Island residents can expect scattered clouds today with the possibility of an isolated afternoon thunderstorm Gusty SSW winds at 10 to 15 mph could bring small hail with a low near 77 degrees and light ESE winds at 5 to 10 mph expect mostly sunny skies with a few passing clouds with ESE winds picking up slightly at 10 to 15 mph Click here for real-time Key Biscayne weather updates Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: stay on track with your healthy eating goals by treating yourself to a fresh wholesome meal at one of our partner #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurants today D’Lite is your island’s tasty-healthy headquarters We are a unique and healthy restaurant that serves salads protein smoothies and cold press juices made fresh every morning start your week enjoying any of our popular Acai bowls everyday except Sat and Sun when we close at 6 p.m D’Lite is located in the Arcade Mall, 180 Crandon Blvd. To place an order, call (305) 882-9284 or visit us online by clicking here Nothing healthier than a delicious Chicken Kitchen lunch or dinner we invite you to try our No-Carb Chop-Chop® - chopped chicken breast served over a bed of lettuce or romaine & diced tomatoes Only $8.99 for small or $10.99 for the large Chicken Kitchen is located in the Harbor Plaza Shopping Center at 65 Harbor Drive in Key Biscayne. You can reach them at (305) 456-6586. To place an online order click here To place a takeout - offering curbside service - order call (786) 773-3633 or visit us online by clicking here Call (305) 456-0488 to place a takeout or delivery order directly Enjoy Costa Med in their indoor dining room expanded outdoor dining area or at home (takeout) Visit Costa Med for something delicious and healthy to start your week Place your order online, click here! Your local independent grocer can deliver freshly prepared meals or all the groceries you need Stop by our grill and enjoy something healthy and hearty.. Soups & Creams: Chicken Pasta / Pinto Beans / Cream of Broccoli   Main Course: Steak & Onions / Cilantro Chicken  / Salmon Fillet  / Pasta Bolognesa  Side Dishes: Garden Rice / Yuca / Mixed Veggies     The Golden-Hog has a complete line of specialty groceries for delivery Call (305) 361-1300 to place a delivery or take out order; you can order online here try our traditional protein loaded combination of chorizo and morcilla duo Fulano is located in the Galleria Shopping Center at 328 Crandon Blvd To see their menu or place an order, click here Call or join us for our delicious Neptuno Wakame Salad; Kanikama Open for indoor seating and outdoor seating Our modern Japanese fusion menu offers creative treatments & creativity in our dishes for takeout Open Monday through Saturday Noon to 9:45 p.m To place an order call (305) 361-2675 or order online here The restaurants inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – the popular Boater’s Grill located at No Name Harbor and accessible by boat and the beachside Lighthouse Café are ready to serve Boater’s Grill is open Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m Donut Gallery is the dining establishment that opens earliest on the key Start this week by adding something green - like spinach - to your perfectly prepared eggs Follow us on Instagram by clicking here for Dine-In with indoor and expansive & shaded outdoor seating is located in the Key Colony Shopping Center Average gasoline prices in Miami rose 2.9 cents per gallon over the past week now averaging $3.01 per gallon as of Sunday according to GasBuddy’s survey of 1,690 stations across the city they remain 9.8 cents lower than a month ago and 61.3 cents lower than this time last year GasBuddy reports the cheapest gas in Miami was $2.63 per gallon on Sunday while Key Biscayne's $4.79 per gallon ranked among the most expensive prices in the metropolitan area with the average price rising 2.0 cents per gallon to $3.12 slightly more than half of the states saw gas prices rise while many others saw modest declines," said Patrick De Haan For more, click here washed up in Key Biscayne on April 24 and was raked into piles to be taken to the landfill [ ASHLEY MIZNAZI | The Miami Herald ]By Michelle Marchante Miami Herald (TNS)Published YesterdayPiles of smelly seaweed have washed ashore on Miami Beach and Key Biscayne a stinky reminder that this is sargassum season The brown seaweed is a common sight across the Caribbean and on South Florida beaches Researchers who track seaweed blooms expect 2025 to be another “major sargassum year” for the Atlantic Basin — but how much seaweed washes ashore on South Florida beaches depends on winds and currents Sargassum season runs from March through October “All it takes is the right currents, the right winds, to push a particular patch on shore and create an inundation,” said Brian Barnes, research assistant professor at the Optical Oceanography Lab, part of the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science. In the ocean, seaweed offers an important habitat for marine life. But when seaweed washes ashore, the rotten egg smell can put a damper on beach days. Washed-up seaweed can also cause health problems for people with chronic respiratory conditions. The brown seaweed that washes up on Florida beaches is known as sargassum. Once seaweed washes ashore, the piles start to rot and release hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like rotten eggs. While it’s common to see some seaweed at the beach, sargassum season can bring large amounts ashore. Predicting which Florida and Caribbean beaches will be inundated with seaweed, and when, is complicated. That could soon change. Barnes for several years has led a federally funded project to create a forecast model meant to help predict when and where large patches of seaweed will wash ashore. He expects a test version of the model will be released later this year, with the initial forecast set to focus on the Florida Keys and the rest of South Florida. A similar model for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgins Island will likely be released in 2026. The forecast model is part of a five-year $3.2 million grant awarded in 2023 from the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Barnes’ USF team has been working on the model with researchers from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meterological Laboratory, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Planning. “There’s a lot of sargassum offshore, off the Keys, and even in the Gulf of Mexico,” said Barnes, noting that seaweed often collects in these areas before winds and currents shift the blooms toward the Florida Keys, Key Biscayne and Miami Beach. Whether the seaweed remains offshore or eventually floats onto beaches is what the future forecast model hopes to predict. In Miami Beach, for example, “stronger than usual easterly and southeasterly winds have likely contributed to the increased amount of sargassum washing ashore,” city spokeswoman Melissa Berthier said in an email statement to the Miami Herald. “The prevailing winds push floating mats of seaweed closer to our coastline, resulting in the heavier deposits we have seen along our beaches recently.” Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter You’re all signed up!Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started. Are there seaweed hot spots in Miami?While Florida might see blooms of seaweed this season that doesn’t mean all beaches will be full of it through October The sargassum will show up on beaches in clumps when the tide is high and the wind is blowing from east to west The biggest accumulations of sargassum on Miami-Dade beaches happens during high tide twice a day according to Miami-Dade County’s sargassum webpage County crews generally get rid of smelly seaweed early in the morning when the second tide arrives in the afternoon it often brings another wave of Sargassum to the shoreline,” the county said Key Biscayne had large swath’s of seaweed wash ashore on April 24 Some parts of Miami Beach’s shoreline have also seen more seaweed buildup recently compared to other areas On April 28, the Greater Miami and Miami Beach website’s webcam showed dark pockets of seaweed in the water and shoreline in the beach area of 17th and 18th streets in the early morning didn’t have much seaweed in the water or shoreline While it’s hard to predict which beach will get a blanket of seaweed Miami-Dade County has identified four seaweed hot spots: Haulover just north of Haulover Cut; Bal Harbour just south of Haulover Cut; Miami Beach between 26th and 31st streets; and beaches along the South Pointe jetty Sargassum season also coincides with Miami-Dade’s sea turtle nesting season That means sea turtle nests need to be marked before any seaweed cleanups can begin in Miami Beach considered a crucial nesting habitat for loggerhead The hydrogen sulfide gas seaweed releases when it rots can irritate your eyes “If you have asthma or other respiratory illnesses you will be more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide You may have trouble breathing after you inhale it,” according to the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County People who are exposed to hydrogen sulfide for long periods in an enclosed space like workers in wastewater treatment plants according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hydrogen sulfide levels in an area like the beach where large amounts of air flow can dilute levels is not expected to harm health,” according to Monroe’s health department There’s also no indication the gas causes cancer in humans Anyone experiencing severe trouble breathing should call 911 Miami-Dade County also is keeping an eye on evolving information about the relationship between sargassum and a warm coastal bacteria that can cause rare and severe life-threatening infections, including an infection known as “flesh-eating bacteria.” “I don’t think everyone should be running away from sargassum as if it’s going to kill them,” Linda Amaral-Zettler, a marine microbiologist at Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research and one of the authors of the recent study, told NBC News. “That’s simply not the case. But I think we need to think responsibly about the potential risks.” Health officials usually recommend people