Miami commissioners voted on Thursday, approving the Ultra Music Festival to allow some 150,000 electronic music festival fans to descend to Virginia Key in March.
During a meeting at City Hall in Coconut Grove, commissioners voted 4-1. Ultra had the support of Commissioners Willy Gort, Joe Carollo, Manolo Reyes and Keon Hardemon.
Commissioner Ken Russell was the dissenting vote, saying he was concerned about the effect that the festival's lights and sounds will have on the area's wildlife.
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he was a fan of Ultra. His statement and the commissioners' decision come despite outrage from the newly elected mayor of Key Biscayne and the Brickell Homeowners Association.
Ray Martinez, the head of security for Ultra, said public safety is the organizers' priority.
"We are working with the local police department, with the city of Miami, who we have a great relationship with, as well as the Miami Fire Department," Martinez said. "We will be able to continue to produce a safe event here in Miami."