Spotlight 150-251024

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

  • The Deal Miami Struck with Regatta Harbour
  • A Boating Accident at the Sailing Club 
  • Letters: What’s at Stake this Election                   

Coconut Grove’s once-gritty working waterfront is generating millions in rent for the City of Miami as an upscale entertainment zone. But a close look at the lease shows the city may be shortchanging itself — with favorable terms for the developer, missing improvements, and lost revenue that could add up for decades.

By David Villano & Jenny Jacoby


Among the nightlife options in the Grove next week on Halloween is the open-air, waterfront Regatta Grove — part of the Regatta Harbour entertainment complex on Dinner Key — where visitors can expect live DJs, themed cocktails and “surprises to keep the chills going.”

But it will cost you: A table for six, if you can snag a reservation, comes with a $250 minimum — for alcohol alone. Food is extra.


The parents of an 11-year-old girl who nearly lost a leg while participating in a summer camp program at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club are suing the club and three of its camp counselors for negligence.

By Jenny Jacoby


The parents of an 11-year-old girl who was participating in a summer camp program at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club are suing the club and three of its camp counselors after a boating accident left their daughter with a life-altering injury to her leg.

Catherine Viteri’s right leg was “lacerated to the bone and nearly amputated” by a boat propeller last summer while she was participating in the program, according to the lawsuit. Catherine’s parents – Bolivar and Michelle Viteri – are seeking $10 million in damages and a jury trial in a lawsuit filed Monday in Miami-Dade Circuit Court.



For too long, the shape of Miami’s political map has determined the shape of our democracy. Lines drawn in back rooms have divided neighborhoods, weakened communities, and silenced voices that deserved to be heard. 

As someone who has lived and worked in this city for decades, I’ve seen how those lines were used not just to define districts — but to deny representation.



Call it Cultural Whiplash. It’s officially that time of year when your social calendar looks like a ransom note. The Grove’s rolling out concerts, costumes, crafts, and carnivals faster than you can say “unsinkable ship.” You can start by haunting Coral Gables High, end up waltzing with a peacock at Books & Books, and still make it to church by Sunday. Multitasking, Grove-style.  



Recent News

News, Village Life, Work

Outdoor dining is part of the charm of Coconut Grove, but pedestrians often have to negotiate narrow stretches of sidewalk to squeeze past restaurants that lease space in the public…

News, Politics

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.

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.

Letters to the Editor

To the Editor: For too long, the shape of Miami’s political map has determined the shape of our democracy. Lines drawn in back rooms have divided neighborhoods, weakened communities, and silenced…

News Briefs, Where we’ll be

Call it Cultural Whiplash. It’s officially that time of year when your social calendar looks like a ransom note. The Grove’s rolling out concerts, costumes, crafts, and carnivals faster than…

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…


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