who live near the beach keep their windows and doors closed when a lot of sargassum washes ashore. Florida Keys health officials have recommended anyone with asthma or other respiratory problems stay away — or reduce their time — at the beach if there is seaweed. If you don’t want to risk getting stung by an animal living in the seaweed, don’t touch it and stay away. And before you think about taking some seaweed home to cook, think again. Florida’s health department said that’s not a good idea because sargassum might contain “large amounts of heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium.” Brooke Lambert and Eli Katz from Frost School of Music returns for its third spectacular evening starting at 6 p.m. on May 15 at the elegant Ocean Club Clubhouse Concertgoers will enjoy a memorable night of music made possible by the generous support of our sponsors: Frost School of Music The night will begin with a cocktail hour starting at 6 p.m. attendees will hear a program of Broadway and Jazz selections from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music A minimum donation of $15 is required for entry, with all net proceeds for Vizcaya. Reserve your spot today on Eventbrite Smoke rises from Port Sudan airport on May 4 The Key Biscayne Community Center’s Island Room sparkled with smiles family and neighbors gathered to celebrate longtime resident Doris Nemtzow’s 100th birthday laughter and a lively performance from the Edwards Twins Impersonators’ Ultimate Vegas Variety Show the event embraced the theme “Life's a Beach,” and honored one of the island’s most cherished residents with an unforgettable evening A wide shot of MISO performing with roses overlayed on top To honor the love and strength of mothers everywhere the Miami Symphony Orchestra will host its “Mother’s Day Celebration” concert at 6 p.m. at the Adrienne Arsht Center in downtown Miami This unique concert will be a fusion of orchestral music and Latin pop with a special appearance by Justin Quiles the Music Director for The Miami Symphony Orchestra Other featured artists include vocalists Solange Meridian and Nati Roman every mother in attendance will receive an elegant rose symbolizing love and gratitude courtesy of Rosa Prima Tickets may be purchased through the Arsht Center box-office at (305) 949-6722 After a stretch of sunny skies and comfortable temperatures Key Biscayne residents will notice a shift today with scattered thunderstorms developing in the afternoon — gusty winds and small hail are possible with winds from the SSE at 10 to 20 mph and a 50% chance of rain with scattered thunderstorms during the evening Low near 76 degrees with SSW winds at 5 to 10 mph Monday: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are in the forecast with a high around 81 degrees and SE winds at 10 to 15 mph treat yourself this first Sunday in May with a delicious dessert from our #tasteofkeybiscayne partner restaurants there’s a perfect sweet ending waiting for you this May 4 Award winning authentic Spanish restaurants offering Paellas Meat & Homemade Desserts and Outstanding Wine Collection then treat yourself to out authentic Crema Catalana Our French toast will make your Sunday sign 7-days a week and serving breakfast any time of the day CRAFT is located in the Square Shopping Center at 260 Crandon Blvd. To order online, click here Your local independent grocer can deliver freshly prepared meals or all the groceries you need. Email us your order here. Nothing says Sunday like our Dulce de Leche cake.. Vanilla bundt cake with dulce de leche topping Call (305) 361-1300 for Sunday Chef's Choice special menu Golden Hog puts safety first, shop with confidence. To place an order online, click here Who says eating healthy means sacrificing taste and flavor D’Lite is located in the Arcade Mall, 180 Crandon Blvd. To place an order, call (305) 882-9284 or visit us online by clicking here. Come join us and savor an authentic and welcoming culinary experience Our our Dulce de Leche Flan is perfect for sharing Complete your Sake meal with our delicious Oreo Fried dessert.. We are open for Indoor & Outdoor Dining Takeout or delivery daily from Noon to 10 p.m Call (305) 456-0488 to place a takeout or delivery order  All you need to make Sunday special is a little love and a whole-lot-of-flan The restaurants are located inside Bill Baggs State Park If our desserts look homemade is because they are End your Sunday dinner with something "Costa-Sweet" a TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice nominated restaurant make it special and treat yourself to our Coconut & Dulce de Leche Pie We are open for Dine-In indoor and outdoor To order, call (305) 361-2224 or to order online, click here Closed Sunday New Year's Eve and Monday New Year's Day Our modern Japanese fusion restaurant offers creative treatments & creativity in our dishes To see our menu, click here Call us tomorrow at (305) 361-2675 Visit us online by clicking here Members of the Miami Expats in the kitchen with María José Gil Some of the Men's Club attendees in the kitchen An array of food prepared at The Miami Cooking Club Some of the Men's Club attendees eating the food they prepared Some of the Miami Expats at The Miami Cooking Club Miami Cooking Club attendees with María José Gil introduced us to some unique individuals and business concepts when we pay homage to Moms all over the island and beyond In this installment we meet a Mom who once fed Reina Sofia (Queen consort of Spain) while she was visiting Miami Un regalo de las coincidencias (a gift of coincidences) is how Maria José Gil describes the chance to prepare a meal for the Queen of her Mother Country very kind,” Gil said of the private dinner for the Queen and eight guests at the Spanish Consular home of former Spanish diplomat Maria Cristina Barrios this chance opportunity for her business at the time The Miami Cooking Club was not so much by chance Her story is one of perseverance and adapting to change trusting her philosophy of having la capacidad de tirarse a la piscina (willingness to jump in a pool) While she has enjoyed success in Miami’s culinary world a career in the kitchen was not a planned one She became a pharmacist in her home of Barcelona and when her banker husband Maurici Llado was transferred to Buenos Aires Gil did not want to have to go through the certification process to be able to work as a pharmacist so she did something she always loved which was to restore furniture When Llado was transferred to Miami and they settled in Key Biscayne in 1999 she recalled him telling the realtor they wanted a house with a garage so she could continue restoring furniture She soon discovered that the industry was very different “Seems people just did not restore furniture as much as they bought new ones,” Gil said Since Gil always had a passion for cooking she immersed herself into learning culinary techniques including previously at the Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastian That led Gil to start cooking lessons on the island grupos de cocina (cooking groups) she calls them first one day a week and mainly with friends when some of her students started asking her to cater birthdays and baptisms Gil’s catering business continued to grow until it outgrew her kitchen at home and they started searching for a place to continue her growing catering business They ended up buying a company – Food for Kids – located in Wynwood until realizing that her European approach to school lunches was a direct contrast to what was served in schools at the time Gil decided to concentrate more in growing The Miami Cooking Club grew to where sometimes there were three events on the same day When asked what the largest event Gil ever catered she said it was a lavish party at Vizcaya for over 500 people we turned to corporate catering on the weekdays,” Gil says catering private lunches and events to companies in Brickell and other parts of Miami Gil also said the catering business helped keep her family united and they often helped in the early days and many times Nina helped her at events As The Miami Cooking Club continued to grow Gil and Llado left Wynwood as property values so they decided to buy their own commercial kitchen They purchased the present location and then came the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic with events drying up and catering as a whole throwing another curveball in her plans Gil’s curiosity for different niches in the industry led her to be certified as a personal chef “My first client was an American family,” says Gil where she rents space in the kitchen to cooking startups (dreamers much as she had been) where they can incubate their products and clientele “It is hard for small businesses to start a business and make the investment that a commercial kitchen requires,” says Gil who presently has eight culinary startups using her facilities We Cook is a needed niche and Gil enjoys her tenants’ success saying some are successful enough to venture into their own she is still active in running the day to day of the business and still doing cooking classes “I have over 175 menus we have done over the years” she said having recently done one for the island-based Club xPats Gil beams with pride when she talks about her men’s group that has been taking lessons for over 15 years Gil likes to remind herself of where it all started the first thing you see when entering the We Cook premises is a homey large dining room table where her “grupos de cocina” enjoy the food they prepare Gil feels grateful for the chance to follow her passion acknowledging that it was only possible because of the opportunities she found in the United States “This is a country where you can truly pursue your dreams,” she said we do not think this is the last piscina Gil jumps into she continues to look for groups that want to use the kitchen and cooking as a way to strengthen their friendship You can reach María José Gil at (305) 546-4967 or follow her on Instagram at @themiamicookingclub For the Islander's last #tasteofkb feature, click here Becoming partly cloudy after some evening rain Islander News Letters to the Editor: dishes offered at Costa Med and Vinya Having lived in Coconut Grove and now in Key Biscayne there is no doubt that Costa Med and Vinya deserve at least one