Miami International Boat Show moving to Marine Stadium in 2016, Updates

[Serious News]

Miami International Boat Show wins critical permit Two-year special events permit allows 830 boat slips, floating docks and exhibition stages
December 16, 2015
By Francisco Alvarado

The Miami International Boat Show continues to move full steam ahead despite efforts to stop it from mooring in Virginia Key by Key Biscayne officials and environmental groups.

Late Tuesday, Miami-Dade County commissioners voted 8-1 to approve a two-year special events permit that allows the boat show operator, National Marine Manufacturers Association or NMMA, to build up to 830 boat slips, floating docks and exhibition stages at Virginia Key’s Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin. The county commission also approved the NMMA’s request to operate seven water taxis that will transport attendees to and from the event via Biscayne Bay.

The county commission’s decision comes a week after the Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued its permit to the NMMA, which still needs approval from the Army Corps. Of Engineers for the boat show to take place at Virginia Key from Feb. 11-15. In a prepared statement after the vote, NMMA President Thom Dammrich hailed the county and state permit approvals as proof the boat show organizers have well-developed plan to protect the ecosystem in the Marine Stadium basin.

“Approval of these two permits not only reinforces our long-standing commitment to working closely with all environmental agencies to ensure we meet requirements and continue respecting the environment, but it also allows us to preserve thousands of Miami-Dade jobs and millions of dollars in economic activity for the State of Florida,” Dammrich said. “We are proud to continue our promise to be good neighbors at our new home at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin for what will be a celebration of the Miami boating lifestyle.”

However, Key Biscayne’s pending lawsuits against the city of Miami to stop the boat show from taking place on Virginia Key could still derail the event’s relocation from its longtime home at the Miami Beach Convention Center, which is closing as renovations begin on the storied venue. Key Biscayne leaders, as well as environmentalists and preservationists, have maintained that Miami officials want to commercialize public waterfront land, bring unwanted traffic congestion to the Rickenbacker Causeway, and seriously harm sea life in the basin.

Originally, the NMMA sought approval for a 10-year permit, but county staff recommended only three. To obtain the county permit, the NMMA presented a plan that the organization claims ensures a minimum three-foot buffer between the sea bottom and the boats and docks; ensures Miami Marine Patrol will be heavily enforcing no wake zones and speed zones; and constructing environmentally friendly floating docks that will be removed at the conclusion of the boat show.

Key Biscayne Mayor Myra Pena Lindsay said in a statement that the commission’s vote was not a clear victory for the NMMA. “By rejecting the Boat Show’s request for a 10-year permit at Virginia Key and imparting strict monitoring protocols on the event, the [county] commission is taking a responsible approach that will allow us to evaluate the event’s impacts on Biscayne Bay and the quality of life of Miami-Dade residents,” Lindsay said. “This vote underscores the short-sightedness of the City of Miami’s decision to build the boat show a taxpayer-funded $20 million commercial showroom venue which may see only two years of use.”

- See more at: http://therealdeal.com/miami/blog/20....bmVN1Eb2.dpuf

[Serious News]

Miami International Boat Show can take place on Virginia Key, Miami-Dade county says

South Florida's boating industry can exhale a little after Miami-Dade commissioners approved a permit Tuesday evening that would allow the Miami International Boat Show to go off as planned on Virginia Key next year.

Despite objections from environmentalists and the Village of Key Biscayne, commissioners voted 8-1 in favor of a two-year permit needed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association in order to build up to 830 boat slips, and floating docks and exhibition stages in the Marine Stadium Basin. Contractors are already erecting some 800,000 square feet of tents on the upland around the historic Marine Stadium, where some 1,500 vessels are slated to be exhibited on land and in water for five days over President's Day Weekend.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/mi...216-story.html

[Serious News]

Miami tourism bureau backs new boat-show site

Another Miami installation added its name to the growing list of those supporting the Miami International Boat Show’s move to the Miami Marine Stadium and surrounding area.

On Friday, the executive committee of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau said in a letter to boat show director Cathy Rick-Joule that it unanimously consented to approve the show’s efforts to relocate to the Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key in February.

