The Issue
On April 21 and 22, 2018 - a powerboat and personal water craft competition "prepares to enter history becoming the first jet ski competition to take place since the re-opening of the Miami Marine Stadium," as quoted from the promoter's website. Power boat races have not been held in the Miami Marine Stadium Basin since 1989.
WHY THE VIRGINIA KEY ALLIANCE OPPOSES THESE RACES
The Virginia Key Alliance attended the races on Saturday April 21, 2018. There were only a few hundred in attendance while we were there. We were advised that the race for the big boats in the morning was delayed due to the spotting of a pod of dolphins. Only jet ski races took place during our several hour stay. It was also learned later that no big boat racing occurred on Saturday. Rumor has it that the same occurred on Sunday, but no supporting documentation could be found to verify that.
We have since learned that there are more power boat races planned, possibly with bigger racing boats. However, given the limited success of April's races, it is natural to wonder whether this will happen. We are in the process of finding out more.
2021 UPDATE: We have not heard of any current plans for power boat racing in the basin.
WHY THE VIRGINIA KEY ALLIANCE OPPOSES THESE RACES
- Power boat races disrupt the environment in so many ways:
- In water 10' at the deepest the boats churn up water disturbing, if not significantly hurting, local sealife, both plant and animal.
- Noise pollution is disturbing to all wildlife - and most humans.
- Water pollution from boat fuel.
- The basin is bordered by the Bill Sadowski Wildlife Preserve.
- None of the Virginia Key Master Plans promotes speed boat racing in the basin. It is recognized in one photo in one Master Plan version as an example of a "past event" in the basin.
- The Boat Show (which will not be returning to Virginia Key) has already tested the health of our native environment; it needs time to recover from four months of pilings, docks, cranes and barges.
- According to the Miami Police, Marine Division, jet skis and other disruptive small power boats are currently the cause for most safety hazard complaints from users of the basin. It is feared that a two day Grand Prix event with many spectators and competitors will re-introduce this calm water venue to the wrong kind of user.
- The environment in the basin has grown and flourished in the 30 years since the last power boat race. Power boat races are no longer appropriate.
The Virginia Key Alliance attended the races on Saturday April 21, 2018. There were only a few hundred in attendance while we were there. We were advised that the race for the big boats in the morning was delayed due to the spotting of a pod of dolphins. Only jet ski races took place during our several hour stay. It was also learned later that no big boat racing occurred on Saturday. Rumor has it that the same occurred on Sunday, but no supporting documentation could be found to verify that.
We have since learned that there are more power boat races planned, possibly with bigger racing boats. However, given the limited success of April's races, it is natural to wonder whether this will happen. We are in the process of finding out more.
2021 UPDATE: We have not heard of any current plans for power boat racing in the basin.
Do you want to see this in the Marine Stadium Basin?
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Or this? Dolphins are seen regularly in the basin.
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Get Involved
Attend public meetings of the Miami City Commission and the Virginia Key Advisory Board. You’ll learn how you can work side by side our network of Alliance members and volunteers to protect the environment, ensure clean water and safe, accessible beaches and waterways in Miami.
Make your voice heard
Pick up the phone and call, or email, your local representatives. Let them know that your access to this area, the wellness of the environment, clean water, public health and public safety are important to you. Contact information may be found below:
Elected officials - city of miami
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Appointed Members - Virginia Key Advisory Board (VKAB)
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Esther Alonso-Luft
Board Member (Dist. 2) [email protected] Peter Ehrlich Board Member (Urban Environmental League) [email protected] Guy Forchion Board Member (Virginia Key Beach Park Trust) [email protected] Barbara Hernandez Board Member (Director Parks and Recreation) [email protected] Suzanne Hollander Board Member (Director DREAM) Lynn Lewis Board Member (Nat'l Trust for Historic Pres.) [email protected] |
Steven Leidner
Board Member (Sierra Club) [email protected] Gary Milano Board Member (Tropical Audubon) [email protected] Lamell McMorris Board Member (Mayoral Appointee) Joe Rasco Board Member (MDC Commissioner Dist. 7) [email protected] Vinson Richter Board Member (Dade Heritage Trust) [email protected] Monty Trainer Board Member At Large Robert Vernon Board Member (Village of Key Biscayne) [email protected] |
