Miami wants to turn parts of the city into a real-life GTA Vice City, but sheriff opposes the plan

The Grand Theft Auto video game franchise is notorious for its protagonists engaging in criminal activities, which has led Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz to strongly oppose a proposed marketing collaboration between the city and Rockstar Games. According to a public records request, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava submitted the idea to Rockstar Games in June, envisioning a campaign that would transform various city landmarks, such as Miami International Airport, PortMiami, Metrorail stations, and Tropical Park, into a real-life version of GTA Vice City.

The proposed marketing campaign included elements like a Vice City Motor Fest event, a display aircraft wrapped in Vice City logos at the airport, themed baggage claim and luggage carts at the airport, and even a recording and editing space for the community, reflective of the music and radio themes central to GTA. Despite the potential economic benefits, Cordero-Stutz and the county's judicial system have both expressed concerns, citing the violent and criminal undertones of the game.

Chief Judge Ariana Fajardo and Clerk Juan Fernandez-Barquin have urged the mayor to exclude courthouses from the promotional campaign, emphasizing the need to avoid depicting crime and violence within public institutions.