their kids and explore the beauty
first hand on a kayak. Connect with
the manatees that breed in the area.
Connect with the mangroves that
provide our city incredible protection
during hurricane season. See the bit
of wildlife in a city while it still lasts.
The outdoor center was shut down
unjustly and deserves to be back in
business. We deserve to preserve our
backyard.
Hi, I'm a Miami resident and I would
not want development on the Virginia
Key, the homeless housing project
there is going to destroy a vital
community meeting place, without
even going as far as destroy the flora
and fauna of the key. The city of
Miami needs Virginia Key to stay as a
park, a homeless
development/shelter can be literally
built on the many areas that the city
has. Isolating homeless into the key
will create and even bigger problem
for them ( not being able to coexist
with the rest of Miami because they
would be isolated)
Hi. This outdoors center helps the
community and visitors get a closer
look at biscayne bay. Not everyone
owns a boat or a kayak, or a bike! This
place offers the opportunity of having
access to such things to countless
Elliot
Kelly
Connie
Susan
10220 sw 143 st DI. 1 #12481
Barnett Miami,Florida 33176 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
8015 SW 107TH AVE DI. 1 #12481
Andrews Apt 106 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
3065 Washington st DI. 1 #12481
Sol Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FI 33133 Key Outdoor Center
Bennett 6151 SW 64th Ave, DI. 1 #12481
Manns South Miami FL 33143 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
families and fosters a sense of
community. The outdoor center
should be reopened and I wish its
facilities became better for all of us to
enjoy the park.
Hope city will reopen the Virginia key
outdoor center. Our family enjoys the
outdoors and appreciates all it has to
offer. We hope that can be available
to all of us for generations to come.
Housing of homeless at VKOC is a
terrible idea. The homeless will be
abandoned with no access to basic
services. Exposed to mosquitoes. At
risk for hurricanes and flooding. And
it required shuttering the VKOC,
which provided Miami residents
access to kayak rentals at a
reasonable price at an access point
for beginner paddlers to practice and
see the beautiful wildlife and
manatees. Who will provide security
so that kayakers can continue to
access the launch without being
harassed? The homeless need
housing near the services that can
best help them. This is an obvious
ploy to drive away Miami residents
who use one of the last the natural
spaces so that it can be later opened
to developers.
I am a Miami resident who has used
the VKOC facilities since they opened
for my own enjoyment and to bring
out of town visitors for a unique view
of our City from the water. The staff
at the center is fantastic and
represent the best side of our
community to out of town visitors. It
is a unique area with a community
small business, please reopen the
VKOC.
I am a black American. Virginia Key
holds great significance not only to
me and to my family but speaks to
our people's history in this place.
Now it is under threat of
development. At one time this place
whose history I'm sure you're familiar
with, was the only beach allowed to
us for seaside recreation; it was our
Krogerupgade 51, DI. 1 #12481
Bodil Weirsrpe 1.th. Copenhagen, Discussion - Virginia
Denmark Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Bailey Ross 3182 Day Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
only green sanctuary. Today we are
happy it is a shared place. Do we still
use it, you ask? Absolutely we do. It is
not Crandon Park nor is it Cape
Florida which are over -run with noisy
and intrusive beachgoers. Instead
it's an oasis, a hidden gem with its
beach so immediately accessible. On
tours with the Outdoor Center, my
family and I have paddled from
sunsets into moonlight, quietly
drifted over mama manatees and
their babies on our photographic
safari, and studied birds and other
wildlife all while watching from
kayaks. Have you ever tried these
magical experiences? We invite you
to. Please leave our place as it is for
the enjoyment of everyone.
I am a frequent visitor to Florida from
Denmark. Everytime I come here I am
looking forward to going to Virginia
Key. It is a very special place in a State
that - unlike my Home country - have
minimized public coast access by
allowing highrise private hotels and
other buildings. I tell all my European
friends coming to Florida about
Virginia key and recommend that
they go there. It is hard to understand
why the authorities would close down
such a gem of recreation, drawing
thousands of enthusiastic tourists as
well as locals every year. Seems to me
you are undermining Floridas
reputation as an attractive tourist
destination, thereby loosing millions
of dollars
I am a master's student studying
marine biology at the University of
Miami. Virginia Key Outdoor Center is
both my place of employment and a
place I like to go and enjoy the
outdoors during my free time. I have
led many snorkels, full moon, clean-
ups, and manatee tours. Many people
don't realize we have a park in the
City of Miami where you can see
endangered animals, undisturbed
coastal forests, and three marine
ecosystems (mangrove forests,
seagrass beds, and coral reefs). Not
Luis Hernandez 1135 NW 136th Ct
only is this area a gem of the city,
fostering beautiful natural South
Florida wildlife, but it also is one of
the last affordable locations for the
working class to recreate left in the
city. The park entry fee is $8, and
families from all backgrounds can
enter the park and enjoy Virginia Key
on the weekends. In a time where
families are struggling to make ends
meet and facing the climbing costs of
living, it is important to remember
this. When it is proposed to move
homeless populations to this park, we
need to remember who this park was
for. It was originally the only black
beach park in the city, which now has
transformed into the working class's
paradise. Is this fair to take away a
waterfront park from the working
class? The group of people who keep
this city running? This is a pivotal
moment in the future of the island of
Virginia Key. This is a fragile
ecosystem, susceptible to storm
surges, cut off from society, and a
well -loved area of the city. This is not
the answer to our homeless problem.
It is simply a bandaid that will worsen
the current reality. This island is not
made for sewage and electric
infrastructure, it is where people get
away from the hustle and bustle of
the city at an affordable rate. It is
where tour guides such as myself get
to share our expertise on southern
Florida ecosystems. Virginia Key is a
classroom for all, and it is evident
how much it is loved and used.
I am a regular visitor of Virginia Key
natural park and specially the outdoor
center. I bring there not only my
family but visiting relatives and
friends from out of state or other
DI. 1 #12481 countries. We love it. Please, please
Discussion - Virginia please let them operate as usual. Do
Key Outdoor Center not assign this area to any project
that is not related to conserve our
ecosystem. We don't have enough
recreational areas in the city or
county. Please use common sense!
Thanks M
Catherine
OBrien
462 Hampton Ln, Key DI. 1 #12481
Biscayne, Florida Discussion - Virginia
33149 Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Aida Nesimi Fort Lauderdale, FL Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
I am a resident and voting member of
the public in Key Biscayne. I am
writing today to urge you to vite No
to proposal for a homeless
encampment on Virginia Key and
Reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. As many more qualified than I
have recounted in public comments,
this proposal does not serve the
needs of the homeless nor the Miami
community. It would result in the
destruction/deterioration of a
significantly important historical and
outdoor recreational area used by
families such as mine all over Miami.
It also does not best serve the
homeless but seems instead like a
concentration camp with limited
access to service, transport links,
healthcare etc - this is not in keeping
with the dignity of each human being.
I am shocked that the city is seriously
considering this as a location. The
closure of the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center also looks suspiciously like
retaliation. I am not one given over to
conspiracy theories but the facts on
the ground are a major coincidence
and smack of an abuse of power. The
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
priceless business offering service to
the Miami and wider Florida
community. Providing access to enjoy
outdoor recreation and I took my own
young sons many times kayaking
using them. I urge you to hear the
voices of the many in the community
that have highlighted very clearly why
this is a mistake. Regards Catherine
O'Brien
I am a south florida resident and avid
lover of the VKOC. This special center
was the foundation of my move to
florida and further developed my
passion for environmental
(specifically marine) conservation and
education. The value that VKOC
brings to its visitors (citizens and
manatees alike) is irreplaceable. It is
one of the last places in miami where
one has easy access to the wonders
of miami nature within minutes of all
Andrew
YERALDINE
Dykeman
ORDONEZ
60 SW 13th St
4298 sw 5 terrace
miami fl 33134
Andy Blanco 2455 overbrook street
urban areas. It is a beloved center
whose loss will be felt for eons. The
community kindly asks for VKOC to be
made a historical and protected
designation to preserve the last
remaining indigenous wildlife in The
city of miami.
I am against the use of Virginia Key as
a homeless shelter. A homeless
encampment will negatively impact a
place of release and recreation for
countless citizens in Miami Dade
DI. 1 #12481
county. This, along with the negative
Discussion - Virginia
environmental impacts this will bring
Key Outdoor Center
should have blocked this proposal
long ago. I am very disappointed that
commissioners could propose
something in such blatant violation of
the interests of a supposed protected
area.
I am an advocate of needed green
spaces and and any effort that allows
us to enjoy these green areas into
promote a healthy lifestyle. The
Virginia key outdoor center and the
area where it resides have been vital
in supporting this green space for the
DI. 1 #12481
enjoyment of all. They have
Discussion - Virginia
functioned with great respect and
Key Outdoor Center
consideration to the space they
occupy and have been exemplary in
fomenting how valuable and precious
Virginia Key is as part of our aquatic
Florida Bay habitat. Please help us
save our beloved Kirginia Key outdoor
center and preserve the lands for our
outdoor recreational use.
I am an avid user of Virginia Key. I use
the mountain bike trails to bike, run
and bird watch. I use the beach to
bathe and snorkel. I often launch a
small row boat at the nearby Crandon
CA. 12 #12487
marina and row to the park to do any
Establish Special
combination of the above. My point it
Revenue Project -
I use it so much and it brings me so
Miami Homeless
much joy. As a concerned citizen for
Assistance Program
the future of what I consider the best
green space in miami, I adamantly
oppose the attempt of our politicians
to convert it to a homeless
encampment. It is in no way an
adequate space for housing the
homeless. It is on the other hand a
very acceptable public green space
used by tens of thousands per year.
Please do not make things worse for
so many when it can potentially only
benefit a small handful of people.
I am an avid watersports enthusiast
and I enjoy going to Virgina Key to go
paddling or practice windsports. I
have rented kayaks and paddle
boards from VKOC and the staf was
cordial and professional. I hope all the
legalities can be resolved and they
can continue to run the center.
DI. 1 #12481
Besides I do not comprehend how can
Alberto Artagaveytia 3921 Alton Road Discussion - Virginia
anybody thing that Virginia Key is the
Key Outdoor Center
preferred site for a homeless camp,
the are no stores or potential jobs
withing walking distance. Also it very
exposed to the elements like
hurricanes, rats, mosquitos and more.
The homeless deserve better and we
the tax payers don't have to loose
such a great spot to enjoy the
outdoors. It is not fair to either side.
I am in full support of Virginia Key
outdoor Center remaining in
operation. I am a frequent user of the
facility and nothing compares to the
location and service it offers. I have
voiced my opinion as Registered
Nurse in Florida via email to Miami
DI. 1 #12481
540 Brickell Key Drive
politicians with no response regarding
Anna Arnaout 1815 Miami FL 33131 Discussion - Virginia
marking VK a homeless encampment.
Key Outdoor Center
It is a horrible idea for many reasons.
VK is a mental health recreational
facility where we spend our days off
and free time who live in Brickell. I
don't own a car and VK was my
reprieve. PLEASE reinstate the VKOC
as it is vital to many of us.
I am in strong support of re -opening
the VA Key Outdoor Center to re -
1725 Tigertail Ave., DI. 1 #12481
establish the badly needed recreation
Patricia Woodson Coconut Grove, FL Discussion - Virginia
activities and natural use of this
33133 Key Outdoor Center
precious resource, Virginia Key and
our Bay. The reasons for its closure
are hard to understand and countless
families feel the impact of its loss.
1331 Brickell Bay Drive DI. 1 #12481
Eiien Kirsh
1 am opposed to using Virginia Key for
Apt 4501 Discussion - Virginia
a homeless housing center for two
Maria
Alvarez
Anne Haywood
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
8440 sw 68 street Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
2511 Swanson Ave, DI. 1 #12481
Miami FL 33133 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
reasons. First, Virginia Key is a unique
place for multiple important
recreational activities that would be
negatively impacted by the presence
of any development there. Secondly,
and more important, the isol;action
of homeless people on Virginia Key
would only add to their difficulties.
They belong in places where they can
be helped by neighbors and where
they have a reasonable chance to
help themselves. They should be
integrated into the community and
not segregated. They should be near
public services. They should be near
neighbors who can lend support and
offer opportunities to improve their
situations.
I am vehemently opposed to any use
of this park other than the current
recreational use! We enjoy renting
kayaks every weekend with friends
and family! The members of the staff
are a huge assest to the the park! We
live in Glenvar Heights and want to
continue to enjoy for many years to
come all this beautiful park has
offered our family (all tax payers and
voters) for so many years past!
I am writing in support of re -opening
the VKOC - a vital landmark giving
Miami citizens and visitors
increasingly rare access to land and
water -based natural environments
here. Our Girl Scout troop 204 has
had fantastic manatee and other
wildlife sightings from "glass -
bottomed" kayaks, on tours provided
by the highly professional, talented,
and dedicated VKOC staff. Our family
and friends have attended life -
changing camps and rented bikes to
explore the trails and coastline. The
VKOC works tirelessly to protect this
beautiful place helping children and
adults boost their mental and physical
health through unique outdoor
experiences. The work and offerings
of the VKOC should be allowed to
expand, not end. Please support
VKOC now.
I appreciate the opportunity to
express my concern about the closing
of the center since this has been a
wonderful place to have contact with
DI. 1 #12481
nature in a peaceful environment,
miguel Ruiz 11324 nw 66 st Discussion -Virginia
and also giving the opportunity to
Key Outdoor Center
individuals and families to experience
water time. We beg for your good
judgment reopening the center.
Much appreciated.
I ask if you to please reconsider
putting a homeless encampment on
Virginia Key. Virginia Key is
environmentally sensitive
area.Virginia Key is also inhospitable
due to the amount of bugs and how
underdeveloped the land is for
DI. 1 #12481
residency. The Homeless people
Dylan Perez 1284 W 77th St Discussion - Virginia
living in the island will also have to
Key Outdoor Center
bike/walk/drive at least 6 miles for
any services. The Homeless would
also be vulnerable to the weather.
Both sides are negatively impacted by
building the homeless camp on the
island,Virginia Key and the homeless
people who are going to live in the
camp.
I believe building a homeless shelter
DI. 1 #12481
in Virginia key would be devastating
9125 SW 227 Street
Manuel Gonzalez Discussion - Virginia
to the already diminished ecosystems
Cutler Bay, FL 33190
Key Outdoor Center
of Miami, FL. Virginia Key must be left
untouched and in disturbed.
I can't believe you are even discussing
this. Virginia Key is an outdoor center
where many families spend their
weekends doing bbqs, mountain bike,
DI. 1 #12481
5900 Collins Ave apt
windsurf, kayaking and kitesurfing
Luciana Gortari Discussion -Virginia
1202
and you are considering doing a
Key Outdoor Center
homeless camp? There? of all places
available in Miami? You are giving
them a prime location that is enjoyed
by so many people....
I cannot believe that the city shut
down Virginia Key Recreation Center
in retaliation of their stand against
DI. 1 #12481
the proposed homeless encampment
261 SW 30TH RD
William Pirl Discussion - Virginia
on Virginia Key. The center is one of
Miami Key Outdoor Center
the best things about Miami. The
location, without easy access to food
or emergency services, is not
appropriate for chronically homeless
individuals and the proximity to the
sewage processing center is unsafe.
1 can't find the Virginia key topic but
PZ. 18 #12224
Carolina Carreira 55 SE 6th st
Rezoning - 1950 NW
PLEASE KEEP VIRGINIA KEY PARK. Do
not develop there. It's the last bit of
12 Av
nature we have.
I do not agree with the plan to move
CA. 12 #12487
the homeless to Virginia Key. This is
Establish Special
not the solution. All of the resources
12250 SW 35 Ter.
Jacqueline Stewart
Revenue Project -
they need are out of reach which
Miami, FL 33175
Miami Homeless
leaves them isolated and will hurt the
Assistance Program
protected environment and sensitive
ecosystem.
DI. 1 #12481
1 do not approve of the Historical
9300 W Flagler Street
Kristen Garcia
Discussion - Virginia
Virginia Key being turned into a
Miami, FI 33174
Key Outdoor Center
Homeless Camp.
I do not believe that Virginia Key
Outdoor Center and the North Point
Park are an ideal location for the
proposed Project. This is the ONLY
DI. 1 #12481
city of z Miami park with protected
Cedric Kleisler 3122 Hibiscus St
Discussion - Virginia
natural habitats with beach access
Key Outdoor Center
and enjoyed by the public as it was
originally intended to do. I suggest
the decommissioned Homestead AFB
or other public properties that are
NOT LOCATED in a City Park.
I do not want VKOC closed. It
provides for an enriching outdoor
activity close to home. The park is a
beautiful ecological place with a
beautiful view and should be
preserved for the people's enjoyment
2121 n Bayshore dr.
DI. 1 #12481
and closeness with nature. Miami
Hercilia Carrion Apt 605, Miami FI
Discussion -Virginia
needs places like this. Please find
33137
Key Outdoor Center
another place for the homeless. Do
not deprive Miami residents of the
use and enjoyment of a functional
and frequented park. there are other
and better options for the homeless
encampment.
6205 Sw 131 Court
DI. 1 #12481
1 don't agree with relocating anyone
ROSA RIVERA
Discussion - Virginia
Apt 201
Key Outdoor Center
to Virginia Key
I don't agree with this at all. This part
CA. 12 #12487
of Miami is most closest to nature.
1125 west 71 street
Establish Special
There are other spots they can be
Yanin Garcia Apt 5 Hialeah FL
Revenue Project -
transferred too like homestead where
33014
Miami Homeless
there is a lot of land to construct.
Assistance Program
Virginia Beach park is so beautiful and
I wouldn't want it ruined by Careless
Sandy
Andres
Moise
Ocampo
5910 NE 6th Court DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FI Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1900 N Bayshore Dr DI. 1 #12481
#3507 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
6970 W 2nd Ln DI. 1 #12481
Francys Camejo Discussion - Virginia
Hialeah, FL 33014 Key Outdoor Center
people it's already polluted with beer
cans and cigarette butts.
I encourage you to reopen the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center. The
Virginia Key Outdoor Center offers an
opportunity for children and families
to enjoy the natural beauty of our
city. They provide experiences in
nature that are healthy, wholesome,
fun, foster a love for our natural
environment, and promote positive
mental health. Please reopen the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center today.
I have been a frequent visitor and
lover of the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. I often rent the kayaks,
paddle boards or e simply enjoy the
facility and park. It is a shame that the
center is closed. 1, along with
hundreds (perhaps thousands) of
other Miami citizens DEMAND that
the center be opened and continue
operating as scheduled. Esther Luft
and her staff are heaven-sent for the
community! Love them and the
facility!!!
I have come all the way from
Pembroke Pines on numerous
occasions to visit the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. I have rented kayaks,
brought friend, and even volunteered
during one of their beach clean ups.
The reason I decided to come all the
way to the City of Miami instead of
frequenting a closer park such as
Oleta and using its amenities there is
because the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center has curated a safe and
inclusive area in which everyone is
respected and treated like a friend.
This ambiance cannot be easily
replicated. Plenty of times my friends
and I have left the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center and gone to
restaurants like the Red Rooster on
our way home. Without the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center, my friends and I
have little to no reason to really
frequent Miami. We would be closer
to Fort Lauderdale. Please allow the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center to
reopen. They're doing a lot for the
Mary
Paula
DI. 1 #12481
Bolz 3000 Washington St Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Barrera BC. 24 #8943
Scheer 3124 Center Street Virginia Key Beach
Park Trust
community by hosting beach clean
ups and free educational tours.
They're doing a lot for the local
economy by bringing people that
normally would not frequent the area
and conduct business. From what I
learned recently they are also a family
owned business. You don't see much
of those anymore.
I have lived in Coconut Grove for 10
years and have participated in a
number of volunteer activities with
the museum of science (before it
moved) and more recently with Girl
Scouts from this site. I have enjoyed
the access to nature from the kayak
dock and easy biking trails to bring
the kids. I don't know why it is being
considered for closing. Please do not
develop it! Please keep it open to the
public as it is.
I hope you and your family are well.
My name is Paula Barrera Scheer, City
of Miami resident/homeowner,
almost life long Miamian and I am a
Virginia Key annual pass holder. I
hope you are able to take the time to
read my message. I go to Virginia Key
often by myself or with my 3 year old
daughter to paddle board and enjoy
nature. We love seeing the protected
sea turtle nests and the pine trees,
the sea stars, sea horses, manatees,
sea urchins, shellfish, crabs, etc. I am
opposed to the homeless relocation
to Virginia Key for two reasons: one
selfish reason and one unselfish
reason. The selfish reason is obvious.
If there is a homeless population
living on Virginia key, I will lose my
safe place to paddle board and enjoy
a natural beach and nature preserve
with my daughter. Not because it will
be gone or destroyed, but because I
question the safety of the key if the
chronically homeless are housed
there. There are also many cyclists,
kayakers, paddle boarders and beach
goers who feel the same way. The
only way it would feel safe would be
if the homeless were contained
somehow and that seems cruel. To
live on one of Miami's most beautiful
natural areas, but not be allowed
access to the beach or the public
facilities would be a dehumanizing
approach and I would not want that
for our homeless population. The
unselfish reason I would not want this
is: to isolate the homeless on a
natural preserve where they have no
access to the general population,
public transportation, fast food or
grocery stores, seems also cruel and
dehumanizing. The equivalent of
"out of sight, out of mind." What
happens when they need services?
When they need food? When they
need feminine hygiene products or
birth control or maternal care? Have
you spoken to a homeless person and
asked whether they would want to
leave their chosen areas to live with
other homeless people bussed in
from all over the city? A realistic
picture of what this will look like
needs to be shown to the subjects
being discussed here. For all of us
privileged Miamians to make
decisions about displacing our
homeless residents would be unwise.
If they don't want to be there, they
won't stay there. I would stand to
benefit from the homeless being
relocated away from Peacock Park
near my home, for example, where
my kid and my friend's kids play. But
is that what I want to teach my kid?
We just get rid of unsightly strange
people? I don't think so. I want her
to learn that not everyone is as
fortunate as we are. That some
people do not have a home or
enough food. That we need to help
those people - not cart them away to
a "jail" just for being homeless and/or
mentally ill. Who is speaking to the
homeless to find out what they think?
Who decides which homeless people
or families are moved there and how?
Mental health screenings? So many
factors... so I come to you with a
proposal. There is an incredible
amount of real estate enclosed by our
Paula
highway exits. Unused space. These
are close to hospitals, food, parks and
not close to residential areas. I am
not in anyway opposed to taxpayer
money going towards helping house
the homeless and getting them back
on their feet, for those who have the
mental stability to do so. Perhaps if a
test building were built in spaces such
as these *for the homeless in the
immediate area* so they do not feel
shipped off and forced to leave all
they know. I believe this idea should
be proposed to the homeless - let
them give input. Don't displace them.
They deserve better and frankly those
of us who love and protect Virginia
Key deserve better too. Thanks for
taking the time. Paula
I hope you and your family are well.
My name is Paula Barrera Scheer, City
of Miami resident/homeowner,
almost life long Miamian and I am a
Virginia Key annual pass holder. I
hope you are able to take the time to
read my message. I go to Virginia Key
often by myself or with my 3 year old
daughter to paddle board and enjoy
nature. We love seeing the protected
sea turtle nests and the pine trees,
the sea stars, sea horses, manatees,
sea urchins, shellfish, crabs, etc. I am
opposed to the homeless relocation
to Virginia Key for two reasons: one
Barrera
DI. 1 #12481 selfish reason and one unselfish
Scheer 3124 Center Street Discussion - Virginia reason. The selfish reason is obvious.
Key Outdoor Center If there is a homeless population
living on Virginia key, I will lose my
safe place to paddle board and enjoy
a natural beach and nature preserve
with my daughter. Not because it will
be gone or destroyed, but because I
question the safety of the key if the
chronically homeless are housed
there. There are also many cyclists,
kayakers, paddle boarders and beach
goers who feel the same way. The
only way it would feel safe would be
if the homeless were contained
somehow and that seems cruel. To
live on one of Miami's most beautiful
natural areas, but not be allowed
access to the beach or the public
facilities would be a dehumanizing
approach and I would not want that
for our homeless population. The
unselfish reason I would not want this
is: to isolate the homeless on a
natural preserve where they have no
access to the general population,
public transportation, fast food or
grocery stores, seems also cruel and
dehumanizing. The equivalent of
"out of sight, out of mind." What
happens when they need services?
When they need food? When they
need feminine hygiene products or
birth control or maternal care? Have
you spoken to a homeless person and
asked whether they would want to
leave their chosen areas to live with
other homeless people bussed in
from all over the city? A realistic
picture of what this will look like
needs to be shown to the subjects
being discussed here. For all of us
privileged Miamians to make
decisions about displacing our
homeless residents would be unwise.
If they don't want to be there, they
won't stay there. I would stand to
benefit from the homeless being
relocated away from Peacock Park
near my home, for example, where
my kid and my friend's kids play. But
is that what I want to teach my kid?
We just get rid of unsightly strange
people? I don't think so. I want her
to learn that not everyone is as
fortunate as we are. That some
people do not have a home or
enough food. That we need to help
those people - not cart them away to
a "jail" just for being homeless and/or
mentally ill. Who is speaking to the
homeless to find out what they think?
Who decides which homeless people
or families are moved there and how?
