Booze on the Beach? Miami Beach Weighs Alcohol Pilot Program

Miami Beach is weighing a proposal that could change the city’s relationship with its iconic shoreline—by allowing alcohol sales directly on the sand. The City Commission is considering a one-year pilot program that would permit regulated sales of beer, wine, and cocktails at designated beachfront kiosks. If approved, the program would authorize Boucher Brothers, the city’s longtime beach concessionaire, to serve alcoholic beverages at specific areas between Fifth and 14th Streets, as well as at 21st Street, during set hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The proposal aims to bring a level of control and oversight to a practice that already occurs unofficially. While drinking alcohol on the beach is currently prohibited, enforcement has been inconsistent, and many beachgoers routinely bring their own beverages. City officials hope the pilot program could reduce the prevalence of unregulated alcohol consumption and curb the activities of unauthorized vendors, while also creating a new revenue stream from beachfront concessions.

According to a city memo, the proposed agreement would generate substantial revenue for Miami Beach. The city would receive 18% of alcohol sales revenue up to $5 million and 20% of revenue beyond that, with a minimum guaranteed payment of $250,000 annually. In addition, the proposal includes potential monetary contributions to the Miami Beach Bandshell, helping fund local cultural programming.

Supporters of the initiative argue that it offers a pragmatic solution to a longstanding issue. By permitting sales in a controlled environment with licensed staff and clearly defined hours, the city can manage beach drinking more effectively while offering a premium amenity to tourists. Opponents, however, worry that formalizing alcohol sales could reinforce Miami Beach’s party-town image—something city leaders have worked hard to rebrand in recent years. Critics have also voiced concerns about public safety, noise, and the potential for increased rowdiness in family-friendly areas.

The decision now rests with the City Commission, which is expected to vote on the pilot program soon. If it moves forward, city staff will be required to submit quarterly reports detailing the program’s impact, including safety metrics, business activity, and public sentiment. These evaluations will help determine whether the policy should be expanded, modified, or discontinued after the one-year trial period.

This pilot represents a broader shift in how Miami Beach approaches its evolving identity—balancing the demands of tourism with the quality-of-life concerns of residents. It also highlights the city’s willingness to test creative solutions in pursuit of both economic growth and improved public management. Whether this experiment becomes a permanent fixture remains to be seen, but it signals Miami Beach’s openness to reimagining how its world-famous shoreline can serve both visitors and the local community.

South Miami’s Sunset Place to Be Demolished and Reborn as 7-Tower Urban Village with 1,500+ Residences, Hotel & Theater

The long-time landmark known as Shops at Sunset Place—a sprawling, open-air mall that opened its doors in 1999—has officially entered its final act. After decades of dwindling foot traffic and frequent tenant turnovers, South Miami’s City Commission unanimously approved the mall’s demolition earlier this year. The aim? To clear the way for a sweeping redevelopment set to redefine the area’s urban identity.

From Mall to “Village”: Heatherwick Studio’s Vision

London-based Heatherwick Studio, led by acclaimed designer Thomas Heatherwick, has been tapped to reinvent the site as a vibrant, walkable community. The plan: dismantle the monolithic mall—and all but its parking structure—to make room for a mosaic of low-, mid-, and high-rise buildings artfully arranged around a new pedestrian-friendly street grid.

By reintroducing continuous streets that flow into the site—an urban concept Heatherwick describes as “bringing back streets”—developers hope to activate the core of the development and weave it into the larger South Miami fabric.

Credit: Heatherwick Studio

Credit: Heatherwick Studio

What to Expect: A Mixed‑Use Urban Destination

The approved master plan includes:

Residential units: 1,513 residences will bring a built-in population to enliven the streets

Retail and dining: A pedestrian-friendly “restaurant street” is envisioned, lined with boutique shops, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants—each storefront thoughtfully unique

Central public plaza: A sprawling, open-air plaza (approximately 15,000 square feet) will serve as the social heart of the project, ideal for pop-ups, markets, and nightlife

Hotel, offices, and theater: The redevelopment will include a boutique 287-key hotel, 50,892 square feet of office space, and a theater—possibly relocating the AMC cinema—which will amplify the site’s 18/7 vibrancy

Credit: Heatherwick Studio

Credit: Heatherwick Studio

Towering Heights: Gradual Density Integration

Heatherwick Studio’s design sensibility emerges in the height variations across the site:

This scaling plan delicately transitions the neighborhood from pedestrian-level charm (near Sunset Drive) to skyline-defining towers facing U.S. 1.

