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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in Coral Gables, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in Coral Gables, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in Coral Gables, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in Coral Gables, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in Coral Gables, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in Coral Gables, FL
Texas mogul razes Coral Gables home considered architectural masterwork
Andres Vigluccihttps://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/coral-gables/article281659778.html
Ignoring pleas from preservationists and architects around the country, a Texas mogul who paid $36 million for a Coral Gables home widely regarded as a modern design masterwork is now in the process of knocking it to pieces.Backhoes were at work Thursday ripping apart the “Sea Aerie” house designed and built in 1963 by famed Miami architect Alfred Browning Parker for his family in the city’s ...
Ignoring pleas from preservationists and architects around the country, a Texas mogul who paid $36 million for a Coral Gables home widely regarded as a modern design masterwork is now in the process of knocking it to pieces.
Backhoes were at work Thursday ripping apart the “Sea Aerie” house designed and built in 1963 by famed Miami architect Alfred Browning Parker for his family in the city’s Gables Estates section. Chunks of limestone lay on the ground by the home’s once-grand gateway, and the panoramic elevated swimming pool and a massive tree that occupied the entry courtyard were gone.
“I know there are a lot of people who are brokenhearted about this,” said the late architect’s daughter, Lebritia Kendrick Parker, who lived in the house as a young girl. “It’s tragic.”
The home’s destruction by a new owner, identified as Felix Sorkin, founder of General Technologies outside Houston, was made possible by a controversial 2022 state law that prohibits local authorities from blocking the demolition of single-family homes in designated high-risk flood zones if they were not previously protected as historic or architectural landmarks.
The demolition comes as Miami’s relentless redevelopment and real-estate speculation claims some of the city’s most prominent architectural and historic landmarks, including ancient archaeological sites. The state pre-emption law that paved the way for the Parker house tear-down also led to the demolition of mobster Al Capone’s Miami Beach estate in August.
Read More: How Florida law allowed demolition of landmark home
Also this week, Miami’s historic preservation board declared a prehistoric indigenous settlement site on the Miami River in Brickell an archaeological landmark, but will also allow the Related Group to build a tower atop it. Related, a major developer, is already building two more towers next door over what’s considered to be the one of the most important and extensive discoveries of ancient settlement in Florida.
The loss of the house also comes a week before a new documentary on Parker’s work that has been picked up by PBS will have its premiere in Gainesville, where the architect studied and taught at the University of Florida. The Gables Estates house is featured in the film.
Officials in Coral Gables, known as a bastion of historic preservation, said the new law tied their hands and compelled them to issue a demolition permit for the Parker house, at 140 Arvida Parkway. The city commission has asked the state legislature to revise the law to permit exemptions in cases of significant homes.
Kendrick Parker said the office of Gov. Ron Desantis did not respond to requests that he intervene to halt the demolition to give the family and preservationists time to attempt to persuade Sorkin to save the house. Neither did Sorkin or his representatives, she said.
Groups from the American Institute of Architects’ Florida and Miami chapters to Docomomo, an international organization that advocates for the preservation of modern buildings, issued letters and statements extolling the home’s architectural value. The AIA chapters in a joint letter called the decision to demolish “incomprehensible as well as unforgivable.”
Read More: An architectural gem was just razed in Coral Gables. See the before and after photos
Sorkin’s response was silence.
“Many letters were written. You would think the courtesy of a reply would have been warranted in a situation like this,” she said. “The big concern is not only that this house is now gone, but there are other homes now in jeopardy.”
Kendrick Parker also blamed the real estate agents who advertised the property as a potential redevelopment.
“The real estate agent who sold it as a tear-down should be ashamed,” she said. “I know they want to make a sale, but there should be a distinction between a sale and something that is a part of Miami’s historic landscape.”
Parker, who designed more than 500 homes and buildings in a 60-year career, was in his heyday regarded as Miami’s answer to Frank Lloyd Wright. The most famous American architect not only inspired Parker’s own “organic” approach to design, which was closely attuned to nature and the environment and sought to harmonize a home or building with its surroundings.
