Miami Commission Faces Critical Decisions on Watson Island, Elections, adn Cultural Landmarks

The Miami City Commission convened its first meeting of 2026 on Thursday, tackling a packed agenda that included a potential reversal of a controversial land deal on Watson Island, a renewed effort to align city elections with state and federal cycles, and the potential restoration of a cultural institution to its former prominence. The meeting marks the beginning of a new era for the City of Miami, with newly-elected Mayor Eileen higgins and District 3 Commissioner Rolando Escalona taking the helm.

Watson Island land Deal Under Scrutiny

A key item on the agenda centered around the proposed sale of 3.2 acres of city-owned land on Watson Island to BH3 merrimac for $29 million. The sale, approved at the final meeting of 2025, has drawn criticism from those who believe the land was significantly undervalued. Opponents point to appraisals estimating the property’s worth exceeding $200 million [2]. The land is home to Jungle island and the Miami Children’s Museum.

Commissioner Ralph Rosado, the sole dissenting vote against the original sale, introduced a resolution to reexamine the deal and attempt renegotiations [1]. The outcome of this reconsideration remains uncertain, particularly with the presence of new commissioners.

Election Date Shift back on the Table

The Commission also revisited the debate over the timing of city elections. A previous attempt to move Miami elections to even years, aligning them with federal and state election cycles, was struck down by the Miami-Dade County Court after a challenge from former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez, who argued the change violated city charter provisions and required voter approval [1].

This year, commissioners are pursuing a different approach, proposing a referendum to allow voters to decide whether to shift elections to even years. The resolution also seeks to move the 2031 election to 2032, preventing the current slate of commissioners and the mayor from benefiting from an additional year in office.

Tower Theater Management to Return to Miami Dade College?

A significant cultural component of the agenda involves the potential return of the Tower Theater, a historic landmark in Little Havana, to the management of Miami Dade College. The city assumed control of the theater in 2022, ending a decades-long partnership with the college [1]. Under city management, programming at the theater has been limited [1].

Mayor Higgins and Commissioner Escalona are sponsoring a resolution that would grant Miami Dade College a 20-year management agreement with automatic renewals every five years, potentially revitalizing the venue as a cultural hub.

Virginia Key Beach Museum Project Revived

The Commission also addressed the long-delayed construction of a black history museum at Virginia Key Beach Park. For over 20 years, the city has held more than $20 million in allocated funding, awaiting assurance that the Virginia Key Beach Trust could operate the museum responsibly. A new resolution proposes directing the city to design and build the museum, while providing funding to the Trust for its management, potentially initiating a project of significant ancient and cultural importance to Miami’s black community.

This story was produced by WLRN, South florida’s only public radio station at 91.3 FM, as part of a content-sharing partnership with The Miami Times.Read more at WLRN.org.