Spotlight 96-250418

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

The WELL’s Bonus Height Loophole
A New Lawsuit over the Playhouse
A Special Election in Miami’s District 4
Miami’s Mayor Race: Eileen Higgins
Recent Campaign Finance Reports

City May Close The WELL’s Bonus-Height Loophole

The Miami City Commission will revisit a controversial 2023 zoning change that a developer claims will allow it to add three extra stories to a luxury condo project in Center Grove.

By David Villano

The Miami City Commission will consider an amendment to a controversial 2023 zoning change that a developer is using to build an eight-story building in an area of Center Grove zoned for a maximum of five.

If approved, the proposed revision would exempt the entirety of Coconut Grove from a two-year-old city zoning ordinance that allows three stories of so-called “bonus height” for certain properties within walking or biking distance of Metrorail stations.

The revision – which received a thumbs up from the city’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board (PZAB) late Wednesday – still requires city commission approval. The item will likely appear on the April 24 commission agenda, city planning staff told board members.

The proposed changes come in response to a groundswell of public outrage over The WELL Coconut Grove, an eight-story, 129-foot, luxury condo project planned for the corner of Tigertail Avenue and Mary Street. Critics say the project is out of scale with the neighborhood, will increase traffic, and will do little to promote mass transit use.

Opponents Head Back to Court to Block Playhouse Plan

A new lawsuit was filed this week after the City of Miami gave Miami-Dade County a green light to demolish a portion of the historic Coconut Grove Playhouse.

By Don Finefrock

Opponents of Miami-Dade County’s plan to demolish a portion of the Coconut Grove Playhouse and restore the rest of the historic structure have gone back to court in an effort to block the county’s plan before demolition begins.

The City of Miami issued a demolition permit for the playhouse on Tuesday, opening the way for the county to begin work on the long-delayed project. County leaders hailed the development, saying they were prepared to move forward quickly.

“After years of collaboration, compromise and commitment, the start of this first phase of work signals the playhouse is on track to reopen in 2027, in time for its 100^th anniversary,” County Commissioner Raquel Regalado said in a statement.

But opponents moved quickly to halt those plans, filing a lawsuit on Wednesday that asks a circuit court judge to block the demolition permit until the county presents final design plans to the city’s Historic and Environmental Preservation Board.

Voters to Decide on Reyes’ Replacement

The City of Miami will hold a special election on Tuesday June 3 to fill the District 4 commission seat left vacant by the death of Manolo Reyes.

By Don Finefrock

The voters of Miami’s District 4 will decide who should replace Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who died last week at the age of 80, less than halfway through his four-year term.

The late commissioner’s four colleagues on the Miami City Commission voted unanimously on Thursday, after taking public comment, to hold a special election on Tuesday June 3 to fill the vacant seat.

“I believe that the community should decide who their representative would be,” Commission Chairwoman Christine King said. “I believe that is what Commissioner Reyes would have wanted.”

Eileen Higgins Aims for Miami’s Top Job

The Miami-Dade County commissioner is pushing a reform agenda in her bid to become Miami’s next mayor.

By Erik Bojnansky

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins says Coconut Grove residents should support her for mayor if they want to bring trust and efficiency back to City Hall.

Higgins, who was re-elected as the county’s District 5 commissioner in 2024, opened a campaign account to run for Miami mayor on April 2.

Although much of her district falls within the city, Higgins says she would be more effective at pushing her reform agenda as Miami’s top elected official instead of serving as one of 13 county commissioners.

“I am a Miami resident. I live in the city. I love the city. That is why I am running for mayor. I want our city government to get back to working for the residents. To get things done,” she said. Higgins, 60, is a resident of downtown Miami.

Miami Mayor’s Race: Early Fundraising

Former Miami District 2 Commissioner Ken Russell led the pack in fundraising during the first three months of the year.

By Don Finefrock

With the release last week of campaign finance reports for the first quarter of 2025, the race is on for the seven candidates currently competing to replace outgoing Miami Mayor Francis Suarez later this year.

Although more candidates may jump into the race, the reports provide a first glimpse of where the candidates stand, in terms of money raised and donor support.