Other houses by Parker in Coral Gables and Miami’s Coconut Grove are designated as protected historic landmarks, but many of his works have been lost to demolition or neglect. Some of his homes in recent years have commanded multi-million-dollar sale prices from owners who have renovated or preserved them.
The Gables Estates home was widely published, praised as one of his most ambitious and fully realized designs. Ironically, it anticipated many of the elements required by modern building codes to contend with hurricane wind and storm surge -- ostensibly the reason behind the state pre-emption law.
All living areas in the three-story main house were elevated above the ground floor, and an open “seaway” and angled support columns were designed to channel surging water through the house. The pool deck was also raised well above ground level.
The home was built under Parker’s direct supervision with lavish use of local and tropical materials like oolitic limestone and Honduran mahogany, with friezes and other artworks built into columns and interior walls.
House Beautiful magazine dedicated its entire May 1965 issue to the house, naming it its Pace Setter Home of the year — a significant honor at the time that Parker had received twice before. The magazine called the home innovative, “lofty” and “heroic.”
The family trust of longtime owner Mary Jean “Bunny” Bastian, a prominent Gables socialite and philanthropist, put the house up for sale after her death last year, initially asking $45 million, before the Texas businessman eventually bought it for $9 million less. Bastian had renovated the home with Parker’s guidance before his death in 2011. Kendrick Parker said she understands the house was in top condition when Sorkin bought it.
Kendrick Parker said she finds some consolation in the fact that the home’s destruction has brought renewed attention to her father’s work.
Along with the Nov. 16 premiere of the documentary “Perfect House, Magic city: The world of Alfred Browning Parker,” the Gainesville Modern preservation group will hold a celebration of his work at a home he designed in the college town. (The home was the location of early rehearsals for the band that would become Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers).
“That’s the silver lining. The house is physically gone,” Kendrick Parker said, referring to the Gables home. “But it will live forever in the documentary and in books and magazines.”
This story was originally published November 10, 2023, 5:30 AM.
Soccer’s FIFA moving 100 workers from Switzerland to Coral Gables
Janetssy Lugohttps://www.miamitodaynews.com/2023/10/31/soccers-fifa-moving-100-workers-from-switzerland-to-coral-gables/
FIFA, the body that governs soccer internationally, will be opening a permanent office in Coral Gables and will relocate an estimate of 100 jobs from Switzerland to Miami as well as hire locally. Miami’s hot soccer scene continues to gain popularity as the organization plans its move to South Florida.“They’re hiring locally, but they’re also relocating about 100 jobs from Switzerland to Florida,” said Mark Trowbridge, president and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. “So a very fascinating ...
FIFA, the body that governs soccer internationally, will be opening a permanent office in Coral Gables and will relocate an estimate of 100 jobs from Switzerland to Miami as well as hire locally. Miami’s hot soccer scene continues to gain popularity as the organization plans its move to South Florida.
“They’re hiring locally, but they’re also relocating about 100 jobs from Switzerland to Florida,” said Mark Trowbridge, president and CEO of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce. “So a very fascinating aspect of this move is that they’re relocating folks, and they’re hiring local.”
Job opportunities based in Miami are listed on FIFA’s LinkedIn account. Coral Gables looks forward to housing some of FIFA’s departments.
“Everybody is very excited about the World Cup coming to Miami in 2026,” said Mr. Trowbridge. “The opening of the FIFA office in Coral Gables is a wonderful preamble to that opportunity. And they’re taking a very significant amount of space, 60,000 square feet. We don’t have tenants that come into Coral Gables every day at that level of support. And so we’re very excited about their arrival here. They’re stepping up here, and what they’ll bring to the table as we get ready for the World Cup and beyond.”
