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File ID: #18440
Ordinance
Sponsored by: Ralph Rosado, Commissioner
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 14382 FOR THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE BAYFRONT PARK
MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST"), ADOPTED ON JULY 10, 2025, TO
EXTEND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SUCH ORDINANCE TO FEBRUARY 1,
2026; FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE IV, OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "ADMINISTRATION /
DEPARTMENTS," BY ADDING A NEW DIVISION 18 TO ESTABLISH THE
"DEPARTMENT OF DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT PARKS AND OPEN SPACES"
("DEPARTMENT"); FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE II, OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "PARKS
AND RECREATION / USE REGULATIONS," TO UPDATE APPLICABLE USE
REGULATIONS; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE, ALLOCATION
AND APPROPRIATION OF ALL FUNDS OF THE TRUST UPON THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE NO. 14382, TO BE PLACED IN A NEW
SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT TITLED "DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT PARKS
AND OPEN SPACES" TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE CITY MANAGER AND
TO BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR OPERATION, IMPROVEMENTS,
MAINTENANCE, AND ASSOCIATED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF THE
PARKS AND OPEN SPACES OPERATED, MANAGED, MAINTAINED, OR
CONTROLLED BY THE DEPARTMENT; RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND
CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY ACTIONS BY THE CITY MANAGER IN
ORDER TO UPDATE THE OPERATING BUDGET, CAPITAL PLAN, RELEVANT
FINANCIAL CONTROLS, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH, FOR PROJECT CLOSE-OUTS, AND FOR GRANTS AND
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES IN PROGRESS IN CONNECTION HEREWITH;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CREATE AN ENTERPRISE FUND IN A
FUTURE FISCAL YEAR AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
PURPOSES STATED HEREIN, INCLUDING THE ASSUMPTION OF ANY
CONTRACTS RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND
OPERATIONS OF BAYFRONT PARK AND MAURICE A. FERRE PARK, AND
TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ABSORB,
TRANSITION, OR OTHERWISE WIND DOWN OPERATIONS OF THE
BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST, AS MAY BE DEEMED
NECESSARY; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026
City of Miami
Legislation
Ordinance
File Number: 18440
Final Action Date: 5/28/2026
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 14382 FOR THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE BAYFRONT PARK
MANAGEMENT TRUST ("TRUST"), ADOPTED ON JULY 10, 2025, TO
EXTEND THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SUCH ORDINANCE TO FEBRUARY 1,
2026; FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 2/ARTICLE IV, OF THE CODE OF
THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "ADMINISTRATION /
DEPARTMENTS," BY ADDING A NEW DIVISION 18 TO ESTABLISH THE
"DEPARTMENT OF DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT PARKS AND OPEN SPACES"
("DEPARTMENT"); FURTHER AMENDING CHAPTER 38/ARTICLE II, OF THE
CODE OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED, TITLED "PARKS
AND RECREATION / USE REGULATIONS," TO UPDATE APPLICABLE USE
REGULATIONS; FURTHER AUTHORIZING THE ACCEPTANCE, ALLOCATION
AND APPROPRIATION OF ALL FUNDS OF THE TRUST UPON THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE NO. 14382, TO BE PLACED IN A NEW
SPECIAL REVENUE ACCOUNT TITLED "DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT PARKS
AND OPEN SPACES" TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE CITY MANAGER AND
TO BE USED EXCLUSIVELY FOR OPERATION, IMPROVEMENTS,
MAINTENANCE, AND ASSOCIATED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF THE
PARKS AND OPEN SPACES OPERATED, MANAGED, MAINTAINED, OR
CONTROLLED BY THE DEPARTMENT; RATIFYING, APPROVING, AND
CONFIRMING CERTAIN NECESSARY ACTIONS BY THE CITY MANAGER IN
ORDER TO UPDATE THE OPERATING BUDGET, CAPITAL PLAN, RELEVANT
FINANCIAL CONTROLS, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN CONNECTION
THEREWITH, FOR PROJECT CLOSE-OUTS, AND FOR GRANTS AND
OTHER FUNDING SOURCES IN PROGRESS IN CONNECTION HEREWITH;
DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER TO CREATE AN ENTERPRISE FUND IN A
FUTURE FISCAL YEAR AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS,
ALL IN FORMS ACCEPTABLE TO THE CITY ATTORNEY, FOR THE
PURPOSES STATED HEREIN, INCLUDING THE ASSUMPTION OF ANY
CONTRACTS RELATED TO THE MANAGEMENT, MAINTENANCE, AND
OPERATIONS OF BAYFRONT PARK AND MAURICE A. FERRE PARK, AND
TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE ACTIONS TO ABSORB,
TRANSITION, OR OTHERWISE WIND DOWN OPERATIONS OF THE
BAYFRONT PARK MANAGEMENT TRUST, AS MAY BE DEEMED
NECESSARY; CONTAINING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Miami ("City") is the owner of the downtown waterfront parks
known as Bayfront Park and Maurice A. Ferre Park (the "Parks"); and
WHEREAS, the Bayfront Park Management Trust ("Trust") is a limited agency and
instrumentality of the City, established under Section 38-101 of the Code of the City of Miami,
Florida, as amended ("City Code") for the purpose of directing, operating, managing and
maintaining all aspects of the City -owned property known as Bayfront Park, for the purposes of
ensuring maximum community utilization and enjoyment; and
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026
WHEREAS, the City previously adopted Resolution No. 94-204, which provided for the
Trust to assume control and take responsibility for the operation and maintenance of Maurice A.
