Miami Babylon: Crime, Wealth, and Power--A Dispatch from the Beach

by Gerald Posner

Here, in all its neon-colored, cocaine-fueled glory, is the never-before-told story of the making of Miami Beach. Gerald Posner, author of the groundbreaking investigations Case Closed and Why America Slept , has uncovered the hair-raising political-financial-criminal history of the Beach and reveals a tale that, in the words of one character, "makes Scarface look like a documentary." From its beginnings in the 1890s, the Beach has been a place made by visionaries and hustlers. During Prohibition, Al Capone had to muscle into its bootlegging and gambling businesses. After December 1941, when the Beach was the training ground for half a million army recruits, even the war couldn't stop the party. After a short postwar boom, the city's luck gave out. The big hotels went bankrupt, the crime rate rose, and the tourists moved on to Disney World and the Caribbean. Even after the Beach hosted both national political conventions in 1972, nobody would have imagined that this sandy backwater of run-down hotels and high crime would soon become one of the country's most important cultural centers. But in 1981, 125,000 Cubans arrived by the boatload. The empty streets of South Beach, lined with dilapidated Art Deco hotels, were about to be changed irrevocably by the culture of money that moved in behind cocaine and crime. Posner takes us inside the intertwined lives of politicians, financiers, nightclub owners, and real estate developers who have fed the Beach's unquenchable desire for wealth, flash, and the German playboy who bought the entire tip of South Beach with $100 million of questionable money; the mayoral candidate who said, "If you can't take their money, drink their liquor, mess with their women, and then vote against them, you aren't cut out for politics"; the Staten Island thug who became king of the South Beach nightclubs only to have his empire unravel and saved himself by testifying against the mob; the campaign manager who calls himself the "Prince of Darkness" and got immunity from prosecution in a fraud case by cooperating with the FBI against his colleagues; and the former Washington, D.C., developer who played hardball with city hall and became the Beach's first black hotel owner. From the mid-level coke dealers and their suitcases of cash to the questionable billions that financed the ocean-view condo towers, the Beach has seen it all. Posner's singular report tells the real story of how this small urban beach community was transformed into a world-class headquarters for American culture within a generation. It is a story built by dreamers and schemers. And a steroid-injected cautionary tale.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, True Crime, American History, Audiobook, Politics, Crime

464 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Gerald Posner is an award winning journalist, bestselling author and attorney. The Los Angeles Times dubs him "a classic-style investigative journalist." "His work is painstakingly honest journalism" concluded The Washington Post. The New York Times lauded his "exhaustive research techniques" and The Boston Globe talked of Posner's "thorough and hard-edge investigation." "A meticulous and serious researcher," said the New York Daily News.

Posner's first book, Mengele, a 1986 biography of the Nazi "Angel of Death” Josef Mengele, was the result of a pro-bono lawsuit Posner brought on behalf of surviving twins from Auschwitz. Since then he has written ten other books from the Pulitzer Prize-finalist Case Closed, to bestsellers on political assassinations, organized crime, national politics, and 9/11 and terrorism. His upcoming God’s Bankers has spanned nine years of research and received early critical praise.

ohn Martin of ABC News says "Gerald Posner is one of the most resourceful investigators I have encountered in thirty years of journalism." Garry Wills calls Posner "a superb investigative reporter. "Posner, a former Wall Street lawyer, demolishes myths through a meticulous re-examination of the facts," reported the Chicago Tribune. "Meticulous research," Newsday.

Anthony Lewis in The New York Times: "With 'Killing the Dream, he has written a superb book: a model of investigation, meticulous in its discovery and presentation of evidence, unbiased in its exploration of every claim. And it is a wonderfully readable book, as gripping as a first-class detective story."

"What we need is a work of painstakingly honest journalism, a la Case Closed, Gerald Posner's landmark re-examination of the assassination of John F. Kennedy," concluded Joe Sharkey in The New York Times.

