Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz and Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez oppose a proposed partnership with Rockstar Games to rebrand parts of Miami as “Vice City” for Grand Theft Auto VI’s launch, citing concerns about glorifying crime. The mayor’s office, however, sees potential revenue and exposure.
Miami-Dade County’s sheriff and a commissioner have publicly clashed with the mayor’s office over a proposed partnership with Rockstar Games to rebrand parts of Miami as the fictional “Vice City” for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto VI. The plan, which includes renaming Miami International Airport and branding public transit, has sparked a fierce debate about the county’s image and the influence of video game culture.
Sheriff and Commissioner Oppose Rebranding Plan
Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, a Republican, and Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, also a Republican, have condemned the proposal, calling it a harmful promotion of crime and violence. Grand Theft Auto is a video game franchise built around criminal activity,
Cordero-Stutz said in a joint statement with Bermudez. Its fictional world includes murder, robbery, drug trafficking, carjacking, violence against law enforcement, and other conduct that the men and women of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office work every single day to prevent.
Bermudez echoed these concerns, criticizing the idea of rebranding Miami International Airport as Vice City Airport.
We should be promoting the Miami-Dade we have worked so hard to build, not a fictional version of our community defined by crime and violence,
he said. The pair emphasized that the game’s portrayal of law enforcement and civilians as targets undermines the county’s efforts to foster safety and tourism.
The sheriff and commissioner also questioned the practicality of the plan. Bermudez called the proposal “nonsensical,” noting that the game’s propensity for glorifying wanton violence on first responders and random people
contradicts the county’s values. Cordero-Stutz added that the message sent by promoting a fictional identity centered around many of those same crimes
risks damaging Miami’s reputation.
Mayor’s Office Sees Revenue Opportunity
The mayor’s office, however, has framed the partnership as a chance to generate revenue and showcase Miami to a global audience. Carlos Suarez, a spokesperson for Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, stated, Given Miami-Dade’s clear influence on the game, we think there could be a unique opportunity to generate revenue for the County while showcasing Miami-Dade to a massive audience.
The proposed activations include renaming Miami International Airport to Vice City International,
rebranding the Port of Miami as “Port Gellhorn,” and installing GTA-themed manhole covers. A Vice City Motor Fest
event was also suggested, featuring classic cars and local entertainment. The mayor’s office has not confirmed any formal agreements but acknowledged ongoing discussions with Rockstar Games.
Supporters of the plan argue that such collaborations are common in the entertainment industry. Suarez noted that the city has spent decades building a reputation as a world-class destination
and that leveraging the game’s popularity could enhance that image. However, critics, including fans of the series, have accused the sheriff and commissioner of being “fun police” and missing out on potential revenue.
Proposed Activations and Public Reaction
The proposed rebranding extends beyond the airport. Reports suggest that the Metro Mover would be wrapped in Vice City branding, and the game’s logo could appear on manhole covers across the county. These ideas, outlined in a pitch to Rockstar Games, have drawn sharp criticism from officials who argue they risk normalizing the game’s violent content.
Bermudez called for transparency, urging the administration to disclose the public benefits, costs, and resource usage tied to any deal. Miami-Dade County is not a video game; it’s a community,
he said. He also emphasized that the public should have a say in such decisions, stating he would vote “no” if the proposal comes up.
The mayor’s office has reiterated that any deal would require appropriate review and approval process,
but the sheriff and commissioner have made it clear they will continue to oppose the plan. The outcome hinges on whether the county prioritizes economic opportunities or public sentiment against the game’s violent imagery.
The debate reflects broader tensions between commercial interests and community values. With GTA VI set for release in November 2026, the decision could set a precedent for how cities engage with pop culture and entertainment. For now, Miami-Dade remains at a crossroads, balancing its global brand with the ethical implications of aligning with a franchise that many view as a symbol of lawlessness.