Ferre Park, formerly known as Bicentennial Park; and
WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation ("FDOT") is constructing the I-
395/SR 836/1-95 Design -Build Project, also known as the "Signature Bridge," which will create a
landmark structure connecting Downtown Miami and Overtown; and
WHEREAS, the City is collaborating with FDOT on the design and development of the
area beneath the Signature Bridge, which will transform the space into an active public realm
providing community amenities, public art, and pedestrian connectivity; and
WHEREAS, through Resolution No. R-25-0125, the City Commission formally proposed
that the area beneath the Signature Bridge be named the Reverend Edward T. Graham
Heritage Trail, in honor of Reverend Graham's legacy and his contributions to the Miami
community; and
WHEREAS, the City and FDOT have entered into Memorandums of Understanding
providing for the City's potential operation and maintenance of one or more portions of the
Reverend Edward T. Graham Heritage Trail, subject to the negotiation and execution of a future
agreement between the parties; and
WHEREAS, on July 10, 2025, the City Commission adopted Ordinance No. 14382,
which provided for the abolishment of the Trust and amended various provisions of the City
Code to reflect such abolishment; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission also determined that the City shall assume any
contracts related to the management, maintenance, and operations of the Parks and shall take
all necessary and appropriate actions to absorb, transition, or otherwise wind down operations
of the Trust, as necessary; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 14382 is currently scheduled to take effect on January 1,
2026; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission now desires to amend Ordinance No. 14382 in order
to extend the effective date of such ordinance to February 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Reverend Edward T. Graham Heritage Trail, together with Maurice A.
Ferre Park and Bayfront Park, collectively form a vital network of public waterfront and
downtown public spaces that serve, or will serve, as key destinations for cultural programming,
community events, recreation, and civic gatherings; and
WHEREAS, the City wishes to create a department to manage, maintain, and operate
the Parks, as well as to manage, operate, and maintain any other parks or open spaces as may
be designated by the City; and
WHEREAS, revenues generated by the City from activities occurring within those parks
and open spaces managed by the Department shall be dedicated exclusively to the operation,
maintenance, enhancement, and activation of these same spaces; and
WHEREAS, dedicating such funds for these purposes ensures the sustainability,
preservation, and continued improvement of these signature public spaces, consistent with the
City's long-term vision for its downtown waterfront; and
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Ordinance are
adopted by reference and incorporated as if fully set forth in this Section.
Section 2. Ordinance No. 14382, adopted on July 10, 2025, is amended to become
effective on February 1, 2026.
Section 3. Chapter 2, Article IV, Division 10 of the Code of the City of Miami, Florida, as
amended, entitled Administration/Departments," is amended in the following particulars: 1
"CHAPTER 2
ADMINISTRATION
ARTICLE IV. DEPARTMENTS
DIVISION 18. - DEPARTMENT OF DOWNTOWN BAYFRONT PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
Sec. 2-601. Created.
There is hereby created a Department to be known as the Department of Downtown
Bayfront Parks and Open Spaces (referenced in this Division as "Department").
Sec. 2-602. - Appointment, duties of Director.
The City Manager is authorized to appoint a director of the Department. The Director shall
administer the affairs of the Department subject to the supervision and control of the City
Manager, or his/her designee, in all matters.
Sec. 2-603. Functions and duties of the Department.
