E-NEWS : March 2, 2022
City earns Smart City Innovation Excellence Award
The city recently hosted a Smart Cities Council conference. During the event, the Council presented Coral Gables with the Smart City Innovation Excellence Award. The city was recognized for technological advances that help make government more efficient, transparent, accountable, and effective while focusing on the customer experience. In addition to staff, leaders from the tech industry, academia, and government were in attendance.

“Technology--including new technologies coming online every day- are playing an increasingly important role in helping us address challenges,” said Mayor Vince Lago in accepting the award. “Coral Gables is using technology to benefit our residents, visitors, and businesses and plan for the future. Kudos to our team for working to make our city a leader in innovation and technology.”
Top marks in financial reporting 

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Coral Gablesfor the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2020. The report was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program. 
 
“I salute our finance team for once again achieving this recognition which is the highest accolade in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting,” said City Manager Peter J. Iglesias, P.E. “We strive to be transparent and fully communicate our financial story. Receiving this certificate for the 37th consecutive year represents a significant accomplishment for our city.” 
Coral Gables chefs among
nominees for the
2022 James Beard Awards 
 
The 2022 James Beard Foundation semifinalists were announced, and some of the City Beautiful's best were nominated.

Chef Niven Patel was nominated for Best Chef. Known for his hit, Ghee Indian Kitchen, Chef Niven's wood-fired Orno and island style Mamey, are two beautiful and delicious additions to the Thesis Hotel.

Zitz Sum was named best new restaurant and has taken the city by storm with their Asian-inspired menu that specializes in dumplings and small plates.  

Antonio Bachour of Bachour Miami was nominated for outstanding pastry chef. His Instagram-worthy pastries are as delicious as they are beautiful.

Chef Michy was named for her Outstanding Bar Program at Cafe La Trova. She's heading to the City Beautiful very soon with a new spot.
The latest on the
new recycling bins


The city continues to distribute new 22-gallon recycling bins with lids to each single-family household as part of its four-week roll out. The bins are delivered each Wednesday based on the property's regularly scheduled recycling collection day.
 
Homes with Thursday collection will receive bins today and homes with Friday collection will receive bins on March 9. 
 
Residents can keep their old bins as the city will continue to service them, or they can bring them to one of the city’s upcoming Drive-Thru Recycling events. All approved recyclable materials are permitted in both bins. We ask that residents wait until the end of next week to request additional bins. If you'd like to order more please call (305) 460-5000. And remember whether blue or red, bins must be behind the garage line.
Carnaval on the Mile

The Kiwanis Club of Little Havana presents Carnaval on the Mile, a weekend-long festival in the heart of Coral Gables featuring the best of local art, live music, fine cuisine, and children’s entertainment. The free family-friendly celebration takes place this Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6 starting at 10 a.m.
A night at the museum 

The Coral Gables Museum opens its doors on the first Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m. At this monthly event, attendees can enjoy live music and fine art while enjoying a night out in the City Beautiful. 

This Friday, March 4, Coral Gables Museum Exhibition Curator Yuneikys Villalonga will offer a special tour of the Julio Larraz exhibition featuring interesting anecdotes that will bring the exhibition to life. Cost to attend is $10 per person or free for museum members.  

Spring break in the
City Beautiful

The Coral Gables Community Recreation Department offers a variety of spring break camp options the week of March 21 to 25, from Club P.L.A.Y. and Bricks 4 Kidz to tennis, gymnastics, soccer and more. Explore all the fun ways your children can enjoy spring break at PlayGables.com. Registration can be done online or in person at the War Memorial Youth Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or email [email protected] for more information.

Learn lifesaving skills

Become a lifeguard in just one week. The Venetian Pool is offering a community lifeguard certification course where students ages 16 and up will learn valuable lifesaving skills and get hands-on training from our experienced lifeguard instructors. Program prerequisites include a 200-yard swim, two-minute tread with hands above water, and a 10-pound brick retrieval from the 8 ft. section of the pool. 

Training will take place during the following periods:
March 15 to 20 or March 22 to 27
Tuesday to Friday 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For additional information email [email protected]
UPCOMING PUBLIC EVENTS
March
2 - 9
Waterways Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 2 at 5:30 p.m.
Youth Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 2 at 7 p.m.
Board of Architects Meeting: Thursday, March 3 at 9 a.m.
Cultural Grants Workshop: Thursday, March 3 at 2 p.m.
Senior Citizens Advisory Board Meeting: Thursday, March 3 at 4 p.m.
Sunshine Meeting -
Drive-Thru Tour of the City: Monday, March 7 at 10:15 a.m.
City Commission Meeting: Tuesday, March 8 at 9 a.m.
Communications Committee Meeting: Wednesday, March 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Property Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, March 9 at 8:30 a.m.
Arts Advisory Panel Meeting: Wednesday. March 9 at 9 a.m.
Planning and Zoning Board Meeting: Wednesday. March 9 at 6 p.m.
City of Coral Gables Commission
Vince Lago
Mayor
Michael Mena
Vice Mayor
Jorge L. Fors, Jr.
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
Commissioner
Peter Iglesias
City Manager
Miriam Soler Ramos
City Attorney
Billy Urquia
City Clerk
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City of Coral Gables
2151 Salzedo Street
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: 305-446-6800
mediarelations@coralgables.com