It's been nearly two decades since the last race in Miami Marine Stadium, and if city leaders have their way, the historic site will go to the wrecking ball in the name of progress. Unless you grew up in the Miami area or were born before 1982, chances are some of you won't remember the stadium.

In its heyday, the stadium in Virginia Key was host to some great Unlimited hydroplane, inboard and outboard national races. It also was a phenomenal spot to pull up in a boat or sit with 7,000 other people in the stands and catch concerts from Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys and Chicago Transit Authority. But today nearly every inch of the concrete structure is covered in graffiti and slowly decaying in the Miami heat.

Miami Marine Stadium was shuttered in 1992 after Hurricane Andrew caused hairline cracks in its magnificent cantilevered roof. Fearing the roof might collapse, city engineers ordered it closed. Despite receiving money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair the structure, sadly the work was never done.

Now city planners are in the process of delivering a final blow to the stadium. A proposed plan has the site pegged for a new marina with boat storage, restaurants and shops. While Florida—especially Miami—needs more boat storage, the proposal is more about bringing in the almighty tax dollar rather than preserving history.

The report notes the stadium site "could be (a) major source of tax base/revenue." Any time a government document says that, it means out with the old and in with the new.

Unlimited hydroplane driver Steve David raced for the first time in Miami Marine Stadium in 1967. He fondly recalled that while racing smaller boats, he could literally put a boat's right sponson under the stands at high tide because the seating hung out over the water.

Having served in public office in Florida, David sees both sides of the issue. He knows why city leaders want to develop what waterfront property is left but wishes they'd save the stadium.

"It's all a matter of economics. When you're talking about dollars and cents, it's a tough one," David said. "It's the only thing like it in the world. It'd be great to see it turned back into a stadium and amphitheater."

Phil Lipschutz, owner of Lip-Ship Performance Marine in North Miami, says that most residents don't know that the stadium exists nor do they even care.

Lipschutz recalls the days when he took actor Don Johnson by boat to see concerts. Johnson was at the height of popularity on the hit TV show "Miami Vice."

"Everybody would anchor and watch the shows," Lipschutz said, later adding, "No matter what happens, it was the coolest."

Having grown up in California, we never had a permanent stadium on the water (although some might argue Long Beach Marine Stadium fits the bill). As David points out, Miami Marine Stadium is like the local drag strip during the 1980s. Sprawling cities eventually meant their demise because the land was too valuable.

Although time is running out, I'm hoping there will be a late miracle to save Miami Marine Stadium. Clearly the city needs to revitalize the area, but why not make the stadium a centerpiece of that revival?

Two more master plan public hearings are scheduled before it goes before a vote. I'm doing my part and sending a note to the City of Miami and you can too at www.edsaplan.com/Virginia_Key/home.html.

If the stadium is going to go down, it shouldn't go down without a fight.