FYI Miami: March 24, 2022

Below are some of the FYIs in this week’s edition. The entire content of this week’s FYIs and Insider sections is available by subscription only. To subscribe click here.

TECH UNDERLINE: The Underline just received an $800,000 donation from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to expand high-speed internet connectivity along the 10-mile public park, trail, and art destination under the Metrorail. The foundation already has invested nearly $3 million in the project that is expected to serve 15 million users per year. The project will lay the foundation for future Underline technology initiatives, from the installation of mobility sensors to the exploration of cutting-edge spatial technology such as augmented reality, a press note from the foundation says. The Underline, a public-private partnership between the county Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, and Friends of the Underline, promises to provide pedestrian and bicycle paths, improvements to over 30 intersections, access to public transportation, lighting, and wayfinding once it is completed in 2025.

LIZARD CONTROL SOUGHT: Miami-Dade commissioners are seeking more measures to contain the spread of the Argentine black and white tegu, a large omnivorous species of lizard native to South America that can grow up to four feet long. The legislative text adopted unanimously last week says the lizards were introduced by the international pet market and that released or escaped lizards are overwhelming native wildlife and ecosystems. The legislation says the lizards “disturb and prey upon the nests of other native species, and are especially known for eating the eggs of alligators, crocodiles, sea turtles, ground-nesting birds and even threatened gopher tortoises.” The commission three times previously urged the Florida Legislature and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to act on the tegus. New fish and wildlife rules adopted in 2021 prohibited any future ownership of tegus as pets but they remain widespread. The 13-0 vote asked the state for additional measures. 

LITTLE RIVER PLANS: Link Real Estate LLC paid $14.925 million for a Little River neighborhood that it plans to renovate and rebrand as The Workshop, a creative office and creative flex space. The site at 71st Street and North Miami Avenue houses a 48,610-square-foot commercial building with tenants GoPuff, Returnmates, Fluid Freeride, Deft Union and Sol Box Fitness. Link says it is seeking a restaurant and coffee shop to add to the mix. “Demand for Little River adaptive reuse development opportunities is extremely high, as the neighborhood will continue to evolve and attract a wide range of investors that are looking for the next emerging neighborhood in Miami,” said Juan Andres Nava , Metro 1 managing director who represented seller 7101 N Miami Ave LLC. “This transaction further proves that Little River is that next emerging neighborhood.”