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Tuesday's Daily Pulse
What you need to know about Florida today
› ‘Fantastic’ or ‘an abomination?’: Giant $42M garage to rise in downtown Coral Gables
Coming soon to fast-changing downtown Coral Gables: A voluminous 10-story public parking garage covered in metallic panels and looming over the back of the low-slung Art Deco Miracle Theater, as if it’s about to devour the historic landmark. The city’s $42 million garage development plan, in the works in various controversial forms since 2013, is now a go. So is its newest, minimalist Modern design, which at least some longtime Gables residents and activists find jarring.
› Brevard's Charter Commission to consider plan to change how cap on property taxes works
A special Brevard County panel has started tackling a hot-button issue that's likely to generate extensive political debate in the coming months, namely how revenue from property tax is computed. The first proposal to formally come before the 15-member Brevard County Charter Review Commission is one to change the wording of the county's Home Rule Charter related to Brevard's current cap on property tax increases.
› From abandoned airport to a major university, FIU remembers its first-generation mission
In the early 1970s, the abandoned airfield where Florida International University would grow its roots looked like a movie set for a dystopian horror film: The 344 acres had overgrown sawgrass, a rusted airplane or two and a control tower that stood sentry over the site in the far corners of Dade County.
› Laps of luxury: What upscale brands add to South Florida condos
As well-heeled out-of-staters continue to flood South Florida, many are turning to brand names such as Porsche, Armani, Four Seasons and Aston Martin as they search for homes. The hotel brands have long been a big magnet for buyers who want a place with services ranging from spas to golf to high-end restaurants and recreation on the water. Now, developers see those brand names as a catalyst for sales at prices above-market rates, or as a means for speedier condo sales.
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