Spotlight 140-250919

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

The Grove’s Wellness Industry
A Family’s Effort to Combat Hazing
The Fate of the Biscayne Nature Center
New Funding for Stormwater Improvements

The New Face of a Booming Industry in the Grove

What’s with all the skincare services in Coconut Grove? A Spotlight reporter explores the Grove’s wellness sector to find out who’s got skin in the game, and what their survival tactics are in the face of growing competition.

By Kathryn Mann

Nearly every day 25-year-old Patricia Ayes commits a chunk of time toward leisurely strolls through Coconut Grove.

A resident of Dadeland, Ayes says her “mental health walk” is an essential ritual that began two years ago because, as she puts it, “my life revolves around wellness.”

Ayes’ priority – and passion – is a trend so powerful among Gen Z’s and millennials that it’s fueling a notable bright spot in the economy.

Pledging To Make a Difference

Nearly six years after his brother’s death in a hazing tragedy at Cornell University, a high school senior at Coconut Grove’s Ransom Everglades School is turning grief into leadership — helping students learn how to step in, speak up, and save lives.

By Jenny Jacoby

Christopher Tsialas was a few months into middle school when his older brother, Antonio Tsialas, was found dead at the bottom of a gorge in Ithaca, N.Y.

Antonio had left home just a couple months earlier, excited to begin studying at Cornell University after a rigorous athletic and academic high school career at Coconut Grove’s Ransom Everglades School.

College life seemed to treat Antonio well. That’s what his mother, Flavia Tomasello, thought after an early dinner with her son on October 24, 2019 while she visited the prestigious Ivy League campus during the annual “family weekend.”

What Would Marjory Say: County Tells Nonprofit to Leave Biscayne Nature Center

Miami-Dade County is seeking to evict the nonprofit organization that provides environmental education programming for local school children at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in Crandon Park.

By Jenny Staletovich

A skirmish over who will run the beloved Biscayne Nature Center founded by famed environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas is squaring off between the longtime nonprofit that helped create it and Miami-Dade County park officials.

Earlier this month, park officials thanked the nonprofit for its “tireless efforts” and ordered it to pack up by November, according to a letter first reported by the Key Biscayne Independent.

City Accepts Grant for Coconut Grove Project to Protect Biscayne Bay

The $1.1 million stormwater upgrade south of Mercy Hospital aims to cut pollution flowing into Biscayne Bay, as scientists warn of an ecosystem in distress.

By Jenny Jacoby

The Miami City Commission has accepted a $900,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to support a shoreline infrastructure project in Coconut Grove aimed at improving Biscayne Bay’s water quality.

The $1.1 million project, upgrading the stormwater drainage systems on city streets south of Mercy Hospital, east of South Bayshore Drive, will help reduce debris and other pollutants from reaching the bay.

Where We’ll Be

Close-outs and New Starts

Last call for Miami Spice
Only a few days remain to take full advantage of Miami Spice. If you’ve been meaning to hit a few standout restaurants — or just want to justify another round of small plates and desserts — this is your sign. Check your progress (and your waistband) against this list. Last day is Tuesday, 9/30.

The waters are calling
Summer’s ending, but the water beckons. Shenandoah Park Pool keeps its waters to a perfect 79–82°F and offers lap swims, water aerobics, and open swim from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. weekdays (weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). 1800 Southwest 21st Avenue. Open year-round. Nominal fees.
Or head to the bay: kayak or sail with Miami Watersports’ Sailing Center at Hobie Island — first island past the tolls on the way to Key Biscayne. Rentals and info. If accessibility is key, Shake-a-Leg Miami offers free, fully accessible outings for people with disabilities. Sign up here.

New World Symphony opens
The New World Symphony’s 38th season kicks off this Saturday with Tianyi Lu conducting the full orchestra in a bold opener. The evening features works by Bartók and Brahms and introduces pianist Lukáš Vondráček. New World Center, 500 17th Street, Miami Beach. Saturday 9/20 at 7:30 p.m. Pay-what-you-wish tickets available here. Such a good deal.

Women of the Caribbean take the stage
A powerhouse lineup of female singers, musicians, and songwriters from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, Miami, and across the Caribbean diaspora will perform Afro-Cuban rhythms, pop, soul, rap, and jazz. It’s a night of bold voices and vibrant sounds — just the kind of energy September calls for. Koubek Center, 2705 Southwest 3rd Street. Saturday 9/20 at 8:00 p.m. Free parking. Modestly priced tickets.

Jazzin’ the Grove: Equinox Concert at Armbrister Park
Smooth grooves, cool breeze, and a jazz legend on the organ? That’s what’s promised at Jazzin’ the Grove, a free outdoor concert with Doug Carn, Paulette Dozier, and the WDNA crew. Armbrister Park, 4000 Grand Avenue. Saturday 9/21 from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. Free with RSVP here.

Broadway in the Botanical
Area Stage’s actors are heading to the Beach — and you can bring your best audience energy to meet them there. Broadway in the Botanical returns with a vibrant mix of Broadway favorites, all set in the lush Miami Beach Botanical Garden. This hidden-in-plain-sight treasure alone is worth the drive to 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. Saturday 9/21 at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 and available here.

Florida-Friendly Landscaping at The Kampong
Dig into nine simple principles to make your yard a little greener — and we’re not just talking color. This introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping will teach you how to save water, protect natural habitats, and maybe even up your curb appeal. Kampong Botanical Garden, 4013 Douglas Road. Saturday 9/21 at 9:30 a.m. Tickets and RSVP here at nominal cost.

12 Angry Jurors
A tense courtroom drama unfolds on stage at UM’s Ring Theatre with 12 Angry Jurors, adapted from the iconic 1954 teleplay. A dozen strangers locked in a jury room, debating the fate of a young man accused of patricide. Reasonable doubt, personal bias, and the weight of justice hang heavy in the air. Jerry Herman Ring Theatre, 1312 Miller Drive, Coral Gables. Thursday to Friday 9/26–9/27 and 10/3–10/4. Tickets. Special free show for UM students, faculty and staff Thursday 10/2 at 8:00 p.m. Just show your CaneID at the Box Office — no reservations required.

Top Cop and Donuts
Miami PD Chief Manny Morales sits for a Q&A breakfast with Grovites creating the perfect opportunity to hear it – and give it – straight to the man in charge. Safety, traffic, crime, budgets, it’s all open for discussion. Davis Hall at Plymouth Congregational Church, 3400 Devon Road. Tuesday 9/30, 9:30-11:00 a.m. Free. Breakfast snacks.

Save Me a Seat

The King is Back.
The fun-loving Mango Heads take over Fuller Street for the highly anticipated, ever surprising, King Mango Strut Poster Reveal Block Party — with the unveiling of this year’s poster at about 7:00 p.m. Coconut Grove’s famously oddball parade starts the season with a street bash featuring live music from Suenalo, Miami’s own rock-and-roll dance machine. It’s a welcoming crew, and anyone can join in. Friday 10/3, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. Free, no RSVP needed.

Will Thomas at The Barnacle
Yacht rock sing-along, anyone? The Barnacle’s Moonlight Concert Series continues with Will Thomas on Friday 10/10. Bring your blankets, snacks, and soft vocals (or strong ones—no judgment here) to belt it out under the stars. The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Highway. Friday 10/10 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., doors open at 6:00. Modestly priced tickets available here.