Michelin Star Can you start a campaign to recognize the top quality of these two fine Island restaurants Polls open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm local time Florida’s official state bird may soon change under legislation making its way through the Florida Legislature A bill – SB 880 - introduced by State Sen. Ileana García (R-Miami) has cleared a key hurdle in the Senate and seeks to designate the American flamingo as the new official state bird A similar bill, HB 81 also asking lawmakers to consider naming the scrub-jay as the official state songbird According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) American flamingos have been observed along much of the state’s coastline; however more than 95% of sightings have occurred in the Everglades flamingos are also being reported in shallow treatment wetlands created along the northern edge of the Everglades The FWC considers flamingos to be native to Florida. Historically, flamingos were common in Florida but disappeared from the state in the early 20th century. After about 1925, captive colonies were established, including a breeding colony at Hialeah Park Racetrack in the 1930s a growing body of evidence suggests that at least some American flamingos in Florida have arrived naturally from outside the state The FWC treats flamingos as native species protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act After Hurricane Idalia in 2023 pink flamingos were spotted across the Everglades and wandering through the Florida Keys This article was original published in Spanish on keybiscayneportal.com Key Biscayne residents can expect a few passing morning showers followed by mainly sunny skies with occasional clouds giving way to scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon with south-southeast winds at 10 to 20 mph DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting. Gambling related content is not intended for anyone under the age of 21. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER Village Mayor Joe Rasco with Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez Mayor Rasco and Fernandez looking into an aerial photograph of Key Biscayne Village Mayor Joe Rasco and Village Manager Steve Williamson met with Miami-Dade County Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez and his team to see about expanding access to county services closer to home "We’re always looking for ways to make life easier and more convenient for our residents," Rasco said "We had a productive conversation about the many services the county’s Mobile Tax Collector Unit can provide in the short term while we also explore opportunities for a more permanent solution in the long term.” Those include Issuing driver licenses and ID cards (excluding skills tests real estate and tangible personal property tax payments local business tax applications and renewals hunting and fishing permits and disabled and baby stroller parking permits "Our goal is to bring these services directly to Key Biscayne saving residents time and improving access," Rasco said "We also discussed the possibility of establishing a permanent service location on the island to offer more services and greater convenience." Fernandez came away with a positive feeling "It was a pleasure to sit down with Mayor Joe Rasco of the Village of Key Biscayne and his team to explore how we can expand access to essential services for island residents,” he said “Our conversation centered on collaboration and bringing real "Thank you to Mayor Rasco for the warm welcome We look forward to building strong partnerships that bring government services closer to the people of Key Biscayne and beyond." May's first Friday brings a familiar weather pattern to the Island a few passing clouds but generally clear skies with a low around 75 degrees and steady ESE winds at 10 to 20 mph even more special with a visit to one of our #tasteofkeybiscayne partner restaurants Treat yourself to a delicious meal on this May 3 and kick off the weekend right enjoy our unique Black Lobster Ravioli...Ravioli filled with lobster Order online – click here – or by calling (305) 361-2224 we’re serving up a rainbow of healthy bowls to match every mood to enjoy the day and weekend. D’Lite is located in the Arcade Mall, 180 Crandon Blvd. To place an order, call (305) 882-9284 or visit us online by clicking here. we have that perfect Saturday roll or delicacy waiting for you offering creative treatments & creativity in our dishes for takeout and delivery Open with extended hours from Noon to 10:30 p.m Enjoy the restaurants inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – the popular Boater’s Grill and the beachside Lighthouse Café offer a delicious true-island-feel to your weekend beachside meal our recommendation is Organic Chicken Milanesa mixed green salad & homemade dijonnaise sauce Go sailing with friends this Saturday… enjoy our sushi ship before it sails Open for Indoor & Outdoor seating Dine-In You can order online for take out a TripAdvisor Traverler’s Choice nominated restaurant Your local independent grocer can deliver freshly prepared meals or all the groceries you need. Email us your order here visit our grill and try our MAHI-MAHI GRILLED SANDWICH!! Soups and Creams: Chicken Pasta / Green Split Peas / Cream of Veggies Main Course: Meatloaf / Cilantro Chicken / Grouper/ Pasta with Fresh Mozzarella Side dishes: Veggie Rice / Roasted Yukon Potatoes / Mixed Veggies      To place a takeout - offering curbside service - order call (786) 773-3633 or visit us online by clicking here. #islanderthrowback: a 1980 Chevrolet running over a small tree at The Square Some 200 Island residents partied at the home of Gene and Diana Stearns to benefit the Key Biscayne Athletic Club there were 12 Dade County police units stationed by the bridge and from the Marina area to the drawbridge handled traffic were opened in time to help expedite traffic over the Memorial Day weekend Jimmy Larrea's Yankees hold up their trophies during the Cap League awards barbecue All four teams received commemorative trophies First grader Sergio Mendoza was delighted to find a short story he had written on exhibit at the festival which was moved to the home of Nancy Stringer when Roger's on the Green was closed The thunder showers did not dampen the spirits of some thirty couples who drove to South Dade Sunday These fun loving Key Biscayners had purchased a ticket to the roast pig banquet at the Key Biscayne Athletic Club dinner/dance received a ticket for careless driving after his 1980 Chevrolet ran over a small tree which served as a ramp onto a parked rental car spend some two hours every day practicing on a half-pipe ramp they built in their backyard A public ramp is being built at the Presbyterian church Krieff enjoyed the reception by the pool at the Key Biscayne Hotel before the Chamber of Commerce dinner dance More than 150 attended the event during which new officers were installed Incorporation group reviews study's progress Key Biscayners for a Responsive Government gave an update on the progress of a feasibility study on incorporation for Key Biscayne headed by local government consultant Aileen R Lotz told the gathering that she and the team of Long Associates are approaching the end of the fact-gathering stage She said the team had reviewed the cost of services for Key Biscayne as well as the budgets for other small communities "It's very difficult to have a logical basis of comparison," said Lotz "Few unincorporated areas have so many county services as Key Biscayne.” the study team will look at alternatives to incorporation a questionnaire is being developed to test the perception of residents as to what their feelings are about services provided by the county If the perception of the public is seen to be in finding an alternative to the present system Concerning the perception of voters on the need for change "There has to be a burr under the saddle before the horse moves People will vote for incorporation if it's cheaper or vote if it costs more if there are more advantages." a newly formed municipality would be granted its city status from the county Only one city has been formed in Dade County since 1957 all of which have fallen short of a voter decision Key Biscayners for Responsive Government was formed recently by a number of Island residents who felt the disparity was too great between taxes paid by Key Biscayners versus services received from the County They are seeking through the feasibility study to study all the alternatives available to Key Biscayne Currently the organization lists 95 members Key Biscayners couldn't have asked for a more peaceful Memorial Day weekend It may have gotten off to a rather soggy start Saturday followed by late afternoon showers on Sunday and the scent of afternoon barbecues wafted through the air the crowds poured into Key Biscayne's beaches and attractions The parking lot at Crandon Park was 75 percent full at the peak hour there was little to mar the "picture perfect Pantry Pride is considering selling its stores in the Miami region "We are marketing the Miami region but have not put it up on a block for sale," explained Judy Nepier vice president of investor relations of the Fort Lauderdale retailer the buyer would operate another supermarket in the same location but Ms Nepier said she had no idea what would happen to the shopping center "It is too premature to say what would happen to the shopping center," she said "Each store has its own lease and will be negotiated on a separate basis.” Key Biscayne will be on the vanguard of the California skateboarding craze when the ramp under construction at the Key Biscayne Presbyterian Church opens in June its presence will consolidate and magnify the popularity of ramp riding among local youth as young as nine and as old as college students estimated an informal discussion group at Tropical Rags the local shop that stocks skateboards and accessories They have been honing their skills at the Wright's Bikes quarter pipe ramp in the Presbyterian Church lot at backyard ramps in the homes of the Peronis and the Serafinis and at such odd places as empty swimming pools First Nesting Loggerheads Reported at Cape Florida The first nesting loggerhead turtles have appeared on the beach at Cape Florida State