The statewide program aims to breathe new life into the West Grove’s historic commercial corridor while preserving its character.
Village Life
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Higher Fines, New Incentives? Tree Committee Explores Canopy Protections
A city advisory committee is exploring tougher penalties for developers who remove large trees, incentives to preserve them and relief for homeowners struggling with costly regulations.
Bay Watch: Tracking Sharks and Rays in Biscayne Bay
Armed with decades of research, scientists in South Florida have determined that Biscayne Bay’s shallow waters, dotted with seagrass meadows and remnants of old reef, provide an important nursery for 13 species of sharks and rays.
After Silver Bluff Damage Next Door, Madonna’s Former Estate Faces Scrutiny
Less than two years after Coconut Grove developer David Martin was cited for irreparably damaging the protected Silver Bluff outside his waterfront mansion, the owner of the property next door is seeking approval for new construction — where archaeologists have uncovered 19th-century artifacts and possible evidence of prehistoric activity.
More Development Coming to Douglas Road
Miami-Dade County intends to knock down a small-scale public housing complex with 24 apartments in the West Grove to make way for a new multifamily development with at least 300 units including workforce and affordable housing.
A Giant Oak, an Illegal Removal and a Not-So-Giant Fine
As city officials debate changes to Miami’s tree-protection laws, they may want to consider the case of an oak tree — by some estimates approaching three centuries old — that was removed without a permit from a property slated for development.
Deceptive Advertising: “Vote Yes to Save Virginia Key” is a Trojan Horse
To the Editor: With the firing of 30+ staffers at the Miami Herald, the Spotlight is now one of the only news outlets that can shed light on local issues, as the Herald no longer has a dedicated reporter to cover City Hall. Unfortunately, deceptive ads by out-of-town developers take[Read More…]
City Needs a Plan B for Live Local Act
To the Editor: On June 25, the City Commission unanimously passed a resolution directing the City Attorney to analyze legal avenues to challenge the state’s Live Local Act. The City Commission was apparently unaware of the fact that (1) on March 6, Hillsborough County filed a lawsuit in Leon County (where[Read More…]
City of Miami: E-Bike and Scooter Incidents Are Rising
A new report by the City of Miami Fire-Rescue Department confirms what many Coconut Grove pedestrians already know: electric bikes and motorized scooters are dangerous, and the problem appears to be growing.
Shorter Hours, Fewer Services: Proposed Tax Cuts Loom Large for Libraries
The Miami-Dade Public Library System could face budget cuts of up to $20 million – about 16% of its total operating budget – if Florida voters approve the Amendment 3 property tax proposal on the November ballot, library advocates say.
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Recent News
Higher Fines, New Incentives? Tree Committee Explores Canopy Protections
A city advisory committee is exploring tougher
Bay Watch: Tracking Sharks and Rays in Biscayne Bay
Armed with decades of research, scientists in South
After Silver Bluff Damage Next Door, Madonna’s Former Estate Faces Scrutiny
Less than two years after Coconut Grove developer
Miami Is Moving Nearly $1 Million in Tree Money. Where Is It Going?
Commissioners will vote Thursday on shifting $996,000
As City Seeks $450 Million in New Bonds, an Old Project Offers a Lesson
A long-delayed community center at Armbrister Park
After Pushback, Miami May Rethink Virginia Key Mooring Field
Residents raised concerns about recreation and the
Lawsuit Threatened Over Seaquarium Redevelopment
A Grove resident argues the proposed 877-berth marina