How the A Day in Miami Podcast Helped Win the Vote
for Watson Island
Client: Miami Residents Say “YES” for Watson Island, Inc.
Platform: A Day in Miami Podcast
OBJECTIVE
Drive public understanding, build trust, and mobilize voter support to pass the updated Watson Island development proposal.
BACKGROUND
In 2001, Miami voters approved a mixed-use project on Watson Island — but the original developer failed to execute.
Years later, a new developer proposed a leaner, more community-forward version of the project: less commercial space, more public benefit, and $9 million toward affordable housing — all at zero cost to taxpayers.
However, as the referendum approached, misinformation surged online, and public trust wavered. Traditional outreach efforts were not cutting through.
The campaign needed a solution that was authentic, accessible, and culturally relevant.
THE BREAKTHROUGH STRATEGY
Enter A Day in Miami, one of South Florida’s fastest-growing community podcasts.
Known for its candid conversations and strong local reach, the podcast became a cornerstone of the voter education strategy, delivering clarity, credibility, and connection.
This wasn’t just another media placement — it was the voice of the people, for the people.
Feature Episode: A Deep Dive into Watson Island
A dedicated episode thoroughly explored the Watson Island project from every angle, covering its historical background, updated scope, and tangible community benefits.
The tone was conversational and transparent, unpacking the facts in a clear and straightforward manner without political jargon.
Political Validation from Local Leaders
Local elected officials, including City of Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo, joined the episode to explain the public value of the Watson Island project in their own words.
Their presence added gravitas and trust, reinforcing that the proposal had genuine oversight and public alignment, rather than just developer spin.
Clip-Based Storytelling Across Social
Key soundbites such as “No cost to taxpayers” and “Over 2 acres of new public baywalk” were transformed into reels for TikTok, Instagram, and X.
Clips featuring Commissioner Pardo and other local voices were shared by neighborhood groups, civic pages, and even other elected officials, amplifying the message and engaging the community.
Voter Touchpoints Everywhere
QR codes on palm cards, mailers, and posters directed people to the podcast episode, while the campaign website prominently featured the episode as the go-to source for accurate information.
Why It Was Instrumental
Community trust, not corporate spin: The podcast gave voters a source they could believe—not a script, but a story.
Political legitimacy in a relatable format: Hearing from elected officials like Commissioner Pardo within a casual, honest setting helped humanize the political process.
Momentum across platforms: The content was repurposed into reels, tweets, email blasts, and even talking points for volunteers.
A Defining Factor in the Referendum’s Success
• Over 30,000 listens across platforms in under two weeks.
• The podcast became the campaign’s most widely consumed and shared piece of content.
• 75% of surveyed “Yes” voters cited the podcast (or its clips) as “very helpful” or “critical” in deciding to support the measure.
• Commissioner Pardo’s episode appearance was specifically mentioned in media coverage and at public forums as a reassuring sign of civic accountability.
• Social sentiment shifted rapidly, with a notable decrease in misinformation and confusion.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
If you want people to vote, speak their language.
In 2024, that means trusted podcasts, social-first storytelling, and real conversations.
Bring in voices that matter.
Local leaders like Commissioner Pardo weren’t just validators — they were amplifiers of community trust.
Own the narrative, early and everywhere.
By establishing the podcast as the home base for accurate info, the campaign controlled the story across platforms.
CONCLUSION
The A Day in Miami podcast wasn’t just media — it was a movement.
It brought the Watson Island project into living rooms, barbershops, Instagram feeds, and voting booths.
With help from local leaders like Commissioner Damian Pardo, it turned skepticism into support and transformed a high-stakes referendum into a community win.
This is how you modernize civic engagement — and win.