Miami Beach Stories
When the country went dry, this beach got very wet.
· 2 min read · Miami Beach
Prohibition outlawed every drop, but Bimini sat just fifty miles east, and fast boats full of rum, scotch and champagne slipped across the Gulf Stream at night with the Coast Guard chasing behind. They called it Rum Row. Legendary runner Bill McCoy sold his liquor uncut and honest, and as the story goes, that is one reason people still say the real McCoy.
Fifty miles of open water, and a fast boat
On shore, the party never stopped. Casino rooms and speakeasies operated behind the doors of the grand hotels, winter visitors toasted in plain sight, and the little resort town built itself a reputation for outlaw glamour that it never fully gave back. When repeal finally came in 1933, Miami Beach barely noticed. The party just moved out onto the terraces.
Where to find us on Collins
Green Market sits at 5101 Collins Ave in Miami Beach, open 7am to 10pm every day. Coffee from the espresso bar starts at $2.50, combos from $5.79. Walk in from the beach, or order on WhatsApp at +1 (305) 876-4513 and we deliver across Miami Beach.
Quick answers
- What happened in Miami Beach during Prohibition?
- Prohibition outlawed every drop, but Bimini sat just fifty miles east, and fast boats full of rum, scotch and champagne slipped across the Gulf Stream at night with the Coast Guard chasing behind. They called it Rum Row.