Miami Beach is a city in its own right and is an island situated off the east coast of Florida next to the city of Miami. It was developed initally by John Collins, a farmer, to grow crops such as avocados. This involved clearing the island of mangroves, however the idea of the island as a resort soon developed and the Collins family and financier Carl Fisher began the development of the resort. The water between Miami and Miami Beach, Biscayne Bay, was dredged and the excavated material used to extend Miami Beach and create new islands in the bay. The first hotel, Brown Hotel, was built in 1915 and a two and a half mile bridge made to connect with the mainland.
Visitors were initially locals, but with the advent of the railroad many were soon attracted from the Northern States seeking sun, sea and sand.
Today the islands include the two most expensive postcodes in the US; many of the homes have super yachts moored outside. We took a boat trip around the islands and our captain was an expert of who owned which house and yacht and how much they paid for them.
Miami Beach, in particular South Beach where we were staying, has become a popular destination for US college students partying during their March Spring Break. The mayor and govenor are now clamping down on “Spring Breakers” due to issues last year; the measures include a heavy poloice presence, curfews, road closures and checkpoints with a strong “go elsewhere” message.
Shilli-Fully Travels 