If you weren’t at the Pelican Hotel this morning, were you even part of the conversation?

On July 24, I joined hospitality leaders, preservationists, and civic voices for a two-hour deep-dish on Ocean Drive’s present (a little complicated), its future (very much TBD), and how we get from one to the other without losing our soul—or our tourists.

Nostalgia Isn’t Paying Rent

Here’s what you need to know: the Art Deco District is still standing. Just barely. The buildings are charming, yes. But charm, it turns out, doesn’t pay the rent. Especially when the surrounding areas are booming with shiny developments, and many building owners aren’t reinvesting in their own properties.

“We’re competing with cities that have brand-new infrastructure. And our own landlords? Not always on board,” one speaker pointed out.

Problems, Meet Microphone

Beyond inflation and real estate costs, a few things came up. First: the marketing. Ocean Drive’s perception has taken a beating. Second: inconsistent hospitality experiences (hi, $70 cocktail). Third: the city’s missed opportunities—be it in retail recruitment, programming, or enforcement of existing rules.

But this wasn’t just a complaint session. Throughout the morning, we heard potential solutions from across the spectrum.

Promises

Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez spoke about funding mechanisms and ongoing efforts—like beautification grants, reimagining public spaces like Lummus Park, and stronger oversight of sidewalk cafés. These are proposals that still need legs, funding, and follow-through—but they’re being discussed.

Commissioner Laura Dominguez stressed the tightrope between preserving what makes Ocean Drive historic and injecting the kind of modernization that draws new foot traffic. She emphasized the need for more consistent collaboration—between business owners, the city, and hospitality stakeholders.

Vibe Is the Value

From the hospitality angle, George Neary pointed out what Ocean Drive still does well: character. “You walk into these hotels and think, ‘Wow, this is beautiful.’ It’s not a chain hotel experience. And that’s exactly the appeal,” he said.

Of course, that appeal is uneven. The issues with inconsistent restaurant practices came up repeatedly—those “surprise” upcharges on food and drinks that leave tourists feeling scammed and locals swearing off the area.

There was support for exploring a restaurant grading system and stronger enforcement of sidewalk café rules, but again—these were ideas, not finalized actions.

The Culture Case—And the Reality Check

On the cultural front, panelists highlighted Ocean Drive’s creative legacy—from art festivals to live jazz, fashion shoots, and film history. But cultural events alone aren’t enough to drive tourism numbers. Attendees emphasized the need for better storytelling—especially on platforms like TikTok and Reels, where perception is shaped before travelers even book a flight.

Rosen Gonzalez also mentioned one possible initiative: branded beach experiences (think: curated umbrellas, themed food-and-beverage activations). It’s just a concept, and there would be legal and operational hoops to jump through, but the goal would be to elevate the daytime beach experience beyond just sand and sunburn.

What’s Working Elsewhere

Restaurants like Mila and ORO were highlighted as examples of the new standard—elevated concepts that are generating buzz well beyond Miami Beach. These spots are being noticed by national media, drawing clientele that appreciates refined design, modern menus, and curated nightlife. While they aren’t located directly on Ocean Drive, their success suggests that the right blend of vision and execution can work—and potentially influence others in the area.

Budget Cuts, Big Impact

Arts advocate Renee Pesci raised concerns about cuts to arts and culture funding across the county—warning that layoffs and program freezes could create ripple effects through the entire local economy. With Miami Beach positioning itself as a global cultural hub, it’s a development that many in the room said they’ll be watching closely.

2026 Is Closer Than You Think

And let’s not forget the World Cup coming in 2026. Miami Beach isn’t hosting matches, but it’ll be part of the global broadcast window—and that means pressure to polish the city’s most iconic strip before the cameras roll.

The Brand That Built the Mug

The general consensus? Ocean Drive is still one of the most recognizable streets in America. But brand recognition alone won’t cut it if the on-the-ground experience keeps falling short.

The Pelican’s panel wasn’t a silver bullet. But it might’ve been something even more rare: a moment where city commissioners, hoteliers, restaurateurs, and media professionals all agreed that change is overdue—and possible.

What happens next? That’s still the big question.