A $50 million stormwater spending rule heads to Key Biscayne voters
A charter amendment on the November 3 ballot would require voter approval for the largest flood projects. Plus a $1.80 gas gap, the lighthouse's 200th, and three events this week and next.
Key Biscayne voters will decide a charter amendment on November 3. It would require majority voter approval for stormwater or flood-prevention projects. The trigger is cost, not scope. The rule applies to projects estimated above $50 million collectively within three fiscal years. The Village Council placed the question on the ballot on July 7. The measure arrived by petition. Signatures were verified June 4. The Village Clerk certified them sufficient June 5. The amendment takes effect only if a majority of Village voters approve it. Flood protection is the island's long-running expense question. This does not answer it. It changes who signs off on the biggest version of it. (Village of Key Biscayne)
The Cape Florida Lighthouse turns 200 with a Friday celebration
Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park marks National Lighthouse Day on Friday, August 7. Three anniversaries stack on one date. The Cape Florida Lighthouse turns 200. It is the oldest historic standing structure in Miami-Dade. America turns 250. The Village of Key Biscayne turns 35. A recognition ceremony starts at 6:30 p.m. for project leaders, supporters, grant makers, partners and volunteers. The day also marks the Phase I reopening of the Cape Florida Interpretive Museum inside the Keeper's Cottage. Guests can climb the tower or take a new 360-degree virtual tour. There is poetry, plein air painting, and turtle nest and bird banding information. The event is free and open to all ages. Tickets are required for every guest, with a suggested $15 donation for non-members. (Key Biscayne Chamber events)
The Farmer's Market returns to the Village Green on Saturday
The Key Biscayne Farmer's Market runs Saturday, August 8. It opens at 9 a.m. on the Key Biscayne Village Green. Expect fresh produce, artisanal goods and one-of-a-kind crafts. Local vendors bring gourmet treats alongside the vegetables. It is a browsing market as much as a shopping one. This is not a one-off. The market runs again Saturday, August 15, on the Village Green. Another market follows Saturday, August 22. That makes three straight Saturday mornings. A standing weekend habit is easy to build when the date never moves. Bring a bag and walk it slowly. (Key Biscayne Chamber events)
A three-race triathlon series takes over Crandon Park on Sunday
The Tri-Miami Triathlon Trilogy comes to Crandon Park on Sunday, August 9. It is a three-race endurance series. Athletes compete across multiple triathlon distances. The structure lets them track progress across a season instead of peaking once. That is a different kind of race calendar. Expect extra activity around the park that morning. If you are not competing, plan your beach trip with that in mind. If you are, the field will be deep. Watching a triathlon transition is underrated. Contact the event organizer for start times, distances and registration. (Miami & Beaches Key Biscayne events)
The tax collector brings license and registration service to the island
A Tax Collector Event comes to the Key Biscayne Community Center on Tuesday, August 18. It starts at 9 a.m. The service list is broad. It covers driver's license renewal, replacement and reinstatement. Original and renewal ID cards are handled. So are car registration renewals and handicap permit renewals and applications. You can add or remove organ donor status and other restrictions. Bring original documents proving identity. US citizens need a passport, passport card, US birth certificate or naturalization certificate, plus a Social Security card and proof of address. Residents bring an I-551 card, Social Security and proof of address. A yellow star on your current license means you already hold REAL ID. That saves a trip off the island. (Key Biscayne Chamber events)
Miami gas fell back under $4. Key Biscayne is still $5.79.
Gas prices in Miami have fallen below $4 a gallon again. Key Biscayne did not follow. The island price stands at $5.79. That is a gap of roughly $1.80 a gallon. Same week, same county, different pump. A captive market with a causeway between it and the alternatives tends to price that way. Convenience has a number attached, and this is it. The practical response is unglamorous. Fill up on the mainland when you are already over there. And watch the mainland trend before deciding the island number is permanent. (IslanderNews.com)