Coral Gables Daily Brief — Friday, February 6

Street life returns to the Gables

Downtown Coral Gables is settling into a lively February rhythm as community events bring residents and visitors back into shared public spaces. After several quieter weeks, the city’s central corridors are once again filled with foot traffic, music, and outdoor dining.

Burgerliscious wrapped up Thursday along Alhambra Circle, drawing steady crowds throughout the day. The annual event highlighted local restaurants and gave nearby businesses a noticeable midweek boost, with sidewalks busy from lunch through early evening.

The momentum continues Friday night as Giralda Plaza hosts its monthly open-street celebration. The plaza will close to vehicle traffic and open up to live music, outdoor seating, and local vendors. At the same time, Gallery Night is taking place across Coral Gables, with galleries and museums offering extended hours and free or discounted admission. Together, the events are expected to make downtown one of the city’s busiest areas this evening.

Coyote sightings prompt city reminder

City officials issued a community reminder this week following confirmed coyote sightings in several Coral Gables neighborhoods. While sightings remain relatively uncommon, officials stressed that coyotes are a known and growing presence in urban areas across South Florida.

Residents are encouraged to take simple precautions, including securing trash containers, avoiding intentional or unintentional feeding of wildlife, and supervising small pets when outdoors. City and wildlife officials emphasized that awareness and prevention are the most effective ways to reduce the chance of negative encounters.

Traffic changes near Riviera Drive

Drivers traveling near U.S. 1 and Riviera Drive should plan for temporary overnight traffic disruptions. Ongoing water and sewer work began earlier this week, with construction crews working during evening hours to help minimize daytime congestion.

During construction periods, motorists may encounter lane shifts, reduced access, and slower travel through the area. City officials recommend allowing extra time when passing through the corridor, particularly during nighttime hours when work is active.

Looking ahead

The Farmers Market at Merrick Park returns Saturday morning outside City Hall, continuing its seasonal run through March. With cooler winter weather expected to continue, city leaders anticipate another busy weekend as residents take advantage of outdoor events and public spaces throughout the City Beautiful.

Sources

• https://www.coralgables.com
• https://www.coralgables.com/events
• https://www.coralgables.com/news