Yachts Miami Beach, a separately run show formerly known as the Yacht & Brokerage Show in Miami Beach, will remain at its location along Collins Avenue. (See Thursday’s story in Trade Only Today.)

The group’s support comes just before a Miami-Dade County Commission meeting on Tuesday that will determine the fate of the in-water portion of the show. The National Marine Manufacturers Association, the nonprofit group that runs the show, asked for exhibitors to weigh in and show support for the show’s move prior to the Tuesday meeting.

In November, the county commissioners voted to delay a decision on whether to issue a permit for the Miami International Boat Show that is necessary for its in-water portion to move forward, punting the decision to Tuesday.

An extended back and forth between show supporters and Key Biscayne leaders occurred at the November meeting, attendees said. Key Biscayne leaders have long opposed the show’s move to neighboring Virginia Key, citing traffic and environmental concerns.

“Key Biscayne’s leaders are fighting the show and its three-quarter-century legacy in our community because of the possibility of being inconvenienced by traffic for a few days in February,” Rick-Joule wrote in a Miami Herald op-ed that ran Sunday.

While making “misleading claims about the show’s potential environmental impact … Key Biscayne leaders have approved the expenditure of more than a half-million dollars of taxpayer money on lawsuits and negative PR to kill the boat show’s move,” Rick-Joule said.

She cited a scientific study of the submerged basin floor, conducted by Coastal Systems International, that found “the majority of the project site was silty sand.”

Last week, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida released poll results showing that Greater Miami residents — even those occupying the Key Biscayne and Virginia Key district — supported the show’s move.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2015/1...oat-show-site/

[TubeCarz]

I knew better than to open this thread ...

It should never have even been an issue ...

I just couldn't help but make my point of view on the facebook / Hearld link ...

Now I need to go take an extra dose of my blood pressure medication ... my head is ...


Charlie Cullotto · South Dade High School
Look at those fools holding signs. I take it they werent around when Virginia Key was a sewer plant on one side and a nude beach on the other... ?
It's really too bad there isn't one of the Matheson family members around that's youing enough and with enough fire in their belly to tell Miami / Miami Dade that they haven't kept up their end of the bargin and take back their property from Crandon Park to the mainland .
Then Miami should tell you libtard tree huggers as well as the idiots in Tallahassee that this property was designated as a watersports event arena long before any of them came along with their better idea's .
It's a respect thing , too bad most of you didnt learn to respect your elder's . if you had , you would surely understant what the term "Grandfathered In" means .
Native Son

[Ratickle]

Nice post......

[TubeCarz]

I know it's hard to tell , but I get carried away when it come's to things I'm passionate about ....

I really like the sign the couple is holding . The "Master Plan" Pffffttttttt .. I doubt they know what what that really is , since it was put into effect way before they were born ...

What happened to Miami ... great question . Probably has to do with the taxpayers being at work , to tired to be at all the town hall meetings , county commission meetings , getting petitions signed , etc.
You would think that the people of Dade and Broward county , would want a place for their children to go , get involved in boating event's instead of joining a gang , being shot or put in prision . It's a shame that our lawmakers care more about being politically correct , the sea grass , a sacred cow ... than they do about pushing thru for places like Marine Stadium , a motocross track or a drag strip , maybe have a RC hobby park etc. for young and old alike to enjoy . Growing up there , we had all those things and more at our disposal . I guess they just think it's better for the kids to lock themselves in their room and play games like Grand Theft Auto or World of Warcraft ...

[Serious News]

Virginia Key guardians face city vote

Five years after it was first recommended, the City of Miami is one vote away from creating an advisory group to help steer the future of Virginia Key.

The fate of the barrier island has been a hot topic of late, as the city sinks millions into improvements for a flex park surrounding the long-idled Miami Marine Stadium. The park is part of the outcome of a deal the city commission made to bring the Miami International Boat Show to Virginia Key, beginning with the February 2016 event.

