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1 week ago

Coral Gables leaders tell neighbors they will negotiate to limit impact of county rapid‑transit zone At a neighborhood meeting, Coral Gables officials said they will press a developer to accept a smaller, city‑controlled alternative to Miami‑Dade County’s Rapid Transit Zone after the county added a waterfront parcel to the RTZ; residents raised concerns about height, traffic, the waterway and loss of local impact fees.

Coral Gables officials reveal that negotiating with a developer may be the only way to safeguard local controls and limit the height of a controversial waterfront project after a county zoning change.

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CommunityEngagement #UrbanDevelopment

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1 month ago

Commission debates human‑trafficking training for first responders; expert witnesses urge expanded programs, council defers resolutions Commissioner Castro proposed declarations and a training directive for firefighters and EMS on human trafficking and related abuse. Health‑care advocates told the commission the city should mandate additional, trauma‑informed training; police and fire chiefs described existing county‑wide protocols and task‑force work. After lengthy debate about scope, funding and legal limits, the commission voted to defer both resolutions for further work with chiefs and the state attorney’s office.

Coral Gables is taking a bold step to combat human trafficking by proposing specialized training for first responders, but the debate over how to implement it is just heating up.

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2 months ago

Developer donates Alicia Kuwade sculpture to Coral Gables park; commission waives usual maintenance fee Developers of the Almeria/Sevilla project presented a 23‑foot bronze sculpture by Alicia Kuwade to be installed in a new 12,500‑square‑foot downtown park and requested a waiver of the city’s usual 10% maintenance endowment. The commission approved the donation and the waiver after review by the Arts Advisory Panel and Cultural Development Board.

A stunning 23-foot bronze sculpture by acclaimed artist Alicia Kuwade is set to become the centerpiece of a new downtown park in Coral Gables, thanks to a generous developer donation!

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2 months ago

Coral Gables approves University Station Rapid Transit overlay after contentious zoning compromise After weeks of negotiation, the commission approved text and map amendments creating a University Station Rapid Transit District overlay that raises allowable FAR to 3.5 (4.375 with TDRs), requires Mediterranean-style design, setback protections, and preserves certain city review standards as a compromise to avoid county RTZ default.

Coral Gables just approved a controversial zoning overlay that could reshape the University Station area, balancing design controls with increased density and height.

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #UrbanDevelopment #CoralGablesTransit #ZoningReform #CitizenPortal #CommunityPlanning

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2 months ago

Coral Gables backs tougher enforcement of U.S. Cuba sanctions, coordinates with county and tax collector The commission approved a resolution urging enforcement of federal Cuba sanctions and supporting state bills to require OFAC authorization for certain commerce; Miami‑Dade County and the county tax collector pledged coordination and to report businesses that may be noncompliant.

Coral Gables is taking a bold stand for stronger enforcement of U.S. sanctions on Cuba, urging local businesses to comply or face consequences!

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CivicAccountability #LocalBusinessCompliance #CitizenPortal #FederalEnforcement #CoralGablesSanctions

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2 months ago

Mayor Marlin Lago faces mounting scrutiny over allegations of video edits and a controversial hike in his travel budget amid calls for greater transparency in Coral Gables.

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3 months ago

Historic board approves new shelter prototypes for Granada Golf Course, with one existing shelter to be preserved if feasible After community meetings and technical review, the board authorized construction of nine new golf‑course shelters (six standard replacements and two ADA‑accessible prototypes) and directed staff to attempt restoration of one historic shelter if practicable.

The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board has approved a plan to enhance the Granada Golf Course by replacing aging shelters with new, ADA-accessible designs while preserving the charm of the original structures.

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3 months ago

Historic preservation board denies appeal to designate Eaton Residential College After extended testimony from preservation advocates and the University of Miami, the Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board voted 5–3 to deny an appeal seeking to designate Eaton Residential College at 1211 Dickinson Drive as a local historic landmark.

The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board has denied a significant appeal to protect the mid-century Eaton Residential College, sparking a heated debate over its architectural legacy.

