Spotlight 149-251021

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

  • The Competition for Sidewalk Space in Coconut Grove 
  • A Taxpayer Revolt in Downtown Miami             

Outdoor dining is part of the charm of Coconut Grove, but pedestrians often have to negotiate narrow stretches of sidewalk along Main Highway and Commodore Plaza to squeeze past restaurants that lease space in the public right-of-way.

By Jenny Jacoby & Francisco Alvarado

On any given Sunday morning, a line of diners stretches down Commodore Plaza and Main Highway. They’re hoping to score an outdoor table for brunch at Greenstreet Café, a Coconut Grove institution. 

For owner Sylvano Bignon, sidewalk seating has been synonymous with his brand since opening in 1990. “We have such a beautiful corner location that gives us great exposure,” Bignon tells the Coconut Grove Spotlight. “It is working extremely well.”


The Downtown Development Authority has come under fire in recent months from downtown residents who don’t want to pay an additional tax to support the agency.

By Joshua Ceballos

On an energetic morning this past May, a long line of opinionated members of the public made their way to the lectern to speak inside the chambers of Miami City Hall.

None were quite so colorful as Tim Irwin.

Dressed in a white powdered wig, he strode up to the microphone in a blue colonial frock coat, and complained about a serious matter.



Recent News

News, Politics, Work

Once envisioned as the retail centerpiece along Coconut Grove’s working waterfront, a former seaplane hangar on historic Dinner Key is now a playground for the well-heeled.

News, Village Life

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church is celebrating 130 years of service to the community this month. The celebration concludes with a closing service on Sunday October 26 at 11 a.m. featuring…

News, Politics

Miami’s first Cuban-born mayor is seeking to return to the office he first held 40 years ago (and replace his son Francis as Miami’s top elected official).

News, Politics, Village Life

As Miami weighs changes to its tree protection laws, an FIU analysis finds that city rules meant to mitigate tree removal are inadequate, leaving the city well behind its promise…

News, Politics

Federal housing officials say the parties that filed the complaint in July 2023 lack “standing.” The complaint contends that the City of Miami unfairly discriminated against Coconut Grove’s Black residents,…

News, Politics, Work

Acknowledging the challenge of selling his proposal to residents, Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo withdrew the measure ahead of a scheduled vote this week — but vowed to bring…

News, Politics, Village Life

After falling short of candidates, the Coconut Grove Village Council won’t hold an election this November, but after years in the wilderness its comeback effort is pressing ahead.

News, Politics

For the second time in two weeks, the Miami City Commission declined to approve an employment contract for the city’s independent inspector general.

News, Village Life

What began as a commuter’s quirky choice has become a neighborhood movement. Golf carts now rival SUVs in the Grove, carrying kids, dogs, groceries — and plenty of stories.

News, Village People

The development tide that is transforming the West Grove has come for the Charles Barber Shop on Grand Avenue.

News Briefs, Where we’ll be

Where We’ll Be is looking downright boo-tiful this week — from pep rallies to pup parades, trivia throwdowns to haunted house showdowns. Shenandoah’s got parking debates, Silver Bluff’s got bragging…

News Briefs, Politics

The candidates competing to be Miami’s next mayor will face off again this week during a mayoral debate hosted by the Miami Herald and NBC 6. The forum will take…

Where we’ll be

Canopy Chat, No Sunscreen Needed. Zoom discussion on the urban tree canopy—because Grove=Trees; Trees=Grove; Get it? Join “Plant Talk” with the Grove’s own Dr. Chris Baralotto and learn to talk…

Where we’ll be

Strut Your Stuff. The King Mango Strut kicks off its 42nd year with a poster and theme unveiling party on Fuller Street — plus live music and the hippest crowd…

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor: Commissioner Pardo’s outreach to Coconut Grove residents asking for support in opposing the settlement over the PAMM billboard is absolutely dumbfounding.  The District 2 office has turned…

Where we’ll be

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…


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