Spotlight 122-250718

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

Fredericka Brown’s Final Ride
Stronger Miami’s Petition Drive
Remembering Jack King

Going Home: Fredericka Simmons Brown

Family and friends said goodbye to Fredericka Simmons Brown on Saturday at a funeral service that ended with a carriage ride through the streets of Coconut Grove.

By Amanda Clegg

Those who knew and loved Fredericka Simmons Brown knew her for her dedication to the students she taught, to the church she attended, and to the community she called home for nearly a century – Coconut Grove.

On Saturday, Brown took her last ride through the neighborhood she loved, from the church where she worshipped to the street where she was born, her casket placed inside a glass carriage and drawn by a pair of white horses in a final tribute to her life and legacy.

“She was born and raised on Charles Avenue, so that was her last ride on that horse and carriage, to just give her that pilgrimage, (in memory) of the legacy that she had given Coconut Grove,” Mikeya Brown, her granddaughter, told the Spotlight.

Brown, 94, died on June 30 after a lifetime of service as a school teacher, a community volunteer, and a storyteller who helped keep the Grove’s rich history alive.

Stronger Miami Reforms Will Not Make November Ballot

Organizers say they do not have enough time to collect the signatures needed to place the proposed City of Miami charter reforms before voters this fall.

By Erik Bojnansky

A proposed referendum on Miami city charter reforms, including the creation of more city commission districts, does not have enough petition signatures to be placed on the November ballot this year, an organizer told the Coconut Grove Spotlight.

Marlene Erven, a director of One Grove Alliance and a petition volunteer, said there is not enough time to gather the estimated 26,000 needed signatures by July 30.

The Stronger Miami referendum, if approved by voters, would increase the number of commission districts from five to nine, ban political gerrymandering, and require regular city elections to be held on even-numbered years instead of odd ones.

So far, Stronger Miami — a coalition that includes One Grove Alliance, the ACLU of Florida, and other voting rights groups — has collected about 3,000 verified signatures from Miami voters, Erven said.

The petition drive fell short of its goal because it “got off to a late start,” she added.

Voices: Bidding Adieu to Jack King

Journalist, sailor, and thorn in the side of local politicians, King leaves behind a rich legacy of civic activism rooted in his deep love for Coconut Grove.

By Andy Parrish

Jack King, 80, the irrepressible journalist, yachtsman, runner, history buff, and friend of the Grove and all Grovites, especially those who like to argue, passed away late Friday, July 11.

King’s wife of 33 years, Heather Wulkan, was at his bedside in Yacht Harbour. He is also survived by his daughter Michelle “Chelle” Temple King, and two granddaughters, Clara and Eleanor.

Older Grovites remember Jack as the publisher, editor, and chief reporter of the Coconut Grover, a weekly newspaper that was distributed for free throughout the Grove for over a decade starting in December 1988.

It was Monty Trainer who got Jack to pick up his reporter’s notepad again to fight for the village, the bay and the “Grovite way of life.” In 1996, Jack won a Golden Coconut award for fighting those battles.

Letters to the Editor

Readers React: Spotlight readers object to our coverage of the proposed Grove Landing project in Little Bahamas, and wonder whether a “pedestrian scramble” might resolve the cross / don’t cross confusion that reigns where Main Highway meets Grand Avenue and McFarlane Road.

Where We’ll Be

Volunteer Gardening. Help steward the bird-friendly garden and grounds at the Tropical Audubon Society in South Miami at this monthly event. Volunteers can learn how to establish their own bird-friendly garden and get familiar with the principles of Florida-Friendly landscaping. Volunteers are needed to help remove invasives, rake leaves, clear debris and mulch the organization’s network of trails. Tropical Audubon Society, 5530 Sunset Drive, South Miami. Saturday July 19 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free, but reservations are required, at this link.

Children’s Story Time. Corral your kid(s) and head over to the Coconut Grove Library for a free hour of storytelling, music and literacy presented by The Children’s Trust Parent Club and FIU’s Center for Children & Families. Coconut Grove Library, 2875 McFarlane Road. Tuesday July 22 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Free.

Free Yoga. Find your zen though a gentle yoga session at the Coconut Grove Library, 2875 McFarlane Road, on Wednesday July 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The program is free but registration is required.

Writing Workshop. Join author / bookseller Cortney Casey at Book & Books in Coconut Grove for an evening of writing “sprints” – timed sessions of focused, silent writing designed to boost creativity, discipline, and confidence. The $10 admission fee includes an adult beverage (to get things flowing). Books & Books, 3409 Main Highway, Coconut Grove. Thursday July 31 at 6:30 p.m. Details and tickets at this link.

Save Me a Seat

Summer Dance Party. Shake your Groove Thing to music from 1970s, 1980s and beyond with DJ Nicholas Martin at the Midsummer Night Dance Party hosted by the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove, 2985 South Bayshore Drive, on Saturday August 2 from 7 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person with a cash bar. Proceeds benefit the club’s sound equipment fund.