Representatives for the Fontainebleau Miami Beach have postponed a key vote on proposed upgrades to the resort’s pool area, amid strong opposition from local residents. The Miami Beach Historic Preservation Board was set to decide on whether to approve the addition of cabanas and waterslides at the 1,593-room hotel located at 4441 Collins Avenue. However, at the request of Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the board voted unanimously to delay consideration until all members could be present.
A spokesperson for the resort stated, “The Fontainebleau team was fully prepared to present the proposal and welcomed the opportunity for dialogue. But requested a deferral so the full board could be present to consider the item during a future meeting this summer.”
The meeting drew a large crowd of residents who opposed the project, holding signs and voicing concerns about potential impacts. Security escorted some attendees out after they demanded that a vote proceed as scheduled.
Alicia Casanova, president of the master condo association for nearby Blue Diamond and Green Diamond condominiums, criticized the decision: “Asking for a deferral because of one missing board member was an excuse.” She added that officials “got scared of losing. It’s unacceptable.”
Anamarie Ferreira de Melo, president of the MidBeach Neighborhood Association (MBNA), said most MBNA members oppose Fontainebleau Miami Beach’s plan due to concerns over increased traffic and effects on an upcoming infrastructure project along Collins Avenue. “MBNA has always supported development that is compatible and that is thoughtful for our community,” Ferreira de Melo said. “For this one, we’re unable to do so. Of course, traffic is something that gets everybody very upset. It’s a trigger for anyone who lives in Mid-Beach.”
This is now the third time a vote on these renovations has been delayed by city officials. In November, another postponement allowed time for discussions between developers and concerned residents regarding plans for new cabana structures and an aluminum waterslide tower.
Fontainebleau Miami Beach recently presented revised plans to reduce both cabana height—from two stories down to 1.4 stories—and waterslide tower height—from 131 feet down to 99 feet—to address resident feedback. Despite these changes, many attendees remained opposed during last month’s presentation; even Mayor Steven Meiner spoke against it.
Afterward, developers requested another delay before returning this month with their proposal.
Fontainebleau Development has since launched a public relations campaign similar in approach to those used in ballot initiatives requiring voter approval. The firm hired political consultant Christian Ulvert—who previously managed campaigns for local mayors—and engaged polling company MDW Communications to survey Miami Beach voters about awareness and support levels regarding renovations.
Survey results indicated varying degrees of familiarity with details: 39 percent had heard little about it while 24 percent had heard much more; others were unaware entirely. When given specifics about what was planned: 31 percent strongly supported it; 27 percent somewhat supported it; while opposition included 18 percent strongly opposed and 11 percent somewhat opposed; with remaining respondents undecided.
According to Fontainebleau’s spokesperson: “The Fontainebleau proposal is about reinvesting in one of Miami Beach’s most iconic landmarks in a way that honors its history while preparing it for the future… All while maintaining the property’s existing footprint, without increasing density or adding traffic.”
Mark Weiss—a local attorney leading criticism—dismissed recent outreach efforts as artificial: “The swell of opposition is like something never before seen,” he said. “The manufactured fake public support vanished very quickly and ran for the hills.”
