Key Biscayne Files New Lawsuit To Stop Miami Boat Show

As we reported on October 14, the Miami Boat Show has been the subject of multiple lawsuits concerning a plan to move the event from the Miami Beach Convention Center to the Miami Marine Stadium Basin and Park in Key Biscayne, Fla.

Conflict surrounding the event escalated last week when the Village of Key Biscayne filed yet another lawsuit in yet another attempt to prevent the show from moving to that community.

According to the Miami Herald, Key Biscayne filed an amended complaint against the City of Miami on October 21 which claims the city’s charter requires it to hold a public referendum on whether to allow more than US$23 million in renovations to the Miami Marine Stadium Basin and Park to proceed. The renovations are required in order to accommodate the event, described as the largest consumer boat show in the United States and a significant driver of economic activity in the Miami area.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association, which owns and operates the Miami Boat Show, said the new litigation will not prevent the show from going ahead at the site from February 11 to 15, inclusive.

“This latest pleading by the Village of Key Biscayne will not derail our work to make the Miami Marine Stadium Park and Basin the home of the Miami International Boat Show in 2016 and beyond,” said show manager Cathy Rick-Joule in a statement. “The 2016 event will move forward as planned and we are excited to celebrate its 75-year legacy as one of the best Miami boat shows yet.”