The Cost of a Lingering Listing
South Florida Insider
Coral Gables Adds Card Surcharge
Start this month, Coral Gables will implement a non-refundable convenience fee for credit card transactions, while offering fee-free alternatives such as e-check payments for certain charges.
coral gables discounted parking
Coral Gables launched a pilot program offering residents a 25% discount on parking fees when using the PayByPhone app for on-street, parking lot, and Minorca garage payments, valid through July 6.
RITZ-CARLTON closes for renovation
The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne will temporarily lay off about 425 employees by May 1 as it closes for a six-month, $100 million renovation, with plans to reopen by December 2025.
Miami Beach Adds Tow Text Alerts
A new policy means residents will receive a text with a 15-minute grace period to move their cars before being towed, provided they are registered in the city's parking discount program.
LATEST HAPPENINGS
EASTER AT THE FARM
Weekends from March 1-April 20
Tinez Farms, 16405 SW 177th Ave, Miami
Celebrate Easter with farm activities, egg hunts, and family fun every weekend through April 20.
coral gables chabad seder
April 12
7:45 PM
Coral Gables Country Club, 990 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables
A gourmet step-by-step Passover Seder with handmade matzah, holiday explorations, and a community that feels like family.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
April 12-13 and April 19-20
The Berry Farm, 13720 SW 216th St, Miami
Enjoy a day full of egg-citing activities! Easter egg hunts every hour, plus hayrides, a petting zoo, and more springtime fun at The Berry Farm.
THE BUNNY HOPPENING
Sunday, April 20
10 AM-5 PM
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Old Cutler Rd, Coral Gables
Hop into easter Easter with egg hunts, train rides, picnic baskets, and more in the garden’s lush surroundings.
NOMI SPRING FEST & EGGAPALOOZA
Sunday, April 20
3-8 PM
12351 NW 7th Ave, North Miami
A fun-filled Easter featuring games, food trucks, and a signature Eggapalooza Easter Egg Hunt held twice during the afternoon.
MIAMI-DADE COUNTRYFEST
April 26-27
Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St, Miami
It’s back, ya’ll. Embrace country life with rides, live music, cattle showcase, petting zoo, food trucks, and pro rodeo shows. The event is free and open to the public with rodeo seats sold separately.
Coco’s Corner
It’s Earth Month! Get outside, explore the community, and celebrate taking care of the planet together. Grab gloves and a bag and head out for a mini clean-up walk. Pick up litter you see along the way. Every piece you collect helps keep our streets, parks, and storm drains clean and protects local wildlife.
Easy Earth Day Tips:
🌱 Try a “lights out hour” at home one evening this month — go screen-free and enjoy a candlelit dinner, games, or a storytime picnic indoors.
🌍 Bring a reusable water bottle when you’re out and about.
💡 Visit your local farmers market and challenge your family to build a meal using only local ingredients.
Check out Coco’s recommended local events for eco-adventures, cleanups, and hands-on activities that make a difference around the city:
PLOGGING AT MATHESON HAMMOCK
Saturday, April 19
8:30 AM-10:30 AM
Matheson Hammock Park, 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables
Jog or walk the scenic mangrove trails while picking up litter to support a cleaner environment.
POLISHING PINECREST RECYCLING & CLEANUP EVENT
Saturday, April 19
8 AM-12 PM
Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 Southwest 124th Street, Pinecrest
Join this village-wide cleanup and drive-thru recycling drop-off for electronics and clothing to help keep Pinecrest green.
EARTH DAY AT THE FROST
Saturday, April 19
11-3 PM
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, 1101 Biscayne Blvd
Celebrate Earth Day at Frost Science with hands-on activities and exhibits focused on renewable energy and sustainability, presented by FPL SolarNow.
Did You Know?
Miami Beach was once known as the “Kosher Nostra” during the mid-20th century because of its booming Jewish population and thriving kosher hotel scene. During Passover, many of these hotels hosted large seders that became a staple for locals and visitors alike.
Where to Eat Next
SNDWCH MIAMI
South Miami
The chef-driven sandwich shop has opened its first standalone location serving scratch-made sandwiches with fine-dining flair.
BISTRO 8
Little Havana
A renowned Mexico City chef brings Mexican-French fusion to Calle Ocho with a new spot in Little Havana.
RODNEY SCOTT'S WHOLE HOG BBQ
Little River
Traditional Southern-style barbecue known for its whole hog cooking method and authentic flavors.
Niño Gordo
Opening in Wynwood
Asian-Argentine fusion cuisine, featuring dishes like the Katsu Sando, and a vibrant atmosphere inspired by Asian design motifs.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Miami Beach
Artisanal ice cream made from high-quality, all-natural ingredients for a refreshing treat.
LOCAL EXPERT INSIDER: TODD WALTON
We sat down with Todd Walton, founder of Specialty Landscaping, to get his expert take on Miami landscaping. Todd launched his business in 2016 after working with renowned institutions like Fairchild Botanical Gardens, the USDA Agriculture Department, and Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. His deep knowledge of South Florida’s unique climate and plant life informs every project he takes on.
Q: What are some unique landscaping challenges in Miami?
A: Iguanas — they’ll eat almost anything. You’ll have to carefully select plants that they tend to avoid. Heavy summer rains. Many people don’t realize that poor drainage or improper plant selection can lead to root rot and other plant problems.
Q: How can homeowners improve their landscaping without spending a fortune?
A: Potted plants are a fantastic, budget-friendly option for small spaces because they’re easy to maintain and can be swapped out seasonally. Mulching — using sustainable options like eucalyptus mulch keeps the garden looking fresh and helps with moisture retention. Outdoor lighting can make a space feel more inviting at night.
Q: Are there any trending landscaping styles in Miami right now?
A: Yes, we are pioneering a trend we call “Tropical Native” landscaping. This approach combines naturalized tropical plants with native Florida species to create landscapes that are both low-maintenance and visually stunning. Another trend is designing with indoor-outdoor flow in mind. We often ask homeowners to step inside and look out their windows — what do they see? Maybe it’s an opportunity to hang an orchid on an oak tree visible from a second-story window or to plant a butterfly garden outside a child’s bedroom.
Q: What advice would you give to new homeowners about maintaining their landscape?
A: Learn how to use your sprinkler system timer. It’s a simple thing that makes a huge difference. Don’t cut your grass too short! Many homeowners mow their lawns too aggressively, which weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to weeds and pests. Keeping it at the right height helps it stay lush and resilient.
