Menendez leads by 117 votes in updated Gables tally
Plus a free Sousa concert, Saturday’s rum tasting, and where to find brunch this weekend.
Miami-Dade County’s updated unofficial tally puts Nestor Menendez 117 votes ahead of Melissa Castro in Coral Gables’ Group IV commission race. Dominique “Nikki” Whiting leads in Group V.
Miami-Dade County’s Nov. 7 unofficial tally shows Nestor Menendez with 10,035 votes to Melissa Castro’s 9,918 in Group IV. The Group V count puts Dominique “Nikki” Whiting at 10,804 votes and Gonzalo Sanabria at 8,485. Both commission seats carry four-year terms. The county says the results remain unofficial until provisional ballots and cure affidavits have been reviewed and the Canvassing Board certifies the count.
Two ways to plan brunch in the Gables
The Biltmore serves its signature Sunday brunch at Fontana from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bouchon serves brunch Friday through Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., according to Coral Gables Magazine. The magazine’s guide also covers Americana Kitchen, Bachour, Eating House and Bulla Gastrobar.
Marches of Honor starts Friday at First United Methodist Church
- When
- Friday, Nov. 13, 2026 · 7:30 p.m.
- Where
- First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables
- Address
- 536 Coral Way, Coral Gables
- Price
- Free
The Miami Sousa Band’s Marches of Honor program includes patriotic marches, classical works and instrumental solos. The free concert is part of the Lamar Louise Curry Concert Series.
Miami Rum Renaissance Festival returns to the Woman's Club
- When
- Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026 · General admission 2 to 5 p.m. VIP admission starts at 12:30 p.m.
- Where
- Coral Gables Woman's Club
- Address
- 1001 East Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables
- Price
- $89 general admission, $109 VIP, or $159 for the VIP Couple ticket
Saturday’s Grand Tasting is at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club, with newly released rums, old favorites and a separate collection of rarer bottles. The festival has a separate program of seminars on Friday.