Gene Lyons, in Entertainment Weekly: "As thorough and incisive a job of reporting and critical thinking as you will ever read, Case Closed does more than buttress the much beleaguered Warren Commission's conclusion ….More than that, Posner's book is written in a penetrating, lucid style that makes it a joy to read. Even the footnotes, often briskly debunking one or another fanciful or imaginary scenario put forth by the conspiracy theorists, rarely fail to enthrall...Case Closed is a work of genuine patriotism and a monument to the astringent power of reason. 'A'"

Jeffrey Toobin in the Chicago Tribune: "Unlike many of the 2,000 other books that have been written about the Kennedy assassination, Posner's Case Closed is a resolutely sane piece of work. More importantly, 'Case Closed' is utterly convincing in its thesis, which seems, in light of all that has transpired over the past 30 years, almost revolutionary....I started Case Closed as a skeptic - and slightly put off by the presumptuous title. To my mind historical truth is always a slippery thing. The chances of knowing for sure what happened in any event - much less one as murky as the Kennedy assassination - seem remote. But this fascinating and important book won me over. Case closed, indeed."

Based in the mixed realms of politics, history, and true crime, his articles - from The New York Times to The New Yorker to Newsweek, Time and The Daily Beast - have prompted Argentina to open its hidden Nazi files to researchers; raised disturbing questions about clues the FBI missed in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing; sparked a reinvestigation of the Boston Strangler; and exposed Pete Rose's gambling addiction, which led to his ban from baseball.

Posner was one of the youngest attorneys (23) ever hired by Cravath, Swaine & Moore. A Political Science major, Posner was a Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of California at Berkeley (1975), where he was also a national debating champion, winner of the Meiklejohn Award. At Hastings Law School (1978), he was an Honors Graduate and served as the Associate Executive Editor for the Law Review. Of Counsel to Posner & Ferrar

Reviews

[Paul Pessolano · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Miami Babylon” by Gerald Posner, published by Simon & Schuster.

Category – History/Crime Publication Date – October 13, 2009

Most of us, even if we have never been there, are familiar with Miami and especially South Beach. These cities have become known for their tropical playground, money, star studded celebrities, but not many of us know how it got that way.

“Miami Babylon” tells a story of drugs, sex, greed, corrupt politics, and incredible amounts of money both legal and illegal that fueled the making and resurgence of these cities. The amount of drug money that found its way into Miami is far beyond belief. The amounts were so huge that there was no place to put it; many dealers just had millions, yes millions, lying around their houses in boxes and duffel bags. This was after they spent cash only, millions on cars, boats, houses, and parties. It was not unusual for a dealer to spend 5 to 10 thousand dollars for a night on the town. In an effort to revitalize South Beach, developers were loaned billions of dollars to buy and renovate the hotels. When the development failed to materialize, it was not uncommon for them to be given more money for their project. Needless to say that most politicians had their hands out for their votes on certain issues, most of these politicians became a who’s who in Federal condos in the Miami/South Beach area to sell for millions of dollars (that is for one condo). It was also not unusual for the buyer to turn around and sell that condo for a profit just days later. All of this was done even before ground was broken for the building. Fantastic fortunes were gained and lost during this period.

This is a great historical look at the Miami area and its surroundings. It is a history not only of excess but the effects the Mariel boatlift on this area. The politics of the era can be best summed up by the remarks of a political candidate, “If you can’t take their money, drink their liquor, mess with their women, and then vote against them, you aren’t cut out for politics”.

[Noel Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave up on this book. While the first third was interesting inasmuch as it dealt with the founding of Miami Beach and subsequent events up to the eighties, thereafter the narrative became mired in the minutiae of developers and their travails. I would not recommend this book.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting, there was just SO MUCH

[Baba Yaga · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worst part about this audiobook is knowing all those bangin clubs closed down years ago 3

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

The rich are despicable tells you an opportunist who happens to write about any conspiracy as long as it will make him money. Ironic.

[David Fulmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a kind of history of Miami Beach, Florida, the Art Deco tropical paradise built along the Atlantic coast of Florida. It’s strengths are in lengthy descriptions of the feuding between historic preservationists who wanted to protect and restore the post-war Deco hotels and apartment buildings and the developers who wanted to raze them for huge resorts and condo buildings, the politics and corruption in the community, and the development of the party scene, clubs, and restaurants. Its weaknesses are that it doesn’t quite cover the whole history of the Beach. For example, the historic preservation movement that began in the 70s and continued really up until now gets a lot of coverage, including specific buildings that were threatened or torn down, and specific personalities who were important in the movement. But the period where many of these Art Deco buildings were constructed is mostly passed over so that you have no idea where or when or why Miami Beach became such an important location for this style of architecture. Instead, there is an intense focus on certain mayors and a plethora of kind of tawdry stories involving cocaine cowboys and boat builders that, while interesting in a sort of lurid way, don’t, I feel, really amount to the most important themes and events in the story of Miami Beach.

