Key Biscayne

Two Miami-based developers groups have acquired the former Silver Sands Beach Resort property in Key Biscayne for $205 million — the highest-priced land sale in the island’s history.

The Key Biscayne Council on Tuesday deferred a proposal to grant immigration enforcement powers to local cops, a move being demanded by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Key Biscayne residents angered by gridlock on the Rickenbacker Causeway demand officials take a stronger hand in mitigating the congestion.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez says he still thinks that the “Plan Z” approach to renovating the Rickenbacker Causeway is a solid plan, but also said he is open to other solutions for the often-jammed roadway connecting Miami with its barrier islands.

Republican Maria Elvira Salazar wins reelection to U.S. House in Florida's 27th Congressional District.

The delay is only a week, but it was indicative of the unsettled and increasingly bitter mood surrounding the project and the current municipal election, where some candidates want to slam the brakes on parts of the Big Dig, the biggest public works project in the island’s history.

Shops like Novecento had to move earlier this year from its long-term location at the Key Biscayne Shopping Center to a slightly smaller space at The Square. Why? Rents are simply too high for many shops and restaurants on the island.

In a vote that will rip up some island streets to install miles of pipes and pumps, Key Biscayne’s Village Council on Tuesday approved a record $97 million budget, a spending plan heavy on borrowing that will fund the first phase of the “Big Dig.”

Key Biscayne is expected to give final approval Tuesday to its biggest budget in history, a $97 million plan that will fund critical portions of the “Big Dig” plan to protect barrier island from the onslaught of rising seas and climate change.

Village Code Compliance Officers will begin to issue warnings on Sept. 16 to any properties that are not in compliance with the new enforcement measures.

A proposed luxury condo on the site of the old Silver Sands hotel would rise 14 stories and require variances and a change to the island’s zoning code, according to documents filed before a Village Council workshop meeting set for Thursday.

UPDATED: The ordinance passed on first reading Tuesday, 6-1. Key Biscayne Village Manager Steve Williamson had recommended restrictions that would expire next year in the hope state law will give a future Council different options.