Mental health screenings? So many
factors... so I come to you with a
proposal. There is an incredible
amount of real estate enclosed by our
highway exits. Unused space. These
are close to hospitals, food, parks and
1111 Crandon DI. 1 #12481
Jesus Corao Discussion - Virginia
Boulevard Key Outdoor Center
981 San Pedro Avenue DI. 1 #12481
Gladys Faraldo Coral Gables, FL 33156 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Darren Jurick 8940 nw 124 terr Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Michelle Rubio 1941 sw 17 terrace Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
438 Mendoza Ave DI. 1 #12481
Benjamin Pennington Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL 33134 Key Outdoor Center
not close to residential areas. I am
not in anyway opposed to taxpayer
money going towards helping house
the homeless and getting them back
on their feet, for those who have the
mental stability to do so. Perhaps if a
test building were built in spaces such
as these *for the homeless in the
immediate area* so they do not feel
shipped off and forced to leave all
they know. I believe this idea should
be proposed to the homeless - let
them give input. Don't displace them.
They deserve better and frankly those
of us who love and protect Virginia
Key deserve better too. Thanks for
taking the time. Paula
I just want to point out that I think
Homeless problem has to be address,
but have them close to an school,
tourist places (beaches, aquarium,
etc.) could affect our children safety,
no because I think they are
dangerous, but many have drugs
problem that has to be manage very
carefully, affecting also any recreation
area in the key for Miami. Another
issue is that for homeless is not safe
to live close to the beaches, hurricane
season could be a problem, also any
flood that may be occurs at anytime I.
I love Virginia Key and it should be
kept as the beautiful park and beach
it is. This area should continue to be
used for outdoor activities for families
to enjoy.
I love going to the outdoor center for
kayaking and MTB biking every
weekend would be devastating to
lose such a gem in Miami
I love the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
and have appreciated what it does for
the community giving us more access
to be in nature safely. One of my
favorite bday celebrations was a
VKOC night kayak experience. I would
love to replicate it!
I love the access to the bay at the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center. All the
amenities one needs for kayaking,
paddleboarding or bringing your own
equipment to launch from the ramp
into lagoon. This needs to be
preserved at all costs. We are quickly
losing access to natural resources
such as this one. The BIGGEST reason
people visit the Miami is for the
beauty and access to nature like
Virginia Key.
I love the access to the water, the
DI. 1 #12481
support of the staff, rental of kayaks
Al Gomez -Pins 9360 sw 82 st
Discussion - Virginia
and paddle boards, the natural
Key Outdoor Center
environment, use of the bathrooms,
and a place to get water.
I love the beach access and want to
DI. 1 #12481
keep the park as is, our kids play
Noemie Heuland 3980 kumquat avenue
Discussion - Virginia
there and this is important to keep
Key Outdoor Center
some open space for families to
gather outdoor
I moved to Miami to experience what
I had only studied in books my whole
life. We dedicate our lives and studies
to preserving an environment which
may not be there in our lifetime due
to exploitation and anthropogenic
changes all caused by human impact.
I returned home from a research
project to find my coworkers and I
had all lost our jobs, and Miami lost
an area that is the only one left of it'a
DI. 1 #12481
kind. We educated people from
Clara Gramazio 1629 SW 19 Terrace
Discussion - Virginia
around the world on how and why
Key Outdoor Center
Florida's ecosystem is so important
and to preserve the endangered
species that live in it. Years of
preservation have gone into this area,
and thousands of people around the
world return year after year. This
change has not only impacted us
financially but also emotionally as this
is where Miami felt like home. The
city cannot lose an area that is vital to
the ecosystem but also it's
members! ! !
DI. 1 #12481
Elaine Mora 15110 SW 87 court
Discussion - Virginia
I need access to the waterway.
Key Outdoor Center
I object to any private use or re-
7120 sw 80 ct miami fl
DI. 1 #12481
designation of that land other than
Angel Faraldo
Discussion - Virginia
for general public use that allows us,
33143
Key Outdoor Center
taxpayers, to continue to enjoy and
use a publicly funded park for
Mariel
Richard
Townsend
Reale
1330 west ave apt 812 DI. 1 #12481
Miami Beach fl 33139 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
Establish Special
7207 Bay Dr Apt 15, Revenue Project -
Miami Beach 33141
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
decades that supports the nature and
the outdoor activities Esther Luft
allows us to enjoy. I also oppose the
cowardly tactics that have been used
to get rid of Ms. Luft and her team.
I oppose constructing a homeless
encampment on Virginia key. A
remote island far from public transit
and social services is not the best
place to house the homeless. Virginia
Key is also an environmentally
sensitive area, where manatees live in
the bay. VKOC is a cherished
community resource that provides
Miamians a safe place to kayak, bike,
and be in nature. The way in which
this issue has been handled has
weakened my faith in the integrity of
our elected officials and democracy in
Miami. I understand that at the
commission meeting where this vote
originally took place, Alex Diaz de la
Portilla reversed his initial vote
opposing the measure, after those
advocating against it had left, and he
did so while snickering and other
members of the commission calling it
a shady move in the video of the
meeting. While I appreciate the pause
to reconsider this issue, the police
department then showing up in a raid
the next day, citing unpaid rent with
no prior notice given to VKOC can
only be taken as a politically
motivated scare tactic and is not the
way that the voters should be
represented. While I support a viable
solution to housing the homeless, this
is not it, and the toll on the quality of
life for those of us who enjoy the
outdoors, want to protect wildlife,
and want to have faith in our elected
officials has been great. Please do the
right thing, oppose this measure, and
reinstate VKOC's lease.
I oppose the homeless encampment
on Virginia Key. There are almost zero
resources available there and no
public transportation. Virginia Key is a
haven for families and outdoor
activities - mountain bike trails,
paddle boarding and water/wind
Arian
Andrea
Carole
Acosta
Rodrigues
Dowling
D1. 1 #12481
33145 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1425 Brickell Ave
2600 SW 27th Ave,
Miami 33133
D1. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
Chapter 38 -
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
D1. 1 #12481
GREGORY HAMRA 2600 Cardena St, PHI Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
sports that a huge part of the
community enjoys.
I oppose to the homeless park at
Virginia Key and would like the
recreation area to be reopened.
Homeless people need medical, social
and economical help. They also need
to be in an environment that allows
then to get on their feet, get a job,
and be part of society again. This will
be almos imposible if the are isolated
at the key. On the other hand,
instead of endangering the few
natural areas that are left, you should
be investing in protecting nature and
promoting healthy outdoor activities.
That's good for everyone today and
the future.
I really think is absurd this idea !!!!
the Virginia Key is a place with a lot
trees is a great espace for kids and
families have fun, Also do you really
think that the homeless will be there
locked , of course they will start to
walk around the school that is very
close. We need more spaces like this
!! Please save The Virginia Key
I recently moved to south Florida
from NYC because of the beautiful
environment. I think any structures
would diminish the beauty of the key
and am opposed to it. Homeless
people need housing and also
services to support them. Virginia key
has none.
I regularly take guests to Virginia Key
to ride the North Point trails and they
rent bikes at VKOC. Whether taking a
longer road bike ride or enjoying the
rugged North Point trails on my
mountain bike, I regularly stop at
VKOC to purchase much -needed
refreshments (Gatorade) and to
borrow their air pump and bathroom.
VKOC has been more than a welcome
stop along my way. Without VKOC in
my path, a place to purchase
hydration, my rides will be more
difficult and potentially more
dangerous. And I won't have a place
to take Miami visitors to rent bikes.
Peter
Phau
1550 Brickell Ave, Apt DI. 1 #12481
415A Miami, FL 33129 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
P.O. Box 142082 DI. 1 #12481
Dorsey DeMaster Gainesville Florida Discussion - Virginia
32614 Key Outdoor Center
I regularly use VKOC to access the
water via kayaks with my family and
when I have out of town visitors.
Additionally, I regularly stop while I'm
cycling to use the facilities. VKOC was
a main drawing up when I decided to
move to the area.
I represent the Florida Paddling Trails
Association (FPTA). We are a 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization formed in
2007 under the guidance of the
Department of Environmental
Protection's Office of Greenways &
Trail. One of FPTA's missions is to be a
resource and a voice for paddlers. •
Virginia Key is an oasis in the midst of
a large city. It provides a green space
for the community, allowing families
and individuals to connect with
nature; a serious deficit within the
concrete canyons of Miami. There are
many articles written about the
health benefits - with more time, I
can provide them. • Virginia Key
Outdoor Center (VKOC), is an FPTA
Business Member, and provides
superb services, like paddle safety
training and ecotours to not only
Miami area residents but as a major
tourist destination, they also attract
visitors from all over the world. •
VKOC employs many people.
Establishing a homeless encampment
places these jobs at risk, potentially
compounding Miami's homeless
population. Also a loss of income for
the county? • VKOC is the base for
the South Florida Paddlers. With
more than 2.8K members / social
media followers, South Florida
Paddlers has been pivotal to the
community by providing safety and
education training for paddlers by
American Canoe and Kayak
Association certified instructors. •
Virginia Key is an established point
along the 1,515-mile Florida
Circumnavigational Saltwater
Paddling Trail, also known as the CT.
Florida Statutes Title XVIII Chapter
260 Florida Legislature designates the
CT as part of the Florida Greenways
Alexis
Bruce
Theresa
Perez
McCord
Borden
12310 SW 28 street, DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FL 33175, USA Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Department of DI. 1 #12481
Chemistry 11200 SW Discussion - Virginia
8th St CP 304 Key Outdoor Center
3042 Center Street, DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FL 33133 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Jim Parker 3877 Stuart Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
and Trails System. One of the most
challenging portions of the CT is the
Miami area. This is due to a lack of
resources for paddlers to find a safe
haven during inclement weather. The
proposed action for Virginia Key
poses a significant safety risk for CT
paddlers. Additional inputs: Virginia
Key is on the National Register of
Historic Places. It is also home to
several native plants that are scarce
in Dade County, including the
endangered Biscayne Prickly Ash.
The Florida Paddling Trails Association
is here to represent and support the
paddling community.
I stand with the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. The service it provides to our
community by encouraging outdoor
activity and exercise on Virginia Key is
invaluable. Please keep the center
open. Thank you
I strongly support the continued
presence of Virginia Key Outdoor
Center, their role in permitting the
citizens of Miami Dade to have a
unique connection to the
environment and the beauty of
Virginia key is unparalleled. They
have been a very positive addition to
this city and I am very unhappy with
how they have been treated.
I support the reopening of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center. VKOC is
a core community benefit available
for Miami residents. The facility is
well run and provides residents with
unparalleled access to the natural
resources that Miami has to offer -
ensuring that we will continue to
enjoy and protect them for years to
come. I have enjoyed paddling
around the island, observing
manatees and shore birds and it
would be a shame to deprive others
of the same opportunity.
I understand the Virginia Key outdoor
center has been closed and the North
Shore trails are being affected by
police presence and closing the park
before the designated times clearly
Patricia
Mark
Juan
stated on the park signs. I have read
many discussion and this appears like
pushback from the City official over
the homeless encampment. I truly
hope this is not the case and the park
will remain a treasure for everyone.
Whatever is decided regarding the
homeless encampment, please do not
let it affect the rest of the park, it is a
fantastic place with an amazing trail
system that would be a travesty to
lose for all citizens as well as tourists
alike. Sincerely
1 urge the Commission to re open the
DI. 1 #12481
2300 sw 25 street
facility because it offers our
Pino Miami, FI 33133 Discussion - Virginia
community access to the water
Key Outdoor Center
through their kayak rentals.
I urge the Commission to resolve the
issues preventing the continuation of
operation of Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. Virginia Key Beach Park is a
jewel in the limited green spaces in
the city of Miami. The availability of
recreational equipment, training and
DI. 1 #12481
expertise in this park make it more
Graesser 18625 SW 89th Ct Discussion - Virginia
than just a passive space. It brings
Key Outdoor Center
vibrancy and liveliness to the area
that otherwise would not exist. The
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is the
draw that brings people from outside
the city limits to recreate, generating
additional revenue to support the
local economy.
I urge the Mayor and officials of
Miami to not shut down the outdoor
center at Virginia key. First off the
location for the homeless
encampment is atrocious. It's far
from transportation and it vulnerable
to storm conditions. Secondly the
residents and tourists in Miami look
DI. 1 #12481
forward every weekend to come to
8401 nw 139 terrace
Guerrero Discussion - Virginia
this beautiful area. Weather it's
Hialeah Florida 33016
Key Outdoor Center
kayaking, mountain biking, hiking,
fishing, bird spotting this is the last
piece of nature we have left close to
the city. This would be an economic
disaster for Miami. Everyone will
move to Broward county. I urge you
guys not to make that silly mistake on
a plan that is sure to fail. Leave the
park how it is. There's perfectly good
Hebe
Matthew
Denis
Ashley
779 NE 127th Street
10843 SW 34th St
Miami FL 33165
Moises Levy 7480 SW 122nd Street
MDPD parking lots under the 95 not
being used perfect for a homeless
encampment blocks away from train
stations. Get a group going and
brainstorm a better location please.
I urge you to consider the importance
of having accessible green spaces
within the city. This space has been
an important historical location for
our city. The outdoor center
continued the legacy by serving the
community with a green space with
safe access a variety of sports options
from paddling to hiking to mountain
biking. The Virginia Key Outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
Center is one of the few places left in
Discussion -Virginia
the city that serves and builds
Key Outdoor Center
community in this city with the
backdrop being our beautiful natural
resources that are very quickly being
destroyed and pushed out for more
development. In addition, making this
a place to keep the homeless is a
bandaid solution to a bigger problem
in this city. Please look at other
options to help the homeless find
solutions for shelter that does not
involve destroying our natural
resources.
I urge you to please reconsider the
homeless relocation plan to Virginia
Key. Not only will it cause untold
ecological damage to an already
fragile situation but will provide next
to zero actionable resources for the
proposed residents. It is akin to
setting up a ghetto for those who are
suffering. The only clear benefit I can
DI. 1 #12481
see to the commission is ensuring you
Discussion - Virginia
have a place to keep undesirables
Key Outdoor Center
away from the public eye. Vkoc has
provided my family numerous
memorable and special moments
throughout our time with them and it
would be absolutely abhorrent to lose
that special place with a cruel plan
such as this. A vote to move forward
with this plan is a vote for intentional
cruelty, and this will be remembered
by constituents.
DI. 1 #12481
1 urge you to please take into
Discussion - Virginia
consideration the effect that
Key Outdoor Center
removing VKOC has had on so many
of us. They provided so many outdoor
opportunities to children and families
like mine. It is so important for the
residents of Miami to have quality
access to the outdoors, and VKOC
was huge in helping us all do that.
Additionally, I urge to please
reconsider the homeless camp at
Virginia Key. The homeless are much
better supported through private
organizations like Camillus House.
Please considering partnering and
working with private businesses and
not -for -profits in helping our
homeless neighbors. Thank you.
I urge you to reconsider the idea of
moving the homeless to this location.
950 Northshore dr
BC. 23 #9549
They need services. They would be
Robert
Rice Miamibeach FL 33141
Virginia Key
better served to be close to the
Advisory Board
Camilis house/Jackson hosp where
they get services. Moving them to
Virginia key is not a good idea
DI. 1 #12481
I use the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Philip
Stoddard 6820 SW 64th CT
Discussion - Virginia
regularly for kayaking. Please don't
Key Outdoor Center
close it!
55 Merrick Way, 614,
DI. 1 #12481
Melissa
Redondo Coral Gables FL 33134
Discussion - Virginia
I want VKOC reopened.
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
1 want Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Megan
Hoover 3244 W Trade Ave
Discussion - Virginia
reopened.
Key Outdoor Center
7489 sw 109 pl miami
DI. 1 #12481
1 want Virginia key outdoor center to
Jennifer
Perez
FI 33173
Discussion - Virginia
remain open.
Key Outdoor Center
55 Merrick Way, Apt.
DI. 1 #12481
1 want the Virginia Key Outdoor
Melissa
Redondo 614, Coral Gables FL
Discussion - Virginia
Center reopened.
33134
Key Outdoor Center
1250 S Miami Ave Apt
DI. 1 #12481
1 want the Virginia Key Outdoor
Cynthia
Benavides
1810
Discussion - Virginia
Center reopened.
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
1 want the Virginia Key Outdoor
Adrianne
Thompson 121 Crandon Blvd.
Discussion - Virginia
Center to reopen!
Key Outdoor Center
7489 sw 109 pl miami
BC. 23 #95491
want the Virginia Key outdoor center
Jennifer
Perez
F133173
Virginia Key
reopened
Advisory Board
1 want the Virginia key outdoor center
2943 sw 39th ave,
DI. 1 #12481
reopened! My family and I love
Brian
Carson
Miami FL, 33134
Discussion -Virginia
visiting, and bringing our family and
Key Outdoor Center
friends. We love the staff and their
commitment to a great and friendly
operation. We love the access to
nature. Please reopen!!
20300 W Country Club
PZ. 21 #12227 Land
Erick Magyar Dr PH-16, Aventura, FL
Use - 3851
1 want the Virginia key outdoor center
Rickenbacker
reopened.
33180
Causeway
I want the Virginia key outdoor center
DI. 1 #12481
reopened. I love access to the water
15340 S River Dr
Carl Sputh
Discussion - Virginia
and the natural environment. You
Miami FL 33169
'
Key Outdoor Center
can't find places like this in Miami.
Please don't shut it down.
I want the Virginia key outdoors
center reopen. I love the access to the
3265 bird ave apt 201
DI. 1 #12481
water, rent the kayaks and paddle
Luis Padrino miami 33133
Discussion - Virginia
boards. Esther luft and her stuff are
Key Outdoor Center
great people and take care of the
park
I want the center to be Open again
it's a good place for families and kids
and there aren't many of these places
DI. 1 #12481
with access to water activities,
Christian Garcia 177 ocean lane drive
Discussion - Virginia
kayaks, and a beautiful natural
Key Outdoor Center
ecosystem around. Staff is great,
always helpful. The center is part of
our community. We would love to see
it open again.
I want to offer my strong support for
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. I'm
also opposed to turning the Key into a
space to house the homeless. There
must be better solutions to help
those citizens. Miami residents and
visitors will be denied an important
urban recreation space if you
proceed. Plus, a local business that
DI. 1 #12481
promotes health and fitness is being
Cameron Morrell 1811 East 3rd
Discussion - Virginia
unfairly closed down. I support
Key Outdoor Center
searching for other other policy
options for dealing with
homelessness. Keep the Key as an
outdoor adventure space and come
to a different agreement with the
Outdoor Center so that it may
continue to operate. Using ordinance
and taxation policy to target a local
business like this is bad government.
Thank you, Cameron Morrell
DI. 1 #12481
1 was born and raised in Miami
3300 Sw 81st Ave.
Armando Lopez-fraga
Discussion - Virginia
Florida. Key Biscayne has always been
miami FI 33155
Key Outdoor Center
an oasis especially Virginia key. I've
been windsurfing the beach for over
30 years. I would prefer not to have
homeless people Setting up camp in
such a pristine park where the
peoples taxpayers money have been
spent rehabilitating it back to its
natural state.
I was shocked to learn of the closing
of the VKOC This center is a haven for
clean cut outdoor activity and
learning to appreciate and respect
DI. 1 #12481
the environment. I can't think of
4700 W. 47 St. Miami
Judith Richard
Discussion - Virginia
anyplace like it in Miami Dade County
Beach
Key Outdoor Center
that hasn't succumbed to
development. There doesn't appear
to be a reasonable explanation for
this closure. Please help us preserve
this jewel in Miami -Dade County.
I was very disappointed to see the
VKOC shut down after voicing there
opinion on setting up a homeless
encampment center on VK. Thank
you for addressing a need for the
homeless to have some support.
However setting them up on that
5838 Collins Ave # 8H
DI. 1 #12481
area of VK seems to be putting them
Scott Stripling Miami Beach, FL
Discussion - Virginia
out of sight out of mind. How would
33140
Key Outdoor Center
they travel to work, to purchase foods
and goods. I greatly enjoy to outdoors
and nature that the VKOC offers and
think that is the best use of that area
for citizens. Please reopen the bike
trail and water accces immediately.
What is your plan to support the
homeless?
1 would like the VK Outdoor Center to
3750 NE 209th Ter
DI. 1 #12481
remain open and with full list of
Andrean NovKov Miami FL 33180
Discussion - Virginia
services. Our family uses the facility
Key Outdoor Center
regularly
I would like the Virginia Key outdoor
center reopened. It has provided me
642 Curtiswood drive
DI. 1 #12481
and my family with amazing
Catherine Balestra
Key Biscayne 33149
Discussion -Virginia
opportunities to explore and enjoy
Key Outdoor Center
the outdoors on and near Virginia
Key.
DI. 1 #12481
1 would like the center reopened. I
David Del Terzo 2016 Bay Dr
Discussion - Virginia
don't believe it should have been
Key Outdoor Center
closed in the first place.
90 SW 3Rd St Miami
CA. 12 #12487
1 would like the city to stop this
Miriam Merino Fla 33130
Establish Special
absurd proposal of moving the
Revenue Project -
homeless to Virginia Key. No
Lisa
Rentz
Raul Rovira
Miami Homeless infrastructure is supposed to be build
Assistance Program there. The 2010 Virginia key Master
plan is very specific about what kind
of use is allowed on the island, and
building tiny houses, for anyone to
actually live there is against the
agreed use. The city of Miami must
adhere to the 2010 Master Plan,
which was created, agreed on and
approved by the City, precisely to
stop any misuse of this public land.
No to the homeless camp on Virginia
Key. No to building any type of
infrastructure No to allowing any
change in zoning to allow
infrastructure to be built.
2 Grove Isle Drive DI. 1 #12481
#1504 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
18620 SW 93rd Ave DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL, 33157 Key Outdoor Center
I would like the outdoor center re-
opened.
I would like to express my concern
over the proposed plan for homeles
housing on historic Virginia Key. This
proposal seems utterly detached
from reality and devoid of any
common sense or concern for not
only for the group it is supposed to
help, but also for the unique
ecosystem it will impact. It also shows
a blatant disregard for the values and
freedoms of the voting, tax paying
public of Miami -Dade county at large.
Who honestly thinks this plan is a
good idea for anyone besides hungry -
eyed developers lurking in the wings?
Anyone?? Not only is the proposed
site unfit for housing the homeless
(no infrastructure, far from
medical/health resources) it
compromises the integrity of one of
our citys last publicly -accessible
coastal recreation areas and places a
unique urban oasis in unecessary
peril. The public (and clearly
politicized move) to evict a valued
service provider like Virginia Key
Outdoor Center shows a very poor
understanding of your constituents
and our values as a community,
shame on those that supported this
thuggish and over -reaching act.
Virginia Key needs to be preserved as
a wild area for our comunityy to
Maria Goren 1628 SW 18th ST
Carol lacovelli 481 s Mashta dr
enjoy, period. Miamians of today and
tomorrow deserve better. There are
other much better suited places to
house the homeless in Miami that
present better (and more fiscally
responsibe) conditions for the
homeless and less potential for
ecological damage to a historically
important corner of our city. If the
end game here is to purposely use the
homeless as pawns in a doomed -to -
fail long -con game to turn Virginia Key
into high-rise condos for the wealthy
then shame on those who proposed it
in the first place. Piece by piece,
greed and over -development are
chipping away at publicly accessible
open areas throughout South Florida,
enough is enough. I support keeping
Virgina Key free from development
and free from greedy, hairbraned
schemes that seek only to fracture
and decieve our community. Leave
our beaches alone and get to work on
projects that truly help you
constituents.
I would like to express my support for
continuing the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center lease. This is a key place for
those living in the Shenandoah, the
Road, Brickell and Key Biscayne are to
access recreational activities in the
water and hit the bike trails with their
bike rentals. It is a great spot to take
the family, enjoy the outdoors and
get to see the manatees. Residents
DI. 1 #12481
in the City of Miami would be losing
Discussion -Virginia
this unique access and it will certainly
Key Outdoor Center
affect the recreational and outdoor
aspects of our residents. Our
residents will lose an easy access to
our nature and the opportunity to
continue to educate about our flora,
fauna and maintaining a clean and
healthy bay. This place is always
packed on weekends and it supports
also the livelyhood of those
employeed here.
1 would like to have the Virginia key
DI. 1 #12481
outdoor center reopened. I live the
Discussion -Virginia
natural environment and access to
Key Outdoor Center
the Water.
1 would like to see Virginia Key
DI. 1 #12481
Outdoor Center reopened. I do NOT
Greg Kelly 3421 Charles Ave Discussion - Virginia
want to see a homeless shelter built
Key Outdoor Center
in this beautiful area.
AM. AM -
I'am against Virginia Beach becoming
251 Crandon APPROVING THE
escudero
a homeless center this will bring
gonzalo dillon Boulevard Key Biscaye MINUTES OF THE
serious security problems and
Key Colony 33149 FOLLOWING
incoming people to Key Biscayne.
MEETINGS
I'm all for helping the homeless, but
this is such a disgusting, brazen
attempt to please developers who are
taking over the downtown area.
555 NE 15th Street DI. 1 #12481
Putting homeless people on an island
Stacey Stokes Apt 25J Miami Florida Discussion - Virginia
is inhumane. Ruining the only real
33132 Key Outdoor Center
natural area for water/bike sports in
the downtown area is just stupid.
You think voters won't figure that
out? sorry but that's how angry this
idea makes me and everyone I know.
I've lived in Brickell for five years.
