Spotlight 57-241206 Historic Cottage

In the Spotlight:

  • Stoneman-Douglas cottage milestone 
  • What’s ahead for Grove’s farmers’ market?
  • Groups meet to examine tree ordinance changes.
  • Trees, Scouts and holiday art forms everywhere.

Readers often share links to Spotlight articles using the icons found above and below each story. Such has been the case  city-wide as groups react to changes proposed to the tree regulations. If you missed an article, the search button can find it for you.


The vacant property flanks the tiny 1926 cottage where Marjory Stoneman Douglas lived and worked. Restoration work is ongoing.

By Don Finefrock

The Marjory Stoneman Douglas home on Stewart Avenue. (Don Finefrock for the Spotlight)

The state of Florida appears to be one step closer to honoring the legacy of Marjory Stoneman Douglas by restoring the historic Coconut Grove property where the author and environmentalist lived and worked.

The state recently purchased a piece of vacant land on Stewart Avenue adjacent to the 1926 cottage where Douglas wrote “The Everglades: River of Grass.” 

The sale was announced on November 21 by the Land Trust of Dade County, which bought the land in 1993 with the intention of combining the two properties. The vacant lot was previously owned by Douglas’s college roommate.


The opening of a new residential development next door to the farmers market on Grand Avenue is prompting questions about the future of the Saturday market.

By Hank Sanchez-Resnik

In July 2023, the Spotlight reported that the lot adjacent to the Saturday farmers market at Grand Avenue and Margaret Street, normally used for parking during market day, would make way for a major new residential building.

As construction began, visitors and vendors had to cope with the reduced square footage. Thirty of the 115 vendors had to leave, and parking, though never easy, became more of a problem.

The building, Elemi at Grove Village, is just about to come online, with 46 apartments renting for up to $8,000 a month for a unit with three bedrooms and three baths.


District 1 Commissioner Miguel Gabela, who is sponsoring the controversial changes to the city’s tree protection laws, will be joined by city staff to answer questions about the impact of the proposed amendments to the ordinance.

By David Villano

City of Miami District 1 Commissioner Miguel Gabela is hosting a town hall gathering at City Hall on Friday December 6 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss possible changes to the city’s tree protection laws. All community members are welcome.

Civic and environmental groups are opposing the changes, saying they would severely weaken existing laws by removing many permitting requirements for tree removal and by loosening controls over a city fund earmarked for tree plantings

The city commission will take up the measure, which has been sponsored by Gabela, at its next meeting on Thursday December 12.


Trees and Hiking to a Holiday Soundtrack

Locals searching for their perfect Christmas tree while supporting a local charity group visit the Boys and Girls Club just north of US-1 at McDonald Street.  Well before the arrival of a big box store, or other for-profit operations, the Boys and Girls Club was known for providing quality trees and seasonal plant decorations. 2805 SW 32nd Ave.

Town Hall on Miami’s Trees will allow citizens to hear more details on Commissioner Gabela’s proposed changes to the City of Miami’s tree ordinance, and share their own comments on the city’s tree policies. Friday 12/6 at 4:00 p.m. Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Drive. Price: The tree canopy?

The Choir of Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart crosses Main Highway to join the already stellar St. Hugh-Steinway Concert Christmas Extravaganza. The full program includes “six stunning voices, piano, violin, trumpet and drums” all presenting holiday classics. Free parking and a free reception follows the performance. Friday, 12/6 at 8:00 p.m. St. Hugh Catholic Church, 3460 Royal Road at Main Highway. Tickets required.

Coral Gables First Friday Gallery Night could inspire a perfect gift idea. In addition to the art galleries remaining open through the evening, the Coral Gables Museum is open and hosts live music. Friday 12/6 from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. By Trolley from Grand Avenue. Trolley-tracker map here. Free.

Bet your bottom dollar that tickets to Annie Jr. at Area Stage could be gone tomorrow.  The young cast presents only eight performances at their creative Shops at Sunset Place venue. Friday 12/6 at 7:30 p.m. through Sunday 12/15. 5701 Sunset Drive. By Metrorail to University Station. Tickets.

A Pop-Up Gallery celebrating Bahamian and Bohemian art will appear on Grand Avenue as part of Miami Art Week. The Gibson Education Center of Miami Dade College hosts the event Friday 12/6 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. 3629 Grand Ave. Free.

Thousands of Scouts will hike south along the full length of the Commodore Trail Saturday morning as part of their 50th Annual Old Cutler Hike. Starting in downtown Miami, the first to arrive will reach Alice Wainwright Park at about 7:30 a.m. but the long trail will continue through the morning. Scout BSA groups are available for youths from K-12 at several nearby locations.  They include boy, girl and co-ed groups. Saturday, 12/7 about 7:30 a.m. through mid-afternoon along the Commodore Trail.

If your traditional Christmas soundtrack includes brass instruments of the highest caliber, then The King’s Brass free concert at Coral Gables’ United Methodist Church is more than worth the trip. The group fills all corners of the venue with horns, keyboard, percussion and vocals. Saturday 12/7 at 7:30 p.m. 536 Coral Way, Coral Gables. Free.

Holiday Potluck at Shenandoah Park is a great tradition and opportunity to show off your best—and taste the treats of your neighbors—in the company of Miami Shenandoah Neighborhood Association friends. Open to all and kid-friendly, you can sign up here. Shenandoah Park, 1800 SW 21st Avenue. Monday, 12/9, 7:00 p.m.  Free.

Save Me a Seat

The Barnacle’s Strings Attached lawn concert, Friday evening 12/13 at 7:00 p.m.  Gates open at 6:00. Tickets.

GableStage opens Both Sides Now, a cabaret performance of the works of Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Friday 12/13 through 1/3/25. Tickets.

St. Stephen’s AnnualChristmas Concert includes Handel’s Messiah among many classic carols and anthems. Friday 12/13 at 7:00 p.m. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 2750 McFarlane Road. Tickets.


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