A 6 month “hold” doesn’t seem to be a positive thing. Here’s the latest news…

VKOC Closure

As you may have noticed, the Virginia Key Outdoor Center has been VERY vocal against the City of Miami's proposed homeless encampment on Virginia Key. On Friday (8/13), seven City of Miami Police Officers arrived at the Virginia Key Outdoor while parents were picking up their kids from summer camp, citing several code violations and closed the Virginia Key Outdoor Center. 

The City of Miami terminated the Virginia Key Outdoor Center's lease at 10:30 am on Sunday morning. Esther, the owner of the Virginia Key Outdoor Center has promised to pay her staff for 2 weeks as they begin to clean up.

A GoFundMe has been made to help support the VKOC Staff, as over 12 of them have been left without jobs. To donate, please visit https://gofund.me/bd8b72fd

The city is strictly enforcing park hours

As of Tuesday, August 16th, city officials have enforced strict hours for public access. Virginia Key North Point Park will be closing at 6:30PM. Expect to be turned away. 

If you’re not happy with how the City of Miami is handling this issue, please contact your representatives and let them know your thoughts. Representatives need to hear from their constituents on how their livelihoods will be affected. Contact your representatives and protect Virginia Key North Point Park for generations to come! (scroll down for their contact info).

Virginia Key in the Media:

1. Miami Lit Podcast #56 - Homeless camp and the Virginia Key Outdoor Center Discussion Panel

2. Local 10 News: Virginia Key business owner thinks City of Miami is targeting her for speaking out against homeless camp proposal

3. Channel 7 News Miami: Police shut down Virginia Key Outdoor Center involved in Miami homeless debate

Contact your Representatives

Please write & urge Mayor Francis Suarez to veto this item.  Contact City of Miami Commissioners and tell them why you oppose this.

Mayor Francis Suarez

Instagram:  (@francissuarez)

fsuarez@miamigov.com

305-250-5300

District #1 Alex Diaz de la Portilla

Instagram: (@alexdlpmia)  
adiazdelaportilla@miamigov.com
  
305-250-5430

District #2 Ken Russell 
  
Instagram: (@kenrussellmiami).
krussell@miamigov.com

305-250-5333

District #3 Joe Carollo

Instagram: (@joecarollonow)

jcarollo@miamigov.com

305-960-4650

District #4 Manolo Reyes  

Instagram: (@manolo4miami)  
mreyes@miamigov.com  

305-250-5420

District #5 Christine King

Instagram: (@iamchristineking)

district5@miamigov.com

305-250-5390

City Manager Arthur Noriega.

anoriega@miamigov.com

305-250-5400