Where We’ll Be

Earth Day’s Creative Opportunities

The creative minds at Hermès have gone far beyond the frontiers of personal fashion to create imaginary and utopian universes – On the Wings of Hermes – and bring them to Coconut Grove. The choreographed spectacles, performed by the Astragales dance company, are described as ‘playful and lighthearted.’ Nine days of free performances are scheduled for The Hangar at Regatta Harbour. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performances, which begin promptly at 2:00, 4:00 and 7:00 p.m. at 3385 Pan American Drive. Friday 4/18 though Sunday 4/27. See their website for detailed schedules and the required registration to attend. Shows are free with advanced registration only.

Tropical Audubon Society leads a half-day bird-watching trip at Matheson Hammock Park. Meet in the parking area at the south end of the park, adjacent to Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, 10901 Old Cutler Road. Saturday 4/19 from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free.

“Plog” through the mangroves and attend a fun eco-friendly workout at Matheson Hammock Park that combines jogging (or walking) with plocka upp — Swedish for “picking up” litter. Move at your own pace through the mangrove trails while making a difference. Matheson Hammock Park, 9610 Old Cutler Road. Saturday 4/19 at 8:30 a.m. Free.

Miami Waterkeeper leads the way to Earth Day with their hands-on 3rd annual Earth Day Clean-up in partnership with several other organizations. Loosen up first with a beach yoga session. Stay hydrated and refreshed with food, refreshments and music provided. You will want to be well-prepared (sun protection, long-sleeved shirts, close-toed shoes, refillable water bottle, etc.). Historic Virginia Key Beach Park. Saturday 4/19, arrive at 9:00 a.m. Yoga at 9:30 a.m. Clean-up 10:15 a.m. to 12 noon. Entrance to the park and parking are free, just tell the gate guard that you are going to help with the beach clean-up.

New World Symphony’s final Wallcast of the season features Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. You can bring your picnic basket, a blanket, some of your most entertaining friends and join others on the lawn outside the New World Symphony, 500 17th Street, Miami Beach. Saturday 4/19 at 8:00 p.m. Free.

Vizcaya celebrates Easter with an egg-coloring workshop using natural dyes. No experience is necessary as families can create vibrant eggs and all materials will be provided. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Avenue. Sunday 4/20 from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. Free with advanced tickets.

Join new and experienced artists – or become one yourself – as part of the Painting Club at the library. All ages and techniques are welcomed. Coconut Grove Library, 2875 McFarlane Road. Monday 4/21 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Free.

WLRN’s Jessica Bakeman hosts ZipOdes, a special evening of poetry celebrating your zip code. The evening near the bay at Vizcaya could inspire your personal creativity in addition to the scheduled performances. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, 3251 South Miami Avenue. Wednesday, 4/23 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Modestly priced tickets with many opportunities for discounts.

The Coconut Grove Theatre Festival gives you a glimpse behind the scenes as local playwrights, directors, actors, stage managers, and producers reveal the secrets of the creative process in advance of their big May weekend during a special panel discussion – Everyone Plays a Part. Coconut Grove Library, 2875 McFarlane Road. Thursday 4/24 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Free.

On Family Bike Rides, Bike Coconut Grove’s volunteers and the Miami Police Department escort you and yours through the Grove’s many neighborhoods. Delightful! Depart from the Coconut Grove Playhouse parking lot, 3514 Main Highway. Saturday 4/26 at 10:00 a.m. Free with RSVP here.

Save Me a Seat

Broadway’s longest-running Phantom of the Opera, Franc D’Ambrosio, brings his iconic voice to the St. Hugh-Steinway Concert Series performing musical theater’s greatest hits and timeless classics. St. Hugh Catholic Church, 3460 Royal Road. Friday 5/2 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets.

Alhambra Orchestra’s 35th season finale is the ultimate in a generous tradition of classic music. Their free performances have introduced the finest in classic and contemporary music to generations of Miamians. FIU Wertheim Performing Arts Center, 10910 SW 17th Street. Saturday 5/3 at 7:30 p.m. Free. No tickets required.