Tony Winton | Key Biscayne Independent

It's the latest chapter in an iconic tourist attraction that has become the focus of protests over alleged animal mistreatment. Miami-Dade County officials have been trying to terminate the Seaquarium’s lease, alleging nonpayment.

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.

The Village Council has given preliminary approval to ending the practice of placing legal notices in local newspapers, a step that will save tens of thousands of dollars but may also make it harder for some less tech-savvy residents to see them.

One Key Biscayne resident recalls an encounter with the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who was was known for his decades-long support of Habitat For Humanity. Maureen Ruggiero remembers Carter's genuine support for the organization, raising millions and building homes in Miami.

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.

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.

Miami-Dade law enforcement is planning a strong presence on the waters off Miami this Independence Day week and weekend, motivated in part by the recent death of a teenager in a marine collision off Key Biscayne.

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.

State transportation officials outlined plans for phased shutdowns of the I-95 and U.S. 1 flyover exits from Key Biscayne in July.

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.