Philip Levine (politician)

Background

Philip Levine was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and moved to South Florida at the age of 10. Levine is a graduate of Broward County’s public school system and is a graduate of the University of Michigan with a degree in Political Science. Following his graduation, Levine made Miami Beach home and has been involved in many philanthropic and community organizations.

In 2015, Levine completed an advanced leadership program at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Professional career

In 1990, with $500 in capital, Levine launched Onboard Media in a studio apartment above the News Café on Ocean Drive. Conceived as a port-marketing program for the cruise industry, the company expanded to publish eighty-five in-stateroom magazines and to produce award-winning TV programming.

After growing Onboard Media into a multimillion-dollar company, Levine partnered with Berkshire Partners to acquire Starboard Cruise Services. The merger resulted in the world’s largest cruise industry concessionaire, which was later sold to Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy in 2000.

Levine maintains a diverse portfolio of investments in startups, businesses, and real estate. He is also the CEO of Royal Media Partners, an exclusive partner of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Levine also hosts a regular radio show on Sirius XM, “The Mayor,” featuring discussions with elected officials and other interesting personalities on a variety of relevant topics.

Political Involvement

In 2010, Levine was tapped by President Obama’s Secretary of Commerce to serve on a Task Force advising on U.S. tourism. Through his work on the Task Force, Levine worked to strengthen America’s growing international tourism industry.

Mayoral tenure

In November 2013, Levine was elected Mayor of Miami Beach. He received 50.48% of the total vote in a four-person race. His campaign was also endorsed by former President Bill Clinton and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. Levine ran on a platform of “Just Get It Done,” focusing on fixing street flooding and combating sea level rise, cleaning up government corruption, reforming the police department and city finances, and placing a priority on customer service.

In 2015, Levine ran for re-election, and as he had done in 2013, Levine again pledged to fund his own campaign, refusing money from special interests and limiting donations to $100 or less. He was endorsed by the Miami Herald in October 2015 and re-elected as Mayor of Miami Beach, garnering over 65% of the total vote.

In June 2016, Levine successfully passed a living wage in Miami Beach, challenging a recent statewide law forbidding that.

In June 2017, Levine will host the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Miami Beach. The event will bring together over 300 mayors from across the country and will be the first Conference held in the city since 1962.

Climate change

During his tenure as Miami Beach Mayor, Levine publicly advocated for action and attention to the issues of climate change. In 2016, he appeared in Leonardo DiCaprio’s documentary, “Before the Flood,” and in an episode of the National Geographic Channel series, “Years of Living Dangerously”, hosted by Jack Black, to discuss the reality and impact of sea-level rise in Miami Beach and across Florida.

Future ambitions

Levine has been rumored to run for Governor in Florida in 2018, although there is no official confirmation.

Philanthropy

Levine serves on the board of directors for Best Buddies International, the Miami-based nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for people with developmental disabilities.