Park three turtles had laid a total of 352 eggs The eggs have been collected and put in a nursery where they will hatch in 60 to 90 days Ranger Ed Bollinger said that the first turtle appeared seven days ahead of last year's first nesting He said that a warming of the waters may account for the earlier appearance of the sea turtles Bollinger said one of the turtles had been tagged before She had a hole in her flipper where the tag had been affixed Island residents who perpetrate such common misdemeanors as parking junk automobiles campers or recreational vehicles in their front yards as having trash piles or who operate a business from their homes Violators of Dade County codes will receive a warning and according to an ordinance approved by the County Commission on its second reading the county can place a lien against the property and foreclose after a year For the last #islanderthrowback, click here members of the Rotary Club of Key Biscayne joined FillABag founder Manny Rionda in a late day Beach Cleanup at Bill Baggs State Park and beachgoers witnessed firsthand how Rotarians are actively working to make a difference in our community May begins much like April ended on the Island expect partly cloudy skies becoming mostly cloudy after midnight with a low around 74 degrees and east winds at 10 to 20 mph Friday will bring another day of sun and clouds A visit to one of our partner #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurants is the perfect way to enjoy a delicious meal this Thursday Everything tastes better with Truffle fries Order online for take out here On this Thursday try our fixed-priced Executive menu for $29.99.. Island students and teachers always get 10% off their check yet filling alternative great tasting meals with fresh ingredients daily except Sat and Sun when we close at 6 p.m D’Lite is located in the Arcade Mall, 180 Crandon Blvd. To place an order, call (305) 882-9284 or visit us online by clicking here Eat Local. Help local. Email us your grocery list at orders@thegoldenhogmarket.com Stop by our Grab&Go cooler and enjoy our new Pomegranate & Goat Cheese Salad Soups & Creams: Chicken Chupe / Garbanzo / Carrot Ginger   Main Course: Beef Tenderloin / Chicken with Spinach  / Bacalao / Ravioli  Side Dishes: Garden Rice  / Sweet Potato  / Green Beans      Call (305) 361-1300 to place a delivery or order online here Try our adobo fish chunks and our tostones Open for Indoor & covered Outdoor Dining Open for indoor & ample and comfortable Outdoor Dining Enjoy one of our special sushi rolls this Thursday Our modern Japanese fusion restaurant offers creative treatments & creativity in our dishes for takeout and delivery Open Monday through Thursday Noon to 4 p.m Fridays and Saturday extended hours from Noon to 10:30 p.m To place an order call (305) 361-2675 or order online here Today is Pizza Dat at Tutto Pizza and Pasta.. any 8" pizza and soda for only $13 - served from 11:30 a.m Key Biscayne / Galleria Shopping Center - (305) 361-2224 To order online, click here Come join us and savor an authentic and welcoming culinary experience on this on this Pre-Friday treat yourself to something special; our Mediterranean Branzino; Grilled Vegetables a La Scala meal makes any day feel like the weekend such is the case with our delicious Linguine Mari Piemonte Located at 180 Crandon Blvd in the Arcade Shopping Center there is something for everyone on our menu Keep it simple this Thursday with our popular Prosciutto Sandwich - Great choice for brunch or lunch Check back tomorrow for more specials as we add more restaurants to #tasteofkeybiscayne-To-Go While many cities — including Key Biscayne — continue to debate whether local police should be involved in immigration enforcement and federal agencies have fueled a record number of arrests authorities arrested 1,120 people accused of being in the United States illegally Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said this is the largest number in a single state in one week in ICE’s history He credits the surge to the growing number of local police departments and state agencies joining the federal government’s efforts to ramp up immigration enforcement Versión en español Cooperation in Operation Tidal Wave, was highlighted Thursday during a press conference in Miramar where Governor DeSantis appeared with Department of Homeland Security officials to praise the arrests “We will continue to participate in broad internal law enforcement efforts,” DeSantis said at a joint press conference The countries of origin of those arrested include the following: state and local partners helped arrest criminal illegal aliens around Florida to identify priority targets for enforcement action Law enforcement partners included ICE Homeland Security Investigations Marshals Service and several sheriff’s offices around the State local police departments can arrest migrants for violating immigration laws Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had 135 such agreements in 21 states That number has now grown to 517 agreements in 39 states As the Trump administration increases partnerships with local and state agencies it is also stepping up pressure on jurisdictions that resist cooperation President Trump signed an executive order to publish a list of so-called "sanctuary" jurisdictions and reiterated threats of possible criminal charges against officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts this magnificent waterfront dream residence has been completely remodeled to offer the most luxurious and contemporary living experience With attention to detail evident in every corner and top of the line finishes throughout residents can enjoy the breathtaking views of smugglers cove and Biscayne bay this 3-level home offers very defined spaces that ensure glamour and sophistication all around with an open floor plan and tons of natural light including 5 bedrooms and the most amazing and gorgeous covered area on the 1st level for those that like to entertain and enjoy serenity at its finest LISTED BY Brigitte Nachtigall Properties For a complete pictorial of this property, click here E-Mail: brigitte@bnachtigall.com E-Mail: jorgerboj@gmail.com E-Mail: olga.cuesta.l@gmail.com ONE Sotheby's International Realty  Island residents can expect a mild day on the island with a high near 78 degrees under a mix of sun and clouds Winds will be out of the ENE at 10 to 20 mph A Rip Current Statement remains in effect through Friday morning—use extra caution if heading to the beach A close-up of the speed cameras at Harbor Drive and Police Chief Frank Sousa in front of the new cameras delivering a message to the community Violation notices with $100 citations will commence Friday May 2 for speeders exceeding the posted 15 mph speed limit by 10 mph or more on Harbor Drive as part of the Village's School Zone Speed Safety Program will begin operating 30 minutes before the first bell and continue until 30 minutes after school During a portion of the 30-day warning period the new school zone speed cameras recorded a total of 156 violations including 110 for eastbound traffic and 46 going westbound Those warnings were mailed to each vehicle owner "I believe this program will be successful in reducing the number of speeding violations in the school zone," Key Biscayne Police Chief Frank Sousa said which will be active only during school times also frees up police officers since they do not have to spend time chasing violators and writing the actual citations During a two-day study last year to sway Village Council to approve the speed cameras Sousa showed that an incredible 1,111 potential violations over the enforceable 10 mph speed were filmed by the camera operator Other school zones on Key Biscayne will be periodically evaluated to see if more cameras are needed endorsed by the Florida Police Chiefs Association are handling the calibration and installation of the systems at no cost to the Village under its three-year contract According to a December 2023 report by Spectrum News 13 the Transportation Research Board reported that speeding results in approximately 25,000 annual injuries to children and an average of more than 100 fatalities while walking to or from school RedSpeed USA is the first provider approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) for school zone speed enforcement e-citations The devices will automatically generate a ticket for drivers found exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 10 mph during school days and will be mailed to those vehicle owners These citations will not result in points being added to a driver’s license but rather serve as a deterrent to encourage responsible driving behavior in school zones The $100 ticket revenue is split accordingly: $20 goes to the Department of Revenue General Fund; $60 to the municipality for public safety spending; $3 to the Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund; $12 to the County School District and $5 to the School Crossing Guard Recruitment and Retention Fund established in 2006 and currently operating in five states makes its money through a percentage of the revenue the company will receive $21 of the $60 municipal revenue (35 percent) According to The Miami Herald under its six-year agreement that began in 2024 Mayor Daniella Levine Cava estimated that the County would collect about $144 million from the violations and RedSpeed would collect $71 million That is after Miami-Dade pays out revenue to the local school system and the State of Florida Under the state’s HB657 legislation RedSpeed USA has won procurements (at no upfront cost to the city) in a number of Florida jurisdictions The Plantation City Council went as far as approving cameras in 15 school zones across its city Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco, along with Village Manager Steve Williamson and Sousa, recorded a message on Instagram in March "This is yet another tool to ensure the safety and security of our children," Williamson said "I ask the rest of the community to do the same: pay attention around our schools The ordinance was unanimously approved by the Village Council just before last Christmas Celebrate the end of April by visiting any of our participating #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurants for some cool