In your Spotlight
- A Death in Peacock Park
- Peafowl control measures
- Peace, Love and Mangos
- History tours resume
- Where We’ll Be & Save the Date
Police investigate a man’s death in Peacock Park. Elsewhere, this week’s Spotlight shines on some of the Grove’s unique quirks.
News tips can be sent to the Spotlight through this link.
Miami police are investigating the death of a homeless man known to the local community
By Mike Clary
Miami police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found Wednesday morning in Peacock Park.
Sylburn W. Robinson, 69, was pronounced dead at the scene soon after police responded to a call that came in just after 8 a.m., according to police spokesman Michael Vega. His body was discovered by a park attendant, police said.
Would Grove residents like to see a similar program started in Coconut Grove? Needless to say, there are mixed reviews.
By Alexandra Howard
Almost everyone in Coconut Grove has a story to tell about a close encounter with iridescent blue and green peafowl.
For some, peacocks have become loud but friendly neighbors whose “AHH… AHH” squawks have become a morning ritual, just like a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
The bird’s beauty adds to its appeal, especially during mating season from February to August when males put on a dazzling show by fanning their feathers.
Not everyone is dazzled, though. Critics say the flamboyant birds need an eviction notice. They point to piles of poop and peck marks on parked cars as ample proof the birds are more bane than blessing, especially as they continue to reproduce.
Annual event spoofing politics, current events and celebrity culture will take to the street of downtown Coconut Grove on January 5.
By Christopher Pearson
A reveling crowd of Grovites – and perhaps a few others who wish they were – assembled Wednesday at Barracuda Taphouse & Grill on Fuller Street for the official unveiling of the 2025 King Mango Strut parade poster.
These year’s theme, as expressed by Grove artist Sofia del Rivero: Peace, Love and Mangos.
“My poster shows a girl with a vibrant expression and having fun,” explains del Rivero. “I used lots of vivid colors and of course a mango is prominently displayed.”
Coconut Grove History Tours resume this week, starting on Friday October 4 with an evening walking tour of McFarlane Road and Main Highway. This week’s tour will highlight the stories of the diverse group of people who shaped village history, in honor of Global Diversity Month. The tours are sponsored by the Friends of the Commodore Trail. Tickets are $25. Local historian Stella Erin Ross leads this week’s tour, starting at 7 p.m. from Peacock Park at the domed bench, 2820 McFarlane Road. The tour wraps up at 9 p.m. Tickets and information here.
In the Cool of the Evenings
Concerts at Coral Gables Congregational Church are always memorable for the venue as well as the music and Saturday there are two! Latin Pop Hits Saturday, 10/5, 6:30 p.m. Followed later that same evening with Neo-Soul Favorites Saturday, 10/5, 8:30 p.m. Tickets required.
Haunted Library? Not quite, but Coconut Grove Librarian Jennifer Hernandez crafted Spooky Story Evenings especially for pre-teens—and they can be frightening enough. (Can you say “middle school”?) Wednesday 10/9 and 10/23, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
For adults (19+) on Thursday this month are Fright Nights—free flicks you’ll definitely want to experience with a friend holding your hand. This Thursday’s film is Friday the 13th, the 1980 original that launched the franchise. Thursday 10/10, 4:00 p.m. Free. The Coconut Grove Library is at 2875 McFarlane Road.
Thursday Night Lights. Coral Gables High Cavaliers football team challenges last year’s state champion, Christopher Columbus High School, Thursday 10/10, 6:00 p.m. in this conference game. (Christopher Columbus HS, 3000 SW 87th Ave.)
Vizcaya’s Night Market this week features a combination of Haitian culture combo in Krik! Krak! Dance-A-Story for All Ages. Movement and audience participation feature prominently in communicating these stories. Thursday, 10/10. 40-minute performance starts at 7:00 p.m. Vizcaya Village 3250 South Miami Ave. Free tickets here.
Come earlier to the Night Market for the After Hours Guided Tour of the Village. Who knew Vizcaya’s Main House had its own farm and village just across South Miami Avenue? The 30-minute tour starts at 6:00 p.m. and tickets can be found here. Thursday, 10/10.
Ground Zero for November’s Election could be where you are as a Poll Worker for the Miami-Dade County’s Supervisor of Elections. These roles–critically important to our democracy–are filled by paid volunteers. Clerks, Inspectors, Supervisors and Deputies are needed. Election Day is Tuesday, 11/5. Training provided. Afterwards you will have a lifetime story to share.
Save Me a Seat
This new Spotlight feature identifies ticketed events that readers may want to investigate before they sell out.
The Barnacle’s next Moonlight Concert is Friday 10/11, 7:00 p.m. (OK, strictly speaking there’s always plenty of room to picnic, but put this on your calendar anyway.)
Recent News
Intruder leaves $250,000 in damage and unexplained clues; Police and staff puzzled by unusual crime scene.
The developers behind three apartment projects in the West Grove are planning a fourth project – a four-story office building on Grand Avenue. Community leaders express frustration.
The Florida Department of Health has approved a variance for the pool’s new, deeper design, allowing construction to go forward.
Two recent restaurant closings may signal a shift in the Grove’s dining scene, and a tougher road ahead for local entrepreneurs and homegrown talent.
With more than 70 sites countywide – including four in Coconut Grove – the annual event set a record for most participants and most trash collected.
Copyright 2024 Miami News Trust, Inc. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you signed up through our website or participated in a promotion.
The Spotlight welcomes your letters and commentary. Share them here.