The quality of life in South Coral Gables has risen again with the addition of several traffic circles. With four on Hardee and two on Maynada, the neighborhood has become so much easier to navigate. 
Traffic backups in this tiny part of The Gables started after Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and have been increasing over the years. Speeding commuters would detour through quiet residential streets imperiling children, pets and pedestrians. Residents of Riviera Drive and Granada Boulevard would be trapped for several minutes at a time trying to get onto Hardee, or just trying to continue north or south. A whole new neighborhood PAC grew out of our frustration. Apparently we were heard. The state and the county had to get involved, but finally the circles have been completed and are being landscaped. Everyone who lives in this area of almost 2000 homes and businesses has benefited greatly. While we have not reduced the actual number of cars traversing the neighborhood, we have greatly reduced the congestion by keep the flow going. 
Hopefully soon drivers will learn the rules of driving in the circles: all cars must yield, an auto in the circle has right of way over one just entering, and use your blinker if you are turning left or right to signal your intentions.
Meanwhile thanks to all the community activists whose voices were finally heard. Thanks to the City of Coral Gables for working so hard with Miami-Dade County and State of Florida DOT’s. Now I hope we can thank all the drivers from Pinecrest, Ponce Davis, Palmetto Bay, and Kendall, who use our streets everyday, for slowing down a little and respecting our circles.