An excavator’s big claw tore down the façade of the Lake Katharine Shopping Center on a rainy Wednesday in June, the start of a project that will transform the 52-year-old commercial district in Miami Lakes with new dining and retail spaces.      “We’ll divert at least 90 percent of debris from the landfill,” said Ronny Herrera, president of Thunder Demolition of Miami of the work...

  The Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the town’s Economic Development Committee celebrate the opening of Designer Collection Optical on May 10.    The new store in Royal Oaks Plaza at 15470 NW 77th Court offers eyewear for kids and adults as well as eye exams. Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez led a champagne cheer before the owners cut the ceremonial ribbon.      “Cheers to you guys and cheers to a...

    Ernie’s Açaí Bowls in Royal Oaks Plaza smells refreshingly of fresh fruit.       Staffers offer a bright and cheery “Welcome to Ernie’s!” to customers in the clean, simple setting: White walls, chairs and tables, a mural of the Ernie’s logo with a green palm tree and the open toppings bar.        The menu offers a variety of organic açaí bowls, smoothies...

The Florida Society of Enrolled Agents named Roberto Pons the 2023-24 Enrolled Agent of the Year at its gala on June 7 at the Sheraton Tampa Brandon Hotel in Tampa.      “It’s a nice thing and I was surprised,” Pons said of the award, given in recognition for 20 years of promoting awareness and service to the Enrolled Agent community and to the public in general. “It was...

    Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava greeted a crowd of more than 100 people when she spoke June 12 at the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the Miami Lakes Hotel on Main.     Levine Cava, a Democrat who is running for reelection, provided a snapshot of how county services are performing, where its economic and tourism powers stand in comparison to the rest of the country, and how it is...