The Miami Seaport Alliance, a group of concerned citizens, community leaders, and port stakeholders who have banded together to oppose a Major League Soccer stadium at PortMiami, says that Florida Senator Gwen Margolis (D-Miami) and 13 additional vice mayors and council members from municipalities across Miami-Dade County, have joined the alliance as members, bringing the total number of elected officials in opposition to a port stadium to 27.
According to the Alliance, its purpose is to ensure that PortMiami remains dedicated to the operations that have made it the pride of the Miami-Dade community, as the Cruise Capital of the World and the Cargo Gateway of the Americas.
A Major League Soccer stadium has been proposed for the southwest corner of PortMiami. Concerned citizens, community leaders, and port users have banded together to ensure the viability of the port and its future. The alliance does not support a port stadium due to the risks it could pose to jobs, cruise and cargo operations, security, and the port’s promising future.
“Our port is in accordance with our community’s lifeblood and it would be irresponsible for Miami-Dade County to allow a stadium there,” said Margolis, senator of Florida District 35, which stretches along the waterfront from Golden Beach to Homestead and covers portions of downtown Miami, including PortMiami.
“The additional support of these community leaders demonstrates the strength of our position that port property should remain designated to port purposes,” said Town of Cutler Bay Mayor Ed MacDougall, who has been leading the alliance’s efforts with Miami-Dade municipality leaders.
“Miami Seaport Alliance is honored to welcome Sen. Margolis and the additional 13 vice mayors and council members to the alliance, expanding our member list to include 27 elected officials. These community leaders recognize the vital role of PortMiami as the county’s second-largest economic engine and we look forward to collaborating with them to ensure the long-term success of the port,” said Miami Seaport Alliance President John Fox.