Miami voters reject Virginia Key marina lease in preliminary count
Unofficial results show 65.22% opposed the proposed lease and redevelopment of two existing marinas.
Key Takeaways
- •The preliminary count shows 64,034 votes against the proposal and 34,146 in favor.
- •The ballot described a 45-year initial lease covering approximately 27.62 acres on Virginia Key.
- •The result remains unofficial until Miami-Dade County certifies the election.
Miami voters rejected a proposed lease and redevelopment of the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas on Virginia Key, according to preliminary, unofficial Miami-Dade County election results.
The latest posted count showed 64,034 votes against the proposal, or 65.22%, and 34,146 in favor, or 34.78%. All 139 participating City of Miami precincts had reported in the snapshot updated at 1:15 p.m. Nov. 4.
The county says results remain unofficial until provisional ballots and cure affidavits are reviewed and the canvassing board certifies the election. The posted totals can change before certification.
The ballot asked whether Miami should lease approximately 27.62 acres on Virginia Key to Virginia Key, LLC for an initial 45 years, with two 15-year renewal options. The question concerned redevelopment of the existing Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas.
The proposed terms included minimum guaranteed annual rent of $2.2 million, with increases, plus 6% of gross revenue. The ballot estimated approximately $203.98 million in minimum rent over the initial term, reflecting the specified escalations.
It also described approximately $80 million in privately funded investment in the existing marinas. The proposed redevelopment included boat storage, restaurants, retail and public parking, according to the ballot.
The preliminary no vote rejects that specific proposal as presented to voters. The result does not by itself establish a future use for the property or a closure of either marina.
