HomeMy Public PortalAbout1999-36 Recognizing the significance of Stilsville to South Florida historyRESOLUTION NO. 99-36
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL
OF THE VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE,
FLORIDA; RECOGNIZING THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF STILTSVILLE TO SOUTH
FLORIDA HISTORY; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, since the 1930s, Stiltsville, seven wooden framed houses resting above shallow
water approximately one mile from nearest land, has provided cultural and historical significance
to South Florida and the United States; and
WHEREAS, Stiltsville has profound historical significance as its Quarter Deck Club, built
in the 1940s was feature in Life Magazine in 1941 and NOAA aerial photography in 1945 documents
the Stiltsville district to be over 50 years old; and
WHEREAS, Stiltsville has provided a cultural and historic source of pride for South Florida
residents and visitors who identify with this well-known Florida landmark symbolizing the old
Miami and the Miami of today; and
WHEREAS, Stiltsville has substantially contributed to South Florida's civic, educational and
tourist activities as the remaining seven homes of Stiltsville have been an integral part of the South
Florida Historic tours; and
WHEREAS, Stiltsville unique design has served as backdrop scenery for many television
shows, movies, books and advertisements including the popular "Miami Vice" and Carl Hiaasen's
"Skin Tight"; and
WHEREAS, boaters use the Stiltsville homes as a navigational guide; and
WHEREAS, Key Biscayne is the closest geographical neighbor to the Stiltsville community;
and
WHEREAS, since Hurricanes Donna, Betsy and Andrew ravaged South Florida, only seven
of twenty-five precious homes constitute Stiltsville; their owners and supporters are committed to
preserve this historic treasure.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE
VILLAGE OF KEY BISCAYNE, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The Village Council recognizes the historic significance and contributions to
Florida made by Stiltsville.
Section 2. The Village Council recommends that Stiltsville be not demolished as presently
required by the present owners leases with the State of Florida.
Section 3. The Village Council recommends that the National Park Service and the
Department of the Interior find the funds to keep the existing structures under public ownership to
preserve them for the community.
Section 4. The Village Council will work to secure that Stiltsville be reconsidered by
Biscayne National Park, the National Park Service and the US Department of Interior for entry into
the National Register of Historic Places as strongly recommended by the Florida Department of
State.
Section 5. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 1 lth day of May ,, 1999.
OE I. RASCO
CONCHITA H. ALVAREZ, CMC
VILLAGE CLERK
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGAL S
RICHARD JAY WEISS, VILLAGE ATTORNEY