Steve’s Priorities

Law and Order: Prosecuting Crime

In 2021, only 8% of arrests by our Miami Beach Police for municipal misdemeanor crimes were successfully prosecuted. To ensure law and order is enforced, I proposed over a dozen legislative initiatives passed by our Commission that has transformed and expanded the way Miami Beach prosecutes crime. Since May 2022, Miami Beach has successfully prosecuted nearly 90% of municipal misdemeanor arrests. (Read More). I also regularly communicate and advocate with our State Attorney's Office who handles all felony prosecutions. Holding criminal violators accountable, especially repeat offenders, reduces crime.

Below are some highlights of my prosecutorial legislative initiatives already implemented:

Added additional misdemeanor crimes to our municipal prosecution coverage to ensure accountability Read More
Requiring the prosecution of crimes committed by repeat offenders Read More
Opposed and helped defeat proposal to eliminate bail for misdemeanor crimes Read More
Added probation and stay away orders as criminal sentencing options Read More
Requiring appeals of unwarranted judicial dismissal to a higher court R ead More
Hired two (2) new prosecutors to our Municipal Prosecution Team Read More
Creation of a pre-trial diversion (rehabilitation) program for those arrested in need, at no cost to Miami Beach Read More
Ensuring Police are alerted to the issuance of bench warrants for criminal defendants failing to appear in court Read More
Created the Civilian Volunteer Patrol (CVP) program Read More

Police Presence and Enforcement

The work to maintain law and order and reduce crime if far from over. A visible engaged police presence is a major deterrent to crime and provides a sense of safety. Legislative initiatives I am currently working on include:

Creation of a Miami Beach crime laboratory to test substances seized during drug dealing arrests Read More
Proactively enforce and prosecute street-level drug dealing Read More
Implement secured perimeters by Ocean Drive during next year's Spring Break to ensure weapons and drugs are excluded Read More
Enhanced high visibility police presence and foot patrols Read More
Add additional misdemeanor crimes to our municipal prosecution coverage such as assault and petit theft Read More
Vigorous enforcement against criminal conduct of dangerous biker and bicyclist groups

Traffic Mitigation

Traffic in many parts of our City has become a nightmare, causing delays and requiring residents to alter their schedules to avoid the gridlock. Pursuant to my proposal, we will be scheduling a special Commission meeting to find solutions to mitigate traffic. Here are some highlights of measures I am working on:

Implement a traffic management software system Read More
Legal options to prevent and penalize contractors from obstructing traffic lanes Read More
Free ferry service to and from Miami with North/South routes within Miami Beach utilizing federal, state and county grant funding Read More
Deployment of specialized traffic control officers on major corridors throughout our City Read More
Coordination with FDOT and the County to assist with traffic solutions Read More
Modifications to the 63rd Street bridge schedule to ease traffic Read More

Counter Overdevelopment

Overdevelopment strains our aging infrastructure and leads to more traffic congestion. In contrast, sensible development helps cities upgrade aging buildings. I am observing firsthand and listening to our residents who are telling me - as evidenced by recent voter referendum results - that we must limit building height and density increases.

Since 1997, the Miami Beach City Charter has required a 5/7 Commission vote plus voter approval for any increase in a property's zoned floor area ratio (FAR). FAR is the method the City uses to regulate the size of a building. From 1997-2015, the City Commission did not propose any FAR increases (meaning an increase in building size). However, from 2015-2022, the City Commission approved 12(!) proposed FAR increases for voter referendum.

Making matters worse, the Florida legislature has proposed a bill preempting voter referendum approval. Our Commission will be able to approve FAR increases (and potentially significant height and density increases) through a 5/7 Commission vote without voter approval. To keep development in check I proposed the following:

Legislation that would require 6/7 Commission approval for building size increases instead of the current 5/7. This is to counter the recent Florida bill that would restrict residents' right to vote on FAR increases. Read More

Another overdevelopment issue that concerns me relates to the Baylink Metromover proposal and the Miami-Dade County law on Rapid Transit Zones (RTZ). A real potential exists for County zoning laws to preempt Miami Beach zoning and allow for higher intensity development near proposed mass transit corridors. To counter this risk, I introduced a resolution, passed by our Commission, seeking an exemption to the County's preemption of municipal zoning laws. Read More

Let's ensure responsible development!