The move will be to Coral Gables’ high-profile 273,000-square-foot 396 Alhambra building that currently houses well-known tenants such as Citibank and Mondelez International. According to Colliers’ third quarter office market report, the 40 Class A office buildings in the Coral Gables market have a vacancy rate of 15.8%, with an average lease asking rate of $52.05 per square foot.
“They’re going to be going into the 396 Alhambra building, which is at the corner of Alhambra Circle and LeJeune, and what’s great is that’s just a block from where our chamber office is located, but also in a very high-profile commercial building that also houses such tenants as HBO Latin America, Diageo and others,” said Mr. Trowbridge. “So they’re going into a great space, very high-profile location there on that corner. And obviously for us, another great anchor company that will be here in Coral Gables.
FIFA was founded in 1904 and has since gained the recognition it has today. According to FIFA’s official website, the organization was established by seven national associations, those being Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Despite FIFA’s headquarters being in Zurich, the organization will be relocating jobs from Switzerland to Florida.
“FIFA, as you know, is a global governing body and some departments have been informed about a plan move to a new permanent office in Miami,” said a FIFA spokesperson. “This is in line with a global vision of an organization that has 211 member associations. Our new office is in Miami, and we recently opened offices in Singapore. Those are in addition to our Paris office, and regional development offices around the world. The headquarters for FIFA will remain in Zurich.”
Updated: MG Developer buys Coral Gables site for $11.5M
South Florida Business Journalhttps://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2023/12/27/mg-developer-buys-coral-gables-site-for-11-5m.html
MG Developer purchased a redevelopment site in Coral Gables for $11.5 million.Alliance Starlight III, managed by Roberto Trapaga Fonalledas in Coral Gables, sold the 36,934-square-foot property at 717, 729, 737 and 741 Valencia Ave. to the George Residences, led by Alirio J. Torrealba, the head of Coral Gables-based MG Developer. SMGRA7 LLC provided a $10 million mortgage to the buyer. Property data firm Vizzda confirmed the buyer and seller information.Trending: ...
MG Developer purchased a redevelopment site in Coral Gables for $11.5 million.
Alliance Starlight III, managed by Roberto Trapaga Fonalledas in Coral Gables, sold the 36,934-square-foot property at 717, 729, 737 and 741 Valencia Ave. to the George Residences, led by Alirio J. Torrealba, the head of Coral Gables-based MG Developer. SMGRA7 LLC provided a $10 million mortgage to the buyer. Property data firm Vizzda confirmed the buyer and seller information.
Trending: Developer downsizes apartment proposal in southern Miami-Dade
The four lots currently have a combined 17 apartments, which were built in the 1940s and 1950s. They were assembled for a combined $7.08 million in 2005 and 2006, so they sold for a gain.
Officials with MG Developer said this site would be developed with 13 ultra-luxury townhouses. The George is named after George Merrick, the master plan builder of Coral Gables. They plan to break ground in the third quarter of 2024.
"We are thrilled to embark on this journey to create 'The George,' a collection of ultra-luxury townhomes that will set a new standard for opulent living in Coral Gables," Torrealba stated. "The support from our financial partners and the Coral Gables community continue to be instrumental in making this vision a reality."
This site is directly south of a 25-unit apartment complex that broke ground in March by Biltmore Development LLC. That project will rise seven stories, and its lot is about half the size of the property MG Developer just bought.
Alliance Starlight III filed a lawsuit against the city of Coral Gables in 2019 challenging its approval of the Biltmore Development project on the neighboring site. That case was settled.
MG Developer has been active in building in Coral Gables in recent years, completing the Biltmore Parc condo and Biltmore Row townhouse projects. In July, MG Developer broke ground on the Village at Coral Gables residential project. It also has a pending proposal for an 11-story condo on Alhambra Circle.
