Miramar is keeping its amphitheater concessionaire, even as the company’s owner appears in federal court filings tied to a multimillion-dollar Jackson Health Foundation probe.
City commissioners voted 4-1 on Wednesday night to extend the concession deal with Holsen Inc., which remains the exclusive food and drink vendor at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater. The one-year extension, running from August 22, 2026, through August 21, 2027, is expected to bring in roughly $20,000 a year for the city. Federal court papers link the company’s president to the Jackson case, although he has not been charged with any crime.
Federal Filings And Local Reporting
A press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office outlines the charges against former Jackson Health Foundation COO Charmaine Gatlin, including allegations of false invoices and kickbacks. Coverage in the Miami Herald and other local reporting indicates that Holsen Inc. president Darryl Holsendolph was identified in court documents as "Co-Conspirator 3," and that some invoices submitted to the foundation totaled nearly $4 million. Those points come from filings in the federal case, and officials emphasize that Holsendolph has not been charged.
What The Commission Approved
At the June 3 city commission meeting, members approved Temp. Reso. R8695, described as a second and final renewal for general concession services with Holsen Inc. The term is listed as effective August 22, 2026, through August 21, 2027, according to the meeting agenda. Local reporting says the deal is expected to generate about $20,000 in annual concession revenue and that Holsen has held the amphitheater contract since 2023, according to Miramar News.
Commission Debate And Dissent
The 4-1 vote did not come without friction. Commissioner Maxwell B. Chambers cast the lone "no" vote, calling for a performance report and a delay before signing off on another year.
"I want to know who is really running that concession at the amphitheater," Chambers said, according to Miramar News. Mayor Wayne Messam and other commissioners opted to move ahead and vote that night rather than wait for additional information.
Vendor Response And Status
Holsendolph has not been charged in the federal investigation, and both he and his attorney declined to comment when contacted, Miami Herald reporting noted. City staff did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the renewal.
What Prosecutors Say And Legal Context
The U.S. Attorney's Office has stressed that an indictment is only an allegation and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Its May 2025 press release details the charges and the case number, describing alleged kickbacks and falsified invoices that prosecutors say funneled Jackson Health Foundation funds to insiders.
For now, Miramar will keep operating the amphitheater under the renewed concession contract while the federal case plays out. Elected officials and residents say they will be watching for any follow-up or new court filings that could change the picture.
