Sign Of The Times, Name Change In The Works For Coconut Grove

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A name change is in the works for Coconut Grove in hopes of bringing a buzz back to the area.

The Coconut Grove Business Improvement District will be changing the welcome signs that hang at Grove entrances to "Welcome to the Nearby Republic of Coconut Grove Est. 1873," according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.

Grove residents can expect to see the new signs in the next couple of weeks.

"The idea is to show the Grove is changing, that it has its own vibe," said Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, who lives in the Center Grove, told the paper.

In addition to the new signs, the business district's website will be updated with commercials explaining the virtues of the The Nearby Republic of Coconut Grove. Newsletters and magazines would shout the Grove's new moniker.

The rebranding push is an effort by Grove business district leaders to funnel traffic back to the area which has been overshadowed by hot spots like Midtown Miami, South Beach and the Wynwood.

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