What Coconut Grove could be

I've been on a fact finding mission on Florida's west coast. Actually I've been visiting friends for the Memorial Day weekend, but I've seen some nice things that would be perfect for the Grove. I don't like to usually post things that are not Grove-related, but I have been seeing so many things here that would be great for the Grove.

First off, in Venice, the Venice Little Theatre is what the Coconut Grove Playhouse could be. Last night it was standing room only for two events going on at the same time. They had a Neil Simon play in one area of the theater and in another area, there was a limited revival of the "Rocky Horror Picture Show," which has been sold out for the whole run.

Many of you will remember that Rocky Horror was a staple in the Grove for years, at a movie theatre on Grand and McDonald, which is now taken over by the post office.

There is no reason why something like this cannot be done at the Playhouse -- Rocky Horror once in awhile, revival movies once in awhile, plays and other live performances once in awhile -- things that would keep the Playhouse open for most of the year.

Now Sweetbay. How do I describe Sweetbay. Sweetbay is a cross between Publix, Whole Foods and Trader Joes. It would be a perfect fit for Coconut Grove, the prices are great, there is plenty of natural organic food and it's a clean state-of-the art supermarket.

Sarasota is an art-lover's paradise. From one end to the other there is art. There are galleries, there are artist neighborhoods, there are museums and there is art on the streets. Up and down US41, along the water and the marina, you'll see large, incredible sculptures.

There is even talk in the Grove now about lowering the lights on the light poles for better lighting. In Venice, they have double lights on the poles. One is way up at the top and lights the street, the other is lower on the other side of the pole and lights the sidewalk. I don't have a photo of them though.

Also, there has been talk about artists painting bus benches in the Grove, to add a little color and life. They do that here, too. It really does look good. This one above is painted like a piano. And you'll notice the large yellow piece of art behind it.

The folks in this part of the state enjoy keeping their history and art and they combine them into one beautiful lifestyle. They don't knock down the old to build new, they incorporate the old into their city and revere it.

Maybe the Village Council, BIC and others should take a fact finding tour to Venice, Sarasota, Siesta Key and other places on the west coast and see what the Grove could be. Take me with you please, I'll be your guide.