E-NEWS: July 20, 2022
One potato, two potatoes, no more air potatoes
The hunt for air potatoes is on! Air potato vines, a Florida invasive species, block the sunlight from native plants and suffocate them. Air potatoes are identified by their heart-shaped leaves with thick, smooth, round stems, and potato-like roots.

Join the effort sponsored by Commissioner Rhonda Anderson to remove air potatoes and win a $10 Books and Books gift card for each pound of air potatoes collected (first 250 pounds received). Contest ends Sept. 12. Email gquintana@coralgables.com or call 305-569-1824 for more information.
News and Updates
Preserving our history

The City of Coral Gables has an extensive historical designation program that promotes the city's historical legacy. The Permuy House, located at 1544 Sopera Avenue, recently earned landmark designation by the Historic Preservation Board. The house received the classification for its historical, architectural, and cultural significance to the City Beautiful.

“The city is proud to feature an extensive designation program which honors and safeguards the historical and architectural assets we have in the City Beautiful,” said Warren Adams, Historical Resources and Cultural Arts director. “There are now more than 1,200 properties on the Coral Gables Register of Historic Places.”

Safely dispose of expired prescriptions
Keep prescription medicine away from children and out of the water supply. Coral Gables is proud to feature an expired medicine drop-off bin in the lobby of the Police and Fire Headquarters, 2151 Salzedo Street. 

Accepted items include prescription medicines, prescription patches, ointments, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and medicine samples. Thermometers, hydrogen peroxide, needles, syringes or sharps, aerosol cans, and non-prescription ointments, lotions, or liquids are not accepted.

The pharmaceuticals collected are taken to the Covanta Dade Renewable Energy Facility to be incinerated for safe destruction.
A world-class dining scene
Esteemed Chef Thomas Keller will open his second South Florida restaurant in Coral Gables. The restaurant, Bouchon, will feature classic French dishes with seasonal ingredients and will be in the refurbished historic La Palma building near Giralda Plaza at 2101 Galiano Street.
 
The property is being redeveloped into a multi-purpose office, restaurant, and retail space. Bouchon Bistro is expected to open early 2023.
Construction on Bird Road
For the next two months, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working on a stormwater drainage improvement project along Bird Road from east of Alhambra Circle to east of San Amaro Drive. During construction, one westbound lane will be temporarily closed. Drivers should expect delays when traveling on Bird Road and seek alternate routes if possible.

For more information call FDOT at 305-470-5349.
Mark your calendar
Coffee with a cop
Get to know your Coral Gables Police officers over a cup of coffee this Thursday, July 21 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Café Demetrio, 300 Alhambra Circle. No advance registration required.

 
Volunteers needed
Join Keep Coral Gables Beautiful and the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida to restore the entrance of Camp Mahachee, a 74-year-old campground, on Saturday, July 23, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will be collecting litter, helping to remove invasive species, and relocating small pieces of wood from the 1.5-acre entrance. The camp is located at 9950 Old Cutler Road. Community service hours are available. 
Be a good neighbor
Remember to scoop the poop
Dog waste is a threat to the health of children, degrades our city, and transmits disease. There are conveniently located pet waste disposal stations in many neighborhoods.

As a reminder, these stations are provided exclusively for pet waste as we are finding many other types of trash. And, if there is not a disposal station nearby when you scoop the poop remember to keep it with you and deposit it in your garbage. Dropping the bag in the swale is unsightly and harms the environment.
Upcoming Public Events
July
20 - 27
Historic Preservation Board Meeting: Wednesday, July 20 at 4 p.m.
Board of Architects Meeting: Thursday, July 21 at 9 a.m.
City Commission Meeting: Monday, July 25 at 8:30 a.m.
City Commission Budget Presentation: Monday, July 25 at 2 p.m.
Sustainability Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, July 27 at 5 p.m.
Anti-Crime Committee Meeting: Wednesday, July 27 at 5:30 p.m.
Parking Advisory Board Meeting: Wednesday, July 27 at 5:30 p.m.
City Commission
Mayor
Vince Lago
Vice Mayor
Michael Mena
Commissioner
Jorge L. Fors, Jr.
Commissioner
Rhonda Anderson
Commissioner
Kirk R. Menendez
City Manager
Peter Iglesias
City Attorney
Miriam Soler Ramos
City Clerk
Billy Urquia
City of Coral Gables
2151 Salzedo Street
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Tel: 305-446-6800