A Note From the Team
August in Miami has its own rhythm: mango season peaks, storm watches become a regular part of the evening news, and our neighborhoods quietly start gearing up for the school year even as the pool stays the main attraction. This month, we’re sharing what’s new around town, dates worth saving, timely homeowner tips and a clear look at the local market. Grab something cold and dig in.
South Florida Insider
Back to School Zones
Miami-Dade public schools return Thursday, August 13, which means school zones, crossing guards and heavier morning traffic are back too. Watch for 15- and 20-mph school zones and new camera enforcement throughout the county that can issue citations.
The Boca Raton Gets a Refresh
One of our favorite South Florida staycations is getting a serious upgrade. The Boca Raton is renovating its historic Cloister hotel, redesigning all 297 guest rooms, and overhauling the 80k sqft Mizner Center event venue, with both projects set to complete in December. We can't wait to visit when it's done!
Palmetto Bay’s Safe Streets Proposal Heads to Voters
On November 3, voters will decide whether to make pedestrian, bicycle and golf-cart facilities the default in future road projects. Proposal 6 would also create a dedicated transportation fund and make these priorities part of the Village Charter.
Florida's Tax-Free Month is Here
Good news for back-to-school shopping! Florida's sales tax holiday runs through August 20, covering clothing, school supplies, learning aids, and personal computers under specific price limits.
Table Talk
South Miami is serving up some exciting new additions to the neighborhood.
Manoli
Coconut Grove
This new Greek restaurant serves small plates, raw-bar dishes, house-made pasta and charcoal-grilled specialties.
Bar Zorro
Coral Gables
A new tapas and cocktail bar is coming to the pedestrian-only stretch of Giralda Plaza. An opening date has not yet been announced.
Zuccaly
Coral Gables
Opening this summer at The Plaza Coral Gables, the city’s first Italian food hall will feature six culinary stations serving pasta, risotto, pizza, grilled dishes and desserts, along with a market and full bar.
Mr. Bean Coffee Shop
South Miami
Now open with coffee, breakfast and lunch dishes, baked goods and late-night snacks. UM students can also receive a discount with a valid ID.
Vitavie
South Miami
Targeting a September opening, Vitavie will offer French-style brunch with sweet and savory waffles, brioches and brunch cocktails. A gelato window and late-night speakeasy are also planned.
Midori Fresh
South Miami
Coming to the Vox apartment building with a menu of toasts, wraps, salads, açaí bowls and smoothies.
Lulu Cafe & Bakery
South Miami
An elegant new coffee shop and bakery is coming to South Miami next to The Fresh Market, serving coffee, pastries, breakfast sandwiches and lunch dishes.
The Latest Around Miami This Month
Miami Spice Restaurant Months
August 1–September 30, Lunch, brunch and dinner
Participating restaurants throughout Miami-Dade
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Miami Spice returns with three-course brunch and lunch menus for $40, dinners for $50 or $65 and a new premium Reserve tier starting at $95.
Nikki Spoelstra Play Forest Grand Opening
Saturday, August 15 | 10 AM–12:30 PM
South Miami City Hall
The Underline is celebrating the opening of a brand new playground in South Miami with live music, food, face painting, and more. A perfect family morning right in our backyard!
Sunset Summer Jams
August 22 | 5:30–9 PM
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
Bring a blanket and enjoy live music by Keith Johns on the Garden House Lawn.
Parks Pollinator Palooza
Saturday, August 29 | 9–11 AM
War Memorial Youth Center, Coral Gables
A fun, family friendly morning in Coral Gables where kids can build birdhouses, create a butterfly garden, and learn about local pollinators.
Miami Hurricanes Home Opener vs. Florida A&M
Friday, September 4 | 9 PM
ESPN
The Canes kick off the 2026 season on the road against Stanford at Stanford Stadium in California. Find a spot to watch and cheer them on before they return home to Hard Rock Stadium on September 10.
