Spotlight 69-250117 WELL Trees Astronaut

A proposed eight-story tower development leads today’s Spotlight. In other stories:

  • Citizens challenge a tree ordinance change. City to defer.
  • West Grove Astronaut returns to Carver Elementary.
  • A death at Dinner Key marina.
  • Miami breaks ground on new administrative building far from the Grove.
  • Redland Riot Rallye lures readers to county’s agricultural region.

A luxury mixed-use project is seeking to build three extra stories above the maximum allowed for the area, but with details still scarce, city officials say the announcement is premature.

By Jenny Jacoby and David Villano

The partially demolished Marriott Residence Inn on Tigertail Avenue and Mary Street where construction is scheduled to begin later this year on The Well Coconut Grove, a luxury mixed-use residential tower. (Patrick Farrell for the Spotlight)

The Well Coconut Grove, a luxury mixed-use housing development proposed in Center Grove on the site of the former Marriott Residence Inn has not been approved for eight-stories – three more than typically allowed under Miami’s zoning code – despite releasing marketing materials last month that show the additional height.

“No entitlement has been issued for this project,” city planning officials confirmed for the Spotlight by email. An entitlement is a declaration of allowable land-use rights awarded to a development site.

The property, on the corner of Tigertail Avenue and Mary Street, sits within a zoning district limiting new construction to five stories. After purchasing the site in 2021 for just under $22 million, a development team led by Coconut Grove-based Terra Group floated plans for a five-story apartment complex.

But in late 2023 the group submitted plans to the city’s Building Department for an eight-story luxury condo tower with ground floor retail, a health club, and upscale wellness-focused amenities.

City officials say the additional height – while not yet approved – may be available for the site due to its location within a so-called Transit Oriented Development zone, which is designed to incentivize higher densities within areas near mass transit hubs.


Vowing to “get this right,” city officials deferred a vote on proposed changes to Miami’s tree protection laws while pushing back on allegations of a flawed process tainted by industry influence and lack of public input.

By David Villano

Residents line up in City Hall to address Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo, the only elected official to attend Tuesday’s Sunshine Meeting on proposed changes to Miami’s tree ordinance.

Relief for the ordinary homeowner? Or a giveaway to lot-clearing developers?

Those are the dueling narratives surrounding a proposed rewrite of Miami’s tree protection laws. And comments expressed at a packed City Hall meeting on Tuesday did little to bridge the divide.

“It’s two groups of residents,” Miami District 2 Commissioner Damian Pardo told the crowd of more than 100 who showed up to share their concerns about the code changes. “Residents that very much care about the canopy, and residents that care about the canopy but have other issues that are a priority.”

The controversial legislation, originally scheduled for a commission vote next Thursday, will be deferred to a future meeting, city officials announced Tuesday.

The gathering – a so-called Sunshine Meeting that would allow city commissioners to discuss official business without violating government transparency laws – was, by definition, a bust. Only one commissioner, Pardo, attended.


NASA Astronaut Winston Scott returned last week to Carver Elementary, the school that set him on his path to space, to dedicate the school’s new History Wall.

By Natalie La Roche Pietri

NASA Astronaut Winston Scott shares memories of attending Carver Elementary in Coconut Grove and later flying to space at the unveiling of the school’s History Wall on January 10, 2025. (Natalie La Roche Pietri at WLRN Public Media)

Editor’s Note: This story was originally published by WLRN Public Media on January 13. The Spotlight is re-publishing this story under a partnership agreement with WLRN.

NASA astronaut Winston Scott has seen the world from miles above — but his beginnings took root in Coconut Grove.

Scott, 74, served as a United States Navy Captain, logged more than 24 days in space and is a master of the trumpet. The spaceman credits his achievements to the foundational education he received at George Washington Carver Elementary in his native Coconut Grove, which he attended before Miami schools were integrated.

At more than 125 years old, Carver Elementary continues to be an education hub for the Grove community. Last week it unveiled a wall commemorating its history and notable alumni – including Scott – to teach current students about its legacy.


Dinner Key Death

An unidentified man died Wednesday at Dinner Key marina while trying to retrieve a wayward dinghy, Miami Police reported. The incident occurred about 4:30 p.m. “A man noticed his dinghy detached from his boat and jumped into water to retrieve it. Unfortunately he never surfaced,” Miami Police spokesman Michael Vega told the Spotlight in an email. Miami Fire Rescue personnel recovered the body at 3400 Pan American Drive. The identify of the victim had not been released as of late Wednesday, Vega said.


Miami Breaks Ground on New City Administration Building

The City of Miami held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday to mark the start of construction of a new city administration building on NW 37th Avenue in Miami Freedom Park, just east of Miami International Airport.

