Is Miami Beach getting a new marine science hub? North Beach residents hope so

A city-owned oceanfront property in North Beach could be transformed into a marine science center under a proposal backed by residents and advanced by the Miami Beach City Commission last week.

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Commissioners voted 7-0 to direct city staff to invite nonprofit, educational or marine science organizations to come forward if they’re interested in operating a community-focused marine learning center on the property at 7605 Collins Ave.

“This has been in discussions for a long time,” said Commissioner Alex Fernandez. “Probably over a year ago, residents started approaching us with this idea, and now it’s getting to an exciting point where we’re actually putting out a solicitation to see what organizations may be interested in making this vision a reality.”

The proposal stems from years of advocacy by nearby residents who opposed a previous owner’s request to rezone the property for commercial uses, which could have allowed businesses such as restaurants or daycare centers. They instead pushed for an educational use of the oceanfront property.

“People wanted to preserve the character of the neighborhood,” Fernandez said. “They wanted a calm area where families can walk to the beach and enjoy the park.”

The city acquired the property in 2025 for $6.53 million. The roughly 7,000-square-foot lot includes a 3,046-square-foot historic home adjacent to Altos Del Mar Park. When approving the acquisition, commissioners directed staff to reimagine the site for recreational and public use.

Antonio Lopez, 67, who lives across the street from the property, said residents have spent the past year meeting and discussing potential uses for the building.

“The vision was to establish a small-scale, education-focused hub,” Lopez said. “The key is to foster community awareness, youth engagement and environmental stewardship.”

Lopez said he wants the center to focus on educating young people about the area’s marine ecosystems while also serving as an attraction for visitors.

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“For younger generations as they come up, they really will understand what a paradise we have,” Lopez said. “And that this paradise can continue as long as we’re sensitive to how we need to care for it.”

During Wednesday’s commission meeting, Commissioner David Suarez noted that North Beach currently lacks a facility dedicated to marine science and environmental education.

“There’s not enough educational projects in North Beach, and this would be a great start,” Suarez said. “And what a great way to honor our marine life habitat.”

Fernandez said the goal is to find a partner willing to fund and operate the facility without relying on city dollars.

“What we’re offering is an incredibly valuable oceanfront asset,” he said. “The city’s contribution would be making that property available to a partner willing to invest in creating a premier marine science education center.”

If successful, Fernandez believes the project could become both a community resource and a tourism draw for North Beach.

“It could be transformative,” he said. “North Beach could become the heart of marine science education in Miami Beach.”

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