Spotlight 158-251121

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

UM’s Thirsty Thursday Tradition
The Mayor’s Race: The Final Stretch
A Fatal Accident in North Grove
Where We’ll Be: A Grove Calendar

Thanks to your generous support on Give Miami Day, your Spotlight exceeded its goal and can continue sharing the stories that make Coconut Grove such a special place — whether it’s preserving our history, inspiring creativity, or bringing neighbors together. Your contribution ensures that the Spotlight remains a trusted source of local news, bringing us all closer to the heart of our community. Thank you.

Coconut Grove, After Dark

After the Grove’s dinner crowds head home for bed, the neighborhood takes on its hidden persona. The streets come alive with college kids ready to drink off another week of classes, especially on Thirsty Thursdays, the rowdy tradition decades strong.

By Jenny Jacoby

The evening typically starts with carb-heavy pasta — a smart choice for the night ahead – and a classic frozen drink at Greenstreet Café.

Or maybe it’s cheap tacos and a margarita (or two) at BarTaco, a new hotspot for the college kids who fill the Center Grove on Thursday nights.

By this point, it’s gotten late. The sidewalk cafes have closed up and the Grove’s daytime crowd of dogwalkers, strollers and ice cream seekers have tucked into bed for the night. The Grove’s hidden “after hours” personality is stirring to life.

The Final Stretch: Miami Mayoral Candidates Race to the Runoff

The final two candidates competing to become Miami’s next mayor – Emilio Gonzalez and Eileen Higgins – are both running against the status quo, promising to reform a city government they say is corrupt and dysfunctional.

By Charles Rabin

With less than three weeks to go before Miami voters choose a new mayor, the two remaining candidates are having trouble differentiating their visions on how to get the city’s government to work for the people.

Most of their priorities – the stuff they say they’ll fix – are almost indistinguishable.

In Their Own Words: Miami’s Two Mayoral Candidates

Mayoral candidates Emilio Gonzalez and Eileen Higgins answered questions last week at a political forum in Little Havana sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the ACLU of Florida. The runoff election is Dec. 9.

By Don Finefrock

Voters in Coconut Grove were sidelined this week when a planned political forum featuring Miami’s two mayoral candidates was cancelled.

The Monday night forum at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church was scratched after former Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez bailed on the event, citing a conflict, and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins chose not to take the stage alone.

29-Year-Old Worker Dies in Construction Accident in Coconut Grove

Authorities say a concrete wall collapsed during a home renovation Monday morning, killing a construction worker just days before his 30th birthday.

By Jenny Jacoby

A 29-year-old man was killed this week after a concrete wall collapsed at a construction site in Coconut Grove.

The incident occurred just before 11 a.m. on Monday at 2907 SW 22nd Ave.

The victim has been identified as 29-year old Jorge Esteban Rojas. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Where We’ll Be – A Grovite’s Calendar

Holiday Magic: Parades, Performances, and More

Before you head out into the holiday travel vortex, get a good book to bring with you at the Miami Book Fair Finale—a weekend packed with celebrity authors including our own Dave Barry, plus 100 events that run through Sunday. Prepare for any Thanksgiving dinner debates by watching the documentary The Librarians at Gables Cinema. Calm your nerves before the trip when you hear Prieto: Music of the Americas at New World Center or head over to U-Miami’s Frost School of Music for some stellar doctoral recitals.

When you’re back in town a few pounds heavier, cheer on the inaugural Golf Cart Holiday Parade, followed by the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, with Santa, carols, and snow. And Black Friday has nothing on Shop Small Saturday, where local shops, live music, and holiday cheer will fill the Grove with good vibes. Happy Thanksgiving!