Moved here from Pembroke Pines to
be near the water, and specifically to
be near Virginia Key. My family of
three boys and I visit Virginia Key
regularly to go to the beach, and to
use the Outdoor recreation area, we
often rent kayaks and spend the day
1402 Brickell Bay Dr. DI. 1 #12481
out there enjoying being outdoors. I
Ivonnet Escalante Discussion - Virginia
use Virginia Key park on a regular
Apt 1102
Key Outdoor Center
basis also to bike ride by myself
several times a week and on weekend
afternoons with my kids. We need
thig park to stay as is. Keep the
Outdoor center open, find a better
place for the homeless where they
can have access to the services they
need, such as healthcare,
rehabilitation, job training etc.
If the actual intent is to serve the
homeless population then there are
buildings already available in
downtown miami where it is closer to
resources such as hospitals, service
DI. 1 #12481
9301 sw 92nd ave
locations, grocery stores etc. Another
Stephanie Silva Discussion -Virginia
miami, FL 33176
concern is how the environment in
Key Outdoor Center
virginia key will go downhill; trash,
debris will all polute this clean
environment. VK has impacted
several people and we have created
several memories here. If there is
juan
David
SI LVIA
Ana
PZ. 22 #12228
londono 637 NE 67 Street Rezoning - 3851
Miami 33138 Rickenbacker
Causeway
12747 NW 6th Ln DI. 1 #12481
Balladares Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33182 Key Outdoor Center
310 Palmwood In Key DI. 1 #12481
BERMUDEZ Biscayne, FI 33149 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Garrido DI. 1 #12481
Duero 6266 SW 39 Terrace Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
infrastructure already present in the
city then what is the purpose of
creating new ones ... just to isolate the
homeless population? There are no
positive and genuine intentions in this
implementation sadly.
Im againts a Canabbis Dispensary in
the 6901 Biscayne Blvd - I support
the Denial of the certificate of use for
the property
Instead of just closing up shop and
saying "good riddance" let's find a
resolution that allows this gem of the
community to continue to serve the
citizens of Miami by providing a safe
place to enjoy the increasingly rare
natural environments of our city. The
Virginia key outdoor center is the
bridge that allows us to leave the
concrete jungle and venture into
nature, safely, with reliable
equipment, advice and
knowledgeable staff. I personally
have turned to them when I have had
several mishaps including my
personal equipment breaking down,
my blood sugar running low,
forgetting my helmet and much
more. Each time, VKOC came through
for me and saved the day.
It is a favorite place of ours to rent
kayaks and paddleboards and enjoy
the company of manatees when we
are out there. The whole family wants
the center reopened!
It is a very bad idea to build a
homeless encampment for the
homeless and Virginia Key!!! Let the
citizens be able to enjoy with their
families , their children, friends and
tourist!!!! Stop stripping the citizens,
enough is enough!! They are so many
places the city has to open the
homeless encampment that the
homeless can thrive and help try to
get them out of the situation! You are
just isolating them to create a further
chaos so can then you have spend
more money to fix it, no enough is
enough spending the hard earned tax
payers money use it where you will
16042 Sw 286 street DI. 1 #12481
Olga Hughes Homestead Florida Discussion - Virginia
33033 Key Outdoor Center
1020 Meridian Ave. DI. 1 #12481
Stephanie Feldman #414 Miami Beach, FL Discussion - Virginia
33139 Key Outdoor Center
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
Michele Beauvaus- 5955 NE 6th Ave Area Plan - 5175 NE
Wagoner Miami FL 33137 2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
1402 Brickell Bay Dr DI. 1 #12481
Peter Kelly Apt 1502 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Jose Tocasuche 2160 SW 17 street Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Danny Alonso 9393 Sw 155th Ave, DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FL 33196 Discussion - Virginia
be trying to enrich them not isolated
them!! Key Biscayne is NOT THE
ANSWER without a doubt!!!
It is a wonderful place to go and
kayak. Our team SOS (Save our
Sisters) enjoy going there and it
would be a shame if it was taken
away from us. Please keep it open
and going. Olga Hughes
It is clear that the solution to
homelessness is not to shove them on
an island where they can't get easy
access to resources. Even the
Homeless Trust is against this project
and has offered other ideas.
Additionally, the way in which the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center was
ousted is clear it was a petty response
to their legitimate protests. Do not
bring the homeless encampment to
Viriginia Key and bring back the
outdoor center.
It is shocking that this out of scale
project continues to take up the time
of the City and the public. Please put
an end to this project that is only in
the interest of the developer and not
the people who live and work here.
It would be an absolute shame to
close the outdoor center. A gem right
in the middle of the city that allows so
many people to experience and
appreciate our beautiful natural
surroundings. Please work something
out.
It's very disappointing to see that we
live in a major U.S. city where citizens
who exercise democratic vocal
opposition get silenced by career
political zealots. It's the very chronic
problem that has made this city the
most undemocratic in the nation. It's
what Al Crespo consistently exposed,
what Acevedo observed, and what
citizens like David Winker and now
what Esther Luft with her business
and livelihood have fallen victim to.
We need change in our commission,
Democracy will prevail.
I'd like for the center to reopen plase
Michael
Chau
Key Outdoor Center
2333 Brickell Ave Apt DI. 1 #12481
1414, Miami, FL 33129 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Michel Mise 12474 NW 11th In Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
I'd like to have the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center reopened because I
like the access to the water and the
ability to rent kayaks.
I'd like to start off by saying it's a
shame that we even have to have a
discussion like this. 2019 1 was
introduced to mountain biking, what
made it possible was the VKOC.
Through that I found something that
has materialized into what will be a
lifelong passion. A sport that has led
me to become invested in our local
parks, to donate, to volunteer for the
first time in my life. I've made friends
here, I've developed skills here, and
I've introduced a dozen friends to this
wonderful sport here. What has
made all of this possible is the ability
to rent bicycles through the outdoor
center. Not only does the outdoor
center support the sport of mountain
biking for ALL South Floridians (not
just Miami residents) it gives
kayakers, and paddle boarders a place
to come and take part in their hobby
and enjoy nature in a city that seems
to not respect it. Aside from that the
VKOC provides summer camp for
children, a generation of children that
unfortunately spend to much time
surrounded by technology instead of
nature. A place that teaches them to
value the natural habitat and
hopefully preserve it when they
become adults. Now a couple of
politicians who seem to value money
over people, and just want to hide
our homeless program are
encroaching upon the VKOC. Instead
of finding a suitable place for the
homeless you want to dump them on
an island that becomes infested with
mosquitoes, and feral animals at
night. A place where they do not have
access to the resources they need.
Shame on you. The homeless deserve
better and so do they people of
Miami. Those trying to shutdown
the VKOC, you're on notice. My votes
going forward will reflect the way I
feel about this issue, and so will many
others.
I'm hurted when commissioner
Carollo refers to the VKOC users as a
group of rich people. I'm a
Venezuelan immigrant that we great
DI. 1 #12481
effort was able to become a citizen,
636 Lenox Ave, Miami
Felix Rangel
Discussion - Virginia
take my family to this recreational
Beach
Key Outdoor Center
area was all I was able to afford, and
is very sad to see that is going to
change. Multiple demographics enjoy
this area and their amenities, regular
people, not an economic elite
I'm not agree with this because this is
the only park that we have at south
Florida to do mountain bike and
23375 Sw 111 ave
DI. 1 #12481
others water sport . This is not fair for
manuel polo Princeton Florida
Discussion - Virginia
all the people that love and support
Key Outdoor Center
this park that everyone can enjoy this
out doors and have contact with all
the trees and much more
I've used the kayak for rent at Virginia
Key and it's a shame that it's closed.
DI. 1 #12481
What!? We need to maintain access
7898 SW 57 Terrace
Alberto Vega
Discussion - Virginia
to the water ways and it would be a
Miami, FL 33143
Key Outdoor Center
great disappointment if that tract of
land is developed for private
purchase.
Keep VKOC & NO HOMELESS on VK
BC. 23 #9549
We NEED nature preserved to help
Janis Mink 14750 SW 113th Ln.
Virginia Key
our mental & physical health & well
Advisory Board
being.
Keep Virginia key outdoor center
DI. 1 #12481 open They are good stewards of the
Roseanne Berger Pembroke pines
Discussion - Virginia
land This area should be kept as is
Key Outdoor Center
We need to protect the Florida
ecological system
Keep public parks public with local
businesses that support the
environment and local residents. No
9800 sw 74 street
DI. 1 #12481
homeless encampments on Virginia
Mercy Molina Miami FI 33173
Discussion - Virginia
key - not only a terrible idea but also
Key Outdoor Center
inhumane to put those people out
there. Come on commissioner, you
can do better than that!!
Keep the Outdoor Center open!
DI. 1 #12481
Shipping containers and resources are
8202 NW Miami Ct.
Michelle Martinez
Discussion - Virginia
used by a multitude of organizations.
Lot J622
Key Outdoor Center
Recreation is also a vital aspect of
Virginia Key.
BC. 23 #9549
Sebastian Cancio 8261 nw 192 terr
Virginia Key
Let Virginia key be!
Advisory Board
Love of nature and support of the
Key Biscayne, Florida
DI. 1 #12481
staff of the kayak and canoe rentals.
Rosa Fernandez
Discussion - Virginia
They are what makes Virginia Key a
33149
Key Outdoor Center
place to enjoy the nature and have
fun for adults, children and families
Many hours have been volunteered
to make Miami a premiere
destination for Mountain Bikers with
some of the best trails in the country
right here in our own back yard. The
miami mountain biking community
continues to positively influence
people young and old to become
961 sw 7th at apt 302
DI. 1 #12481
active, healthy productive members
Jerome Morlot Miami. FI, 33130
Discussion - Virginia
of society. Corporate sponsorship of
Key Outdoor Center
events have further enriched our local
culture and we continue to draw
enthusiasts from all over the world. I
strongly support all the outdoor
activities the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center provides. With the right
leadership, my hope is south florida
families will continue to enjoy our
park well into the future.
Miami 21 zoning code (section 3.9.1)
requires all SAPS to be in scale and
character with the surrounding area.
PZ. 3 #6608 Land
This proposed plan is GROSSLY out of
mindy solomon 4724 NE 1st Avenue
Use - 5175 NE 2 Av,
scale and would do nothing but
5035 NE 2 Av and
destroy the character of the
5125 NE 2 Ct
community, displace the less
advantaged and cause tremendous
disruption to traffic flow. This area
simply cannot sustain this.
840 Michigan ave
DI. 1 #12481
Miami values public spaces. Virginia
Brian Butler Miami Beach fl 33139
Discussion - Virginia
Key outdoor center is a treasure.
Key Outdoor Center
Please protect
My comments are based on the
sudden closure of a well -loved park
and organization that has faithfully
FR. 4 #12497
maintained and taken care of many
Amend Code -
families for years. The constant greed
Michelle Ruiz 3231 SW 105 Avenue
Chapter 38 -
of more money and over
Virginia Beach Park
development has to STOP. Virginia
Trust -
Key is not for sale. This area is not
Appointments
suitable for development of housing
for multiple developers bringing in
more traffic... stop killing the vitality
jeremy
George
Jodi
Alfredo
DI. 1 #12481
barnett 636 Navarre Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
Mattocks 1432 SW 11th St Chapter 38 -
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
DI. 1 #12481
Moegenburg 627 nw 111 terr Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
2453 S Bayshore Dr, DI. 1 #12481
Gonzalez Miami FI 33133 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
of our lifestyle and focus on the
betterment of your citizens quality of
life. Take the developers to areas of
Miami that need to be rebuilt, make
existing landlords held accountable
and focus on your existing housing
programs that need to reinvested in.
Leave Virginia Key alone
My family and I enjoy and utilize the
outdoor center and want to see it
reopened for all people to enjoy
My family and friends love the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center. We love
having access to the water, friendly
staff renting equipment, and having
water to spray down with. Please
keep this open!
My family has been coming to VKOC
for years. My children have
developed a love for the sea through
the programs at this outdoor center.
The directors patience and
community involvement are
unparalleled . Moving the homeless
to an area that is 2 miles from city
services is cruel and unusual
punishment. The homeless need
more access not less which is why it is
so blatantly obvious that this is a land
grab and nothing more. Miami's
selfish and corrupt politicians could
care less about the community they
are supposed to serve. Please do the
right thing and protect this natural
treasure!
My family is an avid user of the
mountain bike park and the outdoor
center for kayaking. It is a great
tourist spot and attraction for sports
and nature lovers. It seems to us that
it does not make any sense to have
homeless people moved there since
there is no public transportation, no
commerce, nor anything therefor
them to do or seek work? they would
be isolated and the area would be
lost as a nature and sports location
that has been enjoyed for many
years. Not sure if the underlying
interest is to eventually develop the
area for private real estate, but we do
not agree with this and therefore will
vote accordingly in the next elections
for city officials. Thanks Alfredo
My grandson attended vacation day
camp at VKOC and had a great time
away from video games. The VKOC
staff provides a wonderful camp
environment for younger kids. They
DI. 1 #12481
can ride the bike trails with a
stephan linn 1638 sw11th ter Discussion - Virginia
counselor in the morning and
Key Outdoor Center
swim/cayak with manatees in the
afternoon. They also get a good
education about respecting and
preserving nature. I hope the City can
find a way to keep this wonderful
resource open.
My name is Barbara Fernandez, I live
in the Brickell area for over 17 years. I
love the outdoors and I am asking the
city to please reopen the VKOC. The
Virginia Key Outdoor Rec Center is
one of few places near us that is
constantly bringing opportunities for
us as a community to connect to
nature and have events for families
and friends to gather. From beach
clean ups, summer camps for
children, community events, group
outings with kayaks. This is the place
where I got after work to get a kayak
1851 SW 2nd court DI. 1 #12481
and reconnect to nature. This is
Barbara Fernandez Miami FI 33129 Discussion - Virginia
where I take my friends when the
Key Outdoor Center
come to Miami, because I love to
show them, this natural preserved
area and another side to Miami that
goes beyond the night clubs. My
niece has attended summer camps at
VKOC, making amazing childhood
memories and friends. Esther and her
team are constantly pushing forward
to make this place better and this
precious natural area protected.
Please grant Esther the ability to
continue to provide all the goodness
that their business had brought for
our community. Please re open the
Virginia Key Outdoor Rec Center.
My name is Evette Alexander. I am a
3154 Mary St Miami DI. 1 #12481
10 year resident of Coconut Grove,
Evette Alexander Discussion - Virginia
mother of 2 and Executive Director of
FL 33133 Key Outdoor Center
AIRIE (Artists in Residence In
Everglades), which in partnership
Gabriela Gonzalez
with Everglades National Park helps
make the outdoors a place of
belonging for all. That is exactly what
Virginia Key is if left in a natural,
undeveloped state. A place where
Miamians of all backgrounds, income
levels and colors regularly come to
exercise, recreate, and find respite
from an urban life with too little
natural landscapes. And it's also a
place where our precious, and
imperiled wildlife can belong, thrive,
forage and reproduce. Virginia Key is
a last outpost of wilderness and
biodiversity for Eastern Miami Dade.
It's a rare dark nesting site for sea
turtles left amid a perilously bright
coastline, where hatchlings disorient
trying to find the brightest horizon. I
am a volunteer sea turtle nesting
surveyor on Virginia Key and we have
recorded 127 loggerhead turtle nests
this season. When they hatch, they go
straight to the sea because there are
no shore lights. My family spend time
there every weekend. From reddish
egrets - only 200 pairs remain in
Florida - to manatees to black necked
stilts to sea turtles, Virginia Key is
home or a critical foraging ground
and WE LOVE IT THAT WAY. Miami
has constantly chosen development
over biodiversity, buildings over
greenspace, and disrupted the health
of the ecosystem we live in that
enables the quality of life that makes
Miami attractive. The homeless do
not want to be marooned on Virginia
key, miles from any food stores,
public transport or healthcare. The
idea is absurd. But Miamians of all
kinds travel every week to bask in the
magic of nature that Virginia Key
offers us - a blue green jewel of the
Magic City. Please let it continue to
be a place where nature and Miami
can coexist. Thank you.
My name is Gabriela Gonzalez, an
13201 sw 36 terrace DI. 1 #12481 avid paddle boarder born and raised
miami florida 33175 Discussion - Virginia in Miami, Florida. I have been visiting
Key Outdoor Center Virgina Key since I could remember,
and have enjoyed the Virgina Key
Outdoor Center for years. VKOC is a
staple attaction in Miami, not only
employing dozens but providing
hundreds with unique enjoyable
access to the Key, including numerous
tourists. The recent closure of VKOC
is deeply disturbing under the totality
of the circumstances-- Politicians
wants to place a homeless camp on
the key and when local businesses
oppposed the government, they were
met with beurocratic strong arm
tactics that resulted in their closure.
Commissioner Joe Carollo rountinely
employs these strategies against
businsess owners that dare oppose
him. These strategies do NOT
represent American values, these are
the kinds of tactics many Miami
natives escaped totalitarian
governments over. There are plenty
of more ideal locations for the
homeless camp that will not displace
dozens of employees as well as close
access to one of the very few points
local families and tourists can rent
equipment to enjoy and explore our
key. In fact, it can be argued that
placing the homess camp in Virgina
Key would actually perpetuate the
homeless issue even MORE, as Virgina
Key is not near other places of
employments nor easily accessible to
the city without a car. One with
limited means would have to walk
miles for the nearest bus stop, if they
can afford the bus, or walk even
further to reach their place of
employment. Meaning, it would be
more difficult to graduate from
homelessness because access to jobs
would be more limited than if the
camp was more centrally located to
city where there are more
employment opportunities, access to
government programs, and public
transportation options. When I
paddle at the Key, I often see people
who have rented SUPS and Kayaks
cleaning the key by collecting floating
garbage that finds its way in. I see
parents introducing their children to
Lorena
Lorena
Florida's mangroves, and the sea
creatures who call it home. I see
tourists gawk in amazement of the
Key's natural beauty they had never
before seen. By shutting down VKOC,
the key will no longer be an oasis
people flock to to enjoy the city. It
will become dirty and desolate. It will
represent a short term victory for
egotistical politicians who place their
own pride above the people they
swore to serve. I respectfully
demand the Commission reinstate
Virgina Key Outdoor Center's permits,
and ask the commission to build the
homless encampment in a location
that is accessible to employment,
resources, and transportation
opportunities that will lift homeless
and displaced peoples out of poverty.
-- Gabriela Gonzalez, Esq.
My name is Lorena Delgado and I live
in West Kendall, born and raised in
Miami. For practically all my life, my
family and I have enjoyed the natural
paradise that is Virginia Key. Virginia
key, being the unique and beautiful
ecological treasure that it is, has been
a very important location for the
people of Miami. People from all over
come to witness the beautiful wildlife
and scenery that the park has to
BC. 24 #8943
offer. Miami natives such as myself
Delgado 15358 sw 32 ter, Virginia Key Beach
have been able to come here and
Miami, FI 33185 Park Trust
enjoy recreational activities while
being surrounded by nature. This is
the only place we are able to do this.
The city of Miami needs this space,
undisturbed by developers and other
people seeking to alter this landscape
in any way shape or form. We implore
our commissioners to listen to the
people of Miami and visitors from all
over the world who come to enjoy
this park. please do not ruin yet
another park for our families. thank
you
My name is Lorena. I live in Kendall
DI. 1 #12481
15358 32 ter,I
but never had a problem making the
Delgado
miami , F 33185 Discussion - Virginia
drive out to Virginia Key, one of our
Key Outdoor Center
favorite and only recreation spots.
Virginia key offers an array of outdoor
Paula
activities such as cycling and kayaking
through our beautiful well preserved
mangroves. People encounter wildlife
in the process such as manatees,
birds, fish and countless others that
tourists from all over the world come
to see as well. Virginia Key is an
ecological treasure. There is no where
else like Virginia Key park and the
people of Miami adore this location
because of it. We must continue to
protect it for future generations to
enjoy and be able to connect with
nature, the same way we are able to
enjoy it. Developing on this will only
ruin it, and make the area unsafe for
families, who come here to enrich
their lives with everything this park
has to offer. Virginia Key outdoor
center has provided a safe and
affordable way for families to
experience this natural wonder and
we ask that they be able to operate
once more. We oppose the plan to
build a homeless encampment, or any
other kind of development on this
land!
My name is Paula Barrera Scheer, City
of Miami resident/homeowner,
almost life long Miamian and I am a
Virginia Key annual pass holder. I go
to Virginia Key often by myself or with
my 3 year old daughter to paddle
board and enjoy nature. We love
seeing the protected sea turtle nests
and the pine trees, the sea stars, sea
horses, manatees, sea urchins,
shellfish, crabs, etc. I am opposed to
BarrBC. 24 #8943 the homeless relocation to Virginia
Scheer
e3124 Center Street Virginia Key Beach Key for two reasons: one selfish
SchPark Trust reason and one unselfish reason. The
selfish reason is obvious. If there is a
homeless population living on Virginia
key, I will lose my safe place to paddle
board and enjoy a natural beach and
nature preserve with my daughter.
Not because it will be gone or
destroyed, but because I question the
safety of the key if the chronically
homeless are housed there. There
are also many cyclists, kayakers,
paddle boarders and beach goers
who feel the same way. The only way
it would feel safe would be if the
homeless were contained somehow
and that seems cruel. To live on one
of Miami's most beautiful natural
areas, but not be allowed access to
the beach or the public facilities
would be a dehumanizing approach
and I would not want that for our
homeless population. The unselfish
reason I would not want this is: to
isolate the homeless on a natural
preserve where they have no access
to the general population, public
transportation, fast food or grocery
stores, seems also cruel and
dehumanizing. The equivalent of
"out of sight, out of mind." What
happens when they need services?
When they need food? When they
need feminine hygiene products or
birth control or maternal care? Have
you spoken to a homeless person and
asked whether they would want to
leave their chosen areas to live with
other homeless people bussed in
from all over the city? A realistic
picture of what this will look like
needs to be shown to the subjects
being discussed here. For all of us
privileged Miamians to make
decisions about displacing our
homeless residents would be unwise.
If they don't want to be there, they
won't stay there. I would stand to
benefit from the homeless being
relocated away from Peacock Park
near my home, for example, where
my kid and my friend's kids play. But
is that what I want to teach my kid?
We just get rid of unsightly strange
people? I don't think so. I want her
to learn that not everyone is as
fortunate as we are. That some
people do not have a home or
enough food. That we need to help
those people - not cart them away to
a "jail" just for being homeless and/or
mentally ill. Who is speaking to the
homeless to find out what they think?
Who decides which homeless people
or families are moved there and how?
Cesar
GLENN
Molero 800 NW 41 Ave Miami
FI 33126
OCLEARY 317 SUNSHINE DRIVE
Chris Sariego BrickeII key drive
Mental health screenings? So many
factors... so I come to you with a
proposal. There is an incredible
amount of real estate enclosed by our
highway exits. Unused space. These
are close to hospitals, food, parks and
not close to residential areas. I am
not in anyway opposed to taxpayer
money going towards helping house
the homeless and getting them back
on their feet, for those who have the
mental stability to do so. Perhaps if a
test building were built in spaces such
as these *for the homeless in the
immediate area* so they do not feel
shipped off and forced to leave all
they know. I believe this idea should
be proposed to the homeless - let
them give input. Don't displace them.
They deserve better and frankly those
of us who love and protect Virginia
Key deserve better too. Thanks for
taking the time. Paula
DI. 1 #12481
No Homeless in Virginia key... send
Discussion - Virginia
them to Florida City
Key Outdoor Center
No beach front homeless shelter. Yes
to VKOC and bike trails and expanded
recreation for the key. The unhoused
DI. 1 #12481
live in certain areas for a reason -food,
Discussion - Virginia
shelter, friends/family, work. I think
Key Outdoor Center
this homeless camp is the really the
first step in developing the key for
condos/houses and more. Follow the
money like usual. GO >&It;>*
No homeless shelter / housing should
be allowed in Virginia key. The area
that Virginia key has allocated for
parks and recreations should be left
as is for recreation purposes of the
community of Miami and its visitors.
Miami does not have enough areas
DI. 1 #12481
like this with park, beach, green
Discussion - Virginia
areas, running trails, bike trails,
Key Outdoor Center
paddle boards and kayak and bike
rental facilities. This is one of the few
places that families with kids can
enjoy a safe recreational facility with
beach and water access. Do not
destroy an area that not only has
historic value but also is beautiful
place to enjoy with the entire family.
DI. 1 #12481
Jarvis Wade 10080 sw 66 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
490 S Mashta Dr Key DI. 1 #12481
beatriz poleo Discussion - Virginia
Biscayne FL 33149 Key Outdoor Center
PZ. 5 #6118
Development
Miriam Frankel 692 NE 62 Street Agreement - 5175
NE 2 Av, 5035 NE 2
Av and 5125 NE 2 Ct
1005 NE 116th Street DI. 1 #12481
Andrew Barnett Discussion - Virginia
Miami,FL 33161 Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Veronic Santana Nw 97th ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1005 NE 116th St DI. 1 #12481
Jillian Barnett Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL 33161 Key Outdoor Center
Miami needs more places like Virginia
key outdoor center, their offerings
and service is what the community of
Miami needs more of. I totally
support Virginia Key Outdoor Center!
I am 100% against the homeless
program anywhere in Virginia key.
No to having the homeless housing
on Virginia key
No to the homeless camp at VK and
reopen VK outdoor center!
OPPOSED. NEIGHBORS ARE
WONDERING WHICH POLITICIANS
ARE POCKETING MEGA -MONEY TO
VOTE IN FAVOR. 1. This plan would
destroy over 500 units of affordable
housing. 2. The project would be
completely out of character and scale
with the surrounding area, in
violation of Miami 21 section 3.9.1. 3.
Special Area Plans should be
abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning. An on-line
petition has over 820 signatures to
abolish Special Area Plans.
