Owning the streets

Interesting story in Transit Miami about Overtown, Brickell, FDOT, Commission Michelle Spence Jones and more.

The part that concerns the Grove is the part where Brickell is being called the Park Avenue of Miami and the City wants control over it. Ironically, Main Highway is sitting, rotting, because the County wants the City to take it over and the City does not want it.

That's why you see broken sidewalks and tar covered tree roots.

Brickell and Main Highway are sort of the same street because way back when, it was all one little swirvy Indian trail. If Brickell is the Park Avenue of Miami, what is historic Main Highway?

Coconut Grove ready for Independence Day

Hot dog eating contest, music, picnics, fireworks and more

Coconut Grove's July 4th tradition continues this year with fun things to do around town, topped off by the fireworks in Peacock Park. There will not be a Coconut Hunt this year, hopefully it will be back in the future, but that yearly event is on hold for now.


Start the night before, July 3, at The Grove Spot with a "Pre Birthday Bash." From 8  to 11 pm “Los Crackers”  will be playing the Hot-Dog and Sliders Blues from the front porch -- old fashioned covers. Enjoy hot dogs and burgers, too.

July 4th traditionally starts with the Fourth of July picnic at The Barnacle (3485 Main Highway). It's an old-Fashioned style Fourth on the great lawn out back including kids crafts. There is live music by JD Danner, lawn games and more. Bring your own food or purchase hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, etc. The picnic ends at 4 pm.

Don't forget to head over to CocoWalk for the Hot Dog Eating Contest. This is their 5th Annual competition, starting at 4:00 pm. CocoWalk's day starts at 1 pm and includes live music with Mr. Ree, along with Timmy the balloon twister and Annie the face painter from 1 to 4 pm.  The newest addition, Express Your Sole! sponsored by Maui Nix, features a local artist who will customize your new canvas shoes between 1 and 7 pm  Limited supply so come early.

The annual hot dog eating contest is always a crowd favorite, and will take place in the Courtyard at 4 p.m. This year’s contest is sponsored by Paragon Grove 13 and Maui Nix.  Last year’s champion, Juan Angel, consumed 10 hot dogs in 10 minutes and walked away with more than $1,000 in gifts and prizes! Runner-up Daniel Encinosa managed seven dogs to receive a prize package worth $150.00.

Then the night only gets hotter when South Florida’s popular Sans of  Tyme delivers Classic Rock from 7 to 11 pm. Come Rock the Walk and watch the 9 o’clock fireworks in Peacock Park from any of CocoWalk's spacious outdoor balconies. 

Or top off Independence Day family-friendly festivities in with the spectacular fireworks display at Peacock Park itself, sponsored by the City of Miami, District II and the Coconut Grove Business Improvement District. 

Local restaurants and shops will feature special offers, live music, raffles and holiday gifts for kids. Pack your snacks, picnic blankets and lawn chairs, and head over to Peacock Park for the fireworks show at 9:00 pm. This event is free and open to the public.

Peacock Park is located at 2820 Mcfarlane Road.

Starting July 2, The Fresh Market has a bunch of holiday specials going on from $2.99 Tuesdays to July 6th's Six Dollar Saturday. And on July 3, 4 and 5, they have 3 days of July 4th holiday deals. On Six Dollar Saturday, they have $6 lobster tails, $ Maryland-style Crab Cakes and lots more. $2.99 Tuesdays is all month of July and during the 3 Days of Deals, there are lots of BOGO deals on ribs, blueberries, ice cream, cheeses and more.

It's gonna be a good July 4th week in the Grove.

A quick jaunt to Bimini

Who wants to go?

Starting today, Genting is ferrying people to Bimini to gamble! The ferry goes from the Port of Miami to the Bahamas daily. There are two trips, each ferry holds 1500 people and the cost is only $49 per person!

I'm not much of a gambler, I get bored after a bit, but it's worth it to take a trip the Bahamas for the day, hang out, gamble a bit, have lunch, shop, get some sun on the beach (say that three times fast).

The trip takes 2 hours, one leaves Miami at 9 am and returns at 7 pm and the other leaves Miami at 9 pm and arrives back in Miami at 5 am! It would be so perfect if they launched right here from the Grove, maybe one day.

Betty Wright featured at "Caged Bird Sings"

Tonight, June 29, to honor Black Music Month, there is a celebration of African American Freedom and Hope.

Betty Wright, the disco diva blast from the past, will have her art presented at "Caged Bird Sings," at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery.

The reception is from 6:30 to 7:30 pm and then art and music follow from 7:30 to 10 pm.

Attire is "Florida Chic." Please RSVP to 305-447-0401. The gallery is located at 3390 Mary Street (near the bull sculpture).

Finals for "Truckin' Amazing Cook-Off"

Our friend Brian Mullins (above left), from Ms. Cheezious food truck was on Live with Kelly and Michael this week. Ms. Cheezious is in the "Truckin' Amazing Cook-Off" which is down to 10 food truck finalists. You can vote for Ms. Cheezious and see Brian's tv appearance here. Voting ends Sunday at 9:50 am.
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A name from the past

Who remembers Paulo Luigi? Hands up.

