Miami’s tree canopy is vital in combating flooding, rising temperatures, and environmental degradation, and in providing habitat for our urban wildlife, especially birds. Yet, proposed changes to Miami’s Tree Ordinance and Tree Trust Fund weaken protections, prioritizing developers over residents and the environment. City Commissioners must vote no on these[Read More…]
Community Voices
Opinion, observations, commentary and analysis.
We could all use a little joy right now – which is why we need to Strut!
To the Editor: If you’re not familiar with it, the King Mango Strut is an annual satirical parade through the streets of Coconut Grove, usually taking place sometime around the new year (this year, January 5th). It celebrates (and skewers!) what’s weird and wonderful about Miami and the year that[Read More…]
All Roads Lead to 25 mph: Improving Pedestrian Safety in the Grove
Since 1998 five plans made recommendations to improve pedestrian and biking safety in the Grove.
Vote No: Watson Island Giveaway a Bad Deal for All Residents
Dear Editor: You may have received a big postcard urging you to ‘Vote yes for Watson Island’. You can expect more ads like that before the election. The November 5th ballot (the same ballot as the Presidential election) has two questions, “Miami Referendums” 2 and 3, which deal with two[Read More…]
Opinion: Lifetime Pensions for Miami’s Elected Officials? Voters Should Decide
When I ran for office nearly ten years ago, I campaigned against the fact that my predecessor was leaving his part-time commission position with a lifetime pension that would cost tax payers for years to come. That commissioner and his counterparts eliminated that lifetime pension for all future commissioners, but[Read More…]
How to Empower the Coconut Grove Council
From a single neutered council to nine with power.
Village Council: A call for commitment
A close observer shares her experience and calls for committed leadership and action.
A Locked-in Vote
Dear Editor: My name is Peter Kellogg and my mom is Jacqueline Gross Kellogg, the current Democratic candidate for Florida House District 113. It has been a long year since my mom has announced her candidacy for this position. I remember in the beginning of this year when she decided[Read More…]
Miami’s Gordian Knot: The Coconut Grove Playhouse
Dear Editor: The Spotlight’s recent prediction notwithstanding, the fate of the state-owned Coconut Grove Playhouse, now abandoned for two decades, may remain undecided until the November election. Incumbent Commissioner Raquel Regalado wants the “county plan” for a small local theater. Challenger Cindy Lerner wants a larger, regional theater restoration. Neither[Read More…]
Opinion: End of the Road: The Long History of Coconut Grove’s Big Hill Park
As Grovites discuss the future of Big Hill Park – the small waterfront property at the end of Royal Road – and its missing benches, it’s worth considering this tiny sliver of land’s long history. Nearly a century ago, many residents will be happy to know, the property was intended[Read More…]
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