I've been going to Miami beach since the late 60s and watched it change dramatically.
One of my favorite memories was walking out on the pier that used to be near the inlet at South beach. It was a Sunday morning and I passed a man in his 40s, dressed in a suit like he had just come from church except it was a tad bit dirty.
He was strolling along with a cup of coffee in his hand and talking to the big dead fish he had draped over his shoulder. He was having a pleasant conversation with it and was just as happy as could be.
Miami Beach is a much different place now and I'm glad I got to experience it all.