Miami Beach pushes county permit for Ocean Drive redesign as debate continues over full pedestrianization

Miami Beach commissioners on May 21 directed staff to continue pursuing a county permit for the current Ocean Drive configuration — a single southbound travel lane from 14th Place to Fifth Street with a two‑way protected bike lane — while consultant traffic findings and longer‑term options are finalized.

Why it matters: Ocean Drive is the city’s most visible oceanfront corridor and a frequent focus of traffic, safety and economic development debates. Commissioners and city staff said the current configuration has improved pedestrian and bicycle safety but agreed the question of a permanent, fully pedestrian Ocean Drive remains a policy call that requires county coordination, traffic studies and community input.

City transportation director Jose Gonzales told the commission the city began the county’s lane‑repurposing process in March, triggering a 180‑day review window and a mailing to roughly 5,000 affected property owners. “The county is reviewing both our traffic study and the design drawings associated with the…