The man who helped put South Beach on the Map
by Dena Stewart
When Stewart and I left gray Manhattan for the pastel paradise of Miami Beach (in January 1987), we were instantly swept up in the energy of preservation. Back then, community groups were fighting to protect the magnificent Art Deco buildings that lined Ocean Drive and brightened the surrounding neighborhoods.
A few years later, George Neary appeared on the scene. His passion for cultural preservation matched ours, but his path was through leadership. As Executive Director of the Miami Design Preservation League, George spearheaded campaigns that put South Beach’s Art Deco District on the global map. For seven years, he championed the cause through clever marketing, tireless outreach, and an unwavering belief that history and style could coexist beautifully.
When George moved on to become Associate Vice President of Cultural Tourism at the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) in 1998, he brought that same passion with him. Over the next two decades, he helped shape Miami’s identity as a cultural destination—boosting arts and heritage festivals, encouraging local partnerships, and showcasing the city’s creative pulse to the world. Much of what he did intertwined beautifully with our own art-outreach programs.
Because of our shared interests, it was inevitable that we’d keep bumping into George. We’d see him everywhere — at restaurant openings, gallery shows, networking events, private parties, even on casual strolls through South Beach. Over the years, those friendly encounters turned into a genuine appreciation.
But here’s the thing: even after knowing George for so long, we didn’t know his story — his love for history and the selfless dedication behind his work. Learning that he spent seven transformative years in the Peace Corps suddenly made everything click. His generosity, enthusiasm, and boundless curiosity all make perfect sense now.
It’s not every day you meet someone whose life’s work has helped define the soul of a city. For us, it’s a privilege to call George Neary not just an inspiration — but a friend.