Paulo Luigi was this nice Italian restaurant on Virginia Street, it was located in the area where The Grove Spot is now. I would say it was there about 15 years ago. Well now there is a Paulo Luigi pizza place at 2859 Bird Avenue, in the same little shopping center as the Fly Buy store. They opened this week.

Paulo Luigi offers Italian specialties and pizza. They deliver and you can take-out. You can reach them at 305-446-6664. This just might be my new fix to take the place of the dearly departed Slice 'n Ice.

"Find Your Beach" at Tobacco Road

You’ve seen them on Manhattan rooftops, on snowy ski slopes and now Corona brings their famous "Find your Beach" to Miami.  On Saturday, June 29, Tobacco Road’s patio will be converted into a beach with tons of sand, umbrellas, beach balls and topped off with a cool and wet water balloon fight. 

 Tobacco Road, famous for their extravagant and over-the-top events such as the “La Tomatina” Tomato Smash & Bash” and Cinko de Drinko will be bringing in 40 tons of beach sand and over 1,000 water balloons to help create their newest event “The Water Balloon Fight That Changed Summer!"

There will be no cover to participate in the event and this is family friendly and open to all ages to participate. Corona drink specials will be available all day from 3 to 8 pm and live Reggae music will be featured from Dona Sha & The Lalibela Band.

Tobacco Road is located at 626 S. Miami Avenue, a hop, skip and jump from Coconut Grove.

Restaurant news

Good news! Duffy's is coming to the Grove! The former Burgundy Room/Tu Tu Tango space at CocoWalk will be a Duffy's Sports Grill in the fall! The lease has been signed and they are starting to renovate soon. So many of us have grown up with Duffy's. This is great news for CocoWalk and Coconut Grove!

Other news, the rumor is that Bombay Darbar is considering moving to the restaurant space on Commodore Plaza that was formerly Chicago's and the steak place. It's not definite, but they need a larger space, especially the kitchen. They are so swamped at their current location that they need more room. But the main concern is kitchen space, as they wouldn't add much more seating, maybe 10 more tables. That's if they do move, which as I said, is still being considered.

Also, the new Italian restaurant seems to be on track to open at the former Cita's space on Commodore Plaza. No opening date set, but renovations will start soon.

Upcoming events at The Grove Spot

Friday, June 28, from 8:30 pm – midnight
Classic rock with the local band “SPILL THE WINE”

Wednesday, July 3 the pre birthday bash
From 8 – 11 pm “Los Crackers” playing  the Hot-Dog and Sliders Blues From the front porch old fashioned covers

Friday, July 5 on repeat from 8 – 11 pm
ERIC - Epic Righteous Invincible Combo
Eric Wagner-vocals & guitar
Fred Hsia-guitar
Bob "Bebob" Grabowski-bass
Bobby Thomas Jr.-percussion
Original Songs composed by Eric Wagner performed by Miami Jazz Masters

The Grove Spot is located at 3324 Virginia Street, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Calling all Tweeters; It's Social Media Day

Social Media Day is Sunday, June 30. It's being held at the Adrienne Arsht Center at the Knight Concert Hall (1300 Biscayne Blvd.) from noon to 5 pm.

Mashable launched the event in 2010 as a way to recognize the digital revolution happening right before our eyes. Join this free event in South Florida ... World Social Media Day Miami (#SMDayMIA).

Over 60 speakers will be part of the day. Talks will range from beginner to advance, marketing to community service and all based on online engagement and community building. 

Please RSVP here.

After Party being planned as well** and you'll receive discounted tickets to 8ocho with code:  SMDayMIA 

If you would like to volunteer or need additional information on speakers please contact John at john@socialmedia305.com 

Answers about the Parking Waiver system

Ok, I heard back from Art Noriega, Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Parking Authority (MPA). I had asked the questions about Coconut Grove's Parking Waiver system, because over the years, merchants, mostly restaurant owners have quested the tax. Recently there was a complaint about a raise in taxes, but it wasn't actually a raise, many businesses were being asked to pay up, as they were delinquent and others were concerned that they had to pay for extra spaces that in the past they claimed they did not have to pay for, in other words, their space count went up, causing their payments to the MPA to go up.

Here are the questions (Grape) and answers (Noriega):

Grape: The Parking Waiver system in Coconut Grove. It is obsolete, why is it still being used.

Noriega: The property owners in the program are required to pay in for waivers because they cannot provide the parking as required for zoning purposes.

Grape: Where is all the money going and if it is going to build parking garages, after 21 years, where are the parking garages?

Noriega: The Oak Avenue Garage was constructed using a subsidy from the trust fund and the public portion of the garage built under the Sonesta Hotel was also built with BIC support with a restriction on rates. That alone counts for almost 600 parking spaces.

Grape: Why are Grovites paying parking meters and paying this tax, isn't that double dipping?

Noriega: It’s not since they are unrelated. The on-street spaces are regulated as they are all over the City. That is done to create turnover and thus access to more parking for businesses. The waiver is not a tax, it’s a fee in lieu of providing an actual physical parking space as required under the zoning code.

