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March 22, 2017  | Visit our website
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Employee of the Year Dayron Garcia, right, helps a senior resident fill out a permit application at his home.
Need A Building Permit? Know What We're Doing to Serve You Better! 

Do you need a building permit from the City of Coral Gables? If so, you should know the City has been working hard to improve customer satisfaction and serve you better.  In the last couple of years, the Development Services Department has made significant enhancements to expedite the permitting process for both residential and commercial renovation and new construction projects. Certain permit fees have been reduced to encourage compliance, and in some instances permit fees have been waived. The new leadership and staff's positive attitude truly reflect that in this department, "it's all about customer service."  Read more...
Coral Gables to Prohibit Plastic Bags  no plastic bags

The City of Coral Gables passed an ordinance on first reading last week that prohibits the use of carry-out plastic bags by retail establishments within Coral Gables and by any entity or individual who have been issued a city special events permit. Use of plastic bags will also be prohibited on any city facility, park or golf course owned, operated or managed by the City. This ordinance, believed to be the first of its kind in the state of Florida, was sponsored by Commissioner Vince Lago and promotes the reduction of litter and pollutants on city streets, parks, public spaces and waterways. Read more...
Cocoplum bridge
City Collaborates with County to Expedite Cocoplum Bridge Upgrade


The City of Coral Gables is collaborating with Miami-Dade County to look at all the options available for the Cocoplum Bridge upgrade - and to be done as fast as possible to mitigate any impact to local traffic. A representative from Miami-Dade County's Department of Transportation and Public Works, the agency responsible for the bridge's maintenance, provided a report to the City Commission last week regarding this project. Built in 1943, the Cocoplum Circle Bridge is showing signs of aging. The county is working on the early stages of this project, and expects to have a complete scope of work by this summer, which will then be bid out for implementation.
Read more...
Coral Gables Merrick House renovation
Renovating the Boyhood Home of George Merrick 

In addition to the ongoing renovations to our historic civic plazas, the boyhood home of City founder George Merrick is also getting some needed TLC. The Coral Gables Merrick House, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, is undergoing restoration and renovations at a total cost of approximately $1.6 million.  Read more...
political signs
Dos and Don'ts of Political Signs 

The Coral Gables General Biennial Municipal Election will be held on April 11 and we want to remind citizens that there is an ordinance that regulates the use of noncommercial signs, such as political signs. The City allows three signs per property from 90 days before an election until five days after (at other times, the City allows one sign per property). These signs are not permitted to be placed on the City's right-of-way. There must be at least five feet from the sign to the front and/or side property line. If the building is less than five feet from the front property line, signs may be placed in or upon a front or side door, window, or wall.  Read more...
Around Town
city hall
Watch Candidates Debate for City Commission Group 5

The Coral Gables Forum hosted (watch it here) a debate between the four candidates for the City Commission Group 5 seat. One more last debate is scheduled for Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m., at the Coral Gables Congregational Church. Candidates for City Commission Group 3 seat will go first, followed by candidates for the Mayoral seat. The evening moderator will be news anchor Eliott Rodriguez. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Read more...
Siddhartha Mukherjee
Can We Think Our Way Out of Cancer?

Coral Gables residents have an opportunity to meet Pulitzer Prize-winning author Siddhartha Mukherjee on a captivating lecture about "Can we think our way out of cancer?" The lecture takes place on Monday, March 27, 7 p.m. at the Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Drive. The presentation is courtesy of the Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami. Mukherjee is assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University and his research focuses on discovering new cancer drugs using innovative biological methods. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller: The Gene: An Intimate History (Scribner, 2016). Read more...
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A Race for Education & New School District 6 Office Hours 

The Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools is hosting a 5K Challenge - A Race for Education on Saturday, April 1, 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon at Museum Park, 1075 Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami. The run/walk promotes health and wellness in the community. Schools are encouraged to create teams to help raise money for their schools. To register, click here. In addition, District 6 School Board Member Mari Tere Rojas is available to meet with constituents at her satellite office located at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, the first and third Thursday of the month, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. For information, contact 305-995-1334. 
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You're Invited: Annual Luncheon at Adult Activity Center

Mark your calendars for the Annual Luncheon at the Adult Activity Center, 2 Andalusia Avenue, on Friday, April 7, 11:30 a.m. Guest speaker is Dr. Philip Harvey from the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. He will talk about "Can cognitive and physical exercise keep your brain young?" This free event is by reservations only through www.aacluncheon.eventbrite.com. Lunch and complimentary valet parking provided courtesy of The Palace Coral Gables. Read more...
Free Music Fridays
Sunday Sounds at Fairchild
Free Music Fridays
Friday, March 24, 5-7 p.m.
Coral Gables Museum
285 Aragon Avenue
Sunday Sounds at Fairchild
Sunday, April 2, 1 p.m. 
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
10901 Old Cutler Road
Quick Links
Miracle Mile & Giralda Ave Streetscape Update
To view weekly updates on the construction work, traffic impact and other relevant information, click here.
Traffic Update
FDOT is doing roadway construction along LeJeune Road from Almeria Avenue to Majorca Avenue. This project will last until June of next year. Lane closures may occur during non-peak hours on nights and weekends. Please obey all posted signs and speed limits.  
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