E-NEWS: February 14, 2024
Celebrating a new fire house
Members of the Coral Gables Commission, Fire command and city staff recently broke ground on the construction of Fire House 4 at 1345 Sunset Road. The community event included site neighbors, Riviera Day School and Riviera Presbyterian Church, and is seen as an example of the city's unwavering commitment to public safety and community well-being.

"This new fire house is critical to providing fire rescue services to portions of our city, reducing response times for our rescue units south of US 1 and to our coastal communities," said Fire Chief Marcos De La Rosa.
News and Updates
Grants for small business owners
Grant applications for small business owners will be accepted from Feb.1 to March 15. Only for-profit businesses within District 7 that have been open for more than two years can apply. Eligible businesses may receive up to $3,000.

Attend an informational session hosted by Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado to review the application and learn more about the process on Feb. 20 or Feb. 27 at 10 a.m. or in Spanish on Feb. 21 or Feb. 28 at 10 a.m.
Recognition of bravery
U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar recently recognized 75 police officers within Miami-Dade County, including several from the City of Coral Gables with certificates of special congressional recognition for their bravery and heroism as they keep the people of Miami-Dade County safe.
Black History Month continues
During Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on exceptional artists in Coral Gables. We're incredibly fortunate to host multiple works by Hank Willis Thomas, a conceptual artist who explores identity, politics and popular culture in the context of American race relations.

Thomas' thought-provoking artwork in Coral Gables includes:
• 22 speech bubbles featuring excerpts from the poem "The truth is I am you," written by Hank Willis Thomas and Ryan Alexiev, located on the 200-300 blocks of Miracle Mile
• "Harriet and Annie (Capri)," located at Grand Avenue and Lincoln Drive
• "Ernest and Ruth (Exuberant Pink)," located at 380 Miracle Mile
• "Saverjo and Daisy (Navel)," located on De Soto Boulevard and Almeria Avenue
• "Josephine and Kazumi (Real Red)," located on Hardee Road and Caballero Boulevard

These pieces contribute to the rich cultural tapestry of our city and serve as a powerful testament to the importance of diversity and inclusivity.
Take me out to the ball game
Thanks to a 20-year Development Agreement between the City of Coral Gables and the University of Miami, city residents can receive up to four free tickets for select University of Miami (UM) baseball games. Residents can pick up tickets at the War Memorial Youth Center, 405 University Drive, with proof of residency for the following upcoming games:

  • Tuesday, March 19, at 6 p.m. vs. FIU (Tickets available Saturday, Feb. 24)
  • Sunday, April 21, at 1 p.m. vs. University of Louisville (Tickets available Saturday, March 30)
  • Saturday, May 4, at 1 p.m. vs. Brigham Young University (Tickets available Saturday, April 13)
  • Saturday, May 18, at 1 p.m. vs. University of Pittsburgh (Tickets available Saturday, May 4)
Mark your calendar
Celebrate Valentine's
surrounded by sweet melodies
Enjoy the melodies of talented local duos this Valentine's Day while dining al fresco on Miracle Mile and Giralda Plaza. Take a stroll, grab a bite and enjoy the fresh air with your loved one from 7 to 9 p.m.
Farmers Market
Visit the Farmers Market in front of City Hall every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., through March 30 for fresh produce, prepared foods, baked goods, flowers and plants, free tai chi classes, gardening workshops, activities for children, and more.
Work for a cleaner planet
Join Keep Coral Gables Beautiful and A Cleaner Planet on Friday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m. for a community cleanup event in front of Henry S. West Laboratory School, 5300 Carillo St. Learn about composting during the pre-event presentation. Volunteer hours available.
My Squad meetup
Coral Gables hosts a monthly social gathering for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism called My Squad. This month's get-together is on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at
6 p.m. Participants will eat pizza for dinner, play bingo, and make crafts with pipe cleaners.
 
Join the fun at Ruth Bryan Owen Waterway Park, 3940 Granada Blvd. Cost to attend is $5 and includes dinner. For questions email [email protected] or call 305-460-5650.
Upcoming Public Events
February
14 - 21
Library Advisory Board: Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m.
Board of Architects: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 8:30 a.m.
Mayor's Citizens Advisory Council: Thursday, Feb. 15 at 8:45 a.m.
School Community Relations Committee: Friday, Feb. 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Cultural Development Board: Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 9 a.m.
Transportation Advisory Board: Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Planning and Zoning Board: Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.
Budget/Audit Advisory Board: Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 8 a.m.
Code Enforcement Ticket Hearing: Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 9 a.m.
Historic Preservation Board: Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m.
City Commission
Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
Commissioner
Melissa Castro
Commissioner
Ariel Fernandez
Interim City Manager
Alberto N. Parjus
City Attorney
Cristina M. Suárez
City Clerk
Billy Urquia
City of Coral Gables
2151 Salzedo Street
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: 305-446-6800