Grape: What is the reasoning behind the system, why was the Parking Waiver tax started in 1992. What is the exact reason?

Noriega: The waiver system was created in order to allow for businesses that could not comply with providing for parking the opportunity to pay into the fund and open the business, while the fund would later be used to add parking inventory to meet the demand. It was a way to grow and improve the economic environment in the Grove without the immediate and overwhelming burden of building the parking all at once. Property owners could attract tenants that for zoning purposes required more parking, but from a practical perspective could not incur the expense to build parking up front. It was used as an economic development tool.

Best Vintage right here in the Grove

Congrats to Allison and her staff at the Sale Rack on Main Highway, The New Times has named them the Best Vintage Boutiques in Miami! They say it's like walking into your own Pinterest board! Love that description. Here's the write up and list.

It's all about the people

I think I finally figured out why I am conflicted about all the changes that are planned for Coconut Grove. It's not that I fear change or that I am against new shopping places and gleaming new condos. I think the bottom line is that I fear the character of the neighborhood, mostly the people, will change. I think a couple of people used the word "community" in comments on other posts here.

In Coconut Grove, you can literally walk down the street and be stopped by a dozen people to chat. You can walk into a restaurant and know almost everyone at every table. Even at City Hall meetings or Village Council meetings, it seems that everyone knows everyone else.

You can walk into Scotty's and know half the place, there are many tourists there, too, but it has the Grove feel, whatever that is. This new Harbour place is going to feel like The Falls or Bayside, now maybe not, but I do see it as a tourist destination and not for locals. Again, I could be wrong.

I think that is what I fear. Losing that. 

The "new" Blu Moon Studio of Art

Can't believe it's been five years, but Blu Moon has been at their location for that long and now they are moving! They aren't going far, they're moving from the top floor at Florentine Plaza (3444 Main Highway), to the ground floor! 

I'm sure Sheri Friedman will make the new place extra special, but I am sure going to miss the old vibe of the former location, it really felt as if you were in Coconut Grove circa 1980!

The new space is better lit and it will be something new and great, I'm sure.

"I will be completing some renovations on my new space and plan to be in the new location by mid-July.
In the meantime, I will continue with my regular schedule of classes in my current space . If all goes well, there should be no interruption to the classes," says Sheri.

"I will miss this place , and moving is bittersweet. All of the experiences and events that have taken place here are woven into a tapestry of wonderful memories . But I am looking forward to the opportunity to make Blu Moon better than ever!" she continued.

Here's my review after my first visit to Blu Moon after their opening in 2008. 

Alfest Bar Crawl celebrating 15 years

Coconut Grove's biggest bar crawl, Alfest is back, Saturday, June 29, 2013. It's their Quinceanera -- 15 years.

Sandbar Grill. Grove Spot, The Goose, The Tavern, Barracuda, Mr Frogs and of course Mr. Moes are involved. Registration starts at 5 pm at the Sandbar, with the crawl kicking off at 7 pm. 

As was the case last year, The Mayfair Hotel and Spa has generously donated discount room for those who plan on "giving till it hurts" and don't want to drive. Click here to get your room as as they are going fast.

Tickets to the crawl are $25 each. You may order them online here.

As always Camp Boggy Creek is the beneficiary of Alfest.

Updates on last week's news

The plan to require Coconut Grove and downtown Miami business owners to replace the security shutters with high impact glass has been shelved for now.

They want to have a couple of workshops first. Not sure what that means, but I don't see the issue coming back any time soon.

The 3D art is gone at CocoWalk, I am not sure why they didn't just leave it for people to enjoy since it was specially made for that area, not sure where the art went, but I guess the artists took it with her.

The Playhouse looks so much better after last week's fix-up.

I passed the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Gallery yesterday and the photo sessions were in full swing for the Children's Trust exhibit. I watched them shoot photos for a bit. The kids were so proud all dressed up and posing for their own individual photos at special backdrop and settings.

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival will be presenting a $5,000 donation to the Miami Culinary Institute at Miami Dade College today, June 25. Funds provided by the organization will directly benefit students looking to complete a two-year Associate in Science degree in the form of scholarships.

As for my contacting the Miami Parking Authority regarding the Parking Waiver system in Coconut Grove. I received no response.

I sent four questions:

1) The Parking Waiver system in Coconut Grove. It is obsolete,
why is it still being used.

2) Where is all the money going and if it is going to build
parking garages, after 21 years, where are the parking garages?

3) Why are Grovites paying parking meters and paying this tax,
isn't that double dipping?

4) What is the reasoning behind the system, why was the Parking Waiver tax started in 1992. What is the exact reason?

I sent the questions out again today.

Big night of live music all over the Grove

The Fete de la Musique was a hit on Friday night. I've been hearing good things from so many people. The live music all around Coconut Grove brought out music lovers who enjoyed strolling the village hearing all genres of music played live. Above are Barrio Activo, on Commodore Plaza. 

Cuban Pete and the Hialeah Hooligans had the crowds dancing. The Grove's Miami Conservatory of Music produced the event, which is held all over the world on the Summer Solstice, June 21.  The good news is that we may see the Fete de Musique more often than just the Solstice, hopefully once month.

