Miami Beach committee backs exploring aeroponic gardens at Convention Center

City of Miami Beach officials on March 18 agreed to advance an exploration of installing small aeroponic gardens on the Miami Beach Convention Center campus.

The idea, presented by Heather Shaw, assistant director for economic development, and supported by Robin Jacobs, chair of the Convention Center Advisory Board, calls for compact indoor or campus gardens that would grow herbs, lettuces and other produce for on‑site use in the center’s culinary operations and the Rum Room. Jacobs said the advisory board unanimously recommended the city “support the funding procurement and implementation of small aeroponic gardens” after a January 14 meeting and described a site visit to the Orange County Convention Center’s large program as the inspiration.

Proponents said the garden would be a sustainability showcase, an educational attraction for local students and a potential marketing differentiator for event clients seeking greener venues. Shaw acknowledged the gardens would not produce enough food to feed all center events but said they could supply the Rum Room and select catering and would have modest costs relative to the reputational benefits.

Commission discussion was brief and favorable. A motion was made to refer the item to the full commission and to the finance committee for budgeting and next steps; the motion passed by acclamation.

Next steps recorded during the meeting included preparation of budget estimates and a staff‑led exploration with Sodexo Live (the presentation noted Sodexo as the operator partner) to refine costs, locations on the convention campus and a project schedule.

The committee did not adopt a specific budget or schedule; it directed staff to return the proposal to the full commission for further consideration and formal authorization.