By Coral Gables Gazette staff

Coral Gables will test a new way of activating storefronts on the 300 block of Miracle Mile this holiday season, approving a pop-up business pilot at the Nov. 18 City Commission meeting. The program is designed to bring temporary retail concepts onto the sidewalk in spaces immediately outside existing storefronts.

“This is something that we’ve worked on due to the vacancies that we have on Miracle Mile,” Economic Development Director Belkys Pérez told commissioners. “The purpose again is to activate the sidewalks of the 300 block… with local and temporary business storefront popups.” She said the focus is on supporting existing Coral Gables merchants: “Really, we want to prioritize the businesses that we have in Coral Gables.”

Pop-ups will run Fridays and Saturdays through January

Pérez outlined the operating structure of the pilot, describing the setup as a series of coordinated sidewalk activations that follow specific rules designed to maintain order, safety, and design consistency on the Mile.

Vendors must submit a special events application, provide photos and a sketch of their layout, identify their merchandise, and follow a standard set of physical requirements. “We have certain requirements because we want to keep it neat and tidy,” Pérez said. “So there are no tents or canopies, but we do invite umbrellas.”

She said the city is making hours of operation mandatory to ensure critical mass. “We are planning on doing this from now to January,” she said. “We’re making this a requirement — it has to be Friday and Saturday during 4 to 8 p.m. And the reason that we want that is that if we allow people to come at whatever time they want, then there’s no critical mass.”

Electrical cords may not cross the sidewalk, generators are not permitted, and merchandise must stay within the assigned area. Pérez said interest is already strong: “We’ve got four… people that are interested in participating.”

Commission shows support as holidays draw near

Mayor Vince Lago said the program arrives at a moment of strong economic energy. “Look, things are great,” he said. “Right now in the business community… the report is very positive. People are looking forward to the holiday season. There’s a spirit in the air. You know, people want to come out. People want to go out to dinner. They want to spend time with their friends or family.”

Commissioners discussed how the pop-ups would interact with existing stores, with interest in ensuring consistency, pedestrian flow, and compatibility. Pérez emphasized that the program is limited to designated sidewalk areas and follows established review processes through the city’s internal events committee.

City waives garage parking fees for Small Business Saturday

The meeting also included a presentation for Small Business Saturday, which falls on Nov. 29 this year. The city will waive parking fees in all municipal garages that day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson underscored the role of small businesses in Coral Gables. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and play a vital role in the character, prosperity, and vibrancy of the city of Coral Gables,” she said while reading the city’s proclamation.

Chamber of Commerce President Jorge L. Arrizurieta highlighted the day’s importance: “At the end of the day… the bread and butter of this chamber is small business,” he said. He called Small Business Saturday “a great opportunity to highlight the heart and soul of our chamber and our city.”

Pérez added that the parking waiver offers a strong incentive. “This is just another incentive for our residents to really support our downtown,” she said.

Pilot arrives during key shopping period

The pop-up initiative and the parking waiver both come as the city prepares for an active holiday season. Commissioners noted the arrival of seasonal decorations and upcoming events including the tree lighting, menorah lighting, and nativity unveiling.