So many people enjoyed the simple vibe of live music, it makes sense to have it all over the Grove on a regular basis.  The Kuyayky Children’s Orchestra played Peruvian Folk msuic at CocoWalk.

Old and young came out to enjoy the beautiful evening, the first day of Summer.

Glenn Allen and his group played Acoustic Folk.

Old Joe of course is always up for any type of great music.

The Rodiles had the crowd singing and dancing all night with their rock music, right in the center of town.

Photos by Ron Jakubisin

Coconut Grove Seafood Festival coming in October

So as the hot days of summer come sweeping in, we can dream of the Coconut Grove Seafood Festival coming this fall, right around Stone Crab Season's start. The Seafood Festival is Sunday, October 20. It's all about celebrating seafood, waterfront living and giving seafood lovers their fill of the freshest, tastiest delicacies of the sea. 

Bushels of shrimp, oysters, crawfish, lobster, clams and fresh fish will overflow at Peacock Park. This festival screams Coconut Grove and it's amazing that it has not been done before. But leave it to our friend Tony Albelo to bring us something new. Tony is the man behind the Grove Slam! fishing tourney, the Grovetoberfest beer festival and the Sprung! beer festival. In fact, the Seafood Festival will go back to back with Grovetoberfest, which is happening the day before on Saturday, October 19!

There will be something for everyone with a multitude of seafood prepared in a variety of ways including Caribbean with its Bahamian cracked conch and Jamaican Jerk grilled fish, Latin American offering paella and Peruvian ceviche, Cajun with its gumbo, jambalaya and crawfish étouffée, North Eastern offering traditional chowders, lobster rolls and clam boils, Asian with the always satisfying sushi and sashimi and, last but not least, Florida seafood with its world-famous stone crab, lobster and fresh fish.    

In addition, people can head over to the "Grove Wharf," where a farmer’s market meets seafood, where experts will be on hand to help them select the right items to purchase and take home. 

To complete the festive equation, the Coconut Grove Seafood Festival will have a constant stream of live music including calypso, steel drum, reggae and Island Escapism. The Festival will also feature several nautically-themed exhibitors showcasing art, jewelry and decor.

Admission for the Grove Seafood Fetival is $15 per person online at CoconutGroveSeafoodFestival.com. Children 12 years and under enter for free. Tickets will also be available at the door for $25.
   
To stay on top of the latest news “Like” their Facebook page at facebook.com/CoconutGroveSeafoodFestival. 

For food or vendor information, visit the website, call 305-461-2700 or email cgsf@SocialHouseEvents.com.

Changes coming fast

One interesting thing that came up at the luncheon the other day was the Sapient who said they left South Beach to come to the Grove because it's a small village and not congested. They like the little village feel and the lack of crowds. Sapient is the company that took over the Mayfair and they're the one putting the offices in.

They want their employees to enjoy quiet village life, to be able so stroll the tree lined streets and go off to the waterfront if they wish.

Ironically, the little village is turning into Sobe, with the condos, new "bayside" and Point Group project (this was one plan, as far as I know, there is no Publix now). 

Sapien has a plan for a "cool and hip" entrance where the Bookstore used to be. So that should be interesting to see. You may have seen the scaffolding around the building, which should last through the summer, so big changes are coming.

As for the Point Group, they have been trying to put in a mutli-use complex on six blocks in Village West for years. One disturbing thing is that the one area they want to build on, where the Saturday Farmer's Market is now, has variance for eight stories. So this low rise street will not be so low rise anymore.

They say that it's only that one parcel, but the parcel is going to house 220 housing units.

The new Harbour place at the waterfront, is said to be for tourists, but many feel it is also for the new condo dwellers that will be taking up residency in the slew of new condos coming in. Upscale people want upscale places to go.

The plan generally is for a more upscale Coconut Grove, hopefully keeping a lot of the history along the way.

The Kampong wants you!

Interested in history and botany? Enjoy public speaking and sharing your knowledge with others? Become a Kampong Docent!

The Kampong is recruiting volunteers for our next six-week docent training session, scheduled on Saturday afternoons beginning September 7. Docents must complete the training, shadow a current Docent, and complete trial tours successfully before leading their own public tours. They must commit to minimum of four one-hour tours monthly during our high season. 

For more information, or to receive a volunteer application, please contact The Kampong at 305.442.7169 or kampong@ntbg.org

The Kampong is located at 4013 South Douglas Road in South Coconut Grove.

Photos by Lynda Lynch LaRocca

Area Stage presenting three summer productions

Area Stage Conservatory Summer Productions is presenting three shows this summer: "Seussical Jr.," "Into the Woods Jr.," and "Les Miserables."

Registration is open now, the mini-session begins Monday, June 24. 

Improve your performance skills, also acting, improv, dance, music and voice. The classes are Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. If you are interested in continuing an additional week, there will be a discount. Call 305-666-2078 for info.

Tickets for the productions are $10, $20 and $25. The first is "Seussical," on Friday June 28 at 7 pm, Saturday June 29 at 2 pm and Saturday, June 29 at 7 pm. Tickets for that may be purchased here.

