After a record time of three months and five days since the construction started on September 15, the much awaited roundabout at Segovia Street and Coral Way has been completed. Traffic was once again allowed to flow through the intersection on December 22 to the delight of commuters and neighbors. The landscape and lighting for the inner circle is forthcoming. When traveling on the roundabout, drivers will enjoy a better view of the three historic entrances that frame the area, now more prominent to the eyes. Funding for this roundabout came from Road Impact Fees at a construction cost of $704,000. To view the progression of the Segovia roundabout construction, click here.  

Financial Analysis Reveals Stable Growth

A financial trend analysis of the City of Coral Gables, charting year by year what the fiscal municipal history has been, illustrates a relatively stable situation and conservative spending in an era of recent market meltdowns. City officials reviewed this information presented by the Finance Department Director to gauge how the City of Coral Gables is doing financially and what lessons can be learned for the future. A series of graphic charts illustrate what the City’s total revenues were in 1999 compared to fiscal year 2008-2009. A steady increase in property taxes in the last eight years has now leveled off due to legislative reform. A fluctuating capital project spending for the past 10 years demonstrates conservative budgeting. The annual City retirement contribution is the most significant increase in the budget since 2001: for every dollar paid in payroll, the City contributes another 46 cents in retirement benefits. The financial analysis also reveals that the average assessed value of Coral Gables residences has steadily increased in the last five years. The general fund reserve which was $607,987 in 2001 has ballooned to more than $10 million as of the last fiscal year. To view the entire Financial Trend Analysis, click here. 

Coral Gables Farmers Market Begins January 17

Your favorite hometown Farmers Market is just around the corner. Every Saturday beginning January 17 through March 28, start the morning off with popular gardening workshops conducted by local experts at 9 a.m., followed by cooking demonstrations by local chefs at 10 a.m.  Every weekend, children can participate in various activities and arts & crafts starting at 11 a.m. On January 17, you can expect “Gardening 101 & Everything Else You Need to Know,” presented by Cindy David of Living Designs Nursery at 9 a.m.; a cooking demonstration by Ortanique On The Mile at 10 a.m.; and children’s activity hosted by Books & Books, presenting “Spot,” by Eric Hill. Come hear a story, make a project and visit with the furry and friendly Spot the dog. The Farmers Market takes place on the corner of Biltmore Way and Le Jeune Road. For a complete schedule of the events, contact the City of Coral Gables Development Department at 305-460-5312.  

Rwanda Children To Benefit From Wonderful Gift

The organizers of the yearly Menorah Lighting at Fred B. Harnett/Ponce Circle Park like to share the blessings with the community by hosting a fun event for the entire family. Toys were also collected at the event to send to families whose parents are fighting overseas for our country. Now, in gratitude to City leaders for spearheading this event, organizers have made another wonderful contribution. The Coral Gables law firm of Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has donated two eco-friendly FEED 100 shopping bags in honor of Coral Gables Mayor Don Slesnick and another one on behalf of Commissioner Maria Anderson. The bags are available at Whole Foods and each one will help provide 100 school meals to hungry children in Rwanda through the United Nations World Food Program. This program provides hot, nutrient-rich meals to boys and girls going to school where, thanks to this effort, attendance has grown from 63 percent to 93 percent. This gesture of goodwill was made in gratitude for the help received at the community lighting event in Coral Gables, which began after a conversation between Spencer Aronfeld and Mayor Slesnick. Now children far away will gather the benefits of this wonderful gift from our City. 

Congregational Church Collecting Food For The Poor

The public is invited to participate in a community effort to feed the poor. Throughout the January 17-18 Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, Coral Gables Congregational Church, in partnership with the Daily Bread Food Bank, commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. with a challenge for the public to help alleviate the devastation of hunger.  Beginning 11 a.m., on Saturday, January 17 through Sunday, January 18, the church will collect food for Miami’s impoverished.  The general public may bring non-perishable food items (canned or securely bagged, such as rice) to Coral Gables Congregational Church located at 3010 De Soto Boulevard, across from the Biltmore Hotel.  From the church’s west lawn, food will be accepted, weighed, and loaded onto a Daily Bread Food Bank truck.  Food donations are most encouraged; however monetary donations will also be accepted. In the end, the generosity of many will make it possible to distribute food to those living in poverty throughout Miami-Dade County.  For additional information, call 305-448-7421.  

Clean Water Is Everybody’s Business

In our Coral Gables neighborhoods, much of the land surface is covered by buildings and pavement, which do not allow rain to soak into the ground. Instead, storm drains carry water runoff from roofs and paved areas to nearby waterways. This stormwater runoff carries pollutants such as oil, dirt, chemicals and lawn fertilizers directly to our waterways, harming water quality. There are a few things that all Coral Gables citizens can do to prevent stormwater runoff pollution, such as: Use fertilizers sparingly and sweep up driveways, sidewalks, and gutters; Never dump anything down storm drains or in streams; Use least toxic pesticides, follow labels, and learn how to prevent pest problems; Take your car to the car wash instead of washing it in the driveways; Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil and pick up after your pet. By following these helpful tips, you’ll help make clean water everybody’s business.

EVENTS ROUNDUP
For the definitive guide
to upcoming events in the
City of Coral Gables,
click here

TRAFFIC

Every Saturday from January 17 through March 28, Biltmore Way will close. The closure is a result of the Farmers Market. Traffic will be affected in front of City Hall from LeJeune Road to Hernando Street between the hours of 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

CITY OF
CORAL GABLES

MISSION
Dedicated people providing exceptional services to residents, businesses and visitors while preserving our heritage.

VALUES
Accessibility
Accountability
Competency
Dedication
Innovation
Integrity
Loyalty
Responsiveness

Visit the
City of Coral Gables
web site:
www.coralgables.com
 

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