SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

Here’s your update on current work being accomplished by Coconut Grove’s Block-By-Block Ambassadors. Headed up Operations Manager Sully Silva, her team consistently and meticulously walks the District to identify areas needing repairs, cleaning, and general tidying up.

THE BIG NEWS IN THE BID – Two weeks ago, we jointly introduced a crosswalk safety initiative in the downtown district, that is. If you’re curious what those buckets full of neon colored hand-held flags are doing at designated crosswalks on Main Highway and along Grand, then take a look at the local TV and print coverage we landed.

One of our youngest and enterprising residents spearheaded the launch of an innovative “See Me Flags” system aimed at protecting schoolchildren and pedestrians when crossing our busy streets (read more). But what didn’t make the news is the behind-the-scenes efforts of our Block-By-Block team who stepped up to install the system of buckets. They are now also responsible for providing day-to-day maintenance of the system, replacing flags when necessary, and ensuring the buckets stay tightly affixed to the utility poles on either side of the crosswalks. So next time you spot one of these unsung heroes in their Block-By-Block uniforms sweeping the streets, picking up fallen fronds – or filling up the crosswalk buckets with brightly colored flags each morning – take a moment to personally flag them down to say thanks for all they do.

IN OTHER NEWS

• Replacement of traffic signs continues this week, including pedestrian crossing signs, stop signs, and all important no-poopie-dumping signs). Installation of these brand signs launched last month.
• Our crews continue to remove fallen fronds and other debris in the Bayshore Drive median on a weekly basis. It’s a primary gateway to the Grove and important we put our best face forward.
• Our Ambassadors also keep a keen eye out for potholes – which are typically repaired within days by City crews. It takes a village!
• Following the heavy rains, we’ve been experiencing of late, our Block-By-Block Ambassadors are quick to remove pooling water with the new electric water pump units we purchased last month. They’re also cleaning street drains, and they’re sweeping away muddy residue as needed.  
• We are still patiently awaiting the official roll-out of the upgraded SMART system. So stay tuned, it won’t be long.
• Block-By-Block also continues its aggressive program of repairs, releveling, and replacement of uneven pavers throughout the BID. Be sure to reach out if you notice a problem area near your business. In addition, you may notice that our crews have been busy repairing and replacing rubber mulch and Flexipave along the heavily traveled sidewalks along Main Highway.

Please check in with us if you see signs of other pesky problem spots around town, by contacting Sully Silva (pictured below), our Block-by-Block Operations Manager, at 305-360-6870 or via email at ssilva@blockbyblock.com.