The Council field is filling up with familiar faces
The ballot takes shape, the K-8 asks for help, and Aguamiel turns five.
Three Village Council seats are open, and candidate qualifying closes at noon Thursday. Vice Mayor Oscar Sardiñas, former Council Member Luis de la Cruz and Claire London had filed by Monday. Incumbent Fernando Vazquez said he planned to seek re-election but had not filed as of Monday. The scrapped Big Dig stormwater project is shaping the race. Sardiñas supported the plan, while de la Cruz opposed it. Vazquez cast a pivotal vote to end it. London has made undergrounding utilities a priority. Brett Moss is already mayor-elect because no one else sought the job.
A 40-year deal for Marine Stadium clears the ballot
Miami voters gave 68.56 percent support to a 40-year management agreement for Miami Marine Stadium and nearby Flex Park. The preliminary tally was 22,505 votes for and 10,319 against. The agreement would let Global Spectrum, manage the Virginia Key site at 3501 Rickenbacker Causeway. The operator would contribute up to $10 million toward restoration. Miami would receive 93 percent of gross event sales after a monthly management fee and 85 percent of sponsorship revenue. The stadium has been closed since Hurricane Andrew in 1992. No construction schedule or reopening date has been announced.
The island voted Tuesday, and November is now set
Key Biscayne voter turnout was 18.17 percent in the primary, close to Miami-Dade’s 18.67 percent. Republican U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar won 81.32 percent in District 27 and will face Democrat Eliott Rodriguez in November. In House District 113, Bruno Barreiro beat Frank Lago countywide by 72 votes, though Lago carried Key Biscayne 47.73 percent to 38.64 percent. Gloria Romero Roses won the Democratic side with 56.31 percent. County Commissioner Vicki Lopez took 42.30 percent and moves to a November runoff with Rob Piper, who finished with 29.49 percent.
The K-8 PTSA is passing the hat for classroom gaps
Key Biscayne K-8 Center’s PTSA is trying to raise $324,000 through a new Shark Impact Circle campaign. The A-rated school serves more than 750 students. Teachers identified reading, literacy and math support, heavier workloads and outdated technology as priorities. Parents asked for more STEM and robotics programs. Gifts range from $500 to $25,000 and up. The money would fund reading and math interventionists, more paraprofessionals in kindergarten through second grade, expanded STEM and robotics, and stronger music, art and physical-education programs. The PTSA says every dollar goes directly to the school.
You hear Pichi before you see him
Pichi Acosta has coached with the Key Biscayne Soccer Club since arriving on the island in 2004. At the time, about 400 children played in the club; today, the figure is about 1,100. Acosta says his coaching goes beyond soccer to gratitude, kindness, respect and stopping bullying. He credits Miguel Mesa with bringing him to Key Biscayne and Marcelo Radice, Jackie Gross-Kellogg and Sofia Sohl with helping the club grow. Jorge Mazo now works alongside him, bringing new energy to the players and coaches. Acosta asks parents to stay present in their children’s lives.
Causeway pass help is at the Lighthouse Lounge today
Miami-Dade representatives will help Key Biscayne residents age 65 and older renew Rickenbacker Causeway annual passes today from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The session is in the Lighthouse Lounge at the Key Biscayne Community Center. Participants should bring copies of a current driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of Key Biscayne residency and their transponder number. A second assistance session is scheduled for Sept. 10 at the same time and place. Call 305-365-8953 for more information.
Line dancing by the shore at Bill Baggs
Line dancing comes to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. An instructor leads the session. No experience is needed, and all ages are welcome. Admission is free for members with paid park admission and $15 for nonmembers.
Aguamiel turns five with music and Venezuela relief
Aguamiel celebrates its fifth anniversary Saturday, Aug. 29, at the Key Biscayne Farmer’s Market, where the business began. The event includes live music, face painting, fall drinks, a birthday latte and a community fitness class from 9 to 9:45 a.m. Proceeds support Venezuela relief. Key Biscayne Police and Fire Rescue will collect food and household supplies. A black donation bin is also in the police station lobby at Village Hall, 88 W. McIntyre Street, Suite 110.