A Little Power Cut-Off Won’t Keep Jimbo’s Down

Horrible news coming out of Virginia Key Monday, as apparently the City of Miami has decided to shut off the power to the emporium of canned beer and Off! that is Jimbo’s. The collection of colorful shacks and awnings that you can take your boat right up to apparently had some electrical wiring issues, and the city felt it was unsafe for the patrons. I’m not sure if the city is aware of who exactly the patrons of Jimbo’s are,  and that an electrical fire would be about as big a concern to these folks as homeowner’s insurance rates. But for now, at least, the landmark is shut down.

THE ANTITHESIS OF TRENDY

For those unfamiliar, Jimbo’s is a sort of bar/restaurant at the end of Virginia Key right across from the sewage treatment plant. For its bar section, it features beer in a can. For the restaurant, it offers smoked fish. That’s it. You don’t go there for the food or beverage selection, you go for the experience. The regulars are a motley crew of fisherman and bus-dwellers, with the occasional boater thrown in. People from all over the city come, though, to sit among the mangroves and drink some cheap beer. The setup is basically picnic tables in a dirt lot canopied by various Miami foliage, with a dock on the shore. That and a full Bocce Ball court for those who need some sort of bar activity to stay interested.

Jimbo’s unique location just south of Fisher Island, with its colorful run-down buildings and even more colorful cast of characters, has made it a location for countless modeling shoots. MiamiBeach411.com fan “Dexter” of Showtime fame also films many of its boat scenes in the channel that runs between Jimbo’s and a patch of mangroves. It’s the kind of place where you felt like you were deep in the Everglades, even though you were less than half a mile from the Rickenbacker Causeway.

THE CITY FINALLY GETS ITS EXCUSE

I’m not sure how much money Jimbo’s makes with its business model. And I’m not sure how quickly it would be able to fix these electrical problems the city has cited. There are constant rumors of Jimbo’s being shut down, given its prime real estate and less-than-glamorous reputation. It’s an outdoor dive bar, for crying out loud. But one has to wonder if the city finally found its reason to shut it down and bring in a more tax-revenue-driving business. A fancy waterside restaurant, perhaps. Or a super-exclusive gated hotel. I’d like to think the City appreciates the local popularity and uniqueness that Jimbo’s brings to Miami. But look who we’re dealing with. Since when has Miami ever stopped the destruction of something historic and unique in the name of bland and new (::cough::Orange Bowl::cough)?

MIAMIANS CAN COME THROUGH WHEN IT COMES TO ALCOHOL

Maybe Jimbo’s can fix these problems easily. And maybe it can’t. But if money is the issue to getting it fixed, I bet the local population can step up. Nightclub magnate Michael Cappone had his birthday party there not long ago (I crashed), which means he has to appreciate the spot. And how many rich people with boats have stopped by Jimbo’s for a cold one and some quality conversation with Jamaican Paul. So, Jimbo’s, if you need money, just ask. You’d be surprised how giving Miamians can be when it comes to our watering holes. Just put out the word, and help will be on its way.

Related Categories: Miami: Local News, About the Author: Matt Meltzer is a featured columnist at Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Matt Meltzer. See more articles by Matt Meltzer Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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"A Little Power Cut-Off Won’t Keep Jimbo’s Down"

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