Virginia Key

Powerboat Racing Will Return To Miami Marine Stadium

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Powerboat racing will make its return to the long shuddered Miami Marine Stadium April 21/22 and for the first time since 1992.

The Virginia Key Advisory Board voted in favor of the Miami P1 Grand Prix of the Sea that will take place in the basin in front of the Stadium.

Public Parking will be available in the lot West of the Stadium while spectator and vendor tents will be located on the East of the Stadium.

The Miami Marine Stadium has been abandoned since 1992 since Hurricane Andrew when the City of Miami deemed it unsafe. A construction report has started last year by R.J. Heisenbottle Architects with a probable construction cost of $40,323,361 to restore the stadium.

The basin and land outside the stadium have been used in recents years for triathlon events and the Miami International Boat Show.

Phase 1 Of Miami Marine Stadium Report Completed

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Miami Marine Stadium

Miami Marine Stadium

Phase 1 of a 4 part report of the Miami Marine Stadium conducted by R.J. Heisenbottle Architects stated that the stadium is intact and can be restored to its former glory. 

The abandoned stadium, which has been closed since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 could be used for over 50 events including power boat races, sailing regattas, hydroplane races, art festivals, concerts, TV shows, and aquatic shows choreographed with music and lights.

The probable cost of construction is $40,323,361, which is within the $45 million special obligation bonds.

Miami To Get 125 Acre Park On Virginia Key

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Aerial of Virginia Key with Downtown Miami in Distance

What was once an old landfill, Miami is planning on turning 125 acres on Virginia Key into a park, according to The Miami Herald. 

Originally used as a landfill in 1961 and then closed in 1977 it was covered in soil, but contaminents still caused leaking into the water. The cost to cap and seal the landfill will be $45 million at the cost of Miami-Dade taxpayers. 

The park is located near the old Jimbo's beer and fish bar that closed in 2012 after 50 years.

Bidding is expected to take a year and site work about 18 months, with the park expected to open in 2020.

Miami International Boat Show Prepping For Event At Miami Marine Stadium

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Miami International Boat Show with the Miami Skyline in the Distance

Miami International Boat Show with the Miami Skyline in the Distance

The Miami International Boat Show is prepping for its event at the Miami Marine Stadium for February 16-20. The tents are completely set up and the docks for the yachts in the basin are nearly done. Once again, no events will be held inside the actual abandoned Miami Marine Stadium.

After getting approval to have the Boat Show at the Marine Stadium in 2015 for 2016 and 2017, this may be the last year at this location as $45 million in special obligation bonds were approved by Miami City Commissioners to restore the stadium. Preservation architect Richard Heisenbottle was chosen to design the renovation of the Stadium.

Photos from the set up in 2016 can be viewed here.

Miami Marine Stadium Gets $45M For Renovation

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Miami Marine Stadium

On Thursday, November 17th, Miami City Commissioners voted to borrow $45 million to restore the Miami Marine Stadium using special obligation bonds, according to The Miami Herald. The $45 million will include restoration of the Stadium, plus building a 35,000 square foot maritime center.

City officials are still negotiating a contract with architect Richard Heisenbottle to design the renovation of the stadium. 

The Miami Marine Stadium has been abandoned since 1992 after Hurricane Andrew when the City of Miami deemed the stadium to be unsafe. The stadium was used for boat races and for concerts on a floating barge. Since that time, the Miami Marine Stadium has sat empty for over 20 years and has been a haven for graffiti artists. 

The International Miami Boat Show used the Stadium grounds and basin this year and will set up again soon for the 2017 show.

Virginia Key Marina Expansion Goes Back For Re-Bid

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Virginia Key Marina

After three bids were submitted for a Virginia Key Marina expansion in February, the bidding process will now start over, according to The Miami Herald. 

City Commissioners voted to reject the bids and write new guidelines for the project that do not exceed the original 2010 master plan.