top of page
Search

MB Democrats April General Meeting Recap 🌴✨

There was a buzz in the room from the moment members walked in—friends reconnecting, new faces joining, and that unmistakable energy that comes when something exciting is just around the corner. With Miami Beach Pride less than a week away, the atmosphere felt electric, and the night quickly turned into a celebration of community, momentum, and purpose.


A big thank you to the Marseilles Beachfront Hotel family for giving us our home!



The evening began with members mingling before turning to one of the highlights of the night: Miami Beach Pride. Pride Committee Chair, Bill Warren, energized the room with exciting updates, sharing that this year’s Pride fundraiser brought in the highest amount ever. He expressed heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and members who made it possible.


Looking ahead to the parade, volunteers will meet Board Member Linda Kolko on Sunday at 10:00 AM at the Wolfsonian Museum (10th & Washington) before walking together to line up. The parade kicks off promptly at 12:00 PM. If you haven’t RSVPed or sponsored yet—there’s still time to join in and be part of this incredible celebration.



Inspiring Democratic Guest Speakers

We were honored to welcome two outstanding guest speakers who brought important insights and updates to our members.


Commissioner Tanya Katzoff Bhatt shared updates on key local issues and reminded members that she will be up for re-election next year. She spoke about several major projects, including 1250 West and the ongoing demolition of the Bikini Hostel, noting that a park is currently the leading proposal for the site.


A thoughtful discussion followed on the future of the Byron Carlyle Theater. Commissioner Bhatt explained that after years on hold, the project’s direction has evolved. She expressed support for a multi-use development that could include movie theaters and workforce housing, while emphasizing that discussions are still ongoing. Members also raised concerns about electric scooters and bikes, and she acknowledged the issue as a serious priority she is actively working to address

We also heard from Lisette Garcia, Executive Director of the Miami-Dade LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC). Founded in 1999, MDGLCC has spent over 26 years building a vibrant and diverse network of businesses and community leaders. Today, the organization includes more than 110 businesses and over 1,200 members and representatives, with a membership base that is 60% LGBTQ+ and 40% allied.


Ms. Garcia highlighted the Chamber’s impressive impact—hosting over 100 events annually and contributing to an economic impact of more than $15 million locally and $1.4 trillion nationally. As one of the largest LGBTQ+ chambers in the country, MDGLCC leads initiatives such as educational programming, the Pink Flamingo Hospitality Certification Program, and the management of both the MDGLCC Foundation and the LGBT Visitor Center.

We had a wonderful surprise visit from Lucia Baez-Geller, who is running for State House District 106. A lifelong Democrat and former School Board Member, Lucia shared a few words with the group, adding an exciting and inspiring end to an already impactful evening.



Club Updates & Looking Ahead


The meeting concluded with important Club business. President Amanda Knapp shared that the Club is now preparing for the upcoming Primary and General Elections. A key priority is recruiting Poll Watchers—trained, partisan volunteers who play a critical role in protecting voters at the polls. The Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee’s Voter Protection Team will provide training, and members are encouraged to stay tuned for more information via email.


We also heard from Tim Johnson, Board Member and Outreach and Voter Registration Chair, who provided updates on outreach efforts and the importance of continuing to expand voter registration across our community.


Board Member Linda Kolko closed out the evening with a reminder that the Club's strength comes from its members. She encouraged everyone to get involved by joining a committee and emphasized the importance of volunteer support as we continue to grow and make an impact.



From Pride celebrations to policy discussions and preparing for election season, this month’s meeting was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together as a community. 💙







Comments

bottom of page