That said, the content within that is focused on the history of the setting is quite interesting. From it’s discovery by Indiana businessman Carl Fisher, who, according to Will Rogers took “Florida from the alligators and gave it to the Indianans” before going bankrupt and pretty much losing his entire considerable fortune, to its crazy real estate boom right before the Great Recession of 2008, Posner does have a gift for including thrilling characters and anecdotes and succeeds partly in conveying a strong sense of place for Miami Beach.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one just absolutely fell apart about 1/3 of the way through. It was an interesting looking at the start of Miami Beach, and talked about the waves of Cuban immigration, as well as the rise of drug trafficking in the city. Really interesting stuff. It also talked about the real estate development going on, and the push and protests and everything going on as gentrification started. But the thing is, about 1/3 of the way through it switched over pretty much entirely to the real estate development side. It completely dropped talking about the Cuban community, the cocaine trafficking, all that stuff. It's not like that stuff stopped after 1984 or 1985, but after that point it's not mentioned at all. It reads more like a history of real-estate development in Miami Beach from then on. Really disappointing. I actually wonder if "someone" got to him causing him to switch gears. The last 2/3 of the book is just chapter after chapter talking about individual hotels getting built and the color of the wallpaper.

[Dave Dyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review is for the Audible version.

I was not impressed. The first few chapters started out very promising, diving into interesting history of an early boom-and-bust, Cubans fleeing Castro for Miami, and some backstory into how Florida was settled. I wouldn't say the writing was great, but it was interesting content. But as the book progressed, it shifted to modern history -- which could have been interesting, if it weren't so focused on real estate development. Literally whole chapters talking about real estate developers and their fights with city hall -- just not very interesting, and hard to follow the characters on Audible.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredible, and incredibly researched, book about the transformation from a mosquito ridden island to the glamour capital is is today. From the cocaine cowboys and the club kids to the amazing array of politicians and their incestuous relationship with developers, there is a constant parade of unbelievable characters; criminals, celebrities and corrupt politicians that only Florida could produce.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the developer-focused approach, as it’s a history that often happens behind the scenes without much popular coverage. That said, I dragged my feet finishing it—it might just be too difficult to make the material come alive, or perhaps it just wasn’t written in a way I found so compelling. If I didn’t live in the very neighborhoods the book covered, I wouldn’t have finished the book.
Still, a worthwhile read for Miami history enthusiasts!

[Chris Schaffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The good
- The wild west Colombian, cocaine, murders, Griselda, Bobby Weinstein, Don Aronow sections
- The Miami Beach club section w/ Ingrid Casares, Chris Paciello, some other characters
- The mayoral/political corruption w/ Alex Daoud and others

The bad/meh
- The people trying to save the art deco, city commissioner, zoning/council hearings
- It got bogged down in bureaucratic details

[Ellie Botoman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting anecdotes and fun first person interviews. That being said, a lot of the description of all of the various real estate entanglements felt excessive and could've been streamlined. A fair overview of crime history in Miami without getting overly pulpy.

[Paul Herriott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The majority of this book was fascinating, especially the creation of the Miami Beach, drug trade, and famous people featuring throughout. The book got a little tiring when it came to the building scene and discussion of drawn out legal battles. Probably one of the more interesting American cities.

[Di · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched but kinda boring in parts.

[Christine Horan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Initially interesting but then far too much time spent on real estate development minutiae. And then a man who helped sink the Miami / Miami Beach metro rail is hailed as a “civic hero”…

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miami Babylon: A Tale of Crime, Wealth and Power by Gerald Posner (pp. 320)

A fascinating 100 year history of Miami Beach, Florida through the lens of power and corruption. Posner relates the many boom and bust cycles that have defined the now, hugely popular vacation destination. Miami Beach’s history is the story of many men with aspirations of personal fiefdoms and urban planning of personal playgrounds.

The various waves of controlling parties and interests from the 1920s Members Only Northern Whites to the aged Jewish population, the cocaine smugglers, the Cuban immigrants, the foreign money men, and the Hollywood excess paint a fascinating picture of what a plurality of minority groups with special interests can do when there are few laws being enforced and fast money to be made.

The book is both sad and amazing. The lax view of corruption is stunning and makes New York and Chicago politicians look boring.

