A 30-year UM campus agreement heads to Planning and Zoning
A proposed 30-year University of Miami agreement would let a 100-bed campus hospital open without a separate use vote.
A proposed 30-year agreement between Coral Gables and the University of Miami would make a hospital of up to 100 beds a permitted use in the campus Multi-Use Zone, with no separate conditional-use vote required; a hospital larger than 100 beds would still need one. The agreement treats 17,500 undergraduate students as a mitigation threshold rather than a hard cap, and it would replace the existing 6.8 million-square-foot development cap with a floor-area ratio of 1.0. Parking is part of the exchange as well: certain city parking rights and revenue would shift to the university. In return, Coral Gables would receive a 5.52-acre park, conditional on approvals acceptable to UM, plus an annual payment beginning at $1.025 million and increasing 4% each year for 30 years. The terms remain proposals, and the Planning and Zoning Board must review them before they reach the City Commission. (Coral Gables Gazette)
State e-bike bill vetoed; the city sidewalk ban stands
Coral Gables' ban on e-bikes on sidewalks remains in place, unchanged by action in Tallahassee. The governor's veto of Senate Bill 382 stopped proposed statewide measures that would have set a 10 mph limit within 50 feet of a pedestrian, created a task force and required additional crash reporting. The veto leaves city-level rules as the operative restrictions here. City officials are still considering education, equipment standards and a minimum riding age, and a local homeowners association has urged a minimum age of 16. (Coral Gables Gazette)
Trolley service across U.S. 1 into South Miami is under discussion
Coral Gables is discussing extending trolley service across U.S. 1 into South Miami, and the extension remains under discussion rather than approved. Ridership on the Southern Loop approached 2,000 monthly riders. The Transportation Advisory Board has officially met only twice in 2026, and a scheduled meeting fell through for lack of a quorum. A $60,000 pedestrian master plan agreement was still being executed, and a proposed pedestrian scramble crossing has been postponed. (Coral Gables Gazette)
Free public Wi-Fi covers 28 city sites and service areas
Free public Wi-Fi is available at 28 Coral Gables sites and service areas, including Miracle Mile, Giralda Plaza and the Alhambra financial district, the trolley fleet, seven parks and 17 civic sites. Covered spots include Salvadore, Lamar Louise Curry, Riviera, Balboa, Pierce and Pittman parks, the Kerdyk Tennis Center, City Hall, the Development Services Center, the Youth Center, the Adult Activity Center, Venetian Pool, Merrick House, Fink Studio, Coral Gables Country Club, the Passport Office, the Public Safety Building, Fire Stations 2 and 3, the facilities at 72nd Avenue, Parking Garage 7, the Trolley Building, the Historic Department and the area outside Coral Gables Museum. Interactive IKE kiosk areas also carry free hotspots. (Coral Gables Gazette)
How the free compost drop-off works
The city sponsors a free community compost drop-off station at the Coral Gables Branch Library, open to participants at no cost. Access starts by scanning the QR code on the station or following the signup link to obtain the combination, and compostable kitchen bags can be taken from inside the station while supplies last. Only compostable items belong in the bin, the lid should be closed and locked after each drop, and nothing should be left outside the station. Questions and problem reports go to hello@liverenuable.com or 754-231-6177. (City of Coral Gables)
3,700 pounds composted, and 1.12 million over six years
The community compost station at the Coral Gables Branch Library has collected about 3,700 pounds from more than 125 participants, and a recent workshop drew 27 participants. Across six years, Keep Coral Gables Beautiful counted 330 events, 40,400 participants and 1.12 million pounds collected. Sustainability Advisory Board members said resident awareness and outreach remain challenges. (Coral Gables Gazette)
Letters from Baghdad screens with both directors attending
Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Avenue, screens the 95-minute documentary Letters from Baghdad with both directors in attendance. Showtimes are Friday, July 31 at 6 p.m., Saturday, August 1 at 5:45 p.m., and Sunday, August 2 at 2:15 p.m. The film is in English and Arabic and is not rated. (Coral Gables Gazette)
The Color of Money plays free for residents Saturday
A Saturday at the Cinema brings The Color of Money to Coral Gables Art Cinema, 260 Aragon Avenue, on Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free tickets for Coral Gables residents include popcorn and a drink, distributed first come, first served. (City of Coral Gables)
Pianist Clayton Stephenson plays the Summer Concert Series
Pianist Clayton Stephenson performs in the Community Arts Program Summer Concert Series on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ, 3010 De Soto Boulevard. Stephenson was the first Black finalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. (City of Coral Gables)