On behalf of my 7yr old daughter
Bliss, 6yr old son Cooper and 2yr old
son Mack as well as myself 40yr old
Andrew who love waking up on
weekends to go to Virginia Key
Outdoor Center to rent paddle boards
and Kayaks and paddle around the
lagoon meet manatees and sea
turtles. Please reopen this amazing
resource. We regularly invite friends
and visitors who do not have
equipment to join us at VKOC to rent
gear and paddle out with us to really
enjoy one of Miami's greatest gifts -
Virginia Key
Open Virginia park recreation center
Our family so enjoys spending our
free time at Virginia Key and utilizing
the resources, services/expertise and
support provided by the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center, as a born and bred
Miamian for 40 years please please
please reopen VKOC and do not alter
Virginia Key's natural beauty,
ecosystem and calm it provides our
neighbors, visitors and family
Our family strongly supports the
future of the Virginia Key area in
question as a world class recreational
site. This is priceless land and location
that should be used to enable
outdoor activity's like kayaking and
mountain biking ! This is good for our
CA. 12 #12487
social and physical health as a
Establish Special
community boy also reinforces Miami
Ron Ritter 2500 Swanson Ave
Revenue Project -
as a great place to live and visit - so
Miami Homeless
much more than beaches ! This
Assistance Program
creates jobs - which is good for all of
us. My 3 kids 12,6 and 4 years love
the outdoor center and want it open -
" the ice cream place " We want a
city leadership team to lead forward
with transparent, thoughtful solutions
that make sense !
Our family travels from Broward to
enjoy nature by kayaking at Virginia
Key renting from VKOC. I have
brought visiting extended family
members from other states to see
manatees in the wild for their first
time and it is magical. We have
6220 SW 15th Street
DI. 1 #12481
participated in the Bioluminescence
Mary Vites Plantation, FI 33317
Discussion - Virginia
evening Kayak guided trips which is
Key Outdoor Center
one of many well run community
activities VKOC offers. We've also
enjoyed seeing the camp for kids
which introduces youth to nature and
raises young environmentalists. This
is a precious jewel in Miami please
preserve it! Thanks
Our youth (your children and
13391 SW 88 Terrace
DI. 1 #12481
grandchildren!) deserve this beautiful
Sandra LaFleur Miami, FL 33186
Discussion - Virginia
natural playground - please reopen
Key Outdoor Center
the VKOC. Think of them!!
DI. 1 #12481
PLEASE REOPEN VIRGINIA KEY
Renee Burke 10300 sw 71 ave
Discussion -Virginia
OUTDOOR CENTER. THE COMMUNITY
Key Outdoor Center
IS LOST WITHOUT IT. THERE IS NO
OTHER PLACE LIKE VKOC!!
FR. 4 #12497
Please, please open The Virginia Key
Amend Code -
Outdoor center. It's a staple in the
15721 SW 297 St.
Mary Jo Imes
Chapter 38 -
community and has been missed a lot
Leisure City, FL. 33033
Virginia Beach Park
since it's closing. It feels like our park
Trust -
has been taken away from us and we
Sherry
Patricia
Santiago
Lu
Torre
465 Brickell Ave
Miami, FL 33131
300 majorca ave coral
gables, fl 33134
del Marmol 2917 SW 27th Terrace
Li Lin Gaab 2151 sw 17 street
Appointments really need it back open.
Please DO NOT MAKE VIGINIA KEY A
HOMELESS CAMP! We have seen an
increase in the homeless people
throughout the downtown and
Brickell area. We do not want it to
spread to Virginia Key and Key
Biscayne too. You will have people
doing drugs and defecating on the
beaches out there which will ruin the
last nice part of Miami. I cannot even
believe that the city council would
consider such a stupid idea. Honestly,
what the heck are you people
thinking??? There is no place for
DI. 1 #12481
homeless people to seek work or
Discussion - Virginia
learn a skill to become productive in
Key Outdoor Center
society out there. You are just
sacrificing prime waterfront beach
land that can currently be used by all
of us to allow people to sit around
and do drugs and create a mess. The
whole idea is absolutely crazy!!!
Build a shelter for the people in the
city in an area that they can actually
find work, get food, etc. so that they
can become productive in society.
Don't move them out onto a beautiful
island retreat and incentivize more
people to take to this lifestyle. Have
you been to Los Angeles or San
Francisco?
Please Please keep the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center open for the local
community. I love going there,
DI. 1 #12481
connecting with nature and using the
Discussion - Virginia
kayaks so easily. A huge bonus for the
Key Outdoor Center
clean bathrooms for us gals. Don't
take this away from us, now with the
good weather coming up! Thank you
for your time.
DI. 1 #12481
Please SAVE and reopen the Virginia
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center!
Key Outdoor Center
Please allow Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. They provide much -needed
DI. 1 #12481
services to that help the residents of
Discussion - Virginia
Miami and Miami -Dade County as
Key Outdoor Center
well tourists stay physically and
mentally healthy. Shutting down and
preventing VKOC from re -opening is
harmful to all of us.
Please bring back vkoc. This is a very
DI. 1 #12481
9220 W calusa club
community oriented location where
Elizabeth Corzo-Ruiz Discussion -Virginia
drive
people can go enjoy nature and the
Key Outdoor Center
water.
Please conserve Virginia Key. Open
space is vital to the quality of life of
residents and visitors. Time outdoors
DI. 1 #12481
has direct impacts to health, directly
Vane Christiansen Miami, FL Discussion -Virginia
benefiting the local economy. Protect
Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key, and ensure future
generations can enjoy this natural
resource.
Please do NOT close or consider
closing VKOC. It is extreme important
DI. 1 #12481
to the kids and families for this
Christopher Sancerni 12851 sw 128th ct Discussion - Virginia
location to not be closed! Do not
Key Outdoor Center
consider Virginia key to relocate the
homeless here
Please do NOT make Virginia Key a
homeless camp. This is one of the
only clean places in the area and it
will ruin Key Biscayne and Virginia
Key. These areas have become our
refuge to get away from people
camping in parks or pan handling on
the street as they do in Miami. Clean
DI. 1 #12481
up the city by getting people the help
465 Brickell Ave Apt
Todd Suzanski Discussion - Virginia
they need and off the streets. Do not
5003 Miami, FL 33131
Key Outdoor Center
perpetuate this problem by allowing
to live on the streets or in parks or by
making it more convenient for them
to do it. This land belongs to all of us
and should not become a dumping
ground for these people to destroy.
If you want to create a camp, move it
out to the Everglades and build a
shelter that they can use.
Please do not allow development of
homeless camp or otherwise to the
beautiful Virginia Key. Homeless
deserve better. Nature deserves
DI. 1 #12481
better. My neighbors and I deserve
2420 Brickell Ave
Alexandra Cocores Discussion - Virginia
better. It will be a sad abomination if
Miami FI 33129
Key Outdoor Center
Miami decides to build the homeless
encampment. Please do not try to
reinvent the wheel. Speak with
experts in caring for homeless. They
need and deserve more.
DI. 1 #12481
Please do not build a homeless
Francesca Capua Crandon Blvd
Discussion - Virginia
shelter at Virginia key. 1. You are
Marco
Whitney
Dirk
Dirk
Zuleta
Sanford
Palmer
Palmer
Laura Faraldo
Key Outdoor Center
7170 sw 55 terr West DI. 1 #12481
Miami FI 33155 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1806 NW10th terrace DI. 1 #12481
Gainesville, FI 32609 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
302 Elizabeth Rd. Lake DI. 1 #12481
Worth FL 33461 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
302 Elizabeth Rd. Lake DI. 1 #12481
Worth Florida 33461 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
ruining the park for the locals 2. the
homeless will walk around key
biscayne , potentially steal, try to go
to peoples homes, go to the private
beaches, and maybe harm students
walking to school , you're making a
huge mistake and if you do this key
Biscayne won't be the same and
everyone will complaint trust me. You
don't know what you are doing I find
it hilarious that this might happen.
Please do not close VKOC Have been
using the park since 1985 It is the
most preciuos park we have
Please do not close VKOC. This center
is a valuable resource for Miami -Dade
residents as well as for outdoor
enthusiasts from all over Florida.
Outdoor access in urban Florida is
more important than ever. It would
be a huge loss. In particular, the
center offers access for those who do
not have financial resources to access
pricier options. Clearly we need to
provide options for the homeless.
However, warehousing them far from
urban services, jobs, etc simply
sweeps the problem under the rug.
Again, I urge you to protect this
valuable resource.
Please do not close Virginia Key
Outdoor Center, and find a better
location for the homeless. I greatly
enjoy biking and kayaking there
nearly everytime that I visit Miami. I
also always introduce to visitors from
all over the US and Europe to Virginia
Key Outdoor Center which is the
highlight of their trip to Miami!
Please do not close Virginia Key
outdoor center or the bike trails.
They are the main reasons that I go to
Miami, and I always bring tourists
from Europe. We love the kayaking
and biking there!
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
7965 sw 57th ave Chapter 38 - Please do not close the beach. I've
Miami fl 33143 Virginia Beach Park been going there since I was a kid.
Trust -
Appointments
Please do not close the outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
center. Ester Luft and staff do an
Sylvia Vera -Leon 2135 SW 11 Terrace
Discussion -Virginia
amazing job there. The area is an
Key Outdoor Center
important part of Miami history.
DI. 1 #12481
Please do not get rid of this area. This
Julia Godoy 2900 ne 2nd ave
Discussion - Virginia
is my favorite beach and it would
Key Outdoor Center
never be a good homeless area.
Please do not go through with the
homeless shelter in Virginia key. The
BC. 23 #9549
park provides so many natural
Daniel Perez 6882 sw 80th st
Virginia Key
outdoor activities for the whole
Advisory Board
Miami Dade community. The beach,
one of the only mountain bike parks
and the natural beauty
Please do not make this beautiful
FR. 4 #12497
park and natural green space into
Amend Code -
another industrial area! We must
Lizbeth Hamilton 1021 sw 12 ave
Chapter 38 -
protect our open spaces and have our
Virginia Beach Park
kids grow up with nature around
Trust -
them. I am against the
Appointments
redevelopment of this park
Please do not set up a homeless
village at this beautiful, ecologically
sensitive public park. It would be a
major disservice to the vulnerable
homeless community who would be
very far removed from services they
need. It would add huge, unnecessary
logistical costs to taxpayers since
services would have to be delivered
over 6 miles away from the City
4780 Pine Tree Dr.,
DI. 1 #12481
center. It would also place the
Mike Gibaldi Apt 1 Miami Beach, FL
Discussion -Virginia
vulnerable community directly in a
33140
Key Outdoor Center
hurricane evacuation zone since
barrier islands are right at sea level
and also directly exposed Atlantic
Ocean. It would also be a major
disservice to the hundreds of
thousands of City of Miami residents
who frequent this beautiful natural
area for family outings, biking,
swimming, paddling, fishing, hiking,
enjoying the beach, etc.
Please do not shut down the VKOC as
a shortcut to this homeless housing
issue. Do the right thing and allocate
2500 Alhambra Circle
DI. 1 #12481
the time and money this kind of
Carolina Perez Coral Gables, FL 33134
Discussion - Virginia
project requires instead of taking
Key Outdoor Center
shortcuts and pocketing money. The
VKOC is a Miami gem and shutting it
down would be very telling of these
politicians short-sighted, easy -way-
out shortcuts. Our city deserves
better than that.
Please do not turn one of the few
open spaces we have in our beautiful
city into a homeless shelter.
Thousands of volunteer man-hours
have been committed to ecologic
restoration in Virginia Key. I think it is
unfair to those who have participated
over the years to see this work being
taken advantage of. Although the
DI. 1 #12481
7890 SW 68 Terrace
homeless do deserve to be taken care
Nelson Garcia, Jr. Miami, FL 33144 Discussion -Virginia
of in a respectful way, I believe
Key Outdoor Center
placing them in Virginia Key will be
disastrous. How will they seek
healthcare, shopping, and
transportation in such a remote area?
As someone who bicycles to Virginia
Key at least twice a week, it truly
saddens me to see this beautiful area
be destroyed by either the proposed
settlement or future urbanization.
Please do not turn this beautiful area
into a homeless place. I fear for the
safety and well-being of the
DI. 1 #12481
manatees. They will be subject to
Jacqui Wilson Mere Road Discussion - Virginia
sewage, litter, drugs and alcohol all
Key Outdoor Center
poured into their living space if this
goes ahead. The homeless with not
respect this area of outstanding
beauty.
Please do not use the Virgina Key Park
as Homeless housing. We the people
of the city of miami use this park for
DI. 1 #12481
recreation and me personally, I use it
Ruben Hernande 6560 NW 7th st 33126 Discussion - Virginia
for riding my bike as sport activity.
Key Outdoor Center
The construction of those tiny houses
will not bring any good to the fragile
ecosystem of this well preserved park
Please do the right thing and do not
send the homeless people to the
middle of no where. Please keep one
DI. 1 #12481
3088 sw 20th st Miami
of Miami only water front parks this
Brent Beringhaus Discussion -Virginia
fl 33144
way. Use one of the other locations
Key Outdoor Center
with appropriate infrastructure to
support the people with their
rehabilitation.
11105 SW 129th Court DI. 1 #12481
Please don't shut down this
Erin Lee Discussion - Virginia
wonderful south Florida institution. It
Miami FL 33186 Key Outdoor Center
is a privilege to have VKOC, not only
for us but future generations. We
need to protect our outdoor venues
and our connection to nature!
6815 Biscayne Blvd
DI. 1 #12481
Andres Barrientos
Discussion - Virginia
Please get VKOC reopened!
Miami FL 33138
Key Outdoor Center
Please keep VKOC open to the public.
This is one of the last true natural
DI. 1 #12481
spots in Miami and provides the
Jessie Schreier 2201 Brickell Ave
Discussion -Virginia
community with so many valuable
Key Outdoor Center
opportunities to engage in outdoor
activities.
Please keep VKOC open!!! It is a
Miami staple. Esther and her team
777 NE 62nd St Apt
DI. 1 #12481
are wonderful and knowledgeable
McKenna Osborn
Discussion - Virginia
C105 Miami, FL 33138
about the environment of that area.
Key Outdoor Center
It's a great experience for everyone.
Please do not close it!!!
Please keep Virginia Key a
recreational park for all people and
do not change the charter to provide
302 Elizabeth Rd Lake
BC. 24 #8943
housing. We visit Miami mainly to
Dirk Palmer
Virginia Key Beach
Worth FL 33461
kayak, swim, or bike in Virginia Key.
Park Trust
We bring guests to Virginia Key from
all over the US and Europe and it is
the highlight of our visit to Miami!
Please keep Virginia Key as a park for
the public's enjoyment and listen to
DI. 1 #12481
the experts on homelessness and
Hernandez
Anne Janet 6500 SW 46 Street
Discussion - Virginia
housing. Virginia Key should be
Anderson
Key Outdoor Center
protected and the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center should be allowed to
reopen.
Please keep Virginia key as outdoors
FR. 4 #12497 activity area. Do not relocate
Amend Code - homeless there as it would destroy
Snezana Radnovic 1401 NW 12ave Chapter 38 - natural habitat and place where kids
Virginia Beach Park play. This beach is historic African
Trust- American beach and taking this from
Appointments our community is a crime. Leave
Virginia key as it is.
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code - Please keep the VK park open. We
570 NE 53rd st Miami, Chapter 38 -
Paula Tellez love the access to the water and
FL 33137 Virginia Beach Park
kayak rentals
Trust -
Appointments
DI. 1 #12481 Please keep the VKOC open. I had my
Yamile Castella Discussion -Virginia
5911SW 29th Street first kayak experience there. I saw
33155 Key Outdoor Center dolphin, manatee and fisher island
from my kayak. Out earth is unique
DI. 1 #12481
Katherine Yelen 5000 SW 93rd CT Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
560 Ragan Drive BC. 23 #9549
Jennifer Carvel Miami Springs FL Virginia Key
33166 Advisory Board
936 SW 1st Ave,
DI. 1 #12481
Antonio Guerrero Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL Key Outdoor Center
APT 2914 1050 BC. 23 #9549
George Lopez Virginia Key
BRICKELL AVE
Advisory Board
6130 sw 79 st Miami DI. 1 #12481
John Sheehan FI 33143 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1900 N Bayshore Dr,
DI. 1 #12481
Tamas Azbe Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL, 33132 Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Carolyn Koslen 255 Sunrise Drive 301 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
and under our care. Please wake up
to its needs.
Please keep the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center open. Those who love our
great outdoors value this beautiful
and delicate ecosystem
immeasurably. The outdoor center is
used by all residents of Miami Dade
County and with so much
development, where we are
continually losing our green spaces,
we need to preserve what little
paradise we have left. Thank you for
your time.
Please keep the Virginia Key outdoor
center open for recreational use for
visitors and residents of Miami
Please keep the center open. It is a
beautiful area to go paddling or
kayaking. It has surely been impacted
by covid, and then the low turist
season, but I am sure that it will pick
up as soon as high season starts this
year.
Please leave the outdoor center
open! We use it all of the time and
like the fact that we can rent paddle
boards & kayaks, and that there's
drinking water available there. We
like having access to the natural
environment in Miami and the
outdoor center at Virginia Key
provides great opportunity to enjoy
it. Thank You, George Lopez
Please let VKOC reopen. It's a great
natural resource for visitors and locals
alike. Thank you.
Please open the Outdoor Center. Our
children need it, the community
needs it. Everyone is losing right now
by not being able to rent kayaks and
paddle boards and such, and by not
being able to spend time in our
precious nature.
Please permit the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center to Re -Open. Esther
and her staff are treasures of Virginia
Key. As a solo cyclist, having a safe
haven with caring people, clean
facilities, food and water and a cool
place to rest when necessary has
Daniel
Adrienne
Paula
Atheras
Freebairn
De Carolis
DI. 1 #12481
800 west ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
2901 Coral Shores Amend Code -
Drive Fort Lauderdale Chapter 38 -
fl 33306 Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
DI. 1 #12481
2144 SW 12 street Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
840 Greenbriar Ave. DI. 1 #12481
Sean Griffin Discussion - Virginia
Davie, FL 33325 Key Outdoor Center
been a godsend. Esther has built
much more than a business back
there. She has created a family.
Please re -open VKOC.
Please preserve Virginia Key and do
not allow for a homeless
encampment.
Please re open Virginia Key park we
miss it something terrible and we
miss kayaking and of course the lady's
source of income . It is a terrible Day
when the amount of healthy People
use this facility And you have closed it
down . Pleas please re open it thank
you Adrienne
Please re open the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. The Center is a great
place for families to get out and
experience nature and wildlife. They
provide an experience that is not
possible in other places of Miami.
Getting out in the kayaks provides an
unparalleled learning experience for
children and adults to develop an
understanding and respect of
ecosystems and biomes, unique to
our location. Esther Luft and her staff
are an asset to this place and
business, their devotion over the
years to this cause is both,
measurable and quantitative.
Please re -open Virginia Key Outdoor
Center! In August 2020, VKOC gave
me the opportunity to rent a "proper
mountain bike" and fall in love with
riding trails all over again. Since then,
I have truly enjoyed joining
overwhelmingly positive and
awesome community of riders who
frequent Virginia Key - North Point
trails. In addition, I really appreciate
having a place for my family and
friends to rent a mountain bike and
enjoy the natural beauty, challenge,
and excitement offered right outside
of Miami. Closing VKOC was a tragic
disservice to the massive community
of passionate mountain bikers,
kayakers, and other outdoor
enthusiasts looking for a healthy
outdoor escape from urban Miami's
urban metropolis.
Please re -open the VKOC. It is a
74 N Prospect Dr,
DI. 1 #12481
wonderful resource for the
Andres Cottin
Coral Gables
Discussion -Virginia
community and for Miamians to
Key Outdoor Center
pursue health outdoor recreation.
1643 Brickell Ave Apt
DI. 1 #12481
Please re -open the Virginia Key park
Rosemary Sagar
Discussion - Virginia
for more recreational opportunities in
2302 Miami, FL 33129
Key Outdoor Center
the neighborhood.
800 s Douglas Road
DI. 1 #12481
Please re -open the outdoor center.
Ben Gilbert Coral gables, FI.
Discussion - Virginia
We rent bikes and kayaks there often.
Key Outdoor Center
Thanks,
Please reconsider closing down the
Virginia key outdoor center this place
is a much needed place for kids/
families. There aren't many places
like this. I'm concerned about the
homeless as well. They are too far
away from resources that could help
DI. 1 #12481
them transition into the community.
Nicole Perry Sw 190th st
Discussion - Virginia
There aren't many jobs in the area
Key Outdoor Center
with this being a small island and they
would have to travel via public
transportation which is lacking in this
area. This would cost the county/ city
a lot of money when this could be
done in an area that already has
transportation and jobs.
Please reconsider opening The center.
DI. 1 #12481
It is a place available to all that allows
Adriana Martinez 8069 sw 132 street
Discussion - Virginia
access to our south florida habitat. It
Key Outdoor Center
serves the community and it is one of
the few in our area.
Please reconsider opening VKOC. My
son is 14 years old and has enjoyed
many years attending their summer
camp. He enjoyed it so much that we
have had to take him back many
times outside of the camp hours to
Tabraue 2800 SW 2nd Ave
DI. 1 #12481
rent their kayaks and enjoy the
Yamile S Delgado Miami, Florida 33129
Discussion - Virginia
lagoon. Additionally my husband and
Key Outdoor Center
son are mountain bikers and they
have made many unforgettable
memories riding the trails with
friends and family. Our community
will continue to suffer if VKOC
continues to be closed.
Please reopen VK outdoor center. It is
745 Fernwood Rd, Key
DI. 1 #12481
a much needed place for everyone in
Marina Ventura Biscayne FI 33149
Discussion - Virginia
Miami. The rental of Kayaks and
Key Outdoor Center
paddle boards is a welcomed activity
for families looking to connect with
nature and teach our kids the
importance of the preserving our
ecosystems.
2001 Meridian Avenue
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen VKOC, we need it so
Christina LeMahieu #308 Miami Beach FL
Discussion - Virginia
much
33139
Key Outdoor Center
Please reopen VKOC. It is my families
DI. 1 #12481
and neighbors favorite place to kayak.
Vivian Campa 7160 Fairway drive
Discussion - Virginia
We miss the wildlife. Esther and her
Key Outdoor Center
crew are so friendly and professional.
Thank you
4495 sw 1 st st .
BC. 24 #8943
Please reopen Virginia Beach Key!
Sulay Lopez
Virginia Key Beach
Miami florida. 33134
Please for my kids sake!
Park Trust
Please reopen Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. I use this space for work,
volunteerism, and recreation. I work
at Frost Science and run their
Museum Volunteers for the
Environment Program. We assist the
city in habitat enhancement programs
regularly using the power of
volunteerism. Not only does the
Outdoor Center assist us with our
efforts, they provide resources for
our volunteers, and water from there
facility helps us water the native
vegetation volunteers plant. They also
partner on beach cleanups weekly
DI. 1 #12481
2508 sw 19th terrace
making sure the coastlines stay clean.
Shannon Jones Miami FL 33145 Discussion - Virginia
I run the volunteer sea turtle survey
Key Outdoor Center
program where we also use this space
for washing our field supplies and
teach VKOC campers about the
importance of protecting our
environment and threatened sea
turtles. On my weekends, I am often
using this space, like MANY other
community members as a trusted site
to kayak, paddle, and relax in nature
unbothered by the busy city life. This
special spot is so near and dear to my
heart. I am heartbroken that it has
closed. Please reopen this facility.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a VITAL
part of our community.
Please reopen Virginia Key Outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
Center. It is one of the few reliable
Marina Alvarez 14175 sw 87 street,
Discussion - Virginia
family recreational options we have
Miami FL
Key Outdoor Center
here in Miami. This business respects
the park, the nature and promotes
Marina
Palmira
Mary
Sara
Mary Ann
DI. 1 #12481
Barrientos 22010 sw 103 ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
Brown 59th st Chapter 38 -
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
DI. 1 #12481
Street Sw 23 terrace Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
2633 NE 27 street, DI. 1 #12481
Walley Fort Lauderdale, Discussion - Virginia
33306 Key Outdoor Center
11233 SW 88 st E 104 DI. 1 #12481
Marks Miami, FI 33176 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
safe healthy activities we need for our
children and youth!
Please reopen Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. This is a beneficial learning
center for children and adults that
want to come and connect with
nature. It is very well known through
various studies that nature is very
important to help mental well-being.
In a busy city like Miami this is one of
the very few locations where you can
enjoy that connection. I understand
that there needs to be a plan for our
fragile houseless community but it
would make better sense for
organizations that are already doing
the work to be funded to continue
their amazing work and not just
isolated displaced people. It isn't
humane.
Please reopen Virginia Key!! It is such
an important place for me and s000
many people in Miami and many
others who come to visit!
Please reopen Virginia key outdoor
center. It is an invaluable asset to the
city and its residents.
Please reopen Virginia key outdoor
center. I am strongly in opposition of
a homeless encampment on Virginia
key and also independently support
protection of the mountain bike trails
as city resource which many in the
south Florida area rely on for healthy
living
Please reopen a very important public
recreation center so the people you
serve can enjoy such a beautiful
natural wonder like Virginia Key by
Kayak and paddle board. This Center
provides a wonderful community
resource that allows us to access to
the water in a unique way. The area is
unspoiled and Esther gives us access
to recreation that is now been taken
away. I would like to see our
Commission be seen as forward
thinking and progressive by
protecting the Outdoor Center that is
well loved by the people you
represent. I believe you will be seen
and remembered and respected for
this one act of preservation. Let's
redefine progress and restore public
faith in this Commission by
supporting the Center and letting it
continue to provide us with many
more years of our beloved Virginia
Key.
