Miami Beach, FL — In a city defined by its shimmering shorelines and rich cultural diversity,
Omar Jimenez has emerged as a passionate advocate for sustainability, small business
resilience, and community-first urban planning. A longtime resident of Miami Beach, Jimenez is
known for his hands-on activism and steady presence in civic life — from waterway cleanups to
redevelopment oversight and everything in between.

Whether addressing city commissioners or mobilizing neighbors around local improvement
efforts, Jimenez’s mission is clear: protect what makes Miami Beach livable while holding leadership accountable. “My goal has always been to help build a city that works for its
residents — not just tourists or special interests,” he says.

Jimenez’s insight into community needs is deeply informed by his long-standing experience in
hospitality — an industry that has both shaped and sustained the cultural backbone of Miami
Beach. His family is behind Bella Cuba, a beloved Cuban restaurant just off Lincoln Road. For
over 20 years, Bella Cuba has served as more than just a place to eat — it's a neighborhood
institution built on warmth, heritage, and connection. “Growing up in the restaurant,” Omar
recalls, “I saw firsthand how small businesses support communities — and how communities, in
turn, keep those businesses alive.”

That foundation only grew stronger as he expanded his footprint in the culinary world. In 2020,
Omar teamed up with renowned local chef Bernie Matz and former Miami Beach
Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez to open Café Bernie, a waterfront restaurant on the
Julia Tuttle Causeway that married elevated comfort food with an unmistakable Miami twist. As
an operator, Jimenez oversaw day-to-day operations and helped guide the launch of the
concept during a uniquely challenging time for restaurants amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to Bella Cuba and Café Bernie, Jimenez also launched Miami Food Tours, a
curated culinary experience that highlighted hidden gems and cultural stories throughout the
city. His work across these ventures reflects a deep understanding of how hospitality,
community identity, and economic sustainability intersect.

That same perspective now informs his civic engagement. Jimenez has become a key voice on
issues like water quality in the Park View Island canal, the future of the North Beach CRA, and
the accountability of public-private partnerships tied to redevelopment projects. He’s not afraid
to ask hard questions — especially when it comes to how tax dollars are spent and whether
proposed developments are truly delivering benefits for Miami Beach residents.

His collaborative, forward-thinking approach has earned respect across the political spectrum.
Whether organizing grassroots events or offering input during city planning sessions, Jimenez
continues to be a bridge between local institutions and the everyday voices of the community.
As Miami Beach looks to the future — facing rising seas, population pressures, and shifting
political tides — Omar Jimenez stands out as a steady advocate for thoughtful,
community-centered solutions. “The real strength of Miami Beach isn’t just its skyline or
beaches,” he says. “It’s the people who live here and fight to make it better every day.”

 

Get to know Omar better, listen to the first podcast Omar was invited on in 2020!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bella-cuba-omar-jimenez/id1512316237?i=1000500778460