Spotlight 77-250214

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

New Pickleball Courts Approved for Grand Avenue
Safer Streets? Residents Pinpoint Problem Spots
Locals share advice on going to the art festivals

The Goal: Safer Streets for All

A community forum this week on street safety in Coconut Grove elicited strong complaints – and suggestions – from neighborhood residents.

By Ethan Mannello

Coconut Grove residents had an opportunity to voice their concerns about traffic and street safety earlier this week at a forum hosted by University of Miami researchers.

Those who attended weren’t shy about expressing their views.

“I have a little baby and I think the streets in Coconut Grove can be safer than they are today,” said Prat Agarwal, who lives on Matilda Street in Center Grove. “We have lots of pedestrians here and there are lots of kids running around. If we can make the neighborhood safer for everyone, everybody benefits.”

A Pop-Up Sports Facility for Grand Avenue

The Miami City Commission agreed on Thursday to allow a developer to open a temporary sports facility on Grand Avenue in the West Grove while waiting to break ground on a much more ambitious mixed-used project with 176 apartments.

By Don Finefrock

An outdoor sports facility with tennis, padel and pickleball courts may soon open on an empty stretch of Grand Avenue in the West Grove with the City of Miami’s blessing after city commissioners greenlighted the temporary facility on Thursday.

Commissioners agreed to waive the city’s two-week limit for events held on private property so Grove Bimini-Nassau QOZB can build and operate a pop-up sports facility with 19 playing courts on 2.4 acres of vacant land known as the Bimini Block.

City Defers Decision on Solid Waste

The Miami City Commission deferred a decision on Thursday on whether to suspend the city’s recycling program and cut the curbside collection of yard debris and bulky waste at residential properties. The issue was pushed to the February 27 commission meeting at the request of City Manager Art Noriega. The measure would give the city’s Solid Waste Department the ability to adjust the frequency of service, as needed. The intention, the city says, is to reduce bulky waste service from once a week to once every two weeks, and possibly suspend the recycling program. City residents and environmentalists have objected to the cuts.

Letters

Readers respond to recent Spotlight coverage.

Where We’ll Be

Insider’s Guide to the Art Festivals

Grovites know exactly where they want to be on this super-busy weekend. Many will tell you “get out of town!” Others have equally strong convictions to stay and take advantage of the signature weekend. Here are some tips to help you and your guests navigate the festivals.

Discount tickets are available for those that live in the 33133 zip code. Bring your ID to one of the ticket-selling kiosks and ask for a “Grove Resident” ticket at about half-cost, with a limit of four per ID. Other admission options are found online.
Before arriving, check out the Spotlight’s coverage from earlier this week. That’s a great way to learn about the shows, the artists and their long histories.
There are three entrances to the Coconut Grove Art Festival and locals tend to prefer entering through the 27^th Avenue gate or the entrance nearest City Hall (Pan American Drive).
Arriving early on Saturday and Sunday (gates open at 10:00 a.m.) can be pleasant while the air is cool and the crowds minimal. Sunday mid-day seems to have the most energy.
Many advise that Monday is the day to go, when crowds are usually smaller.
The emerging artist booths attract many to meet and speak with the show’s new talent.
Along McFarlane Road – outside the gates of the festival, you’ll find many booths of local Grove organizations. There neighbors are eager to describe their activities and your opportunities. The Coconut Grove Sailing Club, the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove and many others will welcome you.
Arrive by bike. Outside the McFarlane Road entrance, you’ll find a free bike valet service that will watch over your pedaled vehicle while you’re at the fests. Bike Coconut Grove organizes this service at the intersection with Grand Avenue. Cool kids volunteer to stay with your bicycle even during the hottest days. Free, but the youngsters accept tips (hint, hint).
St. Stephen’s Art & MakersFest has two entrances to their free event. The McFarlane Road entrance by the church is the most prominent. Less used is the entrance on Main Highway – across the street from Chug’s Diner and Fuller Street.
The St. Stephen’s show is a comfortable labyrinth of artists and food stalls. The kettle corn booth in the far corner is a perennially popular destination. The school is exceptionally generous to share its restrooms with show visitors, and you’ll find that building’s entrance near the kettle corn.
The Coconut Grove Branch Library will be closed all three days, but the libraries in Virrick Park and Shenandoah will welcome those seeking quiet relief from the crowds.

The Valentine’s Day Moonlight Concert at the Barnacle features Keith Johns. Friday 2/14. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. Concert starts at 7:00 p.m. Tickets.

Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago leads a bike tour of the Grove’s Bahamian MacFarlane Homestead Historic District. Bike Walk Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Museum make this possible. Details are found here. Tours begin at the Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Sunday 2/16, 10:00 a.m. Modestly-priced tickets.

U-Miami’s Women’s Basketball hosts FSU Seminoles in a grudge match in Watsco Center, 1245 Dauer Drive, Coral Gables. Metrorail to University Station. Sunday 2/16, 2:00 p.m. Tickets.

It’s worth the trip to the Miami Design District to listen to MISO – Miami Symphony Orchestra – perform a President’s Day Celebration concert. Monday 2/17, 6:00 p.m. Free.

The vintage sailboats of the Washington’s Birthday Regatta will set sail from the Coconut Grove Sailing Club on the morning of Saturday 2/22. In prior years, this event was held largely out of the public eye but this year’s circumstances have created a perfect opportunity for you to see the boats as they leave the mooring field for the regatta. Regatta Park and southwest corner of Dinner Key Marina. Saturday 2/22, late morning…11-ish.

Save Me a Seat

U-Miami Hurricanes take on Duke in men’s basketball. Monday 2/25, 7:00 p.m. Tickets.

The Seraphic Fire choral ensemble performs at St. Stephen’s. Thursday 2/27, 7:30 p.m. Tickets.

Coconut Grove Theatre Festival’s Launch Party. Thursday 2/27, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tickets.

Meet the editors of the Spotlight at an informal social hour. Berries in the Grove, 2884 SW 27th Avenue. Tuesday 3/4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Secret Garden Tour tickets will be released to the public soon. When? Where? Don’t know yet… it’s a “secret”. Friends of the Commodore Trail’s website is the place to watch.