Good morning. What we’re covering in today’s Spotlight:
- Frustration Over Miami’s Tree Protection Process
- A Proposal to Evict LiveAboard Boaters
- A Girl Scout’s Local History Project
- A Recap of This Week’s Commission Meeting
- Where We’ll Be: Keeping Cool in Miami
An eight-hour hearing of the city’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board stretched into Wednesday morning as board members, residents and developers grappled with a tree permit appeal process many said needs reform.
By Anita Li

Facing an unprecedented wave of challenges to city-issued tree removal permits, Miami’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board spent more than eight hours Tuesday hearing eight appeals before a standing-room-only crowd of more than 100 residents, developers and attorneys, as board members and participants alike voiced frustration with a process many agreed needs reform.
The special hearing, added to the board’s regular monthly meeting to accommodate a growing backlog of appeals, began at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday and did not adjourn until 1:45 a.m. Wednesday.
“The fact that we were there until 2 a.m. is a glaring spotlight that this is not working,” said Genevieve Apaza, whose appeal of a tree removal permit for a property on Irvington Avenue was the only one granted during the meeting.
New legislation before the Board of County Commissioners could jeopardize the lifestyle of boaters who live aboard their vessels, offshore in Coconut Grove.
By Joshua Ceballos

A community of people live together just offshore at Dinner Key in Coconut Grove.
The anchorage is much like a neighborhood on Biscayne Bay — neighbors on the next boat over might offer water or help with a problem, and the community looks out for garbage they can pick up to keep the area clean.
The people live on their boats for various reasons: they have businesses on the water and find it easier to stay there, they’re retired and don’t want to deal with neighbors living too close, or they’re preparing for a voyage and need a home port to get ready in.
The 18-year-old great-great granddaughter of Commodore Ralph Munroe earned a Girl Scout Gold Award for documenting the history of Coconut Grove and finding a way to share that history with others.
By Nica Rosenberg

For many people, Coconut Grove’s beautiful streets lined with banyan trees and bougainvillea are simply part of their daily commute.
For Girl Scout Ginger Seabrook, though, these same streets tell the story of her family and the community she calls home.
“I’ve lived in Coconut Grove my whole life,” said Seabrook, a 2026 graduate of Ransom Everglades School. “I’ve always gone to school in the Grove… the Grove is a big part of my life, but it’s also connected to my family history.”
The Miami City Commission agreed to sell the historic Jackson Medical Office in downtown Brickell to billionaire Ken Griffin so it can be moved to Coconut Grove. The commission also approved new sidewalk protections for pedestrians at construction sites.
By Spotlight Staff

The Miami City Commission on Thursday approved the sale of the historic Jackson Medical Office to billionaire Ken Griffin for $2.98 million, the first step in a proposed deal to move the Brickell building to Coconut Grove and transfer title to Dade Heritage Trust.
“We are thrilled to have found a long-term solution to preserve our 121-year-old historic headquarters building,” Chris Rupp, executive director of Dade Heritage Trust, told commissioners before the vote.
Others urged delay, however, saying the deal lacked transparency.

The World Cup crowds have dispersed, but the heat has not. Their departure has opened up space on the nearby beaches and waters, all just a short ride away. Windsurf at Hobie Island Beach Park—the first right as you cross the Rickenbacker Causeway. Sunbathe along Virginia Key’s southern shore; dog lovers and best friends are welcomed at the section of beach directly across from MAST Academy. Meet friends at Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, or rent a paddleboard from the self-serve kiosk at Peacock Park beside the mangrove boardwalk. Splash, paddle, idle or catch the wind without leaving the neighborhood.
Recent News
As redevelopment transforms Coconut Grove, one homeowner is asking the City of Miami to designate her 1925 home as a historic property. “When I’m dead and gone, I just would…
The city-owned landmark, home to Dade Heritage Trust, would be sold for $2.98 million — without competitive bidding — to a company controlled by billionaire Ken Griffin, completing his acquisition…
Deferred in January amid neighborhood opposition, the citywide proposal would allow event venues in designated historic buildings and could help formalize operations at the controversial waterfront venue on Coconut Grove’s…
The measure would require protected pedestrian access at certain construction sites, but a last-minute change to the measure opens a wider path for developers to obtain exemptions.
With appeals surging and trust in the city’s permitting process fraying, a newly appointed advisory committee will spend the next eight months rethinking Miami’s tree ordinance.
As development presses into the West Grove, the Legacy Garden Initiative seeks to preserve the neighborhood’s identity.
With final zoning approvals in hand, Miami-Dade County is preparing to submit Phase 2 construction plans for the Coconut Grove Playhouse to the City of Miami to obtain a building…
As Coconut Grove attracts more wealth and attention, one longtime resident wonders whether its greatest loss isn’t its history, its tree canopy, or its buildings — but the quiet disappearance…
Keeping cool during the hottest part of the year tops our agenda this week. As luck would have it, Coconut Grove has a new public pool – the Verneka Sturrup…
The voter registration deadline for the August 18 primary election is fast approaching. Voters have until Monday July 20 to register to vote. Early voting begins August 3 and ends…
To the Editor: In no particular order, here are five reasons why City Hall should not be moved to Freedom Park. 1. The first reason is that the existing facility…
The Believers of Authority church on Grand Avenue in the West Grove was torn down last week, in another sign of changing times on a boulevard where Black businesses once…
Proponents of a public-private partnership that could restore and reopen the historic Miami Marine Stadium on Virginia Key went public this week with a campaign to win voter approval of…
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