City of Miami · Referendum 3 · #291 on your ballot

Save Gramps Getaway.

Referendum 3 asks City of Miami voters to lease about 27.6 acres of public waterfront on Virginia Key, including the marina Gramps calls home, for up to 75 years. Get the facts, hear our side, and make your voice count by Nov 3.

Check your registration Register to vote Vote by mail

Polls open on Election Day in

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Tuesday, Nov 3 · 7 a.m.–7 p.m. at your assigned polling place. Early voting runs Oct 19 – Nov 1 at any early-voting site.

Oct 5Last day to register to vote

Oct 19 – Nov 1Early voting at any early-voting site

Oct 22Request a mail ballot by 5 p.m.

Nov 3Election Day, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Mail ballots must arrive by 7 p.m.

Know the question first

What’s on the ballot.

Before you hear anyone’s side, here is what Referendum 3 actually does. It’s a lease, not a sale, and only City of Miami voters decide it.

27.6 acresThe Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas on Virginia Key

Up to 75 yearsA 45-year lease plus two 15-year renewals

$2.2M a yearMinimum rent, plus 6% of gross revenues

About $80MPrivate redevelopment of both marinas

Virginia Key LLCThe lessee: RCI Group and Dallas-based Suntex Marinas

City voters onlyKey Biscayne residents don’t vote on it

What supporters say

About $80M in private investment, at no cost to taxpayers
At least $2.2M a year in rent, plus 6% of gross revenues
Modernized marinas and more public access to the bay
The City’s own appraisals put the rent above today’s market rate

What opponents say

Up to 75 years locked in on terms first drafted years ago
An appraisal for the plaintiffs puts the rent below market value
The ballot wording is misleading; a judge let it stand in August
Working families and longtime boaters could be priced out

Read the official ballot notices City of Miami Nov 3 election page

Sources: City of Miami Resolution R-26-0255 · Miami-Dade sample ballot · WLRN · Boating Industry · Coconut Grove Spotlight (2026)

A double rainbow over the thatched tiki bar at Gramps Getaway — Photo: @agavemama_444

Vote NO on Miami Ref 3 badge — Photo: @agavemama_444

Gramps Getaway’s side

Why we’re voting no.

A 75-year commitment. Up to 75 years of public waterfront signed over to one private operator.

Yesterday’s price. Terms first drafted in 2017 that we believe undercharge for today’s waterfront.

Local businesses pushed out. Gramps Getaway and the family-run marina around it could be replaced.

The bay pays. We believe more dredging and commercial development would harm the habitat.

Boaters priced out. Everyday boaters and affordable slips shouldn’t be squeezed off the water.

Protect Gramps. Protect Virginia Key.

For young people and families

Too young to vote? Someone at home isn’t.

Protecting your hometown starts with knowing what’s being decided. Learn what Referendum 3 is, then make sure the voters in your house know the dates and make their own choice.

01 · Learn itRead the facts above. It’s a lease of public waterfront for up to 75 years.

02 · Bring it homeShare the dates: register by Oct 5, vote early Oct 19 – Nov 1, or on Nov 3.

03 · Use your voiceAsk questions, talk it through, and help your family decide for themselves.

Official links

How to vote.

Register to voteFlorida’s official online registration. Deadline: Mon, Oct 5.RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov Check your statusConfirm you’re registered and at the right address.Florida Division of Elections Vote by mailRequest by Oct 22, 5 p.m. It must arrive by 7 p.m. on Nov 3.Miami-Dade Elections Where to voteEarly-voting sites, your Election Day polling place and your sample ballot.Miami-Dade Elections

Trouble voting? Call the nonpartisan Election Protection hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Make them hear you

Message your officials.

Pick who you’re writing to, add your name, and send the message below. Firm is good. Threats and harassment are never OK.

Start with the City. Referendum 3 is a City of Miami decision, so the Mayor and City Commission come first. Commissioner Damian Pardo’s District 2 includes Virginia Key.

Who are you writing to? Not sure of your City district? Find your commissioner County Commission District 7 map

Your name

Your neighborhood or ZIP

State and federal officials

Find your Florida House and Senate members Find your member of Congress Contact Florida’s U.S. senators

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