Spotlight 175-260119

Good morning. What we’re covering in today’s Spotlight:

A State Lawmaker’s Play for the Playhouse
A City Push to Open More Land for Housing
Making it Official: The Hangar = Event Space
The Big Reveal: The 2026 Art Fest Poster

A Tallahassee Twist in the Never-Ending Playhouse Drama

A state legislator is seeking to evict Miami-Dade County from the Coconut Grove Playhouse property and hand control of the project instead to a tiny town of 6,000 residents in the middle of Biscayne Bay.

By Don Finefrock

Critics of the county’s plan to revive the Coconut Grove Playhouse as a smaller theater with shops, restaurants, and parking are embracing a state lawmaker’s effort to evict the county and award control of the project to a tiny island community in Biscayne Bay.

Alleging “failed stewardship” by the county, State Rep. Fabian Basabe (R-106) has filed legislation in Tallahassee to transfer control of the state-owned property from Miami-Dade County to Bay Harbor Islands, a twin-island town of 6,000 people.

Housing Proposal for Civic Sites Heads to Vote

The Miami City Commission is set to vote on a zoning change that could open hundreds of civic-zoned properties — including churches, schools and hospitals — to residential development.

By David Villano

The Miami City Commission will consider a far-reaching zoning change on Thursday that could allow residential development on hundreds of properties citywide controlled by religious, educational or government entities.

The measure – which commissioners tabled prior to a vote last month – includes a change that could expand the pool of qualifying properties.

City to Consider Ordinance Affecting The Hangar

A vote this week on historic preservation rules is expected to shape the future of special events at a city-owned waterfront property in Coconut Grove that has drawn growing complaints from nearby residents.

By David Villano

The Miami City Commission on Thursday will consider a proposed ordinance that could formally legitimize special event use at The Hangar, the controversial, city-owned venue at Regatta Harbour on Coconut Grove’s waterfront.

A planned vote on the measure last month was deferred.

A Peacock Takes Center Stage as Arts Festival Kicks Off Year 62

With the annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival just around the corner, organizers and city officials gathered Friday to unveil this year’s promotional poster and celebrate one of the area’s largest and most enduring cultural events.

By Jenny Jacoby

Peacocks, oranges and a burst of color took center stage Friday night as the Coconut Grove Arts Festival offered a first glimpse of the imagery that will define its 62nd year — unveiling a new poster designed to capture the spirit of the Grove and the creative energy of one of the nation’s largest outdoor art festivals.

The official 2026 festival poster, created by nationally recognized artist Kenneth Kudulis, was revealed during an invitation-only celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, where artists, sponsors and community leaders gathered for what has become a signature moment of the festival season.

Among those in attendance were Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins and District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo.