Organized Crime in South Florida

by Avi Bash with Casey Piket

Miami’s Infamous History from Capone to Lansky

This lecture will examine the considerable, yet heavily under-publicized involvement of the American Mafia in South Florida.

Dating back to the first quarter of the twentieth century, resourceful gangsters, from across the nation, recognized the profitable business opportunities available in a wide-open Miami. The booming population, perfect climate, and cooperative law enforcement were strong draws for organized crime figures.

The promise of an open city, free from familiar encumbrances and restrictions, prompted eager mobsters from around the country to migrate south and trade in their suits and fedoras for swim trunks and flip-flops.