‘Vice City’ Airport? Miami-Dade commissioner, sheriff blast Grand Theft Auto VI rebranding plan

September 4, 2026 - 04:23

A proposal to give parts of Miami International Airport a temporary video game-themed makeover is facing sharp criticism from local leaders. Miami-Dade Commissioner JC Bermudez and Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz both spoke out Thursday against the plan, which would have seen certain areas of the airport rebranded as "Vice City Airport" to tie in with the upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI.

The game, made by Rockstar Games, is set in a fictional version of Miami that closely mirrors the real city. While some saw the rebranding as a fun way to capitalize on the massive cultural moment, Bermudez and Cordero-Stutz argued it sends the wrong message. They pointed to the game's long history of depicting graphic violence, crime, and disrespect toward law enforcement. For a real airport named after a county that works hard to attract families and business travelers, they said the association feels off-brand and even insulting.

Sheriff Cordero-Stutz was direct in her criticism, saying that glorifying a franchise built on criminal behavior is not something the county should be celebrating. Commissioner Bermudez echoed that sentiment, questioning why the county would voluntarily align itself with a product that often portrays police officers as corrupt or as targets. Both officials suggested the county should instead focus on promoting the real Miami, not a violent parody of it.

The proposal had been floated as a way to generate buzz ahead of the game's release, but the pushback from two of the county's most visible public safety figures may put the brakes on the idea. No final decision has been made yet, and it remains unclear whether the rebranding will move forward or be quietly dropped.