Do you remember when the Byron Carlyle was one of the only movie theaters in Miami Beach? Well, O Cinema is interested in managing this wonderful North Beach Venue, bringing independent films and art installations to North Beach. O Cinema won the support for this endeavor from the Mayor’s North Beach Blue Ribbon Committee but the city commission wants to hear from its residents before approving.We've seen the success of independent movie cinemas in South Beach, Wynwood, Miami Shores, as well as Coral Gables, and feel this will be a wonderful asset for residents and businesses alike in North Beach. Imagine having the opportunity to see a film like Chef or Volver right in your neighborhood.Recently, O Cinema  sent an invitation of support to the community, which is copied below. If you'd like to see O Cinema call the Byron Carlyle home,  we ask that you show your support by contacting the commission at the email addresses provided or voice your support at the Commission chambers on July 23rd, 2014 at 2:00pm.  More information about O Cinema is available on their website http://www.o-cinema.org/about-o-cinema/.Dear Friends,For the last few weeks O Cinema has been in discussion with the City of Miami Beach about the future of the Byron-Carlyle theater on 71^st street in North Beach. We have expressed our interest to the city in assuming the management of the building. Our goal is to bring movies back to North Beach and create the community's first-ever independent art house cinema.I am happy to say that we seem to have support among many of the Commissioners as well as the strong support of Mayor Levine, City Manager Morales, the City of Miami Beach's Cultural Affairs department as well as the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Panel for North Beach and many prominent community members. However, in order for this to come to pass it is important that the city leaders hear from residents and business owners in Miami Beach who support our efforts.We believe in the power of movies to transform lives and communities. We know that through its varied subjects and accessible prices, cinema is the grand unifier that can be entertaining, thought provoking, and inspire dialogue. We also know that a burgeoning community like North Beach, full of wonderful restaurants and charming streets, should have its own neighborhood cinema- a cultural beacon accessible to all.  O Cinema is a non-profit, mission-driven, community-based art house theater and our intention is to operate the space on a 7-day a week, year round basis and bring the best in independent, foreign and classic films to area residents and visitors.To make this possible however, we need your help and we need your voice.Please take a moment now and send a note of support to the Commissioners, Mayor and City Manager and let them know that as a resident/business owner in Miami Beach, you'd like to see O Cinema come to North Beach at the Byron Carlyle. It is important that they receive this message before the commission meeting on Wednesday, July 23^rd when this will be discussed. You can copy and paste all their addresses (listed below) into one email of support. The discussion of O Cinema at the Byron-Carlyle will come up at the Wednesday, July 23rd commission meeting.  The item has been scheduled for 2pm.  We'd love to see you there to support our efforts and possibly speak during the public comment section.  Please email me at:  kareem@o-cinema.org if you can attend.

Mayor & Commissioner Emails:

philiplevine@miamibeachfl.gov

joymalakoff@miamibeachfl.gov

deedeweithorn@miamibeachfl.gov

michaelgrieco@miamibeachfl.gov

jonahwolfson@miamibeachfl.gov

edtobin@miamibeachfl.gov

mickysteinberg@miamibeachfl.gov

jimmymorales@miamibeachfl.gov

Many Thanks for your support!Best, Your O Cinema family