The Village of Key Biscayne continues to fight to keep the boat show away, both in court and on the street. Village officials and residents aren’t too happy with the flex park either, fearing it sets the stage for over-use of the island, which links Key Biscayne to the mainland via the Rickenbacker Causeway.

Opponents of the boat show and those who fear over development on Virginia Key are worried traffic congestion could reach a critical stage.

City leaders said it was the boat show proposal that led to the resurrection of the Virginia Key 2010 Master Plan.

At its December meeting, the city commission unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to create the Virginia Key Advisory Board.

The sponsor of the legislation, Commissioner Francis Suarez, said creation of an advisory body seeks to finish a process started a long time ago.

It helps fulfill the goals in the 2010 master plan, said Mr. Suarez.

The advisory board will “have a voice” in the future of “our jewel – which is Virginia Key,” he said.

Mr. Suarez said marine stadium and the property that surrounds it are regional assets, and the proposed advisory board will have a place for neighboring Key Biscayne.

Creation of the advisory board took a backseat earlier this year when the boat show deal led to litigation and hours of unsuccessful settlement negotiations.

The advisory board proposal is “sort of an olive branch to Key Biscayne,” said Mr. Suarez.

He stressed that the ordinance creating the new board is “a work in progress,” with some modifications coming in even before the first vote. The original draft called it the Virginia Key Steering Committee, for example.

Also, instead of one-year terms the board members would serve two-year terms, Mr. Suarez said.

The board would also be required to report on its activities to the public and the city commission yearly.

Gregory W. Bush, University of Miami associate professor of history and vice president of the Urban Environment League, extended a robust thank you to commissioners for moving ahead with an advisory board for Virginia Key.

“This has been a long time coming,” he said, “and is a good step for the city and for Key Biscayne.

Mr. Bush reminded city leaders that the Urban Environment League fought against too much commercial development of the key as far back as 1999, and “we pushed for a master plan.”

Community activist and recent unsuccessful commission candidate Grace Solares thanked Mr. Suarez for the legislation creating the new board, and she offered suggested changes to the wording.

Ms. Solares said the city charter allows only the city commission to make appointments to city advisory bodies, so the ordinance should be changed to say the Village of Key Biscayne and other non-city entities may “designate” or “assign” members to the advisory board.

Mr. Suarez acknowledged her suggested tweaks and said all modifications would be made prior to the final vote.

As initially written, the board would consist of 11 unpaid voting members.

The commissioner of District 2 would appoint one person, as the island is in District 2.

The ordinance calls for individual appointments by the mayor; director of the Department of Real Estate and Asset Management; Key Biscayne Village Council; Miami-Dade County commissioner for District 7; Dade Heritage Trust; National Trust for Historic Preservation; Friends of Marine Stadium; Urban Environment League of Greater Miami; and the Historic Virginia Key Beach Park Trust.

The city commission would appoint a member of a county-based, non-profit environmental preservation group, the first draft said.

The commission could remove any member by majority vote.

Peter Ehrlich of the group Scenic Miami also spoke in favor of the board, but suggested instead of an appointee representing the Friends of Marine Stadium group that the commission appoint the city’s director of parks and recreation.

Mr. Ehrlich also asked that city officials “show respect for nature” and not allow billboards or LED signs on Virginia Key.

“I agree… no commercial signage. I would hope that’s a no brainer,” responded Mr. Suarez.

Commission Chair Wifredo “Willy” Gort said the Friends organization is made up of “very good people” who have worked hard toward restoration of Marine Stadium, abandoned since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

“They should be a part of it,” Mr. Gort said.

Friends co-founder Don Worth said he was pleased to support the advisory board, and said it is an excellent plan that will focus on the sustainability of the stadium.

“I happen to favor the boat show” coming to the island, Mr. Worth said, but said he understands the fear of some that it will become a year-around event space.

“Pay attention to the master plan,” Mr. Worth told commissioners.

Elvis Cruz, another community advocate, suggested expanding membership on the advisory board to include people representing motorboat users.

Mr. Cruz said the basin at the foot of the stadium was created for hydroplane races. Later the basin attracted water skiers, “but they’re now chased away,” he said.

