Late-June contributions surge into a Lago-linked committee
Coral Gables First reported a late-June contribution surge, the parking discount got a shorter runway, and a Jaws comedy opens Friday.
A political committee tied to Mayor Vince Lago drew a burst of contributions late last month. Florida campaign-finance reports show Coral Gables First received $134,500 between June 23 and June 26, after the November candidate field had closed. Across the three reports, the committee raised $144,500 and spent $39,031.05, leaving roughly $164,600 on hand as of June 26. Much of the new money came from development, construction, legal and land-use interests. Nothing in the reports indicates any illegality, and Florida political committees may accept corporate contributions larger than the limits set for candidate campaigns. (Coral Gables Gazette)
City fills $3.9M gap for Ponce Circle Park redesign
Coral Gables is putting more money behind its Ponce Circle Park overhaul. On July 7 the City Commission voted 5-0 to commit an additional $3.9 million in city and developer funding to the Fred B. Hartnett Ponce Circle Park redesign, pushing the revised total cost to $11.2 million. The city's contribution rises to $8.2 million, or 73%, including a $2.9 million supplemental appropriation, while the developer's contribution rises to $3 million, or 27%. The Board of Architects is scheduled to consider the design later in July, followed by a public hearing on the final design plan, with construction targeted for next summer. The developer remains responsible for any overruns beyond the approved amounts. (Coral Gables Gazette)
Resident parking discount trimmed ahead of Mobility Hub work
Coral Gables is shortening its resident parking discount ahead of Mobility Hub work. Commissioners amended the extension so the discount ends the month before Mobility Hub construction begins, rather than running to January 2027. The 25% discount covers hourly on-street parking, municipal lots and specified city garages for registered residents. The city reported 2,130 registered residents, about $25,000 in waived revenue over roughly 14 months, and $16 million in total parking revenue — an impact of about 0.16%. Garage 1, with 284 spaces, is expected to close for the hub; a planned 130-space lot would offset most but not all of that, leaving roughly 150 spaces unresolved during some peak periods. Residents can expect the discount through at least September, with the ultimate end tied to the construction milestone. (Coral Gables Gazette)
Fines mount in Santa Maria Street tree case
Fines are stacking up in a code-enforcement case over tree removal at 4107 Santa Maria St. The case carries $46,500 in assessed fines for tree abuse, plus a running $500-a-day fine that continues until the owners obtain and close an after-the-fact removal permit. A prior board finding covered three trees deemed effectively destroyed and damage to a fourth, and a June 3 Notice of Intent to Lien prompted a second administrative hearing. The case remains open, with the daily fine still accruing. (Coral Gables Gazette)
The Shark Is Broken opens at the Miracle Theatre
Actors' Playhouse is staging the South Florida premiere of The Shark Is Broken, a comedy about the troubled production of the 1975 film Jaws. Previews began July 15 at Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile; opening night is Friday, July 17, and the run continues through Aug. 9. Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m., plus a Wednesday, July 22 matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets run $40 to $80. (Coral Gables Gazette)
Sips of Summer dinner at Morton's
Morton's Coral Gables hosts a Sips of Summer dinner themed The Great American Road Trip on July 17 at 6:30 p.m. The multi-course experience pairs regional favorites — lobster rolls, Wagyu hot dogs and BBQ ribs — with classic American-inspired cocktails and spirits. (Coral Gables Magazine)
Family Day at the Coral Gables Museum
Family Day comes to the Coral Gables Museum on Saturday, July 18, as part of the museum's America250 programming. The day centers on the people, stories and cultural traditions that have shaped local communities, with activities designed for visitors of all ages. (Coral Gables Museum)
Architecture summer workshop at the museum
The ARCHIFEED × Coral Gables Museum Architecture Summer Workshop runs at the Coral Gables Museum on July 18, starting at 9 a.m. It is one session in the museum's summer workshop series, which has been held on more than one date this season. (Coral Gables Museum)