Local Politics · Miami, FL
Gubernatorial candidates David Jolly and Byron Donalds held final rallies Sunday in Coral Gables and Tampa, respectively, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday. Miami voters will decide Referendum 3, a proposed long-term marina lease at Virginia Key, with opponents citing potential environmental damage from dredging. Polls are open Tuesday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., and voters must cast ballots at their assigned precinct with valid photo identification. Mail-in ballots must be received by the Elections Office by 7 p.m. Tuesday; drop-off locations include two in Miami-Dade County, seven in Broward County, and three in Monroe County.
Local Politics · Coral Gables, FL
At a Coral Gables city commission meeting on Oct. 27, Mayor Vince Lago and City Manager Carolina Vester told commissioners they discovered the Coral Gables Firefighters Benevolent Association had misrepresented how proceeds from its annual Christmas tree farm were shared with the community. The association's application for a zoning variance to sell trees in the parking lot of Coral Gables Baptist Church on Granada Boulevard was withdrawn Tuesday, ending a more than 30-year tradition. Commissioner Ariel Fernandez noted the farm was one of few places residents could obtain a holiday tree, while other commissioners said the agreement terms were unacceptable and needed to change. Commissioner Castro questioned the timing during an election period, noting the union had not endorsed Lago.
Community brief · Coral Gables, FL
La Pecora Bianca, a Manhattan Italian restaurant founded by Mark Barak, opened its first location outside New York City on November 2 at The Shops at Merrick Park in Coral Gables. The 300-seat restaurant, designed with Miami-based firm Urban Robot, features more than ten housemade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and several dishes created exclusively for the South Florida location. Culinary director Ed Scarpone developed the menu, which…