The site also had a public boat ramp, he said, and he’s hopeful another boat ramp is opened to the public.

Mr. Gort emphasized that it is a major goal of the administration to see that Marine Stadium is restored and reopened.

“Never get away from that,” he said.

“I feel we are closer than ever before to taking the next step and getting the stadium restored,” said Mr. Suarez.

The city is spending more than $20 million to improve the area around the stadium into a flex park for multiple uses after the boat show. This money doesn’t include work on the stadium itself.

Newly-elected District 2 Commissioner Ken Russell praised the proposed advisory board and said it should have been created long ago.

“I love Virginia Key,” he said. “I’m onboard.”

City Manager Daniel Alfonso said, “We are interested in bringing the stadium back.” He said they will seek additional funds for design work to restore the stadium.

Mr. Alfonso said the advisory board can play a key role in how to shape a request for proposals to run a reopened stadium and “how we fund it,” suggesting it could be a public-private partnership.

The proposed advisory board would “advise and make recommendations to the city commission regarding the mission, vision, business plan, governance, and operation of Virginia Key, its abutting property and basin, and implementation of the Virginia Key 2010 Master Plan,” according to the legislation.

The city seeks a unified planning mechanism for the entire island of Virginia Key implementing the many elements of the 2010 Master Plan, it says.

The ordinance states that Marine Stadium is of great architectural merit, has received international recognition for its design and is designated as a historic resource.

“The city and others are interested in developing a long range plan for the restoration, reopening, and promotion of Miami Marine Stadium and Virginia Key,” the legislation says.

The new board would be asked to:

•Seek the best mode of governance for Virginia Key.

•Consider the short- and long-term vision for Marine Stadium restoration, development and use.

•Oversee and guide all island-wide land following the 2010 Master Plan.

•Consider the best business model for the Marine Stadium to operate sustainably so that it would function like an enterprise fund without city subsidy.

•Consider the challenges for Virginia Key open spaces, events, shows, features, goals, objectives and promotions.

•Hold hearings and meetings.

•Issue written reports making recommendations to the city commission.

•Advise the city commission and recommend any changes and help the city better promote the Marine Stadium and Virginia Key.

All board meetings would be public, and the public would be encouraged to submit oral and written comments.

The final vote on the advisory board is expected soon after the first of the year

http://www.miamitodaynews.com/2015/1...ce-ballot-box/

[Serious News]

Rendering of what the Miami International Boat Show in Virginia Key

[Bobcat]

http://hsrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AnqDrUZxd...BfuBXZf3Auumg-



BY DAVID SMILEY
dsmiley@miamiherald.com
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South Florida's boating industry can exhale a little after Miami-Dade commissioners approved a permit Tuesday evening that would allow the Miami International Boat Show to go off as planned on Virginia Key next year.

Despite objections from environmentalists and the Village of Key Biscayne, commissioners voted 8-1 in favor of a two-year permit needed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association in order to build up to 830 boat slips, and floating docks and exhibition stages in the Marine Stadium Basin. Contractors are already erecting some 800,000 square feet of tents on the upland around the historic Marine Stadium, where some 1,500 vessels are slated to be exhibited on land and in water for five days over President's Day Weekend.

“We're thrilled with the decision,” NMMA president Thom Dammrich said after the hearing. “Certainly we would have rather had a three-year permit, but a two-year permit gives us what we need to move forward. We're going to be extremely responsible.”

Dammrich’s association initially applied for a 10-year permit, and regulators recommended three years. But with the county’s permission, however brief, Dammrich said the show will be able to display about 500 vessels in the water. They will also run seven water taxis to and from the event, including one with a manatee spotter out of the FEC slip next to AmericanAirlines Arena.

The county's approval of the permit comes more than a year after Dammrich announced the Boat Show's move to Virginia Key, forced by renovations to the event's longtime home at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The announcement was initially celebrated, but quickly became embroiled in controversy as Key Biscayne officials sued to stop the event and environmental groups warned of damage to a nearby environmental preserve.

