MIAMI – Miami commissioners voted on Thursday in favor of an agreement with the Ultra Music Festival that will allow some 150,000 electronic music festival fans to descend to Virginia Key in March.
During a meeting at City Hall in Coconut Grove, commissioners voted 4-1. Ultra had the support of Commissioners Willy Gort, Joe Carollo, Manolo Reyes and Keon Hardemon.
Commissioner Ken Russell was the dissenting vote, saying he was concerned about the effect that the festival's lights and sounds will have on the area's wildlife.
"I received hundreds of e-mails against this event," Russell said. "They have not yet addressed the wildlife issue and how this level of noise for three days straight might impact manatees, bird sanctuary and the fisheries."
In a statement, Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez said their decision "keeps this world-renowned event in our global city, while providing operating funds for a long-desired African American History Museum at Historic Virginia Key Beach."
Gonzalez also said Miami officials will continue to work with Ultra organizers to ensure that "our sacred natural resources are protected, and to mitigate any negative impacts."
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he was a fan of Ultra. His statement and the commissioners' decision come despite outrage from the newly elected mayor of Key Biscayne and the Brickell Homeowners Association.
Ray Martinez, the head of security for Ultra, said public safety is the organizers' priority.
"We are working with the local police department, with the city of Miami, who we have a great relationship with, as well as the Miami Fire Department," Martinez said. "We will be able to continue to produce a safe event here in Miami."