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Certified Intelligent Community

Coral Gables recently became a Certified Intelligent Community, a prestigious designation given by the Intelligent Community Forum — a think tank and global network that unites cities to collaborate and explore how technology can drive prosperity and improve quality of life. This certification is given to cities that excel in key areas such as digital connectivity, workforce development, innovation, sustainability and community engagement.

"The City of Coral Gables is only the second city in the United States to be certified as an Intelligent Community," said Raimundo Rodulfo, the city's Chief Innovation Officer. "This designation only reaffirms our dedication to founder George Merrick's vision by using innovation to improve the quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors."

Sprucing it up

As part of its ongoing effort to keep the city beautiful, the city recently refurbished the entrance at Ponce de Leon Boulevard and SW 8th Street. This included cleaning, repainting and repairing areas where cement had detached or been broken.

Grand entrances were part of the city's original vision set forth by landscape architect and civil engineer Frank Button. Button, like city founder George Merrick, was inspired by Spanish architecture – a vision that has been upheld through the city's adherence to Mediterranean Revival style architecture.

Empowering students

The Coral Gables Community Foundation recently awarded 144 local high school students with college scholarships totaling $3.25 million. This is a record-breaking amount for the 34-year-old institution's scholarship program and an important investment in the future.

A reception was hosted at the University of Miami by the Coral Gables Community Foundation where the students were presented their scholarships. In keeping with George Merrick’s vision, supporting high-quality educational opportunities remains vital to the city’s ongoing success.

New public art piece

The City of Coral Gables adds Whispering Through a Stone by Bahamian-born American artist Janine Antoni to the city’s public art collection. The piece is sculpted from a single boulder, inspired by a 19th-century conversation chair, featuring two smooth seats and a small hole for private dialogue. It invites intimate connection in a public space, encouraging viewers to think about something meaningful they would like to share with someone special.

In celebration of the piece, Antoni will present "here-ing," a short documentary about her work, at the Coral Gables Art Cinema on Sunday, June 1, at 4 p.m. Following the film and a brief talk by the artist, participants are invited to walk to the artwork at 330 Miracle Mile to view the sculpture.

Pet waste signs available

Pet waste bags should never be dropped in swales, as it is unsightly, leaves an unpleasant odor and pollutes waterways. Dispose of pet waste properly in household garbage or at city pet waste stations.

To discourage disposal of pet waste in trash pits, the city approved an ordinance banning the practice. Violators may be fined up to $500.

As part of the awareness campaign to deter this practice, the city is offering free pet waste disposal signs for residents to install near their trash pit. Request your sign today and help keep our community clean.

The Granada Entrance

The Granada Entrance, located at Granada Boulevard and SW 8th Street, was the first gateway built in Coral Gables in 1922–23. Designed by Denman Fink and constructed from coral rock by Charles Merrick, brother of city founder George Merrick, the entrance was inspired by a Spanish gate in Granada. A Spanish master mason crafted its intricate stonework, also seen in the Poinciana House and Coral Gables Congregational Church. The 300-foot-long entrance features pergolas, seating areas and fountains on either side.