City of Miami

May 18, 1999

To: The Honorable William J. Clinton, President
      The Honorable Albert Gore, Jr., Vice-President
      The Honorable J. Dennis Hastert, Speaker of the House of Representatives
      The Honorable Connie Mack, Senator
      The Honorable Bob Graham, Senator
      The Honorable Members of the Florida House of Reprsentatives
      The Honorable Richard Frost, Director-Biscayne National Park
      The Honorable Robert Stanton, Director of National Park Services
      The Honorable Bruce Babbit, Department of Interior, Secretary

From: Walter J. Foeman, City of Miami, City Clerk

Enclosed please find a copy of Resolution 99-359, which was passed and adopted by the City of Miami Commision at its meeting on May 11, 1999,  This legislation is being forwarded to you for your information and files.

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5/3/99

RESOLUTION NO. 99-359

A RESOLUTION OF THE MIAMI CITY COMMISSION RECOGNIZING THE HISTORIC SIGNIFICANCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS STILTSVILLE HAS MADE TO FLORIDA, RECOMMENDING THAT STILTSVILLE NOT BE DEMOLISHED AS PRESENTLY INTENDED, AND SUPPORTING EFFORTS TO HAVE STILTSVILLE RECONSIDERED AS A DESIGNATED HISTORIC SITE BY BISCAYNE NATIONAL PARK, THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR , AND FURTHER DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO TRANSMIT A COPY OF THIS RESOLUTION TO THE OFFICIALS DESIGNATED HEREIN.

 WHEREAS, since the 1930’s, Stiltsville, seven wooden framed houses resting above shallow water approximately one mile from the nearest land, has provided cultural and historical significance to South Florida and the United States; and

WHEREAS, Stiltsville has profound historical significance as its Quarter Deck Club, built in the 1940’s was featured in Life Magazine in 1941 and NOAA aerial photography in 1945 documents shows the Stiltsville district to be more than 50 years old; and

WHEREAS, Stiltsville has provided a cultural and historical source of pride for South Florida residents and visitors who identify with this well-known Florida landmark symbolizing the old and new Miami; and

WHEREAS, Stiltsville homes are used for navigational guidance and shelter during storms by the general boating public; and

WHEREAS, Stiltsville serves as a sanctuary for the sea and plant life ecosystems and has been linked to the ecosystems continuing survival; and

WHEREAS, Stiltsville as substantially contributed to South Florida’s civic, educational and tourist activities as the remaining seven homes of Stiltsville have been an integral part of the South Florida Historic Tours; and

WHEREAS, South Floridians have used the Stiltsville homes during past years for private, public and community activities to benefit the local area; and

WHEREAS, Stiltsville unique design has served as a backdrop for many television productions, movies, books, and advertisements including the popular television program "Miami Vice" and Carl Hiaasen’s "Skin Tight"; and

WHEREAS, since Hurricane Donna, Betsy and Andrew ravaged South Florida, only seven of the twenty-two precious homes remain and now constitute Stiltsville; their owners and supporters are committed to preserving this historic treasure;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA:

Section 1. The recitals and findings contained in the Preamble to this Resolution are hereby adopted by reference thereto and incorporated herein as if fully set forth in this Section.

Section 2. The Miami City Commission hereby recognizes the historic significance and contributions Stiltsville has made to Florida.

Section 3. The Miami City Commission recommends that Stiltsville not be demolished as presently required by the Biscayne National Park, the National Park Service and U.S. Department of Interior.

Section 4. The Miami City Commission further supports efforts to have Stiltsville reconsidered as a designated historic site by Biscayne National Park, the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of Interior.

Section 5. The City Clerk is hereby directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to President William J. Clinton, Vice-President Albert Gore, Jr., Speaker of the House Representative J. Dennis Hastert, Senators Connie Mack and Bob Graham, all the Florida Members of the United States House of Representatives, the Director of Biscayne National Park, the Director of the National Park Service and the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior.

Section 6. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and signature of the Mayor.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 11^th day of May, 1999.

(Signature)
JOE CAROLLO, MAYOR

ATTEST:

(Signature)
WALTER J. FOEMAN, CITY CLERK

APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS:

(Signature)
ALEJANDRO VILARELLO, CITY ATTORNEY