The Miami International Boat Show cleared another big hurdle on Tuesday as the county commissioners voted to approve a permit necessary for the in-water portion of the show.
Miami-Dade commissioners voted 8-1, after more than an hour of testimony from supporters and opponents, to approve a two-year permit instead of the three-year permit the National Marine Manufacturers Association had requested.
They also approved a provision prohibiting all plastic and styrofoam from the docks, a stipulation show organizers said they have no problem accepting.
Although there was discussion of reducing the number of slips approved in the permit, the number remained at 830. Dammrich said the NMMA expects to only have enough for 450 to 500 boats. The Army Corps of Engineers approval is expected soon.
The meeting followed an editorial in the Miami Herald calling for commissioners to approve a one-year permit and then force the NMMA, which is investing millions of dollars in infrastructure to help create a flex park on Virginia Key, to find a new home for the boat show.
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