savings and delicious meal on this day Wednesday Enjoy Kebo quality at an incredible value - our Executive Lunch offers an appetizer and main entry for $29.99 a La Scala meal makes Wednesdays feel like Fridays such is the case with our delicious Linguine Mari Piemonte To place a takeout - offering curbside service - order call (786) 773-3633 Visit us online by clicking here Open for Dine-In with indoor and expansive outdoor seating, Takeout or delivery. Click here to place an online order Located in the Square Shopping Center at 260 Crandon Blvd Open for Indoor and Expanded Outdoor Dining treat yourself to our special homemade black linguine with spicy tomato sauce and lobster chunks Order online for take out - click here Visit us for our Wednesday special Grilled Chicken sandwich Soups & Creams: Chicken Veggie / Lentils / Lobster Bisque Main Course:  Beef Stew / Lemon Chicken  / Merluza / Pasta Bolognesa  Side Dishes: White Rice / Steak Fries / Asparagus    Call (305) 361-1300 to place a delivery or take out order; you can also email your orders to orders@thegoldenhogmarket.com or order online here. Students and teachers on the island always get 10% of their checks on Chicken Kitchen's healthier and great tasting meals with fresh ingredients Join us and enjoy our delicious Chicken Cheesadilla; a freshly grilled chopped chicken breast & cheddar cheese melted in a grilled tortilla (white or whole wheat) served with sour cream & fresh salsa for only $9.99 Wednesday Life is better with a little tuna love How about an All-American Diner breakfast to start your Wednesday Open for covered Indoor & Outdoor Dining Today's Tutto Lunch Special - Two Paninis and a soda for only $13 protein smoothies and cold press juices made fresh every morning — including gluten-free try out Pesto Chicken Wrap and a soda or tea for only $14.99 everyday except Sat and Sun when we close at 6 p. Advertiser DisclosureAdvertiser Disclosure 350 Published Articles 1017 Edited Articles 237 Published Articles 1017 Edited Articles Opinions and recommendations are ours alone Key Biscayne is a 5-mile-long barrier island paradise just minutes from downtown Miami You’ll leave the mainland behind as you journey over the stunning Rickenbacker Causeway to Key Biscayne where you’ll find sandy beaches which is just a 45-minute drive from our home in Fort Lauderdale We decided to indulge a little and treat ourselves since the hotel is also the only 5-star hotel on the island Continue reading to learn more about our stay Even though The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami is just 10 minutes from downtown Miami and 20 minutes from Miami Beach Key Biscayne is known for its expensive real estate and high quality of life for residents who want to be near the bustle of the Magic City yet enjoy a tranquil sanctuary on their own affluent-but-modest island town The hotel is located about 15 miles from Miami International Airport (MIA) It takes about 30 minutes to reach the hotel under normal traffic conditions but it might take considerably longer if you drive during rush hour Alternatively, you can also fly into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), which is 33 miles from the hotel. This trip usually takes a little over an hour, but if there is a lot of traffic on I-95, it can take a lot longer. For my stay at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami, I decided to price out award nights as well as look at the cash rates when booking directly through Marriott and through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program I looked around on Marriott’s website and found that a Resort View King room for our weekend would only cost 53,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night Even though this was a great rate for a hotel that usually charges between $500 and $1,000 per night I wanted to compare it to the cash rates and see if it made sense to save my points When I shifted my search on the Marriott website from points to cash, the lowest available nightly rate for a room with a limited view on a low floor was $489 per night. If I opted to use points instead of cash to book my hotel stay, I’d achieve just higher than our 0.7 cents-per-point valuation of Marriott Bonvoy points at about 0.9 cents per point Surprisingly, room rates through Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program (FHR) started at $499, just $10 more than booking directly through Marriott. Despite the fact that I have Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status as a benefit of my Amex Business Platinum card I would receive superior benefits by booking my stay via FHR that would far outweigh using points or booking directly through Marriott I went ahead and booked a standard king room for 2 nights at the hotel for $998 I kept thinking about all the extra benefits I’d get by booking a cash rate via FHR which would justify spending cash instead of redeeming points And because I paid for it with my Amex Business Platinum card through FHR I earned 5 Membership Rewards points for every dollar I spent and the following benefits during my stay: When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners American Express Membership Rewards I paid for my incidentals with my Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card to earn 6x points per dollar spent at the property in addition to the bonus points I earned as a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member It’s worth noting that the hotel tacks on a resort fee of $48 per day which is added to your daily room rate guests receive the following amenities and services: beach access Check out our guide that compares Amex’s The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts programs to see how they can both save you money and give you more perks on your hotel stay We approached a security gate and explained to the attendant that we were checking in for our stay He asked for our last name while he looked up the day’s reservations and waved us through after our name was confirmed to be on the list We proceeded down the road past a few roundabouts before arriving at the hotel’s valet We arrived at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne and there were 3 front desk agents assisting guests one of the advantages I hoped to get was an early check-in beginning at 12 p.m and there were now nearly a dozen people waiting to be checked in The front desk manager came by and offered us — and all the other guests waiting — a welcome drink Our choices were a glass of prosecco or a bottle of water which provided a nice start to our short weekend getaway The front desk staff kept their composure despite the sudden influx of guests waiting to be attended to a friendly associate waved us over and started the check-in process with us She immediately looked up our reservation after asking for my last name and identification She remarked how I had booked through FHR and how much she enjoys the program and uses it for her own hotel stays on occasion I felt good about the fact that I usually pay for hotel stays with points but this was a rare instance that I paid cash — and did so strategically by booking through FHR The friendly agent promptly let me know that I had been upgraded to a room with an island view on the 12th floor and provided me with a 1-page document of my FHR perks late checkout and daily breakfast credit for 2 $100 in property credits to utilize throughout our stay an envelope with my name on it which inside included 2 drink tickets (thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status) redeemable at the hotel’s Lightkeepers restaurant we were on our way up to our 12th-floor room to drop off our bags and head back downstairs for lunch If you book a hotel reservation with Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts you’re eligible for a room upgrade of 1 category higher than what you originally booked If there’s a particular room or view you’d like to have during your stay and very high arched ceilings instantly captured my attention Having visited a number of other Ritz-Carlton locations in Florida and around the world I can attest that this location possessed the same old-world elegance and luxury as many of the others While the property’s grounds are expansive though it manages to pack in all the expected 5-star resort amenities one of which was geared toward families with children and included a splash pad while the other was designed specifically for adults An expansive lawn functions as a divider between the 2 swimming pools in the resort’s courtyard It’s surrounded by palm trees to make it even more private Due to the large number of families with young children staying at the hotel the adults-only pool was extremely popular with guests without children The only hot tub is in the Tranquility Pool area a good distance from the family pool and only a few feet from the gate leading to the sandy beach The Family Pool had a zero-entry place where young children could play in the water safely This pool area was bigger than the adults-only area and there were plenty of pool chairs with umbrellas so there was no need to get up at dawn to secure your favorite spot by the pool The splash pad was a big hit with the smaller kids and there were even lounge chairs where parents could recline and watch their kids splash around we were able to spend the last day in the family pool Even our daughters and their grandparents came along so they could enjoy the pool and splash pad Both pools were open to hotel guests daily from 7 a.m guests may order food from any of the hotel’s dining options There are finer beaches in other parts of South Florida — I’ve been to Key Biscayne hundreds of times and know this to be true You can expect blueish-green waters with some sargassum (a type of seaweed) but the hotel does a great job of removing as much as possible on a daily basis but out-of-towners shouldn’t anticipate the same crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand as they would find on Florida’s Gulf Coast Hotel guests are provided with 2 beach loungers and 1 umbrella and have access to kayaks and floats courtesy of the hotel’s resort fee it might seem a little crowded on the hotel’s designated section of the beach due to the short width and the abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas