The above photograph reflects what one imagines Miami Beach is. Clean sand, a lovely sea to delight the senses and the body and peace and tranquillity. But you will not find that in Miami Beach, at least not in the area between the 50’s (Streets) to South Beach. In place of serenity and everything else one imagines should be a trip to the beach, you will find this:
Corporate greed has expanded to the nth degree in Miami Beach. Hotels line the coastline and the city has given them everything. And everything means giving them the precious sand space for them to fill it up with chairs and umbrellas, exercise areas and snack bars. But the city says that they have to make these amenities available to all. And they do, for a steep price for the chairs and the umbrellas and if you want to buy a small bottle of water (the cheap one that usually costs 0,50 cents of a USD) you have to pay it with a credit card and at $3,00.
So, where do the people go? I mean the normal, day to day people that live in Miami Beach, or the visitors that are not rich capitalists? Well, I don’t know because Miami Beach’s corporate greed and the expansion of the same has not left much space for the people. And aren’t beaches public? What right does the city have to allow these ultra-capitals to take over? And yes, they leave us something, but very little and hard to find as you can see from these photographs.
I remember when I moved to Miami Beach, back in the 1980’s and things were not like this. In those days you saw nothing but sand. People brought their own chairs and umbrellas and motor vehicles did not transit on the sand like now. Having motor vehicles…including police and Beach Patrol (Ocean Rescue)…on the sand is extremely dangerous. There have been many incidents where these «official» vehicles…who are seemingly above the law as the law prohibits motor vehicles on the sand…have run over bathers, including killing a French tourist. Here is the link to the information on these tragedies.
One more thing. The city of Miami Beach constructed a «Beachwalk» so that people could stroll and enjoy the sun and the natural beauty of the area. However, they have allowed skaters, bicycles and skateboarders to «terrorise» pedestrians as the «beachwalk» (you walk at your own risk) became a shared area. Can you imagine walking with your small children and a careless biker…and they are the most common…just flies by? God help your child if they should think that this is a safe place and they run out, as children usually do. It is one of the most thoughtless things that the city of Miami Beach has ever done. Could they not think of a separate bike lane?
And in closing I just want to remind you that if you do make your way to the Miami Beach…and you better bring a lot of money…and you manage to find a place in the sand, look out for the tractors!
And the Beach Patrol, (Ocean Rescue), supposedly there to «save lives», they have actually run over many beach goers. I mean, do they really need to use these vehicles?
I can only say that if I were looking for a beach vacation and I was not rich, I certainly would not come to Miami Beach. Florida is a beautiful state with coastline, and many beaches on either side, the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, so there are many places to choose from where you will find peace, sunshine and warm waters.
Cheers…
JaZzArt en València 
On Equipsblog’s this morning I wrote “The world is always changing Pat – but that’s not necessarily the same as progressing”. I could write the same on your post Francesc. The world is becoming such a depressing place, and it’s one of the reasons that I try to keep my posts as upbeat as possible without distorting the truth. I share your disappointment about how your one-time lovely beach has changed.
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Yes, you are so right Malc. Upon returning to visit only Miami, I see that it is all geared towards the millionaires…
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Ahh but there is a lot more in Florida than oligarch Miami Beach!! I know
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Absolutely! And I recommend those other places rather than corporate Miami Beach.
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I know I lived in those other places!!
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I’m sorry you had a lousy time in South Beach, sounds like Miami= more $$$, and more attitude.
The Beachwalk certainly doesn’t look or sound like a place where you can go for a walk with small children!
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I am now a tourist…also an observer…here, and thank God I don’t have to fret with all the negativity associated with this city anymore! Yes, the beach area itself is dangerous for children as there are so many motor vehicles everywhere. Thank you Aiva and all the best.
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🥰🥰🥰
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It is sad to think that the once public place to worship the sun together has become the place to worship the almighty dollar. Luckily, there are a lot of other beaches to choose from. Stay safe, my friend!
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Yes Brad, that is true, both things as Florida is full of beautiful beaches that are not polluted with corporate greed, but MB city government is the most corrupt in the state, and that’s well known here. Thank you my friend and all the best!
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Wow! That’s insane. We may pay around $3-$4 for a bottle of water but that’s it. do remember them trying to get the go ahead to privatise and put beach chairs on Bondi beach. The locals kicked up such an uproar it never went ahead. I can see why. So sorry to see your beach turned into this.
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In the years I lived here it wasn’t like that at all. This trend began when City Hall began to steal our beach (sand area) and give it to the hotels so that they could charge «resort fees» and also rent the umbrellas and chairs. Little by little they have taken most of the beach. I returned to my country a few years ago. This is not mine anymore. Good luck to those who stay, because they do not protest, they just take it. Cheers for that insight my friend and all the best to you «Down Under.»
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