Biltmore Way streetscape clears a pricier contract
A pricier streetscape contract, a dog-park appeal, a deli headed to Miracle Mile and two cultural events.
Coral Gables commissioners approved a higher Biltmore Way contract, and the University Drive dog-park dispute has moved to appeals court. A Miracle Mile deli targets December, and residents have a free Saturday movie before Frost’s Sunday concert.
Commissioners voted 4-0 to award HG Construction Development & Investment Inc. a Biltmore Way contract estimated at $1,119,214. The city had told bidders in June that the estimated budget was $895,600.
That leaves a $223,614 gap, almost exactly 25%. The difference was not discussed before the vote. The resolution says spending cannot exceed budgeted funds, but the procurement record and commission discussion do not explain whether more money was later budgeted or existing project funds will cover the difference. The city solicitation covers redevelopment of the public right-of-way on both sides of Biltmore Way.
Biltmore Way-area resident Sheryl Gold wrote that the finished plan never came back to neighbors after a May 2025 meeting. Public Works Director Hermes Diaz confirmed there was no later presentation. He said the final plan stayed within choices residents had already seen, using about three of the five or six tree species presented.
Call Your Mother is headed to Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile is getting a new bagel shop with a following. Call Your Mother plans to open its first Florida location at 317 Miracle Mile, with an early December 2026 target.
Husband-and-wife team Andrew Dana and chef Daniela Moreira founded the Washington deli in 2018 after starting at farmers markets. The company now operates 27 locations across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Colorado and Illinois. Its menu centers on bagels, schmears, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, coffee, cookies and pastries. The Coral Gables shop is planned with the brand’s pink, yellow and teal design.
The University Drive dog-park fight moves to appeals court
The University Green Neighbors Association and resident Jose Val Cohen filed an appeal challenging a July order that let the proposed dog park at 520 University Drive move forward while their Sunshine Law lawsuit continues.
A scheduling order sets the underlying case for a two-week jury trial beginning Sept. 7, 2027, with mediation required first. The appeal asks the Third District Court of Appeal to review the decision allowing work to proceed; it does not ask the court to decide the entire Sunshine Law case. Meanwhile, city staff is studying whether part of the War Memorial Youth Center parking lot could become the dog park instead.
A free Saturday screening at Coral Gables Art Cinema
- When
- Saturday, September 5, 2026 · 11:00 AM-1:30 PM
- Where
- Coral Gables Art Cinema
- Address
- 260 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, FL 33134
- Price
- Free for Coral Gables residents
Coral Gables residents can see An American in Paris free Saturday at Coral Gables Art Cinema. The City’s Adult Activity Center presents the program, which runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 260 Aragon Avenue. The series returns October 3 with Psycho.
Tickets include popcorn and a drink courtesy of the Coral Gables Community Foundation and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets may also be available at the door, depending on availability. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.
Frost opens its season with an American program
- When
- Sunday, September 6, 2026 · 4:00 PM
- Where
- UM Gusman Concert Hall
- Address
- 1314 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
- Price
- $15-$35
Frost Music Live opens its season at UM Gusman Concert Hall, where Michael Hancock conducts the Frost Wind Ensemble at 4 p.m. The program marks the United States’ 250th anniversary through works by American composers.
Selections include Copland’s “A Lincoln Portrait,” Schuman’s “New England Triptych” and Hailstork’s “American Guernica.” The ensemble will also play John Williams’ arrangement of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Tickets range from $15 to $35. Contact the event organizer for tickets and details.