Drama Beginning to Unfold at Island Gardens on Watson Island Between Flagstone Property Group and The City of Miami

15 years ago, the city of Miami and Turkish developer Mehmet Bayraktar's Flagstone Property Group struck a deal to the tune of a 99-year lease to allow Flagstone to develop the Island Gardens property on Watson Island. Last week, city commissioners unanimously voted 5-0 to issue a notice of default to Flagstone Property Group. The city of Miami grew frustrated after the development proposed by Flagstone, which would include 2 hotels, 221,000 SF of retail and restaurant space and a megayacht marina was never built and only the megayacht marina was completed in 2015. The project was approved by Miami voters in 2001 and had expected costs over $1 billion. Flagstone Property Group claims that they can cure any defaults and may sue the city. They also claim that terminating the lease would lead to losses over $100 million. During 15 year period, Flagstone Property Group paid only $6.3 million in rent. Mayor Tomas Regalado could veto the vote and has suggested commissioners bring in a third-party to determine if Flagstone is actually in default.