Although owner Scott Wessel was issued a notice by Miami City Manager David Alfonso to vacate within 60 days on August 12, it seems Scotty's is too much of a cash cow to let it slip into oblivion so soon.
The Miami Herald is reporting that an attorney for Grove Bay Investment Group, the company behind the much-disputed Grove Harbour project, has informed the city that his clients plan to seize control of Grove Key Marina and Scotty's Landing. The group has already purchased the Scotty's Landing name, with the buzz that it would rebuild a version of Scotty's Landing when the multi-use project was completed.
Speculation is gaining that the partners behind Grove Bay Investment Group, Geraldo Leyva and Eduardo J. Garcia, will keep Scotty's Landing open well past the fall in an attempt to capitalize on the restaurant's popularity and money-making ability.
The entire Grove Harbour project, by the way, is one that is loathed by Coconut Grove residents. In an email sent to
Here is a full copy of the letter:
Dear Friends;With Scotty's now potentially being taken over by corporate businessmen, would it retain its charm of being a great place to grab a fish dip and a few beers, or will it turn into a soul-sucking replicant of its former rustic-yet-charming self?
The recent news that Scotty Wessel is being booted out of his namesake restaurant by the City of Miami has apparently revived interest in the "STOP GROVE HARBOR" Petition.
Quite a few people have sought out the Petition and have added their names last night and today.
Although I am heartened by this continued support, unfortunately we cannot at this time "Stop" Grove Harbor.
As you know the Vote - with the incredibly active and ardent support of Commissioner Sarnoff - went in favor of building this inappropriate mall and grotesque parking garage, on our public bayfront land.
However there is still a glimmer of hope as the lawsuits opposing this misuse of our public land wind their way through the courts.
That said, there is much we can do to prevent this type of abuse of power and privilege in the future.
It is contingent upon us to VOTE in the coming November election. We must be sure that Sarnoff - this time his wife Teresa Sarnoff- does not get to continue the ill conceived and damaging policies of her husband.
Over the next few months I will be addressing Sarnoff's horrendous legacy and consistent violation of the public trust, in a series of emails that look very carefully at his claims and what he has actually done to benefit his financial supporters while simultaneously lowering our quality of life .
For now though all I will say is that the most important thing we can do is to vote against Sarnoff's blatant attempt to use his wife as a means to continue his abuse of power in the City of Miami.
We must vote Sarnoff OUT for good.
This man, whether on his own or through his manipulation of his own wife-should NEVER hold public office again.
Remember - Come Election Day - VOTE - and vote for whomever you feel most deserving of our public trust-
Most of all cast your vote against Sarnoff.
Miami will not survive four more years of Sarnoff.
Coconut Grove will not survive four more years of Sarnoff.
SARNOFF MUST GO.
VOTE!