Into the Woods tickets for July 19 and 20 are here.

And Le Miserables tickets for August 2, 3 and 4 and August 9, 10 and 11 are here.

Area Stage is at 1560 S. Dixie Highway.

Photo bomb

Is this a photo bomb? I think so.

I saw this on Facebook, not actually on tv, but I'm sure thousands did. As Charles Barkley was talking on tv about the Miami Heat, Robert Parks, from Barracuda was doing some advertising. Sort of like you see on The Today Show.

Next time I'm giving Robert a "Read the Coconut Grove Grapevine" sign. Hmm, maybe during Monday's Heat parade. . . 

The Rhythm Foundation presents Marisa Monte

In the early 1980s when rock and roll exploded in Brazil, Marisa de Azevedo Monte wanted to be an opera singer. Through her studies, she found she loved Billie Holliday and Brazilian rock as much as Maria Callas. Upon arrival at age 19 in Rome to study opera, her musical influences came together and led her back to a greater appreciation of classic Brazilian music. 

Monte rapidly became a cult figure among young rock audiences, as well as older jazz and MPB crowds. Her 1989 debut release, recorded live, offered a huge national hit and was greeted as the revelation of the year. Subsequent recordings and tours brought collaborations with creative international artists like Riyuichi Sakamoto, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, John Zom, Nando Reis, Arnaldo Antunes, David Byrne and Arto Lindsay, even as she revealed herself to be a songwriter of great talent and a highly personal style. One of her biggest side projects was the iconic 2002 project Tribalistas, with Carlinhos Brown and Arnaldo Antunes. 

Marisa Monte also delved into the roots of samba, the classic rhythm of Rio that had permeated her childhood. She recorded several releases with the historic Old Guard of Portela, leading up her 2002 samba film documentary and CD Universo All Around Me.

After a 19 year career Marisa had sold 9 million records in Brazil and abroad and her audience continues to grow. She makes a long-awaited return to the US, visiting Miami and New York in support of a new project: O Que Você Quer Saber De Verdade (What You Really Want To Know). It was co-produced by Monte and Dadi. The CD features musicians like the Oscar-winning multi-instrumentalist Gustavo Santaolalla, Brazilian power trio Nação Zumbi, Argentinean tango group Café de los Maestros, a duet with Rodrigo Amarante of Little Joy, and a string ensemble. The songs are penned by Monte along with Antunes, Brown and Dadi, in addition to some inspired covers. 

On Monday June 23 and Tuesday, June 24, Marisa will be performing at the Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater. Showtime is 8 pm both nights.

Tickets are $48.50 - $98.50 and can be purchased online at Livenation or by calling the Fillmore's box office at 800.745.3000

The Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater is at 1700 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach. 

You can put lipstick on a pig . . .

I am tempted to use that saying, "You can put lipstick on a pig, but it's still a pig," because this almost seems the case with the Coconut Grove Playhouse. But it's sort of true and I don't mean that in a rude way, I just mean that the playhouse is getting an outside cosmetic make-over this weekend and I shudder to see what's inside. But baby steps is better than no steps.

P.N. Construction was hired by the state to fix the falling scaffolding and broken windows and rooftop transom that is broken and left open, allowing rain to pour in. It's just cosmetic, but it's making a big difference.

The crew came out Friday and is working today, Saturday, also, to make things right. Thanks to our friend and local activist Harry Emilio Gottlieb, this is getting done. Harry has been on top of this for quite awhile. He has been working with Victoria F. Thompson, Program Administrator DEP, Division of State Lands in Tallahassee. Weeks ago, a mysterious Grovite boarded up the front doors and painted them to match the gray paint outside after a Grapevine story ran on the poor condition of the building. It's so much nicer when you enter the Grove from the south now

Harry, in yellow, is with Pedro from P.N. Construction. I was present when Harry asked Pedro the cost of doing this job. He told us it is $5700.00. We were flabbergasted at the very reasonable price. Thanks to Victoria, the state got proper bids and thanks to Harry, Victoria got involved. So far so good. Now it's just up to the big guys who make the big decisions to make the playhouse right.

One side note, I "checked in" on Facebook yesterday from the Playhouse. I just wanted to see how it would feel to actually see someone checking in from that location. It felt good. It's been closed so long, I'm wondering if "checking in" was even a thing when the playhouse closed in 2006.

Dog Days of Summer Pub Crawl

There is still time for Saturday's (June 22) Dog Days of Summer Pub Crawl. The Better Florida Foundation in partnership with the Woody Foundation is hosting their 2nd Annual Crawl today, in Coral Gables starting at 4 pm.

Ticket-holders can bar hop between the Coral Gables Ale House, Pao Town, Tarpon Bend and The Bar, where they’ll enjoy a free drink at each location, plus enter a chance to win great prizes in drawings all night.

Tix are $20 pre-sale and $30 at the door.

For more info on the Woody Foundation, and for full details and to purchase tickets, visit the Better Foundation’s Facebook event page here.

It's Hot Dog Eating Contest time!