who can grumble when the beach is just a few steps from their hotel room Miami have access to a fitness facility that is conveniently positioned on the ground floor beside the enormous water fountain in the hotel courtyard and in front of the adults-only pool There were enough free weights and cardio machines for a thorough workout If resistance and cadence bike training are more your speed 2 Peloton bicycles were available for guests on a first-come The fitness center also featured a private space for FitnessOnDemand courses for those who want to work out to the latest and greatest from their favorite fitness companies at their own convenience Beyond complimentary towels and water bottles guests can also partake in fitness classes every day at no extra cost when booking a spa treatment or at a charge of $15 per class The fitness center was open daily from 6 a.m All hotel guests have access to use the spa facilities I didn’t use the spa during my stay but if your flight out of Miami departs late in the day or in the evening hours and whirlpool while leaving your things safely secured in the locker room This convenience is included in the cost of your resort fee Guests interested in booking a spa treatment or service can do so online or by calling the spa front desk at 305-365-4197 The Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Miami is noteworthy for a number of reasons including the fact that it’s the largest Ritz-Carlton tennis facility and was named one of the country’s 50 best by Tennis magazine the center offers clinics and lessons for players of all ages We planned to play tennis while we were there but ended up going to the gym instead The kind employee at the tennis facility pro shop answered my question concerning court availability: both hotel guests and non-guests may rent a court for $15 per person a supervised kids club with enjoyable physical and creative activities geared for children aged 4 to 12 is available to young guests staying with their parents at Ritz-Carlton hotels Although our girls were not with us during our trip I was interested to learn more about the Ritz Kids program at this hotel Right next to the tennis facility was a yellow building with a “Ritz Kids” sign so I walked inside the tennis pro shop and asked the employee where the kids’ club was She informed me that the front desk of the hotel has a list of daily kid-friendly activities Young (and older) visitors can practice their golf game on the putting green positioned between the 2 pools … … or enjoy a game of ping-pong steps from the sand The sole parking option available at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne A day fee of $50 entitles visitors to in and out privileges but I had no problems connecting at any time throughout my stay it’s worth noting that if you stay at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne a friendly Golden Retriever belonging to one of the hotel’s managers This sweet pooch doesn’t reside at the hotel but he accompanies his owner to work daily and is there to put a smile on guests’ faces trained service animals with proper documentation are permitted but must be kept on a leash and with the owner at all times and while you can expect refined interiors in the room if you’ve stayed at other Ritz-Carlton properties I found the room style to be a touch bland and uninspired I was assigned a 420-square-foot Resort View King room on the 12th floor I entered the front door to see a foyer with the bathroom and closet on my left My comfortable-looking king-sized bed was located beyond the foyer entrance with plenty of natural light entering the room thanks to its location on a high floor and facing west toward the town of Key Biscayne each with a bottle of water and a Tivoli Audio table radio on one side of the bed On the other nightstand table was a notepad and pen along with the telephone and TV remote Power outlets and a USB outlet were embedded in the wood of both nightstand tables A big cream-and-brown credenza with a flat-screen TV and snacks like M&Ms and chocolate available for purchase sat across from the bed My wife had a craving for M&M’s so we bit the bullet and opened up the costly $8 bag of chocolate goodness I was pleasantly surprised to see an amenity gift of fresh fruit and 2 sparkling water bottles with a kind note from the manager thanking me for my patronage which is where the minifridge with various beverages for purchase was located The Nespresso machine and all the other accessories A compact cream-colored fabric couch was awkwardly positioned between the bed and the balcony for additional sitting making it unsuitable for additional beds if you have visitors the compact but functional circular desk and leather chair will suffice The balcony had 2 wicker armchairs and a table and provided lovely views of South Florida While we weren’t upgraded to a room with ocean views our room faced west and had nice views of downtown Miami and the resort grounds with no distinguishing features to make it a standout hotel bathroom There was a single vanity sink and a little tub ideal for bathing children but barely large enough for an adult to relax in which I am willing to overlook so long as the water pressure is strong The shower and bathroom toiletries were from the upscale French brand Diptyque and came in multi-use bottles, much like at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach The fragrant scent of this brand was inspired by the fig tree in the heat of summer in Greece I had never heard of the brand before my stay but the scent was so irresistibly alluring that I thought about purchasing the body wash downstairs at the hotel’s boutique While I did not inquire about the pricing of the bathroom amenities at the store a notice near the bathroom sink warned that visitors would be charged $50 if any item was removed from the room the bathroom gave off the impression that it had been an afterthought during the 2016 renovations the hotel could have done a better job renovating the bathrooms The culinary offerings at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne Miami resort demonstrate an unmistakable Miami flair truly embodying the essence of this vibrant locale At lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves modern beach cuisine, but for breakfast, we picked the buffet option, which cost $45 per person and offers an extensive menu of items our $92 breakfast credit covered our breakfast The breakfast buffet included a variety of baked goods Our server recommended the shrimp scampi omelet which the chef enthusiastically prepared for me It was one of the most creative and delicious omelets I’ve ever had even if it was a little heavy for breakfast This casual beachfront restaurant in a lovely alfresco palapa setting delivers the best of regional Coastal Mexican cuisine and has South Florida’s largest tequila collection The menu included classic Mexican dishes like tacos al pastor and flautas de pollo as well as popular options like fajitas and enchiladas We ate mahi mahi fish tacos only a few feet away from our beach chair Cantina Beach was open for lunch and dinner on Monday and Tuesday If you’re hungry but don’t want to leave your beach chair or pool chaise to get food you can ask your pool server for a menu from Cantina Beach or any of the other hotel restaurants and have the food brought to you a bar that seems like it’s been frozen in 1940s-era Havana Guests may savor light bites from the bar menu like yucca fries or ropa vieja sliders while savoring from the large spirits menu and live music is played in the lobby bar from Thursday through Saturday RUMBAR was open Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 3 p.m I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love a good burger The zenith of my happiness is when I’m eating a juicy burger with beautiful vistas and sand between my toes after settling in and dropping off our belongings Comfortable couches and cabanas can be found at Dune along with a variety of international appetizers and gourmet burgers for those with a penchant for meat which was a 35-day dry-aged patty with a shallot wine sauce and whipped camembert cheese My wife had a classic handmade burger ($22) with cheddar cheese We both ordered our burgers at medium temperature and even asked the waiter if she could double-check with the chef that they wouldn’t be overcooked She reassured me she spoke to him and that was that I probably jinxed myself since both burgers arrived well done we were hungry and most likely did jinx ourselves order my burger medium-rare at Dune and the patty will be pink in the middle … just how I like it We were able to satisfy our hunger at Dune which served burgers (and other delectable items) every day from 11:30 a.m Stefano’s looks to be a working food truck offering wood-fired pizzas but the location was vacant during our stay The pizzas were prepared at one of the other hotel restaurants and delivered to customers at the beach or by the pool I can vouch for the fact that the pizzas are excellent and for $25 you can even choose to build your own pizza The pies were slightly bigger than a personal-sized pizza and cost between $21 and $24 Pizzas could be delivered to your lounger from dawn to dusk guests could indulge in a sweet treat from the colorful selection of gelatos While I didn’t see any signs for hours of operation at Scoop during the day the shop was open in the morning hours until the early evening hours The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne provides Key Pantry for visitors on the move who need some grab-and-go food selections or a freshly-made cup of coffee I am always impressed by the consistent level of quality service at Ritz-Carlton properties From check-in to the valet attendants and wait staff we encountered excellent hospitality throughout our stay Our stay at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami was lovely The hotel met our needs for pampering in luxury and serenity while also being accessible to all the action-packed excitement that Miami has to offer Its location is ideal for a much-needed quiet vacation but it may not be the best option if you like nightlife and being in the heart of everything I think the hotel rooms are a little boring but the seaside resort has a