This was a new tour created for the Art Deco Weekend. Considering the immense contributions of Jews both to the development of Miami Beach and to preserving the Art Deco district, it was a great idea, long overdue. And it was very well done. Perhaps the most impressive aspect was the immense amount of research and advance preparation the volunteer guide had invested in his task.
By their nature, walking tours can be somewhat disorganized and subject to unexpected external events. The guide knew his material well, was not afraid to use written aids to further help us understand, had plenty of photos on hand, and did not hesitate to admit when he did not know the answer to a question. He was careful to keep the sidewalk clear for pedestrians, he stopped talking momentarily when trucks rolled by, he showed good humor when an "uninvited" member of the public interrupted, and in general kept things moving apace and unpressured. (None of this, "Hurry, we must get to the next stop!" stuff).
He showed an affection for the material and an ability to communicate it to us. He offered anecdotes (i.e., he didn't push them) and they were short and to the point.
The tour was fun, mixing sites, buildings, architecture, characters, and history. It was scheduled for two hours and it finished exactly on time. During the walk there were a couple of places to rest -- not many, as the guide pointed out in advance, because, in part, we were in the middle of a bustling tourist and residential neighborhood. It was not tiring, even for those of us who were older and slower.
In general, this was an excellent beginning for a new idea and contribution to the culture and the character of South Beach and should become a permanent feature both of Art Deco Weekend and of the regular Art Deco walks throughout the year.