Every politician talks about preserving Miami’s history. Every candidate says we need to protect what makes our city unique. Well, on August 18, City of Miami voters have the chance to do exactly that by voting YES on Referendum #172. This isn’t about politics. It isn’t about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about finally bringing one of Miami’s greatest landmarks back to life after more than three decades of sitting empty while politicians talked, committees met, consultants got paid, and absolutely nothing happened.
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Anyone who grew up in South Florida remembers the Miami Marine Stadium. It wasn’t just another building. It was a place where families gathered, where championship boat races thrilled thousands, where concerts echoed across Biscayne Bay, where graduations celebrated young people beginning the next chapter of their lives, and where Miami showed the world there was no place quite like our community. There is still nothing like it anywhere in America. The setting is spectacular. The history is unmatched. Yet for over 30 years it has remained closed, not because Miami stopped loving it, but because government could never seem to get out of its own way.
Meanwhile, Miami kept moving forward. We built new sports facilities. We welcomed millions of tourists. We hosted international events. We became one of the most recognized cities in the world. Yet every time people drove across the Rickenbacker Causeway, they looked over and saw one of our greatest treasures slowly falling apart. That’s not progress. That’s a reminder of what happens when government allows bureaucracy to replace leadership.
I have always believed that government should protect taxpayers while also protecting the things that make our community special. Those two goals can exist together. Every agreement involving public property deserves scrutiny. Every dollar deserves accountability. The City has an obligation to make sure taxpayers are protected, the historic stadium is preserved, and future generations can enjoy this incredible venue. But after more than 30 years, continuing to let the stadium sit empty is no longer protecting anything. It is simply accepting failure.
Think about what a restored Miami Marine Stadium can mean for our community. Imagine concerts on the water with the downtown skyline in the background. Imagine international boat races returning to their historic home. Imagine festivals, cultural celebrations, charity events, graduations, corporate gatherings, and community events bringing families together once again. Imagine another world-class attraction that creates jobs, supports local businesses, attracts visitors, and reminds everyone why Miami is one of the most exciting cities anywhere in the world. That vision is worth fighting for.
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For years, we’ve heard the same promises: “We’re working on it.” “A deal is close.” “Another study is needed.” Sound familiar? Miami residents have heard those words for decades while the stadium continued to deteriorate. At some point, leadership means making a decision. At some point, preserving history requires action instead of speeches.
This referendum gives voters that opportunity. We can choose another decade of delay, more excuses, and another generation growing up never experiencing one of Miami’s most iconic landmarks. Or we can finally say enough is enough and move forward.
As someone who has spent more than four decades writing about Miami, celebrating its successes, and criticizing its failures, I believe this is one of those moments where the right decision is clear. We owe it to those who enjoyed the Marine Stadium in its glory days, and we owe it even more to the next generation that deserves the chance to create memories of their own.
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On August 18, vote YES on Referendum #172.
Let’s stop talking about bringing back the Miami Marine Stadium.
Let’s finally do it.