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…]
Letters to the Editor
Spotlight readers weigh in on community topics.
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…]
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…]
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…]
Long Term Cost of Short Term Housing Solution
Dear Editor: Juan Mullerat nails it (Opinion: Tallahassee Delivers a One-Size-Fits All Solution). “One size fits all” doesn’t work for shoes or for housing. While we have a housing crisis of affordability (beware the meaningless term “affordable housing”), it’s a complex crisis with multiple solutions that need to be tailored[Read More…]
Live Local Can Destroy Neighborhoods
Dear Editor, Re The Live Local Act has Supersized Development Projects, I was glad to see the strong showing. The turnout (roughly 75 people) was remarkable given a Labor Day meeting at 10:00 a.m. It was unfortunate that District 114 Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera (whose district includes Village West) and Senator Alexis[Read More…]
A Call for Accuracy in Journalism
Dear Editor, Once again, I am disappointed by the recent misrepresentation in the Coconut Grove Spotlight article “The Case of the Missing Benches.” The article published this past week misquoted my statement, leading to erroneous conclusions surrounding the park benches at Big Hill Park. The story stated I “cast blame” on Commissioner[Read More…]
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Antonio Jamison and friends feed the soul of a Coconut
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Amidst ever-rising property values and a fast-changing