We Must Proactively Address & Improve the Homeless Situation

Our City provides a number of outreach services and shelter to our homeless population. Most homeless repeatedly reject our offers. We also need to increase proactive police enforcement to prevent homeless encampments, illegal loitering, and enforce against criminal activity. I have proposed the following legislative initiatives, some of which have already been implemented:

Provide employment opportunities to the homeless Read More
Provide pre-trial diversion programs (rehabilitation) to the homeless Read More
Ensure that individuals with mental health issues who pose a harm to themselves and others are not immediately released back on our streets and neighborhoods Read More
Transfer Marchman and Baker acted individuals to Jackson Memorial Hospital Read More
Coordinate with Mount Sinai Medical Center for advanced notification of released homeless individuals Read More
Press the Florida legislature for new laws requiring a more comprehensive evaluation for individuals who repeatedly meet the criteria under Florida's Baker Act laws Read More

Protecting Biscayne Bay & Sewer Upgrades

Our resident-friendly resiliency measures must keep our streets and homes dry, protect Biscayne Bay and prioritize upgrading our aging water and sewer infrastructure. Here are a few of my resiliency priorities and initiatives:

Prioritize installation of new water and sewer piping and related infrastructure throughout Miami Beach. This is a must to prevent sewer main breaks and protect and preserve Biscayne Bay Read More
Coordinate and align the City's sewer replacement projects with the recommendations of the County's Biscayne Bay Task Force Read More
Address flooding in low-lying areas Read More
3D printing of “living” seawalls Read More

Quality of Life Improvements

My focus has been and will always be on the basics of what our residents expect from municipal government: to improve our quality of life with safe neighborhoods, clean streets, and quiet residential neighborhoods. Below are some of my many accomplishments and upcoming priorities:

Tree lighting enhancements throughout Miami Beach Read More
Passed legislation requiring removal of graffiti within 48 hours instead of ten days Read More
Co-sponsoring permitting process improvements Read More
Sponsored and passed legislation to prohibit and restrict short term rentals where allowed by law and increase enforcement efforts Read More
41st Street Business Improvement District to improve the retail business district Read More
Protecting palm trees from unnecessary removal and phase-out Read More
Initiatives to improve school safety, including structural integrity and mold issues at North Beach Elementary School Read More, active shooter training Read More, fill crossing guard staffing shortages Read More and address concerns near South Pointe Elementary School Read More
Dial-in option for residents similar to 3-1-1 for non-emergency and code compliance issues Read More
Implemented noise meter and camera technology (the first in Florida) to enforce excessive vehicle noise and modified mufflers Read More
Restricted charter activity past 9pm at the Marina South of Fifth to shut down the unruly party Read More
Activate Pride Park for the benefit of residents, not commercial interests Read More
Identify neighborhoods eligible for undergrounding of power lines at no cost to residents through FPL's Storm Secure Underground program Read More
Enhanced Beachwalk safety through visible police presence and separating pedestrian and bicyclists by using the hardpack sand east of the dunes Read More
Requiring body-worn cameras for tow truck operators Read More
Implementing non-motorized boat zone surrounding Monument Island Read More
Finalize implementation of the real-time crime center, deployment of security cameras and utilizing rapid DNA testing and drone technology Read More
Arranged for a bi-monthly Mobile DMV at Miami Beach City Hall Read More
Voted every time to support a 2am alcohol cutoff, especially in residential neighborhoods
Proposed and passed six (6) legislative items to prohibit and/or strictly regulate delivery warehouses on Miami Beach Read More

Transparent and Open Government - We Must Earn the Public's Trust

Many people view government with a skeptical eye, often with good reason. I continue to press for more transparency and flow of information into the hands of our residents. Informed residents can better communicate their vision and priorities for Miami Beach which in turn leads to better decisions by our Commission.

I have brought a number of good governance legislative initiatives and have consistently pushed for a more equal playing field, including:

I voted against the no-bid for Nikki Beach and then voted no again to the shortened timeline seeking competitive bidding Read More
I have consistently voted against awarding or extending contracts that lack a competitive bidding process. Everyone should have a fair chance and competition is fiscally prudent.
Initiatives requiring the public availability of all City contracts, audits, Conditional Use Permits and an interactive map of all planned commercial development Read More
I took a firm stand voting in favor of an election to fill Commissioner Samuelian's vacancy while voicing strong opposition to a direct Commission appointment View