Please reopen the VKOC (and stop the
homeless encampment from being
built). Virginia Key is one of the most
amazing places in Miami and one of
the few outdoor sanctuaries we truly
have left here. My breast cancer team
has been able to kayak here for our
health and Esther was beyond
amazing working with us. Being out
on the water and seeing the wildlife
up close was breathtaking. And it's a
place where I have brought my
children since I have always
10350 W Bay Harbor DI. 1 #12481
considered it to be safe. That will all
Christina Ortega Dr, Apt 6d, Bay Harbor Discussion -Virginia
change if you 1) do not allow the
Islands, FL 33154 Key Outdoor Center
VKOC to reopen and 2) move in the
homeless population, many of whom
may have undiagnosed and untreated
mental health conditions. You are
putting our environment and our
children and families and people in
general at risk. Also, there are many,
many greedy business owners in
Miami; Esther is not one of them. She
goes above and beyond to help
everyone enjoy the unique wildlife
Virginia Key has to offer. We
desperately need the VKOC in our
community - there is nothing else like
it!
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the VKOC. It's a
2797 Crystal Court
Catherine Moghari Discussion -Virginia
business that not only serves tourists
Miami, FL 33133
Key Outdoor Center
but residents as well. They are greatly
missed.
Please reopen the VKOC. I have
paddled there many times and it is a
DI. 1 #12481 beautiful piece of Miami that should
1541 brickell Ave never have been shut down. Esther
Lizbeth Smalley #2906 miami FI 33129 Discussion - Virginia has grown a great outdoor venue that
Key Outdoor Center
many people in our community use
and enjoy. It offers peace and
tranquility for those of us that want
to unwind after long work weeks.
Thank you for your consideration.
Please reopen the Virginia Beach
FR. 4 #12497
center. Esther and her staff are
Amend Code -
fantastic! The access is essential for
Chapter 38 -
Lynette Cardoch 2124 SW 25 Terrace
our community. Moreover, I do not
Virginia Beach Park
agree with the repercussions that
Trust-
have been placed on this facility.
Appointments
Thankyou
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center and look into
whether it was closed for purely
4101 pine tree Dr
DI. 1 #12481
political reasons. VKOC is one of the
Karen Monteagudo Miami beach, FL
Discussion -Virginia
few outdoor gems left in our
33140
Key Outdoor Center
community where residents and
visitors a like can enjoy our beautiful
nature.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center which serves
9040 SW 97 Ter Miami
DI. 1 #12481
Miamians and residents of South
Leah Kinnaird
Discussion - Virginia
FL 33176
Florida and gives them access to the
Key Outdoor Center
natural environment unlike any other
in our community.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center! Esther and her staff
DI. 1 #12481
have been amazing at helping people
7170 SW 55th Ter W
Laura Meyers
Discussion - Virginia
enjoy the nature and beaches! I have
Miami, FI 33155
Key Outdoor Center
been coming to Virginia Key for over
42 years, please don't take my rights
away!
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center! As as an
environmental educator and an
outdoor enthusiast, this center
DI. 1 #12481
provides the community the best of
Tania Pardo 10421 SW 93 St
Discussion - Virginia
both worlds. We deserve to enjoy this
Key Outdoor Center
park and a great injustice has been
handed down to the citizens of Miami
by its closure. Do not hold this honest
business hostage, reopen the
Outdoor Center!
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center! I am a water sport
DI. 1 #12481
enthusiast, having a facility close to
1010 Brickell Ave
Tibor Mozes
Discussion - Virginia
water to rent kayaks and paddle
Miami, FL 33131
Key Outdoor Center
boards, or even to get a bottle of
water is a great service to our local
community
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Nelson Guzman 440 loretto ave
Discussion - Virginia
Outdoor Center.
Key Outdoor Center
2508 sw 19th ter
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Shannon Jones
Discussion - Virginia
Miami fl 33145
Outdoor Center.
Key Outdoor Center
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. We have been
enjoying her facilities since it's
opening. I have been actively enjoying
VK since I was a child. I also have
DI. 1 #12481
been windsurfing there for more than
7170 SW 55th Ter W
Laura Meyers
Discussion - Virginia
42 years. Please do take away my
Miami, 33155
Key Outdoor Center
Beach and VKOC center away! This is
my public beach and recreation area!
The homeless have no benefits from
an island. And truthfully I will be
afraid to frequent the beaches if they
are there. Laura
2360 Overbrook
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Ian Wogan
Street
Discussion - Virginia
Outdoor Center. Thank you.
Key Outdoor Center
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. This facility provides
much needed non -motorized
watercraft access to the beautiful
natural environment. I have taken
DI. 1 #12481
visitors many times to rent kayaks
bo Ave,
Diane Thurston
Discussion - Virginia
from this Center, and they always
Coral Gables, FL 33143
les, F
l Gables,
Key Outdoor Center
enjoy this quiet, uncrowded
experience. As do I. This small
business with its friendly, helpful staff
is a clear asset for many residents and
visitors alike. Please keep the Virginia
Key Outdoor Center OPEN!
Please reopen the Virginia Key
DI. 1 #12481
Outdoor Center. This was a clear
Marc Applewhite 12255 SW 143RD LN
Discussion - Virginia
retaliation play, and this is a great
Key Outdoor Center
establishment that is key part of the
lifestyle on the key.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. I miss being to enjoy
the beauty of Miami and South
DI. 1 #12481
Florida since they have been closed.
Jane Anderson 3511 SW 35 Street
Discussion - Virginia
Esther and her staff do a great job of
Key Outdoor Center
renting the equipment that enables
people to enjoy what South Florida is
all about.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. It is a great place for
797 Ridgewood Rd
DI. 1 #12481
families to go, rent equipment to go
Nicolas Cortes Key Biscayne, FL
Discussion -Virginia
in the water and spend time. My
33149
Key Outdoor Center
family really enjoyed it. For this same
reason, please DO NOT build a
homeless shelter on this island.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. Many people use
and enjoy the water activities offered
786 Fernwood Road,
DI. 1 #12481
by this facility. Locals and tourist
Victoria Jackson Key Biscayne, FI.
Discussion - Virginia
know of the kayak tours and other
33149
Key Outdoor Center
activities offered. It is a great asset to
the city of Miami to have this
available and in a special location that
is known for protected sea life.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
698 NE 1st AVE #506
DI. 1 #12481
Outdoor Center. The staff is great and
Luis Holguin
Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL 33132
they provide a great service allowing
Key Outdoor Center
exploring of our natural environment.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. This is such a nice
11375 Smathers Circle
BC. 23 #9549
place to access nature with the
Ellen Weston
Virginia Key
Pinecrest, FL 33156
kayaks or to just sit by the water.
Advisory Board
Esther Luft and her staff are always so
helpful.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
outdoor center! I've been going there
1614 salzedo street
DI. 1 #12481
for years. Its truly a gem and is always
Tova Teitelbaum apt 3, coral gables fl
Discussion - Virginia
busy with numerous residents and
33134
Key Outdoor Center
tourists that enjoy the outdoors
there.
Please reopen the Virginia Key
outdoor center. Many people,
including me, depend on Esther and
DI. 1 #12481
her staff, and the facilities, each
Sharon Marsten 781 west tropical way
Discussion -Virginia
weekend. The beauty of the ocean
Key Outdoor Center
and key, kayaks, park, and all that is
there, mean so much to us. Please
reopen!
Please reopen the Virginia Key
199 Ocean Lane Drive
DI. 1 #12481
outdoor center. The friendly and
Toni Saul 702 Key Biscayne
Discussion - Virginia
supportive staff provide water
33149
Key Outdoor Center
rentals, etc., for those of us who
enjoy using the park.
Please reopen the Virginia key
DI. 1 #12481
outdoor center! I have been enjoying
7170 Sw 55th Ter west
Marco Zuleta
Discussion - Virginia
the facilities and Esther and her staff
Miami fl 33155
Key Outdoor Center
are so important to keeping this
nature reserve clean.
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the center so people
Susan Chetwood 6612 Tarrega Street
Discussion - Virginia
can have access to amenities and can
Key Outdoor Center
enjoy the environment.
22 grand bay estates
DI. 1 #12481
Please reopen the center! So many
Morgan Grainier circle Key biscayne do
Discussion - Virginia
residents of miami love this place.
33149
Key Outdoor Center
Not many places left in miami like
Ori
Martha
Rebecca
Lucy
Eizenberg DI. 1 #12481
Weinger
1080 Brickell Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Bello- DI. 1 #12481
Rodriguez 7030 SW 82 Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Jardine 3711 SW 160th Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1769 Sandpiper Blvd, DI. 1 #12481
Aly Homestead FL 33035 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
this. It would be a shame to let it go.
Please reopen the center!! The center
is an amazing resource for the
community, for individuals and
families alike. Among many others,
the center provides both an
educational and physical outlets to its
patrons. It must be re -opened.
Please reopen! the access to the
water and rentals is a wonderful asset
to the community helping support
mental health! I can't say enough
about the staff. Resident of Glenvar
Heights
Please save the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center, it's such a great place to go
kayak and connect with nature. I
understand that homelessness needs
to be dealt with and I agree but we
need to think about the negative
impact of homeless people living that
close to wildlife. Their trash, or them
bathing in the mangroves is not good
for them or the animals that live
there. People shouldn't be living in
parks anyway. There must be a
structure where they can get a
shower and somewhere to sleep and
help getting their life together so
they're not homeless. Please find a
better solution, thank you!
Please stop this homeless
encampment. Paving over Virginia
Key is not the right solution for
helping the homeless. We should be
HELPING OUR EARTH. We DO NOT
need more resorts, hotels,
restaurants, and apartments; it does
no good for this ongoing CLIMATE
CHANGE. Virginia Key is a vestige of
nature and one of the best natural
places here in Florida. It is also a
home for our Manatees. If this
homeless encampment proceeds it
affects more possible projects of ruin
on surrounding parks; resulting on us
being homeless when we eventually
lose our Earth and all that is beautiful
and natural for us. Please find
another housing solution for the
homeless. Thank you. Sincerely, Lucy
Aly.
Please take careful consideration and
reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. This site is a true treasure for
5301 SW 103rd Ave
DI. 1 #12481
kids and adults alike. Keeping this a
William Chadwick Cooper City, FL 33328
Discussion - Virginia
recreation space, makes Miami a
Key Outdoor Center
warm and welcoming outdoor space
for activities that are difficult to find
anywhere in south Florida.
Please understand the importance of
the beautiful Virginia Key and its
outdoor center. I visit with frequency
and enjoy the kayaking and see all the
Montes de
DI. 1 #12481
wonderful things happening there. As
Milagros 8364 SW 159 Place
Oca
Discussion -Virginia
a native of Miami, I drive all the way
Key Outdoor Center
from West Kendall to enjoy the key.
Please help maintain Virginia Key as it
is so we can enjoy for generations to
come.
Please vote NO to the homeless
FR. 4 #12497
housing at Virginia Key! This is not a
Amend Code -
good solution for both the homeless
3088 SW 20th St
Emily Beringhaus
Chapter 38 -
as they have to travel much to far to
Miami, FL 33145
Virginia Beach Park
obtain and maintain a job), and it is
Trust -
not a good solution for families who
Appointments
rely on this park as a safe haven.
Please vote no to the homeless
encampment on Virginia key beach.
CA. 12 #12487
This is the most in opportune place
3088 sw 20th at
Establish Special
for our homeless population with no
Sonya Beringhaus Miami fl 33145
Revenue Project -
access to medical care job
Miami Homeless
opportunities or food with a grocery
Assistance Program
store 8 miles away. Please reconsider
a location that will be beneficial for
all.
Please we need VK outdoor center
DI. 1 #12481
open. It provides great support for
Walter Juca 19490 39th Court, SIB
Discussion - Virginia
the community visiting and enjoying
Key Outdoor Center
VK. Staff and services are just great.
Thanks
1 Grove isle drive,
DI. 1 #12481
PleaseM DO NOT CLOSE Virginia key
Elisa Gonzalez
Discussion - Virginia
beach and park to build homeless
apartment 208
Key Outdoor Center
shelters!
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
Please, reopen the Virginia Key
Izabel Carsalade 305 NE 24th St,
Chapter 38 -
outdoor Center. It is my leisure time
Miami, FI, 33137
Virginia Beach Park
favorite place. Great for distress and
Trust -
for family time.
Appointments
Karen Beber 1541 Brickell Ave
DI. 1 #12481
Preserve Virginia Key. You have been
Kaio
Ari
Antonella
Suzette
Cowherd
Sigglin
Santeusanio
Siblesz
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
346 GRANITE MILL DI. 1 #12481
BLVD Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
29 Little Place Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
elected to serve the public interest -
not your own - and to be good
stewards to our amazing natural
environment. The Outdoor Center,
within Virginia Key, provides a means
for any and all to explore, appreciate
and protect this national treasure. Do
the right thing. Preserve all of Virginia
Key.
Preventing the operation of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
disservice to locals in the community
and all those visiting Miami alike. It
provides an excellent experience in
Florida's natural beauty and is one
reason for me to return to Miami in
the future.
Putting homeless on essentially an
ISLAND is clear indicator of their out
of sight, out of mind attitudes. There
are no resources and facilities on
Virginia Key, nor are they included in
part of their "plan." This isn't a matter
of keeping homeless out of yet
another place, it's a matter of
dismantling community organizations
who've worked on maintaining and
improving natural spaces for
affordable recreation within the city.
As an out of state commenter, VKOC
provides a tourism appeal no other
entity provides in the city of Miami.
It's a special place, and I don't
understand why the city chooses not
to recognize that.
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
951 Belle Meade Chapter 38 - REOPEN THE VIRGINIA KEY OUTDOOR
Island Drive Virginia Beach Park CENTERM
Trust -
Appointments
REOPEN VIRGINIA KEY OUTDOOR
CENTER AND STOP THE IDEA OF THE
HOMELESS IN THE PARK. VIRGINIA
DI. 1 #12481 KEY IS A NATURAL GEM THAT
651 s mashta drive Discussion - Virginia SHOULD BE PROTECTED AS PARK FOR
Key Outdoor Center THE COMMUNITY, to be enjoyed for
the natural outdoor habitat. It should
not become a tent city for the
homeless. There are much better
options for the homeless than to put
Javier
Richard
Carmen
Peter
Ana
them in a tourist, community nature
center, and next to a middle/ high
school. Do what is right for your
residents, tourists, and the marine
environment. Reopen VKOC STOP
the ridiculous idea that Virginia key is
a good option for the homeless. IT IS
NOT!
DI. 1 #12481
Re -Open the VKOC. Stop wasting the
Castro 5970 sw 13 terr. Discussion - Virginia
police department's valuable time to
Key Outdoor Center
further Carollo's political agenda.
DI. 1 #12481
Re -open Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Suarez 801 East 31 Street Discussion -Virginia
and PROTECT Virginia Key.
Key Outdoor Center
Re: Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Miami has very few waterfront parks
where the public can rent kayaks,
paddleboards, etc and easily access
the water. We pay very high property
taxes and we, the taxpayers, want
access to these Park amenities. Let
the Outdoor center remediate their
permit issues so the public can
continue to use Park to its full
potential The idea of a homeless
DI. 1 #12481
shelter in a public park is a disservice
Benard 681 ne 55 terrace Discussion - Virginia
not only the homeless people, who
Key Outdoor Center
will be put in the middle of "nowhere
" like if they were being sent Alcatraz,
but also the taxpayers who enjoy this
beautiful beach park and facility. No
one, absolutely no one, wants this!
Put it on the ballot and let us vote on
this item, because public land belongs
to us, the public, and it's not up the
politicians to do as they wish with this
precious environment that needs to
continue to be protected and
properly maintained
Regarding the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. Please respect Virginia Key
Park and its incredible natural
environment. The Virginia Key
DI. 1 #12481
Outdoor Center is a helpful amenity
Ehrlich 243 NE 59th Terr Discussion - Virginia
for hikers, visitors and bikers. We
Key Outdoor Center
look forward to Virginia Key Park
being preserved for future
generations of residents and tourists.
Thank you.
Zapata Fisher Island Dr DI. 1 #12481
Regarding the plan to create
Discussion - Virginia
homeless housing in Virginia Key, I do
Key Outdoor Center
not agree that this is an ideal location
for them to live. Isolated from the
mainland and next to a wastewater
facility, this place does not give them
enough opportunity to ensure their
success in life and is quite far from
most job opportunities in the city.
Although housing the homeless is a
good idea, this is not the ideal
location to bring it to action.
Reopen VKOC! I want to go kayaking
and paddle boarding again and so do
DI. 1 #12481
my kids! It's a nice place, family
Marianne Arellano 234 Alesio
Discussion - Virginia
friendly and tourists like it too. If the
Key Outdoor Center
place is really in violation for
something then help them straighten
it out, but open it up already.
Reopen Virgina key and find
DI. 1 #12481
permanent housing for the homeless
Britney Wrightington 235 s Dixie hwy
Discussion -Virginia
population instead of sticking them
Key Outdoor Center
near a sewage plant.
125 Edgewater Drive,
BC. 24 #8943
Reopen Virginia Key Beach Park and
p g y
Dylann Turffs Coral Gables FL 33133
Virginia Key Beach
protect our public lands
Park Trust
7875 NW 107th Ave
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Manuel Pimentel Doral, FL 33178
Discussion - Virginia
and cease the homeless project in
Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key, find somewhere else
Reopen Virginia Key Outdoor Center.
1250 South Miami Ave
DI. 1 #12481
Shame on you for taking this away
Bryce Quinn
Discussion - Virginia
from the residents of Miami. We
#1810, Miami 33130
Key Outdoor Center
want to continue enjoying our
beautiful natural resources.
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen Virginia Key Outoor Center
Chris Espinoza 2601
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
reopen
FR. 4 #12497
9817 west
Amend Code -
Douglas Berdugo Okeechobee rd
Chapter 38 -
Reopen Virginia key outdoor center
Hialeah gardens FI
Virginia Beach Park
33016
Trust -
Appointments
CA. 12 #12487
Reopen Virginia key outdoor center
Establish Special
It's a beautiful park and paddling area
Roseanne Berger Pembroke Pines
Revenue Project -
and should be maintained as such.
Miami Homeless
People come from all over just to
Assistance Program
check the area out and enjoy nature
Reopen Virginia key outdoor center.
5230 Southwest 98th
DI. 1 #12481
This place is very important to me
maria lantigua Avenue Road
Discussion - Virginia
because i spend my free time on the
Key Outdoor Center
water. I rent kayaks and paddle
boards there. there is nothing like this
Ricardo
Rachel
Calonge
Di Pietro
Spencer Ash
area where the staff are nice and
friendly and where you can spend
time in the natural environment. I
need Esther to reopen she is an
important part of our community and
to me.
Reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. I live in Glenvar Heights but
DI. 1 #12481
1 work in Coconut Grove. I enjoy
6131 SW 83 Avenue
Discussion - Virginia
spending free time with my family in
Miami, FI 33143
Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key. Whenever I have any
needs, the staff is always very helpful.
I hope this center is not closed!
Reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center. It should have never been
closed down in the first place. Your
response to those opposing the tiny
home project from the beginning has
been questionable at best. If the
center truly was closed due to code
violations or financial obligations,
why didn't it happen much sooner?
The timing as it happened, only after
hearing the operator speak out,
remains highly suspicious despite all
claims to the contrary. Now, with the
blindsided choice to expedite the
decision on whether to reopen the
center, it is becoming abundantly
clear that you do not want to hear
13750 SW 256th St DI. 1 #12481
any opposition to a plan that is so
Apt 205 Homestead, Discussion - Virginia
poorly conceived from every angle,
FL 33032 Key Outdoor Center
and which the vast majority of
Miami's citizens vehemently oppose.
The tiny home encampment will be a
lose -lose -lose situation for the
unhoused population of Miami who
will be even further displaced from
critical services and vulnerable to the
effects of climate change, visitors
who come to Virginia Key to recreate,
and the remaining public city parks
which with this precedent also would
become more vulnerable to
development. Stop trying to silence
us, and do the right thing: reopen the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center for all to
continue enjoying this local treasure
and one of the few remaining natural
areas in the city. Thank you.
5585 SW 4th St DI. 1 #12481
Reopen the Virginia Key Outdoor
Discussion - Virginia
center to allow citizens to enjoy
Carla
Erinne
Key Outdoor Center
access to the water and to support
the fantastic staff of the center who
provide rentals of kayaks and paddle
boards to that people want enjoy our
city's natural spaces.
Reopen the Virginia key outdoor
center. It is essential to offer
DI. 1 #12481
kayak/paddle board rentals so all who
210 Seaview Dr. Key
Bevilacqua Discussion - Virginia
want to enjoy the natural
Biscayne, FI 33149
Key Outdoor Center
environment have a place they can
rely on for bathrooms, water and any
other need.
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen the center - it is a safe access
Guthrie 9101 sw 97 terrace Discussion - Virginia
to the water and the only place like it
Key Outdoor Center
in key Biscayne !
Michael Hernandez 6415 NW 1st PI
Ely
Zulma
Michael
Ricardo
Reopen Virginia key
Bistrong center and stop the
nonsense Thank you
DI. 1 #12481
Reopen the outdoor center, we
Discussion - Virginia
deserve it
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
Chapter 38 -
Reopen the recreational center and
Virginia Beach Park
stop the nonsense! Thank you
Trust -
Appointments
Reopening of the Virginia Key is vital
for the community at large. Is one of
the few places, there is not many,
that community can enjoy nature,
easy access to water sports, rent
kayaks and paddle boards under the
care of respectful and courteous staff.
In addition, their facilities are a haven
DI. 1 #12481
for cyclists and runners. I drive 50
Berrios 9821 SW 124th ct Discussion - Virginia
minutes almost every month with
Key Outdoor Center
great pleasure to use these facilities
and services. I don't have the means
or strength to buy, carry, transport
and store the equipment available at
Virginia Key Outdoor recreation
center. Permanent closure of VKORC
rely adversely impact my health and
well-being.
915 NW 1st Ave, DI. 1 #12481
SAVE and re -open Virginia Key
Hovsepian Miami, FL 33136 Discussion - Virginia
Outdoor Center
Key Outdoor Center
Save Virginia Key Outdoor Center and
Bike Trails. Many hours have been
DI. 1 #12481
21326 SW 97th pl
volunteered to make Miami a
Morales Cutler Bay, FL 33189 Discussion - Virginia
premiere destination for Mountain
Key Outdoor Center
Bikers with some of the best trails in
the country right here in our own
Aymee
Lissette
David
David
backyard. The miami mountain biking
community continues to positively
influence people young and old to
become active, healthy productive
members of society. Corporate
sponsorship of events have further
enriched our local culture and we
continue to draw enthusiasts from all
over the world. I strongly support all
the outdoor activities the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center provides. With the
right leadership, my hope is south
florida families will continue to enjoy
our park well into the future.
Save Virginia Key, homeless on this
DI. 1 #12481
land is not appropriate and will create
Vasquez 7925 West Drive Discussion - Virginia
more problems, there are much
Key Outdoor Center
better locations to help the needy in
Miami.
BC. 24 #8943
Save the beach and the opportunity
Lujardo 9414 Sw 185 st Virginia Key Beach
for water sports!
Park Trust
Shutting the VKOC is deplorable. The
city of Miami is bullying the owner to
achieve 1) retaliation for the VKOC
owner speaking up about the
unpopular and poorly planned
homeless encampment, 2)
strategically to remove a business
that brings children and women in
12747 NW 6th Lane, DI. 1 #12481
bathing suits that enjoy our outdoors
Balladares Miami, FI 33182 Discussion - Virginia
but that could be seen as becoming
Key Outdoor Center
targets of the homeless, thereby the
city is removing their greatest
obstacle of having to fight the idea
that 'women and children will be put
at risk'. Our citizens love the VKOC
and shutting them down a
unscrupulous act that erodes trust in
our city's govt and it's intentions even
further.
Simply put: Virginia Key homeless
encampment is a very bad solution.
Virginia Key is natural open space and
a recreational are I use regularly. The
DI. 1 #12481
encampment will ruin the nature,
Casteel 9100 w bay harbor dr. Discussion - Virginia
create safety problems for both
Key Outdoor Center
visitors and homeless. These
homeless should be closer to an
urban area where they can receive
proper treatment. Sending them into
Angel
Maria
Dominic
Subdiaz
Alvarez
Mackey
3200 Trade ave DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33133 Key Outdoor Center
177 Ocean Lane Dr, DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Key Biscayne Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
27th Ln 33134 Miami Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Frank Fernandez 10342 SW 134 Place Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
exile is cruel while also ruining the
nature and the enjoyment and safety
of visitors and their families.
Since its opening, Virginia Key
outdoor center has become the most
important location for nature lovers
and outdoor enthusiasts in Miami. It's
the only place within 10 miles of
downtown that rents bikes, kayaks,
paddleboards and all the necessary
safety gear for these activities. It has
provided a protected water launch
location for friends and family who
want to explore nature, but aren't
sure where to find a safe location
with knowledgeable instructors.
VKOC has been instrumental in
growing the outdoor community,
along with cleaning and protecting
the fragile ecosystem in Virginia Key. I
would urge anyone who cares about
the importance of preserving nature
in Miami, to protect VKOC with as
much fervor as they would their own
backyard, as this place is the only
backyard many of us have. Please
allow VKOC to re -open and to
continue providing the unforgettable
experiences in nature it is so well
known for. Angel
Stop the nonsense and reopen the VK
outdoor center! This is an important
place for our community. Esther Luft
and her staff do a wonderful job.
