In the telenovela of Miami politics, the relationship between City Hall and Ultra Music Festival might be one of its greatest on-again, off-again romances.
Just when it looked like that union might be permanently broken, Miami’s politicians and administrators might try to patch things up: Commissioners on June 27 will consider bringing the three-day electronic dance music event back to its longtime home at Bayfront Park. The proposal, sponsored by Commissioner Keon Hardemon, is expected to pit pro-Ultra commissioners and administrators, who argue for the festival’s economic impact, against neighbors who were happy to be rid of the festival’s booming music.
If three of five commissioners approve, Ultra would cap a whirlwind 12 months of angst and anger with a homecoming to the waterfront venue organizers never wanted to leave. In September, the city kicked the festival out of Bayfront and over to Virginia Key, forcing organizers to quickly stage a massive event while creating environmental and logistical concerns. After an uneven weekend beset by transportation issues and complaints from residents of mainland Miami, Ultra’s frustrated executives said they were pulling out of Miami and began talks with other cities who wanted to host them.
Read more at our news partner the Miami Herald.