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Commercial Real Estate Developers in South Florida
New square feet developed 2022
| Rank | Prior Rank | Company / Prior (*Not ranked in 2021) / URL |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Prologis |
| 2 | 2 | Butters Construction & Development |
| 3 | 3 | ZOM Florida |
City of Coral Gables is fining man $150 a day for code enforcement and he's fighting back
Lorena Inclánhttps://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/city-of-coral-gables-is-fining-him-150-a-day-for-code-enforcement-and-hes-fighting-back/3081398/
The home is racking up daily fines over an awning that the city says is in disrepair.According to a Coral Gables code enforcement officer, an employee associated with the plaza complained to the city back in November. The homeowner said he’s had his awning for decades, but he said this fight is the latest to try to get him out.Orlando Capote took NBC6 to his property located on Coconut Grove Drive to show the awning on his driveway. It’s not very visible from the alley near his home, but according to a letter sent t...
The home is racking up daily fines over an awning that the city says is in disrepair.
According to a Coral Gables code enforcement officer, an employee associated with the plaza complained to the city back in November. The homeowner said he’s had his awning for decades, but he said this fight is the latest to try to get him out.
Orlando Capote took NBC6 to his property located on Coconut Grove Drive to show the awning on his driveway. It’s not very visible from the alley near his home, but according to a letter sent to Capote, it’s out of compliance and lacks a permit.
“They are fining me $150 per day,” Capote told NBC6.
Capote’s is the only home left standing in the middle of multiple tall buildings known as 'The Plaza Development."
“Do I have peace? No, but that’s probably what they want to do. They want to drive me out of there,” Capote said.
For years Capote has maintained that the city favored developers’ rights instead of his property rights.
The letter he received also cited a chainlink fence.
“On May 12th or so, I cut the thing out. Yea, end of story,” Capote said.
But the battle continues over the awning, which Capote claims was already there when his parents purchased the home in the 80’s.
“So, the code today doesn’t allow me to have that structure but the code in the 1980s probably did and if that is indeed the case, I need to pursue that,” Capote explained.
In a statement, the City of Coral Gables told NBC6 that “Code compliance went to the property and cited various issues. Additionally, the team met with the resident at the property to indicate the issues that are needed to be rectified. Unfortunately, six months had passed, and the resident failed to comply.”
“The case was taken to the code compliance board on June 21, 2023. The board found that the property on Coconut Grove Drive wasn’t in compliance and gave the homeowner 30 days to rectify before fines would be levied,” the city added.
Capote said he hasn’t paid the fines and is appealing his case. For him, the issue is not just about an awning.
“My concern right now, is that they are starting a process through which they put fines on my property which they could later foreclose on my property and take it away from me," he said.
Capote claims he never received an offer good enough to replace his “way of life” as he put it.
He calls that home his American dream and says he has nowhere else to go. It’s been about a week now since the daily fines started racking up. He has another hearing scheduled for September 20th.
NBC6 reached out to an email listed on the plaza’s website but has not heard back yet.
10 Must-Try Restaurants in Coral Gables, FL: Where the Coral Gables Locals Eat
Marissa Crumhttps://www.redfin.com/blog/must-try-restaurants-in-coral-gables-fl/
Looking for the must-try restaurants in Coral Gables, FL? Look no further than this Redfin article. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, we’ve got you covered. From mouth-watering sushi at Sakura Gables Japanese Restaurant to flavorful Cuban cuisine at Havana Harry’s, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. So get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the ...
Looking for the must-try restaurants in Coral Gables, FL? Look no further than this Redfin article. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, we’ve got you covered. From mouth-watering sushi at Sakura Gables Japanese Restaurant to flavorful Cuban cuisine at Havana Harry’s, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. So get ready to embark on a culinary adventure and discover the hidden gems of Coral Gables dining scene.
1. Sakura Gables Japanese Restaurant
Cuisine Type: Sushi Restaurant Location: 440 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Sakura Gables Japanese Restaurant
Sakura Gables Japanese Restaurant is a popular sushi restaurant. They offer a wide variety of fresh and delicious sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigiri. With a cozy and inviting atmosphere, Sakura Gables is the perfect place to satisfy your sushi cravings.
