In Stage 1, the County is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from prospective developers (designers, operators, developers, consultants, financiers, and others) who want to independently, collectively and/or collaboratively develop certain real property within the County through various leases, licenses and common land agreements.  Based on input from the EOI, the County will solicit in Stage 2 an Invitation to Negotiate with developer(s) whose proposal are found to economically be in the best interest of the County.

Developers will have two ZMEA sites to consider. Site-1 is a 118-AC area within Zoo Miami and Site 2 is a 279-AC area adjacent to Zoo Miami presently and previously supporting Coast Guard uses.  Permissible developments may include, among other uses, various combinations of:  1) Attractions; 2) Amusements; 3) Lodging; 4) Restaurants and Retail; 5) Restaurant/Banquet Hall; and 6) Business/Conference Center.

"We envision the development of a world-class entertainment destination with premier attractions, services and venues that will not only stimulate economic vitality and the growing needs of our thriving southwest Miami-Dade County, but increase tourist visitation to the area, facilitating a more balanced and sustainable financial outlook for the entire County," said Miami-Dade County District 9 Commissioner Dennis C. Moss who chairs the Zoo Oversight Board that oversees Zoo Miami. "We encourage all major developers to take advantage of this lucrative business opportunity and bring their best and brightest ideas to us."

About the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award and winner of the 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 263 parks and more than 12,848 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Ericsson Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade Parks call 3-1-1, or visit Miami-Dade Parks.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.