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4 months ago

Commission approves 760 Ponce mixed-use project after neighborhood compromises After multiple neighborhood meetings and negotiated off-site improvements, the commission approved land-use and zoning amendments and a planned development for the 760 Ponce mixed-use project, adding conditions for street calming, landscaping and EV parking language.

The City Commission greenlights the 760 Ponce mixed-use project, marking a win for residents with negotiated improvements including new crosswalks and traffic calming measures!

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #SustainableInfrastructure #CommunityEngagement #CoralGablesNeighborhood

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4 months ago

Commission rejects 1.45% COLA for 2026, citing fiscal uncertainty After a protracted hearing that included retiree testimony and finance staff analysis, the commission rejected the retirement board's proposed 2026 COLA (1.45%) by supermajority, directing further budget-year work and suggesting alternative approaches for retiree relief.

In a surprising turn, the Coral Gables City Commission rejected a critical 1.45% cost-of-living adjustment for retirees, leaving many to voice their concerns over financial strain and future support options.

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CommunitySupport #FiscalResponsibility

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5 months ago

Commission backs Option B for City Hall restoration, orders follow‑up for construction documents The commission approved a comprehensive restoration plan for Coral Gables City Hall that restores the courtyard’s original symmetry, repairs exterior masonry and columns and redesigns the chamber to restore historic character and increase public seating. Staff will proceed to construction documents and seek a construction manager at risk.

Coral Gables City Hall is set for a stunning makeover that blends historic preservation with modern accessibility, ensuring it serves the community for another century!

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #HistoricPreservation #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

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5 months ago

City approves acquisition of Agustín Cárdenas sculpture, staff to finalize placement The commission accepted a Cultural Development Board recommendation to acquire Agustín Cárdenas’ marble sculpture La Coupole (1991). Staff will finalize conservation, appraisal and siting — options include an interior lobby at 427 Biltmore Way, the Paseo loggia or an outdoor, partly covered location near the cinema or museum.

Coral Gables is set to elevate its public art scene with the acquisition of Agustín Cárdenas' stunning marble sculpture, La Coupole, promising to enhance the cultural landscape for all visitors.

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #SculptureConservation #CulturalDevelopment

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5 months ago

Commission chooses ‘Carved by Nature’ facade for Miracle Mile mobility hub, approves Gensler contract work After reviewing refined facades and rooftop activation concepts from Gensler, the Coral Gables City Commission selected a nature‑inspired metal‑panel design and approved a contract amendment to finalize construction documents for the Parking Garage 1 mobility hub.

Coral Gables commissioners have taken a bold step towards blending urban life with nature by approving the stunning “Carved by Nature” facade for the new mobility hub, promising to enhance both aesthetics and pedestrian experience along Miracle Mile.

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5 months ago

Coral Gables approves University Station rapid‑transit overlay after monthslong debate After a lengthy public hearing and debate about local control and impact fees, the Coral Gables City Commission voted to adopt a new University Station Rapid Transit District overlay and related comprehensive-plan and zoning changes for the blocks along U.S. 1 between Caballero and Turín. Supporters said the overlay lets the city negotiate terms of

Coral Gables is taking bold steps to regain local control over development near the University of Miami, adopting a new zoning overlay that could reshape the city’s future!

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CoralGablesTransit #CommunityBenefits

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6 months ago

Commission adopts package of building, procedural and conservation measures; votes to join lawsuit challenging SB180 The commission passed amendments on flood freeboard, building materials and transfer‑of‑development‑rights for conservation, adjusted the consent‑agenda cap, approved electronic fire reporting and voted to join a multi‑city lawsuit challenging state preemption in SB180.

Coral Gables is shaking things up with new building rules, conservation measures, and a bold lawsuit against state overreach!

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6 months ago

Coral Gables community meeting reviews Cooper Park grant applications and project updates City discusses funding for Cooper Park improvements and seeks community support for grants.

Coral Gables is taking a bold step towards revitalizing local parks and enhancing community spaces—are you ready to be part of the transformation?

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #CoralGablesParks #RecreationEnhancement #PublicSpaces

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6 months ago

Coral Gables Plans New Playground and Park Enhancements with $200K Grant Request Coral Gables proposes playground upgrades and park improvements pending $200K grant approval.