good selection of food and drinks the hotel does a great job of serving all kinds of guests especially families with children and couples without children Miami should be near the top of your list if you’re looking for a refined hotel that’s far enough from the action of Miami’s urban core but close enough to South Beach and downtown Miami that you can get there easily by car is located approximately 17 miles from Miami International Airport and takes an average of 30 minutes by car to arrive at the hotel from the airport hotel guests are required to pay a $48 resort fee that includes beach access the hotel does not have a self-parking option Hotel guests must valet their vehicle at a cost of $50 per day While the hotel does allow service animals with proof of documentation the hotel is not pet-friendly and does not allow guests to bring their pets The information regarding the Centurion® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer Juan has extensive experience in writing and editing content related to credit cards He has been honing his expertise in this field for over a decade His work has been featured in various prestigious publications Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply OFFER ENDING SOONChase Sapphire Preferred® Card LIMITED TIME TRAVEL OFFERThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express BEST LOUNGE ACCESSThe Platinum Card® from American Express Privacy Policy | All Guides | Terms & Conditions | Web Accessibility Policy | Cookie Policy travel information and ancillary information concerning travel and credit cards The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial LLC uses reasonable efforts to maintain accurate information on the site — and prior to applying for any credit card offers found on UpgradedPoints.com all visitors should review other features of such credit cards including but not limited to interest rates and should determine the suitability of such credit cards considering their own individual financial position as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases Editorial Disclosure: The content featured on UpgradedPoints.com has not been influenced or reviewed by the credit card companies mentioned comments and analyses are the responsibility of the author(s) and not any Advertiser or credit card issuer an ultra-light as plane made a perfect landing in the water in front of the Silver Sands Motel on a Sunday afternoon in April The Silver Sands Beach Resort has been acquired for a record $205 million – the highest-priced land sale in Key Biscayne history Versión en español Miami-based developers Terra and Fortune International Group formed the partnership which will oversee the razing of the 56-room resort as well as the construction of an ultra-luxury will become the most climate-resistant property in the Village Construction is estimated to begin in late 2026 at 301 Ocean Drive It will mark the first newly built multi-family development on the island in more than a decade “Our vision for this special property is not only to create a space that complements the beauty and heritage of Key Biscayne, but to also make a lasting, positive impact on the community for generations to come,” said David Martin, CEO of Terra “By incorporating sustainable design elements and investing in resiliency and infrastructure improvements in the Village we are committed to enhancing the quality of life for residents and preserving the natural beauty of the island.” Property records show that Silver Sands was last sold in 1991 for $6.4 million According to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser's Office the market value for the adjusted 25,607 square-foot property last year was $270,120,800 up from $71,143,960 in 2023 and up from $55,323,338 in assessed value from the previous year The Silver Sands Beach Resort, Sandbar Restaurant & Lounge was a mainstay for tens and tens of thousands of residents and visitors alike over the years Tourists still would stop in the lobby to inquire about the restaurant hours only to be told that the Sandbar and Eagles' Nest lounge were destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 Village Council voted 7-0 last October to approve the conversion of hotel residences to condo residences Designed by Touzet Studio, alongside landscape architect Raymond Jungles the new development will feature a tropical modern design that appears to float above a lush landscape of native trees and climate-appropriate vegetation and integrate a number of resilient and sustainable features throughout I have a deep appreciation for the island’s one-of-a-kind character and the high standards its residents expect and deserve,” said Edgardo Defortuna CEO and Founder of Fortune International Group “I know this community inside and out – its rhythms and its people – and I am passionate about ensuring that what we build reflects and respects that legacy Our goal is to create a place that not only enhances the Village aesthetically but also adds meaningful value to the daily lives of those who call Key Biscayne home.” The development will offer a range of amenities In addition to the environmental initiatives the development team is investing in the community through improvements to local drainage infrastructure and contributions towards upgrades in traffic circulation As part of the Village's Land Acquisition Trust funds will also be allocated toward improvements in community parks the development’s economic impact will be substantial with the project expected to lead to a significant increase in property tax contributions substantially benefiting the Village’s financial outlook Terra’s portfolio of newly completed condo developments across South Florida includes the recently delivered Five Park Miami Beach and Mr The firm is currently developing Villa Miami in Edgewater; Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences in Midtown Miami/Design District; The WELL Coconut Grove; The WELL Bay Harbor Islands; and Mr Fortune’s portfolio of recently completed condo development across South Florida includes The Ritz-Carlton Residences and Jade Signature in Sunny Isles Beach and the Auberge Beach Residences & Spa in Fort Lauderdale The firm is currently developing The Ritz-Carlton Residences Pompano Beach; St Regis Residences in Sunny Isles Beach; Faena Residences Miami; ORA by Casa Tua in Brickell; and Nexo Residences in North Miami Terra is a Miami-based real estate development and investment company that creates communities Terra was founded in 2001 and is active across all major real estate asset classes luxury condominium and single-family residences Island residents can expect a steady weather pattern today with early morning temperatures already nearing today’s expected high of 78 degrees Skies will be partly sunny with a mix of clouds and there's a slight chance of a stray shower or thunderstorm partly cloudy skies and a high of 79 degrees with breezy ENE winds continuing between 10 to 20 mph Visit any of our partner #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurants this Tuesday and enjoy some of the island's most delicious comfort food on this April 29 To place a takeout - offering curbside service - order call (786) 773-3633 or visit us online by clicking here yogurt base alioli including a soda or tea  try our fixed-priced Executive menu for $29.95.. today we recommend our delicious Fresh Norwegian salmon with sautéed vegetables as the main dish and a varied selection of appetizers CRAFT offers a variety of dishes for breakfast lunch a bite after work or a family get together for brunch any weekend Enjoy or vast selection of burger and sandwiches Crispy Chicken Sandwich or our Falafel Sandwich Start your Tuesday with a Ferchi’s Pancake Stack tomato and yellow rice (or your choice of base) in a tortilla Served with a Signature Sauce of your choice Come in and try our deliciously different Tuna Taco Open for Dine-In with indoor and expansive outdoor seating Today's Tuesday lunch special is our traditional Milanesa with mashed potatoes or fries Eat Local. Help Local. Email us your order at orders@thegoldenhogmarket.com Make this a CHORIPAN Tuesday…Grilled chorizo nestled in a warm toasted bun with a side of Brazilian sauce for a harmonious blend of flavors and only $12.99 Soups & Creams: Chicken Tortilla / Fish Soup  / Red Beans Main Dishes: Baby Back Pork Ribs  / Chicken Marsala / Shrimp / Pasta Carbonara    Side Dishes: Yellow Rice / Yuca  / Mixed Veggies   Call (305) 361-1300 to place a delivery or takeout; order online by clicking here. try our unique and delicious take of a chicken or steak milanesa Place your takeout order online - click here Home of the best weekly lunch specials on the island Join us for our PASTA Tuesday lunch special.. choose a pasta dish from these favorites: like Spinach Ravioli salad and cup of soup of the day for only $15 - served from 11:30 a.m Make this Tuesday special with our Crunchy golden-brown tostadas the restaurants inside Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park – the popular Boater’s Grill the beachside Lighthouse Café and the new spot for sunsets and drinks - The Cleat - stand ready to serve you Enjoy a beachside French Bread breakfast under the lighthouse at Lighthouse Cafe TrendingDevelopmentSouth FloridaATerra Fortune pay record $205M for waterfront Key Biscayne development siteSilver Sands Beach Resort property will be redeveloped into 56-unit luxury condo project Listen to this article00:001xKey PointsAI Generated.