Along with sunshine and warm waters, there’s controversy on the beach. 

The iconic Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach wants to build a waterpark on its property. That project has become a flashpoint for opponents of potential state law that would allow developers to bypass local governments and build their projects. 

The micro issue is the Fontainebleau’s waterpark proposal. The macro issue is the impact that HB 399 and SB 208 would have on any community’s ability to stop development, and in South Florida, that means from the Everglades to the beach. 

“Miami Beach should control its zoning laws, Tallahassee should not be the zoning board of Miami Beach,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

Speaking at a news conference Tuesday morning outside the Fontainebleau, on the bicycle path which runs between its property and the beach, Meiner said if the bills become law, residents will lose the power to speak through their local governments and community boards. 

 “Because once we lose our character,” said commissioner Alex Fernandez, “Once we lose our historic icons, and once we lose our river of grass, we will forever change and lose what has made Miami Beach the most unique, the most beautiful destination for tourists around the world.”

Community activist Miriam Weiss pointed out that the Fontainebleau asked the city’s historic preservation board to defer its decision on the waterpark proposal when it looked likely that it would be rejected. But it will get new life if HB399 and SB208 become law. 

“Is that democracy, that the residents can’t speak up and can’t say their opinion about what should be built here? What message does that send to our residents? Oh, if you don’t like those pesky residents and local officials, come to Tallahassee with a bag of cash and lobbyists and we’ll write whatever you want, is that democracy?” Weiss said. 

“If an idea cannot make it through the normal committee process, it has no business being slipped into an unrelated bill at the last minute like this one did,” added Alicia Casanova, another neighborhood activist. 

The residents who live near the Fontainebleau are worried about noise and traffic from the Waterpark. 

Supporters of the bills say they will make it easier to build affordable housing in Florida. 

NBC6 reached out for comment to the Fontainebleau and to the house bill’s sponsor, Rep. David Borerro. We did not receive any replies.