The county vote follows the Friday issuance of a permit by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. A third permit being reviewed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is pending. But Lee Hefty, the director of the county’s Division of Environmental Resources Management, said “we believe they're prepared to issue a permit as well.”

For boating enthusiasts, hoteliers, and manufacturers, that’s good news. The trade show is among the largest in the world, and fills Miami-Dade hotel rooms like a Super Bowl. Executives from well-known manufacturers like Contender, Boston Whaler and Cigarette Racing attended Tuesday's hearing to tout the event as a significant portion of their business.

But warnings from environmental organizations like the Sierra Club have put the show's future in doubt. Initially, concerns about the event were focused on traffic on the Rickenbacker Causeway, but objections blossomed into fears that the scale of the boat show will harm marine life in the basin, endanger manatees and threaten a protected wildlife conservation nearby on Virginia Key.

Critics of the show say they don’t want the boat show’s demise, but rather a scaled-down, more responsible event. Some argued that, if the commissioners granted the permit, they should reduce it from the proposed three years to one, and increase demands for monitoring.

“Tickets have been sold and your approval or denial here is not going to stop the boat show,” said Laura Reynolds, head of the Tropical Audubon Society. “But what you can do is actually make the environmental impacts smaller.”

On Monday, in response to assertions from boat show executives that the majority of the project site was mostly “silty sand,” marine biologist Colin Foord released video he says he shot over a matter of hours showing bottlenose dolphin, spotted eagle ray, queen conch and other marine life that call the basin home.


But county regulators assured commissioners that the dockage system being permitted was constructed over areas of “sparse” sea grass coverage, and downplayed warnings about the boat show endangering manatees and other marine life. Boat show representatives and contractors assured commissioners that they’re considerate of the environment.

Key Biscayne officials are still fighting efforts to bring the boat show to Virginia Key, having quickly appealed the state’s permit. But Dammrich said the NMMA will be sure to prove doubters wrong.

“We’re going to be extremely responsible,” he said.

....




Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/loca...#storylink=cpy


Attachment 80799

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[Ratickle]

There are no hotels within walking distance. That's the biggest issue I see right now. Buses and water taxis could be a real pain....

[Serious News]

South Florida trade group plans updates on Miami shows
Posted on January 4th, 2016

The Marine Industries Association of South Florida is hosting a Jan. 14 luncheon for members to provide updates on Yachts Miami Beach and the Progressive Miami International Boat Show — two separately owned and operated events.

NMMA president Thom Dammrich will provide the latest news on the 2016 Miami International Boat Show, which will take place Feb. 11-15 at its new home at the Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin.

Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, president and CEO of Show Management, will provide an update on Yachts Miami Beach, which takes place on the same dates.

Show Management and Soundings Trade Only are part of Active Interest Media.

“The MIASF has been tremendously supportive of our efforts to produce a successful Miami International Boat Show, and I am honored to be able to speak to their members and provide them with all the exciting updates on the show,” said Dammrich.

The luncheon will be held at the Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne at 11:30 a.m. The cost to attend is $20.

Members are encouraged to register by Friday because space is limited.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2016/0...n-miami-shows/

[Serious News]

Vendors support changes in Miami boat shows

Yacht crew in Miami during boat show week will notice several changes this year. Of the two annual shows that will take place Feb. 11-15, one has been renamed and the other is preparing a new location.

The show on Collins Avenue, formerly known as the Yacht & Brokerage Show, is being rebranded as Yachts Miami Beach in an effort to highlight its location, but also to separate it from the Miami International Boat Show.

Yachts Miami Beach is an in-water show now in its 28th year and held along more than a mile of the Indian Creek Waterway in Miami Beach. Produced by Show Management and co-owned with the Florida Yacht Brokers Association, the show was originally created to showcase brokerage and previously owned boats, said Efrem “Skip” Zimbalist III, CEO of Show Management.

