MIAMI BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Dan Gelber has been reelected as mayor of Miami Beach, and a push to end alcohol sales at 2 a.m. garnered support from voters in what officials described as a straw poll.
7News cameras captured Gelber greeting supporters at a watch party held at the Betsy Hotel, located along the 1400 block of Ocean Drive, Tuesday night.
Gelber cruised his way to reelection with more than 62% of the vote.
The mayor took the opportunity to thank his supporters. He also conceded there is much work to be done to help improve the quality of life for Miami Beach residents.
“I love this city, I think it’s the most special place in the world, and the idea that I’ll be able to complete a third term is really special to me,” said Gelber.
The controversial push to roll back last call in the entertainment district from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. also met with voters’ approval. More than 56% supported the change.
“They don’t want the all night hard party,” said Gelber. “They don’t want to be a party district. They want to be a cultural district where people will still come here but our residents will also feel like they can be here.”
However, whether or not it will be enforced will be up to the mayor and the city commission.
Gelber said he will ask staff to craft legislation to make the 2 a.m. alcohol sales ban official. He said that at the end of the day, this is what the people of Miami Beach want.
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