1926: Boulevard Dedicated to Veterans of all Wars
For generations of Miamians, Biscayne Boulevard was a source of pride. For out-of-town snowbirds
it was billed as "Fifth Avenue of the South". The palms, "sentinels chosen to grace and guard
Miami's premier thoroughfare" (Miami Herald, 11/12/1926) are a living memorial to those who have
served, and to those who have died, in the name of freedom.
On November 11, 1926, at combined Armistice Day and Arbor Day ceremonies, Mayor Romfh and
City Manager Frank H. Wharton planted the last of the royal palms that were to become Biscayne
Boulevard's trademark; the thoroughfare was then dedicated to the veterans of all wars. That was the
official birthday of Biscayne Boulevard.
For generations of Miamians, Biscayne Boulevard was a source of pride. For out-of-town snowbirds
it was billed as "Fifth Avenue of the South". The palms, "sentinels chosen to grace and guard
Miami's premier thoroughfare" (Miami Herald, 11/12/1926) are a living memorial to those who have
served, and to those who have died, in the name of freedom.
On November 11, 1926, at combined Armistice Day and Arbor Day ceremonies, Mayor Romfh and
City Manager Frank H. Wharton planted the last of the royal palms that were to become Biscayne
Boulevard's trademark; the thoroughfare was then dedicated to the veterans of all wars. That was the
official birthday of Biscayne Boulevard.
1958: Plan for A One-Way Boulevard
Pre-I95 commuters snaked through Northeast Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. One only one
solution could alleviate the traffic snarls: make the boulevard a one-way thoroughfare through
upper eastside Miami.
The Biscayne Boulevard Improvement Association fought that plan and the boulevard remains a
two-way thoroughfare today. Read the 1963 petition for preservation of Biscayne Boulevard as
Gateway to Miami.
Pre-I95 commuters snaked through Northeast Miami on Biscayne Boulevard. One only one
solution could alleviate the traffic snarls: make the boulevard a one-way thoroughfare through
upper eastside Miami.
The Biscayne Boulevard Improvement Association fought that plan and the boulevard remains a
two-way thoroughfare today. Read the 1963 petition for preservation of Biscayne Boulevard as
Gateway to Miami.
MIAMI YOUNG BUT FULL OF HISTORY Biscayne
Boulevard in 1939. Once billed as the "Fifth Avenue
of the South" it is known worldwide for its beautiful
palm-lined "tropical gateway" landscape.
Boulevard in 1939. Once billed as the "Fifth Avenue
of the South" it is known worldwide for its beautiful
palm-lined "tropical gateway" landscape.
2006: Plan for Removing Boulevard Palms
The Upper Eastside Miami Council (designated FDOT design partner) has prepared the following
document summarizing the need for a new landscape along Biscayne Boulevard. Read UEMC's
A Decade of Planning
Do you agree with the UEMC's findings? Primary findings below:
"After a decade's worth of work and collaboration on the Biscayne Boulevard Improvement
Project... it is very clear what the Upper Eastside vision for their roadway is, and it includes shade
and palm trees, not the huge out-of-scale royal palms."
"When royals grow to maturity on a roadway as narrow as the Boulevard's, their cement gray
trunks resemble the dull concrete light poles that dot both sides of the roadway."
"All (including federal law) deemed royal palms inappropriate for Biscayne's narrow roadway and
the primary reason is vehicular safety. When an automobile strikes the massive trunk of a royal
palm, it's "Palm Tree 1, Vehicle and Occupants 0."
The Upper Eastside Miami Council (designated FDOT design partner) has prepared the following
document summarizing the need for a new landscape along Biscayne Boulevard. Read UEMC's
A Decade of Planning
Do you agree with the UEMC's findings? Primary findings below:
"After a decade's worth of work and collaboration on the Biscayne Boulevard Improvement
Project... it is very clear what the Upper Eastside vision for their roadway is, and it includes shade
and palm trees, not the huge out-of-scale royal palms."
"When royals grow to maturity on a roadway as narrow as the Boulevard's, their cement gray
trunks resemble the dull concrete light poles that dot both sides of the roadway."