Honoring the Past, Building for the Future

Sunset Place isn’t the first retail experiment at this site. It traces its roots back to the Bakery Centre (1986–1996), a similarly sized retail‑office complex that failed. That history has made architects and developers cautious—but excited to “break the cycle of soulless places” in favor of designs meant to foster place and community.

Midtown Development acquired the site in early 2021—coincidentally in the thick of the COVID downturn—and partnered with Heatherwick to reimagine what a future‑forward South Miami centerpiece could be.

A Long-Brewing Transformation Timeline

Demolition of the Shops at Sunset Place is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026, assuming approvals and site preparations stay on track. The mammoth redevelopment will unfold in multiple phases over the next 10 years. The very first phase—highlighted by newly constructed streets, a residential condo tower, and a 287‑room hotel—is expected to be delivered by 2029, according to city and developer projections.

While the full buildout will extend well beyond that, early activations such as pop-up shops, interim public plazas, and community programming may be introduced during construction to maintain momentum and vibrancy on the site. Midtown Development has emphasized its commitment to supporting local businesses and keeping the area lively throughout the transformation, ensuring that Sunset Place remains an engaging part of South Miami—even as construction progresses.

A Cultural and Urban Pivot

This isn’t just a structural overhaul—it’s a cultural shift. South Miami has committed to transforming a dormant, car-centric mall into an integrated, pedestrian-first destination. The redesign nods to European plazas with outdoor café seating while embracing modern mixed-use energy. It’s a bold move that channels global urban trends into this beloved Miami community.

Credit: Heatherwick Studio

Credit: Heatherwick Studio

Looking Ahead: A Bold New Vision for South Miami

Surpassing its legacy as a fading suburban mall, Sunset Place is poised to become a reinhabited, reactivated slice of South Miami. With Heatherwick Studio’s forward-thinking architecture, 1,513 new residences, lively streetscapes, and dynamic public spaces, what replaces it has the potential to become a transformative anchor for the region. For residents, developers, and visitors, this long-awaited change is more than construction—it’s the start of a more connected, walkable, and animated downtown South Miami.

Stay tuned as the cranes arrive, the streets return, and Sunset Place reboots—this time, as an urban village crafted for communities more than car trips.

Is Fed Chairman Jerome Powell on the Way Out? What a 300 Basis Point Cut Would Mean for Miami Real Estate

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is once again in the political crosshairs. This time, the controversy surrounds a $2.5 billion renovation of the Fed’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. Critics, including several Republican lawmakers, have accused Powell of misleading Congress about the cost and scope of the project, claiming the renovation includes unnecessary luxury upgrades. President Trump has reportedly seized on the issue as political leverage to push Powell out of office—either through resignation or by invoking a rarely used provision to fire him “for cause.”

President Trump has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with Powell’s handling of interest rates. Since returning to the national spotlight, Trump has advocated for a dramatic 300 basis point (3%) rate cut, arguing that slashing rates from around 4.5% down to 1.5% would save the federal government hundreds of billions of dollars in debt servicing costs. According to his allies, such a cut could result in up to $360 billion in annual savings, although more conservative estimates put the figure closer to $174 billion in the first year alone. Trump’s goal appears to be replacing Powell with a Fed Chair who will aggressively pursue this monetary policy shift.

If implemented, a 300 basis point rate cut would be unprecedented in modern U.S. economic history. The last time the Fed enacted such a large move was during the 2008 financial crisis and again during the COVID-19 emergency response—both times with cuts closer to 100 basis points. A three-point reduction would significantly lower borrowing costs across the board, from mortgages to credit cards to business loans. This would likely lead to a surge in consumer spending, business investment, and home buying. Financial markets would almost certainly rally on the news, with equities, cryptocurrencies, and even gold seeing sharp gains in anticipation of looser monetary conditions.

