Welcome to Collins Insider. This site is here to track the money, the movement, and the momentum happening in the northern end of Miami Beach — think North Beach, Surfside, Bal Harbour, and Mid-Beach north of 41st Street. The part of town that doesn’t always make headlines, but where a lot of the story is being written.
We’re not here to chase breaking news. We’re here to track what matters over time: business openings and closings, real estate shifts, new development, and the changing costs of living and doing business in this part of town.
The goal is simple: help locals make smarter moves — financially, professionally, and even recreationally — by staying on top of what’s happening here.
It Started With Le Zoo
After weeks of preparation, I finally launched this site—not because it was perfectly ready, but because it was necessary. Even if there would likely be zero views before the story closed, it was important to set the tone.
When I heard that Le Zoo was shutting its doors at Bal Harbour Shops, I knew it was time to hit “publish.” Not because I was breaking the news—far from it—but because it pointed to something larger. The decision not to renew their lease wasn’t just a routine business move; it could reflect broader shifts in Miami Beach’s retail and commercial real estate landscape. Does this signal a trend? Too soon to tell. But one thing is certain: it’s a story worth covering.
You can read that article here.
Who This Is For
This site is built for locals who are trying to stay one step ahead — whether you’re:
- Running a small business on or near Collins
- A landlord, investor, or property manager
- A solopreneur trying to understand where the money’s going
- A longtime resident watching how the area evolves
- Someone who just wants to make smarter, local-informed decisions
You don’t need to read five blogs and dig through Instagram just to know what’s going on. Collins Insider will keep it clean, useful, and focused.
Financial Tools
We’ll also be recommending financial services that can actually help local business owners — especially when it comes to:
- Small business loans
- Credit options
- Growth capital
- Payment processing
- Local-friendly banking tools
We’re actively working to secure partnerships and special offers with financial providers that make sense for locals — especially small business owners and independent operators. Our goal is to connect you with useful services.
Real Estate, Infrastructure, and the Real Costs
If you live or own anything north of 41st, you already know what’s shifting. We’ll be looking at:
- Vacancy rates and leasing trends
- HOA assessments and special fees
- Insurance spikes and new policy limitations
- Planned infrastructure upgrades
- Zoning changes and city commission decisions
This isn’t just real estate coverage — it’s about tracking how livable and investable this part of Miami Beach really is.
Forum Coming Soon
I’m working on launching a community forum — a place for locals to share timely updates, tips, questions, and conversations. That’s where breaking news will live: in the hands of the people actually seeing it.
Did you notice a new restaurant going in? Heard a rumor about a hotel changing hands? Got insights on how your condo fees are changing? Post it there.
This site isn’t built to chase every update — but the forum will give us that pulse.
And the Little Stuff That Matters
We’ll also sprinkle in the smaller things that help you live better here:
- Under-the-radar restaurants worth trying
- Coffee shops where deals get done
- Local places that are actually open early
- Quiet happy hours
- Business-friendly spots with Wi-Fi and seating
Many savvy financial decisions are made over a sandwich or coffee, so it’s always beneficial to know the local hotspots.
What You’ll Get from Collins Insider
- Miami Beach business news, especially north of 41st
- Smart financial tools for locals and small business owners
- Real estate and infrastructure trends that affect you
- Community input through a public forum
- A clear, honest look at where this town is heading — no fluff, no hype
Picture this: a blend of NextDoor, DansDeals, and Forbes, all rolled into one and rooted right here in Surfside. If that sparks your interest, you’re in the right place. Subscribe, join the community, or share a tip about what’s happening in your neighborhood.
