Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner, who took office in 2023 after defeating Michael Gongora, has seen his political action committee (PAC), Miami Beach First, receive significant donations from the real estate and hospitality sectors ahead of the upcoming November 4 election.
During his tenure, Meiner introduced legislation that increased the difficulty for developers to obtain approvals for projects exceeding the city’s maximum floor area ratio (FAR). The new rules require a supermajority vote from six out of seven city commission members and mandate neighborhood impact assessments for such requests.
Despite these efforts to restrict development and some controversies—including an unsuccessful attempt to cancel a lease with O Cinema over its screening of a Gaza War documentary and his resignation from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission amid a sexual harassment investigation—Meiner has continued to attract strong financial backing. According to campaign finance reports, Miami Beach First has collected $134,000 from prominent figures in real estate and hospitality. These include Lennar co-CEO Stuart Miller ($50,000), real estate investor Michael Simkins ($25,000), Simkins’ business partner Marc Roberts ($10,000), Groot Hospitality founder David Grutman ($20,000), Alex Kleyner ($18,000), Scott Robins ($10,000), Naftali Group ($10,000), Julia Grimes of Hilton Bentley Hotel South Beach ($5,000), entities managed by Jimmy Resnick ($5,000), and Faena Hotel Miami Beach ($2,000).
Meiner stated: “Residents and businesses recognize our success and want to keep the momentum going for Miami Beach.”
City commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez is Meiner’s only opponent in the race. She told The Real Deal that she is raising funds solely through her individual campaign account rather than a PAC. Rosen Gonzalez noted indirect support from organizations like Save—the region’s longest-serving LGBTQ rights group—and the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. She also reported contributions from restaurant and hotel owners in the Art Deco District.
“They are very upset with the current state of the city,” Rosen Gonzalez said. “They have more confidence in me than the mayor. When the streets are empty and hotels aren’t full, that is a problem.”
Rosen Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $146,806 overall—with about $28,000 coming from local real estate and hospitality professionals. Notable contributors include three members of the Mirmelli family (each giving $1,000); Catherine and Anthony Arrighi of Ocean’s Ten restaurant (and two related entities) each giving $1,000; five affiliates of Think Hospitality led by Shawn Vardi donating a combined $5,000; Alan Lieberman (South Beach Hotel Group) with his wife Dianne Lieberman and an entity he manages contributing $3,000; five entities managed by Jim Cavanaugh (owner of a Collins Avenue hotel) each giving $1,000; as well as Palace Bar, Mango’s Tropical Cafe, Prime 112 and Big Pink—all donating $1,000 each.
Meanwhile outside Miami Beach First PAC activity but still supporting Meiner individually were contributions totaling $5,500 from New York-based Infinity Real Estate entities led by David Berg and Steve Kassin; Berg also donated an additional $1,000 personally. An affiliate of Infinity contributed another $1,000 to Rosen Gonzalez’s campaign.
Miami Beach First PAC has collected a total of $540,745 compared to Meiner’s individual campaign fund tallying at $97,727.
Last month saw Infinity Real Estate acquire property on Alton Road previously owned by developer Michael Shvo.
