A Note From ARKHAUS CEO, Sam Payrovi

Earlier this week, the Miami New Times asked me for a comment regarding the potential sale of Bird Key (which we do not own). Even though MNT had previously published an article with dozens of untruths and misleading information about ARKHAUS , we politely obliged. Upon receiving the comment, the staff writer continued to ask for a variety of additional info, making it appear that it was for that same article. We asked why information irrelevant to Bird Key was being requested, and after multiple ignored requests, they revealed that there was another story.? We continued to ask what that story was about and received no response. On the night before publishing, the staff writer finally responded that the piece was about us - ARKHAUS.

At no point did MNT make any effort to engage in actual journalism. We invited MNT to sit down and discuss in detail what ARKHAUS is, what it isn’t, what we stand for, and what we won’t stand for.? They decided not to. Instead, they deceptively extracted tidbits that could be twisted into tabloid-style sensationalism, in an effort to attract clicks, eyeballs, and relevancy. In almost every interaction we have had, MNT has continued to bear its deceptive practices. A year ago on a call, we were told “Oh, ARKHAUS isn’t what I had heard from people”…but then those same negative lies were printed, nonetheless. #Journalism

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Don’t believe me? Here are some facts about their unfacts:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife, Audubon Society, and even Chris Boykin (formerly of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station, whose mission we love) have stated there are no birds living, migrating, or “retreating” at Bird Key…and have not done so in almost 10 years. Nevertheless, MNT continues to call Bird Key a “Wildlife retreat”. On the contrary, Bird Key has been confirmed to not be a rookery. But it sure sounds good, doesn’t it?
• MNT’s Bird Key images all show hundreds of birds enjoying the beautiful waters around Bird Key. Those images are either 10+ years old, and exceptionally misleading…or maybe, they’re actually not of Bird Key? If you look closely at the image, you’ll see the Tuttle Causeway bridge, and the angle will tell you this is not Bird Key. Instead, it is Morningside Picnic Island, which IS a known rookery.

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Allow me to tell you who I have grown tremendous respect for in Miami. Dave Doebler , Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission , Seaworthy Collective , Clean Miami Beach , Surfrider Foundation Miami Chapter , and Lady Merle Liivand aka The Mermaid ??♀? .? Instead of just talking negatively, these people sought out active conversations with us about their concerns…which we gladly had. In turn, we asked some of these organizations and people to form our Environmental Advisory Board, keep us on the right path, and help bring community concerns to us so we can work through them together.?? A few (not all) of the above names have agreed, made up our EAB, and are doing that good work. Thank you.

For those who believe ARKHAUS is over…it is not. We are building something that all of Miami, not just a small subset, will be proud of.

For those who say we should go to NYC, that is so tired and lazy.? Nathalie and I live here. In Miami. In Edgewater. Come by…I’m happy to have a chat with anyone.? We have actively sought out these discussions with anyone who has concerns.

And for those who have attempted to ‘extort’ us for their support (or silence)…I have it in email. You know who you are.

And now, what will happen to Bird Key?? ARKHAUS sought a plan where we would occasionally be near the island, not permanently docked there. Furthermore, we had also received permission to clean it up and were going to fully fund a multi-month cleanup ourselves. But now that the naysayers, NIMBYs, and those who claimed “Yes it’s not a rookery, but it will break my heart to see ARKHAUS where there USED TO BE birds!” have had their way…the worse thing will likely happen.? Bird Key is on the market to be sold and only one of a few developers will be able to buy it. You can now turn your ire to an actual negative thing that may happen.

I myself am an environmentalist. It is exactly the reason why I am building multiple businesses, all on solar-electric boats. Our vision will eventually propel electric boats to the forefront and minimize gaseous fumes sitting on and entering Biscayne Bay…and the water you and the many animals that share this environment all drink. ARKHAUS is the first piece of this vision, where we celebrate a new style of sustainable hospitality.

The next piece is ‘how can ARKHAUS be a force for good’? Can we set a standard for how hospitality can thrive without single use plastics? Can we develop a water testing program that is continuously active, since we’re on the water so much? Can we use our excess solar energy to power underwater blue-tech drones that help environmental organizations monitor and clean up Biscayne Bay? Can our vessels become a platform to aid scientists in seagrass restoration, one acre at a time as we relocate. Can we shine downward UV light to aid in that new seagrass taking root? These are all items we are actively working on. You don't see any other boating company, cruise lines, tour boats, speed boats doing any of this. We will...and we'll do all of it.

The final piece is how do we create fully electric, zero-emission, waterborne transport to alleviate traffic in a beautiful and sustainable way? Our project {E-LIXR} is moving forward on this, full speed. In a beautiful domino effect, the marina chargers we will fund and install will motivate recreational boaters to convert to electric boating - a drastically cleaner, quieter, and better experience for everyone on and near the water.

We hope you are getting excited for this vision. If you’re not or have concerns, please reach out to us. We love talking about a better future.