The functions and duties of the Department shall include the following:
Planning, development, maintenance, management, and operations of the Bayfront
Park, Maurice A. Ferre Park, and any other parks or public open spaces designated
by the City to be managed, operated, or maintained by the Department (collectively
referenced in this Division as the "Parks"), including but not limited to the
coordination and management of planning, development, and construction efforts,
and the planning and management of promotions, negotiations, and bookings of
special events as appropriate in the Parks.
2j Operating in a manner which enriches the City and the community in the arts,
recreation, culture, sports and education while operating sustainably and generating
sufficient revenues to meet or exceed expenses.
1 Words and/or figures stricken through shall be deleted. Underscored words and/or figures shall be
added. The remaining provisions are now in effect and remain unchanged. Asterisks indicate omitted and
unchanged material.
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026
Secs. 2-604-2-610. - Reserved.
*„
Section 4. Chapter 38, Article II of the Code of the City of Miami, Florida, as amended,
entitled Parks and Recreation/Use Regulations," is amended in the following particulars: 1
"CHAPTER 38
PARKS AND RECREATION
ARTICLE II. USE REGULATIONS
Sec. 38-69. - Alcoholic beverages; intoxicated persons.
(a) Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages within park limits of any public park is
prohibited except as follows:
(1) Alcoholic beverages may be sold and consumed at Fort Dallas Park, Bicentennial
Maurice A. Ferre Park, the FEC Property, Jose Marti Park, Maximo Gomez "Domino"
Park, Bayfront Park, Allen Morris Brickell Park, and the 32,090 square foot platted
parcel containing restaurant facilities at Peacock Park as follows:
a. On a regular basis within city restaurant facilities by properly licensed operators
therein during hours allowed by this Code and in accordance with all ordinances
and state laws presently applicable and which may be applicable in the future.
b. In connection with special events and programs, by individuals or groups that
have been issued a wine/beer permit in accordance with section 38-70 of this
Code, or by individuals or groups that have been issued a separate permit for full
beverage service by the city manager or designee, upon the recommendation of
director and upon the approval of the city commission. Said permits shall be
issued in accordance with all laws presently applicable and which may be
applicable in the future.
c. Notwithstanding any provision in the city code of the City of Miami, Florida, to the
contrary, alcoholic beverages may be sold, dispensed, possessed or consumed
on a regular basis within Bayfront Park, Maurice A. Ferre Park, or on the FEC
Property, legally described in Exhibit A attached hereto and by this reference
made a part hereof and located in the city clerk's office, Miami, Florida.
(2) No alcoholic beverages may be brought into the aforesaid parks by anyone except
licensed operators of city restaurant facilities therein, or their designated
representatives, or individuals or groups that have been issued authorized permits in
connection with special events and programs.
(b) Intoxicated persons will not be permitted on park property, or if found thereon, shall be
ejected forthwith.
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026
Sec. 38-70. - Sale or dispensing of beer and/or wine for special events or programs in city
parks.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision in the city Code of the City of Miami, Florida, to the
contrary, the city manager or his/her designee, on special occasions and for special
events or programs, may permit by special permit the dispensing of wine or beer in soft
containers in any city park. Such special permit shall establish any special conditions
which shall apply to said dispensing which shall be cumulative and in addition to all other
conditions imposed by state and local laws and regulations.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision in the city Code of the City of Miami, Florida, to the
contrary, the city manager or his/her designee, on special occasions and for special
events or programs, is hereby authorized upon execution of the application/permit form
as attached (note: the form is not set out in this Code), to permit the sale or dispensing
of wine or beer in soft containers in the following city parks:
(1) Bayfront Park.
(2) Bicentennial Maurice A. Ferre Park.
(3) Jose Marti Park.
(4) Peacock/Myers Park.
(5) Watson Island Park.
(6) Virginia Key Park.
(c) Unless approved by the city commission, there shall be no permits issued in connection
with any musical event or program of the type which historically requires extraordinary
security measures, based upon prudent police protection (commonly referred to as "rock
concerts").
(d) The city manager or his/her designee is further authorized to permit the dispensing of
beer and wine in soft containers at no charge during social functions in Wainwright Park.
(e) The city manager or his/her designee is authorized to permit the sale or dispensing of
wine or beer in soft containers in additional city parks, on special occasions and for
special events or programs, upon execution of the application/permit form and upon the
review, recommendation and written approval of the departments of police and parks
and recreation. Unless approved by the commission, not more than three permits will be
issued during the calendar year for any given park, with the exception of those specific
sites listed in subsection (b).
