Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz has publicly stated her opposition to a proposed marketing initiative that would transform the county into a real-world "Vice City," drawing parallels to the fictional setting of Grand Theft Auto VI. The sheriff argued that the game's "fictional world includes murder, robbery, drug trafficking, carjacking, violence against law enforcement, and other conduct" that her department actively works to prevent.
Last week, The Miamian reported, via a public records request, that Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava had pitched a "GTA VI × MDC" collaboration to Rockstar Games in June. The proposal envisioned incorporating "approved GTA VI characters or visual references" into the real-world Miami, which is described as the "real-world inspiration for Vice City."
Among the ideas presented was a "Vice City Motor Fest" event, intended to blend classic and customized vehicles with local entertainment in a family-appropriate setting. However, even before a formal agreement has been reached, the marketing deal has drawn criticism.
A spokesperson for Mayor Levine Cava indicated that the collaboration has not yet been "formally agreed to or approved." Nevertheless, Sheriff Cordero-Stutz issued a joint statement with Miami-Dade Commissioner Juan Carlos Bermudez, who is a Republican candidate likely to challenge Mayor Levine Cava in 2028. Bermudez echoed the sheriff's sentiments, stating that Miami-Dade County has invested decades in building its reputation as a premier destination and should focus on promoting the community that has been built, rather than a fictional version defined by crime and violence.