MIAMI BEACH

city, Dade county, southeastern Florida, U.S., on the oceanfront, separated from the mainland and city of Miami by Biscayne Bay. Until 1912 the site was a mangrove swamp with unsuccessful coconut and avocado plantations. John S. Collins and Carl F. Fisher pioneered real estate development, and through their efforts a bridge was built across the bay (followed by a causeway in 1920); the area was dredged to form an island (7.4 sq mi [19 sq km]) with an 8-mile (13-km) beach and was incorporated in 1915. Growth was hindered by the collapse of the Florida land boom and the Depression. World War II curtailed the tourist business but served to advertise the city widely when most of the hotels were requisitioned to house army trainees. The city is now a year-round luxury resort and convention centre, having no industries, no railroads, and no airports. It receives its visitors by way of Miami. Pop. (1990) 92,639.