(f)
Such sales or dispensing of beer and wine are subject to compliance with all applicable
state laws and the criteria set forth on the attached form (note: the form is not set out in
this Code).
(g) The city manager shall establish fees for all permits to sell beer and wine in city parks by
January 1, 1997. Thereafter, the city manager shall annually revise and adjust said fees,
if necessary, prior to the first day of September, and such revised fees shall become
effective the first day of October. In reviewing the existing schedule of fees to determine
whether or not to revise and adjust the same, the city manager shall take into
consideration any one, or all of the following criteria: (i) city financial needs; (ii) operating
expenses; (iii) market conditions; (iv) purpose and type of event(s) or program(s)
conducted at the city parks, including benefits to the community; (v) estimated revenues
to be generated; (vi) and/or other factors deemed appropriate by the city manager. At
any time, the city manager shall be authorized to negotiate the fee for all permits to sell
beer and wine in city parks should it be determined that the current schedule of fees
does not properly address a particular type of event. Said fee shall be paid for all permits
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026
obtained from the city commission or the city manager or his/her designee. The existing
fee shall be utilized should a permit be issued before the effective date of this section.
The permit fee shall not apply where beer and/or wine are dispensed at no charge for
social functions in open areas of city parks.
Sec. 38-79. — Use of Downtown Bayfront Parks and Open Spaces.
(1) The Director of the Department of Downtown Bayfront Parks and Open Spaces shall
establish the rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to use of Bayfront Park,
Maurice A. Ferre Park, and any other parks or public open spaces designated by the
City to be managed, operated, or maintained by the Department (collectively referenced
in this Section as the "Parks"), or any portion thereof, including special events in open
areas of the Parks, subject to the review and approval by the City Manager and City
Attorney. The City Manager is authorized to enter into revocable license agreements, in
a form acceptable to the City Attorney, for special events, dockage, concessions, and
other permits for temporary use of the Parks consistent with the provisions set forth in
City Code Section 2-603, unless otherwise directed by the City Commission.
(2) Bayfront Park shall be reserved eighty-five (85) percent of the days of each fiscal year
for free access and use by the general public. This reservation applies to Bayfront Park
but not to any special purpose facility within it such as the amphitheater or docks. This
reservation of use shall not impair previously executed contracts. This reservation of use
may be reduced or waived by the City Commission for temporary events or for specific
events when the City Commission determines such reduction or waiver is in the City's
best interests.
(3) All revenues generated at the Parks, shall be restricted for the payment of costs and
expenses related to the management, supervision, improvement, and operation of the
Parks.
Secs. 38-80-38-100. - Reserved."
Section 5. Authorizing the acceptance, allocation and appropriation of all funds of the
Bayfront Park Management Trust upon the effective date of City Ordinance No. 14382 to be
placed in a new Special Revenue Account titled "Downtown Bayfront Parks and Open Spaces"
to be established by the City Manager and to be used exclusively for operation, improvements,
maintenance, and associated administrative costs of the Parks and open spaces operated,
managed, maintained, or controlled by the Department.
Section 6. Ratifying, approving, and confirming certain necessary actions by the City
Manager in order to update the Operating Budget, Capital Plan, relevant financial controls, and
computer systems in connection therewith, for project close-outs, and for grants and other
funding sources in progress in connection herewith.
Section 7. Directing the City Manager to create an enterprise fund in a future fiscal year
as soon as practicable for the operation, improvements, maintenance, and associated
administrative costs of the Parks and open spaces operated, managed, maintained, or
controlled by the Department.
Section 8. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any and all necessary documents,
all in forms acceptable to the City Attorney, for the purposes stated herein, including the
assumption of any contracts related to the management, maintenance, and operations of
Bayfront Park and Maurice A. Ferre Park, and to take all necessary and appropriate actions to
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026
absorb, transition, or otherwise wind down operations of the Bayfront Park Management Trust,
as may be deemed necessary;
Section 9. If any section, part of a section, paragraph, clause, phrase, or word of this
Ordinance is declared invalid, the remaining provisions of this Ordinance shall not be affected.
Section 10. This Ordinance shall become effective immediately upon final reading and
adoption thereof.2
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:
ge Wyj.ng III, C y ttor -y 11/10/2025
2 This Ordinance shall become effective as specified herein unless vetoed by the Mayor within ten (10)
days from the date it was passed and adopted. If the Mayor vetoes this Ordinance, it shall become
effective immediately upon override of the veto by the City Commission or upon the effective date stated
herein. whichever is later.
City of Miami File ID: 18440 (Revision:) Printed On: 6/1/2026