Yachts Miami Beach is expanding to include boats on newly completed docks at Island Gardens on Watson Island. Last year, three yachts showed at the property. Although a visit to the Show Management website pictures a facility complete with high-rise hotels, retail shops, a promenade and a marina full of megayachts, in reality just the docks and a lounge are ready for the show. The marina, named Island Gardens Deep Harbour, can hold about 50 Med-moored yachts up to 550 feet in length. The upland development is scheduled to be complete by 2018.

The other show, the Miami International Boat Show (MIBS), is owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). Because of a $515 million renovation and expansion of the Miami Beach Convention Center, the 75-year-old show was required to move and is expected to be based at the newly created Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin on Virginia Key in temporary structures and on temporary docks. MIBS also includes the Strictly Sail show at Miamarina at Bayside in downtown Miami.

Decades of consistency has some MIBS visitors and vendors concerned about the changes including off-site parking, travel to the show, ongoing lawsuits and issues with temporary dock permits. For yacht crew at Yachts Miami Beach, a trip to MIBS used to be a couple of miles by road on a shuttle bus. This year the trip will be about 10 miles by land or a shorter trip to a water taxi stop for a boat ride to Virginia Key.

Dane Graziano, senior vice president and COO of Show Management, expects to have a bus available for crew to travel to Miami Beach Marina where they can catch a water taxi to MIBS.

“We support the Miami International Boat Show, plus we don’t have room for accessories at Yachts Miami Beach,” said Graziano, noting that some companies display at both shows. “Some vendors are trying us. The trend is a crossover, if they can do that.”

Nautical Ventures has displayed at both shows for about five years, CEO Roger Moore said. He expects increased emphasis and marketing for the Yachts Miami Beach show this year where his company will have in-water and dock displays of yacht tenders and watersports equipment.

“They really got behind the Miami Beach show this year because of changes at the Miami show,” Moore said of the show organizers. Nautical Ventures also has its booth booked at MIBS, and Moore hopes for good crowds at the show’s new location.

“I didn’t take it too seriously at first, so it’s my fault that we don’t have booth we want,” Moore said. “We were nervous to put up all that money and not be sure. They [NMMA] have been consistently positive. The main thing everyone needs help on is to feel comfortable about transportation to the show.”

SeaRay will also be at both shows, said Paul Cherney, president of Mer International, which manages the company’s strategic planning for the shows.

“We’re inside the tent at Miami International Boat Show; we don’t have wet slips,” he said. “And yes, we’re in water at Yachts Miami Beach. We’ve been pretty active. These shows are a pretty big deal.”

But Cherney admitted he has heard concerns from colleagues and attendees.

“There are schools of thought all over the place, but we anticipate a smooth transition into the show, within and during, and out of the show,” he said. “We’re hopeful.”

Sea Vee Boats are built in Miami and have also exhibited at MIBS for years, said John Caballero, marketing director.

“Our entire display is on water, so for us [the move to Virginia Key] is outstanding,” Caballero said. “This is something we have never done before. We can entertain, display and give rides.

“The scary part is the whole new dynamic,” he said. “New, new, new. Everything is new. This comes with a little bit of stress.”

Marine Solutions in Ft. Lauderdale typically gets a booth at the convention center for MIBS but is considering Yachts Miami Beach instead, said Michelle Hoekstra, controller and office manager.

“We have been debating whether to do the Show Management side; we’re up in the air,” Hoekstra said. “The fact that Miami hasn’t solidified, if they can’t get permitting, the traffic … . We’ve almost decided to pull back until next year. These shows are hundreds of dollars, plus labor, setup, breakdown, parking. And every show is a bigger show.”

AERE Docking Solutions will be at MIBS. COO Vicki Abernathy said the company displays were originally in the convention center and, last year, in the accessory tent. As to the new MIBS location?

“It is a little bit of a journey,” she said. “We’re cautiously optimistic. We did have the discussion on whether to go or not. But between the fact that we want to support the show and the NMMA, we will continue to do Ft. Lauderdale, Palm Beach and Miami.”

Sea Tow has exhibited at MIBS for more than 20 years, said Cindy McCaffery, vice president of program development. Sea Tow doesn’t display at the broker show, she said, because their boats are on-call nearby in the water.