"All (including federal law) deemed royal palms inappropriate for Biscayne's narrow roadway and
the primary reason is vehicular safety. When an automobile strikes the massive trunk of a royal
palm, it's "Palm Tree 1, Vehicle and Occupants 0."
A Short History: Biscayne Boulevard, Gateway to Miami
BISCAYNE BOULEVARD TODAY Biscayne Boulevard
is the central backbone of Northeast Miami. Flanked
with hundreds of royal palms, the boulevard is
Miami's Gateway. These royals may ultimately be
replaced with sapling shade trees.
is the central backbone of Northeast Miami. Flanked
with hundreds of royal palms, the boulevard is
Miami's Gateway. These royals may ultimately be
replaced with sapling shade trees.
Along the Way: City Ordinance Requires Royal Palms
From its conception in the 1920's, Biscayne Boulevard's design was intended to play the role of
tropical gateway to this city. SD-9 quote (from City of Miami Zoning Ordinance 11000):
Sec. 609.3.2 (1) "Along Biscayne Boulevard, the pedestrian open space and the ground floor
frontage shall be so designed, improved and located to provide an attractively landscaped
appearance using royal palms and other types of tropical plants suitable to its gateway role."
From its conception in the 1920's, Biscayne Boulevard's design was intended to play the role of
tropical gateway to this city. SD-9 quote (from City of Miami Zoning Ordinance 11000):
Sec. 609.3.2 (1) "Along Biscayne Boulevard, the pedestrian open space and the ground floor
frontage shall be so designed, improved and located to provide an attractively landscaped
appearance using royal palms and other types of tropical plants suitable to its gateway role."
1940s: Boulevard Dedicated as a Tribute to Armed Forces
Shortly after World War II, Biscayne Boulevard was further dedicated as a Blue Star Memorial
Highway. "A tribute to the armed forces that have defended the United States of America,"
sponsored by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs in cooperation with State Road Department of
Florida and the Tropical Garden Club.
Shortly after World War II, Biscayne Boulevard was further dedicated as a Blue Star Memorial
Highway. "A tribute to the armed forces that have defended the United States of America,"
sponsored by the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs in cooperation with State Road Department of
Florida and the Tropical Garden Club.
2007: SavePalms Celebrates 80th Anniversary
On February 12, a few SavePalms supporters (including community activists, Elvis Cruz and Teri
D'Amico) celebrated Biscayne Boulevard's 80th birthday by handing out cupcakes, water and
SavePalms fliers at 69th Street and Biscayne Boulevard. Read the Miami Herald coverage.
On February 12, a few SavePalms supporters (including community activists, Elvis Cruz and Teri
D'Amico) celebrated Biscayne Boulevard's 80th birthday by handing out cupcakes, water and
SavePalms fliers at 69th Street and Biscayne Boulevard. Read the Miami Herald coverage.
BOULEVARD DESIGNATED BLUE STAR HIGHWAY
Shortly after World War II, Biscayne Boulevard was
further dedicated as "A tribute to the armed forces that
have defended the United States of America."
Shortly after World War II, Biscayne Boulevard was
further dedicated as "A tribute to the armed forces that
have defended the United States of America."
SavePalms
Protecting Miami's living history
DESIGNATION OF BISCAYNE BOULEVARD as a
Scenic Transportation Corridor (from the Miami River to NE 36th Street)
Scenic Transportation Corridor (from the Miami River to NE 36th Street)
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1956: Miami and America Celebrate Boulevard's 30th Anniversary
Miss Biscayne Boulevard, antique car show, boulevard builders' cake cutting. The boulevard
birthday celebration included celebrity impersonators and NBC's Today Show. News coverage
Miss Biscayne Boulevard, antique car show, boulevard builders' cake cutting. The boulevard
birthday celebration included celebrity impersonators and NBC's Today Show. News coverage
VINTAGE CARS CELEBRATE 30TH ANNIVERSARY
"It isn't very ancient as streets go. Compared to
Broadway, Picadilly or Havana's Prado, its' just an
infant. But if anybody anywhere mentions Biscayne
boulevard, everybody knows Miami."
"It isn't very ancient as streets go. Compared to
Broadway, Picadilly or Havana's Prado, its' just an
infant. But if anybody anywhere mentions Biscayne
boulevard, everybody knows Miami."
