Underworld: Towing business in Miami Beach

We’re about to get screwed by the politicians – again. Nothing new in this modern world, I guess. Miami Beach, the city where I live, is negotiating a new contract with the two towing companies that work here. Don’t know anyone there personally, but from what I’ve seen and heard from people who have been towed… bullies and crooks.

Currently they charge upwards of $200 when towed. They want more. They claim that they are losing money. Sure!

The lobbyist for Beach Towing and Tremont Towing is a former mayor of Miami Beach. Harold Rosen has managed to cozy up to commissioners who vote in favor of his clients. In return? There is money in this deal for everyone. For the politicians, at least contributions at campaign time. Probably a bit more.

I know for sure that the system is set up where if you are an elected official or someone high up in the administration, your car will not get towed. There are stickers you place on your car that assure you of that. If by mistake you are towed and you are one of those considered above the law – someone makes a call and your car is returned.

Now, if you are a regular Joe who parked his car in Miami Beach in a no-parking zone… Get ready for the time of your life. And I’m not talking about a good time either.

It’s a system established over the years and it’s not nice. The cops are involved too – side business. They are the first line of defense. They see an illegally parked car, make the call to Beach or Tremont and within minutes what is usually a very large, full-bellied, scary character is hooking up your vehicle. Oh! and later when you go pick it up… Get ready to be treated lousy, roughly and don’t bring your wife or girlfriend… Just bring plenty of cash. And it’s about to get more expensive!

Alvaro F. Fernandez