“We’re signed up and excited,” McCaffery said, and she thinks attendees are, too. “The space is new, and the visitors will explore the nooks and crannies.”

For more information on Yacht Miami Beach, visit www.showmanagement.com.
For details about the Miami International Boat Show, visit www.miamiboatshow.com.

http://www.the-triton.com/2016/01/ve...mi-boat-shows/

[Serious News]

Boat show gets green light from Army Corps of Engineers, Conditions include having designated workers act as lookout for sea cows during construction

January 06, 2016 01:30PM
By Francisco Alvarado

The Miami International Boat Show has cleared its final permitting hurdle, after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week gave the event’s organizers the green light to build temporary docks and boat slips at Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin.

The boat show, scheduled for Feb. 11-15, is relocating from its longtime home at the Miami Beach Convention Center to Virginia Key this year.

Installation of hundreds of floating docks and more than 1,000 pilings in the basin had already begun, officials for boat show operator National Marine Manufacturers Association, or NMMA, told The Real Deal.

“We look forward to welcoming boating enthusiasts from across the globe to Miami in February,” said Cathy Rick-Joule, the boat show’s director, in a statement. “As we have for decades, we will operate the show with respect for the environment and in compliance with all local, state and federal requirements.”

On Dec. 28, the corps issued a five-year permit to NMMA allowing construction of the dock system and other temporary structures in the water. Construction contractors have 38 days to erect them. The association had also secured environmental permits from Miami-Dade County and the state in early December.

The permits include conditions requiring NMMA to enact measures that protect manatees, sea grasses, sea turtles and coral in the basin, including having designated workers act as a lookout for sea cows when in-water construction work is being performed, and conducting surveys of the seagrass before and after the boat show.

The NMMSA obtained the permits despite vociferous opposition from environmentalists and Key Biscayne village officials, who over the past year have waged a campaign to stop the boat show’s relocation to Miami Marine Stadium. Key Biscayne still has pending lawsuits against the city of Miami, which entered into an agreement with the NMMA to host the boat show, aimed at driving the event out of Virginia Key.

Key Biscayne Mayor Mayra Peña Lindsay said county, state and federal officials still have concerns about the boat show’s impact because they did not grant NMMA long-term permits.

“The Miami-Dade County Commission rejected the NMMA’s request for a 10-year permit and put in place over 60 conditions and restrictions that will keep the boat show on a very short leash, which is validation that this unnecessary and risky commercial venture requires intense scrutiny,” Lindsay said in a statement. “The Army Corps of Engineers has now issued similar onerous restrictions of their own and the Village of Key Biscayne will remain vigilant as the region’s environmental watchdog, even as our legal challenges remain in play.”

- See more at: http://therealdeal.com/miami/blog/20....CS4DL4Hl.dpuf

[fund razor]

That Key Biscayne Mayor Pena Lindsay was elected because nobody filed to run against her by the deadline.
She has a law degree but she is not a lawyer.
She was born in Cuba and ended up here between the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966.

And she thinks the boat show requires intense scrutiny.

[Ratickle]

She's still trying to shut it down.

[Bobcat]

Are there going to be shuttles from South Beach?

[Serious News]

Are there going to be shuttles from South Beach?

Yes

[Serious News]

The 2016 Progressive® Insurance Miami International Boat Show® is moving from the Miami Beach Convention Center to Miami Marine Stadium Park & Basin!

WHEN: President’s Day Weekend, February 11–15, 2016
Premier Day: Thursday, February 11, 10 am– 6 pm
Show Days: Friday, February 12—Sunday, February 14, 10 am–8 pm ; Monday, February 15, 10 am–6 pm

WHERE: 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149. Located on Virginia Key minutes from downtown Miami

ADMISSION:

Premier Day $35
Adult (age 16+) $20
Two-day pass (Friday–Monday, Februray 12–15) $35
Five-day pass $85
15 & younger FREE

[jdoss]

Saber's move in day is monday at 2 (holy early)
some are a week before show

[Ratickle]

Damn, that's early....