The Florida Legislature is on the brink of passing bills that would jeopardize historic buildings in Miami Beach, particularly the Art Deco architecture. The expansion of the Live Local Act raises concerns, as it would allow developers to demolish structures in historic districts without public hearings. City officials, led by the Estefans and local commissioners, publicly rallied to oppose these bills, fearing significant loss to the architecture that attracts tourists and defines the local culture. Previous attempts to pass similar legislation faced pushback but this time it appears more likely to succeed.
Unlike the previous two times, it's likely the legislation will pass, effectively crippling longstanding protections for hundreds of historically and architecturally significant Art Deco and Miami Modern buildings in Miami Beach that have been a fulcrum of the local tourism industry.
To call attention to the potential consequences of the bills, the city called a news conference in front of the Art Deco Cardozo Hotel on Ocean Drive, owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan.
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