Bring back paddle board rentals and
access to the water!
Support Virginia key outdoor centre
Thank you, Mayor Suarez, for your
leadership in securing funds for Lotus
House, in an effort to combat
homelessness. That is exactly the kind
of leadership we need, when it comes
to addressing the needs of the
homeless in our community, instead
of the ill-conceived plan to eradicate
the chronically homeless from the
City of Miami, by banishing them to
an internment camp on Virginia Key,
with no services. Friends of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center, and its
owner -operator, Esther Alonso-Luft,
have voiced strong opposition to this
plan, for reasons that have already
been well documented. It came as a
complete surprise (on maybe not...),
when just a few days after Esther
Alonso-tuft voiced strong opinions on
broadcast, print, and social media,
against the internment camp, that
seven uniformed City of Miami Police
Officers, conducted a raid of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center to deliver
an eviction notice, and summarily
shut down the business. This raid was
conducted while there were children
on the Virginia Key Outdoor Center
premises, enjoying their last day of
Summer Camp. The City, and
Commissioner Carollo in particular,
claim that the abrupt police raid and
closing of the VKOC, and the very
strong condemnation of the Carollo
plan to banish the homeless to the
internment camp (out of sight, out of
mind...), were totally unrelated.
Really? In this case, one has to
wonder. It is very common for cities
and government agencies that
contract with various businesses, to
embrace small businesses, and to
support Supplier Diversity. These
government entity have mentorship
initiatives, to work with small and
diverse suppliers, so that if there are
issues regarding contact performance
along the way, then both parties can
work together, in good faith, to
resolve those issues. The Virginia Key
Outdoor Center is a local City of
Miami Business, its operator resides
in the city of Miami, it is a small
business, it is a family -owned
business, it is a Hispanic -owned
business, and it is a woman -owned
business. Did the City reach out to the
VKOC operator in good faith, to assist
the center to resolve with any
discrepancies that the city claims it
has? No it did not. The City's action
was in the form of a Police raid to
shut down the business, leaving at
DI. 1 #12481
Leah Ringelstein Linden Ln Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
least 12 young people, many of them
who are in school, and who counted
on their employment at VKOC to
support themselves. The Virginia Key
Outdoor center, along with its
operator, and staff, have been
excellent corporate citizens during
their existence on Virginia Key North
Point Park. Over the years, the center
has hosted countless educational and
recreational activities for local not -
for -profit organizations, too
numerous to mention, to South
Florida residents in general, and to
people from all over the world, who
come to participate in Sunset Tours,
Eco Tours, Manatee Photo Tours,
Snorkeling Tours, and Full Moon
tours, and other outdoor activities.
The Virginia Key is one of the most
popular outdoor attractions in Miami,
and the only one of its kind. Closing
Virginia Key Outdoor center and not
renewing their lease was wrong, and
smacks of retaliation for exercising
free speech, and expressing opinions
against Mr. Carollo's homeless
internment camp. I urge the Miami
City Commission to instruct City
administrators to work in good faith,
with the Virginia key Outdoor Center
to resolve any issues, discrepancies,
and obstacles that might exist, and
that the center's lease be renewed. I
also trust that the City would
reconsider placing an internment
camp for the homeless on Virginia
Key, and that the City follow the
example of Mayor Suarez with
respect to Lotus House, to find more
constructive solutions to the plight of
the homeless. They deserve better.
The Adventure Center in Virginia Key
is such a wonderful outlet for our
community! I have three sons who
LOVE to shred the trails on their bikes
there. We are able to enjoy the gifts
of the natural world more fully
because the Adventure Center allows
us to rent gear when we don't have.
Please don't take this special place
away, it is a source of joy, health and
Silvia
Kenneth
Stefano
Brett
Calderon
Newcomer
Miami, Florida 33193
6047 SW 13 Terrace,
Miami. FL 33144
D'Ambrosio 60 SW 13TH ST. 33130
Taliaferro 1407 Genoa st Coral
gables
conservation education for families in
South Florida!
The Miami -Dade County area has very
little choices to access open spaces
and parks for locals and tourists. To
take away the Virginia Key Outdoor
Center and the ONE Mountain Bike
DI. 1 #12481
Park is taking away a marvelous
Discussion - Virginia
landmark for many locals and
Key Outdoor Center
tourists, young and younger. You may
want to consider further south in the
Key Biscayne area and see if the locals
there would like your plans for the
homeless to reside "temporarily"
hmmmm???
The VK MTB trails are an irreplaceable
volunteer built and maintained, free
to any and all, resource of
immeasurable value and utility.
Please help preserve their safety and
sovereignty by supporting the MTB
DI. 1 #12481
community while simultaneously
Discussion - Virginia
providing a viable, logistically sound,
Key Outdoor Center
fiscally reasonable, and public safety
minded alternate solution to the
growing homeless problem. The
VKOC also provides a unique, family
friendly, ecologically sound, and
valuable public resource and should
be valued and supported.
The VK outdoor center is a staple of
the outdoor community in Miami. In a
city under massive growth our green
spaces are ever more important and
all efforts should be made to protect
them. VKOC has a longstanding track
record of doing this while providing
DI. 1 #12481
the rental services to open access to
Discussion - Virginia
the trails and water to countless new
Key Outdoor Center
participants while being stewards for
conservation, providing gainful
employment for a regular team and
doing things right by their
community. Everyone who regularly
visits VK hopes to continue to have
the VKOC present.
The VKOC is a great place for outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
enthusiasts. My wife and I have
Discussion - Virginia
rented kayaks from there several
Key Outdoor Center
times, and the staff is very
professional. When we mountain bike
Alejandro
Inna
Guillermo
Elizabeth
Alejandro 7525 E Treasure Dr DI. 1 #12481
Apt 315 North Bay Discussion - Virginia
Rodriguez Village FL Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
LINDNER 12308 SW 125 TR Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
4451 SW 5 St. Miami,
DI. 1 #12481
Costa Discussion - Virginia
FL. 33134 Key Outdoor Center
723 2ND STREET,
DI. 1 #12481
Ricardo Discussion - Virginia
Miami Beach, FL Key Outdoor Center
on Virginia key we always stop for
water or Gatorade. It would be very
disappointing if they do shut this
place down.
The VKOC is a place providing great
services to Miami locals and tourists
that come to explore our beaches and
MTB trails, closing it and using this
land for homeless is something that
will destroy one of the best outdoor
activities we have in this city.
The VKOC was a key reason that my
children are not nature enthusiasts! It
was the friendly faces of the owners
and numerous mountain biking trips,
kayaking and paddle boarding that
turned them from video gamers to
nature lovers. The oasis of Virginia
key is one of the last bit of pure
nature in Miami. The thought of this
piece of land turning into a abode for
the homeless seems unreal. With all
the space in city center, surely the
commissioners can be creative
enough to find housing for the
homeless. I have lived in Miami for 30
years and do not think I have seen a
bigger mistake in the planning that
this one.
The Virginal Key Mountain bike trails
are the only trail network available
for our Miami Dade children to be in
nature and have a safe space for
them to learn to ride there bikes.
These trails have been designed to
give our residents a place to enhance
their biking experience as this hobby
has grown exponentially in the past
10 years. It would be a shame to lose
all of the 1000's of volunteer hours
put into these amazing trails. There
are other areas better designated to
suit our troubled homeless
population. Thank you.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center
(VKOC) is a much -loved and needed
business that helps so many people
connect to the environment of
Virginia Key. The City should work
with them as amicably as possible to
ensure they are back up and running
rafael
torrens
DI. 1 #12481
po box 141432 Coral
Discussion -Virginia
Gables, FL 33114
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Allyson DeMerlis 2330 SW 26th Ln Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
without further delay. This has all
been handled terribly and has had a
negative impact on the community.
The pilot program to establish a
homeless encampment at Virginia Key
is a flawed plan that won't address
the needs of vulnerable people
properly, and will have detrimental
effects on an environmentally
sensitive area that so many have
worked hard to restore. Please allow
the VKOC to resume operations and
take more time to develop the pilot
program in a more appropriate
location. Thank you.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center and
the Virginia Key Mountain Bike Trails
are ESSENTIAL to the well-being of
thousand of Miami Residents, Those
of voting age and those too young to
vote. Virginia Key is an URBAN OASIS,
a welcome respite from our hectic
lives, and the Community that has
been formed there is a Steward of
Ecological Preservation. This area has
been set aside for Park Use. Any
other use would be a Slap in the Face
to all the volunteers that have
worked so hard to make the park a
reality. Do not soil the promises
made to us.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center and
the parks of Virginia Key are very
important areas of recreation for
Miami residents. As a resident of
Miami for four years now, I spent
most of my time on Virginia Key. The
Virginia Key Outdoor Center has been
a great resource for exploring and
facilitating use of the parks and
beaches, and losing the center would
be a great detriment to the
community. Further, the outdoor
center connects tourists visiting
Miami to our natural wildlife and
shows them another side of the city.
Without the outdoor center, we
would lose an important outdoor
educational tool of Miami and south
Florida environments. Overall, as a
resident, I would like the City of
Miami Commission to keep the
Carina Zatarain 6964 Bottlebrush Dr
outdoor center open, and to choose a
different location for the temporary
housing project.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
place for families and visitors alike to
enjoy nature while learning about our
local ecosystem. I have kayaked and
attended countless beach clean ups
at the area and am devastated to see
a family -owned business go through
what the city is putting them through.
We should be uplifting our local
businesses and trying to help them
succeed. There are so many questions
that arise from this issue. Who would
drive the daily trek to deliver food
and supplies to the area? It is not a
convenient spot to bring resources to
the proposed homeless relocation
site. There is also no immediate
medical site in the area if needed. To
turn a natural landmark into a "camp"
for countless struggling individuals is
not the answer. There are so many
unused plots of land within the city
and it's incredible how the city
BC. 23 #9549 doesn't partner with grassroots
Virginia Key efforts, such as nonprofit
Advisory Board organizations like Camilla's House, to
come up with a better solution of
expanding what they already offer
the homeless population. The highest
number of homeless citizens will
always be in a metropolitan area and
to move them to a remote location
will not last. They need resources and
community. If developers have an
issue with homeless citizens in the
area of their sites, then why don't
they contribute to using their bought
land and assets to create a nonprofit
sector that focuses on progressive
programs and rehousing
opportunities? Or refurbish
abandoned buildings into a safe space
while offering the tenants access to
wi-fi and job opportunities, career
fairs, and amenities that will not be a
band aid, but life -changing. There are
many more answers to go through
that will not harm a family -owned
legacy as well as overcrowd a beloved
Emilie
Bianca
Andres
Wernick
Sproul
Cotti n
DI. 1 #12481
2501 Swanson Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
446 Alhambra Circle, Discussion -Virginia
Coral Gables FL 33134
Key Outdoor Center
1 Alhambra Plaza, DI. 1 #12481
Coral Gables Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Keene Haywood 2511 Swanson Ave. Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
natural landscape that is a pivotal
experience to Miami.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
valuable resource for our children; I
urge you to keep it open. This past
summer, two of my sons spent their
days learning about the importance
of Biscayne Bay and its precious
ecosystem through the Center's
camp. They learned how to fish,
kayak and navigate the waters on the
Center's doorstep; and spent days
exploring nature. The Center is a gift
to the community and to the children
who learn so much about nature, life,
and themselves while spending time
there.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
vital part of the natural park and
provides precious memories for all
sorts of recreational users. It is a
unifier of the community and ought
to continue existing at its current
location - as it had been for years up
until this point.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a
wonderful place for families to get
together and enjoy nature. VK North
Point offers both the Outdoor Center
and Mountain Bike Trails as great
options for residents and tourists to
enjoy Miami and are drivers of local
economic activity and tourism. The
city is better off for having these
resources available to its residents!
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is
more than just a physical place
providing unique services and rentals.
The center is the hub of a community
of people who want to connect with a
part of Miami that is not hemmed in
by development on all sides. This
place provides a community and
sense place that nourishes people in
so many ways that are healthy and
grounding. Miami has plenty of
nightclubs, bars, and restaurants.
There are precious few places like
VKOC. Removing it is not only taking
away a business and valuable
resource, it is taking away a
Carol
Amy
Curry
Blanchfield
2935 SW 19 ST Miami, DI. 1 #12481
FL 33145 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
31 SE 5th Street DI. 1 #12481
Miami FL 33131 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
3253 Bird Ave, Miami DI. 1 #12481
Emma Pratt FL 33133 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
community built around something
that is uniquely Miami, this beautiful
water, bay, and islands by this city.
Please renew this lease and let this
community continue to thrive.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is
one of our city's most beautiful public
parks for our community to enjoy. As
a Miamian, long time hotel concierge,
and now Realtor, this has always been
one of my personal favorite places to
visit and recommend to friends,
family, and clients. Please keep
Virginia Key Outdoor Center and it's
park to protect our natural
envoroment and to allow the
continuing preservation and
enjoyment of Virginia Key. Thank you!
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center is
one of those amazing places in the
area. It provides quite the escape,
even for those of us right in Brickell,
where we can experience all that
nature has to offer - not to mention
how wonderful it is to see the
manatees in the lagoon. The Center
does so much for this community -
more than the useless politicians we
have in office. You cannot possibly
think it is not suspect how after
several years of alleged code
violations, it is ONLY after the Center
recently voiced its opinion on the
potential homeless camp on the Key
(which we all KNOW is a terrible idea
in itself for location), that the City is
terminating the lease. We all KNOW
this is simply retaliatory. Just know
that the people of this city will
retaliate as well - at the polls in
November.
The Virginia Key Outdoor Center
provides a necessary service for our
community to experience and learn
about the environment and local
ecosystem. The VKOC also creates
valuable opportunities for community
members who may not have the
means to own equipment (kayaks,
mountain bikes, SUP, etc) needed to
explore Miami's beautiful outdoors.
In addition, the VKOC offers
Kiki
Cristina
Mutis
del Valle
2153 sw 17 st. Miami, DI. 1 #12481
FL 33145 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
121 Crandon Blvd Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
3030 Riverland Road DI. 1 #12481
Joseph Waldman Discussion - Virginia
Fort Lauderdale 33312
Key Outdoor Center
educational programming and
volunteer activities to help preserve
our environment and keep it clean for
all to enjoy. The VKOC is extremely
valuable as a local business, and one
that I strongly support. We need the
VKOC!!
The Virginia Key outdoor Center Is an
important business and education
center for our community. And
should remain open It offers
affordable access to the beautiful
Biscayne bay via kayaks and stand up
Paddleboard's. Esther and her staff
are great with children, adults and
tourists. City Of Miami deserves to
have this establishment there. Do not
shut her down
The Virginia Key outdoor center has
given affordable access to outdoor
water activities for our family. We do
not have the budget or storage space
for kayaks and paddle boards and
appreciate that the VKOC provides
this for our family. Miami is
becoming for the rich and it feels like
we keep loosing our beaches and
homes. Please don't also take the
VKOC.
The Virginia Key outdoor center is a
great asset to the City and it's
surrounding residents. This
establishment has provided
instruction, rental and access to this
incredibly unique Oceanside location.
It is located in a protected, clean and
safe tropical lagoon ideal for youth
and seniors to access and enjoy
Virginia Key's totally unique natural
environment so close to downtown.
Virginia Key and the Outdoor Center
are a perfect fit. The idea of replacing
this instructional and rental business
with a homeless encampment would
be misuse of this prime gem of a
location and a terrible mistake. Surely
there is a more appropriate location
for a homeless center, less isolated,
and in close proximity to needed
services which must accompany this
community and their needs!
The Virginia Key outdoor center is a
huge asset for families! It's an oasis of
nature and outdoor activities space
765 Crandon Blvd apt
DI. 1 #12481
amid the blooming city of Miami. An
Isabella Faro 501 33149
Discussion - Virginia
affordable option for families to enjoy
Key Outdoor Center
our ecosystem and experience the
nature. Not to mention that Virginia
Key is a manatee sanctuary.
The Virginia key center is an
extremely valuable resource for
DI. 1 #12481
people to use for recreation and
Nicole Besemer 3240 W Trade Ave
Discussion - Virginia
explore their local nature. It was an
Key Outdoor Center
abuse of power for it to be shut down
and should be allowed to operate
freely.
4440 SW 13 Street,
DI. 1 #12481
The Virginia key center should be
Patrice Gimenez Miami -Dade, Florida
Discussion - Virginia
reopened to the public
33134
Key Outdoor Center
The center must reopen!! The Virginia
Key Rec Center is an amazing
resource for the community, for
Eizenberg
DI. 1 #12481
individuals and families alike. Among
Jordan Weinger 1080 Brickell Ave
Discussion -Virginia
others, the center provides an
Key Outdoor Center
educational, physical, and social
outlets to its patrons. The center
must reopen!
DI. 1 #12481
The center should be reopened to the
Faisal Albeer 110 Washington ave
Discussion - Virginia
public!!!
Key Outdoor Center
The closing of the outdoor center as a
foot in the door for the development
of a recreational island is ridiculous. A
housing project for the critically
homeless in this area is absurd, there
are no resources, no stores, no
7785 SW 86th street
DI. 1 #12481
services, and only one form of
Sarah Beggerly
Discussion - Virginia
transportation on and off the island.
220
Key Outdoor Center
This is a recreational area used by
families for paddle boarding,
kayaking, mountain biking, and
cycling. It is one of the only areas in
Miami were there is little to no
development and these activities are
possible and enjoyable.
The commission has made a massive
error in closing the Virginia Key
DI. 1 #12481
Outdoor Center. The center has
Ryan Paylor Glenvar Heights
Discussion - Virginia
provided locals access to the water
Key Outdoor Center
they don't otherwise get. The staff is
great and the access to public
bathrooms is great especially for
Cosme
Camila
3225 Franklin Ave DI. 1 #12481
Caballero Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL 33134 Key Outdoor Center
Zanetti DI. 1 #12481
Alepuz 5996 SW 88th place Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
families with kids like mine. I would
like to see it reopened asap.
The decision to relocate the
chronically homeless, which include
individuals who suffer from numerous
issues, including mental illness and
substance abuse problems to Virginia
Key has led to an effort to shut down
the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. The
outdoor center has been a mainstay
of the local community, providing
services to citizens of Miami from all
neighborhoods and districts. The
center should be permitted to remain
in Virginia key and continue to serve
the local community. Further, the
homeless encampment should not be
placed in an ecological preserve like
Virginia Key nor in proximity to a city
park frequented by families and
children.
The environmental habitats found in
Virginia Key should be granted special
protection and receive the
appropriate long term care. Many
organizations have worked on habitat
restoration to minimize the
environmental impact of the
historically depleted area. The efforts
of these organizations (MUVe,
Sendit4TheSea, etc) have been
supported by the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center. The ongoing project
that aims to create an encampment
for unhoused Miami residents not
only puts in peril what has been
accomplished in the area, but also
stalls the conservational efforts.
Moreover, Virginia Key has very little
access to public transportation and
other public goods that are key for
long term improvement for the
unhoused community. The efforts
made by organizations such as
Camilus House and Caring Place to
provide food, hygienic spaces,
opportunities for development and
safe spaces to the growing homeless
population are not being taken into
account with this ongoing project.
The people benefitting from this
project are not the residents of Miami
Dade. Alternative solutions are
possible if the local community is
listened to. We care about our land
and our neighbors, we give our time
and money to the organizations that
make this the city we love. Listen to
the community, we have made our
position on this matter crystal clear.
The fact that VKOC, an establishment
of Miami dade county that allows
people to connect to nature, is
D1. 1 #12481
shutting down, is a testament to the
Maxwell Taks 10391 SW 113 ST Discussion - Virginia
haphazard development of the city in
Key Outdoor Center
the first place. As citizens, we all
know this is related to the delayed
homeless encampment.
The idea of using on of the most
beautiful parks in Miami to build a
homeless shelter is really absurd and
led me to believe that our elected
officials are not doing their job.
Maybe changing the code for future
4234 SW 164th Ct D1. 1 #12481
projects? Cannot comprehend that
Jose David Garcias Discussion - Virginia
Miami FI 33185
Out of all of the places, you choose
Key Outdoor Center
virginia key.? I am sympathetic to the
homeless but this is wrong, this is a
place for people and families to enjoy
and probably one of the last
undeveloped beach front parks in
Miami, please do what is right and
keep it this way, for the people!
The infrastructure is not able to
handle a project this size. The
developers need to scale down the
size of the towers. NE 2nd Ave is a
race track and the City says they need
to do a 5 year traffic survey to make
PZ. 5 #6118
changes.... yet all developers have to
Development
do is acquire 9 acres of land and
Samantha Surles 111 NE 46th Street Agreement - 5175
change the zoning to build whatever
NE 2 Av, 5035 NE 2
they want. The project would be
Av and 5125 NE 2 Ct
completely out of character and scale
with the surrounding area, in
violation of Miami 21 section 3.9.1.
Special Area Plans should be
abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning.
PZ. 3 #6608 Land
The infrastructure is not able to
Use - 5175 NE 2 Av,
Samantha Surles 111 NE 46th Street
handle a project this size. The
5035 NE 2 Av and
developers need to scale down the
5125 NE 2 Ct
size of the towers. NE 2nd Ave is a
Samantha
Stacy
Alexis
Michelle
race track. The City states they need
to do a 5 year traffic survey to make
traffic adjustments, yet developers
just need to acquire 9 acres of land to
change the zoning and build whatever
they want. The project would be
completely out of character and scale
with the surrounding area, in
violation of Miami 21 section 3.9.1.
Special Area Plans should be
abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning.
The infrastructure is not able to
handle a project this size. The
developers need to scale down the
size of the towers. NE 2nd Ave is a
race track. The City states they need
to do a 5 year traffic survey to make
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
traffic adjustments, yet developers
Surles 111 NE 46th Street Area Plan - 5175 NE
just need to acquire 9 acres of land to
2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
change the zoning and build whatever
and 5125 NE 2 Ct
they want. The project would be
completely out of character and scale
with the surrounding area, in
violation of Miami 21 section 3.9.1.
Special Area Plans should be
abolished, or at a minimum not
allowed to change zoning.
2965 Mary Street DI. 1 #12481
The outdoor center benefits local,
Assael Miami, FL 33133 Discussion - Virginia
visitors, and the natural environment.
Key Outdoor Center
The outdoor center has been an
amazing addition to VK. I have been
going to the trails with friends and
family for over a decade. The outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
center has been a under appreciated
410 Marmore Ave
Rua Discussion - Virginia
asset to the city. It's addition has
Coral Gables
Key Outdoor Center
been great for the park. Providing
water access with rentals, restrooms,
and a bike wash station. Let's not
forget how great the owners and staff
have been.
The park is one of if not the only
affordable family (specially my
teenage kids) place we can bond, be
DI. 1 #12481
in nature, see manatees, sea turtles,
Alonso 7901 SW 104th ST Discussion - Virginia
mangroves in Miami. The island is
Key Outdoor Center
not resourceful for people to live on. I
hope that our leaders consider those
who cannot voice on this: the
homeless community that depends
Willy
Chertman
2970 flamingo drive DI. 1 #12481
Miami beach Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Austin Hubsch 5828 sw 49th ST Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
on social services and the wildlife that
depends on the island. Hope we can
be as invlusive as possible.
The proposal to house Miami
homeless people in small homes on
Virginia Key has been met by fierce
resistance by locals, particularly those
that use the park for outdoor
recreation. I was shocked to learn a
few weeks ago that the Virginia Key
Outdoor Center was raided by police,
in what appears to be a transparent
attempt at retaliation for the owners
speaking up against the proposal. This
was done after years of operation,
against a park that had become a
fixture of Miami outdoor recreation
enthusiasts, and a place I took my
local and tourist friends, including
many new tech residents from San
Francisco, who are used to lots of
green space in a city. I hope the
commission addresses this possible
abuse of power and explains why this
occurred. I hope the commission
restores the Virginia Key Outdoor
Centers ability to operate and
discards it's ill thought out plan to
house homeless people far from
transport in the midst of precious and
irreplaceable green space. Best, Dr.
Willy Chertman
The proposed plan to set up housing
for the chronically homeless on
Virginia Key is ill advised. It is not only
a poor choice of location to try and
provide housing, but is one of the few
remaining natural areas in Miami still
free of major development. The
homeless of our city deserve better
than to be relegated to barrier island
with little infrastructure. This island is
sacred to me, it's one of the places I
learned to connect with nature on a
deep level. Surely those in charge of
proposing and leading this plan
understand how likely it is to fail, and
I question their intent as this seems
like an awfully convenient way to
clear the way for development in the
wake of a scuttled housing assistance
project now that VKOC is gone.
elissa
Liana
Jeffrey
plancher
Lozada
King
864 80th St, Miami
Beach, FL 33141
DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
33138 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
546 NE 57 ST Area Plan - 5175 NE
2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
The residents of MDC do not
appreciate the political bullying of the
VKOCFL. I have participated in
activities with friends and bring my
child there. We've had amazing
experiences only available at Virginia
Key. VKOCFL protects sensitive
ecosystems and animals. The
Commisson should be embarrassed
about your efforts to interfere with
the great work of VKOCFL.
Additionally, having worked in
housing and homelessness for 20
years, your proposed use of Virginia
Key is against all best practices and
the citizens of MDC do not stand with
you in this actions. We are United
against what you are doing to VKOCFL
and oppose your plans for changing
land uses of Virginia Key. Do better
to protect the beauty of Miami and
we should be supporting our local
organizations instead of hurting
them.