But such a drastic move isn’t without risks. A key concern is the resurgence of inflation. Many economists warn that a rate cut of this magnitude could reignite inflation, potentially pushing it back above 5% after months of moderation. Another issue is the value of the U.S. dollar. Lower interest rates tend to weaken a country’s currency, and a sudden 300 basis point cut could lead to a rapid 10% drop in the dollar’s value—raising the cost of imports and exacerbating inflation pressures. There’s also the possibility of asset bubbles forming, especially in real estate and tech stocks, as cheap money floods the market.

In Miami, the implications of such a rate cut would be immediate and dramatic. Mortgage rates, currently hovering around 7%, could drop to the low 4% range or even lower. This would significantly boost purchasing power, particularly among first-time buyers and investors. Historically, even a 100 basis point cut can increase housing affordability by 10%; a 300-point cut could make homeownership viable for thousands more buyers practically overnight. Demand would spike, fueling a new wave of bidding wars, rapid price appreciation, and increased development activity—especially in high-growth neighborhoods like Edgewater, Little River, and Wynwood.

However, the downside in Miami would be a further deterioration in affordability. Home prices, already inflated due to limited inventory and migration from higher-cost states, could surge another 20% or more. That would likely push more locals out of the market and exacerbate the region’s housing inequality. On the investment side, commercial real estate—especially multifamily—would benefit from cheaper debt and renewed investor appetite, but office space and retail may see less of a bounce due to ongoing structural challenges.

From a macro perspective, such a cut could energize U.S. GDP growth, potentially pushing it above 3.5% annually. But the long-term consequences could be destabilizing. The move would almost certainly raise concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence if it appears that political pressure—rather than economic data—is guiding monetary policy. Financial institutions, global markets, and U.S. allies could begin to question the stability and predictability of the Fed, which has long been a cornerstone of global financial confidence.

In conclusion, the rumors of Powell’s resignation—fueled by scandal and political pressure—could mark a turning point in U.S. economic policy. A 300 basis point rate cut would bring short-term relief to borrowers and spark a new wave of growth in places like Miami, but the risks to inflation, market stability, and Fed independence are considerable. Whether this is sound economic strategy or reckless short-termism remains to be seen—but the impacts, particularly on the real estate market, would be both swift and significant.

Berkadia Secures $73M Construction Loan for Nexo Residences in North Miami Beach

In a significant milestone for one of North Miami Beach’s most exciting developments, Berkadia has successfully secured a $73.27 million construction loan on behalf of Fortune International Group and Blue Road for the completion of Nexo Residences, a 16-story short-term rental-friendly condominium.

The financing, arranged by Berkadia’s South Florida team — including Managing Director Scott Wadler, Director Michael Basinski, Vice President Bobby Dockerty, Senior Managing Director Mitch Sinberg, and Managing Directors Brad Williamson and Matt Robbins — was provided by Bank Hapoalim (BHI). The loan follows Nexo’s recent construction topping off, which had previously been funded by a combination of EB-5 investor capital and presale deposits.

With 90% of units sold and completion on track for 2027, Nexo Residences is quickly emerging as a standout project in a fast-transforming corridor next to SoLé Mia and minutes from Aventura.

“Fortune International and its partner Blue Road are delivering an exceptional building in a rapidly transforming area adjacent to Aventura and next to SoLé Mia,” said Scott Wadler. “A trifecta of experienced Sponsorship, high-quality product, and great location generated significant interest from lenders.”

The tower — designed for modern global buyers — allows for short-term rentals, an increasingly in-demand feature. The fully furnished residences range from studios to three-bedroom units, with prices starting from the $599,000s, and include a limited selection of three- and four-bedroom townhomes.

