Commission Sends Park Concessions Proposal to Full Commission After Debate

A motion to send a plan for food and beverage concessions in three Miami Beach parks to the full commission passed out of committee with no recommendation.

Commissioner Fernandez said she “can’t support” adding anything that “could be perceived as commercial activity” to parks, saying such a change would open the door to more concessions and commercialization. Chief Procurement Officer Christy Balanch told commissioners procurement can work with Parks and Recreation and “put something out with the assistance of parks” if the city issues a solicitation.

The proposal under discussion would divide the work into three parts and target Flamingo Park, Normandy Pool and North Beach Oceanside Park. Resident Larry Shaffer urged a pilot approach for the North Beach area, suggesting a food truck or installations on the West Lots across from Oceanside Park to avoid placing concessions inside park greenspace. Shaffer said the neighborhood lacks corner stores or cafes and that a pilot could provide morning coffee and small retail services.

Commissioner Fernandez and others raised operational concerns, including sanitation and past rodent issues at Flamingo Park. Fernandez also said the presence of permanent food offerings could attract loitering and heightened social-service demands. Procurement staff clarified that any concessions would go through the regular solicitation process and would not be handled through a bid waiver.

The committee moved the item to the full commission for discussion; the motion was made and seconded in committee and will be considered at the full commission meeting. Commissioner Fernandez told the record she will not support the proposal when it reaches the full commission.