The new eight-story building, designed by Arquitectonica with an expected completion date in late 2027, will replace the city’s Riverside Center at 444 SW 2nd Avenue in downtown Miami, which currently houses the city’s administrative staff.

The Spotlight previously reported that the new building will also include a commission chamber for City Commission meetings. The city has not said what its plans are for the former Pan American Airways terminal at 3500 Pan American Drive in Coconut Grove, however. The former terminal currently serves as Miami’s City Hall, with office space for the mayor, the manager, and the city’s five commissioners, and an ornate chamber where the City Commission now meets.


While Miami is known for its beaches and high rises, insiders know that – incredibly – one-third of land in the county is agricultural. The Redland Riot Road Rallye creates a near-perfect way to explore those green areas, known as Redland. The Riot’s team format playfully explores the farms, gardens, nurseries, vineyards, bakeries, shops and boutiques scattered across the southwestern part of the county. You and friends travel in your car as you seek out the answers to the challenge questions at the locations that make Redland so special. Pro Tip: Bring spill-proof glasses, a hearty appetite and plenty of room for the produce, bottles and crafts that you’re sure to gather along the way.

The Redland Riot happens only once each year and this Saturday 1/18 is the day.  Early registration is a must to get a spot for your team. Bring some cash and show up early.

Rob and Robin Burr are the powerhouse couple that make the annual Riot happen. But it’s their year-round energies that make the Great Gables Guide a staple of life in Coral Gables. Their weekly newsletter is the go-to summary of what’s happening in the Gables and it can’t be beat, especially because of its free subscriptions and its long history of finding the best of the Gables.

Register for the Redland Riot pronto. It starts Saturday morning 1/18 at 10:00. Detailed instructions are found here. Read them.


Ransom Everglades Boys Basketball hosts Palmer Trinity in a battle for local bragging rights. The homespun enthusiasm (and bargain price) could be a perfect introduction to sports fandom for a grade schooler. Friday 1/17 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Ransom Everglades Upper School, 3575 Main Highway.

The music of kings and queens, Renaissance choral music was the height of vocal art.  Seraphic Fire presents Renaissance: The Capilla Flamenca in town for one night only, Friday 1/17 at 8:00 p.m. Church of the Little Flower, 2711 Indian Mound Trail, Coral Gables. Tickets.

Orchids could change your life or at least make for a very beautiful day. The Tamiami International Orchid Festival is the largest of its kind and it opens today and runs through Sunday. The flowers and plants can be breathtaking, and almost all are for sale.  It’s up to you to decide which side of the inspiration-intimidation threshold you’re on.  (Pro Romance Tip: Valentine’s Day arrives soon. Consider a day strolling among the orchids and choosing the bloom that most speaks to you both.)  Early admission (9:00 a.m.) is available Friday and Saturday. General admission starts Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Doors close at 6:00 p.m. Miami Dade County Fair Expo Center Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami. True, it’s not close by, but it’s worth the trip.  Advanced sales tickets let you avoid the line to get in.

Tropical Audubon Society’s Bird-friendly Gardening Day welcomes volunteers to their beautiful habitat. Hands-on experience that you can take back to your own garden can’t be learned from a book, and the connections to master gardeners make it all the more special. Register in advance, as space is limited. Saturday 1/18 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. 5530 Sunset Drive.

After your victory at the Redland Riot Rallye, join classic car buffs displayed at The Barnacle’s Cars & Cigars display. Better still, bring a picnic or buy the burgers or hot dogs from the Barnacle Society’s grill and enjoy the lawn, the cars and new friends. Sunday 1/19, 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. Gate opens at 9:00 a.m. The Barnacle Historic State Park, 3485 Main Highway. Modest entrance fee.

nightLAB: Science Swarm at the Frost Science Museum brings adults (age 21 and over) together for hands-on science in an after-hours social setting. The ambitious program uses “Bugs” as its point of departure but extends through the whole museum.  Wednesday 1/22 from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. Tickets required. Very limited parking; Pro Tip: Metrorail to Government Center, then free Metromover to Museum Park station.

Save Me a Seat

The Miami Lebanese Festival next weekend is a must for its great cultural vibe (see,  not everything in Miami is Latin). We’ll go for the food, but we’ll stay for the dancing.  Just around the corner at 2055 Coral Way. Starts Friday 1/24 and lasts through Sunday 1/26.

The romance continues with the St. Hugh Steinway Concert Prelude to Valentine’s Friday, 1/31. Tenor Arturo Chacon Cruz headlines the show. Information and tickets are available here.


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