Coco’s Corner
Back-to-school around our house always starts with our annual Target trip, where each of the kids gets to pick out their own backpack. It's become one of our favorite traditions and the perfect way to kick off a new school year.
I'm also happy that I've retired from lunch duty for the older two (one small parenting victory!), but Indie still keeps me busy. We love using cookie cutters to turn sandwiches, fruit, and cheese into fun shapes, it makes lunch just a little more exciting and a little more edible.
One thing that makes our mornings run a little smoother? I fill everyone's water bottles the night before so they're cold, ready to grab, and it's one less thing to think about before we head out the door.
This year we're starting a new tradition that I'm really excited about, a Family “Win” Wall. Every week, each of us (yes, Mom and Dad too!) will add one win, whether it's trying something new, making a new friend, or simply getting through a hard day. It's a fun reminder that every win, big or small, is worth celebrating.
We'd love to hear from you! Do you have a back-to-school tradition or a favorite time-saving tip for busy mornings? Reply back to this email and let us know. We are always looking for new ideas!
A Sweet End to Summer
Back-to-school season is here, but there’s still time for one final taste of summer. Set up a blind mango tasting, give each variety a score and crown your family’s Mango Champion. Fairchild’s new Mango Fruit Club can even ship a box from its collection across the country.
The Homeowner’s Notebook
August sits near the center of hurricane season, so a few practical items are worth handling now, before the calendar gets crowded.
Walk the roofline: Trim overhanging branches before a storm has a name.
Test the generator: Check the fuel, battery and supplies while stores are stocked.
Review your coverage: Ask whether updated wind-mitigation information or flood-zone changes could affect your policy.
Check the AC: Replace the filter and address small issues before they become expensive repairs.
Watch for termites: Wings near windows or light fixtures after heavy rain are worth investigating.
A Smoother Start: Back-to-School Q&A with Dr. Anne Josephson
We spoke with Dr. Anne Josephson of Uptown Psychology about helping families make a smoother transition back to school. Here are her top tips.
What's your #1 back-to-school tip for families?
Start getting organized early. Ease back into school routines like consistent bedtimes, earlier mornings, and after school rhythms before the first day arrives. When possible, offer children simple choices within your boundaries. It helps them feel more in control and invested in the transition.
What can parents do to ease the transition back to school?
Children take their cues from their parents, so modeling organization and calm preparation helps tremendously. Take time to prepare. Purchase supplies, communicate schedules, organize spaces, and address any medical needs ahead of time.
Just as important, be more present and patient during this transition back to school. That might mean putting your phone away, checking in more often, or simply being available to listen and support. Transitions can feel overwhelming for kids, and having a steady, supportive parent makes a big difference.
What can parents do if their child is feeling anxious?
Start by validating their feelings: "It makes sense to feel nervous about a new school year." Then gently reinforce their ability to cope: "I know you can handle this." This can be done in the same sentence. It is helpful for children to learn that two things can be true at once. They can feel anxious and still be capable. I often remind families that excitement and nerves feel very similar in the body, so it is normal to experience both at the same time.
What's one habit that helps kids have a successful school year?
Support their physical health to strengthen their emotional well-being. Prioritize consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, and limited screen time, especially before bed.
If your child is struggling, listen first, validate their experience, and then collaborate on next steps. When needed, partnering with teachers, school staff, or a pediatrician can help create a supportive plan.
About Uptown Psychology
Uptown Psychology offers evidence-based care for children, adolescents and parents, along with comprehensive evaluation services at its Coral Gables and New York locations.
uptownpsychologyny.com | @uptownpsychology | 786-977-3242
We Have Buyers Looking
We are currently working with qualified buyers searching for homes in your neighborhood. If you or someone you know is thinking about selling, we would love to connect.
Pinecrest: 4+ beds, move-in ready, 2,300+ SF, under $3M
Pinecrest: New construction preferred, 6+ beds, under $10M
Schenley Park / Silver Bluff / Shenandoah: 3+ beds, open to renovation projects, under $1M
Reach out to us directly, we may already have your buyer.