Coral Gables is set to transform Cooper and Rotary parks with exciting new playgrounds and amenities, all thanks to a $200K grant proposal!

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityRecreation #UrbanEnhancement #CoralGablesParks

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6 months ago

Coral Gables Board Approves Porch Separation and Historical Preservation Measures Coral Gables board supports new 3-foot separation in architectural design revisions.

Coral Gables is at a crossroads as a historic preservation meeting reveals a clash between modernization and the integrity of its architectural gems.

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6 months ago

Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board Faces Deliberations on Demolition By Neglect Cases Residents express concerns over hazardous conditions at historic properties during Coral Gables meeting.

The Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board is tackling urgent community concerns over the potential loss of historic properties to neglect—what's at stake for the city's architectural legacy?

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6 months ago

Coral Gables Planning Board Approves Zoning Changes and Flood Management Amendments The Planning Board advances multiple zoning amendments and flood risk management regulations.

Coral Gables is reshaping its future with pivotal zoning changes that could transform local neighborhoods and development!

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6 months ago

Coral Gables Board Approves Townhome Project with Enhanced Traffic Safety Measures City approves plans for townhomes near Ponce de Leon, addressing neighborhood traffic concerns.

Residents of Coral Gables are raising urgent concerns about new developments threatening the neighborhood's character, calling for a balance between growth and preservation.

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6 months ago

Coral Gables Planning Board Advances Mixed-Use Development on Ponce and Blavadia Streets Developers propose a mixed-use project addressing community concerns for Blavadia block.

A transformative mixed-use project is on the horizon for Coral Gables, promising to revitalize the area around Ponce de Leon Boulevard while addressing community concerns.

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7 months ago

Town Hall Prioritizes Resident Feedback Ahead of Upcoming Budget Hearing Residents encouraged to voice concerns at town hall before budget decisions are made.

Coral Gables residents have a unique opportunity to shape their city's budget—your voice matters now more than ever!

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #TaxpayerVoice #CoralGablesResidents

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8 months ago

Board Approves Designation of Historic House Alongside New Report Insights Board members unanimously approve the historic designation following a detailed presentation.

Coral Gables just took a historic leap by designating a unique property, challenging the traditional 1920s mold and paving the way for a more inclusive approach to architectural preservation.

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #ArchitecturalHeritage

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8 months ago

Homeowner Advocates for Preserving Trees During Property Development Discussion Homeowner expresses commitment to preserve trees while discussing property development with the board.

A passionate homeowner fights to preserve the cherished trees of a historic property amidst heated development discussions in Coral Gables.

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8 months ago

Alex Confirms Audio Issues During Conference Call Setup Alex addresses audio challenges while setting up a conference call with attendees.

Coral Gables is on a mission to preserve its stunning architectural heritage, but community involvement is key to overcoming the challenges ahead.

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8 months ago

Coral Gables Council Reviews Historic Designation for Villa Ionia at 1005 South Alhambra Circle Council examines historic and architectural significance of Villa Ionia in Coral Gables.

The Coral Gables Council is set to decide the fate of Villa Ionia, a historic gem whose architectural beauty and cultural significance date back to the 1950s.

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8 months ago

Homeowners Express Concerns Over Village Application Process During Board Meeting Residents raise issues about home improvement applications and board decision-making at Gables meeting.

Residents of Coral Gables are rallying for clearer communication and support as they navigate the complex process of preserving their community's unique charm while pushing for energy-efficient home improvements.

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8 months ago

Coral Gables Board Denies Design Approval for Impact-Resistant Windows at Historic Property Board rejects motion for impact-resistant windows due to concerns over historic integrity.

A heated debate in Coral Gables over impact-resistant windows reveals the struggle to balance modern safety with historical preservation.

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#CoralGablesCounty #FL #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #CoralGablesHistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalIntegrity #ModernSafety

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8 months ago

Coral Gables Board Reviews Controversial Window Installation and Permit Compliance Issues The Coral Gables board examines permit violations in a contentious window installation case.

Coral Gables' latest Historic Preservation Meeting revealed a heated debate over window installations that could change how homeowners navigate compliance in historic districts.

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