Miami officials discuss safety concerns over recent shootings near Brickell’s Corner Club – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
MIAMI (WSVN) – A series of shootings in Miami’s Brickell section have residents on edge, and some are voicing their concerns to the city’s chief of police.
Over the past five weeks, the community has witnessed a troubling uptick in gun-related incidents, with concerns centering around the vicinity of a popular bar, The Corner Club.
The most recent shooting occurred on Sunday night, and it sent a woman to the hospital.
According to City of Miami Police, the dispute between two groups that led to the gunfire began within the club but escalated when the parties involved exited onto Southwest 12th Street and South Miami Avenue.
“They have an argument inside the bar. The club kicks out half of the people; that gentleman goes out to his car. Ten minutes pass, he’s still sitting in the parking lot with the girl,” Miami Police Cmdr. Andres Valdes said. The rest of the party comes out, and they basically attack him, vandalize his car, destroy his car.”
This incident, along with two prior shootings on Aug. 28 and Oct. 16, followed a similar pattern: an argument that originated inside the club and spilled outside, culminating in gunfire.
Police have confirmed that The Corner Club operates within established regulations and works closely with law enforcement to increase safety.
“[Police] conducted a check of their licenses. Code enforcement verified that they did have an active 4COP,” Valdes said.
The club’s 4COP license allows it to serve alcohol until 5 a.m.
However, concerns about late-night partying and its proximity to a nearby school have motivated the Brickell Homeowner’s Association to seek changes.
“There is a school probably a block or two away from this establishment, so having that license and having them allow the – I guess the right to operate until 5 a.m., let’s say on a Sunday morning, poses a lot of issues and safety in terms of children,” said Abby Ape, director of the Brickell Homeowners Association.
Together with city leaders like Commissioner Sabrina Covo, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales and code enforcement officials came together to address these concerns. They discussed the future of Brickell’s safety and explored potential measures to mitigate issues linked to the club.
“We have the ability to negotiate and say, ‘Well, you need to reduce your hours on Sundays, and you need to put noise mitigation processes, and you need to have additional security and off guard,’” said Robert Santos-Alborná, director of Code Compliance for the City of Miami. “We can make certain requirements as part of the negotiation process.”
A spokesperson for The Corner Club did not immediately respond to 7News’ request for comment.
Police have installed a live camera at 12th Street and South Miami Avenue to monitor the area. The fire department will also go in the bar during weekends to ensure occupancy is at the correct level..
Copyright 2023 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