Notable architecture and design collaborators include Carlos Ott, Frankel Benayoun Architects Inc., and Urban Robot. Residences offer floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian cabinetry, porcelain flooring, custom closets, lockable owner storage, and dedicated parking for each unit.

Nexo also raises the bar on lifestyle with standout amenities, including:

• A three-story lobby and café lounge

• Two-story coworking and tech hub

• Resort-style pool with Jacuzzi

• Rooftop observatory deck

• Summer kitchens and outdoor movie theater

• Yoga studio, clubroom, event space, and playground

Located at 13899 Biscayne Boulevard, Nexo Residences is just minutes from the Intracoastal Waterway, Oleta River State Park, Florida International University, Bal Harbour, Sunny Isles, and Hollywood Beach. The property’s accessibility is bolstered by its proximity to Miami and Fort Lauderdale International Airports and the Brightline Aventura station.

“The lifestyle offered at Nexo — combining elevated design, robust amenities, and rental flexibility — has driven strong sales momentum with buyers from over 25 countries,” said Edgardo Defortuna, CEO of Fortune International Group. “Securing this financing reaffirms the market’s confidence in both the product and the North Miami Beach submarket.”

With sales and marketing exclusively managed by Fortune Development Sales, Nexo Residences continues to attract a global audience eager for turnkey living and investment-ready opportunities in one of South Florida’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

Construction Permit Filed for 78-Story Ora by Casa Tua Tower in Brickell

Continuum Company Introduces Expansive Waterfront Vision for North Bay Village

Continuum Company has unveiled a sweeping new plan for North Bay Village with the introduction of the Continuum Waterfront District—a transformative, mixed-use development designed to redefine the area’s bayfront identity. Spanning over three acres along Biscayne Bay, the two-phase master-planned district was unanimously approved by the Commission and marks a major step toward realizing North Bay Village’s potential as a premier waterfront destination.

At the heart of the project is Continuum Club & Residences, now under construction and nearly 50% sold. This first phase includes over 60,000 square feet of amenities, from a resort-style waterfront pool and wellness center to a private marina and exclusive memberships for yacht clubs, beach clubs, and the elite dining platform, Dorsia. A historic deck will also be restored at the water’s edge, offering a blend of Miami heritage and elevated lifestyle.

The broader Continuum Waterfront District will include:

• Two Continuum Club residential towers

• A Continuum-branded boutique hotel with rooftop pool and lifestyle programming

• Renovated marina and new bayfront boardwalk

• Upscale restaurants, bars, and curated retail storefronts

• Outdoor wellness and green spaces designed for connectivity and walkability

“The Continuum Waterfront District is designed to bring new life to North Bay Village and elevate the experience of waterfront living,” said Ian Bruce Eichner, Chairman and CEO of Continuum Company. “We’re grateful for the support of the Commission and are proud to collaborate on a shared vision that aligns with the NBV100 Master Plan.”

Allie Eichner, President of Continuum Florida, emphasized the development’s long-term impact: “This is more than just a real estate project—it’s a rare opportunity to create a connected, livable community that embraces Miami’s bayfront lifestyle and natural beauty.”

Building on the success of Continuum South Beach, the new district reflects Continuum’s continued commitment to thoughtful design, neighborhood revitalization, and creating destination-worthy environments that combine luxury living with civic-minded planning.

The Perrin Secures $111M Construction Loan for New 26-Story Brickell Residential Tower

A major step forward has been made for Brickell’s next luxury multifamily project. A $111 million construction loan has been secured for The Perrin, a new 26-story Class A residential tower set to rise just blocks from Brickell City Centre. The financing, provided by Goldman Sachs, underscores strong confidence in the future of the Brickell residential market.

The Perrin will feature 310 luxury rental residences and is being developed by Empira, with Jaxi Builders onboard as the general contractor. The development’s design team includes Corwil Architects and renowned interior designers OTJ Architects, who together are crafting a sleek, modern living experience tailored for Miami’s urban lifestyle.

“We ran a highly competitive process that drew strong interest from a wide range of lenders,” noted Daniel Matz, Senior Managing Director at Newmark, who arranged the financing. The project is now slated to break ground in summer 2025, with completion expected in 2027.