Your next home is just a tap away
Access new homes anytime, anywhere with the Redfin app. Download app 2. Ohho Noodles Market
Cuisine Type: Dim Sum Restaurant, Ramen Restaurant Location: 1100 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Ohho Noodles Market
Ohho Noodles Market is a unique restaurant that specializes in both dim sum and ramen. Their menu features a variety of flavorful dumplings and steamed buns, as well as delicious bowls of ramen with rich broth and tender noodles. Whether you’re in the mood for dumplings or noodles, Ohho Noodles Market has something to satisfy your cravings.
3. Havana Harry’s
Cuisine Type: Cuban Restaurant, Latin American Restaurant Location: 4612 S Le Jeune Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Havana Harry’s
Havana Harry’s is a popular Cuban and Latin American restaurant. They serve traditional Cuban dishes such as ropa vieja, lechon asado, and picadillo. With its vibrant atmosphere and flavorful cuisine, Havana Harry’s is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the taste of Cuba.
4. Mamey
Cuisine Type: Caribbean Restaurant, Tapas Restaurant Location: 1350 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Mamey
Mamey is a unique restaurant that combines Caribbean flavors with tapas-style dining. Their menu features a fusion of Caribbean and Spanish dishes, such as jerk chicken empanadas and plantain croquettes. With its creative and delicious dishes, Mamey offers a culinary experience that is sure to delight your taste buds.
5. Bottega La Dolce Vita
Cuisine Type: Deli, Italian Restaurant Location: 4710 S Le Jeune Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Bottega La Dolce Vita
Bottega La Dolce Vita is a unique combination of a deli and an Italian restaurant. They offer a wide selection of Italian meats, cheeses, and sandwiches, as well as traditional Italian dishes like lasagna and gnocchi. With its authentic Italian flavors, Bottega La Dolce Vita is a hidden gem for food lovers.
6. Villagio Restaurant
Cuisine Type: Italian Restaurant Location: 358 San Lorenzo Ave Ste 1430, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Villagio Restaurant
Villagio Restaurant is a charming Italian eatery. They offer a menu filled with classic Italian dishes, such as spaghetti carbonara, chicken parmigiana, and tiramisu. With its cozy atmosphere and delicious food, Villagio Restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.
7. Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Cuisine Type: Dining and Drinking Location: 4251 Salzedo St, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille is a renowned dining and drinking establishment. They are known for their prime cuts of beef, including their famous pork chop, which is carved tableside. With its elegant ambiance and exceptional service, Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille offers a fine dining experience like no other.
8. Brasserie Central
Cuisine Type: French Restaurant Location: 320 San Lorenzo Ave Ste 1205, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Brasserie Central
Brasserie Central is a charming French restaurant. They offer a menu filled with classic French dishes, such as escargots, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. With its cozy and inviting atmosphere, Brasserie Central is the perfect place to indulge in the flavors of France.
9. Fiola
Cuisine Type: Bar, Italian Restaurant Location: 1500 San Ignacio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: Fiola
Fiola is a unique restaurant that combines an Italian restaurant with a bar. They offer a menu filled with Italian classics, such as homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and tiramisu. With its stylish and modern ambiance, Fiola is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing cocktail.
10. El Rinconcito El Chele
Cuisine Type: Cuban Restaurant, Mexican Restaurant Location: 3791 Bird Rd, Coral Gables, FL 33146 Website: El Rinconcito El Chele
El Rinconcito El Chele is a popular restaurant that offers a fusion of Cuban and Mexican cuisine. Their menu features dishes like Cuban sandwiches, tacos, and enchiladas. With its vibrant flavors and lively atmosphere, El Rinconcito El Chele is a great place to experience the best of both Cuban and Mexican cuisine.
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Marissa is part of the content marketing team and enjoys writing about real estate trends and home improvement. Her dream home is a contemporary-style house with ample outdoor space.
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