Prior to 2008, the Coral Gables Country Club was not meeting the potential of the iconic building and location.  Enter the current tenants, the Di Donato family, who improved, beautified, and maintain the space at their expense, transforming the Coral Gables Country Club into a place where friends can meet for a cup of coffee before work, children can often be seen enjoying a gelato after school and families can enjoy a delicious and affordable dinner.  The Coral Gables Country Club also houses an athletic club and a pool that many Gables residents enjoy and an event space where families and community partners can host their most special celebrations – from weddings to Quinces to School Galas.  All of this is offered at fair prices, making the Coral Gables Country Club a place that is accessible for ALL residents – not just the elite.

In addition to transforming the Coral Gables Country Club from a faded building to a gleaming gem, the current tenants of the Coral Gables Country Club are active members of their community – offering countless sponsorships to a variety of non-profit organizations and donating their time and funds to many organizations, including their children’s school and parish.

The Coral Gables Country Club as we know it is now in peril.  Although the current tenants are committed to a 30-year lease, the City has decided not to renew the lease after their first 10-year term.  They have fought to keep the space until at least April to honor their pending commitments to the community, including brides and athletic club members.  In its place, the City is considering the bid of a new tenant, whose proposal includes replacing part of the current space with a high-end steakhouse - a use that is sure to increase noise and traffic in the area 7 days a week and completely alter the small town family feel we have come to know and love.  The new proposed tenant would not pay rent until they open the new concept - a process the proposal anticipates will take 15 months and would consequently be a loss of revenue to the city during that time.

In signing this petition, you are saying NO to changing the Coral Gables Country Club and asking the powers that be to keep this neighborhood staple As-Is so that ALL residents can continue to enjoy it.