Commission approves subsidy for Little Haiti FC after heated debate over youth‑sports funding

The North Miami Beach City Commission approved a facility‑use agreement and a one‑time subsidy of $52,240 to support Little Haiti FC's free youth soccer program after nearly two hours of public comment and commissioner debate. The measure passed after amendments that require the program to prioritize North Miami Beach residents and return to the commission before a multi‑year renewal.

Pat Santangelo, who described himself as co‑founder of Little Haiti FC, told the commission the program is “the only free youth soccer program in the state of Florida” and highlighted education and wraparound services the group provides. Coach Joas “JP” Castro explained the team’s model and said the club charges families about $100 per month for two weekly sessions when it operates as a paid program, but Little Haiti FC’s proposal for North Miami Beach would provide free access to registered city youth.

Commissioners and residents raised practical questions about field availability and fairness. Parks Director Andrew Plinkin said Allen Park is the program’s preferred site but that scheduling is “tight” and some existing renters — such as the city’s organized football and little‑league baseball groups — may need adjusted time slots if new, regular programming is added. Plinkin said the city would try to accommodate organizations but could not guarantee exclusive, full‑time access to Allen Park amid existing demand.

Several local coaches and parents urged the commission to spread available funds so more programs could receive support. Commissioner Sue moved to reduce the requested subsidy from $52,240; that motion failed in a roll‑call vote. Commissioners later added an amendment requiring the program to prioritize city residents and directed that subsequent multi‑year renewals come back to the commission for approval.

Commissioner Jean, who sponsored the item, said the funding would be drawn from a community benefit youth sports account and stressed the program’s outreach, education and college‑readiness claims. “If the kids are in the soccer program…they’re getting tutoring, wraparound services and structure,” she said in explaining why the city should invest in a free program rather than only subsidize existing pay‑to‑play leagues.

The final approved language: a facility‑use agreement authorizing city manager execution, funding not to exceed $52,240 for the first year, a residency‑priority requirement for North Miami Beach youth and a requirement that future renewals be brought back to the commission for discretionary approval. The manager’s office will determine payment logistics and how the subsidy is administered (for example, direct payment to vendor or reimbursement vouchers) and report back to the commission.

The vote followed extended public comment in which supporters described the program’s impacts on graduation and access while some local providers urged the commission to “share the wealth” and spread limited funds across multiple youth programs. The parks department said it would work with organizers to minimize disruption to existing leagues while trying to preserve the city’s longstanding commitments to youth recreation.

Next steps: the manager’s office will finalize administrative details for implementation, document how resident prioritization will be verified, and report back to the commission on scheduling and any further budgetary impacts.