Highly recommended for people in architectural planning: the history of styles built, razed, renewed and built fresh again with such speed is worth the read. Those expecting a parade of celebrity escapades to amuse will be very disappointed. Well researched, well told. The book could only be made better with photographic history alongside the words.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of interesting facts-such as how development of the beach was started, how it continued. Also, it was fascinating learning about the horrible times in the 80's, when crime was rampant and the elderly living there was scared for their lives.

Three issues I had:

1. There didn't seem to be any clear chronology about the path of the revitalization of South Beach. It seemed like the book indicated that one person saw the potential, and then others saw it at around the same time (after years of neglect)-it didn't show any connection, or any logical path.

2. The coverage of mainland Miami-Dade vacillated between good and non-existent-it was hard to tell what the author's intent was. For example, the author spoke thoroughly of a daytime shooting near the Dadeland Mall in suburban Kendall, and also of a successful businessman who lived in South Miami, but otherwise didn't touch much of it at all.

3. It would have been nice to hear stories of the elderly about their good times at the Beach, before it was a place they encountered lots of crime.

All in all, a good read. But not a great read.

[Steven Newman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have a real problem with how this book was written from a factual perspective. So many of the stories that he passes along in relation to the drug trade are spurious at best. Additionally, his facts are incorrect. At one point he refers to Escobar's motto as being "gold" or "lead." The actual term is "plata or plomo" which refers to silver or lead. Sloppy! When I read that Posner was accused of plagiarism after reading this book I was not surprised. This book reflects lazy research and Posner's main objective was to fund the building of an addition on his house, or more plastic surgery.

[Adrian]

A history of Miami Beach real estate. There are interesting episodes on the explosion of cheap cocaine and the arrival of thousands of Cubans in 1980- a far bigger immigration than I realized- but the book shortly settles into a catalogue of real estate dealing. Posner has nailed the city's disease; the power structure has been flipped upside down with developers exercising all the power and city politicians at their beck and call but there is far more in here about land deals than I ever wanted to know.

[Maureen Flatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm eager to start this history of a favorite destination written by investigative journalist Gerald Posner. Posner's book reads like a cross between The Yearling and Miami Vice. He tracks the city's evolution from the 1890's through Prohibition, the influx of organized crime in the 40's, a tidal wave of Cuban immigration up to the creation of South Beach mythology post Gianni Versace. I love Miami....a vibrant, dynamic culture.....so I know this will be riveting.

And it was!

[David Corleto-Bales · Rating 4 out of 5]

By the excellent Miami-based writer, Gerald Posner, a tale of Miami and Miami Beach, two "new" cities scarcely more than a century old, where greed and money have been the only religion for most of that time whether the cash was gotten through land speculation or drugs. Interesting story of how the city reinvented itself after growing old in the 1970s and '80s and became more or less a Latin American city.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I continue to be sort of obsessed with Miami, and this book fed that pretty well. It might have spent a little too much ink on individual real estate transactions and developers that I thought didn't add much to the overall arc of the story, as it were, but overall I enjoyed it. Miami is a very interesting place. I will definitely have to spend some time there someday.

[Mike Moskos · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the local Miami press didn't care for this book 'cause they didn't like the muckraking portrayal of Miami/South Beach, it was fascinating to hear the inside story of how South Beach was re-made.

[Kelvin Agboh · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are really interested in the historical real estate market of Miami beach, this is the book for you. I found the most interesting parts to be the first pioneers who saw past the swamp land and saw the potential.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the first half of the book pretty engaging. I lost interest in the middle when it seemed to digress into the politics of the Art Deco revitalization and a cataloging of the real estate transactions on Miami Beach.

[LOL_BOOKS]

I LEAVE FOR FLORIDA ON THURSDAY. REC RECS FOR BOOKS I SHOULD PUT ON MY KINDLE FOR MY WEEK AT THE BEACH! NOTHING DEPRESSING OR THAT REQUIRES REAL EFFORT TO READ, HOBVIOUSLY.

I ALSO RECOMMEND "MIAMI BABYLON" AS A DECENT TRUE CRIME READ.

[Joy]

This is a new book about organized crime in Miami.

[Tom Hamrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

it may be for my love of all things Miami but i really love this book, it also had me writing down places to see when im in Miami next

[Charles Portland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good background on my playground. Also cool running into Gerald on South Beach.

[Anare2k · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book on Miami Beach development