In an unusually strong-worded editorial, the Miami Herald criticized city administrators for "skirting their own rules and regulations to clear the way for festival organizers to get what they want" and for "betraying Miami residents."

The editorial points out that the proposed Ultra contract violates a 2018 ordinance that requires Bayfront Park to be open for free public use 85% of the time, and breaks a number of rules that apply to events at Bayfront Park. 

Finally, the Editorial board states that "the day before commissioners first considered the new Ultra deal, the festival’s parent company cut a $10,000 check to an elections communications committee chaired by Commissioner Keon Hardemon’s aunt, Barbara Hardemon." The Ultra resolution is sponsored by Commissioner Hardemon.

Please read the Editorial in the attached link, and attend the City Commission meeting, which is open for public comments:

Thursday, July 25 at 9:00am
City Hall - 3500 Pan American Drive

If you're unable to attend, please write to our city officials:
Mayor Suarez: fsuarez@miamigov.com
Commissioner Gort: wgort@miamigov.com
Commissioner Russell: krussell@miamigov.com
Commissioner Carollo: JCarollo@miamigov.com
Commissioner Reyes: MReyes@miamigov.com
Commissioner Hardemon: KHardemon@miamigov.com
City Manager Gonzalez: ETGonzalez@miamigov.com
Deputy City Manager Napoli: JNapoli@miamigov.com
City Attorney Mendez: VMendez@miamigov.com