Dear Editor: I attended Commissioner Gabela’s Town Hall meeting on the proposed changes to our Tree Ordinance and Tree Trust Fund this past Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. There was an excellent turnout from concerned residents from all of the commission districts, and everyone was provided the opportunity[Read More…]

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…]

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…]

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…]

From a single neutered council to nine with power.

A close observer shares her experience and calls for committed leadership and action.

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…]

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…]

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…]

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…]