FPL Undergrounding

For many years, the City of Coral Gables has discussed with FPL the possibility of undergrounding our existing overhead power lines. I am pleased that this ambitious project is finally underway. Through this program, FPL will seek approval from the Florida Public Service Commission to underground all remaining above-ground neighborhood lines, poles and individual service connections in the city.

International Development



It was an honor to officially welcome the Consulate of Paraguay to The City Beautiful yesterday evening. The Consular Office of Paraguay is now the 22nd consular office in the city. Thank you Consul General Justo Apodaca and staff for your leadership and continued support. We look forward to working together and strengthening the relationship between the Republic of Paraguay and Coral Gables.

Community Cleanup



Recently, Keep Coral Gables Beautiful and the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerc led a downtown cleanup. We collected a total of 186 pounds of garbage with the help of residents and staff from the City, The Loews Hotel, The Hyatt and the Shops at Merrick Park. I’d like to thank everyone who participated and organized this event, your support and commitment is greatly appreciated and essential to our community.

ADA Upgrades



Merrick Park across from City Hall is currently undergoing ADA upgrades including a new walkway, an accessible picnic table and bench. The new interior ADA compliant walkway will connect to the existing exterior sidewalk around the park at three different locations. The work, weather permitting, is scheduled to be completed by mid-April and includes new sodding and plantings. All trees on the property will remain.

Cultural Collaboration



Last week I had the pleasure of attending the opening of the Italian Cultural Institute. The City of Coral Gables is one of six cities globally chosen by the Italian government as key places to host the headquarters of the Italian Cultural Institute. The new cultural institute will be funded and fully staffed by the Italian government to further enhance the cultural exchanges between Italy and Florida.

Mayoral Support

I had the pleasure of meeting the former Mayor of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, Raul Antonio Colmenarez who served as mayor in 1989. Thank you to Mayor Colmenarez for his continued leadership on issues pertaining to human rights, democratic elections in Venezuela and human trafficking. It was an honor to welcome you and your family to the City Beautiful.

Here are some guidelines for proper usage of your trash pits and how to properly recycle in the city. Coral Gables collects trash in front of the property of single - family homes once a week. Please also remember that your trash pits as per code must be located 5 feet away from trees, light poles and utility equipment. To schedule, please email pwsolidwaste@coralgables.com

Tuesdays with Tony

"Tuesdays with Tony" is a new program from the Economic Development to support new and existing businesses with one-on-one guidance regarding permits, plans submission, code issues and more.

Tony Silio, the City’s business and residential ombudsman, has more than 30 years of experience working in the Building, Zoning and Planning Divisions of the City. Tony is also a State of Florida Certified Building Contractor and Building Inspector. The meetings will take place the first Tuesday of the month at the new home of the Development Services Department, 427 Biltmore Way, by appointment.

To meet with Tony, please complete the form.

School Board Chair Rojas’ Office Hours

Join School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas on the first and third Thursday of every month for satellite office hours, located in the first floor conference room at Coral Gables City Hall.

For More Info

Website: Dade Schools District 6

Email: district6@dadeschools.net

Phone: 305-995-1334 

A special thank you to all the residents who came to meet with me during open-door office hours. My next session will take place on Friday, April 14, from 2-5 p.m. I look forward to seeing you soon!

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office by emailing gvalladares@coralgables.com OR calling 305-460-5304.

Music at McBride Plaza

April 6

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM



McBride Plaza

150 Miracle Mile



Make time for music! Join the City of Coral Gables and the Arthur B. McBride Sr. Family Foundation for a concert series at McBride Plaza, 150 Miracle Mile, called "Music at McBride Plaza," the Downtown Music Series featuring the University of Miami (UM) Frost School of Music playing Henry Mancini Institute (HMI) String Quartet (Classical with a twist.)

The Bunny Hoppening at Fairchild Tropical Garden

April 9

10 AM - 5 PM

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden

10901 Old Cutler Road

Visitors and families can expect a full day of springtime fun in the Garden, with a variety of activities, including live music performances, Eggsplore Galore, picnic baskets, Cottontail Express train rides, face painting, spin art, bubble bunny hop dance parties, storytime, games with prize giveaways, and more. For more information, click here.

2023 General Biennial Election

April 11

7 AM - 7 PM



Assigned Precinct

Coral Gables



The Coral Gables General Biennial Election is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11. Residents can vote in person on Election Day at their assigned precinct.

Learn more about early voting or the election in general.

Recycling Drive-Thru Event

April 22

9 AM - 12 PM

Coral Gables City Hall

405 Biltmore Way

Keep Coral Gables Beautiful will host a Recycling Drive-Thru on Saturday, April 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the parking lot behind City Hall, 405 Biltmore Way, for city residents. Participants must enter the event through the Coral Way entrance to the City Hall parking lot.

Proof of residency in Coral Gables is required, and items will not be accepted before 9 a.m. or after 12 noon.

Over the past seven years, these bi-annual events have diverted close to 400,000 pounds of electronic, household hazardous waste, clothing, and paper from entering landfills. For more information, please call 305-460-5008.

As an advocate for greater transparency in government, I strive to ensure that residents have access to the various memos I send to the Commission as well as all of the information published by the city, using my various social media accounts to disseminate this information.

To read all of my memos, click here.