It's that time of year again -- July 4th is right around the corner and CocoWalk is looking for Hot Dog eaters for their 5th annual Independence Day Hot Dog Eating Contest.

This is one of the most popular events of the year, hundreds of people cram into CocoWalk to cheer on the eaters. It's a lot of fun to watch.

They're looking for five people to compete for First Place and title Champion 2013!  This year’s winner will receive $1000 in prizes from CocoWalk merchants and local Grove businesses. The runner-up will also receive a CocoWalk bag of prizes.  There are no losers; the remaining three contestants will receive a CocoWalk goodie bag.

If you are up to the challenge, send an email to marketing@cocowalk.net and an application will be sent to you to sign and return.  Five names will be drawn on Friday, June 28 and contacted immediately.  Those five will have until Monday, July 1, to respond and secure their coveted place on the stage.  If not, more names will be drawn.

Note that every person who sends in an application, and shows up for the contest on the 4th of July at 4 pm, will be entered to win one of four $25 Cheesecake Factory gift cards and a CocoWalk totebag/backpack.  You must be present to win.

Things that make you go hmmm

The Miami Herald never seem to like Coconut Grove restaurants. Yesterday, you might have seen the number they did on Timo's.

Interestingly enough, they did a nice story on our friend Erika King, about her Miami Heat artwork, they mentioned that she hangs out at "the bar" watching the games, that local bar happens to be Timo's! So in yesterday's paper, Timo's was shunned first in the restaurant review and then by not being mentioned in the Erika article, but just called, "the bar." 

The Alligator Pit

Wow! Louis Del Borrello usually guides tourists around the Grove, as the Ambassador, but now he has to guide people over the Alligator Pit at CocoWalk!

This is the 3D art by artist Tracy Lee Stum who started earlier in the week. It's amazing.

Stop by today and tomorrow to take your own photos and don't fall into the pit while doing so!

Louis tells me that it looks to be a busy summer in the Grove with lots of the big red buses coming through town. Lots of German and Far Eastern tourists have been getting off the Hop On, Hop Off buses to visit our village. Hope the alligators make them feel welcome.

Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery photo shoot

Coconut Grove is serving as a backdrop for the next photo shoot of The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery on Monday, June 24. 

The Heart Gallery is a web-based exhibit featuring children that are available for adoption from Miami-Dade’s foster care system. A few years back, you may remember that the Windisch-Hunt Gallery featured the exhibit a few times. This is one photo shoot at the Windisch-Hunt Gallery in 2008.

So on Monday, between 9 am and 4 pm, a team of award winning, professional photographers will shoot at least 25 portraits. Numerous makeup artists and hairstylists donate their time and talent; and video crews record interviews with each child for posting online along with their written bio and photograph at www.miamiheartgallery.org.

The production on Monday will be headquartered at the offices of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival at the Mayfair Atrium (by the Bull sculpture) and in adjacent, vacant retail space donated by Mayfair Shops. The photo shoots will take place in and around Coconut Grove including Dinner Key Marina, CocoWalk, Green Street Café, Peacock Garden Café, Monty’s Raw Bar, MayFair Hotel in the Grove, Mayfair Shops, Barnacle Historical State Park, Sonesta BayFront Hotel and The Kampong National Tropical Botanical Garden, among others. The production coincides with a rebranding of the initiative around artwork created by Maria Reyes Jones, a previous Coconut Grove Arts Festival poster artist.  

“Few people remember that back in the 1950s Coconut Grove was a thriving haven for artists, so it’s wonderful to see Coconut Grove at the epicenter of a fusion of fine art, photography, and contemporary web design for a purpose today that is significantly more meaningful than just art for art’s sake,” said Monty Trainer, President of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery is a partnership between The Children’s Trust and Our Kids of Miami-Dade/Monroe, Inc., the local lead agency for child welfare in Miami and the Keys. According to the state of Florida, more than 1,500 foster children are eligible for adoption in Florida and approximately 150 of them live in Miami-Dade. These children have been removed from their biological parents for reasons of neglect or abuse with no possibility of family reunification. Approximately half of the children who have been featured in The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery since 2009 have either been adopted or are in the process of being adopted.

“It’s wonderful to see how many children have found forever families because of The Miami Heart Gallery,” said Charles Auslander, Interim President and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Foster care is meant to be temporary, but oftentimes circumstances extend it to much longer than it should, so for these children, loving, permanent homes are exactly what they need to thrive and feel secure.”

The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery is modeled after the first Heart Gallery that launched in 2001 in New Mexico at the suggestion of a Santa Fe photographer and adoptive mother. The Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery can be seen at www.miamiheartgallery.org. The new portraits will be uploaded by late summer. Anyone interested in learning more about adopting a foster child should call Our Kids at 305-455-2563 or email nortonf@ourkids.us.

Residence Inn sold

The Residence Inn at 2835 Tigertail has been sold. Another condo? Who knows.

The company that bought it, Hersha Hospitality Trust, from Philly, says they plan on renovations next year. They paid $21.8 million according to the Herald story.

More change.

Like Archie Bunker once said, "It sounds like their sealing us in like a can of mixed nuts." I feel like they are coming from all directions, now. 

