Miami Beach commissioners and staff debated whether to preserve funds for a new Fire Station 1, which staff identified as a top commission priority and for which the administration located about $13.8 million in FY26 funding, even as commissioners raised concerns about unmet capital renewal and replacement needs elsewhere.

Commissioner Webb defended the project, saying the commission had worked with fire chiefs and staff to find an equitable solution and had preserved the funding to deliver a “state of the art” fire station that is Category 5 storm rated. Webb urged colleagues not to reallocate money already set aside for public safety work.

Opponents or concerned commissioners asked whether moving funds would better address deferred maintenance across the city’s facilities. Staff and other commissioners noted the project has been part of the GeoBond program and that scope and location changes over time contributed to cost increases. The administration said it had set aside dollars previously and that some of the additional funding need reflected earlier scope adjustments.

On siting concerns, David Gomez, director of capital improvements, said the design footprint had been revised to move the structure farther from the Flamingo Park track — “probably 15 feet, maybe more,” he said — and that the station would provide more space around the track than currently exists.

Why it matters: the dispute illustrates trade‑offs between capital projects that address public safety and those that address deferred maintenance and neighborhood improvements. Commissioners said choices to change scope or delay construction have real cost consequences.

Next steps: staff said the project remains funded in FY26; the commission will continue to review final designs and funding at subsequent capital briefings.