As the City of Miami Springs celebrates its centennial in 2026, the community reflects on 100 years of history rooted in innovation, vision, and small-town character.
Founded in 1926 by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss, Miami Springs stands as a lasting example of how one individual’s ideas helped shape both a city and an industry.
A centerpiece of the centennial celebration will be the unveiling of the Glenn Curtiss & June Bug Legacy Memorial on August 22, 2026. The memorial commemorates Curtiss’ transformative contributions to aviation and honors the legacy of the June Bug aircraft, which marked a milestone in early American flight.
Designed as a landmark for future generations, the memorial will feature a life-sized bronze statue of Curtiss created by artist Natalie Plasencia, alongside a large-scale walk-through installation inspired by the June Bug aircraft, blending art, history, and education into an immersive public experience.