Spotlight 47-241101 Campaign Finance

In your Spotlight

  • Money in the county election
  • Playhouse fate may turn on election
  • Old Grove houses celebrated
  • An iconic Grovite passes

Next week’s election could alter the course of some Grove landmarks while others are fated by different forces.


Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado has outraised challenger Cindy Lerner by a margin of six-to-one in the race to keep her District 7 commission seat.

by Don Finefrock

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado and former Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner are competing again for the District 7 commission seat that Regalado won in 2020.

If money alone could win elections, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado would be well on her way to victory in her November rematch with former Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner.

Regalado enjoys a six-to-one cash advantage over her opponent in the District 7 commission race, including contributions to both her campaign account and the political committee that is supporting her bid for another four-year term in office.

The two candidates are competing to represent a county commission district that stretches from Key Biscayne to Kendall and includes Coconut Grove, South Miami, Pinecrest, and a portion of Coral Gables.


Opponents of a county plan to save the Coconut Grove Playhouse by demolishing its auditorium say its fate may turn on next week’s election.

By Don Finefrock and Kelly Keough

Local politicians, preservationists and residents have been fighting for years over the fate of the 1927 theater. (Patrick Farrell for the Spotlight)

Madison Uva was an elementary school student at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Day School when the Coconut Grove Playhouse shut its doors a final time in April 2006.

Today she’s a 30-year-old pre-K teacher at the school who passes the abandoned building on Main Highway every morning on her way into work. 

“I always look at it and think, what a shame,” Uva told the Spotlight. “I’m just shocked that nothing has happened.”


In Old Coconut Grove Houses on Facebook, Maria Freed documents the loss – and possible preservation – of Coconut Grove’s architectural landscape.

By Jenny Jacoby

The Ingram House on Palmetto Avenue, built in 1935, has been owned by the same family since 1978. (Photo courtesy of Maria Freed).

For years Maria Freed has watched as rows of modern “white box” houses have replaced the tiny wood-frame cottages and mid-century bungalows that have long defined Coconut Grove as a livable, walkable, historic neighborhood.

Indeed, it was during some of her walks along the streets in her North Grove neighborhood that Freed began keeping track of the small, modest but often uniquely designed homes that caught her eye. Many featured bright colored doors, Key West-inspired wooden detailing and inviting front porches. 
Slowly these walks became less colorful. 


Friends and relatives are mourning the passing of Elizabeth (Liz) Campanile Gibson, who died in Miami from complications of breast cancer on October 18.


Halloween Hangover Remedies

The Grove’s own Martha Raoli presents a table read from her first comedic play, Enter Wave, set in a small surfside town.  She’ll also lead a discussion of the work.  Books & Books in Coconut Grove, 3409 Main Highway. Saturday 11/2, 7:00-9:00 p.m.  Free. RSVP here.

The Barnacle honors beloved pets that have “crossed the rainbow bridge” in a Dia de los Muertos event.  Light snacks and dog treats.  3485 Main Highway. Saturday 11/2, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Free.

Miami Waterkeeper and Friends of the Commodore Trail team up for Caring for the Bay: A Sunday Morning Walk & Talk, a combination gentle hike and trash pick-up along the Grove’s waterfront.  Sunday 11/3, 9:00-11:30 a.m. Advanced sign-up and details here.

Election Day.  Tuesday, 11/5.

To bring you and your pet to a place of calm, the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) presents A Pet’s Symphony: “My Crush on Dogs, Birds and Cats,” a narrated program of pet-themed works.  Benefitting Friends of Miami Animals.  One dog per person is allowed entry. Thursday 11/7, 6:30-8:30 p.m. 140 NE 39th Street.  Dogs must be registered no later than 11/4. Details and ticket sales online.

The French Horn Collective arrives at The Barnacle’s picnic-worthy evening concert series next week, Friday, 11/8.  Gate opens at 6:00 p.m. 3485 Main Highway. Tickets.

Save Me a Seat

The Chopin Foundation and the Frost School of Music host the Golden Anniversary Gala for the National Chopin Piano Competition. Sunday, 11/10, 4:00 p.m. U-Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall.  Tickets required.

Tick, Tick…Boom! opens the Actor’s Playhouse season.  Wednesday, 11/13.  Coral Gables.  Tickets here.

Save me a paint brush at the Matilda Street Bike Lane Painting Party for Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day.  In front of Coconut Grove Elementary School. Wednesday 11/13, 4:00 p.m.


Recent News

News, Village Life, Village People

For the homeless and other needy residents, the historic Coconut Grove branch library offers more than just books. 

News, Politics

Republican incumbent Demi Bussata Cabrera, a key backer of a controversial new housing law, faces off with Grove resident Matthew Bornstein, a self-described moderate Democrat.

Government, News, Village Life

Residents were briefed last week on the results of the City of Miami’s Little Bahamas and Center Grove Traffic Calming study. Many were disappointed.  

Letters to the Editor

The City of Miami’s Zoning Atlas of 1975 showing Watson Islands’ designation as a city park. Dear Editor: You may have received a big postcard urging you to ‘Vote yes…

Government, News, Politics

The Miami City Commission gave up the lifetime pensions they awarded themselves last week after Miami Mayor Francis Suarez vetoed the move.

Government, News, Politics

Opponents call the changes a developer giveaway that will weaken tree laws and hamper efforts to enhance canopy.


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