Update on the 3D chalk art at CocoWalk

Luckily all that rain last night didn't affect the work being done by Tracy Lee Stum and her crew at CocoWalk. This is the latest on her 3D project, which should be finished by tomorrow. It was hard getting a decent photo in the noon day sun today, but if you show up, there are X marks on the ground, showing you where to stand to get the 3D effect. Really cool!

Barnacle's Old Time Dance

The Barnacle's Old time Dance is Sunday, June 23.

Gate opens at 6 p.m. Music and dancing from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.

Admission: $10. Children 9 and under free. 

Come out and party like it’s 1899! Dance circles, squares, contras, and waltzes to traditional American music. Picnics welcome. No pets please.

The Barnacle Historic State Park | 3485 Main Highway | 305-442-6866

Fishing For A Cause at Shake-A-Leg Miami

Nicolas Estrella, Sofy Rios, Henry Cespedes and Luis Burguera

On Saturday, June 15, the Monica Burguera Boating Safety Foundation held their 4th Annual Fishing For a Cause benefiting boating safety awareness and education in Miami-Dade County. 

Anglers and guest were greeted by smiling foundation staff members and volunteers at Shake- A- Leg Miami in Coconut Grove. The tournament had over 30 boats participating and over 150 family and supporters joined for the day festivities to raise funds for a great local cause that works hard to educate our community of water-lovers on how to stay safe while navigating our beautiful waterways. 

The foundation currently offers free monthly boating safety classes in partnership with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 67 and 69. Classes are in English and Spanish and held in the foundations office located in 3750 West Flagler Street. Graduates who complete the program and exam are awarded USCG Auxiliary Certificate of Accomplishment and the Florida Boater’s ID. The ID is required to operate a vessel for persons born after or on January 1, 1988.

The Monica Burguera Foundation also announced at the tournament awards and cocktail ceremony that Henry Cespedes, Flotilla Staff Officer – Public Education for the USCG Auxiliary - has been selected by the Florida Fishing and Wildlife Conservation Commission as the 2013 Boating Safety Educator of the Year for the State of Florida, and in turn was selected as the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) Southern Region Boating Safety Educator of the Year (the first time a Florida boating safety educator has been selected as a NASBLA regional winner), and has been invited to attend the NASBLA Conference in Boise, Idaho this year where the national winner will be recognized during the awards ceremony.  

“We’re so excited for Henry Cespedes and proud to announce his achievement. Events like our Fishing for a Cause Tournament help support and fund the free monthly boating safety classes that are held in partnership with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 67 and 69. We will continue the Monica Burguera Foundation’s mission – to make our local waterways safer through education,” said Nick Estrella, President of the Monica Burguera Foundation.

“It is in great part due to the partnership with a visionary organization like the MBF, the Burguera and Estrella families that Henry was able to achieve this wonderful milestone in his lifelong dedication to public education for boating safety. I am sure it will also be seen as a great achievement related to the memory of Monica,” said Division Commander Tom Walker, DCDR 6.

The old Grove's clock is ticking

For so many of us who have been here most or all of our lives, it's so sad to see what Coconut Grove is being pushed to become. So many new faces just see Coconut Grove as a future money machine, rather than a sleepy little village, which is why so many of us moved here. But it is progress and I personally don't know how to take it. There are times when I write against new development and people have asked me, "Did your condo building float down like a feather in the middle of the night?" So maybe I am part of the problem. Should I say, "That's it, I have mine, you can't have yours?"

When I suggested the Shake Shack in the Glass House at Peacock Park, people called me a traitor for wanting a restaurant there. But I was not advocating for a restaurant, I was just saying if that is what is going in, then that is my choice of restaurant, but I don't care what goes in frankly, because I feel like it is the beginning of the end of the Grove we want to remember.

Yesterday there was a luncheon and talk on Brickell to discuss the Grove's future, yes, on Brickell. Crew Miami, a commercial real estate association in Miami with approximately 150 members who are business and real estate professionals, has the monthly meetings at the Four Seasons, so that's why it was not held in Coconut Grove, it was just part of their monthly routine at that venue. The Grove just happened to be the subject.

Various speakers from Commissioner Marc Sarnoff to David Martin, President and COO of the Terra Group and even a rep from the BID took turns speaking. The Pointe Group was there too, speaking about their Grand Avenue project, which they say should break ground soon.

The promo for the luncheon was:  "As Miami’s real estate market heats up, the waterfront community of Coconut Grove is seeing its own renaissance. From the mixed-use project Grove Village on Grand that will add retail, residences and office, to the luxury residential towers Grove at Grand Bay that recently broke ground, new developments are shaping the future of the neighborhood. Join us as an expert panel discusses how the private and public sectors are investing in the future of Coconut Grove."

David Martin is making the rounds marketing his new Grove at Grand Bay and also the Coconut Grove Bank site. He'll be speaking at the Chamber's luncheon tomorrow. Others spoke about the Glass House and the future of our waterfront and basically all things Grove. They are trying to incorporate old and new; history with gleaming new condos.

