King tides
The September king tide flooded West Avenue garages. Get on the free-parking list before the next one.
If your street sits 2 feet or less above sea level, the city will let you park free in a city garage during a flood alert. You have to sign up first.
Late on Saturday, September 26, tide water rushed into the garage at the Sunshine Bay condominium on West Avenue. Residents told NBC 6 the water came in fast, and some went days without power. Commissioner Alex Fernandez said stormwater pumps alone cannot stop flooding that is driven by the tide. The city says it is spending more than $100 million in the West Avenue area to raise roads and seawalls.
The city runs a King Tide Flood Relief Parking Program for exactly this. If your property sits next to a street that is 2 feet or less above sea level, you can park free in one of three city garages while a flood notice is active. Spaces are first come, first served, and parking is free only while the alert is on.
You have to register before the water comes. Sign up at apps.miamibeachfl.gov/ParkingFloodRelief. After you register, the city emails you when flooding is possible in your area and when the program turns on. The city’s elevation map shows whether your street qualifies. Questions go to the Parking Department at 305-673-7505.
Salt water is hard on cars, garages and anything plugged in near the floor. If your building’s garage takes on water, move cars early, keep chargers and extension cords off the ground, and tell your building manager in writing about any water damage you see.