An investigative report has stirred up a storm surrounding Miami's Referendum 3, scheduled for November 3, revealing that influencers allegedly linked to the campaign supporting the Virginia Key marinas project disseminated racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-LGBTQ messages aimed at opponents.
The investigation, published by Miami New Times, delves into the campaign's funding and the activities of several content creators.
Political Cortadito also covered the issue on Monday, connecting some of these influencers to other political controversies in South Florida.
Understanding the Virginia Key Vote
Referendum 3 asks Miami city residents to decide whether to authorize the leasing of 27.62 acres of public land on Virginia Key to Virginia Key LLC, a joint venture between Dallas-based Suntex Marinas and RCI Marine Group.
The proposed lease agreement outlines an initial term of 45 years, with two possible 15-year extensions, potentially extending the lease to 75 years.
Developers have committed to investing around $80 million in refurbishing the Rickenbacker and Marine Stadium marinas.
The original proposal specifies that the city would receive a minimum annual rent of $2.2 million, plus 6% of gross revenues, guaranteeing approximately $204 million during the first 45 years.
Early voting began on October 19.
Although the referendum is solely for Miami city voters, it is part of a broader voting day where Miami-Dade will also address other ballot measures.
Funding the Project's Promotion
According to election finance records cited by Miami New Times, Suntex Marina Investors LLC contributed $2.35 million to the political committee Help Save Virginia Key between July 20 and October 9.
The company was the sole reported donor during this period.
Of the expenditures disclosed by the committee, approximately $1.12 million went to Big Tuesday Media, a company located on Brickell Avenue, Miami.
Payments were made through 32 transactions identified as public relations services, digital advertising, social media, and audiovisual production.
Influencers Accused of Spreading Hate
The investigation highlights three conservative Hispanic influencers purportedly involved in promoting a favorable vote for the project: Linda Catalina, Josue Alvarez, and Isabella Rodriguez.
Miami New Times reports that individuals with direct knowledge of the campaign claimed Big Tuesday Media hired these content creators. However, the report did not provide contracts or invoices to individually verify these payments.
The controversy also centers on posts and videos targeting two project opponents: Adam Gersten, owner of Gramps Getaway, and Aabad Melwani, operator of Rickenbacker Marina.
A report reviewed by the newspaper tallied at least 13 anti-Semitic comments against Gersten, 15 racist attacks on Melwani, 16 threatening or harmful comments, and eight attacks on LGBTQ individuals.
The outlet noted it had not independently verified these counts.
Among cited examples, Alvarez referred to Melwani as a "third world merchant," telling him "count your days" in a TikTok video. Catalina suggested in another post that Melwani dumped waste into the water because "he thinks this is India."
In a related exchange concerning Gersten, Alvarez responded, "What do you think?" when asked if the businessman was Jewish.
Melwani was born in Hong Kong and has lived in Key Biscayne since he was 14 months old. His wife is Cuban.
Gersten, another project opponent, might lose his restaurant if the development proposal goes through.
When contacted by Miami New Times, Catalina replied via email: "You are fake news."
The owner of Big Tuesday Media did not respond to the newspaper's requests for comments.
Links to Other Political Campaigns
Political Cortadito also investigated the involvement of these influencers in other political disputes in South Florida.
According to the outlet, some spread attacks against Lucia Baez-Geller, a Democratic candidate for Florida's House District 106, including accusations linking her to terrorism.
The publication also associated the content creators with controversies surrounding Melissa Castro, a Coral Gables commissioner, and Mayor Vince Lago.
Reports from Gables Gazette and Political Cortadito indicate a committee linked to Lago paid more than $65,000 to Big Tuesday Media, with total payments to the firm exceeding $100,000 by 2026.
FAQs on Miami's Controversial Referendum 3
What is Referendum 3 about?
Referendum 3 asks Miami city residents to approve or reject the leasing of public land on Virginia Key to a joint venture for development, involving a significant financial investment in local marinas.
Who are the key players involved in the referendum controversy?
The controversy involves Suntex Marinas, content creators like Linda Catalina, Josue Alvarez, and Isabella Rodriguez, and political figures such as Adam Gersten and Aabad Melwani.
Why are accusations of racism and anti-Semitism being made?
Certain influencers linked to the campaign allegedly shared racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-LGBTQ content targeting opponents of the project, fueling the controversy.