I almost see a couple of large entities taking over the Grove, it's like Coconut Grove, brought to you by so and so. Sort of like naming a sports stadium for the highest bidder. But we do need new blood, don't we? No one from the "old Grove" has come up with any suggestions, so guys with money have come in. It was inevitable. I just hate to see our small little village change from being a small little village.

I find it interesting that the Mercy Project was said to be a traffic nightmare in the making, but no one has brought up this fact about the extra condos and the new "Bayside" on the waterfront.

David Martin, from Terra, mentioned the Playhouse and stated that he likes how it is and it just needs to be renovated. But every time a developer mentions the Playhouse, I cringe. Pointe Group mentioned the Florentine Plaza, you know, where the Knife Restaurant was. They talk of plans for a little village there. A village within a village?

The idea of the trolley coming through the Grove came up at the luncheon but was ignored. All the realtors present loved the idea and I do see it happening, who knows when, but it will happen. We are the only neighborhood without a trolley and oddly enough, what's old is new again and all the up and coming developments are pushing trolley service as a selling point all over the country.

Sarnoff brought up the Expo Center site, David Martin calls it "Regatta Park." Sarnoff compared it's future as a park to The Highline in New York, saying that was a big draw in New York now. Which it is.  We do have that long line of parks along the waterfront here in Coconut Grove, and hopefully that will remain and not become commercial.

More to come. Keep your eyes out for lots of cranes in our future, and I don't mean the bird type.

As for the Chamber Luncheon, it's at the Sonesta (2889 McFarlane Road), Friday, June 21 from noon to 2 pm. Admission is $30 for Chamber members and $35 for guests. RSVP to 305-444-7270. David Martin of Terra is the featured speaker. State Rep. Javier Rodriguez and Senator Gwen Margolis will be presenting Monty Trainer and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival with a proclamation for their 50 year anniversary.

Chalk art project has started at CocoWalk

World-renown 3D street painter Tracy Lee Stum has started her project at CocoWalk. Tracy, flanked by helpers Julio and Michael is producing a piece of art, right outside the Maui Nix entrance.

The finished piece should be ready by Friday, stop by and say hello, Tracy and her friends are quite welcoming.

The Scotty's RFP is in

IS THIS THE NEW COCONUT GROVE WATERFRONT?

OK, The RFP's are in for the Scotty's Landing site. There seems to be only one!

There were two, but one dropped out. Veleta dropped out, not sure why and the remaining proposal is by Harbour (rendering above). There is a casual waterfront proponent to the proposal and the rendering looks beautiful.

Michelle Niemeyer, the Waterfront Liaison for the Coconut Grove Village Council, was up all hours of the night putting this Drop Box together with all the plans and proposals, including the Waterfront Master Plan.

"The next steps will be a recommendation to the City Manager by the Selection Committee. The City Manager then makes a recommendation to the City Commission. Assuming it passes the City Commission, there would be a referendum of Miami voters to approve the lease," says Michelle.

Click HERE for the Full  DropBox presentations. Some highlights include:

Some of the items from Harbour's proposal for "The Harbour in Historic Coconut Grove"
Retail totaling 20,000 square feet inside an entirely renovated South Hangar, with emphasis onmarine-related supplies and equipment. As with the North Hangar, it will be thoroughly modernized and historically restored. An additional 2,700 square feet of convenience retail will be located in the space between the two hangars.

Preservation of all large trees existing on the property, particularly the signature banyan, which will anchor a new park. Banyan Tree Park will be a significant one-third acre in size, a passive area for relaxation and recreation open to the general public, and other open, green areas dot the site. Plantings will feature species native to Florida and dominant in Coconut Grove, and building materials and pathway pavers will use coral rock and other natural materials.

A monument and/or exhibit in the central roundabout at the heart of the property, celebrating the rich aviation history of Dinner Key and Coconut Grove. Intended to grow awareness, for residents and visitors alike, about the importance of Miami in the pioneering days of U.S. aviation, the installation will result from our proffered collaboration with HistoryMiami, our community’s leading historical association.

A four-story parking garage with 526 vehicle spaces above 40,000 square feet of ground-floor retail shops. We propose for the garage to be directly accessible from South Bayshore Drive, with a curvaceous and soft-edged street-side wall and a densely foliated trellis canopy atop the entire garage, presenting a lushly green panorama to our neighbors across South  Bayshore Drive. A “knee wall” design element will prevent car headlights from shining out and into nearby condominium windows at night.


Design Team:
Bernardo Fort-Brescia, Arquitectonica International
Jeremy C. Gauger, ArquitectonicaGEO
David Shea and Tanya Spaulding, Shea
Juan Berry, Berry Design Studio
Construction Team:
John Brown and Jose Garcia, All-Go Construction Systems
Steve Ryder, Bellingham Marine
William Roof, Roof & Rack Products
Consulting Team:
Richard J. Heisenbottle, R.J. Heisenbottle Architects
Jose Muñoz, BCC Engineering
Anthony M. Graziano, Integra Realty Resources


And here is the Village Council Facebook Page. The VC is asking for your ideas which they would like to pass on to the Selection Committee for the project.