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E-NEWS: Aug. 19, 2026

Coral Gables' Extraordinary Tree Canopy

A recently completed smart city digital tree inventory identified nearly 39,000 trees within Coral Gables’ public rights-of-way and measured the city’s total tree canopy at 58%, including trees on public and private property.


The results place Coral Gables among Florida’s leaders in tree canopy coverage and demonstrate the city’s longstanding commitment to protecting and responsibly managing its urban forest. By comparison, Miami-Dade County is working toward a countywide canopy goal of 30% by 2030.


Trees have been an essential part of Coral Gables’ identity since its founding. They shade streets and neighborhoods, help reduce temperatures and manage stormwater, improve air quality, support wildlife and contribute to the city’s distinctive beauty.



Designated a Tree City USA community since 1985, Coral Gables continues to invest in the planting, maintenance and long-term preservation of its urban forest.

News and Updates

Reimagine Parking



Join The City Beautiful's effort to transform on-street parking spaces into temporary public spaces on Friday, Sept. 18. Applications for Park(ing) Day are open through Tuesday, Sept. 8. Permits to use city parking spaces will be free for participating businesses that meet the outlined requirements.  


Park(ing) Day gives local businesses an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of a walkable, livable, healthy city and encourage people to rethink how our streets can be used. 

Short-Term Rental Reminder

With the exception of designated historic bed-and-breakfast establishments, stays of less than six months are not permitted in Coral Gables areas zoned for single-family or multifamily residential use.


Property owners and residents are reminded that rental agreements in these areas must be for a minimum of six months. Rentals that do not comply may be subject to fines and other code enforcement action.


Not sure how your property is zoned? Use the city’s online zoning map to look up your property and confirm its zoning designation.

Protect Yourself from Insects

Living in a tropical climate offers plenty of sunshine and lush surroundings, but it also means dealing with mosquitoes that can spread illnesses. Take the following preventive measures: 


  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing. 
  • Stop mosquitoes from breeding by emptying or covering anything that can hold water at least once a week. 
  • Keep mosquitoes out of your home by using air conditioning and maintaining screens on all windows.

Got Bees?



To promote pollinators and support the environment, Greenspace Management leaves beehives in city trees when it is safe to do so. Bees play an important role in pollinating plants and supporting a healthy ecosystem.


However, residents who have a specific health or safety concern about a beehive near their home may apply for a permit to relocate or remove the hive with their own arborist and tree company. Removal or relocation of beehives may involve pruning trees and a permit must be approved prior to work being done.

 
 

City Spotlight

Coral Gables Police Patrol the Waterways

The Coral Gables Police Department doesn’t just keep the city’s streets safe, they also patrol the waters to ensure the city’s waterways and bay areas are clean and secure. The Marine Patrol Unit serves as the primary water safety response unit in Coral Gables, prepared to help in any water emergency. They patrol the city's 42 miles of shoreline, working to deter criminal activity, enforce environmental laws to protect sensitive ecosystems and lend aid to boats and watercrafts in distress.

 

The Marine Patrol Unit is a familiar face to the city’s waterfront residents, building a sense of safety and community in the areas surrounding their homes, where traditional law enforcement and emergency response units have a harder time accessing and securing the area. 

Mark Your Calendar

Summer Concert Series Finale

The Community Arts Program’s 2026 Summer Concert Series concludes Thursday, Aug. 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 De Soto Blvd., with a compelling jazz performance by vocalist Kate Kortum. 

My Squad Meetup

My Squad, a social gathering for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism, will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd.


Activities will include making pasta from scratch, a flashlight egg hunt and enjoying pizza for dinner. 

All-Stars Basketball Tryouts

The Coral Gables All-Stars youth travel basketball program will hold open tryouts Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive.


The competitive program is seeking players for teams representing the classes of 2032 and 2033. Players in seventh grade or below are eligible to try out, and no advance registration is required. Teams practice twice a week and compete in local leagues and weekend tournaments. The program emphasizes skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and accountability.


For more information email parks@coralgables.com or call 305-460-5600.

Upcoming Public Events

Aug.

19 - 26

Library Advisory Board

Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m.

Mayor's Citizens Advisory Council

Thursday, Aug. 20, at 8:30 a.m.

Board of Architects

Thursday, Aug. 20, at 8:30 a.m.

Coral Gables Waterfront Communities HOA Board

Thursday, Aug. 20, at 5 p.m.

School Community Relations Committee

Friday, Aug. 21, at 8:30 a.m.

City Commission

Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 9 a.m.

City Commission

 
Vince Lago
Rhonda Anderson
 
Resized for ENEWS
Melissa Castro
Ariel Fernandez

Richard D. Lara

 

Peter J. Iglesias

Cristina M. Suárez
Billy Urquia
 
City of Coral Gables
2151 Salzedo Street
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: 305-446-6800
mediarelations@coralgables.com