Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, who took office in 2023 after a runoff victory over Michael Gongora, has attracted significant financial backing from the real estate and hospitality sectors as he seeks reelection. During his term, Meiner introduced legislation that increased the threshold for developers to obtain approvals for projects exceeding the city’s maximum allowable floor area ratio (FAR). The new rule requires approval from six out of seven city commission members, including the mayor, and mandates neighborhood impact assessments for such requests.
Despite these measures aimed at controlling development, Meiner’s tenure has not been without controversy. In March, he faced community backlash after attempting to terminate a lease with O Cinema at a city-owned historic building due to its screening of a Gaza War documentary he described as offensive to Jewish people. Additionally, Meiner resigned from his position as an attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission amid an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment involving colleagues and an intern.
Financial records show that Miami Beach First, a political action committee supporting Meiner, has raised $134,000 from prominent figures in real estate and hospitality. While developers with pending business before the city are barred from donating directly to candidates by city rules, contributions have come from others in related industries.
Meiner commented on his campaign support: “Residents and businesses recognize our success and want to keep the momentum going for Miami Beach.”
His opponent in the upcoming November 4 election is City Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez. She told The Real Deal that she is only accepting donations through her individual campaign account rather than a PAC but is receiving indirect support from organizations such as Save—the longest-serving LGBTQ rights group in South Florida—and the Miami-Dade Democratic Party.
“They are very upset with the current state of the city,” Rosen Gonzalez said regarding some restaurant and hotel owners’ support. “They have more confidence in me than the mayor. When the streets are empty and hotels aren’t full, that is a problem.”
Lennar co-CEO Stuart Miller contributed $50,000 to Miami Beach First. In April, complaints against Miller were dismissed by federal regulators regarding alleged attempts to conceal his identity when making political donations through an entity he controls.
Other major donors include real estate investor Michael Simkins ($25,000), nightclub partner Marc Roberts ($10,000), Groot Hospitality founder David Grutman ($20,000), Alex Kleyner ($18,000), Scott Robins ($10,000), Naftali Group ($10,000), Julia Grimes of Hilton Bentley Hotel South Beach ($5,000), Jimmy Resnick-managed entities ($5,000 each), and Faena Hotel Miami Beach ($2,000).
Outside of PAC contributions supporting Meiner’s campaign efforts are donations totaling $5,500 from New York-based Infinity Real Estate affiliates led by David Berg and Steve Kassin; Berg also gave $1,000 personally while another affiliate donated $1,000 to Rosen Gonzalez.
Infinity recently acquired property along Alton Road in Miami Beach—including the former Epicure Gourmet Market & Café site—from developer Michael Shvo.
In total fundraising activity this cycle so far: Miami Beach First has collected $540,745; Meiner’s individual campaign reports raising $97,727; Rosen Gonzalez’s individual campaign has raised $146,806—with about $28,000 coming from local real estate and hospitality professionals.
Among Rosen Gonzalez’s supporters are three members of the Mirmelli family (each giving $1,000); Catherine and Anthony Arrighi (Ocean’s Ten restaurant) along with two managed entities (each giving $1,000); five affiliates of Think Hospitality led by Shawn Vardi (combined total: $5,000); Alan Lieberman (South Beach Hotel Group) with family members/entities contributing a combined $3,000; Jim Cavanaugh-related entities (five at $1,000 each); plus restaurants Palace Barhttps://therealdeal.com/miami/2024/07/01/palace-bar-mangos-prime-112-and-big-pink-back-kristen-rosen-gonzalez-in-miami-beach-race/, Mango’s Tropical Cafehttps://therealdeal.com/miami/2024/07/01/palace-bar-mangos-prime-112-and-big-pink-back-kristen-rosen-gonzalez-in-miami-beach-race/, Prime 112https://therealdeal.com/miami/2024/07/01/palace-bar-mangos-prime-112-and-big-pink-back-kristen-rosen-gonzalez-in-miami-beach-race/, and Big Pinkhttps://therealdeal.com/miami/2024/07/01/palace-bar-mangos-prime-112-and-big-pink-back-kristen-rosen-gonzalez-in-miami-beach-race/, each donating $1,000.
