Miami Beach moving forward with ban on commercial handbills on Lincoln Road

The Miami Beach City Commission has given initial approval to a ban on commercial solicitation throughout South Beach’s busiest corridors.

The commission’s community affairs committee will discuss the item at its Oct. 31 meeting, and the commission will take a final vote Nov. 19.

At the commission’s late September meeting, Assistant City Manager Joe Jimenez told commissioners the ban is intended to protect residents and tourists from businesses hawking menus, products or parties.

“Our historic entertainment districts are the economic engines of our city,” he said, adding that the ban should reduce litter as well as improve the quality of life.

According to a staff memo in support of the ban, businesses trying to make a hard sell on Lincoln Road have “damaged the reputation of Lincoln Road, creating a ‘honky tonk’ atmosphere.”

Commissioners asked staff to come up with a stiff penalty for those who violate the ban and to add the penalty to the ordinance before the final vote.

“Let’s give it some teeth,” Commissioner Ed Tobin said.

The proposed ban covers:

▪ The Lincoln Road area, bound by 17th Street to the north, Lincoln Lane to the south, Alton Road to the west and Washington Avenue to east.

▪ Ocean Drive from Fifth to 15th streets.

▪ Collins Avenue from Fifth to 15th streets.

▪ Washington Avenue from Fifth to Lincoln Road.

▪ All cross streets and bystreets bounded by 15th Street to the north, Ocean Drive to the east, Fifth Street to the south and Washington Avenue to the west.

▪ Española Way, from Collins Avenue to Pennsylvania Avenue.

▪ Lummus Park.

This story was originally published October 9, 2014 at 2:33 PM with the headline "Miami Beach moving forward with ban on commercial handbills on Lincoln Road."