There is no dignity in the recent
actions taken towards Virgin Key and
the outdoor center. If Miami is trying
to build a respectable city, it ought to
treat its natural resources and public
park spaces with respect. Virgin Key is
a beloved place with deep history and
unique natural splendor —to erode it
would only solidify Miami's
reputation of taking the quick, easy
way out of big problems. The city's
homelessness is worthy of our
concern, but this is not a worthy
solution —not for them, for the public
who travels to the Key to enjoy the
outdoors (like myself), or for the
wildlife that calls this fragile
ecosystem they deserve. We can do
better than this.
This SAP proposal is out of scale to
the surrounding area. The road
infrastructure from 1195/SR 112 will
not support it. The neighborhood
infrastructure, super markets,
pharmacies, already have difficult
parking in their lots at prime times.
This plan goes against the philosophy
of Miami 21. Please do not approve.
This business is vital to Virginia Key.
Hundreds of people enjoyed this park
DI. 1 #12481
every weekend thanks to this outdoor
Raymond Gonzalez 2935 SW 38th Ave Discussion - Virginia
center, now the water is empty. All
Key Outdoor Center
those people robbed by the
retaliatory closure of this business..
This center and its amazing staff is
19502 Summit Glory DI. 1 #12481
probably my number one experience
Tejas Reddy Trail, Briarcliff TX Discussion -Virginia
on my visit to Miami and is the main
78669 Key Outdoor Center
reason I would want to come back to
experience it again. For that reason
alone, this center should still operate!
This crazy motion of making ahomless
camp on Virginia Key already have
casualties. The Outdoorcenter was a
resorce for the tax payers to enjoy
the outdoors in the heart of the city.
A place were young citizens got
exposed to the marine environment
in a gentle way. VKOC was run very
professionally by caring staff. Who
will think that Virginia Key is the best
DI. 1 #12481
location to house homeless? It is a
Alberto Artagaveytia 3921 Alton Road Discussion - Virginia
very out of the way place, completley
Key Outdoor Center
exposed to the elements and
civilization. There are no stores
withing walking distance or public
transportation. Why we the tax
payers have to surrender an amazing
place for recreation? There is got to
be much better places to house
homeless people. I beg you please to
leave Virginia Key for the citizens as it
was always and work with VKOC the
issues so they can resume buisness.
This is a poorly disguised land grab for
developers to exploit a cherished
green area. It is not a good or safe
location for a homeless relocation or
CA. 12 #12487
transitional projects. Corollo has a
Establish Special
6850 Coral Way
history of tyrannically pressuring
Irene Martinez Revenue Project -
Miami, FL 33155
business owners; we live in a free
Miami Homeless
economy & democratic leaning
Assistance Program
society. He needs to Stop! Virginia
Key Outdoor Center has provided a
much needed community service for
years.
This is a wonderful place where you
DI. 1 #12481
9708 Costa del Sol
can rent a kayak and be in a natural
Maria Fernandez Blvd. Doral, FL 33278 Discussion - Virginia
environment, in peace. The staff of
Key Outdoor Center
the center are really helpful. There is
Chelsea
Luis
Zach
Olanow
Martinez
siler
422 woodcrest rd, key DI. 1 #12481
biscayne 33149 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
6755 SW 28 street Chapter 38 -
Miami, FL 33155 Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
101 nw 100th terrace DI. 1 #12481
33150 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
740 SW 109TH AVE, DI. 1 #12481
Amanda Arvidsson Apt. 409 Miami, FL Discussion - Virginia
33174 Key Outdoor Center
no other place like this in Miami.
Please, leave it so we can keep
enjoying it. Thanks
This is an important center to the
community with wonderful staff. We
need access to the water and the
rentals. Please keep this open!!
This is public park and is being
changed to a homeless camp. The
park is used by many families and
people will n a regular basis. This
makes any park venerable to the
changes for whatever reason. I feel
for the homeless population but
there has to be a better solution. This
opens the door to take other parks
away from the population. I am
completely against taking places like
this away from it's citizens.
This is unreal. Usually 'stick them all
on an island' is something callous
people say as a joke, and here you are
proposing it as an actual solution. This
stinks like corruption because it
makes no logical sense. VKOC
dramatically improved the site after
Jimbo's. Please do not pursue this
absurd plan that will only create more
problems than solutions. Virginia key
is the closest natural refuge that
exists in an over crowded city- it will
not help the homeless. Instead it's a
suspicious plan to build infrastructure
to one day sell to one of your
developer cronies. This proposal
stinks worse than sargassum.
This location is not suitable for a
homeless camp for numerous reasons
such as lack of public transit and very
far walk to reach medical care,
schools, and grocery stores.
Additionally, Virginia Key is a well -
loved area many Miami residents can
go for peace, relaxation, and family
gatherings without the party
atmosphere present at some other
beaches. Lastly, homeless camps
unfortunately also result in a large
amount of trash and litter and the
thought of so much litter washing
into the oceans is very upsetting.
Marta
Herrera
1100 Brickell Bay Drive DI. 1 #12481
50M Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Anthony Garzon 8440 sw 68 street Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
This park is one of the few places
where paddle boarding, kayaking and
mountain biking trails exist in a safe,
beautiful environment. The lagoon is
full of life and just this weekend I
observed a baby nurse shark, a baby
manatee, sting rays and lots of small
fish who call this their home. It's their
nursery keeping them safe from
predators and such a beautiful
educational opportunity. A young
couple approached me asking me
how they could rent a couple of
kayaks and I has to tell them they are
no longer available here. It was heart
breaking to see how many families
who used to enjoy this facility are
now excluded all because developers
have their eye on this gem. We are
not naive. This ploy to turn this into a
homeless encampment is nothing but
an attempt to change the zoning and
take away another one of our few
parks for what you ultimately have
destined for this land with big dollar
signs in your eyes. The homeless will
be far from their resources, like
Camillus house, Jackson memorial,
etc. It will fail. But that is the ultimate
plan, isn't it? Someone is not being
honest with the public and it's not us,
the public who appreciates the
natural beauty of this park and it's
not VKOC. Wonder who that is?
This park should stand as it has for
years as a place of recreation.
Kayaking and mountain biking should
not be on the hit list of things to take
away from people in the area that
pay taxes . Living in Glenvar Heights
and being relatively close to this
terrific family friendly resource is
invaluable to the tax paying
community and would truly be a
shame on Miami Government to go
against the will of the people and
destroy this natural setting for more
concrete,steel or homeless. We chose
to live here, and to work here and pay
taxes for places to go and enjot with
our famies.
chris
Marlene
Peter
Lou
Yamile S
DI. 1 #12481
hernandez 9805 nw 28 terrace Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
950 SW 22 Road Establish Special
Goodger Miami FL 33129 Revenue Project -
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
Wagoner 5956 NE 6th Ave Area Plan - 5175 NE
2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
DI. 1 #12481
Ben Doral 8808 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Tabraue DI. 1 #12481
Delgado 2800 SW 2nd Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
This place (vkoc) by far has one of the
best family activities year around for
families and is maybe one of the last
wholesome places left in this city.
South beach is a disaster and one can
no longer go there with out the fear
of getting shot. This is the only beach
in the city of Miami where you dont
have to worry about your life ending
in front of your family. I love my city
and was born and raised here but
seriously this park and the vkoc
provide a great service for youths
adults and everyone else at a great
affordable price. which is rare in
Miami. Closing vkoc wouldnt surprise
me because i know how miami works
but it would be a shame.
This place is where my kids feel
connection with nature and their
friends. They spend a good portion of
their summers here and then we visit
as well throughout the year as a
family. I cannot see this continue to
happen if the homeless are relocated
to this area. This is important to us
and I would not feel safe doing so.
Continue to enjoy this beautiful place.
What would it do to the tourism??
Please consider other locations,
Miami is huge!! Why by the water??
This project will destroy the fabric of
the area and displace or remove
existing low cost housing.
Commissioners have a higher
responsibility than revenue creation
which is the health and welfare of the
existing residents. Please deny this
and any other out of scale
developments from our city.
This would a travesty for all nature
lovers. Few places in the city offer
such beautiful views. Please. Do not
destroy this.
To whom it may concern: I am
concerned about Virginial Key Beach.
We enjoy VKOC and the trails. I do
not think the area is a good location
for the homeless since there is
nothing there to help them. They
would have to walk about two miles
Naomi Buszko
to get onto the Rickenbacker
Highway. That can be detrimental for
many. It is almost like out of sight out
of mind. That is of no service to them
and it takes away from the
community to be able to enjoy the
lagoon along with the trails. Please
reconsider for the welfare of the
homeless and those from the
community. Thank you. Yamile S.
Tabraue Delgado
Today, we clearly see the issues that
rage through many of our local
governments and communities: the
off -handed treatment of our
homeless and the delicate
environment. Virginia Key is one of
the last places in Miami with natural
beaches. The lagoon, mangrove
forests and pristine beaches are
enjoyed by many of the local
residents and provide a home to
many local species. When I first
moved to Florida, I was surprised
when I found a place I could go to get
grounded and away from the hustle
of the rest of the city. These areas are
so important to keep available for the
mental health and environmental
health of our community. Now, the
12238 NW 36th PI DI. 1 #12481 City of Miami wants to remove a large
Sunrise FL 33323 Discussion - Virginia portion of it's homeless population
Key Outdoor Center from the streets of the "money
making" areas like Wynwood, and
downtown, and place them miles out
from support in a public park. Please,
just listen to that again. The city
wants to REMOVE it's homeless
citizens and place them out -of -sight &
mind in camp miles from resources,
jobs, transportation, medical
treatment and safety. This is not a
solution. It is not to help the
homeless community. It is a half -ass
attempt to sweep a real issue under
the rug. The City have already
pushed out a well -loved local
business, Virginia Key Outdoor
Center, with a large show of police
force and intimidation factors. VKOC
provided safe and educational kayak
tours of the wildlife and children's
Jorge
Steven
Maria
John
Wenk
Leidner
Linares
Jimenez
DI. 1 #12481
251 Crandon Blvd Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
1130 102 St.,#6 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
1950 bro kelll Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
3301 NE 5th Ave Apt DI. 1 #12481
#1006 Miami FL 33137 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Carl Capp 21 Edgewater DR Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
camps, but had been outspoken in
the protection of the park, their
livelihood, and against this attempt to
"hide" the displaced residents of
Miami. This is a disgusting use of
power. I call to the city government
to do it's job and protect all of our
residents: our local businesses, our
patrons of the park, our homeless,
our shoreline, and our wildlife. Right
now, with this plan, the city is
damaging them ALL.
Use a public recreational area, for
families is not the best idea. I think
there is another plan behind using the
Miami homeless problem as a
excuse.... Let develop a real solution
with a real program and future
inclusion to the society
VK Outdoor center has been an asset
to Miami and going to VK. Plz
continue providing this resource.
VK is one of the best public places in
Miami for outdoor activity. There are
not a lot of places that offer
possibility to wing foil, kite surf and
mnt bike around miami and getting
this closed is a big mistake and will
make Miami just another beach
superficial city.
VKOC has been a virtual conduit for
Miami locals of varying interests
including kayakers and paddle
boarders who do not have space in
their home to store such equipment
and would otherwise have no access
to it without VKOC rental facilities
VKOC has been the steward of
Miami's "Central Park" I have been a
Miami resident for over 40 years and
have been using the waters along
Virginia Key for most of it. They
provide an incredible service to the
community (not just their clients)
through education and accessibility to
one of the most beautiful areas in
Miami. As someone who has been
accessing the water through Virginia
Key for the past 30+ years, I have not
seen the area as accessible and clean.
And, best yet, actually utilized. It is
Nicole
Daria
Katherine
Victoria
Au ro ra
embarrassing as a Miamian to see our
commissioner use their power again
shut down a business that speaks up
against him. The people will
remember
VKOC is dedicated in serving our
community by offering experiences
that connect people with nature
through recreational activities such as
biking and water sports. Removing
VKOC from the picture will be a void
DI. 1 #12481
for many people who took advantage
Ardizzi 2110 Sw 24th Street Discussion - Virginia
of the experiences and services
Key Outdoor Center
offered by them. Many will miss out
on the opportunity of trying out new
sports, connecting with other
members of the community, and
enjoy outdoor recreation that can
ultimately improve one's physical and
mental health.
VKOC is only outdoors sports rental
facility in the area that is easy to
reach. We have been going there for
years. Our daughter has been
DI. 1 #12481
701 Euclid Avenue,
attending summer camp there for 6
Salyakina Discussion -Virginia
Miami Beach
years. This is a great enriching natural
Key Outdoor Center
environment. Staff is amazing. Please
reopen VKOC and offer them terms
that they can survive and continue
offering their services to the public.
VKOC is sitting on a precious reserve
for Miami's wildlife. The proposed
plan for relocating the homeless
population on the land is 1.
DI. 1 #12481
Insufficient as a long term solution
Lord Collins ave Discussion - Virginia
and 2. Will impact the animals who
Key Outdoor Center
live there. The council needs to come
up with a better solution for the
homeless, reinstate VKOC's license
and make Virginia Key a protected
park.
VKOC should be allowed a fair
opportunity to operate and continue
1151 SW 12th St, DI. 1 #12481
to serve the community. It is a hub of
Chorsi Discussion - Virginia
activities that entertains, educates,
33129
Key Outdoor Center
and provides solace in the pandemic.
Please reconsider allowing VKOC to
remain operable for our community.
9055 SW 73rd Court DI. 1 #12481
VKOC should be allowed to remain
Garcia -Hoare Miami, Florida 33156 Discussion - Virginia
open because it provides vital access
Key Outdoor Center
to outdoor amenities on the water for
Pam
Emily
Diaz
Shapiro
Gervais
6738 SW 39th st
9715 SW 58TH CT
Pinecrest, FL 33156
1455 Martinique Ct,
Weston FL 33326
people who can't afford to own their
own boat. Additionally, it's a source
of recreation for Mountain Bikers.
Please let this valuable community
resource remain open where people
can people can commune with nature
within the city of Miami!
DI. 1 #12481
VKOC should remain open. I visit the
Discussion - Virginia
park weekly.
Key Outdoor Center
Virgina Key is a Treasure to our Miami
Community. My family loves to rent
Kayaks from the center to navigate
DI. 1 #12481
through the waters and see the
Discussion - Virginia
beautiful nature and the Manatees. I
Key Outdoor Center
feel the city could certainly find an
alternative place to house the
homeless.
Virginia Key Beach Park, Virginia Key
Mountain Biking Trails, and the
Outdoor Center inside is the
epicenter of mine, my family, and all
my friends outdoor activities year
round. Thousands of people come
here for recreation- which is one of
South Floridas best offerings and
attractions. The experience and value
that this park brings to South Florida's
residents and citizens is irreplaceable.
The effort the city and volunteers
have put into the park speaks for
what this park means to our
community. This park and it's outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
center provides so much more value
Discussion -Virginia
to this city as a whole than the
Key Outdoor Center
relocation of our homeless
population would. This entire plan
screams "out of sight, out of mind"
for our homeless population and
wreaks of corruption. The decision to
turn this into a homeless
encampment would only cause
severe disruption and upset in our
community, and further encourage us
to believe that the city doesn't have
the peoples benefit and best interest
in mind. Please reconsider this plan
and stop it from happening. Virginia
Key means so much to all of us, not
just in Miami, but all of South Florida!
Melissa Otero 1401 NE 191 St Miami, FR. 4 #12497 Virginia Key Beach is paradise and an
Maxime
Maheux
Jose Avendano
FL 33179
Amend Code -
Chapter 38 -
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
3232 Coral Way, apt
DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
1004, Miami FL 33145
Key Outdoor Center
9130 NE 10th Avenue
DI. 1 #12481
Miami Shores, FL
Discussion - Virginia
343138
Key Outdoor Center
amazing place to connect to the
outdoors. Please bring back the
wonderful recreational activities and
the dedicated staff who makes it all
possible. Please do not reverse the
countless hours spent in conservation
by volunteers, staff and community
members alike. Please protect the
wildlife that we have fought to
protect this far. Please be our voice in
protecting the voiceless and say no to
a homeless encampment. Thank you!
Virginia Key Outdoor Center and
Virginia Key overall are to Miami what
Central Park is to New York. If
anything more money should be
invested in the area to develop it
more so that families and active
people could enjoy it even more.
Having such a nice area to play
outside right next to our beautiful city
of Miami is something that should be
preserved and cherished. Changing
the area to build a camp for homeless
people would be a terrible mistake
and future city administrators will
only come to the conclusion that the
project has to be reversed. I can only
imagine how dangerous it will be
when the people relocated to that
area decide to go back to mainland
on their own, crossing the bridge in
the middle of the road or interacting
with runners and walkers on the
sidewalk. Let's save time and money
to everyone and cancel this project.
This area of Virginia Key needs to be
protected and kept for the Miamians
to enjoy the outdoors. Thank you
Maxime Maheux
Virginia Key Outdoor Center and the
grounds in Virginia Key are a very
important recreational location for
our families and in addition prt of the
history of Miami and it's ecological
richness. Making this location an
encampment for the homeless, is not
only abusing them by isolating them
outside the city without the chance of
getting back on track with
opportunities but also affecting the
lives of the people of Key Biscayne
Anacaril
Krystal
Jovellar
Kennedy
DI. 1 #12481
1918 brickell ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
14041 SW 54th Street DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miramar, FL 33027 Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Stacy Liu 2501 S Douglas Rd Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
and the people that use this
recreational location.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center brings
opportunities and moments that
community can come together and
enjoy Miami truest paradise . Kindly
keep the Virginia Key Outdoor center
operating for our future generations
to enjoy and explore . It's one of the
few places that are left in its full glory
what most people take for granted,
our home, our paradise, our
backyard . #SaveVirginiaKey and
everything it brings to our community
Virginia Key Outdoor Center doesn't
only allow inclusiveness but also
provide citizens with opportunities to
experience our beautiful Miami
Habitat safely. One of the best things
about VKOC is the dedication the staff
has to providing the best experience
for consumers but also for our
animals and habitat alike. Hosting
monthly beach clean ups and
manatee tours, we are reminded that
our beautiful Virginia Key isn't just for
us humans but every living thing
around . VKOC is a staple point that
brings us in this high technology
world back to where it all began with
nature, animals and safety.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center has been
a pillar in the community, advocating
for clean waterways, safe recreation,
and local environmental stewardship.
It is heartbreaking to see politicians
using this small and beloved local
business as a pawn for their own
agenda, and take punitive action after
those politicians have been called
out. Hiding the houseless population
away on a disconnected island (away
from public transportation, medical
support, social worker support, job
opportunities) is not a solution.
Investing in affordable housing and
creating accessible workforce
training, and focusing on supporting
(and not dictating) the houseless
population would be a far better use
of our public dollars.
Winny
Valentina
Delgadillo
Hubsch
1408 brickell bay drive DI. 1 #12481
miami, fl 33131 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
5828 SW 49th street DI. 1 #12481
Miami FI 33155 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
3295 Gifford Ln DI. 1 #12481
Paige Golembeski Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33 Key Outdoor Center
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is a great
place for the community. It's located
in a convenient area that is perfect
for various outdoor water activities.
It's a perfect place for families and
residents to enjoy. I support Virginia
Key Outoor Center and would hate to
see a great establishment be ruined.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is located
in a delicate ecosystem that supports
a living estuary for an abundance of
wildlife and vegetation that is crucial
for the survival of this natural habit
already under stress from
development, polution and a lack of
environmental education. The
land and surrounding waters should
remain protected from development
of any kind. Having the VKOC closed
would be a huge injustice for further
environmental education and safe
recreational access to this delicate
ecosystem that incompasses the
Island from west bayside to the East
oceanfront and all the land in-
between. The VKOC has safely
educated our Children and Adults to
cherish and provided the proper
environmental awareness that is key
in facilitating a future for this delicate
ecosystem. I strongly encourage that
the VKOC not be closed for any
reason such as development plans
hastily not thought though such as
the Project to House the Homeless in
such a remote and environmental
delicate ecosystem so far away from
any type of infrastructures that are
available in so many other locations
such as Downtown area where the
City of Miami's greatest number of
homeless are in most dire need.
Respectfully,
Valentina Hubsch
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is loved
by hundreds of Miami residents. The
closure of the center has taken away
a fun stress relieving activity from
them. Having access to green spaces
and nature is extremely important for
someone's mental health. You have
taken this away from the residents
Lee
Lissette
Marisabel
Cuesta
Davalos
DI. 1 #12481
1408 Brickell Bay Dr Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
10822 SW 72 Street DI. 1 #12481
Apt 94 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1233 SW 19 Street,
DI. 1 #12481
Miami, FL 33145 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
2663 sw 181 terr BC. 24 #8943
Esther Behar Miramar fl Virginia Key Beach
Park Trust
and should reconsider opening the
outdoor center.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is part of
what drew my husband and I to
Miami. We have spent countless
hours bonding together and with
friends over our love for kayaking
there. It has been an enriching facility
to our lives, from promoting physical
activity to environmental education.
When a friend of mine was struggling
with mental health issues, I
introduced her to kayaking at VKOC,
and she found it extremely
therapeutic. It would be a great loss
to our community to rid of VKOC and
to place a homeless encampment on
the island, and a step in the wrong
direction for Miami.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center is the
perfect launch -pad for Miami
residents who need and deserve
outdoor recreation. I have been
there many times with family and
friends. We have so many beautiful
memories! Everytime I go, I see
people engaged in positive healthy
activities that enrich them with
physical exercise, community, peace,
and the awe experienced when one is
immersed in nature. It would be
shameful to shut down this gem.
Virginia Key Outdoor Center was
fostering a community who
appreciates the local sea and wildlife
and a community of fitness. We
discovered VKOC several years ago
through my son's participation in
their fishing camp. There are few
places left in Miami that strive to
share the great Florida outdoor
experience. How does it make sense
to push VKOC out for an encampment
in an area which historically used to
be a segregated beach? It makes no
sense and has caused such an
unfortunate chain of events.
Virginia Key Park Is important to our
community as a safe outdoor space
where we can be in nature. We ask
that you maintain this site for its
Charlotte
Silvia
Blanchet
Calderon
CA. 12 #12487
Establish Special
4568 Post Avenue Revenue Project -
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
260 Cranston Blvd Key BC. 23 #9549
Biscayne FI 34149 Virginia Key
Advisory Board
3101 Hibiscus St DI. 1 #12481
Mari Lovo Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33133 Key Outdoor Center
current use as for the enjoyment of
the residents of the area and those
who come from other nearby
counties as well.
Virginia Key has been a peaceful
refuge for lots of Miami resident.
With the increase in population and
more and more building, public space
where family can exercise and relax is
essential for mental health. Virginia
Key outdoor center has taught my
children fishing, leaving in community
and was a solution for summer as my
husband and I need to work and can't
spend time with them while in
summer break. Virginia Key is not s
suitable place for homeless. The
waters are the perfect breading place
for many fish and animals including
manatees which are already
endangered. Please relocate your
project. Even the homeless
population does not seem to be
convinced by this project.
Virginia Key is a beautiful place for
residents and tourism. A family
environment and a nature
conservation area. May you make
decisions to keep this place as
beautiful as it is currently and
available to all to enjoy the open
spaces and to be outdoors in a safe
place.
Virginia Key is a place for families to
explore nature near the city. It has a
beach and trails that are used by
families for recreation, leisure and for
kids and adults to gain confidence
both in the water and on the bike.
Biking is one of the most important
skills a person can have it helps with
so many different aspects of life.
Weight loss, ADHD and mental health
are just a few issues biking helps with.
The waters near Virginia Key are
teaming with animals and organisms
that help children learn about the
dangers of littering and the reasons
why we need to protect the waters
surrounding Miami. We need to
protect this space and not develop on
it. Aside from that the idea of putting
Z.Ti1
Jeri
David
Huneuycutt
Green
Baker
DI. 1 #12481
2843 SW 37 Ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
2200 Lincoln Ave DI. 1 #12481
Discussion - Virginia
Miami FL Key Outdoor Center
BC. 23 #9549
262 Glendale Dr Virginia Key
Advisory Board
homeless in an area far from services
and near a school is not a good
situation for the students at the
school or the homeless whose needs
may not be served.
Virginia Key is a precious natural
resource for the people of Miami. It
should not be used as an interment
camp for the less fortunate. There is
no infrastructure for temporary
housing, no access to medical care,
and no proper sewage or waste
disposal. Furthermore, the obvious
and transparent agenda to subvert
current city zoning laws through this
ploy in order to sell public park space
to developers is depraved. It is the
wish of the greater Miami community
that Virginia Key remain protected
from further development.
Virginia Key is a special place for us as
bike riders and even more so, nature
lovers, and even more than that, for
our children - the next generation of
naturalists, ocean guardians, and and
all around lovers of the incredible
wildlife we have here - which is like
nowhere else. Please leave it to
remain in its natural vibrancy!!!
Please leave the wildlife to have one
of their remaining slivers of our
special home. Please keep it a place
for the community to love and
celebrate.
Virginia Key is a treasure that is
enjoyed by people from all over
Florida. The outdoor center was a
great business that has been treated
unfairly. The mountain bike trails are
world class and we're built by the
hard work of volunteers. Isolating a
few hundred homeless here will do
nothing to help them in the long run,
you will be hurting them more than
helping them. This plan will destroy a
beloved park, hurt those it claims to
help and will end up being a
permanent embarrassment to the
City of Miami.
