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CITY OF CORAL GABLES
The “City Beautiful” is currently navigating a high-stakes election cycle. The Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections has officially begun mailing over 37,000 ballots for the April 21 Special Election, which features eight proposed charter amendments, including a major vote on whether to move municipal election dates to align with national cycles. In the interim, the city has launched “Gables-Opoly,” a limited-edition board game celebrating local landmarks. On the infrastructure side, a traffic advisory remains in place for Sevilla Avenue due to ongoing water service installations. Additionally, the city is hosting a mandatory Cultural Grants Webinar for local nonprofits seeking 2026 funding.
The upcoming special election represents a significant moment for Coral Gables residents, as charter amendments can directly impact governance structure and election timing. Aligning municipal elections with national cycles is often discussed as a way to increase voter participation. Meanwhile, infrastructure work such as water service installations reflects ongoing efforts to maintain and modernize essential public utilities. Community-focused initiatives like cultural grants and local engagement programs continue to support the city’s identity and civic participation.
CITY OF SOUTH MIAMI
South Miami is prioritizing residential improvements and regional connectivity. Residents are keeping a close eye on The Underline Project as construction near the University Metrorail Station impacts local parking and traffic patterns. This expansion is part of the broader effort to create a 10-mile linear park. Furthermore, the city is highlighting new affordable housing opportunities, with pre-applications for three new construction homes in District Five becoming available this week. Residents are also encouraged to participate in upcoming “Conversations with Council” sessions to discuss the city’s long-term Comprehensive Development Master Plan updates.
The Underline Project is one of the most prominent public space initiatives in Miami-Dade County, designed to enhance mobility, recreation, and connectivity along the Metrorail corridor. Affordable housing initiatives remain a key priority across the region, as municipalities work to address rising housing costs and provide opportunities for local residents. Public engagement efforts such as council discussions allow residents to contribute to long-term planning and development decisions.
VILLAGE OF PINECREST
Pinecrest is going green this month with several environmental initiatives. The Village has upgraded its recycling program, and residents can now include plastic and paper to-go cups in their blue bins. On Saturday, April 18, Evelyn Greer Park will host a “Polishing Pinecrest” drive-thru recycling event to celebrate Earth Day. From a safety perspective, officials are closely monitoring a Water Shortage Warning issued by the South Florida Water Management District, as groundwater levels in the Biscayne Aquifer have dropped significantly. Residents are asked to adhere to local irrigation schedules to conserve resources.
Environmental sustainability continues to be a major focus for Pinecrest, particularly as South Florida faces ongoing concerns related to water conservation and climate resilience. The Biscayne Aquifer serves as a primary source of drinking water for the region, making conservation efforts especially important. Community recycling events and updated waste programs are part of broader initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible resource use.
VILLAGE OF PALMETTO BAY
Palmetto Bay is rolling out a new On-Street Parking Program in partnership with the Miami Parking Authority, aiming to improve safety and accessibility in business corridors. The Village is also modernizing its parks experience with the launch of the MyRec platform, a one-stop online center for Coral Reef Park reservations. Additionally, nominations are now open for the Mayor’s Environmentalist of the Year Award, and the Village is actively seeking volunteers to fill vacancies on its Education and Parks & Recreation advisory committees.
Programs like the on-street parking initiative are often implemented to better manage traffic flow and support local businesses by improving accessibility. The introduction of digital platforms such as MyRec reflects a growing trend among municipalities to streamline public services and improve user experience. Volunteer opportunities and community recognition programs continue to play an important role in civic engagement and local leadership development.
TOWN OF CUTLER BAY
Cutler Bay is moving forward with significant commercial and infrastructure plans. The Town Council recently reviewed a zoning workshop for a new Flanigan’s Seafood Bar and Grill at the Shoppes of Cutler Bay, a move widely supported by local residents. In larger project news, the Town is authorizing the issuance of a $17 million Capital Improvement Bond to finalize the Legacy Park and Municipal Complex. On a social note, while the Cutler Ridge Pool has officially closed due to structural needs, the town recently saw record turnout for its annual “Wings Over the Bay” cook-off.
Capital improvement projects such as Legacy Park are designed to enhance public amenities and support long-term community growth. Bond financing is commonly used by municipalities to fund large-scale infrastructure and development projects. Local events like “Wings Over the Bay” continue to serve as key community gatherings, reflecting strong resident participation and local engagement.
CITY OF HOMESTEAD
Homestead is inviting heavy community participation regarding federal funding. The city is hosting public meetings to discuss the FY 2026–2027 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grants, with the next session scheduled for March 26 at the Phichol Williams Community Center. On the infrastructure front, the city has officially lifted a recent boil water advisory following a water main break earlier this month. Families are also encouraged to head to Harris Field on March 28 for the popular “Spring Egg Drop” event.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs are federally funded initiatives that support housing, infrastructure, and community services for eligible areas. Public input is a key component of the planning process, allowing residents to help determine how funds are allocated. Infrastructure updates such as water system repairs remain critical to maintaining public health and safety, while community events continue to provide opportunities for family engagement and local participation.
UPCOMING COMMISSION & COUNCIL MEETINGS
CORAL GABLES: March 26, 2026 | 9:00 AM | 405 Biltmore Way
SOUTH MIAMI: April 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 6130 Sunset Drive
PINECREST: March 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM | 12645 Pinecrest Pkwy
PALMETTO BAY: April 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM | 9705 E Hibiscus St
CUTLER BAY: April 15, 2026 | 6:00 PM | 10720 Caribbean Blvd
HOMESTEAD: April 21, 2026 | 6:00 PM | 100 Civic Court
