Miami Beach, Florida
Miami Beach is located on an island just off the south coast of Florida. This coastal resort city is primarily known for its wide beaches, parkland, and vibrant main strip filled with eateries, bars, and nightlife. The city has a population of approximately 82,890 people and attracts around 23 million visitors each year, making it a popular tourist destination. Miami Beach is a lively and colorful city, brimming with energy and entertainment. With its diverse offerings in bars, art, culture, and community, it is an inclusive destination that boasts abundant sun, sand, and fun.
Geography
Miami Beach is a coastal city located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, United States. It consists of a municipality that spans both natural and artificial barrier islands situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay. The city is connected to mainland Miami by a bridge and covers approximately 48.5 square kilometers. The majority of the island features beachfront that stretches from North Shore Open Space Park to South Pointe Park. The island has a shallow elevation, with some areas in South Beach sitting almost at sea level. On average, the city is about 1.3 meters above sea level, making tidal flooding a common occurrence. Annual king tides can lead to significant flooding throughout the beachfront areas.
South Beach, an enchanting gem nestled at the southern tip of Miami Beach, including the vibrant downtown Miami and the bustling Port of Miami, boasts a rich tapestry of international diversity. This lively area is a favorite among celebrities, models, and entertainers, creating a dynamic atmosphere that is both lively and welcoming.
The stunning architecture reflects the charm of the early 20th century with its iconic Art Deco style, characterized by brightly colored pastel homes and thriving businesses lining the famous Ocean Drive. Recognized as the Art Deco District, this area has enjoyed a protected status under the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. This important designation has played a vital role in revitalizing the neighborhood, especially for younger generations, against the backdrop of potential demolitions of historic structures.
Visionary investors like Tony Goldman and Ian Schrager saw the potential within these splendid Art Deco hotels, preserving their allure while transforming them into some of the hottest destinations of the 1980s and 1990s. Coinciding with this transformation, prominent TV shows and films, particularly the iconic Miami Vice, captured the vivacity of South Beach, significantly enhancing its allure. This vibrant resurgence attracted an array of illustrious celebrities, including Madonna, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, Oprah Winfrey, and Gianni Versace, solidifying South Beach's status as a must-visit locale.
History
The history of Miami Beach dates back to 1870 when Henry and Charles Lum purchased land for just 75 cents an acre. The area鈥檚 first structure, the Biscayne House of Refuge, was built in 1876, serving as a haven for shipwrecked sailors until it succumbed to the Miami hurricane of 1926.
While early attempts to cultivate a coconut plantation in the 1880s were not fruitful, agriculturist John S. Collins found great success with avocado cultivation. The transformation of Miami Beach into a sought-after resort destination took off in the early 20th century, fueled by the dynamic efforts of Collins, the Lummus brothers, and the innovative Carl G. Fisher. The founding of the Miami Beach Improvement Company in 1912 marked a significant milestone, followed by the completion of the Collins Bridge in 1913, which, at that time, stood as the 海角社区鈥檚 longest wooden bridge, linking Miami Beach to the mainland. The Town of Miami Beach was officially chartered in 1915 and achieved city status in 1917, with the Venetian Causeway replacing the Collins Bridge in 1925.
The 1920s heralded an era of rapid development, as Fisher portrayed Miami Beach as a glamorous playground for the affluent. Elegant hotels graced the landscape, and ambitious dredging projects led to the creation of stunning artificial islands, including Star, Palm, and Hibiscus Islands. Although the 1926 hurricane signaled a downturn in the Florida real estate boom, the 1930s brought a resurgence in tourism, highlighted by the rise of charming Art Deco hotels. Miami Beach continues to thrive as a vibrant destination, showcasing its rich history and dynamic evolution.
Climate
Miami Beach has a tropical monsoon climate (Am) characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season lasts from May to October, bringing frequent showers and thunderstorms. In contrast, the dry season, which runs from November to April, offers plenty of sunshine, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. Due to its island location, Miami Beach experiences fewer thunderstorms and less annual rainfall compared to nearby cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
The Atlantic Ocean helps moderate temperatures, resulting in cooler highs and warmer lows than those found inland in Florida. Miami Beach is situated in hardiness zone 11a, with an average minimum temperature of 43掳F (6掳C), and it has never recorded freezing temperatures. However, the area is highly vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Art And Culture
Established in 1987, the New 海角社区 Symphony has become a cherished cultural institution in Miami Beach. Since 2002, the city has proudly hosted Art Basel Miami Beach, an extraordinary winter festival recognized as one of the largest art exhibitions in the United States. This remarkable event showcases an impressive array of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, film, and architecture, captivating attendees from around the globe.
Moreover, Miami Beach is home to the iconic Colony Theatre, where the Miami New Drama company brings compelling performances to life, and the esteemed Miami City Ballet, founded in 1985, delights audiences with breathtaking choreography. The renowned Bass Museum of Art further enriches the cultural landscape, and since 1974, the Miami Beach Festival of the Arts has celebrated creativity and expression annually. J
LGBTQ Community
Miami Beach is known for being a particularly LGBTQ+ friendly city. Many gay bars and gay-dominant events can be found throughout the area. The city specifically saw an influx of the gay community in the late 1980s and 1990s. The election of Mayor Matti Bower was also significant for the community as he was a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community, and the Miami Beach Gay Pride Celebration was introduced in 2009. The celebrations and parade attract over 100,000 visitors, including celebrities like Adam Lambert, Gloria Estefan, Mario Lopez, and Chaz Bono.