Linda Sestrick 2901 S Bayshore Dr. DI. 1 #12481 Virginia Key is a unique natural area
Apt 6D, Miami FL Discussion - Virginia enjoyed by a demographically diverse
James
Mick
Llewellyn
G�C%1
Thorpe
Dan Roe
33133 Key Outdoor Center
81 Carlisle Dr Miami DI. 1 #12481
Springs, FI Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
6205 Sw 131 Court BC. 23 #9549
Apt 201 Virginia Key
Advisory Board
CA. 12 #12487
2620 Natoma Street Establish Special
Miami FL 33133 Revenue Project -
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
133 NE 2nd Ave Apt DI. 1 #12481
2201 Miami FL 33132 Discussion - Virginia
group of locals, South Floridians, and
tourists for a variety of recreational
uses. I continue to oppose further
development of Virginia Key for non -
park or recreational use. -The plan to
place temporary homeless housing on
Virginia Key is not in the best interest
of the homeless population. It lacks
access to transportation, jobs, stores
that provide essentials, and
infrastructure. Many of the homeless
support groups oppose this plan as
well as recommend alternatives to
better support the homeless
community. -The closing of VKOC is a
loss to the constituents of Miami, the
many tourists who visit this area, and
the participants in the many
community programs organized by
the VKOC staff. The city of Miami lost
a valuable community resource and a
well -respected business that provided
a quality, safe, and fun opportunity to
enjoy the area. Miami needs an
outfitter on Virginia Key to support
enjoyment of this area by all who
visit. And Miami needs a city
administration who operates with
professionalism, accountability, and
transparency to communicate,
partner, and resolve issues effectively
with its business partners.
Virginia Key is an environmental
jewel. So rare to have such a beautiful
place of nature in the busy Miami
Metropolitan area. Please keep it a
park for the people and restore the
Outdoor Center. Be on the right side
of history. Thank you. Jim Llewellyn
Virginia Key is no place for a homeless
encampment
Virginia Key is not an appropriate
place for the homeless shelter. It will
destroy the Keys fragile environment
and the homeless will not be happy
living there. This key is a miami
treasure and should be protected
from any type of housing
Virginia Key is one of few nearby
public spaces for the people of
Stephen Coelho 305
Key Outdoor Center
Miami. Locals, tourists, and people
across Florida come to ride kayaks
and paddle boards among manatees,
teach their children to ride bicycles
on the well -marked and immaculately
maintained mountain bike trails, and
enjoy a day at the historic beach that
welcomed generations of African
Americans when others would not.
This proposal is not a well -thought
out plan to erect and maintain
facilities for homeless Miamians,
which some would rather put out of
sight. Instead, the closure of the
Virginia Key Outdoor Center,
increased police presence at the park,
and false statements by city
commissioners that incorrectly
described a blighted, dangerous area,
represent clear attempts to seize
public land for development. The
thousands of people who use Virginia
Key park and beaches, the Outdoor
Center, and the mountain bike trails
will not watch as one of our city's few
well-preserved public parks is stolen
from taxpayers for private gain. The
whole of Miami benefits when people
come here to safely and respectfully
use the nature we have chosen to
preserve, and I hope the City
Commission will consider the
irreparable harm that future
generations will bear in exchange for
the short-term financial gain of those
who push for development. Dan
Virginia Key is one of the last
'undeveloped' natural areas left in
Miami, attracting millions of tourists
& locals alike (visitors & home -buyers
don't just come to Miami for the
nightclubs; the main differentiator
DI. 1 #12481
amongst others cities is the ocean &
Discussion - Virginia
sealife, but public beach -access
Key Outdoor Center
dwindles as more private resorts and
luxury vacation homes takeover).
Since Virginia Key hasn't been turned
into concrete like most of Miami, the
ecosystems are thriving there,
providing sanctuary for diverse
wildlife (which need protection).
Millions of people visit to enjoy this
DI. 1 #12481
Nick Copeland 3154 gifford In Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
nature & wildlife; the revenue they
generate goes beyond the park's
entry -fee and extends to supporting
local businesses (kayak outfitters,
dive shops, tackle shops, bike shops,
watersports equipment retailers, and
many more). Thanks to the hard work
of volunteers who maintain the bike
trails, cleanup litter, plant mangroves,
etc, Virginia Key is a place loved by
local families & tourists alike. It is
illogical to build a homeless tiny -
house village there, and it would be
detrimental to the ecosystems and
the economy (as more Miamians &
tourist flee to the Keys to escape the
concrete jungle). Furthermore,
everyone knows the proposed
homeless encampment won't survive
the first hurricane, and voters are
suspicious of ulterior motives to
thereafter condemn the project and
further develop the island. Voters are
also aware that elected officials are
ignoring public outcry, petitions &
protest. I've volunteered with
Feeding South Florida and I myself
have been homeless, so obviously I'm
not unsympathetic to the homeless;
however, isolating them on an island
far from the cities resources is
inhumane and clearly an attempt to
hide them out -of -sight. Voters know
this is not an attempt to help the
homeless. I oppose the plan, and
implore the city to consider a more
logical location for a homeless
shelter.
Virginia Key needs sustainable
protection and family activities, as
provided by VKOC, not development.
Better alternative sites for homeless
need to be considered. This will
create a concentration camp next to
wildnerness and water treatment
plant, surely a health and safety issue,
and serve nobody except corrupt
interests.
DI. 1 #12481 Virginia Key park and the outdoor
Leandro Nesi
2100 Coral Way suite Discussion -Virginia center, is the only natural park left
100, Miami, FI 33145 Key Outdoor Center close to Miami Brickell/downtown
and central Miami. It should be
empower for recreational use, more
tourist attractions, more parks, more
children's activities. It should be a
place where Miami citizens
disconnect from the daily routine and
work. We all know that City of Miami
has a big problem with green areas,
there is no enough parks for people
to enjoy the outdoors.... Please don't
make this problem worse, we need
more outdoor space and parks, not
less. Thank you.
Virginia Key should stay the way it is
for the people to enjoy some space
PR
not to bring homeless people change
Romain- 1072 NW 155th PRESENTATIONS
Guay
the zoning to then sell the land for
Julien Terrace AND
profit. It is important to leave nice
PROCLAMATIONS
areas like the mountain bike trails and
beaches available.
Virginia key is a great park like many
1990 brickell ave DI. 1 #12481
others here in Miami, please relocate
Jose Perozo Discussion - Virginia
the homeless some where else so we
Miami,FL Key Outdoor Center
don't lose our park to be able to do
fun activities.
Virginia key is a is very biodiverse
area, and has manatee populations,
and the very threatened beach
clustervine. Pretty much every slice of
nature that is left in this city, and any
of the culture around it has been
20300 W Country Club DI. 1 #12481
destroyed already by urban
Erick Magyar Dr, Aventura, FL Discussion - Virginia
development, and there aren't many
33180 Key Outdoor Center
places left in Dade county to go out
and enjoy nature. This proposal will
not not only destroy on of the last
places to enjoy nature in the city, but
it will also leave the homeless
population to be left on an island with
no amenities for them cope.
FR. 4 #12497
Virginia key is one of the few public
Amend Code -
accesses to the waterway and nature
3331 William ave Chapter 38 -
Ashley Flynn -Corbin
we have here in Miami. Closing this to
Miami fl 33133 Virginia Beach Park
provide homeless camps would be a
Trust -
huge loss to the community.
Appointments
Virginia key outdoor Center has been
DI. 1 #12481 a wonderful venue for our children to
William A Pershke Discussion -Virginia
325 S Biscayne blvd, be able to experience the nature of
Apt 1926 Key Outdoor Center florida so close to the city in a safe,
healthy and friendly environment -
don't shut it down and deprive the
DI. 1 #12481
Lisette Falco 670 nw 6 st Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
9414 sw 185th st DI. 1 #12481
Nicholas Rios cutler bay, fl 33157 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
8381 sw 124th ave apt DI. 1 #12481
Samantha Silva 104 33183 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
6234 SW 127 PI Establish Special
Randy Menendez Miami, FL, 33183 Revenue Project -
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
DI. 1 #12481
Julie Hampton 235 S Dixie Hwy A914 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
community of a environmentally
sustainable, family friendly and
affordable way for us all to interact
with our natural environment.
Virginia key outdoor center has been
a treasure in Miami for those that
want to escape the city. It's unfair
closure to fit the cities agenda is not
okay. We cannot allow this treasure
to close down because of false claims
in order to fit the homeless in that
space. VKOC deserves better, the
homeless deserves better, MIAMI
deserves better.
Virginia key outdoor center is THE
most affordable option for locals to
enjoy the most beautiful ocean
waters of Miami. It provides a healthy
and safe place to experience Miami
ocean life through its rentals of
kayaks and paddle boards. They also
Do a wonderful job of keeping this
local favorite spot clean and
accessible. Vkoc is a vital
establishment for the local
community. Please allow them to
reopen
Virginia key outdoor center is an
critical establishment of the city
providing a space to get out of the
hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy
the few natural areas we have left
that haven't gotten taken over by
development. The city should
reconsider opening it back up for
residents and tourists alike and allow
the residents who pay a lot in taxes to
enjoy the area we have been doing
for the past years.
Vk is the place I go with my friends
and family for sport. It's important for
p
We absolutely loved coming to
Virginia Key as a family ---we even
were able to to bring our dog to
Kayak. In the last few months we
have rented kayaks 3 times. We
highly encourage you to move the
homeless camp elsewhere ---the camp
Britney Brown 420 Big Pine Rd
Jacalyn
Kevi n
Barnett
10220 s.w. 143 st
Miami, Florida 33176
Kotzen 1408 Brickell Bay Drive
MARGERY PHIPPS 7532 SW 143 AVE
would not be in an ideal area for
transportation or logistical support
for those living in the camp. It is not
close to any resources. As a resident, I
am shocked how the this has been
handled without any notification or
voice from citizens. I encourage you
to please reconsider and keep this
absolutely wonderful location open
and move the homeless camp to
another location.
We have very few natural areas left in
Miami for other Floridians and tourist
to enjoy, advocate and help these
areas continue to thrive and bring
community together. I think bringing
this camp to VKOC is one of the worst
ideas the city of Miami could make.
So many people that want to be
DI. 1 #12481
around these areas do not want to
Discussion -Virginia
visit Miami because of what it is
Key Outdoor Center
becoming. Very little area to express
your love to the ecosystem. Plus I
don't think we have weighed out the
negative affects this will have on VK.
If this is passed, this will become a
domino effect on the rest of the state
to get rid of a limit natural areas and
communities.
We hope the city will reopen the
DI. 1 #12481
Virginia Key outdoor center. Our
Discussion - Virginia
family appreciates the outdoors and
Key Outdoor Center
all it offers to us!! We want to protect
it so we all can enjoy it!
We love Virginia Key Outdoor Center.
Our friends love VKOC. We take all
our domestic and international
DI. 1 #12481
visitors on kayak trips from VKOC and
Discussion - Virginia
it's often their highlight of Miami. The
Key Outdoor Center
services provided by the center
ensure that anyone can get out on
the water (for a small fee). PLEASE
OPEN IT UP AGAIN!
We love having the outdoor center at
Virginia Key. It has given locals and
tourists a wonderful access to
DI. 1 #12481
Biscayne Bay and opportunities to
Discussion -Virginia
explore it. Please do not take this
Key Outdoor Center
greenspace and turn it into housing -
especially for a population that needs
services and groceries nearer than
they could get to from Virginia Key.
Overall this plan is BAD for the
environment, tourism.
We must protect Virgina Key our
parks, greenspace and nature
preserve and follow the spirit of
making it the Central Park of Miami.
There is no other space like this in the
city for the public trails, historical
beach, paddling, eco tours and
cleanup provided by VKOC. Using our
park land for to house homeless is not
supported by the homeless experts
and government has no experience in
operating, housing and servicing of
the most challenging chronic cases of
homelessness. The cost, logistics, and
practicalities of this endeavor are
barely understood and assessed yet
you are depriving us of camps for
DI. 1 #12481
children, moonlight paddle tours ,
360 Heather Lane key Discussion -Virginia
marianna arellano
beach and invasive plant cleanups -
biscayne Key Outdoor Center
our opportunity to be with nature.
Please work to restore the valuable
work and access VKOC has given to
our community. In the short time
since you have closed they were
closed down we have missed a lot of
these oppoiunites. This also serves
the tourism of city of miami, so we
residents are losing and it is not going
to help our tourism allure and image.
Please renew the lease with VKOC
and fix any issues needed asap. They
have given us years of dedication to
provide valuable services that we
want and need. And while you have
delayed the homeless encampment
for 6 months you can find more
suitable area for the encampment
thank you
DI. 1 #12481
We need to protect the manatees
Melissa Maromonte 7950 NE Bayshore Ct Discussion - Virginia
and wildlife that live in this area.
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
We want Virginia Key Outdoor Center
Natalie Plasencia 210 wren Ave Discussion - Virginia
to remain open.
Key Outdoor Center
We want the Virginia Key Outdoor
DI. 1 #12481
4271 SW 67 Terrace
Center reopened. It is necessary in
Juan Lorenzo Discussion -Virginia
Davie, FL
order to have access to the water and
Key Outdoor Center
the beautiful natural environment.
2949 NW 97th Ct DI. 1 #12481 We want the Virginia key outdoor
Karen Gonzalez Discussion - Virginia
Doral 33172 Key Outdoor Center center open
DI. 1 #12481 We want to reopen the outdoor
Ana Galavis 1111 Crandon Blvd Discussion - Virginia
center
Key Outdoor Center
We were just notified the vkocfl will
be on the agenda today. We're a
family that visits the center for paddle
boarding and kayaking. My wife and I
went biking there when we first met.
The center is a public staple for many
DI. 1 #12481
2021 Sw 3rd avenue
of us who want to enjoy the
David Dubail Discussion - Virginia
Miami FI 33129
outdoors, see manatee and dolphins.
Key Outdoor Center
The little enclave is full of all sorts of
natural wonders. Instead of
shuttering it, it's be great if the city
would invest more money into the
business so they could do MORE for
us all. Please REOPEN the center.
We would like to have the Virginia
Outdoor Center open again. Our
family enjoys the weekends at the
center we're we can plan different
DI. 1 #12481
activities. The staff and owner has
Sebastian Ghiragossian 2322 NE 2nd Ave Discussion -Virginia
always been very friendly and cordial
Key Outdoor Center
and has a true passion for the key.
We request that the center be reopen
once again with the same people as
before.
What a great environment it has been
in Virginia Key with the kayaks,
paddle boards, and a place to use the
8280 sw 64 Street PR. 1 #12364
Bettina Hueso
beach. Please do not change the
Miami FI 33143 Protocol Item
agenda and keep As Is for Tuft and
her staff. Do not touch what's Not
Broken. Move on to something else
When will Miami 21 Task Force
Aky Fernandez 760 SAN BRUNO AVE PZ #
Report be presented and discussed by
the City Commission?
Why is the city always looking for
ways to limit large outdoor spaces?
With more high rises being built there
will be more residents looking for
10895 sw 107 ave DI. 1 #12481 outdoor recreational areas with
Nicolette Miranda Discussion - Virginia plenty of parking space. I understand
Miami, fl 33176 Key Outdoor Center the homeless crisis has increase in
Miami and it should be address, but
the location that was chosen is
completely isolated from services
they need. I am sure there are plenty
2900 NE 7th AVE Suite DI. 1 #12481
Michael Kerbel 3609 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
8240 Ne 3 Ave miami, DI. 1 #12481
Diana Garcia FI 33138 Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Chris Sancerni 8125 sw 102 ave Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Michael Fernandez 12351 sw 128th ct
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Gabriela Martinez 710 lake road
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
9360 E Bay harbor dr.
DI. 1 #12481
Guillermo Gabica Apt 6, Bay harbor
Discussion - Virginia
island, fl 33154
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Francesca Nobili 1880 s treasure dr Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
6817 sw 83 court Establish Special
Joy Klein Miami FI 33143 Revenue Project -
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
BC. 24 #8943
Jacky Dubail 2021 Sw 3rd avenue Virginia Key Beach
Park Trust
of other locations that have more
accessibility that will serve the
homeless community better. We
need to find a better solution.
Would like to see the center reopen
ASAP.
You can copy and paste: The Virginia
Key Outdoor Center is one of our
city's most beautiful public parks for
our community to enjoy. As a
Miamian this has always been one of
my personal favorite places to visit
and recommend to friends, family,
and clients. Please keep Virginia Key
Outdoor Center and it's park to
protect our natural envoroment and
to allow the continuing preservation
and enjoyment of Virginia Key. Thank
you!
You can not close VKOC! Kids and
families need this facility! Please do
not consider to relocate the homeless
to Virginia key!
You can not close VKOC! Kids and
families need this facility! Please do
not consider to relocate the homeless
to Virginia key!
just don't do it bring back virginia key
outdoor center
the best place for children to get in
touch with nature and create
awareness of its value,
to Whom it may concern. I believe
that VKOC should be allowed a fair
opportunity to operate and continue
to serve the community, because it is
an historical an beautiful place were
nature and history reign. Thank you in
advance for your kind attention Yours
Sincerely FN
DI. 1 #12481
Angelino Vanniel
26600 146ct 33032
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Gino Macchiavello
1936 SW 10 ST
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
Establish Special
Roseanne Berger
Pembroke Pines
Revenue Project -
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
PZ. 21 #12227 Land
20300 W Country Club
Erick Magyar
Dr PH-16, Aventura, FL
Use - 3851
Rickenbacker
33180
Causeway
1710 bay dr miami
DI. 1 #12481
Damian Martinez
Discussion - Virginia
beach fla
Key Outdoor Center
7170 SW 55th Ter W
DI. 1 #12481
Laura Meyers
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FI 33155
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Clara Gramazio
1629 SW 19 Terrace
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Mariel Townsend
1330 west ave apt 812
Discussion - Virginia
Miami Beach fl 33139
Key Outdoor Center
11471 Lakeside Drive
DI. 1 #12481
Nicholas Bacigalupi
Apt 5303 Doral, FL
Discussion - Virginia
33178
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Damaris Ramos
1097 sw 97 ave
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Annaliese Dorante
3200 Mary St.
DI. DI -DISCUSSION
ITEM
BC. 24 #8943
Maria Alvarez
177 Ocean Lane Dr.
Virginia Key Beach
Key Biscayne
Park Trust
DI. 1 #12481
TERESA RODRIGUEZ
1820 SW 17 ST.
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
Please save the
Virginia key beach
center. Leave them as
is and protect the park
DI. 1 #12481
Alexandra Vazquez
to be preservation
Discussion - Virginia
area to protect
Key Outdoor Center
wildlife that grows
and all miami dade
residents to enjoy.
3162 oak ave. Miami.
DI. 1 #12481
Liz Butler
Discussion - Virginia
33133.
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Elliot Barnett
10220 SW143 st
Discussion - Virginia
Miami ,Florida 33176
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Bennett
6151 SW 64 Ave,
Susan
Discussion - Virginia
Manns
South Miami, 33143
Key Outdoor Center
201 Alhambra Cir
DI. 1 #12481
Marian Ancheta
Suite 201 Coral
Discussion - Virginia
Gables, FL 33134
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Claribeth Valencia
1901 BRICKELL
Discussion - Virginia
AVENUE, UNIT B805
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Mayte Pazos
1284 W 77 ST
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Camila Salazar
4131 Hardie Ave
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Michael Hovsepian
915 NW 1st Ave
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33136
Key Outdoor Center
950 Sw 57th Ave Apt
DI. 1 #12481
Rafael Vera
Discussion - Virginia
512 Miami FI 33144
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
7775 SW 66 St Miami,
Walter Greenleaf
Discussion - Virginia
FI 33143
Key Outdoor Center
PR -
6180 SW 16th St
PRESENTATIONS
Guillermo Rodriguez
Miami, FI 33155
AND
PROCLAMATIONS
DI. 1 #12481
Carlo Cappellini
11011 SW 104 ST21
Discussion - Virginia
Edgewater DR
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Jacqueline Sara
9001 Collins Avenue
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
1234 Cortez St Coral
DI. 1 #12481
Linda Crouch
Discussion - Virginia
Gables, FL 33134
Key Outdoor Center
11451 NW 49th Drive,
DI. 1 #12481
David S Chen
Coral Springs, FL
Discussion - Virginia
33076
Key Outdoor Center
212 Phoenetia
DI. 1 #12481
Erica Gonzalez
Avenue, #9, Coral
Discussion - Virginia
Gables, FL 33134
Key Outdoor Center
Dean DiAlberto
1951 NW SOUTH
FR. 4 #12497
RIVER DRIVE #1810
Amend Code -
Miami, FI 33125
Chapter 38 -
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
1111 heron rd. Key
DI. 1 #12481
Diane SANDELIN
Discussion - Virginia
Largo FI. 33037
Key Outdoor Center
2100 SW 8th St
DI. 1 #12481
Olivia Joyce
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL, 33135
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Claudia De la Vega
300 sunrise drive
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Michelle Carter
10370 SW 152 Terrace
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33157
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
3265 bird ave apt 201
Chapter 38 -
Luis Padrino
miami fl 33133
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
PZ. 4 #6117 Special
430 NE 52nd Street
Area Plan - 5175 NE
Susan Ireland
Miami 33137
2 Av, 5035 NE 2 Av
and 5125NE2Ct
6580 Indian Creek Dr
DI. 1 #12481
Gualtiero Jaeger
Discussion - Virginia
Miami 33141
Key Outdoor Center
1581 Brickell Ave apt
DI. 1 #12481
Nicolas Madero
Discussion - Virginia
602 Miami FL
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Michelle Pruss
521 Madeira Avenue
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
9817 west
Amend Code -
Okeechobee rd
Chapter 38 -
Dayra Pichardo
Hialeah gardens FI
Virginia Beach Park
33016
Trust -
Appointments
10730 NW 14th st, Apt
DI. 1 #12481
Anna Colosimo
179, plantation, FL
Discussion - Virginia
33322
Key Outdoor Center
1392 NW 29th
DI. 1 #12481
Anneliese Morales
Discussion - Virginia
Terrace, 33142
Key Outdoor Center
7101 sw 77 pl, miami,
DI. 1 #12481
Lourdes Rodriguez
Discussion - Virginia
FI
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Jacalyn
Barnett
10220 s.w.143 st
Discussion - Virginia
Miami,Florida 33176
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Rose
Temple
520 Brickell Key Dr
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 6 #12338
Manuel
Duarte
6037 sw 28 Street
Accept - FDEP
Resilient Grant
Funds
CA. 12 #12487
2455 Overbrook
Establish Special
Victoria
Paray
Street, Miami, FL
Revenue Project -
33133
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
9 Island Avenue Miami
DI. 1 #12481
Isabela
Villanueva
Discussion - Virginia
Beach, FL 33139
Key Outdoor Center
2100 sw 8th st, Miami
DI. 1 #12481
Olivia
Joyce
Discussion - Virginia
fl, 33135
Key Outdoor Center
The Owls Lodge,
DI. 1 #12481
Gordon
Elliott
Carmel, Carmel
Discussion - Virginia
Carmarthenshire UK
Key Outdoor Center
14133 SW 154th PL
DI. 1 #12481
Johanna
Diaz
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33196
Key Outdoor Center
BC. 23 #9549
Eduardo
Paiz
8333 nw 144 terr
Virginia Key
Miami lakes
Advisory Board
1 Grove Isle Drive
DI. 1 #12481
Elisa
Gonzalez
Discussion - Virginia
apt.208
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
David
Schmidt
1288 SW 18th Street
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
155 Ocean Lane Drive
David
Knorr
Discussion - Virginia
#914
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
1135 sw 6th street
Chapter 38 -
Alexis
Velez
Miami FI. 33130
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
21 NW 101 St Miami
Chapter 38 -
Nery
Henry
Shores, FI 33150
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
7330 ocean terrace, DI. 1 #12481
Lisa
Fulleda
803 Miami Beach, FI
Discussion - Virginia
33141
Key Outdoor Center
4871 SW 6th street,
DI. 1 #12481
Mitchel
Ramos
Coral Gables, FL,
Discussion - Virginia
33134
Key Outdoor Center
2475 Brickell Avenue
DI. 1 #12481
Nestor
Guillen
Discussion - Virginia
Miami
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
2925 Virginia st Miami
Karen
Ryan Young
Discussion - Virginia
33133
Key Outdoor Center
FR. 4 #12497
Amend Code -
Chapter 38 -
Mary
Faraldo
7120 SW 80th Court
Virginia Beach Park
Trust -
Appointments
1 Grove Isle Drive
DI. 1 #12481
Elisa
Gonzalez
Discussion - Virginia
apt208
Key Outdoor Center
CA. 12 #12487
Establish Special
13305 SW 110 Terr
Lisa
Leon
Revenue Project -
Miami,Fl 33186
Miami Homeless
Assistance Program
DI. 1 #12481
Maurits
De Blank
7451 SW 68 Street
Discussion - Virginia
Miami,Fl 33143
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Andres
Perez
8877 collins avenue
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
Reinel
Morales
611 nw 82 ave
Discussion - Virginia
Key Outdoor Center
5501 Rattlesnake
DI. 1 #12481
Jill
Roy
Hmck Rd Naples, FL
Discussion - Virginia
34113
Key Outdoor Center
6801 SW 147th ave
DI. 1 #12481
Daniel
Montalvo
Apt 2H Miami FI
Discussion - Virginia
33193
Key Outdoor Center
DI. 1 #12481
1657 N Miami Ave
Alex
Beach
Discussion - Virginia
Miami, FL 33136
Key Outdoor Center