✨This summary is reviewed by TRD Staff David Martin partnered with Edgardo Defortuna to pay a record $205 million for a Key Biscayne development site where they plan a 56-unit ultra-luxury condo building Martin’s Miami-based Terra and Defortuna’s Miami-based Fortune International Group acquired the former Silver Sands Beach Resort property at 301 Ocean Drive, according to a press release. Terra secured approval for the project last fall The sale of the 3.9-acre property marks a record for land sales in Key Biscayne. Little new development has occurred in the town, in part due to strict zoning rules. In November, the owner of penthouse units near the project challenged the approval based on what it alleges was failure to provide sufficient notice for the hearing last year, the Key Biscayne Independent reported Records show Red Dragon’s Sands Ltd., a Florida entity managed by Martha Castillo of Axis Development Corp., sold the property. The developers’ purchase was contingent on the approvals. In October, the Key Biscayne Council approved ordinances tied to the planned redevelopment of the property The land price breaks down to $3.7 million per planned unit That means the developer will be selling the units for much higher prices SIGN UPThe developers plan to brand the 14-story building which will include a fine dining restaurant Touzet Studio is the architect and Raymond Jungles is designing the landscaping a group of wood stilt houses in Biscayne Bay Construction of the Key Biscayne project is expected to begin next year Terra said it planned to invest $1.5 million that will go into the village’s Land Acquisition Trust to fund infrastructure and traffic improvements which would include a 120-unit luxury condo component Fortune’s current projects include Ora by Casa Tua in Brickell near its headquarters; Ritz-Carlton Residences Sunny Isles Beach; and Faena Residences Miami Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal NewsHannah Yechivi Andrea Torres KEY BISCAYNE, Fla. – After months of recovery from surgery, a great white heron that witnesses reported suffered a broken wing during a dispute with a fisherman was free on Thursday in Key Biscayne Leer en español Witnesses reported Edgard Valenzuela was fishing when he threw a large rock at the wading bird on Jan according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Amanda Burke, of The Pelican Harbor Seabird Station near North Bay Village, responded to the state park and found the federally protected bird crouched in the grass Burke reported that an X-ray later showed the bird’s wing had been fractured in two places and there was an emergency surgery on Jan rehabilitated the bird while FWC officers investigated the case with the help of a park ranger at 1200 Crandon Boulevard and prosecutors filed a felony case against him on Feb 8 for intentional killing or wounding of any species designated as endangered Records show his next trial hearing before Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Laura Maria Gonzalez-Marques was May 27 so federal agents deported him to Guatemala FWC officers asked anyone with information about this or other similar cases to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-3922 The Pelican Harbor Seabird Station will be hosting a 5K to fundraise for the organization’s mission at 7 a.m., on May 10, at 10800 Collins Ave. For more information, visit this page Copyright 2025 by WPLG Local10.com - All rights reserved Hannah Yechivi joined the Local 10 News team in May of 2024 The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013 She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award TV Listings Email Newsletters RSS Feeds Closed Captioning / Audio Description Contact Us Careers at WPLG Terms of Use Privacy Policy Public File FCC Applications EEO Report Do Not Sell My Info 1.0 Host Exhibit Copyright © 2025 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC. PROFILEmiami - Your Premier South Florida Real Estate & Lifestyle Guide PROFILEmiami is a leading source of Miami and South Florida Residential and Commercial Real Estate News and Content EVENT MAY 21: Secure your spot Royal Retreat - Hospitality Real Estate in Miami at Queen two of South Florida’s most active luxury residential development firms have formed a partnership to acquire the former Silver Sands Beach Resort property in Key Biscayne plans for the oceanfront property include the development of a 56-residence ultra-luxury boutique branded condominium which is set to become the most climate-resilient property in Key Biscayne the Village of Key Biscayne offers a rare sense of community that distinguishes it from the rest of Miami Construction is estimated to begin in late 2026 Nestled between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean Key Biscayne has long stood apart as one of South Florida’s most coveted island communities Once a coconut plantation and later the site of Miami’s first resort hotel the island evolved into a tranquil residential enclave known for its lush landscapes Key Biscayne offers a uniquely balanced lifestyle – just minutes from the energy of Miami “Our vision for this special property is not only to create a space that complements the beauty and heritage of Key Biscayne positive impact on the community for generations to come,” said David Martin Terra and Fortune plan to introduce a new luxury boutique condominium to the island featuring spacious residences with panoramic ocean views alongside landscape architect Raymond Jungles the development will incorporate a number of resiliency and sustainable elements including rain gardens all of which work together to maximize water retention and prevent runoff into neighboring properties a group of long-standing wood stilt houses built in the early 1930s situated on the edge of Biscayne Bay and the rich architectural heritage of Key Biscayne the development will feature a tropical modern design that appears to float above a lush landscape of native trees and climate-appropriate vegetation funds will also be allocated towards improvements in community parks The firm is currently developing Villa Miami in Edgewater Jean-Georges Miami Tropic Residences in Midtown Miami/Design District The WELL Coconut Grove and The WELL Bay Harbor Islands The firm is currently developing The Ritz-Carlton Residences Pompano Beach Sign up to stay up to date with the latest in Miami residential and commercial real estate news and content Sign up to receive PROFILEmiami’s Bi-Weekly Newsletter to stay up to date with the latest in South Florida residential and commercial real estate news and content Actively read by 15K+ of South Florida’s Top Real Estate Industry Professionals Fort Lauderdale and the Palm Beaches since 2016 Privacy Policy PROFILEmiami takes no ownership of any imagery unless otherwise noted The string of sunny days on the Island continues with a high of 79 degrees and winds shifting from the NNW to the ENE at 10 to 15 mph otherwise mostly clear with a low of 72 degrees If weekend activities caused an increased caloric intake our participating #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurant can help you start the week on the right foot with some deliciously light and healthier options on this April 28  refresh and reinvigorate with one of our protein-packed smoothies Try our One-Day protein base Detox program.. 1 Morning detox tonic (drink early morning) Soups & Creams: Chicken Ajiaco / Pinto Beans / Potato Leek   Main Course: Beef Churrasco / Chicken Stroganoff  / Salmon Fillet  / Tortellini  Side Dishes: White Rice / Au Gratin Potatoes / Cauliflower    try our traditional chorizo and morcilla duo Join us for our delicious Neptuno Wakame Salad; Kanikama the perfect reason to treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of our partner #tasteofkeybiscayne restaurants on this Thursday Book today for a special Wine Pairing 6-course dinner tonight with exclusive wines from the Van Zellers family a dynasty of Port wine producers with a history dating back to 1620, enjoy guilt-free goodness with our Margherita Cauliflower Crust Pizza   try our Golden Hog sandwich...Roasted pork Soups & Creams: Chicken Chupe / Garbanzo / Cream of Broccoli  Main Course: Beef Bourguignon / Chicken Caprese / Bacalao / Spinach Lasagna  Side Dishes: Yellow Rice / Sweet Potato  / Asparagus      The most complete lunch special on the island starting at $13 Five dishes between $13 and $15 like 8" pizza Paninis and Cavatelli- served from 11:30 a.m Island residents can expect another nice day to start the week followed by some sunshine later in the day Island residents and visitors can expect a high of 80 degrees this afternoon under mix of sun and clouds a low of 74 degrees and east winds at 10 to 15 mph some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon with a high of 81 degrees Show Breaking News BarCloseLocal NewsTerrell Forney KEY BISCAYNE – Driving onto the Rickenbacker Causeway toward Key Biscayne is usually problem-free outside of peak times Leer en español But residents are growing more frustrated over travel times when attempting to leave the island “Very frustrating because you’re supposed to leave in 12 minutes and it takes like 45 minutes one hour sometimes,” said Key Biscayne resident Jorge Vega Even emergency vehicles have been caught up in the mess like last April when the Florida Department of Transportation shut down a flyover bridge that connects the causeway to US-1 for repairs The traffic disruption was an all-out nightmare for longtime residents and visitors just trying to get to their destination The problem is complicated during high volume events nearby on Virginia Key and the Miami Marine Stadium “Especially when they have an event,” said Key Biscayne resident Allen Wong Added Vega: “They should do something about it Now there’s a petition floating around with more than 2,000 signatures urging village managers to keep residents first in mind for a possible solution and they demanded change during a meeting on Tuesday night “This isn’t simple to solve,” said Key Biscayne Mayor Joe Rasco Michelle Estevez spoke about the backlog of cars at times along the Rickenbacker Causeway “We are hostages on weekends and during special events on Virginia Key and Crandon Park Estevez delivered the petition to village hall that details how the village and county leaders can curb the traffic issue they should have a special lane for residents,” she said Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida with a high near 80 degrees and easterly winds at 10 to 20 mph There is a Rip Current Statement continues in effect until Saturday morning Tonight brings more partly cloudy skies and a low around 74 degrees mostly sunny with just a few passing clouds and a gentler breeze from the east at 10 to 15 mph Island residents can expect a pleasant day with a mix of sun and clouds and a high near 80 degrees around 1 p.m Winds will be out of the east at 10 to 20 mph A Rip Current Statement remains in effect through Friday morning swimmers are urged to use caution when entering the water with a low around 74 degrees and ENE winds at 10 to 20 mph