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Opa‑locka commission backs resolution supporting Florida Museum of Black History interim home at historic City Hall
Summary
The Opa‑locka City Commission voted 3-0 to support a resolution backing a revision to Section 267.0722, Florida Statutes, and to offer Opa‑locka Historic City Hall as an interim site for the Florida Museum of Black History while feasibility work continues.
The Opa‑locka City Commission voted 3-0 on Feb. 25 to approve a resolution supporting a revision to Section 267.0722, Florida Statutes, that would recognize Opa‑locka as a site for the Florida Museum of Black History and to designate Opa‑locka Historic City Hall as an interim exhibition space.
Commissioner Santiago moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Bass seconded. Commissioners Santiago and Bass and Vice Mayor Kelly voted yes; the motion passed 3-0.
The resolution, presented by the city attorney at the start of the agenda item, expresses the commission’s support for designating Opa‑locka as the museum’s site and for offering historic City Hall for limited, interim exhibitions. The city attorney summarized the document as “providing for a corporation [of] recitals, providing for an effective date” and asked the commission for a motion.
During discussion, Commissioner Santiago asked whether the resolution would make City Hall a permanent home for the museum: “are we gonna keep the, historical City Hall permanent for the museum?” The mayoral staff and city manager clarified the commission’s intent: the resolution offers the building “for a limited time” and sets a maximum interim period of four years; it does not transfer permanent ownership or convert City Hall into a permanent museum.
A representative of 10 North Group, Nikky Bowling, spoke in support and described ongoing outreach and studies aimed at making Opa‑locka a viable museum site. Bowling said the originally proposed St. Johns County site is “nothing but swampland. It is not a viable site,” and that the project team had commissioned a feasibility study and was presenting maps and analysis to state legislators in Tallahassee to advance Opa‑locka’s candidacy.
The city attorney also noted that documents forwarded by a Mr. Logan included a reference to Senate Bill 466 naming St. Johns County as a site; the attorney asked whether the commission intended to seek language replacing St. Johns County with Miami‑Dade County in the bill. A commissioner confirmed that the commission’s intent was to support changing the referenced county language so Opa‑locka/Miami‑Dade could be considered.
The vote followed no additional public comment. After the roll call confirmed a 3-0 vote in favor, the commission adjourned the special meeting.