The Perrin’s location near Brickell City Centre places it within one of Miami’s most dynamic and walkable neighborhoods, offering future residents access to shopping, dining, and business hubs within minutes. As Brickell continues to attract both residents and investors, The Perrin is poised to become a standout addition to the city’s growing skyline.

Chop Steakhouse & Bar Opens First U.S. Location in Coconut Grove Miami This June

Miami’s dining scene is about to get a flavorful upgrade as Chop Steakhouse & Bar, one of Canada’s most beloved steakhouse brands, opens its first U.S. location this June in the heart of Coconut Grove. Taking over the iconic 10,000-square-foot space at 3015 Grand Avenue in CocoWalk—previously home to The Key Club—Chop is set to redefine what a steakhouse experience looks and feels like in South Florida.

Rather than embracing the traditional dark woods and cigar lounge aesthetic, Chop is going for something lighter, livelier, and unmistakably Miami. With an expansive island bar, stylish covered patio, and private dining options, the restaurant aims to deliver elevated hospitality without the fuss. “This isn’t your grandfather’s steakhouse,” says Tyler Jones, general manager of the Coconut Grove location. “We’re premium without being pretentious.”

True to its roots, Chop’s menu features a lineup of USDA Prime steaks, including a 32-ounce Tomahawk and melt-in-your-mouth tenderloin medallions. But meat-lovers aren’t the only ones in for a treat. The menu also highlights seafood-forward dishes like ahi tuna tataki, miso-glazed sea bass, and freshly shucked oysters, along with creative vegetarian-friendly options such as wild mushroom risotto.

For a more casual bite, diners can enjoy a Chop Burger topped with smoked cheddar and garlic aioli, a chicken avocado BLT, or the health-conscious Mediterranean Bowl. House-made desserts like pineapple upside-down cake and chocolate mousse round out the menu.

The bar program is equally impressive, with signature drinks like the Truffle Martini and Clase Azul Negroni, alongside a curated wine list and a selection of local beers on tap. Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m., offering deals like $5 drafts, $10 wines, $12 cocktails, $2 oysters, and flavorful small plates such as chili garlic shrimp and bruschetta. Wine lovers will appreciate Tuesday wine nights, with bottles offered at half price.

Backed by the same hospitality group that introduced Moxies to the U.S., Chop Coconut Grove is designed for flexibility—ideal for everything from brunch and lunch meetings to celebratory dinners and after-hours cocktails. “We saw a gap in the Grove for something that checked all those boxes,” adds Jones. “Chop is that place.”

The Cloud One Hotel & Residences Announced in Wynwood

The Cloud One Hotel & Residences Wynwood is redefining luxury in Miami’s most creative and dynamic neighborhood with an exclusive offering of just 85 loft-style condominiums. This eight-story architectural landmark blends the energy of Wynwood with international design sensibilities. From sleek studios to expansive three-bedroom units—and a select collection of 15 bespoke duplex penthouses with soaring double-height ceilings—each residence captures the spirit of modern, inspired living. Prices range from $550,000 to $2 million, with a flexible 30-day minimum rental policy for up to six times per year.

Designed through a visionary partnership between HWKN, ODP Architecture, and March and White Design, The Cloud One is a celebration of artistry, sustainability, and hospitality. Residents enjoy a private entrance, exclusive elevators, and world-class amenities, including a rooftop pool deck with panoramic views, a wellness center with outdoor yoga, a co-working lounge with a coffee bar, and curated art installations by Goldman Global Arts. Residences are delivered fully finished with Miele appliances, imported SieMatic cabinetry, Juliet balconies, smart-home systems, and luxurious finishes that reflect both craftsmanship and comfort.

Situated at 2215 NW 1st Place, this development places you steps from Wynwood’s iconic murals, eclectic restaurants, and cultural experiences. With effortless access to Miami’s urban core and the beach, The Cloud One Hotel & Residences Wynwood invites you to live creatively, stay connected, and own a piece of the neighborhood that’s shaping the city’s future.