Miami’s elite may have lost a legal battle in their fight to throw massive, freewheeling parties at their mansions during Art Basel, but the bashes will still go on — with some restrictions.
Plastic surgeon and “Real Housewives of Miami” star Leonard Hochstein, Farmasi CEO Sinan Tuna and party-loving Hibiscus Island resident Daniel Vincent Liburdi filed an emergency motion for a temporary injunction against the city over its new “Art Week PHS House Party Resolution” passed on Nov. 20, which requires large-scale events — with sponsors, dance floors, sound systems and fireworks — to obtain permits or have hosts face possible arrest.
In a blow to the party-loving millionaires, the motion was kicked up to federal court this week with U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore ruling in favor of the city.
“The City’s ability to mitigate chaos, along with the strain on the City’s resources these parties cause significantly outweigh Plaintiffs’ interests in throwing their lavish parties, particularly given the City is allowing the parties to proceed (with restrictions). Accordingly, the Court finds that a temporary injunction is not warranted,” read court papers.
The parties, which have been permitted by the city, will have to adhere to occupancy limits, noise restrictions and parking prohibitions.
Hochstein will host the exclusive Nylon magazine and Movado bash at his Star Island mansion, but with a limited guest list.
We hear the party, which promises a performance by Ludacris, will will require wristbands for entry, and shuttles will be provided to avoid traffic snarls.
The new rule requiring permits was put in place after residents of Miami’s ultra-swanky islands complained about excessive noise and rowdy partygoers.
Nylon owner Bryan Goldberg tells us, “We have reached a very reasonable agreement with the city. That was always the hope and expected outcome.”
Vice Mayor of Miami Beach Alex Fernandez weighed in by telling Page Six, “The courts have proven that rich and famous people aren’t above the law and don’t have the right to intrude on everyone else’s peaceful and safe enjoyment of their home.”
He also promises to enforce the new rules.
“The safeguards upheld by the court through the permit review process are only as effective as their enforcement,” Fernandez told us in a statement. “I fully expect proactive and coordinated efforts by all of our city agencies, including code compliance, parking, fire and police, to ensure the conditions of the permits are strictly upheld. This is essential to protecting public safety and preserving the quality of life in our residential neighborhoods.”
